Learning vocabulary in a second language is by far the most time-consuming part. In my case I have been learning Japanese for more than 17 years and every day I come across a new vocabulary, or one that I failed to learn properly. Even once you've mastered the pronunciation (which should be the first thing …

One great trick for learning vocabulary Read More »

It's not the knowledge that counts, it's the application of that knowledge. Take language learning for example. Mere knowledge of even the most intricate of grammar patterns, or even the most useful words, is not enough. Whether you have that knowledge or not is inconsequential until you put it to use. Knowledge isn't power. Acting …

Use it. Read More »

We pass straight through green lights thinking nothing of it. Even though the probability is probably the same, we tend to think we are unlucky when we hit a red. What other things make us feel unlucky? What other things are we taking for granted?

The difference between a professional and an amateur is stark. Professionals get the job done with care, amateurs just care about getting the job done. It takes care to become a professional, to put in the hard yards, and to work through the noise. If you want to be a professional, care. Everything else is …

It’s the care that matters Read More »

Way back in 2009 I had applied for the 2010 JET Programme, where the Japanese government takes in applications from mostly English-speaking nations and sends participants, named JETs, all throughout Japan. This is how I originally came to Yamagata. Even though I had extensive experience learning Japanese and even living in Japan, coupled with my …

Getting accepted onto the JET Programme Read More »

Ask Hoshino Sendatsu the reason why we do Yamabushi training, and he’ll tell you we do Yamabushi training to do Yamabushi training. This answer is both insightful, and annoying. In my opinion, Yamabushi training is to get you to focus on the now. A lot of the training we undertake is hurried, or there is …

Here, now, self. Read More »

If you've spent much time in Japan, you will be familiar with the common questions Japanese people ask you, such as 'can you use chopsticks?', 'do you eat bread three times a day?', or my personal favourite 'aren't you cold?' when you're wearing a t-shirt inside on a winter day, seemingly ignoring the fact that …

The Matcha Effect Read More »