Learn Japanese your way with a TakeLessons expert

Whether you're traveling to Japan for fun or to study the language, it's important to prepare for your time away from home. It's natural to experience some culture shock any time you travel to a new place, but proper preparation can make the difference between an uncomfortable trip and a life-changing experience. So whether you're traveling with a language or exchange program, with a small group, or flying solo, here are 29 tips from language and travel experts to help you have an unfor

Want to learn more about Japanese culture as you take Japanese lessons? Then you should explore different types of Japanese cuisine and Japanese beverages (if you are of age). Sake is a popular Japanese beverage, and luckily, if you're unable to travel to Japan, you can enjoy certain types of sake in the United States...  So next time you head out to eat sushi, you'll be able to order and enjoy sake like a pro. Here's everything you need to know about Japanese sake. What is Sake? Altho

Karaoke is a fun activity in any language, but believe it or not, singing karaoke is also a great way to improve your Japanese-language skills. Karaoke, as we know it, actually started in Kobe City, Japan. The word 'karaoke' is a combination of the words kara (from karappo, which means 'empty') and oke (from okesutura, which means 'orchestra'). You may not have realized that you can learn Japanese through music, but karaoke is one of the best ways to practice vocabulary and

Famous Japanese phrases, expressions, sayings, and idioms are fun for beginners to learn and practice. You're probably already familiar with the many idioms in English, such as "Don't count your chickens before they hatch" and "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." Using such phrases in everyday conversation will help you sound like a native Japanese speaker, but you have to be sure you're using them in the right context and setting. Here, we'll share 10 famous Japanese quotes in English

When you're taking Japanese lessons, you will be introduced to various Japanese writing systems. Here, Winston-Salem, NC teacher Willy M. explains how learning Japanese calligraphy can help you understand the Japanese alphabet...  The Japanese alphabet, or writing systems, are very different from our alphabet in English. Japanese uses more than one syllabary. A syllabary is a group of syllables that make up different words. Think of it more like a phonics system. The difference between t

From January through December, there are many Japanese holidays and special occasions you can participate in. If you're taking Japanese lessons, make sure you get in on the fun! This is a great way to practice your skills in an authentic, cultural setting. Get ready to mark your calendar! Here are 12 Japanese celebrations you should remember.12 Japanese Holidays & Celebrations What Are Major Holidays and Celebrations in Japan? The major holidays and celebrations in Japan include Ganjitsu,

You can enrich your Japanese-learning experience by also learning about Japanese history and culture. Japan is a country that's rich in history and traditions. It was first established as a united state around 300 AD, although people had resided on the cluster of islands since 10,000 BC. Over time, Japan has adopted numerous holidays and festivals. Some of these traditions were borrowed from other cultures, but Japanese people made these holidays distinctly Japanese. Here are a few of

  When you're taking Japanese lessons, it's fun to learn about certain aspects of Japanese culture. Japanese pop culture has made a significant impact in the United States and worldwide. From electronic game consoles to action figures, Japan has had a long-standing influence on the worldwide toy market. You probably remember a lot of the items on this list, but never really knew their true origin. Go ahead and embrace your inner child, it's time to get nostalgic. Do you remember

EujarimPhotography / Moment / Getty Images When you're studying Japanese, you will learn new vocabulary, grammar, and writing systems. Now that you've been introduced to hiragana , it's time to talk about kanji. Here, Brighton, MA Japanese teacher Karou N. shares some effective study tips to help you learn kanji... In Japan, there are three written systems: hiragana, katakana and kanji. Of these, kanji is by far the most complex.  However, it is also the most important to learn if yo

Bento Fotography / Moment / Getty Images With its intense level of difficulty, many students are left wondering if it’s worth taking the AP Japanese exam and how to prepare for it.  If you’re one of those bright students interested in studying the Japanese language and culture, there is no better way to demonstrate your mastery than taking the AP Japanese Language and Culture (AP Japanese) exam.   In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the taking the ex