Tips for More Effective Studying
Nihongo Online School > Tips for More Effective Studying
How to Make Friends in Japan
2025/07/12
Moving to a new country can be exciting, but also lonely. When I first arrived in Japan, I was overwhelmed by the language, the culture, and the quiet streets that made me feel like a ghost in a world that kept spinning without me. But over time, and through some very real efforts, I started […] […]
Japanese conversation fillers: complete guide to sound natural
2025/07/12
Mastering Japanese conversation fillers is the secret to achieving natural, authentic speech that natives actually use. This comprehensive guide shows you how to integrate these expressions appropriately in any situation to progressively sound more fluent. What are Japanese conversation fillers? Japanese conversation fillers, called つなぎ言葉 (tsunagi kotoba) or 相槌 (aidzuchi), are verbal signals that maintain […] […]
How long to get conversational in Japanese
2025/07/11
Many Japanese learners struggle to estimate how long it takes to get conversational in Japanese and often set unrealistic expectations. This article examines the actual time requirements, JLPT levels needed for conversational ability and specific timeframes based on different learning intensities. What is a conversational level in Japanese? Conversational Japanese means communicating comfortably in everyday […] […]
[Samples included] How to start interesting Japanese conversation
2025/07/10
Starting interesting Japanese conversations can feel intimidating, but with the right phrases and cultural understanding, you’ll be chatting naturally in no time. Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan, learning the language, or connecting with Japanese speakers, this comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know about Japanese conversations. Common rules to […] […]
My First Month in Japan: What Surprised Me Most – 12 Culture Shocks & Surprises
2025/07/08
There’s a moment — after the adrenaline of arriving fades — when reality hits. You’re standing in the middle of Tokyo, or Osaka, or some quiet neighborhood you can’t even pronounce, and you realize: “I live here now.” That’s exactly what happened to me. I came to Japan to study Japanese, but nothing could’ve prepared […] […]
Finding an Apartment in Japan as a Student「A Personal Story」
2025/07/08
When I first landed in Tokyo with a suitcase, a pocketful of yen, and the dream of mastering Japanese, I had no idea just how hard it would be to find a place to live. This blog post is a mix of personal experience and everything I wish I had known before moving to Japan […] […]
How to Say Excuse Me in Japanese like a Native Speaker
2025/07/08
Mastering how to say “excuse me” in Japanese is essential for anyone wanting to communicate respectfully in Japan. Unlike English, where “excuse me” is a catch-all phrase, Japanese has multiple expressions depending on the situation, relationship, and level of formality required. Using the wrong phrase can mark you as a beginner or, worse, come across […] […]
Is Kanji Hard to Learn? A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
2025/07/08
Learning Japanese inevitably leads to one intimidating question: “Is kanji hard to learn?” For many aspiring Japanese learners, the prospect of mastering thousands of complex Chinese characters feels overwhelming. Unlike alphabetic writing systems with just a few dozen letters, kanji requires memorizing intricate symbols, each with multiple meanings and pronunciations. However, the answer isn’t simply […] […]
How to learn conversational Japanese?
2025/07/06
Learning conversational Japanese is about building practical speaking skills for real-world interactions: ordering ramen fluently, chatting with locals in Tokyo, or discussing your hobbies naturally. This guide explains how to practice to become conversational faster, realistic timelines, and the best ways to start speaking confidently in everyday situations. What is considered conversational Japanese? Conversational Japanese […] […]
Do you have to take the JLPT certification in order?
2025/07/06
Do you have to take JLPT in order from N5 to N1, or can you jump directly to the level that matches your abilities? This is one of the most common questions among Japanese learners planning their certification journey. This guide will help you understand when taking levels sequentially makes sense and when skipping might […] […]
What level of JLPT do you need to work in Japan ?
2025/07/05
Wondering what JLPT level you need to work in Japan? While certification isn’t legally required, your Japanese proficiency directly impacts which jobs you can access and your career advancement potential. This guide breaks down exactly what opportunities each JLPT level opens and strategies to maximize your certification’s impact on employers. Do you need JLPT to […] […]
A Day in My Life as a Japanese Language Student
2025/06/30
Studying Japanese in Japan has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. From early morning classes in the heart of Shibuya to late-night part-time jobs, each day was packed with challenges, lessons, and unforgettable moments. In this blog, I’ll take you through a typical day in my life as a Japanese language […] […]
