want to spice up your Japanese study routine?
Mar 28, 2024 3:15 am
Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!
If you've tried and failed to learn Japanese (maybe you gave up around the 300th kanji like I did at first), or you're still trying - we're here with a little hope! While there's a lot out there on this method and that, in my experience, nothing beats studying that doesn't feel like studying because you enjoy it.
That's not to say there shouldn't be any uncomfortable moments in your study because there are necessary mountains to overcome. But one thing I can't recommend more is making time for recreational and social activities that give you a chance to put your Japanese into practice!
So, with that, let's dive in!
Ultimate Guide to Karuta (Japanese Card Game)
If you've ever seen the anime 'Chihayafuru,' you know what's up. If you haven't, it's a great addition to your watchlist that introduces you to a piece of Japanese culture that most people wouldn't know about - Karuta. It's a matching card game at heart but it's also a phenomenal way to practice your reading. There are even versions for children which help them learn hiragana which you can play with friends or classmates. See the full article for the breakdown!
Ultimate Guide to Shibuya Nightlife
By now, you've seen 1000 videos of Shibuya Scramble Crossing and perhaps even the wild Halloween nights out there. But there is a lot to be said for being out and about in Shibuya and using Japanese with new people. Shibuya has a reputation as a place for 'young people,' which means the nightlife tends to be less inhibited by keeping up appearances and more about chasing new experiences, meeting new people, and so on. It's a great place to make Japanese friends and put your Japanese to use!
Top 15 Tips to Make Japanese Friends
This one goes without saying, but if you're like me, you might have been unsure where to start. What do you say to start a conversation? Where do you look? What if I can't say what I want to say? This article isn't about 'hey you should be more outgoing.' I'm sure you've heard that enough. Our Top 15 tips is designed to provide a little bit of awareness about the Japanese way of thinking, politeness, cultural awareness, and more!
Side note: If you're planning on visiting Japan, check out Japan Switch's affordable online and offline Japanese lessons and make sure you're ready to shop, eat, and enjoy Japan without the hassle of umming and ahhing through every conversation!
For more information or other updates and tips on life in Japan, be sure to check out our website here.
Turn on your Japan Switch.
Your Friends,
The Japan Switch Team
