Only in Japan?! The night before the JLPT test, I ventured to the convenience store to buy some back-up pencils, in case the husband’s mechanical pencil got jammed. It didn’t, but you can never be too prepared. I was so entertained to learn that Mitsubishi, one of Japan’s largest corporations, the manufacturer of nuke plants, weapons, and elevators, also makes pencils. I guess the world will always need pencils.
Today is Tanabata, a Chinese-derived holiday about celestial lovers. It’s also the opportunity to write your wishes on special trees. The tree where I left my wish is our local supermarket. Mine says, “I hope I pass the Japanese language test” (日本語のしけんにごうかくしますように).
Repulsed by monotheism, I’ve recently discovered how much I enjoy Shintoism and any type of Japanese superstitions. If there’s a stack of cards close at hand where you can write a wish, well, why not do it? For last week’s JLPT exam, I not only left this note in my supermarket, but I also left some coins and a quick prayer at our local Shinto shrine.
I love this child’s wish below. When he’s big, he wants to be a hairdresser. What would you wish for? And where would you leave your wish?
Is anyone taking the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency) tests this summer? They are offering new levels 1, 2 and 3. I am challenging myself to study for level 3, which will be really hard for me.
The website for the test is sooo difficult. If you click the link that says in English that you are taking the test within Japan, you get to pages and pages of information only in Japanese. According to the hubb, you need to buy the application form at a bookstore and then mail it in.
Hello, JLPT! Have you never heard of online transactions? Between the language and multiple steps for application, it’s amazing that so many people manage to take the test!
Which readers are taking the test in July? What are you doing to study? Thank you for sharing some tips or encouragement.
Tokyo Moe 