Each week, let's write about our week or day and try to improve our sentence building skills. This week I moved into a new apartment! I’ll share the story in Japanese at different levels so everyone can learn something new. Read the version that suits your level — or challenge yourself with the next one! 💪 If you have any questions, feel free to ask! --- (Beginner) あたらしいアパートにひっこししました。 たいへんでした。でも、この家はすてきですから、うれしいです。 Atarashii apaato ni hikkoshimashita. Taihen deshita. Demo, Kono ie wa suteki desu Kara, ureshii desu. apaato - apartment/flat Hikkoshimashita - moved into Taihen - tough ie - home/house suteki - lovely 🥢 (N5) 今しゅう　あたらしい　アパートに　ひっこしました。 たくさん　はこを　はこびました。 体が　すこし　いたいです。 でも　あたらしい　家は　きれいです。 今日は　やすみます。 --- ⚔️ Elementary (N5–N4) 今週　新しい　アパートに　ひっこしました。 たくさんの　はこや　かぐを　うごかしたので、　とても　つかれました。 でも　新しい　アパートは　すてきで　ひかりが　たくさん　はいります。 今日は　コーヒーを　のみながら　ゆっくり　します。 --- 🏯 Intermediate (N4–N3) 今週は新しいアパートにひっこしました。 家具やはこを運ぶのはたいへんでしたが、とてもやりがいがありました。 新しい家は前のところよりも光が入っているし、町に近くて便利だし、　毎日の生活が楽しみです。 今日はやっとすこし自分の時間を作って、　のんびりしたいと思います。 --- 💬 Your Turn What was your week like? Try writing your own mini diary in Japanese — even two lines is fine! I’ll reply with gentle corrections and tips. Let’s keep learning together: 継続は力なり — Consistency is power!

This week’s fact is about something simple that carries deep meaning in Japan: chopstick etiquette. At first glance, chopstick manners might look just like “rules”… But in Japan, they’re really about respect, memory and relationships. 🥢 Japan Fact Friday — Chopsticks & Meaning Chopsticks (箸・はし) are everyday tools in Japan, but how you use them matters just as much as what you eat. Here are a few common manners — and what they truly mean: ❌ Sticking chopsticks upright in rice This is only done at funerals as an offering to the dead. Doing this at the table reminds people of death — so it’s deeply uncomfortable. ❌ Passing food from chopsticks to chopsticks This mirrors a funeral ritual where bones are passed after cremation. Even if the intention is kind, the association is very strong. ❌ Pointing with chopsticks This can feel aggressive or rude — like pointing a finger at someone. ❌ Digging through dishes to “search” for foodCalled saguri-bashi, it suggests impatience or selfishness. ✅ Placing chopsticks neatly when not eatingThis shows care, calmness, and consideration for others. 🧠 The Deeper Meaning These manners aren’t about being strict or formal — they reflect core Japanese values: • respect for others• awareness of shared space• remembering ancestors and tradition• harmony at the table Even small actions communicate who you are. ✨ Why This Matters for Learners Understanding manners helps you understand the culture — not just the language. And honestly? Japanese people don’t expect perfection… they appreciate awareness. 🫵 Your Turn Which chopstick rule surprised you the most? Have you ever worried about making a chopstick mistake in Japan? Can you use chopsticks? Answer in English or Japanese 😊

Introduce yourself and share a pic of something Japanese you own or something Japanese that you're interested in! Feel free to explain why you want to learn Japanese or what you like about Japan. Also, feel free to post any Japanese language questions you have. I'd be glad to answer them! As for me, I love learning Judo. Have you ever tried it? And I love Japanese literature, such as Kokoro by Natsume Soseki. Have you read any Japanese novels? I also really enjoyed Cowboy Bebop when it came out! Not the live action Netflix version! To start learning, I highly recommend Your 50 First Sentences Course: https://www.skool.com/japanese/classroom/fe1c2853?md=60ee3552d26e4ffcb910a86675e10f95 Arigatou, Joe Sensei.