Rikai-chan

Are you using rikai-chan? This excellent firefox extension is made by the folk(s) over at polarcloud.com. I love this program. Basically, you install it, install a dictionary, and then toggle it in firefox. Then, when you mouse over some Japanese, the dictionary will do its best to find the reading and a translation of the word you are mousing over.

Seriously, this program is a life saver for 漢字 (kanji) impaired people like myself. Give it a shot and then go try and read the perfume blog! ;)

JLPT Registration

It's that time again! Time to register for the 2008 日本語能力試験 (nihongo nouryoku shiken), aka the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Registration is until September 26 at 5:00 PM (PDT) in the US (And you can register online!). One month left! If you are taking it elsewhere, check out the official site for more info.

I have registered to take level 1 again. I have level 2 already, but level 1 defeated me last year. So, I try again. Maybe if I pass, I can beat out the coming changes that are going to make level 1 even harder.

Also, if you are in the greater Los Angeles area and want to study for 1級 or 2級, gimme a holler in the comments!