TCJ Blog

For many learners, listening is one of the most difficult parts of learning Japanese. Even if you’ve mastered reading, it can still be challenging to keep up with the natural speed of native speakers in daily conversations. Whether you plan to live or work in Japan, strong listening skills are essential. Even those studying Japanese as a hobby often wish they could enjoy anime or TV shows without subtitles. Today, we’ll explain some effective methods for improving your Japanese listening skills in a clear and easy way.

Are you familiar with Japanese school events? Some of you may have encountered them through anime or manga. For most Japanese people, including myself, events such as Sports Day (undōkai) and School Festivals (bunkasai) are a natural part of school life. However, many of these events are quite unique to Japan and may not be found in schools elsewhere. In fact, they often surprise those unfamiliar with Japanese culture. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most distinctive school events in Japan.

Today, we introduce kanji commonly used by Japanese people online and in books. It’s better to memorize kanji in context or through phrases in different situations rather than just trying to remember their readings and characters. The more you engage with kanji, the more familiar and approachable they will become!

When speaking Japanese, honorifics (敬称, keishō) are placed after names, such as -san, -sama, -kun, and -chan. Some of you may wonder, “Is this usage really correct?” There is a wide variety of honorifics, and using them properly is important. Today, we will explore some common Japanese honorifics and their usage—especially in business settings—in an easy and practical way!

The best way to find great apps is to ask experienced Japanese learners! Today, we will introduce a variety of apps—from free versions that are highly practical to paid apps for those who want to dive deep into their studies—complete with real reviews from fellow learners.