Japanese Language Learning

Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

Being certified Level 1 for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) has been a founding cornerstone for my academic and professional career. I couldn't have done everything I've done, or do what I do now, without it. Yet in my journey of learning Japanese, speaking at anime conventions, or recruiting for the JET Program, about 80% of the JLPT test takers I've met have failed it and are not certified. That's why I want to help more people pass it. On my JLPT Page, I'll be posting videos, articles, and sound advice to help you pass the test and get certified.

Art by Jenny M. Stead

Research - The Influence of Japanese Pop Culture on Japanese Language Education

As someone who definitely decided to study Japanese because of a love for anime, manga, and Japanese video games way back in 1999; I was curious as to how much influence Japanese pop culture played in students' decisions to study Japanese. So that's what I decided to research for my MA in Japanese while at San Francisco State University. You can download my thesis to see the findings my research dug up. Feel free to cite and carry on the good work!