Ritsuko-sensei shares her journey around the Noto Peninsula, where breathtaking nature meets the resilience of local people recovering from the earthquake. Visiting the region becomes not only a travel experience, but also a meaningful way to support its recovery.
Kyabakura is a glittering corner of Japan’s nightlife where kyabajō turn conversation into a skill – reading the room, adapting to each guest, and making people feel welcome.
Try treating Japanese like brain training: keep choosing material that’s slightly challenging and talk about it regularly.
Punch-kun is a bottle-raised baby Japanese macaque at a zoo in Ichikawa, Chiba after his mother stopped caring for him. He’s gone viral for cuddling an orangutan plush “Oran-mama” and clinging to his keepers, showing how much warmth and comfort matter as he grows.
A heartfelt reflection on friendship – how a close friend can inspire you to live fully, even in difficult times. A dream farewell becomes a quiet source of comfort that lingers long after.
Not sure how to politely ask someone to repeat what they said in Japanese? Mayu sensei introduces several natural phrases and explains when each one is appropriate in this blog.
Mayu-sensei shares her souvenir-shopping stories from a trip to Kanazawa, from choosing gifts for loved ones to struggling with too much luggage, and about the unexpected “souvenir” she brought home.
In Japan, vending machines are everywhere, but a new “story vending machine” now offers short, location-themed stories at the press of a button.
What if one carefully chosen sentence could reach someone’s future? In this blog, Ritsuko-sensei links essay editing to The Miracles of the Namiya General Store, exploring the quiet power of words written with care.
Do you know how to support someone with dementia? Here are practical, easy-to-use tips from a dementia supporter training, and a reminder that the same gentle approach matters for everyone.