Have you ever wondered how to describe a position in Japanese? Picture this: you’re wandering through the busy streets of Tokyo and want to ask a local which way leads to the nearest train station. Or maybe you’re sitting in a Japanese classroom, and the teacher is giving directions like…
ください (kudasai) and おねがいします (onegaishimasu) are one of the first phrases you’ll hear when you’re studying Japanese, typically used to ask for a favor or request. Their versatility — not to mention their relation to Japan’s culture of politeness and humility — is the reason you’ll find Japanese people using…
When meeting a new client in Japan, one of the first things you need to do is exchange business cards, known as 名刺 (meishi). In many other countries, business cards are often seen as a formality, or even a fading tradition — just a way to pass along your name,…
Dining at Japanese restaurants can be a delightful experience, from savoring delicious sushi to enjoying a hot bowl of ramen. However, at the end of the meal, you may find yourself wondering how to ask for the bill. If you’re traveling or living in Japan, dining out is one of…
“Yoroshiku onegaishimasu” (よろしくお願いします) is a staple Japanese phrase used in countless situations: when you meet someone new, ask for a favor, email a coworker, or even end a casual text. Although there is technically a literal translation — something like “please treat me well” or “I humbly ask for your…
Whether you’re pivoting your career in Japan, exploring new professional opportunities, or looking to open more doors in the business world, daily conversational Japanese simply isn’t enough. To truly stand out, you need to master the right etiquette, communication techniques, and business Japanese expressions used in real workplace settings. That’s…
Are you planning to live in Tokyo and wondering which area to choose? Finding the perfect apartment can be both exciting and stressful since you have to strike a delicate balance between the cost of rent, convenience, and, last but not least, your personal preferences. Choosing the right neighborhood can…
You’ve decided to take on JLPT N5, but looking for the right Japanese N5 textbook can feel more overwhelming than actually studying the language. So, read this guide to find out the top 20 N5 textbooks for beginners to ace the JLPT with flying colors — or to start your…
It’s a typical weekday at the office when you receive an email from the hiring manager at your dream company: they’re offering you the position you’ve always wanted. Congratulations! Now, there’s just one thing left to do: resign from your current job in Japan. The good news is that Japan’s…
In the competitive world of Japanese job interviews, making a strong first impression is crucial. Your self-introduction, or 自己紹介 (jikoshoukai), sets the tone for the entire interview and gives the interviewer a glimpse into your personality, skills, and motivations. Understanding the nuances of Japanese etiquette and tailoring your introduction accordingly…