Before I get started, I’d like to mention that I don’t bring in big bucks. In fact, to date I have not taken in a dime for this site. Now then. I have had some requests for Japan and Japanese language links. Some of these links have been posted before, nevertheless it is handy to have them in one post. You’ll find them by clicking the read more link. If this is not your cup of tea, please scroll down for something completely different. Thank you for your patience!
On Japanese culture:
Maneki-neko, or “welcoming cats.”
The artwork of Ando Hiroshige.
A guide to Japanese Castles.
Traditional crafts of Japan.
Mount Fuji in woodblock prints.
The Japan Foundation, the folks who run the JPLT test (see below).
The Japanese-American Citizen’s League.
The Japan Times.
On living as a Gai-Jin in Japan:
Pureland Mountain.
Gaijin Smash (Hey, he’s passed the Ni-Kyuu-shiken!).
Misc. Interesting Stuff:
Tokyo Mango.
Ampontan.
Japan Probe.
Japan Today.
Tokyo Times.
Japundit.
MegaTokyo webcomic.
Sinfest webcomic often has eastern themes, and sometimes has a calligraphy lesson!
I don’t know how to explain Rob Pongi.
You either get Engrish or you don’t.
On Asian cooking:
Mei Wah guide to interpreting the sorts of Kanji one is apt to find in a Chinese restaurant menu, minimally applicable to Japanese.
The Tea Page.
Asian Online Recipes.
Places you can order Japanese goods:
Chopa Zen Home and Gift.
Anime Nation.
JList is still The Place for buying Japanese stuff.
But you didn’t think I’d end this section without mentioning Sanrio, did you?
On learning the Japanese language:
Japanese! Japanese! blog with tips on learning the language.
Flash Card Generator.
The WWWJDIC online Japanese dictionary.
Tae Kim’s Japanese Grammar guide.
Yes Japan offers online classes.
MLC Japanese Classes does not, but they do have lots of material online.
Something to amuse you.
The Japanese Page has online study groups, one-minute lessons, grammar tips, forums, and Kanji-a-day email lists.
Charles Kelly’s Online Japanese Study Materials.
the Heisig Kanji index, based on Heisig’s master-work, “Remembering the Kanji”.
If you would prefer, Kiki’s Kanji.
On the JPLT exam for proficiency in the Japanese language:
Official information on the JPLT.
More on the test as it is administered in Japan.
Peter van de Woude’s massive JPLT study resource.
JPLT vocabulary lists.
Speedanki interactive Kanji flashcard system.
Or if you prefer, the JPLT Kanji Project, no relation to Alan Parsons and his Project.
What to expect on the test.
Some helpful books and stuff:
Genki is a series of two textbooks, workbooks and CDs are also available.
Pimsleur is the only set of CDs or tapes I can in good conscience recommend.
The Tuttle Verb book is not for beginners, but great for more advanced students.
Unfortunately the Kanji book I own appears to be superseded by The Kanji Handbook.
I own Kanji Pict-O-Graphix, but I can’t say I use it much.
However, I love these flashcards.