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.
This site is an absolute god-send for those studying Japanese! I live by it. Use it as a simple dictionary or use its much more advanced features which include:
– Translate (great for inputting an entire email sent to you in Japanese for example)
– Find Kanji (multiple methods)
– Handwritten Interface
– Mobile phone access
– Check out … [ Read more ]
Source: “Jim Breen” | Subject: Translate
Claims to be the prime resource for Kanji learners but mostly exalts the (admittedly quite good) Kodansha Kanji Learner’s Dictionary (KALD). I recommend you check out the Guide to the Japanese Writing System section.
Source: “Kanji Dictionary Publishing Society (KDPS)” | Subject: Kanji
The Kanji SITE was launched in September 1999 as a way for its author, Chris Jennings, to practice his kanji in preparation for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). It originally covered only the 80 kanji required for Level 4 of the JLPT, but has since grown to include a total of 1,000 kanji, namely the entire official syllabus for Levels 4, 3 and 2 … [ Read more ]
Source: “Chris Jennings” | Subject: Kanji
The Japanese Language Institute (JLI) is managed by the International Education Center, which was established in 1947and authorized as a nonprofit organization by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The IEC is the parent organization of both the Japanese Language Institute and Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin.
Editor’s Note: This is the school where I studied for one 10-week term. I highly recommend it. One very nice aspect … [ Read more ]
Source: “IEC” | Subject: Schools
A primer on preparing your own sushi. Talks about terms, types, ingredients, and provides instructions. Site was last updated in 1996 but…
Source: “Mark Hutchenreuther” | Subject: Food
This was one of the premier sites for all things Sumo but stopped operations in 2002. The archive is still up however, and provides some great info. Especially useful sections (still) are the archive of the Sumo Guru and Sumo Spectator sections (including the excellent Sumo FAQ).
Source: “Thomas McCarthy et. al.” | Subject: Sports
This is the HTML version (with frames for easy navigation) of the Sumo FAQ from the now defunct SumoWeb. A GREAT place to learn all about Sumo (terms, history, heya system, rankings, etc.)
Source: “Ken Coller” | Subject: Sports
The Japan Sumo Association (Nihon Sumo Kyokai) is the “Official” web site for Sumo information.
Source: “Nihon Sumo Kyokai” | Subject: Sports
Check out the archives of the Sumo Mailing List, as well as Makunouchi Banzuke from 1757 to the present.
Source: “Banzuke.com” | Subject: Sports
Especially notable on this site is the Makunouchi Rikishi Database (Info about ALL top division sumotori since 1757 and ALL tournament wins since 1757). You can also download excel files with basho information and there is an interesting trivia and records section.
Source: “Stefan Gelow” | Subject: Sports
Source: “Bench Sumo” | Subject: Sports
An excellent introduction to the history and elements of kabuki. Interesting highlights include an online theater, the ability to listen to the sounds of Kabuki, and an illustration of how an “Onnagata” transforms himself into a beautiful woman.
Source: “Matthew Johnson” | Subject: Arts & Entertainment
An excellent introduction to the history and elements of Noh and Kyogen theater.
Source: “SECTOR88” | Subject: Arts & Entertainment
A great introduction to and thorough resource to ukiyo-e. Find a comprehensive gallery, a Q&A section, artists’ signatures, and guides to other related sites.
Source: “Hans Olof Johansson” | Subject: Arts & Entertainment
A library of Ukiyo-E images and related information from the man behind WWWJDIC!
Source: “Jim Breen” | Subject: Arts & Entertainment
A look at works of art produced in Japan from the beginnings of human habitation there, sometime in the 10th millennium BC, to the present. Periods covered include:
– Japanese Prehistory
– Asuka and Nara Art
– Heian Art
– Kamakura Art
– Muromachi Art
– Momoyama Art
– Art of the Edo Period
– Art since … [ Read more ]
Sources: “Paris”, “WebMuseum” | Subject: Arts & Entertainment
Terminology for Chinese and Japanese writing styles, including history, detailed information, and Hiragana & Katakana charts.
Source: “Apropos” | Subject: Kanji
Several dozen short lessons on reading and writing the Japanese Hiragana writing system. Includes pronunciation cues, a Hiragana table, and words that use each letter.
Source: “Benjamin Barrett” | Subject: Kanji
Typical features of a denshi-jisho (wa-ei, ei-wa, kanji, etc.) but accessible online. You can also add the dictionary functionality directly to your browser.
Note: this site is in Japanese
Source: “Lycos” | Subject: Translate
Sixteen introductory Japanese lessons (for free) including pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary for each lesson. Also includes free online message board and link to a free Japanese/English dictionary online. Also has links to Japanese software and other useful Web sites.
Source: “Japanese-Online.com” | Subject: Online Lessons