675 Posts Found

Your mission, if you choose to accept it Mr. Hunt, is to master the meaning and writing of 2,042 “Standard Use Kanji” (常用漢字・じょうようかんじ) in 90 days. This feat normally takes the Japanese themselves all the way through the end of junior high school, and most non-native learners of Japanese never make it even after years of study.

But worry not! Armed with the right psychology and … [ Read more ]

Source: John Fotheringham | Subject: Kanji

Sample sentences covering the JLPT N4 level kanji.

Source: Anonymous | Subjects: JLPT Exam, Kanji

Sample sentences covering the JLPT N5 level kanji.

Source: Anonymous | Subjects: JLPT Exam, Kanji

Sample sentences covering the JLPT N3 level kanji.

Source: Anonymous | Subjects: JLPT Exam, Kanji

A lot of people don’t know this, but the Japanese language is actually a big mishmash of several not-Japanese languages put together. At one time though, a long long time ago, the Japanese language was a slightly less mishmashy combination of several languages. This is what’s known as “Yamato Kotoba” ー the real Japanese language from a time when there wasn’t so much outside language … [ Read more ]

Source: Tofugu | Subject: History

The Japanese YouTube scene is more sparsely populated than its American counterpart. However, there is definitely a rising J-vlogging scene. But as with all things up and coming, sometimes it’s hard to tell where to start and find out what’s worth your time. Fortunately, I’ve found several awesome Japanese YouTubers for you.

Source: Tofugu | Subjects: Multimedia, Video / Audio

If you’ve ever considered a trip to the land of the rising sun you’ve probably done some research on proper Japanese etiquette. Many daily customs are significantly different from those of the western world. Hopefully this compiled list of proper manners will be all you’ll ever need to survive your stay in Japan. Check out these etiquette resources and never again bring shame and dishonor … [ Read more ]

Source: Tofugu | Subject: Culture

Looking for more listening material? Here you can browse by category or the Top 100. There are iPhone and smartphone pages as well. Page is Japanese only.

Source: podcasts.jp | Subject: Multimedia

Translating documents from desktop applications is always a bit difficult due to inadequate translating resources provided (if at all) by applications, such as, text editors, word processors and messenger application. Transmiti is a Google Powered portable application which is capable of translating text from any application. It can translate selected text or entire documents using a hotkey. You can either copy the translation to clipboard … [ Read more ]

Source: Arlt Software Solutions | Subject: Translate

A collection of Japanese stories with audio files.

Source: 心尽　(こころじん) | Subject: Books

Nihonshock is a blog that offers useful and enjoyable content for Japanese language learners, foreigners living in Japan, and anyone else with an active interest in the country.

Source: Lloyd Vincent | Subject: Blogs

This is a “cheat sheet” for the Japanese language. It is an attempt to condense and organize as many of the basic elements of the language onto one sheet of paper as possible. The intended use of this document is for you to download it, print it on two sides of one sheet of paper and keep it wherever you need it (in your Japanese … [ Read more ]

Source: Nihonshock | Subject: Miscellaneous | Other

A collection of Japanese expressions, words and other amusing bits and pieces discovered on a Japanese learning journey.

Subject: Vocabulary / Phrases

Indeed claims to be the most comprehensive
search engine for jobs in Japan. It achieves this by providing free access – in a single search – to thousands of jobs and internships from hundreds of job boards, newspaper classifieds and company websites.

Source: Indeed | Subject: Employment / Career

Japanese drama is a pretty excellent way to study Japanese. Watching it is one thing… but actually actively studying it is another. I will tell you exactly how to do that and get a ton of benefit compared to the time spent.

Editor’s Note: some good links and suggestions in the comments section as well.

Source: Tofugu | Subject: Video / Audio

This website was created for people who want to study Japanese by watching movies and/or TV. The text is only written in Hiragana and Katakana.

Source: Aya | Subject: Video / Audio

Websaru.info is a free online Japanese learning resource dedicated in helping English speakers to get inside Japanese language and culture.

NOTE: doesn’t appear to accept romaji input for Japanese to English or be as generally robust and useful as some of the others available.

Source: Jason | Subject: Translate

These 100 words will get you through an untold number of situations, problems, and feelings, just by knowing these all-important words. I’m not saying that there aren’t any other important words out there (and I hope you add to the list by commenting below), but I do think this list of 100 words will get you really, really far if you are, for some reason, … [ Read more ]

Source: Tofugu | Subject: Vocabulary / Phrases

The nciku Japanese Dictionary brings together three essential language learning tools: Japanese, English and Bilingual dictionaries to help you fully understand a word, with kanji details and audio pronunciation; an innovative handwriting recognition tool to help you look up Japanese words you see written down but don’t know how to type; and a range of customized vocabulary lists and memorization tests to help you build … [ Read more ]

Source: Beijing DFHL Co. Ltd (北京东方慧灵科技发展有限公司) | Subject: Translate

This pre-WWII video from Encyclopaedia Britannica Films, shows home, work and school activities of a middle-class Japanese family.

Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica Films | Hugh Borton Ph.D. | Subjects: Culture, Video / Audio