Improved JLPT Registration Process

Registration for all levels of the JLPT has finally moved into the 21st century. Beginning now, you can register online for the test, and new forms of payment–credit card, convenience store payment or furikomi–are available. Of course, if you like wasting your nenkyu at the the post office, the old system of mail application is [...]

December 2011 JLPT Applications Imminently Due

If you’re thinking about testing your Japanese language skill and standardized testing mettle this December 4, don’t forget to pick up a JLPT Application Guide, available at most major bookstores (the Utsunomiya Katamachi and Kanazawa Station branches definitely carry it). Taking the test will run you ￥6,000 for application fees* and a few minutes at [...]

Read the Kanji: Boredom-buster, study resource

Whether you’re bored at work or are an enterprising Japanese learner, “Read the Kanji” may be just the website you’ve been looking for. Read the Kanji (www.readthekanji.com) is a a bright, graphic quiz aimed at Japanese learners of all levels. With decks available for hiragana, katakana and kanji (decks are aimed at the old JLPT [...]

Zero Focus (『ゼロの焦点』): Intrigue, Murder, and Mystery in 1950s Ishikawa

Nothing says summer to me like a good mystery or horror film, and what better to kick off summer than one set in Ishikawa? Zero Focus, or 『ゼロの焦点』, is based on Matsumoto Seichô’s novel of the same name. Directed by Inudô Isshin, the 2009 film is a remake of the 1961 version. In the film, newlywed [...]

Why (some of you) SHOULD buy a denshi jisho

Electronic dictionaries are a great tool whether they be the free one on your iPod or a standalone 電子辞書. A couple months ago I finally took the plunge and bought a new electronic dictionary.  Compared to the one I bought more than seven years ago, I can say the quality of Japanese electronic dictionaries has [...]

Sign Up for the 2011-1 JLPT!

Sign up for the 2011-1 JLPT! The 2011-1 Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) (日本語能力試験) will be held on 3 July 2011 and will cover all levels from N1 to N5. Why take the test? Setting a goal: Whether you’re a beginner or a semi-pro, having a goal will motivate you to study—and you’ll definitely learn [...]

Advanced Japanese: Suntory Saturday Waiting Bar Avanti

There’s a radio program broadcast by Tokyo FM on Saturday evenings called Suntory Saturday Waiting Bar Avanti (『サントリー・サタデー・ウェイティング・バーAVANTI』), the premise of which is an hour of conversations on a theme at the standing bar. The podcast is much shorter and starts with host DAN Shinya ordering a drink, usually a high ball, from Stan, the American bartender. He and the bartender begin chatting about something—the weather, the drink, or the news—and then he remembers a conversation he had with someone. The podcast turns to an interview/conversation with a novelist, actor, musician, academic, or other interesting person.

2010-2 JLPT Results Are Coming!

It’s that time again, JETs! The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT; 日本語能力試験) results will be mailed out on 10 Feb. 2011. If you do not receive your results by the 18th, contact the JLPT Information Service at 03-5454-5577.

Blog Review: What Can I Do With a B.A. in Japanese Studies?

What Can I Do With a B.A. in Japanese Studies? (a.k.a. Shinpai Deshou) is run by Paula Curtis, a graduate of Gettysburg College and an M.A. candidate at The Ohio State University. She and her team of bloggers post information and articles on all things related to Japan and Japanese studies. You’ll find everything from [...]

Advanced Japanese: Learn Keigo with Manga, Part 2

Keigo (敬語) got you stumped? One way to learn to understand keigo (honorific language) and sonkeigo (humble language; 尊敬語) is by consuming keigo-heavy media. The manga featured in Part 2 is an easier read than Berusaiyu no Bara and is recommended for those around the N2 level of Japanese.