❄️ Fukuoka Shines in Winter!
12/05/2025
Uncategorized
A Heartwarming Journey Through the City’s Illuminations
In winter, cities all across Japan are wrapped in beautiful lights.Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu, transforms into a magical “City of Lights” during the colder months.Simply walking through the streets fills you with excitement as dazzling illuminations brighten the night.
In this blog, I introduce some of the best winter illuminat…
Read More
Students Learn About Japanese Traffic Rules
12/01/2025
Culture
News
Student life
Recently, NILS students participated in a special safety workshop to learn about Japanese traffic rules. Since many of our students use bicycles for commuting and daily errands, understanding how to ride safely in Japan is essential. For this workshop, the police borrowed the training course of a nearby driving school and conducted a bicycle safety lesson there.
Police Borrow a Driving School f…
Read More
Reflecting on Japanese Language Education: After Taking the National Certification Exam
11/06/2025
Uncategorized
Recently, I took the National Certification Exam for Japanese Language Teachers. Although I have been working as a Japanese teacher for several years, preparing for and taking this exam gave me an important opportunity to rethink my approach to teaching. In daily classroom life, it’s easy to get caught up in lesson plans and students’ progress, but this process reminded me to return to a fundament…
Read More
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
