Why Doesn’t Japanese “Arigatou” Contain the Word “I”?
09/09/2026
Culture
"Arigatou" (Thank you) is one of the very first words that students learn when they begin studying Japanese. But have you ever thought about what this word really means? In English, we usually say "Thank you" or "I appreciate it." These expressions clearly show the speaker's feelings: I am thanking you.
What Does "Arigatou" Really Mean?
Japanese offers a slightly different perspective.
Th…
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Fukuoka: A Premier Learning Hub in Japan🏫
09/03/2026
Culture
Student life
“I want to study in Japan！”
“I want to build my future and skills here.”
If you’ve ever had these thoughts, which city would you choose?While many first think of Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, learners are turning their attention to Fukuoka—home to NILS.
Known for its convenient transportation, proximity to major Asian cities, and a rich balance of history and modern living, Fukuoka is also a t…
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🍁 5 Things International Students Should Know About Japanese Food Culture
08/25/2026
Culture
～From Table Manners to Delicious Foods to Enjoy in Autumn～
When you live in Japan, you can experience Japanese culture through everyday meals. Japan has not only its own table manners, but also a food culture that celebrates each season.
Here are five things about Japanese food culture that we would like foreign residents to know!
① Saying “Itadakimasu” and “Gochisosama”
In Japan, peop…
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“Is it okay if I take this home?”
08/17/2026
Uncategorized
What do you do when you can’t finish all the food you ordered at a restaurant? In Japan, it is generally not common to take leftovers home. Even if a customer wants to take their remaining food with them, the staff will respond like this:
Customer: Excuse me. I couldn’t finish all of this—would it be alright to take it home?
Staff: I’m very sorry, but we kindly ask customers not to take left…
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“Korda Sim Sim” from Nepal and “Chichin Pui Pui” from Japan
08/07/2026
Uncategorized
“Korda Sim Sim” from Nepal and “Chichin Pui Pui” from JapanOne day in class, it took a little time to set up the projector.As I jokingly held my hand over it and made a gesture as if saying, “I hope it turns on quickly,” a student from Nepal suddenly began chanting, “Kordar Shimshim.”When I asked, “What does that mean?”, the student explained that it is a magic phrase used in Nepal and India when …
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One Step Closer to the Stage: NILS Speech Contest Preliminary Round
07/30/2026
Student life
This week marks the final week of classes before our summer vacation begins. While many students are looking forward to a well-deserved break, there is one important event that always takes place before the holidays at NILS—the Speech Contest Preliminary Round.
The speech contest is one of the biggest and most exciting events of the year at our school. Every student who participates beg…
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Enjoy summer in Japan!
07/24/2026
Uncategorized
Starting in late July, NILS will be on summer break for about a month. If you’re studying abroad in Japan, there’s an event you definitely shouldn’t miss during summer break: the fireworks festivals held all over Japan.
〇 The Origins of Fireworks Festivals
It is said that fireworks festivals in Japan began as a result of a famine and an outbreak of infectious disease that occurred in 1733—…
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Why Japanese Daycare Centers Are Admired Around the World
07/13/2026
Culture
Student life
Uncategorized
Vocabulary
Have you ever heard that Japanese children are polite, independent, and responsible from a very young age? Or perhaps you've seen videos online showing young children in Japan cleaning up after themselves, serving lunch, or traveling to school on their own. One of the reasons behind these impressive qualities can be found in the daily routines and educational philosophy of Japanese daycare centers…
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JLPT Exam Day
07/07/2026
Culture
JLPT
Student life
Vocabulary
【Gathering Earlier Due to Heavy Rain During the Rainy Season】
July 5th was the day of the JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test). The JLPT is an important examination that measures learners' overall Japanese ability, including vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening skills.
For international students, it is a very important day because the results can affect their future education and…
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Tanabata Festival: Experiencing a Traditional Japanese Summer at NILS
07/03/2026
Culture
Student life
Tanabata is celebrated on July 7 throughout Japan. People write their wishes on small strips of paper called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches, hoping their dreams will come true. Japan has many seasonal traditions, and being able to experience them firsthand is one of the unique and rewarding parts of studying in Japan.
Tanabata Festival at NILS
As part of our annual Tanabata celebra…
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