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A field guide to life around Japan

J-Compass

A reference for people whose lives revolve around Japan: learning the language, traveling the country, or living here.

Begin with Japanese LearningRead the principles

Contents

Three pillars, one site.

Each pillar is a self-contained reference. Begin with the one that matches your life right now; return for the others when you need them.

  1. 01

    Japanese Learning

    In progress

    A deconstructed approach to grammar, kanji and study methodology, together with a guide to the wider ecosystem of SRS apps, reading assistants and immersion sources. Ideal for learners who prefer depth over rote memorisation.

    Open this pillar
  2. 02

    Living in Japan

    Forthcoming

    A reference guide for long-term residents, covering topics such as visas, housing, healthcare, taxes and daily life systems. It is intended for people who actually live here, not as a relocation brochure.

  3. 03

    Traveling in Japan

    Forthcoming

    Itineraries, transport options, cultural norms and regional guides for short-term visitors, answering the questions that are never quite addressed in scattered blog posts and forum threads.

House style

Editorial principles

J-Compass is opinionated about what makes a reference worth reading. Four rules apply to every article on the site.

Depth over recipes

We explain why grammar points, kanji components, and local customs work the way they do. Understanding something intuitively makes it easier to remember.

Sourced, not asserted

Every claim is referenced back to its origin, whether that be a dictionary, an official publication, linguistic research or a primary source. We highlight any discrepancies when experts disagree.

A toolkit, not a textbook

No single resource is enough. We curate the broader ecosystem of SRS apps, reading assistants, and immersion materials, and show how to fold them into a routine.

Calm, structured, current

No hype, gamified streaks, or promises of fluency in three months. The content is organized as a roadmap and updated as the tools and rules around it change.

About

The people behind J-Compass

A small editorial team of long-term residents, native speakers, and serious learners. We write, review, and maintain everything on this site by hand.

  • 田辺 真理子Mariko Tanabe

    Editor — Japanese Learning

    Tokyo-based, former JLPT preparation instructor with a linguistics background from Tsukuba. Reviews every grammar and kanji breakdown for accuracy and pedagogical clarity.

  • Daniel Voss

    Writer — Tooling & Immersion

    Moved to Kanazawa in 2005 and has been deep in the self-study world for over twenty years. Covers SRS workflows, reading assistants, and the long tail of learner tooling that nobody else documents carefully.

  • 岡部 浩Hiroshi Okabe

    Contributor — Etymology & Kanji

    Native speaker based in Nara and a historical-linguistics enthusiast. Writes the deconstructions that trace components, on-yomi readings, and the cultural baggage each kanji carries.

  • Élise Marchand

    Managing Editor

    Eighteen years in Matsuyama, JLPT N1, and a stubborn editorial standard. Owns the house style, commissions new articles, and decides when a draft is finally ready to publish.

Written and maintained as a long-running reference. No newsletter, no streaks, no gamification, just articles that aim to be worth reading twice.