Yesterday’s winner was… 焼きそば (Yakisoba)! 🍜🎉 Festival flavours move on to the next round! Now for today’s delicious showdown… 🔥 Japanese Food Tournament — Round 1 Matchup 🔥 🍜 Ramen vs 🐟 Taiyaki Deep savoury comfort versus warm street-sweet nostalgia. Only one moves on. 🍜 Ramen (ラーメン) Rich broth, springy noodles, and endless regional variations — ramen is one of Japan’s most beloved dishes. From tonkotsu to shoyu, miso and shio, every bowl tells a different story. Topped with ingredients like chashu pork, egg, bamboo shoots and green onions, ramen is both everyday comfort food and a culinary obsession. Why people love it: Deep, satisfying flavours Endless regional styles to explore Comfort food for any season A global symbol of Japanese cuisine This is warmth in a bowl. 🐟 Taiyaki (たい焼き) Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, taiyaki is a fish-shaped cake traditionally filled with anko (sweet red bean paste). You’ll often find it at festivals, markets and street stalls. Modern versions can include custard, chocolate or sweet potato, but the classic remains a favourite. Why people love it: Warm and nostalgic street snack Fun fish-shaped design Crispy outside, soft inside A classic festival treat This is sweetness with personality. 🗳️ Time to Vote! Which one moves forward? The deep comfort of ramen? Or the warm sweetness of taiyaki? Vote now and tell us why! 🍜🐟

Japan has an ageing population and faces a crisis of demographics which could impact its economy. There are not enough working aged people to meet the demands of Japan's domestic economy. Therefore, the rate of foreign workers has increased and is at the highest rate ever. Do you think that could adversely affect Japan's culture? Do you think it is necessary for Japan to survive? Have a look at the video and learn some phrases and feel free to let us know what you think, respectfully!! Joe Sensei.

Ocha & Chat is our weekly chance to hang out, practise speaking Japanese, and talk about what we like about Japan, Japanese language and culture. It’s not a formal lesson — it’s a friendly conversation space where you can: - practise Japanese - listen and learn from others - ask language questions - talk about Japan You don’t need perfect Japanese — just join in 😊I’m always happy to answer language questions during the call. 🧠 Mini Lesson: です and ではありません Today we’ll review two very important patterns: です → “is / am / are”ではありません → “is not / am not / are not” These are used to describe things and make simple statements. Basic Pattern Noun + ですNoun + ではありません Examples 私は学生です。Watashi wa gakusei desu.I am a student. 私は学生ではありません。Watashi wa gakusei dewa arimasen.I am not a student. これは日本語です。Kore wa Nihongo desu.This is Japanese. これは日本語ではありません。Kore wa Nihongo dewa arimasen.This is not Japanese. 先生です。Sensei desu.(I am a) teacher. 先生ではありません。Sensei dewa arimasen.(Not a) teacher. 🫵 Practice Before the Call Try writing two sentences: 1. One with です 2. One with ではありません Example: - 私は会社員です。 watashi wa kaishain desu. - 私は先生ではありません。watashi wa sensei dewa arimasen. Post them below if you’d like feedback! Looking forward to seeing you at Ocha & Chat ☕✨

Konnichiwa! I translsted the start of Detective Conan. Please watch and tell me what you think! Arigatou, Joe Sensei. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUAUasxgXNj/?igsh=ZHUxb3cyamF4N25j

Japan is world famous for its good culture! Whether it is street food yakisoba or high-end restaurant sashimi, Japan provides a wide variety of delicious delicacies. So, which is our favourite Japanese food? There is only one way to decide!!!! A Japanese Food Tournament!!! In order to find out the ultimate Japanese food, we will pit our suggestions against each other in a battle to the death in which only one can survive. Please make your suggestions below. There are no wrong answers! There is only your favourite foods or meals from Japan! Let the battle begin!!! Joe Sensei.