Digital flashcard applications are a popular and effective way to study Japanese kanji and vocabulary. However, not all flashcard applications are created equal. Reviewing flashcards in a random or sequential order is not the most effective…
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Hunting Kyoto’s Ghosts Through Art
As I explained in my previous interview, in Japan, summer is the season for ghosts. That is why this interview also deals with this spooky topic, as I talk with a young artist who made a…
Akiya – Causes and Measures of Vacant Houses in Japan
“Akiya” is the Japanese term for “vacant house”, whose number has been increasing more and more during the last few years and has become a societal issue, especially in rural Japan. Read on learn about the…
Harvesting Edamame at Higa Farm
Here is our monthly report from the Kokoro Media field! (You can find the previous episodes of our remote farming project here.) Last time, our friend, organic farmer Masamichi, explained to us how to water vegetables the…
Gochiso Chaji: A Documentary That Will Change Your Perception of Japanese Tea
Some time ago, one of our readers, Luisa, kindly messaged me to introduce me to the movie “Gochiso Chaji – A Film About Japanese Tea.” She had just watched the movie at a preview with the…
2 Japanese Expressions to Help You Build Better Relationships in Your Community
In a previous article, I wrote about how, in Japan, it can be difficult to engage in small talk with those outside of your immediate social circles. However, if you’ve just moved to Japan, or to…
Optimize Your Japanese Studies by Learning from the World around You
As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, Japanese textbooks can be a valuable resource when you’re starting out with the language. However, it’s important to remember that most textbooks are designed for an academic setting. If you…
How to Carve Your Own Career Path in the Translation Industry: An Interview with Richard Berger
In the spring of 2021, I participated in a Laurasian Institution panel discussion on launching Japan-related careers. One of the most common follow-up questions I received after the discussion was, “How can I build a career…
3 Hacks to Better Keigo
Keigo—perhaps nothing strikes more fear in learners of Japanese than this intricate system of formality. It requires a mind shift to adjust to, but once you have the ropes, with enough practice, you too can become…
How to Survive (and Eventually Thrive) in Japan’s Sweltering Summer Season
Summer in Japan—Tokyo in particular—is infamous for being unbearably humid. However, if you find yourself in one of the country’s hot spots during this season, all hope is not lost. In this Kokoro Media Unfiltered discussion,…