Learning more about the culture and the places you can use your new language skills is all part of your learning adventure. If you’re looking for some extra cultural tips or you have an experience to share, welcome! You can browse the topics, do a search in the top right corner of this page, or start a new conversation. Don’t be shy!
If a Japanese person gets embarrassed or feels they are losing face, what would their behavior look like? Would they not look at the person they feel like they have slighted or offended, or what? I saw this recently and was wondering.
2 replies - Last post by ClaudiaR27 - January 30, 2024
konnichiwa! Has anyone gone to a museum in Japan before. I'm wanting to know more about the samurai and their history. I know in level 1 lesson 3.7 talks about the samurai but, I really like their history so much I want to know even more abo...
11 replies - Last post by Tony-S10 - January 10, 2024
YouTube カラオケ (music videos with Japanese lyrics)
In the "9 Ways How to Stay Motivated and Have Fun when Learning a New Language" thread (see My Forum > General > Rocket Languages Blog) suggestion number 4 is to "Sing at the top of your lungs." Of course lyrics need to be learned first and my favorite wa...
14 replies - Last post by Tony-S10 - January 10, 2024
Has anyone one been to Tokyo, Japan and if so can you tell me what its like there? Im planning on living there when I am older.
6 replies - Last post by Hawke - October 29, 2023
How has Corvid-19 affected your studying?
How has the virus interfered with your japanese study, or made it easier? I know I have more time (haven't worked in nine weeks) and have been using this time to work harder on grammar. I've also passed two module tests. How about you?
3 replies - Last post by JohnH197 - May 3, 2021
Shuri Castle destroyed by fire
Another loss for Japan, but luckily no one was hurt. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20191031_09/ https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20191031_41/ https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-castle-fire/fire-destroys-japans-world-heritage-list...
7 replies - Last post by RocketL1900 - July 24, 2020
I just finished the lesson on climbing Mt. Fuji, so was happy to see that the program "Strolling With Tamori" on TV Japan had a show about doing just that--climbing Mt. Fuji! They explained how Mt. Fuji was formed by a volcano, and they showed several e...
1 reply - Last post by RocketL1900 - July 24, 2020
Japanese Language Proficiency Test
I am just wondering if anyone else has booked in for this test while registration periods are open. They are only held twice a year. I have taken the plunge and booked in and paid for the test to take this December in Sydney. There are 5 levels to select...
157 replies - Last post by ClaudiaR27 - March 2, 2020
TIL the name "Hagibis" is from the Philippines (Tagalog?) and means "rapidity" or "swiftness". I hope everyone in the projected path is taking safety precautions. Western news coverage indicates a monster storm.
4 replies - Last post by ClaudiaR27 - October 13, 2019
Lesson needs an update: 4.9 Culture: Japanese Eras (Reiwa)
The lesson states, "The current era is called 平成 (pronounced へいせい heisei)", but Emperor Akihito abdicated on 30 April 2019 and as of 1 May 2019, it is the 令和 (Reiwa) era.
4 replies - Last post by Crystal-Rocket-Japanese-Tutor - August 27, 2019
I plan to travel to Japan in 2021 and I am wondering which place(s) will be the best to visit when I go there. I will be there for a week or so during the cherry blossom season. There will be a group of 4-5 people coming with me and the plan is to stay at...
1 reply - Last post by Tony-S10 - August 21, 2019
I plan to travel to Japan in 2021 and I am wondering which place(s) will be the best to visit when I go there. I will be there for a week or so during the cherry blossom season. There will be a group of 4-5 people coming with me and the plan is to stay at...
1 reply - Last post by Tony-S10 - August 15, 2019
I found this resource online and thought others might be interested. https://www.freejapanesefont.com/
1 reply - Last post by toru e - July 18, 2019
Just wondering if anyone else from this site sat the recent JLPT test just this month on the 7th in various cities around the world?
0 replies - Last post by Tony-S10 - July 11, 2019
No 食べ歩き ( tabe-aruki ) in Kamakura
Today I learned a new phrase, 食べ歩き ( tabe-aruki, "eating while walking" ), though it appears to be viewed as a negative thing. An ordinance banning it passed a few months ago in Kamakura. I wonder if travelers are complying? https://japantoday.com/catego...
2 replies - Last post by teacup - June 25, 2019
I have recently started watching Japanese anime as a way to further study Japanese. Leading a busy life I did not think I had access to this until an app all of a sudden popped up on my smart TV. Having a quick look it streams anime direct to my TV. I liv...
4 replies - Last post by teacup - June 24, 2019
Hi How do I ask: 1. is breakfast included? 2. is the breakfast fee included in the plan? 3. which credit cards are accepted? Thank you!
6 replies - Last post by risa-rocket-japanese-tutor - May 27, 2019
Why are train station names sometimes in Katakana?
I was riding the Tokaido line between Yokohama Station and Shinagawa Station. I noticed the little scoreboard that indicated the next station said カワサキ and not かわさき. Is Kawasaki a borrowed word? The sign may have had a Kanji version as well (I remember ...
3 replies - Last post by teacup - May 23, 2019
Japanese Documentaries—please suggest some
I stumbled on Behind the Cove on Netflix, and regardless of my thoughts on the subject matter I was very happy to hear native Japanese speakers in everyday situations. While Japanese movies and tv shows are helpful I think that like their American counter...
13 replies - Last post by toru e - April 30, 2019
Dōgen: Comedy & Japan (Twitter)
Worth sharing IMHO—he posts lots of funny and educational videos about Japan/Japanese. https://twitter.com/Dogen
1 reply - Last post by ClaudiaR27 - February 27, 2019
i know that japan created japanese, but who created it? and when. thanks
9 replies - Last post by ClaudiaR27 - June 30, 2018
Kumano Kodo / Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage
Has anyone visited one or either of these slightly more unusual Japanese travel locations? I've been before and have done some of the main tourist sites, so wanted to do something a bit more off the beaten track. Was interested in Ise Jingu and walkin...
2 replies - Last post by Tony-S10 - December 27, 2017
I'm going to Japan on holiday next year (woo!), and I was wondering how polite I should be when speaking to staff, such as hotel staff and train-station staff. I don't want to seem awkward because I'm speaking too politely, but I don't want to be rude eit...
3 replies - Last post by Tony-S10 - March 12, 2016
Familiarization with Japanese culture?
I assume many here are learning Japanese for the purpose of visiting and/or moving there, so what do you recommend outside of this program to help familiarize yourself with the culture?
10 replies - Last post by Tony-S10 - March 12, 2016
みんなさん、こんにちは！ I would life to know about how expensive is life in Japan right now :). As I would want to go and study there, I need to gather some information about the lifestyle of Japanese. The first and most important question: how much money (euros o...
25 replies - Last post by Tony-S10 - March 12, 2016
At the end of Lesson 6.7, Ms. Sayaka sang a song "Kanpai" by Nagabuchi Tsuyoshi, a great singer/songwriter. I just loved the melody and looked it up on YouTube. I found many reditions, some with hiragana and/or romaji. But I could find one with English...
4 replies - Last post by Tony-S10 - March 11, 2016
Is Japanese similar to Korean?
8 replies - Last post by maha266 - September 30, 2014
hotel reservation confirmation
Hi. I will be travelling to Japan & have asked the hotel to confirm my reservation. How do I ask the hotel clerk if the reservation is confirmed? Thank you!
14 replies - Last post by risa-rocket-japanese-tutor - December 7, 2013
I am visiting Japan in April for 16 days and attempting to get though the course as quickly as possible simply to have some fun and enjoy meeting the Japanese people. I'm confused by lesson 2.2. The phrase "shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?" is interpreted ...
8 replies - Last post by Alan-R-G - September 19, 2013
Backpacking or camping in Japan
I'll be backpacking through the main island with a buddy of mine next spring/summer. Kind of a chance to feel vulnerable without technology or native language and do a little bit of soul searching. I'm an experienced outdoorsman, so no worries there. I fo...
1 reply - Last post by 477580 - September 6, 2013
Programs that take you to Japan
Hi, everyone. I'm new to Rocket Japanese, as well as to studying the Japanese language, and have been looking for ways to go to Japan as cheaply as possible. I've looked into JET, but I don't feel that I could do that because I have a stutter that inhibit...
4 replies - Last post by yanagi - May 14, 2013
Japanese complex thought of politeness
I am curious why Japanese language has complex thoughts of politeness. Are there any reasons behind this? I mean in terms of traditional Japanese culture and related matters.
3 replies - Last post by Miss-Phunphen - April 22, 2013
Konnichiwa~! Just wondering...any manga/anime fans out there? If so, what are some of your favs? >_<
8 replies - Last post by Russell-P1 - January 12, 2013
今日は！ こんにちは！Konnichiｗa! Hi! I'm planning a trip to Japan in May 2011 for two weeks. I will arrive in Tokyo and plan to travel to Okinawa for a few days SCUBA diving. I want to see Mt Fuji and visit friends in Kyoto and Osaka. Other than this I need ideas ...
17 replies - Last post by mark-k4 - August 10, 2012
Hi, im going to be studying abroad for the fall semester in Tsuru University, which is located in Yamanashi. I was wondering if anyone visited or lived there, and if so, what it is like there, like food, lifestyle, people,. Any information would be helpful.
7 replies - Last post by monie.deb - August 28, 2011