Test-taking is a skill that can be honed. From taking mock exams to crafting personalized review materials, it’s all about strategy and practice. The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is the most commonly taken exam for Japanese language learners. Passing one of the higher levels of the exam such as… Read
Japanese confectioner Morinaga’s Hi-Chew candies have become an international hit and they owe a lot of that success to their wide variety of fruity flavors. In addition to mainstays like strawberry, apple, lemon, and grape, Morinaga regularly rotates in and out seasonal and regional flavors too, like banana, dragonfruit, and mango. This month,… Read
Meal prepping is a great way to save time and money during the workweek. It can also help you reach your fitness goals by managing what and how much you eat since you’ll have planned your week’s menu down to the very last detail. While it can sometimes take anywhere… Read
Between their long-standing culinary traditions and thriving restaurant scene, people in Japan can be pretty particular when it comes to food. So when a company announces that it’s going to be selling boxes of, in its own word, “mystery meat,” you might not expect that to make the nation’s stomachs growl in… Read
It’s normal to see a significant step count increase when you move to Japan. The vast network of train lines, buses and cycling culture can make driving a car feel unnecessary. In a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in 2019, the average step count of a… Read
Just as Starbucks’ famous sakura drinks have disappeared from the menu in Japan — yes, before sakura season has even begun — it’s time to turn our attention to a drink we can actually enjoy under the blossoms. Called the “Sakura to Tenku no Matcha Wa Chocolat Drink” (“Sakura and Heavenly Matcha… Read
If you’re sitting at your desk all day, it can feel extra challenging to get your daily steps in. While carving out time to take a lap around the neighborhood might seem like a good idea, working overtime and other sudden plans might get in the way. Nowadays some opt… Read
A good hair care routine can help manage scalp issues, keep split ends from forming and even enhance hair growth. From supplements like Biotin to fancy contraptions like scalp massagers and scalp oiling, choosing the right product for your hair type can make or break your routine. Melt is the… Read
We don’t have long to wait now until sakura season starts and people head outdoors to stroll and picnic beneath the blossoms, as part of a traditional pastime known as hanami or flower-viewing. While the focus will be firmly on pink drinks and foods to match the sakura, it’s also… Read
The first step in every skincare routine should be cleansing the skin. Depending on your skin type, there are oil-based, cream-based or foam-based cleansers that will strip your skin of any grime that might have built up over the day. Finding the right cleanser takes trial and error from checking… Read