These days, there is no shortage of apps that promise to make study fun by gamifying the process. As someone who has been studying and teaching Japanese for decades, I wholeheartedly support the idea. You can learn so much more effectively when you are absorbed in something you find enjoyable.

But I’ll be very frank. The overriding sense I get when I look at many of the gamified language learning apps out there is: These people have never actually studied a foreign language.

Learning to communicate in another language is so much more than memorizing vocabulary words. But that is often the main or only component of game-centric apps.

So when I heard about Wagotabi, an retro RPG game in the graphic style of 1980’s classics like the original “Legend of Zelda,” I thought it was a cute idea, but I did not have very high expectations.

I’m pleased to say that I was very wrong.

Continue reading “Wagotabi: A Retro RPG For Learning Japanese” →

Looking for a fun way to improve your Japanese vocabulary? Shiritori is a game you can play to put your vocabulary knowledge to the test.

You’d normally play it with other people. But if you don’t know anyone who’s studying Japanese, you can play with ChatGPT.

In this article, we’ll dive into the steps to take to start playing Shiritori with ChatGPT.

Continue reading “How To Play Shiritori With ChatGPT” →

YouTube is a great resource for Japanese language learners, as you can find videos on almost any Japanese-related topic imaginable. From grammar explanations to listening practice, YouTube provides a wealth of Japanese language content. However, with so many videos and channels on the YouTube platform, you may be confused about where to start.

In this article, I’m sharing five YouTube channels that I recommend so you can find what works for you.

Continue reading “Best YouTube Channels For Learning Japanese” →

Reading Japanese is essential for any learner who wants to improve, and one of the best resources for reading Japanese is manga. Manga trains you to comprehend Japanese dialogue while making studying more fun.

From comedy to sports, there’s bound to be a manga series that you’ll enjoy. In this article, you’ll find manga series that I’ve read and personally recommend.

Continue reading “The Best Manga For Japanese Learners” →

Listening to a Japanese podcast is one of the best ways to learn Japanese. Podcasts expose you to new vocabulary and grammar, and they train your ears to understand how Japanese people speak.

They’re also fun to listen to, as you get to learn more about Japanese culture and enjoy the stories podcasters share.

In this article, you’ll find Japanese podcasts for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners and what makes each of them unique. You can find all of these podcasts on Spotify and YouTube.

Continue reading “The Best Podcasts For Japanese Learners” →

The JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) has five levels ranging from N5 to N1, and N2 is the second hardest among them. To pass the JLPT N2, test takers need to be able to comprehend clearly written and spoken Japanese used in various contexts in everyday life.

As a Satori Reader user (and intern) with three years of studying under my belt, I decided to put my skills to the test by taking the JLPT N2.

In this blog post, I’ll share my tips for how to study for the JLPT N2 and the resources I would recommend for anyone who aspires to pass the exam.

Continue reading “How To Pass The JLPT N2: A Detailed Study Guide” →