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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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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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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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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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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Foreign Workers in Japan Reach a Record High: More Opportunities for International Students
06/19/2026
News
Student life
There is encouraging news for people who are interested in studying in Japan. As of October 2025, the number of foreign workers in Japan exceeded 2.3 million, the highest figure ever recorded. Due to ongoing labor shortages, many Japanese companies are actively hiring international talent, creating more opportunities than ever for international students to build their careers in Japan after gradua…
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Volunteer Experience in Japan — Cleaning Up Along the Homan River
05/15/2026
Culture
Student life
Japan is famous as a “clean country.” When international students actually come to Japan, many of them are surprised by how clean the streets and parks are and how little trash they see in public places. Students at our Japanese language school, NILS, often say, “Japan is really clean!” However, that does not mean there is no trash at all in Japan. Especially near rivers and in grassy areas around…
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