Silak Randomness

Learning a new language can be challenging, but fortunately, there are many resources available to make the process easier. Whether you're a beginner or advanced Japanese language student, there are apps that can help you improve your skills, learn new vocabulary, and practice your reading, writing, and speaking abilities. Here are some of the must-have apps for Japanese language students:

Duolingo

Duolingo is a popular language-learning app that offers courses in many different languages, including Japanese. The app is free to use and provides a gamified experience to make learning more engaging. Duolingo includes lessons on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, as well as reading, writing, and speaking exercises. The app is perfect for beginners who want to start learning Japanese or for those who want to review and reinforce their skills.

Tae Kim's Guide to Learning Japanese

Tae Kim's Guide to Learning Japanese is a free app that offers a comprehensive guide to the Japanese language. The app includes lessons on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, as well as practice exercises and quizzes. The app is great for intermediate to advanced students who want to improve their grammar and writing skills.

Japanese Dictionary - Jisho

Jisho is a free Japanese-English dictionary app that provides a comprehensive and user-friendly database of Japanese words, phrases, and expressions. The app includes features such as handwriting recognition, kanji lookup, and example sentences to help students learn new vocabulary in context. Jisho is an essential tool for any Japanese language student who wants to expand their vocabulary and improve their reading and writing abilities.

Kanji Study

Kanji Study is a popular app for learning kanji, one of the most challenging aspects of learning Japanese. The app includes lessons on reading and writing kanji, as well as practice exercises and quizzes. Kanji Study is a great tool for any Japanese language student who wants to improve their kanji skills and gain a better understanding of the Japanese writing system.

Anki

Anki is a popular flashcard app that helps students memorize new vocabulary and grammar rules. The app uses spaced repetition to optimize learning and offers a range of customizable options to suit different learning styles. Anki is a great tool for any Japanese language student who wants to improve their memory and retention of new information.

In conclusion, these five apps are must-haves for any Japanese language student who wants to improve their language skills. Whether you're a beginner or advanced student, these apps provide a range of resources and tools to help you learn and practice Japanese in a fun and engaging way. Try them out and see which ones work best for you!

Why carry change when you can just use your phone?

If you're an English-speaking foreigner living in Japan, you may find it challenging to manage your finances and make payments, especially if you're not familiar with the Japanese language or culture. Despite the fact that Japan is still, by and large, a cash-run economy, eMoney or digital money is starting to take hold. More and more people are starting to open up to the idea of a cashless way of life, and mobile payment apps have become an increasingly popular and convenient way to make transactions, transfer money, and manage expenses.

I have been using these cashless payments for over a year now, and surprisingly the number of stores accepting cashless payments has increased exponentially. These cashless payment options vary from NFC (Near Field Communication) to QR Codes. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of going cashless in Japan and provide some tips on how to use your smartphone as your wallet.

The Benefits of Going Cashless in Japan

There are several advantages to going cashless in Japan.

First, it's convenient. You no longer have to worry about carrying large amounts of cash or searching for an ATM.
Second, it's safe. Japan is a very safe country, but carrying large amounts of cash can make you a target for theft.
Third, it's environmentally friendly. By going cashless, you reduce the amount of paper currency in circulation, which in turn reduces the environmental impact of printing and transporting money.

How to Use Your Smartphone as Your Wallet in Japan

Step 1

To use your smartphone as your wallet in Japan, you'll need to download a mobile payment app. There are several options available, including:

Apple Pay
Google Pay
LINE Pay
PayPay
Rakuten Pay
IC card (Suica/Pasmo)

Once you've downloaded the app, you'll need to link it to a payment method, such as a debit card or credit card. Some apps may also allow you to link to a bank account or other payment service.

Step 2

Once you've linked your payment method, you can start making transactions. In Japan, many stores and restaurants accept mobile payments, and you can also use your smartphone to buy tickets for public transportation and other services. Simply open the app and select the payment option. Some apps may also allow you to scan a QR code or tap your phone to a payment terminal to complete a transaction.

Tips for Using Your Smartphone as Your Wallet in Japan

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your mobile payment app in Japan:

Check the payment methods accepted. While many stores and restaurants in Japan accept mobile payments, some may not. Check for the payment logos at the register or ask the staff if mobile payments are accepted.
Use a Japanese payment card. Some mobile payment apps in Japan may not accept foreign payment cards, so it's a good idea to link a Japanese payment card if possible. You can also consider using a prepaid card, such as Suica or Pasmo, which can be linked to your mobile payment app.
Learn the payment terms. Some mobile payment apps in Japan may use Japanese terms or abbreviations for payments, so it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with these terms.
Keep your payment information up-to-date. Make sure your payment information, such as your debit or credit card, is current and accurate. This will help prevent any issues with transactions.
Carry a backup payment method. While mobile payments are convenient, it's always a good idea to carry a backup payment method, such as a credit card or cash, in case of any issues with your mobile payment app.

Go Cashless!

Going cashless and using your smartphone as your wallet can be a great way to simplify your life and manage your finances in Japan. With the help of mobile payment apps, you can make transactions quickly and easily, transfer money, and manage your expenses, all from the palm of your hand. By following these tips, you can use your smartphone as your wallet with confidence and ease, even as an English-speaking foreigner living in Japan.