Blogs edited and submitted by Chiho Kamioka

Advanced level Japanese The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test or JLPT, is an internationally recognized test to evaluate Japanese language ability for non-native speakers, covering language knowledge, reading ability, and listening ability. The highest level of the test is the JLPT N1 level. This test level's curriculum is covered at JOI online school in the Advanced level classes. There are c...

Japanese literature Japan is a treasure trove for bookstores and literature. There are Nobel prize winning authors, and a large number of domestic book competitions and prizes that create a buzz in the local media like the Akutagawa Prize and the Naoki Prize, both awarded to new, up and coming artists. Bookstores in Japan feature a large selection of genres. And although the number of brick and ...

Winter goods in Japan There are many great and fun winter goods sold in Japan. The recent proliferation of USB powered products means there are some very unique little designs to be found all over the country. Tourists from China, Korea and Taiwan seem to find the cheaper products in the Daiso 100 yen shops, the quirky fun goods in the Don Quixote shops and the unique and well-designed products ...

Examinations in Japan The Japanese education system is dominated by examinations and a test-taking culture. As is common in East Asian and South East Asian societies, the competition of getting into higher education creates a “exam hell” that starts in the middle school years and continues into high school. The culmination is the university entrance challenge. There are a number of frightening s...

Green Tea in Japan In England when we say, “I'd like a cuppa...” we mean a cup of black tea, with milk and or sugar added, but in Japan when someone says they'd like some tea, they usually mean a cup of green tea. Green tea is the most popular hot drink in Japan and is used in ceremonies (especially the tea ceremony) and is commonly paired with Washoku Japanese cuisine. The most well-known area...