The Art of Kangeiko

As winter settles into Japan, it’s tempting to just cozy up under the kotatsu and ride out the weather. With harsh winds and shorter days, retreating indoors becomes the norm for many. Yet, for some, these cold days become an invitation to seek change in a pursuit of mental resilience. https://japanobjects.com/features/kotatsu Kangeiko (寒稽古), in Japanese, refers to the traditional practice of winter training. This custom is commonly observed in martial arts, particularly disciplines like judo, kendo, and aikido. Kangeiko typically takes place during the coldest months of winter, to challenge one’s dedication and endurance.   https://kentsurudojo.de/?p=879 http://karatedo-yushinmon.com/english/events/kangeiko.html Those practicing Kangeiko begin in the early morning hours as the sun is […]

Exploring Toranomon

  Toranomon is a district located in Minato Ward, Tokyo. Known for its prominent business and embassy presence, the area features modern skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and corporate offices. Toranomon’s central location makes it a strategic business hub, and its evolving urban landscape reflects Tokyo’s dynamic and cosmopolitan character. Toranomon Hills Just a 3-minute walk from Toranomon Language School, you can find yourself at Toranomon Hills, a complex that includes a shopping mall, offices, and a hotel. One particularly interesting spot to explore is the Toranomon Yokocho (虎ノ門横丁) located on the 3rd floor. Toranomon Yokocho is known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings while also still maintaining a more […]

Common Mistakes that Native English Speakers Make When Learning Japanese

Learning Japanese can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it can also be challenging and frustrating at times. You are not alone. For native-English speakers, Japanese is said to be one of the hardest languages in the world to master. In this article, we will explore some of the most common mistakes that English speakers make when learning Japanese, and how to avoid or correct them. 1. Confusing similar-sounding words/Words that are written the same in hiragana but have different meanings Japanese has many words that sound similar to each other, but have different meanings, spellings, or kanji. For example, the words 会う (au), 合う (au), and 逢う (au) […]

How to Learn Japanese for your Learning Style

Which learning style do you have, and how should you study Japanese? Not everyone learns the same. Some people learn best by listening to explanations, others need to read something to internalise it, while others are “doers”. With our different learning styles, it’s not a surprise that learning Japanese is also different for everyone. What works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to understand what your learning style is so that you can use effective study techniques. What are the main learning styles? Visual Learners: Visual learners prefer to learn through visual aids such as charts, graphs, diagrams, and videos. They tend to grasp information better […]