Columns

5 minutes a day — the science behind why word games are one of the most effective vocabulary tools for Japanese learners.

Everything you need to know about the world's most widely taken Japanese language test — N5 to N1 explained.

A complete beginner's guide to hiragana — history, all 46 characters, and tips for getting started.

Is there a Japanese version of Wordle? Yes — here's how it works and how it compares to the original.

Category-by-category guide to the core vocabulary at N5 — numbers, time, family, food, verbs, and adjectives with hiragana and romaji.

The complete katakana guide — history, all 46 characters, when to use katakana vs hiragana, and common examples.

Curated free tools for every stage of learning — Anki, NHK Web Easy, Tofugu, Jisho, Ayatoki, and more.

How the guess system works, when to use hints, and practical strategies to improve your score at N4 through N1.

A practical 20-minute daily schedule combining spaced repetition, active recall, and real Japanese input for any level.

Why is inari sushi named after a fox? Why is a green bean paste named after a bird? Twelve food words with stories worth knowing.

Why is Hokkaido named after an Ainu word? Why was building a bridge over the Oi River once illegal? Twelve places with stories worth knowing.

Why do fireflies blink at different speeds in eastern and western Japan? Twelve surprising animal facts.

Why was a poison bean once used to decide guilt or innocence? Twelve surprising plant facts.

Why can't you just say "three" in Japanese? The most common counters, their pronunciation changes, and how to remember them.

What's the real difference between は and が? A practical guide to Japan's five core particles.

Why does the verb always come last? Word order, topic-comment sentences, and how modifiers work.