Want to get better at Japanese? Reading is one of the best ways to improve your language skills. It’s especially important to read a lot when you’re learning a language with a different writing system, like Japanese. Hiragana, katakana and kanji can be overwhelming at first. But with enough reading practice, reading these characters will … Read more
Readers, you know I am a HUGE fan of learning Japanese through immersion. When you are enjoying a Japanese TV show or a movie that you love, you absorb new language much more easily than studying from a book. And it doesn’t even feel like learning! Lingopie is a platform that will help you learn … Read more
If you’re looking for a way to learn Japanese online, you’ve probably come across JapanesePod101. JapanesePod101 is THE big name in online Japanese lessons. They’ve been around for years, and they’ve delivered literally millions of Japanese classes! But can they help you learn Japanese? Well, I’ve been learning with them for a few years now, … Read more
JapanesePod101 is my all time favourite online Japanese course. I’ve been a Premium member for years, and it’s definitely played a huge part in my Japanese journey. (Want to learn more? See my in-depth JapanesePod101 review here.) But while I will always recommend JapanesePod101 to anyone who wants to learn Japanese, I also recommend that … Read more
Learning Japanese doesn’t have to mean sitting with textbooks for hours! Watching Japanese shows on Netflix can help you build listening confidence and pick up natural expressions – as long as you know how to use it effectively. Here’s my strategy for how to learn Japanese watching Netflix, including tips, recommended resources and top show … Read more
Hello Kitty is one of Japan’s best loved and most famous exports, and for good reason! Her sweet, cosy aesthetic and timeless appeal have been spreading kawaii charm for years, and she’s popular with kids and adults too in Japan. If you have a friend or family member who’s a Sanrio fan, here are my … Read more
Pet culture in Japan has developed in recent years to become a truly interesting thing! As the birth rate slows, many adults opt for a ‘fur baby’ to fulfil their paternal instincts. On my most recent trip to Japan, there were countless times where I spotted a pram in a restaurant and upon taking a … Read more
The most common word for baby in Japanese is akachan (赤ちゃん / あかちゃん). But, as always, there are a few different ways to say ‘baby’ in Japanese depending on the context, child’s age or formality of the situation! In this article we will walk you through the various terms and when to use them, as … Read more
There are 16 national holidays in Japan each year. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, it’s essential to know the dates of the Japanese national holidays to avoid disruption to your plans! Here are all the Japanese public holidays in 2026: Date Name (English) Name (Japanese) January 1 New Year’s Day 元日 (Ganjitsu) Second … Read more