We had a health checkup.
01/23/2026
Student life
Yesterday, we conducted a health checkup for the new students who enrolled in October.Although it was their first health checkup, there were not many students, so it went more smoothly than expected.
However, since it was their first time, some students seemed confused. All of them have been in Japan for about three months, so it appeared that understanding the Japanese spoken by the doctors an…
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Japanese New Year – Celebrating the Beginning of a New Year
01/13/2026
Culture
The Japanese New Year, called Shōgatsu, is one of the most important events in Japan. It marks the beginning of a new year and is usually celebrated from January 1st to January 3rd, a period known as Sanganichi. During this time, people spend time with their families and pray for health, happiness, and success in the coming year.
The night of December 31st is called Ōmisoka, the last day of the…
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A Colorful Autumn Experience at NILS
12/11/2025
Culture
Student life
Every autumn, NILS organizes a small cultural outing for students, and one of our regular activities is momijigari, the Japanese tradition of enjoying autumn leaves. This year, we visited the historic Hirata Family Residence in Ogori City. It was a pleasant day where we were able to appreciate the scenery, learn a bit about local history, and enjoy a simple seasonal treat together.
Step…
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❄️ 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…
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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