Blog

Can you really learn Japanese in just six months? Discover what beginners can realistically achieve, how much study time makes a difference, and a practical month-by-month learning roadmap.

Is the July JLPT easier than the December examination? In Part 2 of our investigation, we compare twelve years of Japanese-Language Proficiency Test results and uncover surprising differences in certification rates. From N1 and N3 to the infamous “Weeaboo Killer” N5, the statistics challenge assumptions about examination difficulty, student preparation, and Japanese-language proficiency.

Haven't studied Japanese in months or even years? Before you dust off your old textbooks, discover how to assess your current skills, identify what you've forgotten, and decide whether to restart or pick up where you left off. Simple Gaijin also provides a practical four-week plan to help returning students rebuild their confidence and study habits.

Is the JLPT getting harder, or are test takers simply not preparing well enough? Using 13 years of official Japanese-Language Proficiency Test statistics from 2013 to 2025, we investigate declining certification rates, surprising differences between Japan and overseas examinees, and the extraordinary results recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. The numbers reveal a much more complicated story than you might expect.

Thinking about dating a Japanese woman? In Part 1 of The Gaijin Way, we explore the rewards and challenges of intercultural relationships, including cultural differences, family expectations, long-distance romance, and unrealistic stereotypes. Drawing from my own relationship and marriage to Ayaka, I share what Western men should consider before pursuing love in Japan.