Why Is Japan’s Shinkansen Always on Time? Discover how Japan’s bullet train stays remarkably punctual and safe through technology, human skill, and careful work behind the scenes. In this blog, Takane sensei reflects on the remarkable precision and safety of Japan’s Shinkansen and the people whose careful work supports it behind the scenes. This Japanese teacher’s blog is a great way to...

English Loanwords in Japanese Why familiar English words do not always sound the way you expect in Japanese. In this blog, Yatabe sensei looks at English-derived loanwords in Japanese and introduces some interesting differences between English spelling and katakana pronunciation. This Japanese teacher’s blog is a great way to study natural Japanese expressions while learning how...

  JAPANESE READING & LISTENING The Mystery of Hydrangeas Learn natural Japanese through a gentle essay about hydrangeas, the rainy season, and the mysterious power of life by Yamamoto-sensei. Learn Japanese with a Seasonal Essay about Hydrangeas Have you ever seen hydrangeas during the rainy season in Japan? In this blog post, Yamamoto-sensei introduces their myst...

      JAPANESE READING & LISTENING My Domestic Travels in Japan Explore castles, shrines, hot springs, and beautiful places in Japan through a natural Japanese travel essay by Yokozuka-sensei. Learn Japanese with a Travel Essay about Places in Japan Have you ever traveled within Japan? In this blog post, Yokozuka-sensei shares some places she has visited...

      Japanese Hospitality Through Kakejiku Discover the beauty and meaning of hanging scrolls in traditional Japanese spaces. Read about the Japanese tradition of displaying a hanging scroll in a tatami room. Start with natural Japanese, then use furigana and the English translation as support. Read Natural Japanese in Context Improve your listening with the v...