TCJ Blog

In what situations do people encounter the Japanese language? Many people learn Japanese through social media or video content, especially if they do not live in Japan or have few opportunities to speak the language. In fact, some of my students mention that they use YouTube as a resource for studying Japanese. Along these lines, the word “kusa” (grass) can often be seen popping up throughout the comment sections. However, it does not actually refer to grass. It typically appears when someone makes a joke or when something unexpected happens, which can be confusing for those encountering it for the first time. Expressions like this rarely appear in textbooks, even though they are widely used on social media every day. In this article, a Japanese teacher introduces three of the most commonly encountered pieces of Japanese internet slang, explaining their meanings and origins. Let’s take a closer look together, starting with expressions that may already feel familiar from online spaces.

In April 2026, the Japanese government announced a policy regarding the eligibility requirements for the “Technical, Humanitarian, and International Services” (Gijinkokku) residence status—a visa category for professions requiring specialized knowledge—stating that, as a general rule, proof of Japanese language proficiency will be required for those engaged in work that involves the use of Japanese. This corresponds to the JLPT N2 level. Many companies use JLPT levels as a benchmark for pay raises and promotions. In this article, we will explain why obtaining the N2 level can lead to career advancement and opportunities for living in Japan, as well as discuss study methods and exam trends for the N2. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

People not from Japan often say that Japanese is hard to understand and to learn. Is it true? Thinking about it deeply, we will realize that Japanese proper, kind minds and consideration actually make the difficulty, and more people feel Japanese is hard. This time, we will think about the ambiguous Japanese phrase with some sentences.

Verbs are key to learning Japanese. This article covers the essential concepts in an easy-to-follow way, including the categories of Japanese verbs, their complex conjugation rules, how tense works, and aspect. By gaining a deeper understanding of how Japanese verbs function, you can develop more natural and accurate Japanese expression skills.

When receiving a gift or when someone congratulates you, expressing your feelings—such as saying, “I’m so glad” in addition to “Thank you”—can make your response even more heartfelt. Many people may find themselves wondering, “How can I express this in Japanese?” when trying to convey their emotions.