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Learn about Japan through purely educational and informative posts on national holidays, religion, gardens, art, learning the language and more.
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Is knowing Japanese necessary to visit Japan?
Is knowing Japanese necessary to visit Japan? is a question that is rightfully asked when planning a trip. I aim to help understand if this is the case....
Is Japan safe? crime and other considerations
Is Japan safe? An often asked question, that is almost universally answered with yes. However, I look at the numbers and some things to look out for....
NHK for learning Japanese: a useful Japanese resource?
The NHK network is a household name in Japan as a public broadcaster, however using NHK for learning Japanese has become a great option. ...
The 5 best methods of transportation in Japan (by purpose)
Transportation in Japan should be big consideration for your trip, as the best method depends on your plans. To help you decide, here's 5 of the best...
Kanji From Zero review: a useful Japanese resource?
The Kanji From Zero workbook specifically targets those with zero Kanji knowledge, but is it a useful Japanese resource for that purpose?...
The story of Hachiko the dog: Japan’s most famous canine
Hachiko the dog was a remarkable companion who's story of loyalty and dedication has touched many people both in Japan and beyond. ...
Samurai ronin and ninjas: what’s the difference?
Who were the samurai? what are ronin? and what were ninja's really like? if you've ever asked one of these questions, here's an understanding of each....
Satori Reader: a useful Japanese resource?
Satori Reader, a Japanese language learning tool that focuses on reading comprehension to achieve fluency. How useful is it for learning Japanese?...
Are samurai swords legal in the UK?
Many who have an interest in Japan inevitably come to ask 'are samurai swords legal in the UK?' Here are some guidelines to an answer....
12 practical tips for learning Japanese
Japanese is one of the worlds hardest languages, however, there's a variety things you can do to help you improve. Here are 12 of my tips for learning Japanese. ...
Japanese haiku poems: form and content
Japanese haiku are beloved styles of poems that the ability to charm and inspire it's reader. Lets understand what makes them special....
Minna no Nihongo book review: a useful Japanese resource?
Minna no Nihongo is a series of books aimed at teaching Japanese. What can you expect to find? and most importantly, is it a useful Japanese resource?...
Japanese listening practice: 24 hour live-streams
Finding continually new content for Japanese listening practice can be a challenge for many learners. So what about some trying 24 hour Japanese live-streams?...
The importance of Mount Fuji: The highest mountain in Japan
Mount Fuji is adored and revered by the population of Japan, but what makes the highest mountain in Japan so important?...
Valentine’s Day and White Day reciprocation in Japan
Valentine's Day in Japan is a time for giving — but only for the female population. Men have their time one month later on White Day....
Kanji Study app review: a useful Japanese resource?
Learning Kanji will always be difficult but some resources make it easier than others. Could the 'Kanji Study' app be one of those?...
The prestige and influence of Ukiyo-e woodblock prints
Ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints) are considered to be the most important pieces of Japanese art. But what are they and why is that the case?...
JapanesePod101 review: a useful learning resource?
JapanesePod101.com claims to teach you 'real Japanese from your first lesson' but is true? I tried them for a year to find out. ...
Understanding Obon: a time for family past and present
Obon is about honouring ancestors and is very much a time for family but what takes place during this occasion? and where does it come from?...
What is Tanabata? A festival of stars, hope and lovers
Tanabata is a Japanese festival that is centered around a traditional folk story. Gain an insight into this visual representation of summer....
What you will encounter studying the Japanese language
Before committing to learning the Japanese language, here's a short guide to what you can expect to encounter and the benefits for doing so. ...
What is Shinto? Understanding Japan’s deep rooted beliefs
Shinto is a distinctly Japanese practice, but one that is often shrouded in mystery. Find an answer to the complex question: what is Shinto?...
Golden Week in Japan: All you need to know
Golden Week is the busiest time of the year for Japan but what is it all about? Read this short guide to get to grips with all that's involved....
The cause and effect of capsule hotels
Capsule hotels are a distinctively Japanese invention. What caused their appearance? What effect have they had? and UK variations you can try...
Google Arts and Culture: a useful Japanese resource?
On the ever-increasing hunt for reliable Japanese information and learning opportunities, is Google Arts and Culture a useful resource?...
The Japanese Hanami season and blossoms at home
Hanami and the blossoming of Sakura is a much awaited time of the year. Here's an introduction to the season and finding blossoms at home....
Deciphering Japanese gardens: Purpose, composition and UK locations
What makes Japanese gardens so unique? I try to understand their purpose, composition and where in the UK you can view them....
National Foundation Day Japan: All you need to know
February 11th is Japan's National Foundation Day. Lets take a look at the national holiday including it's origins, and its history....