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Today we’ll take an in-depth look at a a kanji-learning textbook in this Kodansha Kanji Learner’s Course Review.  For those who want to skip the review and grab this book now, you can go here.  For everyone else, let’s review…Do you remember when you started studying Japanese?  There was a time when you thought, “This […]

The best place to start with hiragana is by making sure your can recognize the symbols and connect the phonetic sounds each one in your mind.  The next step is what we’re going to focus on today.  We’re going to take a closer look at hiragana stroke order. But before we do, let’s see if […]

Hey gang!  Before we even get started with this Japanesepod101 review, I want to let you know that YES, I am an affiliate for the Japanese pod. If you decide purchase this program through any of the links on this page, I do earn a commission for it.  However, I do want you to know that I would NEVER […]

What is a Ryokan (りょかん or 旅館)? To put it simply, a ryokan is a traditional-style, Japanese inn or hotel. If you checked out the posts I did on the first Japanese hotels I ever stayed in…THIS WAS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT! I was blown away at just how different a more upscale ryokan is from your […]

Standing on the train, I couldn’t help but notice this grandmother (not shown), mother, and daughter trio nearby after an obvious Tokyo Disneyland excursion. I actually asked to take a photo because they were loaded with Donald Duck apparel. I had to snap the shot because it proves, once and for all, who the best […]

Quite frankly, Japan has some of the strangest foods I’ve ever eaten in my life. I never thought I’d be snacking on raw fish on regular basis, or eating fish eyeballs (no…I’m not kidding this time…I’ll have to post the video someday soon), or craving eel. Despite how strange some of the foods can be, […]

​ Quick Navigation GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT LIVING IN JAPAN1. What’s it Like to Live in Japan?2. Can I Survive in Japan if I Don’t Speak Japanese?3. Is it Easy to Learn Japanese?4. Is it Difficult to Move to Japan?5. Is it Possible for a Couple or a Family to Have an Extended Stay in Japan?6. […]

When I was in elementary school, I remember having this long-term substitute teacher who I thought was simply amazing. When one of my regular teachers had to take a longer-than-normal leave of absence, Mrs. V filled in for her. As a fifth-grade, 11-year-old boy, part of the appeal was that I thought Mrs. V was […]

Japanese is often billed as one of the hardest languages to learn, at least for us “Westerners.” Today I want to start a real dialogue about a real question that many of you will be able to relate to: What’s the one thing that frustrates you most about learning Japanese?Why do so many of us […]

I was talking about different types of desserts in one of my kids classes today, and I was shocked at the response to carrot cake. When I told the kids what it was, the response from most of the kids was “Ehhhhh!!!” (surprise). Followed by a chorus of “Iyadas” (いやだ) which is what I like […]

Finding a place to live is just one of those realities of life, one of the basic human necessities. I remember seeing Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in school and if I recall it right, shelter is among the most important human, physiological needs (food, water, shelter, etc.), right at the base of the pyramid: What […]

Now that I’m pretty settled I sat back and realized just how busy the start of this year has been. I have moved twice in 60 Days?!? First it was Ouji, now it’s…well, I’ll tell later, keep reading: I told that being away from my beloved writing hasn’t been because of my master ghost ninpou […]

It was a gorgeous day today and everything seemed right with the world. It was one of those perfect fall days. Sunshine a plenty…the wind was blowing, making it just cool enough to throw on a sweatshirt. People were outside running, birds were chirping, it almost seemed like Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” should […]

Donald is walking into a Catholic monastery, eyes lowered in reverence as he enters the confessional booth. Donald: “Forgive me father for I have sinned.” Priest: “What’s wrong, my child?” Donald: “I…I have committed…adultery, father.” Priest: “Please, go on.” Donald: “Okay. I have been loyal to Nintendo for just shy of 25 years. I swear…um, […]

If you’re an AKB48 fan, I’m still your friend, but I we’re going to have to agree to disagree. I remember hearing about the group and seeing them on so many different advertisements, so I figured, these girls have to be talented. I checked out a couple of videos and I just was not sold…I […]

For years the Japanese Language Proficiency Test has been the official yardstick that non-Japanese people to measure just how good their Japanese really is. Whether you’re taking level N5 or have the chutzpah to try for level N1, here are ten universal laws to keep in mind when preparing for exam. These rules are so […]

My brain spins in strange circles. Well the other day I was writing about the Japanese vs. American Style breakfast and started to get a little homesick when I was thinking about my family, and how we used to watch Saturday morning cartoons. My brain shifted from Saturday cartoons to the ones we used to […]

Music This has been a big one for me. A prime example of how living abroad has affected , is in the genres of music that I listen to. For example, one genre of music that I really enjoy is the hip-hop/rap genre. I live in Tsukuba, and I remember during my first year, wondering […]