https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwZzGbzi_jY When you’re learning Japanese and starting to make new friends, or visiting Japan for travel, school, or business, there will be many occasions where you need to introduce yourself. Introducing yourself is always important in starting a good relationship with someone: friends, peers, students, co-workers, neighbors, etc. Hence, it’s important to learn things like how to say "My name is," in Japanese, as well as other ways of introducing yourself in Japanese phrases. There are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to introducing yourself in Japan, from a cultural perspective. For example, you should usually use a formal and polite style of Japanese when you introduce yourself, and it’s better... Show more

What day is Father’s Day, and what do Japanese traditions look like? Fathers Day in Japan (known by the Japanese as 父の日 or Chichi No Hi), is similar to Father’s Day in other countries. It’s simply a day to honor one’s father or father-figure, and to show him appreciation and gratitude for all he does. However, for each aspect of Father’s Day that’s familiar around the world, there’s a distinction that makes it uniquely Japanese. In this article, we’ll be going over common Fathers Day traditions in Japan, from the most popular gifts to its stance next to Mother’s Day. At JapanesePod101.com, we hope to make this lesson both fun and informative as we examine Japanese culture from the perspective of Chichi No Hi. After all, any... Show more

Japanese anime is famous for its uniqueness and highly entertaining stories. Watching Japanese anime is a wonderful way to learn Japanese and have fun at the same time. Doing so allows you to improve your vocabulary, listening skills, and conversation skills, and can help you grasp these things in light of Japanese culture. Hearing the language in context and listening to Japanese anime audio are great ways to learn the language faster. Japanese anime has a wide range of content, and you’ll definitely find what you love. A few of the most popular genres of Japanese anime shows include: Adventure Action Drama Romance Horror So, really, whatever type of Japanese anime series or movies you’re looking for, you’re... Show more

In Japan, Children's Day is celebrated each year as a way of wishing good health and success for its youth. When it comes to Children's Day, Japan's history (and that of ancient China) plays a huge role. While the Children's Day Festival in Japan was founded on ancient myths and beliefs, many of its traditions remain in place today. In learning about Children's Day Japan activities, you're opening your eyes to new concepts and cultural aspects of the country of your target language. At JapanesePod101.com, we hope to make learning about Japanese culture both fun and insightful! So let's get started on our lesson about the Children's Day Festival Japan holds each year. 1. What is Children's Day in Japan? The Boys' Festival is... Show more

Did you ever enjoy watching Japanese anime shows as a kid? Well, Japanese anime shows are just the tip of the iceberg, and there are other entertaining Japanese TV shows (such as Japanese game shows) waiting for you to discover! In this article, I’ll be going over the best Japanese TV shows (read: Japanese must-watch TV shows) for entertainment and learning Japanese! Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner of the Japanese language, watching Japanese television series and shows offers you hours of fun and immersive opportunities to learn practical and conversational Japanese. Various shows are available, and you can choose whatever suits your preference of genre, language level, or interests. You’ll learn practical Japanese... Show more

Do you love Japan? Would you consider working and living in Japan? If so, know that there are many ways for foreigners to find a job in Japan! But how easy is it to find a job in Japan? Is it hard to find a job in Japan? It can be very difficult for a foreigner to work in Japan, for various reasons. These include: English isn’t the official language in Japan. Multinational and international companies are located mainly in Tokyo. Work conditions are quite different from those in other countries. However, there are many jobs available for foreigners, including language teaching, IT engineering, health- & medical-related jobs, and other white collar jobs. In short, depending on your skills and interests, there’s a variety of... Show more

Do you often feel lonely and sad? Do you long for romance and are willing to do whatever it takes to meet that special person? Speaking another language could revolutionize your love life! So, why wait? Learning how to say ‘love’ in Japanese could be just what you need to find it. Or perhaps you were lucky, and have found your Japanese partner already. Fantastic! Yet, a cross-cultural relationship comes with unique challenges. Learning how to speak your lover’s language will greatly improve your communication and enhance the relationship. At JapanesePod101, our team will teach you all the words, quotes and phrases you need to woo your Japanese lover with excellence! Our tutors provide personal assistance, with plenty of extra... Show more

If you have ever visited or stayed in for quite some time, you have probably noticed that a lot of Japanese people ask “what is your blood type?”. This question is one of the most common questions that Japanese people ask. In , it is perfectly fine to ask about a person’s blood type, especially if you want to get to know someone very well instantly, in particular, on a blind date. The reason is that Japanese people believe that each blood type has its own distinct personality and it is the quickest way to determine a person’s temperament and even compatibility with others. You may feel confused as to why people ask about blood types in , but don’t worry. If you are asked this by a Japanese, that means that the person wants to get to... Show more

Most everyone is familiar with this day, as it is celebrated nearly everywhere the world. Yet, when exactly is April Fools’ Day? And where did April Fools come from? April Fools’ Day is observed on April 1st every year. This day of jokes and pranks is believed to have stemmed from the 16th-century calendar change in France, when New Year’s Day was moved from April 1 to January 1. This action was taken due to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar. However, a few people were resistant to the calendar change, so they continued to observe New Year’s Day on April 1st, rather than the new date. They were referred to as the “April Fools”, and others started playing mocking tricks on them. This custom endured, and is practiced to this day... Show more

Learn a little Japanese everyday with the free Japanese Word of the Day Widget. Check back daily for more vocabulary!雄鶏 (おんどり) rooster (noun)雄鶏が辺りを見回しながら、鳴いている。おんどりがあたりをみまわしながら、ないている。The rooster crows while it glances around.その雄鶏が鳴くと、私は起きる。そのおんどりがなくと、わたしはおきる。When the rooster crows, I will wake up.鳴いている雄鶏ないているおんどりcrowing roosterOwn a blog or website? Share free language content with your readers with the Japanese Word of the Day with Audio Widget. Click here for instructions on how to embed and customize this free widget!