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
What would you like to drink today?
07/14/2025
Uncategorized
We interviewed students of NILS Annex about the school's vending machines.
Question: What do you think about Japanese vending machines?
Answer: When I came to Japan from Nepal, I was very surprised. When I first saw them, I wondered why there were so many vending machines. I also had some trouble figuring out how to use them at first, but now I’m used to them.
Question: What do you fi…
Read More
JLPT Test Day & Tanabata Wishes
07/07/2025
Culture
JLPT
Student life
Yesterday, July 6th, was the day of the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test).
This time, the schedule was a little different from before—N1 and N2 levels were held in the morning, while N3 to N5 were in the afternoon.
For those taking the test for the first time, just getting to the test site can be stressful. So, to help ease their worries, a teacher went along with the students to the…
Read More
Tanabata Festival
07/02/2025
Culture
Student life
Here are some thoughts that NILS students shared about the Tanabata Festival.
🌟 Participating in the Tanabata Festival – A Wonderful Experience at NILS
Today, we participated in the Tanabata Festival held at NILS. Tanabata is one of Japan’s traditional festivals, celebrated annually on July 7th. It is based on a romantic legend about two stars, Orihime (the weaving princess) and Hikoboshi (t…
Read More
Learning Japanese, Living in Japan: Voices from NILS Ogori
06/25/2025
News
Student life
Ever wondered what it's like to study Japanese in Japan? We spoke with four students who are currently learning at NILS in Ogori, Fukuoka. Here's what they had to say about their experience.
Nicolai from Denmark
Hello, my name is Nicolai, and I have studied Japanese at NILS in Ogori for the last six months. It’s been really helpful, and the teachers here are very nice and really good at help…
Read More
Visited a Vocational School
06/18/2025
Student life
On June 16, our students had the opportunity to visit the Aso College Group in Fukuoka City. Although it was unfortunately a rainy day, the students gathered on time and in high spirits. While some showed signs of nervousness as it was their first time visiting a vocational school, the warm welcome from the staff at Aso College quickly helped them feel at ease.
The main programs we visited incl…
Read More
Japanese folklore
06/13/2025
Uncategorized
In Japan, it is said that it is auspicious for migratory swallows to build nests under the eaves of a house. The other day, I went to a pasta restaurant with my son. After sitting at the table and placing my order on the touch screen, I looked up and caught a glimpse of something black on my right. Looking out the window, I saw a swallow's nest with several swallow chicks. As I stared at the swall…
Read More
Future Paths for International Students After Graduating from Japanese Language Schools
06/10/2025
Uncategorized
Hello! Today, I would like to introduce the future paths available to international students after graduating from Japanese language schools.After studying Japanese at a language school, many students think about their next step in Japan. What options are available? In this blog, I will introduce three of the most popular paths.________________________________________1. Entering a Vocational Schoo…
Read More
Hiking Mount Hōman: Fukuoka’s Spiritual Escape
06/03/2025
Uncategorized
Hey there! Today, let me take you on a journey to Mount Hōman (Hōmanzan), a beloved mountain that stretches across Dazaifu and Chikushino in Fukuoka Prefecture. At 829.6 meters, it’s not the tallest peak out there—but don’t let that fool you. This mountain has been a sacred site for Shugendō (Japanese mountain asceticism) since ancient times, and to this day, it draws hikers and worshippers year-r…
Read More
