Migaku Japanese Language Blog: Learning Articles, Tips & Resources

A man sitting in a chair holding a Japanese textbook above his head, pages flying everywhere; it's a disaster

Learning a Language in 2025 & The Problem with Textbooks

Traditionally, when people think of learning a language, their first thought is to get a textbook. Unfortunately, that's not actually a very good idea. Here's why.

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Best Japanese Podcast Recommendations for Every Level

Discover the best Japanese podcasts for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners. Get specific recommendations plus strategies to actually improve.

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Understanding Spoken Japanese: Tips to Comprehend Natives

Practical strategies for understanding spoken Japanese from native speakers. Improve listening comprehension with real content, not just textbooks.

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Japanese Reading Levels Explained: JLPT, Tadoku & More

Confused about Japanese reading levels? Learn how JLPT, tadoku, and graded readers work, plus find reading material that actually matches your skills.

How to Read Japanese News (Complete Guide for Learners)

Advice on how to read Japanese news from beginner to advanced. Discover the best sites and strategies to improve your reading skills with real content.

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Reading Japanese Manga: Your Practical Learning Guide

Study Japanese through manga with this practical guide. Discover beginner titles, lookup strategies, and step-by-step methods that actually work.

Modern Japanese Slang Terms You'll Actually Use in 2026

Current Japanese slang from yabai to kusa. Real terms Japanese speakers use in 2025 and 2026 for texting, social media, and casual conversation.

Japanese Business Vocabulary: Essential Office Terms Guide

Essential Japanese business vocabulary for meetings, emails, and professional settings. Master greetings and office terms to succeed in Japanese companies.

Japanese Time Words: Complete Guide to Tell Time in Japanese

Learn japanese time words and how to tell time naturally. Covers hours, minutes, AM/PM, and essential phrases for real conversations.

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Japanese Seasons: Essential Vocabulary & Expressions Guide

Unlock Japanese seasons vocabulary from haru to fuyu, including cherry blossom terms, cultural events, and expressions Japanese people actually use daily.

Japanese Months: Modern & Traditional Names Guide

Learn all 12 Japanese months with kanji, pronunciation, and traditional names. Complete guide to gatsu system and wafū getsumei for language learners.

Japanese Direction Words: Essential Navigation Vocabulary

Learn essential Japanese direction words, phrases, and grammar for asking and giving directions. Includes vocabulary lists, example dialogues, and practical tips.

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Japanese Emotions Vocabulary: Express Feelings Naturally

Learn essential Japanese emotions vocabulary from basic feelings to nuanced expressions. Discover how to describe happiness and unique emotional states.

Japanese Shopping Phrases: Essential Guide for Tourists

Learn essential Japanese shopping phrases for asking prices, trying clothes, and making purchases in Japan. Practical phrases with romaji for tourists.

Japanese Weather Vocabulary: Essential Terms for Learners

Learn essential Japanese weather vocabulary including tenki, seasons, and forecast terms. Complete guide with kanji, romaji, and practical phrases.

Japanese Body Parts: Complete Vocabulary Guide for Learners

Learn essential Japanese body parts vocabulary from head to toe. Complete guide with romaji, kanji, and English for all skill levels.

Japanese Colors: Complete Guide to Color Words in Japanese

Learn all Japanese color words with kanji, hiragana, and romaji. Covers traditional terms, loanwords, grammar, and cultural meanings for language learners.

How to Say Good Luck in Japanese: Ganbatte & More

Learn how to say good luck in Japanese with ganbatte and other essential phrases. Includes cultural context, formal/casual variations, and real examples.

How to Say Congratulations in Japanese: Complete Guide

Learn congratulations in Japanese with omedetou, formal phrases, and occasion-specific expressions. Includes pronunciation, usage, and cultural tips.

Happy Birthday in Japanese: Complete Guide (2026)

Learn how to say happy birthday in Japanese with formal and casual phrases, pronunciation, cultural tips, and real conversation examples.

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How to Say Nice to Meet You in Japanese (Hajimemashite Guide)

Learn how to say "nice to meet you" in Japanese with hajimemashite and variations for formal and casual situations. Includes pronunciation.

See You Later in Japanese: Casual Phrases That Sound Natural

Learn how to say see you later in Japanese with casual phrases. Includes pronunciation, context, and what Japanese people actually say daily.

How to Say Good Night in Japanese: Complete Guide

Learn how to say good night in Japanese with oyasumi, oyasuminasai, and romantic variations. Includes romaji, usage contexts, and cultural tips.

How to Say Good Morning in Japanese: Beginner's Guide

Learn how to say good morning in Japanese with ohayou gozaimasu, casual variations, pronunciation tips, and cultural context for proper usage.

You're Welcome in Japanese: 12 Ways to Respond to Thank You

How to say you're welcome in Japanese beyond "dou itashimashite"? Master casual and formal responses to "arigatou" with pronunciation and cultural context.

How to Say Please in Japanese: Kudasai vs Onegaishimasu

Say please in Japanese with kudasai, onegaishimasu, and douzo. Understand when to use each form based on context and formality level.

How to Say Sorry in Japanese: Complete Apology Guide

Here's every way to say sorry in Japanese, from casual gomen to formal moushiwake arimasen. Master when to use sumimasen vs gomen nasai with real examples.

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Excuse Me in Japanese: Sumimasen, Shitsurei & More

Say excuse me in Japanese with sumimasen, shitsurei shimasu, and casual alternatives. Pronunciation, context, and usage tips included.

Japanese Time Expressions: Complete Grammar Guide

When to use particle ni with time words? How to tell time, and express schedules naturally in Japanese? Clear rules with practical examples.

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Japanese Counters Guide: Master 個, 枚, 本 & More

Learn Japanese counters with this complete guide covering 個, 枚, 本, 人, 匹, and more. Includes pronunciation tips, sound changes, and practical examples.

Japanese Casual Form: When to Use Casual Forms

When to use Japanese casual forms vs polite speech? Covers verb conjugation, social rules, and how to avoid sounding rude or overly formal.

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Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Your Japan Trip

The must-know Japanese travel phrases for getting around, ordering food, and connecting with locals. Includes pronunciation guides and cultural tips.

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Japanese Family Words: Complete Guide to Family Terms

Basic Japanese families words with kanji, hiragana, and romaji. Covers immediate family, extended relatives, and usage rules in Japanese culture.

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Japanese Keigo: Understanding Honorific Language Forms

Japanese keigo (honorific language) with clear explanations of sonkeigo, kenjougo, and teineigo. Understand when to use respectful speech.

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Japanese Copula: Understanding です (Desu) and だ (Da)

How does the Japanese copula work? Understand です (desu) vs だ (da), when to use each form, and how they function in sentences with clear examples.

Japanese Negation: How to Make Negative Sentences

Japanese negation has clear conjugation rules for verbs, adjectives, and nouns. Here are informal nai, formal masen, past tense, and common mistakes.

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Japanese Question Words: How to Ask Questions in Japanese

Learn essential Japanese question words like nani, doko, and itsu with particles, examples, and usage rules. Start asking real questions today.

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Japanese Word Order: Basic to Advanced SOV Grammar Guide

Master Japanese word order from basic SOV structure to advanced patterns. Learn particles, flexibility, and practical sentence building with clear examples.

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How to Conjugate Japanese Adjectives (Complete Guide)

Learn Japanese adjective conjugation for i-adjectives and na-adjectives. Complete guide with tense forms, te-form, irregular いい, and practical examples.

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Japanese Verb Kuru (来る): Conjugation & Usage Guide

Learn how to conjugate and use the irregular Japanese verb kuru (来る) correctly. Complete guide with conjugation charts, te-form usage, and examples.

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Japanese Verb Suru: How to Use する Correctly

Learn how to use the Japanese verb suru (する) correctly with conjugation tables, example sentences, and practical tips for forming suru verbs from nouns.

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Japanese Verb Aru (ある): Usage Guide for Beginners

Learn how to use the Japanese verb aru (ある) correctly. Covers aru vs iru, conjugation, sentence patterns, polite forms, and common mistakes for beginners.

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Japanese Transitive vs Intransitive Verbs Explained Simply

Learn the difference between Japanese transitive (他動詞) and intransitive (自動詞) verbs with clear examples, particle usage, common pairs, and recognition patterns.

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Japanese Verb Stems: How They Work and Why They Matter

Learn how to form and use Japanese verb stems for conjugation. Covers godan, ichidan, irregular verbs plus practical uses like -tai, -mashou, and compounds.

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Japanese Te-Form: Complete Conjugation Guide

Learn how to conjugate Japanese verbs into te-form with clear rules for all verb groups, plus practical examples for requests, progressive tense, and more.

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Japanese Verb Conjugation: Complete Beginner's Guide

Master Japanese verb conjugation with this complete guide covering godan, ichidan, and irregular verbs, plus te-form, masu form, and essential conjugation patterns.

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Japanese Particle の (No): Complete Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Japanese particle の (no) correctly for possession, noun modification, nominalization, and more with clear examples and practical tips.

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Kanji Flashcards That Actually Work: Proven Strategies

Learn how to create and use kanji flashcards effectively with spaced repetition, multiple card strategies, and hybrid digital-handwriting methods for lasting retention.

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Japanese Particle で (De): Complete Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Japanese particle で (de) correctly for location, means, materials, and cause with clear examples and practical tips.

Complete Guide to the 2,136 Joyo Kanji for Japanese Learners

Here's everything about the 2,136 joyo kanji: grade-by-grade lists, readings, stroke counts, and practical study strategies for mastering essential Japanese characters.

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How Many Kanji to Learn for Fluency, JLPT, or Daily Use

Learn exactly how many kanji you need for different goals: 100 for N5, 1,000 for daily life, or 2,000+ for fluency. Real numbers, no fluff.

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Kanji Mnemonics: Memory Techniques That Actually Work

Learn kanji faster with mnemonic techniques, radical breakdowns, and spaced repetition. Practical guide covering RTK, WaniKani, Anki, and proven methods.

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Common Katakana Words: Essential Loanwords for Learners

Learn common katakana words and Japanese loanwords. Get practical lists of food, tech, and everyday katakana vocabulary with romaji and pronunciation tips.

Duolingo Japanese Review: Does It Actually Work in 2025?

Honest Duolingo Japanese review covering what works, what doesn't, and whether it can actually make you fluent. Plus better alternatives for serious learners.

How to Write in Japanese: Complete Beginner's Guide

Learn how to write in Japanese with this guide to hiragana, katakana, and kanji. Covers stroke order and practical writing strategies for beginners.

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Japanese Sentence Structure: Understanding SOV Word Order

Learn how Japanese sentence structure works with SOV word order, particles, and verb-final placement. Clear examples and practical tips for beginners.

Duolingo Japanese Review: Honest Assessment for 2025

Honest Duolingo Japanese review covering what works for beginners, major grammar and kanji gaps, and whether you can actually reach fluency. Plus better alternatives.

JLPT N2 Overview: Complete Guide to Format, Study & Passing

Everything you need to know about JLPT N2: exam structure, scoring, study tips, and real-world applications. Complete overview.

Common Japanese Learning Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Avoid these Japanese learning mistakes that waste your time: skipping kana, particle confusion, and more. Get practical fixes that actually work.

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Why Is Japanese Hard to Learn? Real Challenges Explained

Japanese is genuinely difficult for English speakers. Learn exactly why the writing system, grammar, and cultural context make Japanese hard to learn.

JLPT Study Guide: How to Prepare for Japanese Proficiency Test

Complete JLPT study guide covering N5 to N1 prep. Learn what resources work, how to organize study time, and avoid common mistakes. Practical tips inside.

Japanese Particle も: Complete Grammar Guide for Beginners

Master the Japanese particle も (mo) with this clear guide. Learn when も means "also," "too," "even," or "neither" — plus common mistakes to avoid.

Japanese Immersion Learning: Real Methods That Work

Learn Japanese through immersion with practical methods that actually work. Get timelines, tools, and strategies for fluency from beginner to advanced.

Best Japanese Anki Decks for Beginners to Advanced (2026)

Find the best Japanese Anki decks for vocab, kanji, and JLPT prep. Covers Core 2000, Kaishi 1.5k, RTK, and more with honest reviews for every level.

Japanese Pronunciation Guide: Master Vowels & Consonants Fast

Learn Japanese pronunciation with this complete guide covering vowels, consonants, pitch accent, and common mistakes. Sound natural faster than you think.

How to Speak Japanese: Real Guide for Beginners (2025)

Learn how to speak Japanese with actionable steps: master kana, practice pronunciation, and start conversations fast. No fluff, just what works.

Best Japanese Anime for Learning: Beginner to Advanced

Discover which anime actually helps you learn Japanese, from beginner shows to advanced series. Includes practical tips for effective learning.

Best Japanese Learning Resources for Self-Study That Work

Honest reviews of the best Japanese learning resources for self-study: WaniKani, Anki, and more. What actually works for kanji, grammar, and fluency.

Japanese Restaurant Phrases: Order Food Like a Local

Master essential Japanese restaurant phrases for ordering food, from entering to paying. Learn the basic formula and cultural etiquette.

Japanese Listening Practice: Methods That Actually Work

Learn effective Japanese listening practice methods, including shadowing, active listening, etc. Practical techniques for beginners to advanced learners.

Japanese Reading Practice: Resources & Methods That Work

Discover effective Japanese reading practice methods. Learn daily routines and materials that actually improve your reading skills.

How to Read Japanese: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Learn how to read Japanese from scratch. Master hiragana, katakana, and kanji with proven strategies that actually work. Start reading real content faster.

Japanese Desu Masu Form: Complete Guide to Polite Japanese

Learn how to use です (desu) and ます (masu) forms in Japanese. Clear explanations, conjugation rules, examples, and common mistakes for polite speech.

What Is Your Name in Japanese? Self-Intro Guide

Learn how to say "what is your name" in Japanese and introduce yourself properly. Guide with formal and casual phrases, cultural tips, and examples.

Japanese Food Vocabulary: Essential Words for Dining

Learn essential Japanese food vocabulary for ingredients, dishes, and dining. Guide with phrases and practical examples for travelers and learners.

How Are You in Japanese: Formal, Casual & Everything Between

Learn how to ask "how are you" in Japanese with formal phrases like ogenki desu ka, casual versions like genki, plus cultural tips for every situation.

Japanese Particle と: Complete Guide (And, With, Quotation)

Master the Japanese particle と with clear explanations of all its uses—listing, accompaniment, quotation, conditionals, and more. Real examples, no fluff.

Japanese Verb Conjugation Guide: Conjugate Verbs Like a Pro

Master Japanese verb conjugation with this complete guide. Learn godan, ichidan, te form, and every tense you need to conjugate Japanese verbs naturally.

Japanese Particle か (ka): The Complete Guide to Usage

Master the Japanese particle か (ka) — learn how it forms questions, means "or," creates words like 誰か and 何か, and why your textbook got it wrong.

JLPT N4 Overview: Pass the Test with Real Japanese Study

Everything you need to know about JLPT N4: vocabulary, kanji, grammar requirements, study hours, test format, and what actually works for passing the exam.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Japanese? Real Timelines

Honest breakdown of Japanese learning timelines from beginner to fluent. FSI estimates 2,200 hours, but your timeline depends on study methods and goals.

Japanese Particle で (de): Complete Guide for Learners

Master the Japanese particle で (de) with clear explanations of location, means, and cause uses. Learn when to use で vs に and see real examples from native Japanese.

Japanese Causative Form: Grammar Guide to Make vs Let Verbs

Master the Japanese causative form and causative verb conjugation. Learn when させる means "make" or "let someone do something" with clear examples and particle rules.

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How to Say Please in Japanese: Ultimate Guide | Migaku

Learn how to say please in Japanese, from casual to business-level politeness, and even formal and traditional expressions. Read more inside… please!

Japanese Te-Form: Master This Essential Verb Conjugation

The Japanese te-form is the most-used verb conjugation. Learn the conjugation rules, main grammar patterns, and how to use te-form naturally in Japanese.

Japanese Passive Form: Grammar Guide for Verbs & Usage

Master the Japanese passive form with conjugation rules for every verb type. Learn when to use passive, particle に vs によって, and how Japanese passive differs from English.

JLPT N3 Overview: How to Pass the JLPT N3 Exam

Complete JLPT N3 guide: kanji and vocabulary requirements, test sections, study plan, and preparation strategies. Everything you need to pass the JLPT N3.

Japanese Conditional Forms: と, たら, ば, なら Explained

Master Japanese conditional grammar with と, たら, ば, and なら. Learn which form to use, common mistakes, and how to conjugate each conditional in Japanese.

How to Learn Japanese: Beginner's Guide That Works

Learn Japanese effectively as a beginner. Master hiragana, katakana, kanji, and grammar through real content - not boring textbooks. Start learning today.

Month in Japanese: Learn How to Say Months of the Year

Learn how to say months in Japanese with this guide to gatsu, kagetsu, and pronunciation. Master count months in Japanese and avoid the 3 irregular readings.

Best App to Learn Japanese: What Actually Works in 2025

Most Japanese learning apps were built for Spanish. Here's what actually works for developing real Japanese language skills, based on research and real learner results.

Memorable Japanese Quotes & Proverbs

Embrace perseverance, wisdom, and mindfulness with these impactful Japanese quotes and proverbs.

Remember the Kanji - A Radical Review of Heisig's Method

Do you remember the kanji you learned a week ago? Learning Japanese characters can be difficult, but with Heisig's Remembering the Kanji, it's easy!

Two people walking away into the distance down a train station—precisely what you might see after telling someone goodbye in japanese

Leaving Like a Local: How to Say Goodbye in Japanese

There are a number of handy ways to say goodbye in Japanese besides さようなら (sayonara). From formal farewells to casual see ya's, this article covers the more popular ways to bid someone adieu.

One Migaku user's story: feeling controlled by their flashcards on day 1 to feeling on top of things on day 100

A University Student's Plan to Learn Japanese in 100 Days | Migaku Case Study

The story of how a university student is using Migaku to learn Japanese: how he got started, what he'd do differently, and his rush to 5,000 vocabulary words.

A photo through the window of a Japanese cafe, showing several people sitting behind a window eating their food

How to Order Food in Japanese

Everything you need to know to order food in Japanese. Includes dozens of useful phrases, an overview of the different situations you'll encounter dining in Japan.

A woman using the phone, a prime opportunity to make use of any Japanese phone greetings you may know

Japanese Phone Greetings｜From “Moshi Moshi” to Business Etiquette

Japanese phone greetings explained: from casual phrases like “moshi moshi” to business etiquette, messages, and polite endings—everything you need in one guide.

Someone walking through Japan on a rainy day—perhaps June, as per the stories behind the traditional Japanese months of the year

Learn the Months in Japanese | Easy Guide

Learn the Japanese months, including pronunciation, sample sentences, cultural context and more. This is your Migaku guide to the months in Japanese.

A picture of many Japanese figures, metaphorically representing the army of cool Japanese words you're about to learn

Cool Japanese Words | Easy Guide

Ready to learn cool Japanese words and phrases? Here are some of the most beautiful Japanese concepts worth knowing.

Is it hard to learn Japanese? 3 Reasons Yes, 3 Reasons No

Want to learn Japanese, but feel intimidated? Here are a few things that make the Japanese language hard to learn—plus some things that work in your favor.

A wall covered in pieces of paper with calligraphic Japanese characters on them.

Onyomi vs Kunyomi: Remember These 4 Rules to Read Kanji Correctly

What’s the deal with all these different readings for kanji?You’re not alone in your confusion! Let’s take a look at the difference between onyomi and kunyomi readings, and the best way to learn Japanese kanji.

A collection of manga on a bookshelf—you might be ready to start your own, after discovering a few of the best japanese manga for beginners

The Best Manga for Beginners to Learn Japanese

Want to learn Japanese so you can read manga? What if I told you can learn Japanese by reading manga? It's true! Here are our top picks and best tips to have fun while studying Japanese.

The front of a Japanese cafe, exactly the sort of place where you might go to try some of the basic Japanese phrases within this article!

100+ Must-Know Basic Japanese Phrases

Have an upcoming trip to Japan? Here's all of the Japanese phrases, words, and questions you need to get by.

Two women eating food—exactly the time when you would say itadakimasu in Japanese!

What Does Itadakimasu Mean in Japanese?

いただきます (itadakimasu) is used when receiving things and has a rather humble feel to it. Whether it be meals, gifts, or favors, this phrase can be used to express gratitude in a multitude of situations.

Two salaryman exchanging business cards, a situation in which you'll definitely hear some Japanese keigo

Japanese Keigo: An Overview of the Honorific and Humble Forms

Japanese keigo giving you trouble? Here’s a brief overview of the honorific and humble forms of keigo, what they mean, and how you can make sure you’re being polite!

A calendar in a Japanese restaurant, showing the days of the week and the month of the yaer

Master the Days of the Week in Japanese | Easy Guide

Learn the days of the week in Japanese! It's easier than you think, especially with our Japanese Days Easy Guide. Find out more inside...

A photograph of a samurai, perhaps one of the well-known figures in Japanese history, and many of which will be featured in the below anime recs

Learn About Japanese History With These 10 Anime | Migaku

Love Japan's history? Anime offers an engaging window into Japan's rich past, and here are the best anime for learning about Japanese history.

A group of four Japanese salaryman at an izakaya—the place you go to immerse in Japanese after you've managed to learn business Japanese

9 Manga, Anime & Dramas to Learn Business Japanese | Migaku

Need to brush up on your ビジネス日本語? Here’s how you can learn business anime with anime, manga & J-dramas (with a helping hand from Migaku).

A very scary scene—the sort of thing you'll see in some of the horror anime recommendations in this article!

10 Best Horror Anime to Learn Japanese | Migaku

Looking for the best horror anime of all time? Be careful what you wish for! Here's everything from Tokyo Ghoul to Death Note—plus some you likely haven't heard of.

A Japanese woman waving, to say "hello".

Top 12 Japanese Greetings: Meanings, Usage, and Cultural Context

Discover the top 12 Japanese greetings to enhance your language skills. Learn these essential phrases now and start speaking like a local.

Join the Migaku Japanese Learning Discord: Connect with 12,000+ Japanese Language Learners

Join the Migaku Japanese Learning Discord with over 12,000 members! Practice & Learn Japanese, get real-time feedback, and access channels for other languages like Chinese, Korean, and more. Boost your language skills with Migaku’s powerful tools and a supportive community.

A screenshot of a man and woman laying down some serious notes in the backside of a van, perhaps as a way to learn Japanese

Nani ga Suki? Top Karaoke Songs for Learning Japanese

Love singing and want to learn Japanese? You're in luck! This article will introduce karaoke culture and several songs good for learners to start with.

A photograph of two Japanese people standing next to each other, likely close enough that they don't use japanese honorifics anymore

Understanding Japanese Honorifics: How to Use Suffixes Like San, Kun, and More

Unsure of how or why to use Japanese honorifics? Let’s look at some common Japanese honorifics, their meaning and use, and how you can put them to use in your own Japanese.

A photo of the Anki icon and the flag of Spain, as this is a blog post about Spanish Anki decks!

さすが (sasuga) | The Japanese Word for Compliments, Expectations, and Contradictions

さすが (sasuga) is a handy Japanese word that can be used for both compliments and contradictions. Learn about its meaning, usages, and nuances in this article.

A screenshot of a woman, her phone, her headset, and her shibainu—the perfect setup to enjoy some Japanese podcasts

The Best Japanese Podcasts for Beginner and Intermediate Learners (2025)

Looking for the best Japanese podcasts? Here are the podcasts you should be listening to as a beginner or intermediate who wants to learn Japanese 💪

A screenshot of a book of manga—a place where you're likely to find a bunch of Japanese onomatopoeia being used!

Japanese Onomatopoeia: 10 Common Sounds You'll Find in Manga

An onomatopoeia is a word that represents a sound (and more!). We share 10 Japanese onomatopoeia words that you'll hear in manga, everyday conversations, and basically everywhere.

A photo of a grimoire, because never mind the best kanji books—you're going to need some black magic to learn this stuff

The Five Best Books to Learn Kanji (with study tips!)

Want to learn kanji? Here's a few textbooks and workbooks you can use to study kanji characters. | Remembering the Kanji, Kanji dictionary, kanji look & learn.

A photo of a man standing on the street, looking for a Japanese book to read from the wall of a building that conveniently doubles as a library

How to Learn Japanese by Reading

So you want to read in Japanese, but aren't sure where to get started? Let's talk about finding your first book, how to get through it, and how to sentence mine with it.

A screenshot of an anime character with a number on his hand—without a counter, because he's a noob, apparently

Japanese Counters: Learn to Count in Japanese | Migaku

How do you count in Japanese? Japanese counters, of course! Learn how to count people, small objects, machines and so much more with Migaku.

A screenshot from an anime in which characters are cheering on their teammates!

Ganbatte or Ganbare? How to use this Japanese word (like a pro)

'Ganbatte' translates to 'good luck'... but, when you use ganbatte in Japanese culture, it's really more of a cross between 'good luck' and 'perseverance'. Here's how it works!

A screenshot of the landing splash page of Solo Leveling, which is about to become an awesome resource to help you learn Japanese.

Use Solo Leveling to Level Up Your Japanese | Migaku

Can you learn Japanese through anime? See how you could be watching Solo Leveling to learn Japanese—with Migaku by your side. Find out more…

A screenshot of a yuurei-looking ghost about to pop through a digital screen—basically the start of a Japanese horror movie

Learn Japanese with These 7 Japanese Horror Movies!

Looking for Japanese horror movies to watch and also interested in learning Japanese? Here are some of the scariest horror films that j-horror has to offer.

Everything You Need to Know to Pass the JLPT N5 (+Sample Questions)

The JLPT N5 is the first level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, a test which measures how well you've learned Japanese. Here's how it works!

A photo of a young woman holding several textbooks; the header image for a blog article about Japanese textbooks.

The Five Best Japanese Textbooks for Beginners

Looking for the best Japanese textbooks? This guide compares top picks like Genki, Japanese From Zero, Minna no Nihongo, and Tobira to help you find the perfect one for your learning journey.

A Japanese girl about to swearing with her fingers, sourced from @decoponkann on X

Japanese Swear Words: A Guide to Curse Words and Expressions

We don't know why you're googling for swear words in Japanese but we've put a handy guide together for you 💪 Learn everything from バカ to くたばれ

A photo of the front cover of Tae Kim's Guide to Japanese Grammar.

Tae Kim's Guide to Japanese Grammar: Is It the Right Resource for You?

Discover the pros and cons of Tae Kim's Guide to Japanese Grammar, one of the most popular tools for learning Japanese. Find out who it’s best suited for and how it can fit into your language-learning journey.

Two very similar Spidermen looking at each other, surprised to see each other, wondering how they're going to prove which one is which—a similar conundrum to the one Japanese learners experience while dealing with the particles は (wa) and が (ga).

Japanese Particles は and が: Clear Examples and Essential Tips

Learn the difference between the Japanese particles は (wa) and が (ga). This guide simplifies their roles, nuances, and usage with practical examples for all learners.

A doctor using a medical instrument to tap a patient's knee (に). Trust me, it's funny.

Mastering the Use of the Particle に in Japanese

Discover the essential uses of the Japanese particle に (ni), from marking destinations to indicating time and location. This beginner-friendly guide includes examples, grammar tips, and practical strategies to master に.

A group of friends sending a selfie to someone, as if to say 'come on, let's go somewhere!'

Japanese Verb Volitional Form: A Guide to Conjugation and Usage

Understand & Master the Japanese verb volitional form with our comprehensive guide! Learn how to express volition using 〜よう and 〜ましょう, and say <let's> or <shall we?> effortlessly.

A young woman eating a slice of pie, thus demonstrating what the Japanese particle を that marks direct objects is used for.

The Japanese Particle を (wo): A Beginner’s Guide to Direct Objects

Learn how to use the Japanese particle を (wo) to mark direct objects in sentences. This beginner-friendly guide covers grammar basics, sentence examples, and practical tips to enhance your understanding of Japanese.

A photo of a Japanese temple with Mount Fuji in the background

Is Learning Japanese Worth It?: 10 Amazing Reasons to Learn Japanese

Wondering if learning Japanese is worth it? Explore 10 compelling reasons why learning Japanese can boost your career, enrich your life, and help you immerse in Japanese culture. Discover how Migaku makes learning Japanese more effective and enjoyable.

A group of friends gathered on the couch, watching something Netflix—perhaps a classic j-drama!