TCJ Blog

When I speak to Japanese learners and ask, “What is the most difficult part of learning Japanese?” most of them say, “Keigo.” Interestingly, it’s not just Japanese learners who find honorifics challenging—even native speakers struggle with it. In fact, there are specialized textbooks on keigo specifically designed for business professionals. That’s why understanding how keigo works can give you a huge advantage in mastering Japanese. Let’s dive into the world of Japanese honorifics!

In Japan, as in many other countries, cities are illuminated with Christmas lights and filled with festive music during the winter season. However, rather than being observed as a Christian holiday, Christmas in Japan is primarily enjoyed as a seasonal event. In this article, we explore how Christmas is celebrated in Japan and what makes it unique in Japanese culture.

You will come across many opportunities to introduce yourself—whether meeting someone for the first time, at work, school, or your child’s school or daycare. I believe you would want to at least handle your first introduction in Japanese. Self-introductions can be simple if you remember a few key phrases. Challenge yourself to introduce yourself in Japanese!

Do you wish to sound more like a native Japanese speaker? In this article, we introduce listener responses and filler words—key elements of everyday conversation that most grammar textbooks do not cover. Once you get the hang of them, your Japanese will sound more natural and your meaning will come across more smoothly.

Today, we introduce three YouTube channels recommended for beginners who wish to study Japanese independently. We provide a roadmap for strengthening Japanese proficiency, while explaining the role of each stage: grammar, intuition, and practical application.