Rebecca Shiraishi-Miles 
Can you really learn Japanese watching videos? Tempting though it is to think you can just learn Japanese binging your favourite anime, the truth is that you’ll learn a lot faster if you actively study new words as you go. FluentU is designed to close the gap between studying and enjoying the language – in … Read more
So, you want to learn Japanese online? Rocket Japanese is one of the biggest names out there when it comes to Japanese learning software. You can study online or on their app. It’s an interactive, audio based course with a strong emphasis on speaking out loud. I’ve worked through several lessons in order to bring … Read more
“If we spoke a different language, we would perceive a somewhat different world.” ‒ Ludwig Wittgenstein Do you agree with this quote? I know I do. Many languages have beautiful and unique words which cannot be translated precisely. These words often represent concepts which are so unique to that culture, there is simply no equivalent … Read more
Do you have someone in your life who’s obsessed with Japan? (It’s ok if that person is you… I won’t tell anyone 😉 ) Are you looking for cool Japanese gift ideas for Christmas or a birthday? Start by checking out my list of dream Japanese themed gifts! I’ve put together this gift guide of … Read more
The leaves are changing colour, the days are getting shorter, there’s a nip in the air… Autumn is here! (Or fall, depending on where you’re from ? ) Perhaps you already know that the seasons are very important in Japan. In Japanese culture, people honour the changes in the seasons with foods, drinks, customs, festivals … Read more
So you want to learn Japanese, but you don’t have time or money for classes? Learning a new language is hard, and most people who try end up quitting before they get very far. It takes time and persistence. The Pimsleur courses are one of the most famous self-study language courses out there. They use … Read more
Finally! The long, cold winter is over, and spring is arriving in Japan! Spring is many people’s favourite season in Japan. As in other countries, spring is a sign of new life and a fresh start. The most famous symbol of spring in Japan is sakura – cherry blossom flowers. As you will see, there … Read more
Everybody loves a party. And not many people love a party more than the Japanese! Each year, thousands of different festivals take place across Japan. These festivals are usually rooted in the Shinto tradition. Many date back hundreds of years. However, Japanese festivals are more than just a religious event. They represent a chance to … Read more