Tag: Japanese Language

Why Mock Exams are Absolutely Needed to Score High on the JLPT

Have you studied Japanese for the past few months and now aiming for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)? Attending classes, reading textbooks and handouts, and answering some practice questions should be enough to pass the test with a good score, right?

Well, not necessarily.

In my article about JLPT test scores, I discussed extensively that the JLPT is a demanding test. You’ll need to do very well just to get a passing mark. Guessing the answers will not help, even if the JLPT is a multiple-choice test.

The key to passing the JLPT is practice. The adage, “Practice makes perfect,” still holds true. And one of the essential components of practice is a mock exam.

If you are serious about passing the JLPT, then I hope that this article will help you understand and appreciate mock exams. I highly recommend that you include them as part of your study regimen.

Continue reading “Why Mock Exams are Absolutely Needed to Score High on the JLPT”

What Does It Feel Like to Study at NCF? Part 2: Intermediate Japanese

Intermediate Japanese has been an exciting and challenging phase of my Japanese language study. I was strongly motivated to finally venture out of basic Japanese (JLPT N4), and I began to actually feel my progress in Japanese the more I studied intermediate material.

If you are looking to improve your Japanese language skill beyond the basic level, consider enrolling at Nihongo Center Foundation (NCF). It is one of the few institutions in the Philippines that offer higher-level Japanese classes.

In this personal blog post, I will talk about my experience studying intermediate Japanese at a top-tier language institute. I will also provide key information such as:

  • The course content and coverage of Intermediate 1 to 6;
  • The comparison of the scope with the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT); and
  • The learning experience under a one-on-one tutorial with a native Japanese instructor.
Continue reading “What Does It Feel Like to Study at NCF? Part 2: Intermediate Japanese”

Need Japanese Books? Here are the Best Ways to Buy Them in the Philippines

In 2007, the Japan Foundation Manila (JFM) opened its library to the public. It contained a wealth of Japanese resources and materials such as books, manga, magazines, and newspapers. For the avid Japanese language learner, the JFM library is a paradise.

Unfortunately, the library discontinued its operations in May 2019, and the space where it was located has been renovated and repurposed. As someone who often visited the library, I was devastated by this news.

Since Japanese books are quite rare in the Philippines, where and how can you get them now?

Fortunately, more options have become available over the past few years. In this article, I have listed some of the best places where you can buy genuine Japanese books.

Continue reading “Need Japanese Books? Here are the Best Ways to Buy Them in the Philippines”