I am a digital nomad and entrepreneur specializing in the curation of online information focused on the fields of business and travel. I run numerous websites, including MBA Depot, MBA Boost, Management Ideas, dado que and Lengthy Travel. I received my MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.

Language Course Finder

“With over 10,000 language schools teaching 88 languages in 115 countries, [this] is the largest online directory of language courses and language schools worldwide.” Search in many languages for language to learn and location of program. Also includes information about language tests and certificates, online learning resources, and related travel material. From a company that has produced a language learning guidebook since 1985. [LII Annotation] … [ Read more ]

The “Passive”

A download from the JapanEd site (basically a site to promote the books “Understanding Japanese Verbs & Adjectives” and “Techniques for Japanese-English Translation”) which offers, I think, a very good overview of the complexities involved with using the passive verb form in Japanese.

The Causative/Permissive

A download from the JapanEd site (basically a site to promote the books “Understanding Japanese Verbs & Adjectives” and “Techniques for Japanese-English Translation”) which offers, I think, a very good overview of the complexities involved with using the causative/permissve verb form in Japanese.

怜祈の日常ですよ?(Reiki no Nichijou Desu Yo)

This is a good example of a blog-like podcast in which a Japanese girl talks about her daily life in an “audio diary.” It is a high-quality recording with no background music, making it good for language study. [Charles Kelly Annotation]

あまね☆ごえ (amanegoe)

These voice blog entries are short, so they are good for repeated listening. Background music is absent, so there’s only one person to blame for your incomprehension. Not aimed at students of Japanese, but enjoyable nonetheless. [Charles Kelly Annotation]

読売ニュースポッドキャスト (Yomiuri News Podcast)

The daily news in Japanese. It sounds pretty much like regular radio news, albeit with the added advantage that you can pause the show and look up unfamiliar words, or rewind and listen to difficult parts again. [Charles Kelly Annotation]

題名未定キャスト (Daimei Mitei Cast)

As its name suggests, Undecided Title’s topics are varied, but many are about Apple, iPods and technology. Helpfully, the transcripts for each show are on the website, meaning you can read along and learn some kanji, as well as looking up words that you don’t know. [Charles Kelly Annotation]

阜サよみ作品集 (Hyogen Yomi Sakuhinshuu)

Tomoaki Watanabe not only reads the stories, he usually gives a little background on them. All of his podcasts are narration only, with no background music or sound effects, which makes them easy to listen to. [Charles Kelly Annotation]

Japanese Classical Literature at Bedtime Podcast

Just as the title implies, Kasumi Kobayashi reads classical Japanese literature in a clear soft voice appropriate for bedtime. If old-fashioned Japanese isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry: some of the offerings are translated into modern Japanese. You can even hear what’s arguably the most famous piece of classical Japanese literature: The Tale of Genji.

Note: Kobayashi-san offers a warning – that though she … [ Read more ]

気ままに日本語 (Kimama ni, Nihongo)

Kasumi Kobayashi reads lists of words so you can practice pronunciation. The lists are published on her website, so you can follow along, painlessly learning the kanji for each word. This website is aimed at French speakers, but there’s a lot of good stuff here even for non-Francophones.

Have Your Japanese Corrected by Native Speakers’ Journal

On this LiveJournal site you can post some Japanese text and ask for corrections, suggestions, etc. Or use it to post a grammar/vocabulary question. I haven’t used it much, but a quick check looked like postings do indeed get quite a few responses so give it a try.

男らしい: For the questions that bug ya

Otokorashi (full title: 男らしい: For the questions that bug ya. Questions, commments, complaints about the ol’ nee-hon-go) covers grammar points aimed at people taking the JLPT Level 1 or 2, like the difference between わけではない and わけがない、the various uses for 気, how to use 限り、discussions of kanji compounds and advanced vocabulary. Very readable posts and informative comments. Worth a gander. [courtesy of Nihongojouzu.com]

Yahoo!路線情報 (rosen jyouhou)

This feature, found on the main page of the Yahoo! Japan site is great for finding out route and time information. It was recommended to me by my Japanese businessman friend. He claims it is the most reliable and comprehensive site for this type of functionality. Basically, you just enter the starting and ending stations and then select from options, including: departure date, departure time, … [ Read more ]

Tokyo Connections

eviews 219 job resources covering the whole of Japan, as well as opportunities for Japanese speakers overseas. You’ll find classified ads, job openings, info on executive search firms, teaching English, working holiday programs and more.

CareerCross

Information on bilingual jobs in Japan for bilingual Japanese and English speakers, plus an invaluable resource for foreigners Living and Working in Japan.

Japanese Sentence Patterns for Effective Communication

To communicate effectively in Japanese》o speak one’s mind and be understood, and respond appropriately to what is said(s a goal for most beginners, but not an easy one to achieve quickly. This book brings this goal within reach, teaching 142 essential sentence patterns for daily life‖ll the ones an intermediate student should know, and all the ones a beginner should study to become minimally proficient … [ Read more ]