Japanese Convenience Stores: More Than Just a Store
10/29/2026
Culture
Student life
In Japanese, convenience stores are called konbini (コンビニ), a shortened form of the English phrase “convenience store.” For many people living in Japan, konbini are simply part of everyday life.
What Can You Do at a Konbini?
Of course, you can buy food and drinks at a convenience store, such as onigiri, sandwiches, bento boxes, snacks, and coffee. But Japanese convenience stores offer much mo…
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Green or Blue? The Story Behind Japan’s “Blue” Traffic Lights!
10/16/2026
Uncategorized
Look at the traffic light ahead: Is it green or blue?
If you were walking around the streets of Fukuoka and asked a local, "What color is the 'Go' signal?", they would instantly answer without hesitation: "Ao" (青 — Blue)!
Wait a second... blue? If you take a closer look at the light, it is clearly a bright shade of green!
In English and most Western languages, this is strictly called a "G…
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Do Japanese Restaurants Provide “Oshibori”?
10/06/2026
Culture
When you visit a restaurant or izakaya in Japan, an “oshibori” (wet towel) is often served before you order your food. Since wet towels are rarely provided at restaurants in other countries, this might seem unusual to foreign visitors coming to Japan for the first time. However, it is a completely normal practice for Japanese people.
What Is an Oshibori?
An oshibori is a small towel used to …
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September 25: A Day Trip to Greenland!
10/01/2026
News
Student life
Once a year, NILS students go on a school trip by bus to enjoy a fun day outside the classroom. On September 25, our students visited Greenland, a large amusement park in Arao, Kumamoto.
It was a special day away from their usual classes. Instead of studying Japanese, students had the chance to relax, have fun, and enjoy spending time together.
Off to Greenland!
In…
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“Wait… Really?!” Japan: The Country Where Your Lost Wallet Can Come Back
09/17/2026
Culture
News
Student life
"You can lose your wallet in Japan and still get it back."
Have you ever heard this before?
If not, you might be thinking, "Seriously? Is that actually possible?"
In many countries, including the Americas and parts of Europe, people often assume that once they lose their wallet, it's gone for good. Of course, there are kind people everywhere, and sometimes a lost wallet is returned. But m…
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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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