Although the JLPT has an illusory monopoly on all aspects of certification and assessment concerning Japanese language comprehension, there are TONS of other tests that are still recognized by the Japanese government and businesses alike.

Have you ever considered working in Japan, but are not sure whether the Japanese working culture would suit you? Internships are a nice way of trying out working in Japan for a limited time. Some even come with the chance of a job offer after the internship.

Here are a few things I hope you get to partake in as other ALTs have.

When learning Japanese and languages in general at the beginning you probably will need a textbook or similar material but after you mastered the basics there are a lot of ways you can continue your Japanese studies that are more entertaining than a textbook dialogue between Mr. Tanaka and Ms. Suzuki.

With unbeatable facilities for parents–especially in tourist-friendly department stores, upscale malls and chain restaurants–you and your children can enjoy many culinary adventures in Japan.

Quite a lot of people ask me about how to get into the Japanese manga industry, since I’m the only British professional manga creator in Japan.

With such a proverbial melting-pot of cultures, creeds, languages and ideals, the term “foreigner” really doesn’t do this societal group justice.

For me, finding out about a second “hidden” language was like unearthing a hidden shrine in my backyard, and I spent many hours in old libraries and online trying to learn about Akita-ben, the Akita dialect. One thing I learned on my study was that the vocab of Akita is not unified: people use different words in the south and north, but the grammar has consistent traits.

Making mistakes is a great part of learning a new language, but it also helps to not hurt yourself in the process. Here is a language mishap experience I had to encounter so you don't have to.

I think that Japan’s amazing and well-priced makeups really had more to do with turning me into a hardcore fan of cosme, or cosmetics in Japanese. Whether you are a seasoned Japan visitor or are coming for the first time, here are five affordable makeup brands that you should check out!

So why is it that Japan continues to progress in so many sports whilst other nations like Scotland seemingly backpedal?

So, what about those like me who choose to stay in Japan despite the seeming adversity? Why have we been here for so long and why will we continue here?