Online Resources for Japanese
Japanese Websites
- Best Japanese Websites
(http://www.uni.edu/becker/japanese222.html#history).
This website offers a list of over 100 websites offering free resources in Japanese grammar,
Japanese culture, traveling in Japan and many other fun sites!
Japanese History and Culture
1) History of Japan
(http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ab84). This
extremely thorough website provides a fascinating history of Japan over the past 5,000 years
and includes a timeline.
2) Web Japan
(http://web-japan.org/index.html). This website is sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of
Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and is dedicated to sharing Japanese culture with the world. Lots of
interesting articles about cultural trends in Japan as well as information on Nature &
Geography, Politics & Administration, Economy & Industry, Society, Travel & Sightseeing,
Sports & Leisure, and Science & Technology.
3) Welcome to Edo
(http://www.us-japan.org/edomatsu/). This website is designed to give you a virtual tour of
Edo, the ancient name for Japan's present day capital Tokyo. The website contains many
colorful ukiyoe images of old Japan and is sure to impress fans of Japanese art work.
4) The Japan Blog List
(http://www.japanbloglist.com/). This website contains a list of more than 140 blogs written
by expats living in Japan and Japanese bloggers. It is a great way to get a preview of Japan
before going there as well as an excellent resource for getting new from ordinary people living
in Japan.
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Free Japanese Online Language Courses
Elementary
1) BBC Japanese
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/japanese/). An excellent and comprehensive website with
Japanese language resources for beginning learners of Japanese.
2) About.com: Japanese Language
(http://japanese.about.com/). A website resource that teaches Japanese grammar and
vocabulary for beginning learners of Japanese. A great place to start for students who have no
prior knowledge of the Japanese language.
3) NHK World
(http://www.nhk.or.jp/lesson/). This site provides over 100 free Japanese lessons that contain
a wealth of audio and video files. The website can be viewed in many different languages and
offers support for Chinese learners of Japanese. Lessons can be downloaded in PDF form and
saved on your computer or taken on the go via mp3 on a portable music device.
4) Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training
(http://www1.curriculum.edu.au/nalsas/explorers/japanese/index.html)
Students who have some knowledge of the Japanese language but may want to explore how
Japanese culture is intertwined with the language will find this website rewarding. Lots of
interactive activities that will keep beginning learners of Japanese entertained for hours.
5) Survival Japanese from AJALT
(http://www.ajalt.org/sj/howto.html)
This website is perfect for those people who will be travelling to Japan very soon but do not
have a lot of time to study. The website is organized into “conversational situations” such as
ordering at a restaurant or asking information at the train station. Just choose the information
you want, print it out and you are ready to go to Japan. It is that easy.
6) Japanese Phrases for travelers
(http://japanese-phrases.sakura.ne.jp/).
This website covers just about every phrase that a traveler might use in Japan. The website has
audio recordings of each phrase along with an English translation.
Intermediate/Advanced
1) Griffith University
(http://www.griffith.edu.au/school/lal/japanesemain/Griffith_Japanese_Home_Page.htm).
Lots of audio and video files that offer a variety of authentic situations in Japan to enhance
listening and reading skills. Great resource for students who have studied Japanese before and
wish to maintain or improve their listening and reading skills in the Japanese language.
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2) Nagoya University ECIS
(http://opal.ecis.nagoya-u.ac.jp/~jems/hosokyoku/bangumi.html)
A growing list of lessons that contain more than 138 videos with scripts and exercises. The
content of topics is separated into 3 categories that range from the intermediate to the upper
advanced level.
3) Gloss Japanese
(http://gloss.dliflc.edu/index.aspx)
Global Language Online Support System contains language lessons which are developed for
independent learners to provide them with the learning for improving their Japanese language
skills. Reading and listening lessons are based on authentic materials (articles, TV reports,
radio broadcasts, etc.) and consist of 4 to 6 activities. With more than 5,600 instructional hours
of materials, GLOSS is a valuable resource in maintaining and improving language ability of the
learners.
4) Japanese studies program at York University
(http://buna.yorku.ca/japanese/adjp/ajlecnotes.html)
This website contains 10 lessons with supplementary annotated reading materials for the
advanced learner of Japanese. Words that students might have difficulty with are highlighted in
green color and offer English explanation when the mouse cursor hovers over the highlighted
word. The website also offers Kanji lists for each of the readings and exercises to check
comprehension of the material.
5) Real World Japanese from AJALT
(http://www.ajalt.org/rwj/)
A website for all Japanese learners that offers a variety of topics that ranges from informal
daily situations in Japan to more formal situations such as the work place. A plentitude of
pictures offer support for all of the lessons. Great resource for both the student and the teacher.
6) Kansai Dialect Self Study
(http://web.mit.edu/kansai/index.html)
This website offers information on the Kansai dialect which is spoken in the western
parts of Japan. If you feel comfortable with standard (Tokyo) Japanese, this website will
be a great resource for discovering the varieties of Japanese language within Japan.
For Daily Use
Online Dictionaries
1) Jim Breen’s WWWJDIC:
(http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/cgi-bin/wwwjdic.cgi?1C).
The only dictionary you will ever need. Jim Breen’s WWWJDIC is a very comprehensive
online Japanese-English/English-Japanese dictionary.
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Vocabulary and Grammar
1) iKnow!
(http://www.iknow.co.jp).
A revolutionary online flash card system that uses dictation practice, speed tests, podcasts, and
a variety of free, pre-made lessons to help learn vocabulary. What is great about this program
is that it keeps track of your progress and gives you feedback on your vocabulary learning!
Great for all levels of Japanese learners.
2) Digital Dialects
(http://www.digitaldialects.com/Japanese.htm)
A fun and effective online vocabulary flash card system that targets elementary learners of
Japanese. This program is also great for those students wishing to perfect their Romaji,
Hiragana and Katakana.
3) Language Guide.org
(http://www.languageguide.org/nihongo/). A website that teaches basic Japanese vocabulary
with accompanying pictures and audio files for pronunciation practice!
4) jGram
(http://www.jgram.org). Much like a wiki, jGram is an open source website that allows people
to share their knowledge of Japanese grammar with the jGram community. A special feature of
this website is that it organizes grammar structures by JLPT level (the standardized test for
people learning Japanese).
5) Tae Kim’s Guide to Japanese
(http://www.guidetojapanese.org). This site provides an exhaustive list of beginning and
intermediate Japanese grammar structures. Lots of examples are provided and many of the
structures are translated into 11 other languages! This website is an excellent resource for
Japanese grammar
6) Pera Pera Penguin
(http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/columns/0002/)
This column is written by Hitomi Hirayama, a Japanese teacher with more than 15 years of
experience, and the founder of Shibuya Ward-based Japanese Lunch, a Japanese language
school serving businesspeople in Tokyo. Her column is carried once every eight weeks in
Tuesday's Language Connection of The Daily Yomiuri and contains more than 90 different topics
on the Japanese language! If you do not have much time to study Japanese, that this column is
perfect because each column only takes 5 minutes to read!
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Social Networks
1) Mixi
(http://mixi.jp/) People who use Facebook, Xiaonei, Myspace, Cyworld will find that these
social networking platforms are not very popular in Japan because Japanese people use Mixi
instead! So if you enjoy connecting with people in Japan via discussion boards, social groups,
and blogging, than Mixi may be the right choice for people with an intermediate level of
proficiency in Japanese.
2) Lang-8
(http://www.lang-8.com). The concept behind this site is that you, the user, write journal
entries in Japanese and then people who are native Japanese will correct them. Then,
theoretically, you could do the same for them. Great for meeting people and practicing
Japanese outside of the classroom.
Kanji
1) Usagi-Chan’s Genki Resources
(http://www.csus.edu/indiv/s/sheaa/projects/genki/index.html)
This website is a great resource for those using the popular Genki Japanese Language Book
Series. Great for those who still need to perfect their Hiragana and Katakana. Something that
students may find useful is the printable kanji/vocabulary flashcards.
2) Japanese-Kanji.com
(http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~ik2r-myr/kanji/kanji1a.htm)
If you are studying for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, than this website is a great
resource for studying and reviewing all 1945 Kanji characters! Well organized and very easy to
use make this website perfect for all learners of the Japanese Language.
3) Vashon’s Kanji Viewer
(http://phobos.spaceports.com/~kigokoro/kanji.htm)
Another website dedicated to kanji. Based on Jim Breen’s Kanjidic, this website is very helpful
in searching for specific Kanji by grade level, stoke count, and even radical number! Advanced
learners of Japanese will find this website a very useful.
4) Self-Kanji Level Check
http://www.mlcjapanese.co.jp/LevelCheck/Kanji/01.htm
Ever wonder how much Japanese Kanji you know? Well, this website can tell you!
5) Real Kanji
(http://www.realkanji.com/)
This website is perfect for those students who have just started studying Japanese and plan to
take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) 4.
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Japan in Hong Kong
1) Japan Society of Hong Kong
(http://www.japansociety-hk.org/). The Japan Society of Hong Kong not only promotes
mutual understanding between the people of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and
Japan; but also offers Japanese courses in Hong Kong!
2) Consulate General of Japan in Hong Kong (http://www.hk.emb-japan.go.jp/eng/index.html).
The Consulate General represents the Japan government in Hong Kong, and their website is a
great resource. Here you can find pages on Japanese history and culture, opportunities to study
and travel in Japan and information about upcoming Japanese culture events in Hong Kong!
3) The Hong Kong Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(http://www.hkjcci.com.hk/?q=node/55). An organization dedicated to fostering and
strengthening economic, commercial and financial relations between Japan and Hong Kong.
4) Pasona
(http://www.pasona.edu.hk/eng/index.aspx). Pasona offers a variety of services in addition to
Japanese language training programs for both individuals and companies. Programs range
from beginning to advance with special programs dedicated to JLPT preparation and Business
Japanese.
5) Chinese University of Hong Kong
(http://www5.cuhk.edu.hk/jas/). These courses, run by the Chinese University of Hong Kong,
are open to the public and offer Beginner to Advance level instruction. CUHK has one of the
biggest Japanese programs in Asia and offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs
in the areas of Japanese Language Teaching, Japan & Hong Kong Relations, and Japanese Pop
Culture.
Studying in Japan
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Study in Japan
(http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/index.html)
Study in Japan is the ultimate website for students who wish to study in Japan: it offers
assistance for all parts of the study abroad process, from deciding where to study to visa
applications and arriving in Japan. The website also offers scholarship information! This
website is an excellent source of information for prospective study abroad students.
News in Japan
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1) Asashi Shimbun
(http://www.asahi.com/english/)
Considered to be one of the biggest daily newspapers in the world holding partnerships with
the International Herald Tribune and the People’s Daily, Asahi Shimbun is one of the most
widely-read newspapers in Japan. It is a wonderful Japanese-language resource for news, both
about Japan and the international community.
2) The Daily Yomiuri
(http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/)
The Yomiuri Shimbun is credited to having the largest newspaper circulation in the world. It
also publishes the Daily Yomiuri, which is Japan’s largest English-language Newspaper.
3) Mainichi Shimbun
(http://mdn.mainichi.jp/perspectives/times/)
Being one of the major newspapers in Japan, The Mainichi Shimbun is a highly respected
newspaper with a list of awards including the Pulitzer Prize and Grand Prix.
Online TV and Radio
1) Japan International Broadcasting Inc.
(http://jibtv.com/). A broadcasting service dedicated to showcasing information on Japan with
a global relevance. Programs are updated weekly and either dubbed in English or have English
subtitles.
2) Tokyo Broadcasting Service
(http://news.tbs.co.jp/) A Japanese news website with lots of video clips of current event in
Japan. Site is entirely in Japanese.
3) Japan ((a)) Radio
(http://www.japanaradio.com/) Online Radio Site dedicated to Japanese music.
Podcasts
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Learn Japanese Pod
(http://learnjapanesepod.com/all-podcasts/)
A list where you can find great podcasts on Japanese language and culture.
Tourism in Japan
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1) Japan National Tourism Organization
(http://www.jnto.go.jp/).
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) provides information about Japan to promote
travel to and in the country. The JNTO has a lot of information about transportation, lodging, food
and beverage, and sight-seeing. The Website updated materials frequently and is even translated
into 10 different languages!
2) Japan-Guide.com
(http://www.japan-guide.com/). A website with information on popular travel destinations in
Japan, fun activities to do and upcoming events (there is also a Chinese-language version of the
site that can be found here: http://cn.japan-guide.com/)
A highlight of the website is its classified forum which offers information on language schools,
language exchange, accommodations, and many other services.
3) Lonely Planet guide to Japan
(http://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan). Another highly respected guide book series, the Lonely
Planet website offers great tourist information for Japan. The website also has a page dedicated
to hotels and hostels in Japan, found here: http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/asia/
4) Japan Rail Pass
(http://www.japanrailpass.net/) A Japan Rail pass also known as a JR pass can be one of the
greatest and cheapest ways to explore the region; this website has very useful information
about it.
5) Hyperdia
(http://www.hyperdia.com/en/).
A highly recommended site for finding information on transportation within Japan. Just input a
city destination and the site will give you a wealth of itineraries that best fit your schedule and
budget.
6) Yokoso Japan
(http://www.japantravelinfo.com/top/index.php)
Japan’s official travel website dedicated to providing information on Japan trip planning,
culture, festivals, tours, guides, history, and much more. This site is associated with the Japan
National Tourism Organization and is responsible for promoting campaigns to attract tourists
to Japan.
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