Migaku Japanese Language Blog: Learning Articles, Tips & Resources

Some futuristic tech containing the secrets of knowledge in a library, contrasting the old and the new

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.

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.

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!

Explore Our Comprehensive Japanese Language Learning Resources

Learning a Language in 2025 & The Problem with Textbooks

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

How to Order Food in Japanese

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

Learn the Months in Japanese | Easy Guide

Cool Japanese Words | Easy Guide

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

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

100+ Must-Know Basic Japanese Phrases

What Does Itadakimasu Mean in Japanese?

Japanese Keigo: An Overview of the Honorific and Humble Forms

Master the Days of the Week in Japanese | Easy Guide

Learn About Japanese History With These 10 Anime | Migaku

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

10 Best Horror Anime to Learn Japanese | Migaku

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

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

Nani ga Suki? Top Karaoke Songs for Learning Japanese

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

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

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

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

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

How to Learn Japanese by Reading

Japanese Counters: Learn to Count in Japanese | Migaku

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

Use Solo Leveling to Level Up Your Japanese | Migaku

Learn Japanese with These 7 Japanese Horror Movies!

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

The Five Best Japanese Textbooks for Beginners

Japanese Swear Words: A Guide to Curse Words and Expressions

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

Japanese Particles は and が: Clear Examples and Essential Tips

Mastering the Use of the Particle に in Japanese

Japanese Verb Volitional Form: A Guide to Conjugation and Usage

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

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

Learn Japanese with Netflix: A Beginner's Guide to Fun and Effective Language Learning

Learn Japanese with Manga: How Migaku’s OCR Feature Can Boost Your Reading Skills

How Long Does It Take to Pass JLPT N1? Study Hours and Tips for Success

Best Japanese Language Learning Software: How Migaku Transforms Your Japanese Skills

Comprehensive Japanese Letter Writing Guide: Styles, Etiquette, and Key Phrases

How to Write a Japanese Letter

The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Particles

How to Conjugate the Japanese Verb いる (iru): Your Go-To Verb for Living Things

The Best way to learn Japanese Vocabulary: The Frequency Approach with Migaku

Japanese Basics: The Best Way to Learn Kanji. Memorize Japanese Kanji Easily!

Japanese Basics: How To Say "Yes" in Japanese

7 Essential Ways to Say Thank You in Japanese, From Casual to Formal

8 Ways to Say No in Japanese: From Direct to Polite Refusals

Mastering Japanese Numbers: How to Count from 1 to 1000 and Beyond

Learn Katakana in a Few Days: Quick Guide with Memory Tricks

Learn Hiragana in 7 Days: Complete Guide with Mnemonics

Japanese Writing Systems Explained: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji

Japanese Love Kanji Explained: Suki, Koi, and Ai Meanings