A Memorable Day in March
03/03/2026
Culture
Student life
Uncategorized
When March arrives, the atmosphere in the classroom begins to change. The academic year is drawing to a close, and graduation season is just around the corner. For me, as a teacher at a Japanese language school, March is a month that always fills my heart with special emotions.
It feels like only yesterday that the students were attending the entrance ceremony with nervous expressions on their …
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Medical professionals
02/27/2026
News
Uncategorized
Recently, I broke a bone in an unexpected accident and was hospitalized in a Japanese hospital. For a while, I was completely unable to move and spent my days confined to bed. I also progressed through rehabilitation by consulting with myself each day, asking myself, "How far can I push myself that day?" There were times when I felt overwhelmed by anxiety and shame that my body wasn't moving the w…
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A Small Birthday Surprise in the Classroom
02/19/2026
Culture
Student life
Uncategorized
Just before class the other day, one of the students said to me,“Sensei, today is Puja-san’s birthday.”
As I looked over at Puja-san, I saw that they were smiling more than usual.
Then Puja-san came up to me and said,“Sensei, today is my birthday. Here—please have some chocolate,”and handed me a piece of chocolate.
At that moment, I was genuinely surprised. In Japan, it feels natural that…
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Nintendo Store open in Fukuoka
02/13/2026
Uncategorized
Do you know the Japanese game company Nintendo? Even people who don't play games might know Super Mario. In November 2025, Nintendo's official store, Nintendo Fukuoka, opened in Fukuoka. Right after opening, tons of Nintendo fans rushed to the store, and you couldn't get in without a numbered ticket. In early February, I heard from a student that you could now enter without a numbered ticket, so I…
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Aizuchi（あいづち） That Don’t Appear in Textbooks
01/26/2026
Uncategorized
In Japanese, common "aizuchi（あいづち）" include「うん」「うんうん」「へえ」「そうですか」「そうですね」.
“Aizuchi” refers to the short responses or nods people give during a conversation to show they’re listening. In Japanese, we say 「あいづちを打つ」.
Recently, there are some aizuchi that young people use often. Let’s take a look at them together!
1. The Role of Aizuchi
In Japanese conversations, people frequently u…
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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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Reflecting on Japanese Language Education: After Taking the National Certification Exam
11/06/2025
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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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The long autumn nights
10/09/2025
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"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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“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, …
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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…
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