Up until the end of 2009, the JLPT only had 4 levels.  Because people were having trouble passing the level 2 test, they decided to add a new test between the old level 2 and level 3 tests.  This new test is N3. With the new testing system, they are al

If you are anything like me you are eagerly checking your mail box every time you come home from work. Tis the season for JLPT results to come back. I took the N3 last December on my way to N2 this July. I'm pretty confident I passed, but I'd still lik

This last week, I was teaching some public employees English.  It is a grueling experience that includes 4 - 12 hour days.  On one of the days, I was basically teaching for 9 hours.  It is a challenging, but also I think very helpful for me.  I get to

This is the 12th episode of the JLPT Boot Camp podcast.  I've been podcasting now for about 3 months and it is good to hear from so many people across the globe.  Thanks for commenting and rating the podcast in iTunes. Language is living, breathing thi

There are several different ways to memorize vocabulary.  A lot of you are probably at least familiar with flashcards and some simple ways to remember the vocabulary, but today we are talking about spaced repetition systems or sometimes simply just calle

Studying for the test can get a little lonely sometimes.  Putting in the time day after day can get to be pretty rough.  When studying for the test it is good to have a resource to turn to. I used to go to the gym about 3 times a week.   My friend wo

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope everyone had an amazing New Year's!  Mine was spent quietly with my family watching the Downtown comedy special on TV.  If you are not familiar with Downtown they are very famous comedy team here in Osaka.  Every year t

Happy holidays everyone!  I hope you are enjoying this holiday season however you spend it.  I personally have 10 days off and I'm loving it.  I have to do a lot of cleaning to get ready for the new year, but who doesn't want a clean house right? Anyw

Today I want to talk about having fun while studying.  Remember that time?  That time when you first started learning Japanese and you were only able to introduce yourself and say your name, but somehow it was fun. Somewhere along the road, you got tir

Last week I talked a little bit about long term goals and why they are important.  This week I decided to focus a little bit on short term goals. Both long and short term goals are important.  Long term goals are the mountain in the distance whereas sh