TCJ Blog

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N3 is the middle level of the five-level JLPT scale. According to the official JLPT website, this level indicates the ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain extent. In this article, we take a closer look at the expected reading level and common test tendencies for JLPT N3. We also introduce effective study methods, recommended materials, and key strategies to help learners strengthen their reading comprehension and work toward their goals in a clear and approachable way.

Dogs bark with a “wan-wan,” and rain falls with a “shito-shito” sound. Japanese is a language where onomatopoeia is highly developed. We often add nouns or verbs to these onomatopoeic words, creating expressions rich in imagery and meaning. Today, we introduce some of these interesting Japanese words.

When Japanese hear the word “flower,” they think of cherry blossoms (Sakura) immediately. Why do Japanese love Sakura so much? This time, I would like to introduce you to the symbol of Japan, Sakura, and the Japanese words related to it.

For Japanese learners who struggle with grammar or find it difficult to improve their scores, this article provides clear and careful explanations from the perspective of a professional Japanese teacher. It brings together essential grammar points from official textbooks, introduces effective study methods and recommended learning materials, and offers a concrete study plan to help learners successfully pass the JLPT N4.

Do you think Japan is a great sports country? Students of Japanese often tell me that “Japanese people all like baseball”. It is true that baseball has long been considered Japan’s national sport, but not everyone is interested in baseball. In addition to baseball and soccer, other popular sports include marathons, including ekiden (relay races), basketball, figure skating, and rugby, which is attracting attention for the 2019 World Cup. So what sports are popular in Japan? We will also introduce some sports that originated in Japan.