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Go! Go! Nihon blog

Author: Tao

JLPT N5 language learning books on a desk.
How to

Passing the JLPT N5: what you need to know

If you’re learning Japanese, you’ll probably have heard about the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). In this five-part series, we will break down each test level, what they test you on, how they’re scored, and...
People taking a taxi at Beppu station.
How to

Everything you need to know to take a taxi in Japan

Ever missed the last train after a party and had to grab a taxi to get home? Knowing how to take a taxi in Japan can be beneficial when going somewhere outside the public transportation...
Life in Japan

3 reasons to study further education in Japan

Each year, Japan attracts thousands of international students to its tertiary institutes. According to the most recent figures, Japanese universities and graduate schools took on more than 126,000 students from abroad in 2021. So what...
How to

How to extend or change your Japanese student visa

A visit to the Immigration Office is inevitable during your time in Japan, especially if you wish to stay long-term. Whether you want to extend your Japanese student visa or change it to another visa,...
Kvinna som överblickar människor som går på Shibuya-korsningen ovanifrån.
Life in Japan

A guide to the cost of living in Japan as a student

The cost of living in Japan can be incredibly affordable depending on your location, accommodation type, and your lifestyle. While it’s often higher than the rest of Asia in some parts of the country, you...
How to

Moving home and relocating in Japan

Preparing for a move is a daunting task regardless of where you live, and the added stressor of being a foreign resident in a country known for its red tape and endless paperwork can make...
How to

Steps to getting a driver’s license in Japan

Looking to step off trains and subways and explore the country a bit more personally? For those wanting to drive in Japan, foreign residents can get behind the wheel straight away if they meet certain...
Learn Japanese

Learn intermediate Japanese with the best online Japanese course

The intermediate level is a fun place to be for Japanese learners. You know the basics like the back of your hand and you’re ready to take on more of a challenge. Now, you can...
Learn Japanese

“I love you!” Expressing love in Japanese

Expressing love in Japanese is probably very different to where you’re from, particularly if you come from a western society. If you’re familiar with Japanese culture, you’ll know that a lot of the language is...
News

Take part in a coding bootcamp in Japan with Code Chrysalis

Software engineering is one of the most coveted jobs in the world, and Japan is one of the best places to be for innovation and technology. The great thing is you can become a qualified...
How to

The most essential things you need to work in Japan

If your long-term goal is to work in Japan, there are a few essential things you need in order to make that dream a reality.  From having an excellent grasp of the language to understanding...
Only in Japan

Where to find real-life anime locations in Tokyo

With the heart of anime and pop culture located in the Akihabara district, it should come as no surprise that you can find many real-life anime locations in Tokyo. These places are replicated in, or...
Only in Japan

The origins of Shintō religion in Japan

The Shintō 神道 religion is an integral part of Japanese life, informing much of the culture, beliefs, and ways of life that are practiced in modern-day Japanese society. Originating in Japan, Shintō revolves around nature,...
How to

How to sign up for a gym membership in Japan

Whether you’re building strength, working on your cardiovascular health, or wanting to join some group fitness classes, signing up for a gym membership can help you achieve your fitness goals in Japan.  Chances are, there...
Only in Japan

Gachapon: Japan’s favorite capsule toy

Even if you’re not interested in games or toys, it’s near impossible to live in Japan and not see gachapon. These small plastic capsule toys are a common sight, filling up special gachapon machines that...
Only in Japan

6 lesser-known places in Japan to visit

Tokyo, Kyoto and Mt Fuji are all famous places in Japan that every visitor wants to tick off their bucket list. But there are many lesser-known places in Japan that are just as exciting, beautiful...
News

Introducing Go! Go! Nihon’s online products

We love helping as many people around the world learn Japanese and experience the rich culture of Japan. But we also know that not everyone can come to Japan to study. That’s why we offer...
Life in Japan

Sun, sand, and culture: learn Japanese in Okinawa

Clear, turquoise waters and white sandy beaches aren’t typically the first images that come to mind when you think of Japan. But located south-west of the biggest of Japan’s islands lies the tropical and picturesque,...
Grafik mit beliebten traditionellen und modernen Sportarten in Japan.
Life in Japan

From sumō to skateboarding: popular sports in Japan

Sports are a huge part of life in Japan. It’s so important that there’s even a public holiday each year to promote sports and an active lifestyle. From centuries-old traditional sports to modern sports exploding...
Richiesta del visto per studiare giapponese in Giappone: domande frequenti
News

How to meet your entry requirements to Japan for students

Note that while we aim to provide the most up-to-date information, it’s always best to get the latest updates on entry requirements for Japan from your local Japanese embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs...
How to

The ultimate guide to Japan student visas

If one of your goals is to study in Japan, then you’ll want to know all you can about applying for student visas for Japan. This article will go through everything from when you actually...
Learn Japanese

All about Kansai-ben and why you should learn it

Kansai-ben, or Kansai dialect, is probably the most well-known and common Japanese dialect. You’ll often hear it on Japanese TV comedy shows and you’ll hear it all around you if you travel to the Kansai...
Learn Japanese

The top 5 business Japanese phrases you need to know

Business Japanese is on a whole other level in terms of formality, but it is essential to master if you ever plan to work in Japan. Your grasp of formal Japanese language, business etiquette, and...
Life in Japan

How to find help: mental health support in Japan

Living and studying in Japan can be an overwhelming experience. On top of an intense study schedule, you’re also adapting to a new way of life, a different culture, and an unfamiliar language. This can...
How to

Explaining the 150 hour study requirement for Japanese language school

If you’re applying to study Japanese in Japan, you might have come across a 150 hour study requirement. At the moment, this requirement isn’t enforced across the board and depends on the school and other...
How to

Helpful tips and phrases if you lose something in Japan

There’s a good chance that if you lose something in Japan, you’ll be able to get it back again. Overall, people are fairly honest if they have come across something that’s not theirs and lost...
Japanese Culture

Celebrating Mountain Day in Japan

Every year on August 11, people celebrate Mountain Day, or Yama no Hi 山の日, in Japan. This is the country’s newest public holiday, enacted in 2014 with the intention to encourage people to pay homage...
How to

Freelancing in Japan as a student: the possibilities and limitations

It’s easier now to do freelance or remote work than ever before. Therefore, freelancing or working remotely in Japan while studying could be an attractive option for those who want to work while studying.  Maybe...
Life in Japan

Celebrate Marine Day in Japan with ocean-related words

As an archipelago, Japan has close cultural and economic ties with the ocean – you only need to look to Japanese cuisine to see how important the sea is to Japan! It’ll come as no...
How to

Applications re-open for short term visas to Japan

After two years of a travel and entry ban, short term visas to Japan are available again for those wanting to study in Japan for a shorter time.  Most people who study in Japan apply...
Learn Japanese

How to read food labels in Japan

For those with dietary restrictions or needs, navigating food labels in Japan can feel daunting. Particularly for those whose health and wellbeing rely on being able to know exactly what is in their food, it’s...
Learn Japanese

Similarities and differences between Japanese and English

When thinking about the similarities and differences between Japanese and English, more differences probably come to mind than similarities. From their origins to the way they’re written and how they sound, there are plenty of...
Learn Japanese

Celebrate Greenery Day with Japanese words about nature

Greenery Day, or Midori no Hi みどりの日, is a national holiday in Japan that’s celebrated on May 4 as part of Golden Week. This is a public holiday dedicated to nature, so what better way...
Only in Japan

The Shōwa era and how it changed Japan

The Shōwa era (1929-1989) is a unique period of Japan’s history that is marked by both great devastation and miraculous growth. Arguably, the events of this 63-year period made Japan into the country many of...
Life in Japan

Services Go! Go! Nihon can help with when you study in Japan

There is a lot to organise when you study abroad, from finding accommodation and setting up internet, to registering at your local ward office and signing up for health insurance. It can be extremely daunting...
Life in Japan

Peaches & folklore: Why learn Japanese in Okayama

Famous for its folklore history, delicious fruit and beautiful landscape garden, Okayama is an important city located on the western part of Japan’s Honshu island. The smaller size and relaxed pace of the city makes...
Life in Japan

Learn Japanese in Nagoya, birthplace of Japan’s most important samurai

Nagoya 名古屋 is the capital city of Aichi Prefecture (Aichi-ken 愛知県) and is Japan’s fourth most-populated city with more than two million people who call it home. Today, it’s known as Japan’s transport and industrial hub....
Learn Japanese

Japanese vocabulary to use in spring

Spring is without a doubt the most popular time of year in Japan. The weather is warming up, the flowers are starting to bloom and cherry blossom-flavoured snacks are making their way into cafes and...
Learn Japanese

Essential Japanese for a job interview

If living and working in Japan is a dream of yours, then there’s a good chance you’ll need some essential Japanese words and phrases for a job interview. Interviews (mensetsu 面接) are an essential part...
How to

How to change to a student visa for those already in Japan

There are many reasons why you might want to change to a student visa in Japan. You might be on a Japanese work visa, but wish to study full-time to improve your language skills. Or...
Learn Japanese

Q&A with students of our online beginner Japanese language course

We spoke with three students who completed our 12-week online beginner Japanese language course about their experiences taking the course – Antares from Mexico, Guillaume from France and Tanner from the United States. Learn about...
Learn Japanese

The similarities and differences between Japanese and Korean languages

Given the geographic proximity of Japan and Korea, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that these two countries share many things in common. One of those things is the language – although different in many...
Only in Japan

Guide to Hakuba ski resorts

Japan is world-famous for its quality powder snow and exceptional ski experiences. One of the best areas you can visit is Hakuba 白馬村, located in Nagano, which has several ski resorts in the Japanese Alps. ...
How to

How to budget to study in Japan

One of the most important things you need for your study abroad experience is money. You need it for rent, tuition, daily life and without meeting the minimum amount required by Japanese immigration, your visa...
Learn Japanese

Beyond the JLPT: all about Japanese language tests for learners

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is seen as the gold standard of Japanese language tests for non-native speakers. But did you know there are actually many other tests you can take aside from the...
Japanese Culture

The rich history of traditional Japanese music

Japanese pop music, or J-Pop, is popular all around the world thanks to movies, anime and the internet. But did you know Japan also has an incredibly rich and long history of traditional music and...
How to

Tips on how to speak Japanese more

Being able to speak and hold a conversation in Japanese is often a major hurdle many learners struggle to overcome. But it’s an important one because once you start to speak Japanese more, your language...
Learn Japanese

Japanese words and phrases you’ll need for the bank

Opening a bank account in Japan is essential if you plan on staying long-term. Luckily for newcomers, there are English-friendly options where you don’t need to know much Japanese in order to conduct your banking...
Learn Japanese

Introducing Go! Go! Nihon’s online beginner Japanese crash course

Since 2020, Go! Go! Nihon has been working with Japanese language schools to create online language courses. We’ve got a 12-week beginner online Japanese course, business Japanese courses, and even a Kansei dialect course. And...
How to

How students can get the COVID vaccine in Japan

This article is no longer updated. If you need information on the COVID vaccine, please double check with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, as well as your local ward office. The long-awaited COVID...
How to

Your step-by-step guide on how to send post from Japan

If you have ever tried to send international post from Japan, you’ll know it can be a confusing process. This is truer now more than ever after Japan Post changed its requirements around labelling for...
Japanese Culture

Understanding omiyage culture in Japan

The word omiyage お土産 translates to “souvenir”, but the practice of giving omiyage in Japan is much more nuanced than your typical western ideas of what a souvenir is.  Giving omiyage is deeply ingrained in...
How to

How to choose the right Japanese language school for you

Studying abroad is a big life event and you might feel a lot of pressure to choose the right Japanese language school. This decision involves many personal factors and what is right for someone else...
Learn Japanese

Japanese phrases you’ll hear at the convenience store

When you live in Japan, convenience stores will become an integral part of your life. Whether you’re looking for an early morning breakfast on the go, paying your utilities bills, or you need last-minute toiletries,...
Learn Japanese

Benefits of the Akamonkai online pre-intermediate Japanese course

Last year we launched the Akamonkai online 12-week beginner Japanese language course to help those of you who couldn’t come to Japan to start learning the language. Now, we’re excited to launch the Akamonkai pre-intermediate...
How to

How to get ready to apply to study in Japan if you’re under 18

The reality for those under 18 is it’s not possible to study in Japan long-term without restrictions. Although you could technically obtain a student visa, your accommodation options are extremely limited as a minor and...
Japanese Culture

What is a senpai: understanding the senpai-kōhai relationship

If you watch anime or read manga, you’ll probably have come across the word senpai 先輩. This is usually someone older, such as an older student at a school. But what a senpai is and...
Life in Japan

Live in Oita, the onsen capital of Japan

Oita prefecture (Ōita-ken 大分県) is located on the island of Kyūshū 九州 and is famous for its thousands of hot springs (onsen 温泉) and it’s unspoiled nature. If you think you want to live in...
Learn Japanese

Top essential Japanese phrases for daily life

As you go about your life in Japan, you’ll notice that there are certain words and phrases that you will hear people use all the time. Of course, knowing the language will add so much...
Learn Japanese

Double consonants and long vowels in Japanese pronunciation

As a beginner Japanese learner, it can be hard sometimes to get all the different pronunciation rules right. Especially challenging for beginner learners is the double consonant and long vs short vowels, which – when...
Life in Japan

Student Stories: Jose’s journey to learning Japanese in Japan

Like so many others hoping to study in Japan in 2020, Jose Moreno was forced to delay his plans as COVID-19 spread across the world. But with patience and Go! Go! Nihon’s help, Jose was...
Learn Japanese

Love is in the air: Japanese to use on a date

Going on a date can be nerve-wracking enough without having to worry about the language barrier as well. If you’re in the dating game in Japan, then chances are you’ll want some Japanese that you...
Life in Japan

How Go! Go! Nihon can help you find jobs in Japan

Working part-time while you study is a great way to earn some extra money. As a Japanese language student, there’s the added benefit of being able to practise your Japanese at your part-time job too....
Learn Japanese

Japanese you need to know for the post office

Whether it’s to send a postcard from your travels or a box full of goodies to your friends back home, you’re bound to need to visit the post office while you’re living in Japan. It...
Japanese Culture

8 things you may not know about Japanese work culture

A lot of what you hear about the Japanese work culture tends to focus on one thing: the long, unrewarding hours and the overwork. But there are actually so many unique aspects of Japanese work...
Learn Japanese

The benefits of studying in Japan for advanced Japanese learners

Getting your Japanese to an advanced level is entirely possible by studying in your home country. But to get more natural and fluent language skills, it’s worthwhile considering studying in Japan for advanced Japanese learners....
Libri per superare il JLPT in Giappone
How to

Everything you need to know about taking the JLPT in Japan

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the most widely recognised Japanese proficiency exam. Foreigners who want to work in Japan sweat blood and tears to pass the coveted JLPT N2 exam – the level...
Life in Japan

Where to order food online in Japan

For many people, a self-isolation period was part and parcel of arriving in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. You couldn’t leave your accommodation at any point during this period, which made getting fresh and healthy...
News

JR East Welcome Rail Pass a first for Japan’s foreigners

The Japan Rail Pass has always been for tourists only, but for a limited time foreigners – including students – living in Japan will get to make the most out of a special discount JR...
Japanese Culture

A newbie’s guide to J-Pop and its biggest artists

Japanese pop music has millions of fans around the world. Even if you feel you need a beginner’s guide to J-Pop, you’ll probably recognise more hits than you realise. You’ll hear J-Pop hits in movies,...
Life in Japan

10 articles that will help you prepare to study in Japan

Excited about the idea of studying in Japan? That’s great! Living and studying in Japan is a life-changing and fulfilling experience. And now that the borders are opening up again, you’ll probably be starting to...
News

Explore Tokyo with our Insider Guide!

As you might already know, some of the very best travel experiences come from exploring a place from a local’s perspective. We love helping people from all over the world experience Japan, so that’s why...
Learn Japanese

Immersive learning and why you should learn Japanese through immersion

You’re excited and ready to start your new Japanese language lessons, only to begin class and discover that everything is being taught in Japanese. You’re just a beginner! How are you supposed to understand anything?...
Life in Japan

Insider tips: the best hidden places to travel in Japan

With so many historical, cultural, and awe-inspiring places to go, it’s no surprise that Japan is on so many travel bucket lists. You may want to plan your next adventure around some of the best...
How to

The etiquette of using chopsticks in Japan

Chopsticks are the ubiquitous eating utensil in Japan, but it’s not just something you eat food with. Using chopsticks in Japan comes with its own set of rules and etiquette, which may not be apparent...
Learn Japanese

A beginner’s guide to basic Japanese counters

Each language has its own way of counting things and in Japanese, there are literally hundreds of different counters. A counter is a word that describes a thing that you are counting, for example people,...
Life in Japan

What it’s like to work in Japan as a foreigner

Long hours, unpaid overtime, traditional working culture and hierarchical structures – these are some of the things that often come to mind when people think about working in Japan. And while this may be true...
Learn Japanese

Useful Japanese for the ward office

Visiting your local ward office is a necessary, but sometimes burdensome, part of living in Japan. Most of the time, you’ll get by with basic Japanese, but it’s always better to go equipped with some...
How to

How to make a bank transfer in Japan

While living and studying in Japan, you may need to make a bank transfer from your Japanese bank account. If you’ve never done this before, or if you feel your Japanese language skills aren’t quite...
Learn Japanese

This and That: Understanding the difference between Kore, Sore and Are

Kore, sore and are are some of the first pronouns you’ll learn as a beginner Japanese language student and at first, they seem fairly straightforward. But, the difference between kore, sore and are is often...
Learn Japanese

Free online business Japanese course with Go! Go! Nihon

UPDATE: Together with the Intercultural Institute of Japan, we are now offering a paid comprehensive business Japanese course. Find more information and sign up here. If your goal is to live and work in Japan,...
Life in Japan

Student life in Japan: How much does it cost to live in Tokyo?

Tokyo is known to have some of the highest living costs in the world and the cost to live in Tokyo as a student might seem impossibly expensive. But, it is actually totally possible to...
Life in Japan

Study in Japan for 6 months: planning and timeline

This article was last updated August 2022. Want to study in Japan for 6 months, but you don’t know how or when to start? Don’t worry, we’ve made this helpful study-in-Japan guide for you, including...
Learn Japanese

When and how to use “yoroshiku onegaishimasu”

From introducing yourself to someone for the first time, to asking another person for a favour, the phrase yoroshiku onegaishimasu, よろしくお願いします is an essential part of Japanese language. You hear and use it everywhere, but...
How to

What you need to know about earthquakes in Japan

Among the many things that Japan is known for, the prevalence of earthquakes is perhaps one of the least pleasant. Earthquakes in Japan have been incredibly destructive, but at the same time, they have been...
Learn Japanese

Level up your language skills with Japanese onomatopoeia

You know you’re on your way to Japanese proficiency when you can use Japanese onomatopoeia in everyday conversations. When used correctly, they will inject colour and flair to the way you express yourself. Read on...
Life in Japan

Find everything you need at Donki Japan

With its cute penguin mascot and unmistakable theme song, Don Quijote, or Donki (ドンキ) for short, is a store that you’ll be sure to come across while you’re in Japan. But what actually is it...
Learn Japanese

Learn Japanese with TikTok

Everyone from Ariana Grande to your best friend’s dog is on TikTok right now and it’s easy to spend countless hours enjoying the creative, funny – and sometimes outright weird – content. But did you...
Learn Japanese

Japanese words you need to rent an apartment in Japan

Finding a place to live is a significant step in your move to Japan. If you want to tackle this in Japanese, you will need to know a few specific words in order to successfully...
Life in Japan

Going cashless in Japan

It’s still pretty hard to get by in Japan without cash, but the cashless payment trend is slowly catching on. From LINE Pay to train cards, there are a few popular ways to use cashless...
Learn Japanese

Learn Japanese online with Akamonkai Japanese Language School

Learn Japanese online with one of Tokyo’s largest Japanese Language Schools, Akamonkai. Together with Go! Go! Nihon, Akamonkai is now offering a 12-week online Japanese course, designed to teach you the fundamentals of the Japanese...
Learn Japanese

How Japanese language school terms work

In general, there are four Japanese language school terms a year, which means four times a year you can start studying. But, if you want to maximise your time in Japan, you will want to...
Life in Japan

More than medicine: what you can buy at drugstores in Japan

Just like convenience stores, it seems as if there are drugstores everywhere in Japan. And rather than just sell medicine, they offer you so much more. Read on to find out what you can buy...
How to

Live in Japan long term: a five-year visa plan for Japan

When you imagine your future in Japan, what do you see? Study, then work? Language study, then higher education? Running your own business? Whatever your vision is, you need to have a visa plan in...
Learn Japanese

How to learn Japanese through Netflix

If you’re looking for a way to learn more Japanese, then look no further than your Netflix subscription. Whether you are in Japan or not, there are a range of shows available on the popular...
Learn Japanese

In quarantine or can’t get to Japan yet? Use the time to self-learn Japanese!

There are many reasons why you might need, or want, to self-learn Japanese. It might not be possible for you to study in Japan at the moment, or you might be stuck indoors because of...
Learn Japanese

Am I too old to study Japanese in Japan?

You may have heard recently that it’s now impossible to study in Japan if you are over 30 years old. Luckily for those who fall in that category, this isn’t actually true and it’s actually...
News

Fans can finally watch Ghibli movies on Netflix

Love the whimsical and fairytale worlds of Ghibli movies? For those outside of Japan and North America, these magical worlds will be coming to your Netflix screens from next month. Netflix has bought the rights...
Life in Japan

Working in Japan without a university degree

You may already know that working in Japan without a university degree is essentially impossible unless you have at least 10 years of work experience in a specific field. Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy way to...
Learn Japanese

Japanese language schools FAQ

We make the process of applying for a student visa and going to a Japanese language school super easy, but there are still some basics you should know about how Japanese language schools work, what...

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Who we are

Go! Go! Nihon Live and Study in Japan!

In 2009, after meeting and studying at a Japanese language school together, Davide and John start working on a project that will make the process of living and studying in Japan much easier. The idea for Go! Go! Nihon is born. The service and website is launched with Italian, Swedish, and English language support. There is an immediate positive reception to the service and the first long-term students start the October session that year.

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