Japanese Convenience Stores Are Too Convenient!— A Foreign Student’s Experience
10/20/2025
Student life
Hello everyone!I’m an international student currently studying at NILS Japanese Language School.Today, I’d like to introduce one of the things that surprised me the most after coming to Japan — the convenience store (or “konbini,” as it’s called here).
In the U.S. or Europe, there are small supermarkets and stores open 24 hours, right?But Japanese convenience stores go far beyond that. They’re …
Read More
From Arrival to Starting Life at NILS
10/16/2025
Student life
Starting a new life in Japan can feel a little overwhelming, since everything is new and different. But don’t worry — at NILS, teachers are here to support you so you can settle in smoothly. Here’s what the process looks like from your arrival until the beginning of your new life in Japan.
1. From the Airport to the Dormitory
When you arrive at the airport, a NILS teacher will meet you a…
Read More
The long autumn nights
10/09/2025
Uncategorized
"Akino yonaga"— the long autumn nights — refers to the seasonal mood that follows the autumnal equinox, when daylight hours shorten and the nights come to feel especially long. A cool breeze carries the sounds of insects, and the quiet hours spent under the moonlight have long soothed people's hearts.
In the Heian court (794–1185)
In the Heian court (794–1185), nobles would dim their lamps a…
Read More
We Visited Kijima Kogen Park!
10/02/2025
Student life
We went on our annual field trip again this year!Our destination was Kijima Kogen Park, a popular amusement park located in Oita Prefecture. Although the weather was cloudy, it wasn’t too hot or too cold—just perfect for spending a comfortable day outdoors.
A total of 334 people, including teachers, joined the trip this year. The meeting area in the morning was lively and full of excitement. We…
Read More
“Let’s have lunch near NILS Annex.”
09/29/2025
Uncategorized
Today, I’d like to introduce the Japanese restaurant “Ajidokoro Koyagi,” located near NILS Annex. During lunchtime, you can enjoy their lunch menu, and in the evening, it turns into an izakaya where you can savor delicious drinks.
■ AtmosphereThe restaurant feels like a traditional Japanese home. As a Japanese person, it feels just like my own house.When international students visit, …
Read More
Higanbana: Japan’s Stunning Spider Lilies
09/18/2025
Culture
As September arrives in Japan, the sweltering heat of summer usually begins to fade, and a hint of autumn creeps into the air. However, this year—as in many other countries—the temperatures are still quite high. Along quiet countryside paths, riverbanks, and temple grounds, a sea of bright red flowers suddenly bursts into bloom. These striking blossoms are Higanbana (彼岸花), also known as Red Spider…
Read More
Furin Festival at Nyoirin‑ji, Ogori City
09/12/2025
Uncategorized
Allow me to introduce the Wind Chime Festival held every year at Seieizan Nyoirin‑ji in Ogori City, Fukuoka Prefecture — commonly known as “Kaeru‑dera” (Frog Temple).Nyoirin‑ji is a historic temple of the Shingon Omuro sect, founded by Gyōki in the early Nara period. On the temple grounds you’ll find about ten thousand frog figurines, creating a distinctive atmosphere. The frog motif carries meani…
Read More
My Unforgettable Memory（NILS Speech Contest🎤）
09/04/2025
Student life
Uncategorized
On Friday, August 29, NILS held a Japanese speech contest where 17 outstanding students, each representing their respective classes, competed against one another.Each of the 17 participants had their own unique personality and charm. Although they had only been in Japan for a short time, they worked hard and practiced diligently to sound as native speaker.
Now, I would like to introduce a v…
Read More
What is the “Obon”?
08/07/2025
Culture
〇Things to do during Obon
In Japan, there is a period called ‘Obon holiday’ in August.
The Obon period is a time to pay respects to one's ancestors.
During Obon, preparations are made to welcome ancestors, including lighting welcoming fires and preparing offerings.
Welcoming fires are lit to guide ancestors home so they do not get lost.
On the evening of the last day of Obon, sendi…
Read More
Not Just ‘Sorry’: Understanding “Sumimasen” and “Gomen Nasai”
07/25/2025
Culture
Tips
Vocabulary
Hello everyone!
Today, I’d like to talk about how Japanese people use the words “sumimasen” and “gomen nasai.” These are two common Japanese expressions often translated as “I’m sorry,” but they can have other meanings depending on the situation.
Have you ever talked with a Japanese friend who’s been living in Japan for a long time?Maybe you’ve thought, “Wow, Japanese people apologize a lot!…
Read More
