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4 top-rated Japanese language schools to enroll in Singapore so you can get past just saying “konnichiwa”

Ready to go beyond the basic “konnichiwa” and gain mastery of the Japanese language?

Allow us to help.

In this article, you will find a list of top-rated Japanese language schools in Singapore to help you achieve fluency and confidence in speaking Japanese.

Let’s roll!

Tomo Japanese Language School

Website: tomo-japanese.com

Google Rating: 5 (560+ reviews)

Address: 190 Clemenceau Ave, #03 #02, Singapore 239924

Forget textbook drudgery because, at Tomo Japanese Language School, fluency means fun first.

Their teaching method weaves together speaking, reading, writing, and listening to “train” you into an all-rounded Japanese speaker.

But it doesn’t stop at language.

Beyond the classroom, you will be exposed to the REAL culture of Japan, no tourist cliches there.

These practical lessons equip you with the real-world skills to thrive in Japanese business and society, whether you dream of working in Tokyo or simply want to connect with locals at a deeper level.

Tuition fees are priced at $450 for a 10-lesson term.

Tsubasa Language Services

Website: learnjapanese.sg

Google Rating: 5 (30+ reviews)

Address: 808 French Rd, Singapore 200808

Tsubasa Language Services isn’t your run-of-the-mill language school.

It features passionate local instructors, armed with rigorous teacher training, and can guide you on a journey through language, cuisine, travel, values, and more.

Starting from just $260 for an 8-class beginner package, Tsubasa makes Japanese fluency accessible easily.

What began as one man’s dream has blossomed into a well-sought-after destination for those seeking a better understanding of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Hougang Japanese Language School

Website: hougangjapanese.com

Google Rating: 5 (20+ reviews)

Address: 134 Jurong Gateway Rd, #02 303A, Singapore 600134

Founded in 1983 by Mr. Kenji Kitahara, a master of both Japanese linguistics and Chinese Mandarin, this school has spent over 40 years nurturing Singapore’s curiosity about Japan.

Now helmed by his son Yutaro, the family’s devotion to Japanese education remains unbroken.

Their beginner’s Elementary I course starts at just $300 for 32 hours of learning.

Or go all-in with the exclusive “lifetime student” membership, allowing unlimited learning for one affordable fee (from $1000).

Taiyo Japanese Language School

Website: taiyo.edu.sg

Google Rating: 5 (10+ reviews)

Address: 20 Kramat Lane United House #05-05, Singapore 228773

Last but not least, you will want to cast aside visions of dusty Japanese textbooks and droning grammar lectures.

At Taiyo Japanese Language School, their approach makes learning the language as engaging as it is effective.

From day one, you will be taught practical, everyday conversation phrases so those follow-ups after “konnichiwas” roll off your tongue with confidence.

They will cover grammar to build your fluency, but rules take a back seat to real-world speaking.

After just one week, you could find yourself throwing out Japanese with your boss or clients over lunch.

The path to Japanese mastery is paved here not with tedious drills but with a curriculum focused on lively dialog and role-playing.

4 incredibly well-rated indoor playgrounds in Singapore to have fun in no matter the weather

When the weather outside is unpredictable, keeping the little ones entertained indoors can be challenging.

If you’re looking for a place to let your kids burn off some energy or are seeking a safe play area, we’ve got you covered in this article.

Let’s explore a quick list of incredibly well-rated indoor playgrounds right away!

Adventure HQ

Website: onehome-facilities-portal.hometeamns.sg

Google Rating: 4.9 (7.1K+ reviews)

Address: 2 Yishun Walk, Singapore 767944 (Located in HomeTeamNS Khatib)

First up, conquer one of Singapore’s wildest indoor adventures at Adventure HQ’s 2,800 sqm hub.

Across four stories high, eight immersive installations dare you to scale new heights.

Zip down the 14m indoor slide before slithering through the first-ever 165m artificial cave.

A towering 15m two-tiered indoor ropes course is guaranteed to leave your kids wobbly!

With obstacles ranging from drops to easy breezes, every adventurer discovers their adrenaline fix.

Single passes start at $40, or go all-in with buddy and bundle deals if you’ve got a gang to admit.

Kiztopia Club @ Jurong Point

Website: kiztopia.com/branches/jurong-point

Google Rating: 4.9 (2.8K+ reviews)

Address: 1 Jurong West Central 2, #03-18/19, Singapore 648886 (Located in Jurong Point)

Or blast off on an intergalactic adventure at Kiztopia Club @ Jurong Point, where the outer reaches of space await young explorers.

Measuring 4,500 square feet in size, this play universe packs a huge amount of fun across 12 different cosmic play zones.

Scale the netted climbing frames, bounce on the trampoline, zoom down twisting slides, or let your child’s imagination take flight in the immersive role-play rooms.

When it’s time for food refuel, the on-site family café and gift shop offer a snack pit stop before rocketing off to the next galactic mission.

Prices start from $22+ for a single admission.

SkyPark @ Orchard Cineleisure

Website: kiztopia.com/branches/skypark

Google Rating: 4.9 (1.5K+ reviews)

Address: 8 Grange Rd, #04-04/05 Orchard Cineleisure, Singapore 239695 (Located in Cineleisure)

This indoor urban playground serves up adrenaline-pumping adventures for kids of all ages.

With a multi-level play structure that turns physical challenges into games, SkyPark @ Orchard Cineleisure is where little ones can discover their inner athlete and adventurer.

From vertical gyms that will wow the next ninja warrior to rock climbing walls that beckon brave souls, this sporty spin on playtime promises to get those hearts racing and competitive juices flowing.

Yet the fun isn’t just reserved for big kids—a ball pit and other pint-sized playgrounds let the tiny tots join the action too.

With single-entry tickets starting at just $22+ for kids and $15 for adults, you can’t afford to skip this adventure zone in the heart of town.

Kidodo Space Indoor Playground

Website: kidodo.sg/kidodo-space

Google Rating: 4.9 (430+ reviews)

Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City Tower3, #03-350/351 Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983

Last but not least, enter a kid’s paradise at Kidodo Space Indoor Playground, a space-themed indoor funhouse.

This playground propels young imaginations into orbit with a universe of amusements.

Spiral down the 5-meter slide, journey through interactive ball walls, and stock up on “supplies” in the mini supermarket.

Suit up in the LEGO area to build spaceships, then zip around in rideable cars before docking in the sandpit for galactic excavations.

With tickets priced from just $15 an hour, this fun zone is an inexpensive escape where kids can go crazy.

7 Red Flags That Indicate You Might Be a Bad Boss

Hey there, boss! Let’s get real for a second. Are you the leader your team looks up to, or are you secretly the reason they’re eyeing the exit? Being a boss isn’t just about titles and paychecks as it’s about leading with integrity, consistency, and respect.

As an HR consultant, I’ve seen it all, from inspiring leaders to toxic bosses driving talented employees to resign. Take a moment to reflect. Do you recognize yourself in any of these signs of being a bad boss?

#1: LACK OF TRANSPARENCY

Picture this: a company offers over 10 employee benefits, yet the staff still grumbles about their salaries. Why? Because their boss failed to communicate clearly about the incentive packages.

Transparency doesn’t mean spilling all the beans, but it does mean keeping your team informed about what directly impacts them. Good bosses build trust by being open, while bad bosses create a veil of secrecy that widens the gap between themselves and their employees. Ask yourself, are you bridging that gap or making it wider?

#2: INCONSISTENT DECISION-MAKING

Few things frustrate employees more than inconsistency. If you’re constantly changing your approach to the same issues, you’re leaving your team in the dark, unsure of what to expect.

Great bosses create stability by applying consistent frameworks to their decisions. When flexibility is needed, they explain the reasoning behind it. This builds confidence and helps everyone, including you, stay on track. Are you consistent, or are you keeping your team guessing?

#3: MICROMANAGING THE TEAM

Let me tell you about a company I left because of relentless micromanagement. Every move I made was scrutinized including my pronunciation of certain words, and it crushed my confidence.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Micromanagement screams one thing: I don’t trust you! Great bosses delegate tasks and let their team figure out the best way to succeed. If you feel the urge to hover, ask yourself why you hired these people in the first place. Trust them to deliver and focus on the bigger picture.

#4: TAKING THE CREDIT & PASSING THE BLAME

Oh, this one gets me every time! I’ve seen countless bosses in Singapore who light up when it’s time to claim credit but vanish when it’s time to take responsibility.

A good boss knows success is a team effort and isn’t afraid to own mistakes. Passing the blame might save your ego momentarily, but it quickly earns you a reputation as a turncoat. Be the boss who steps up. Your team will respect you for it.

#5: USING INTIMIDATION INSTEAD OF EARNING RESPECT

Here’s a truth bomb: employees don’t quit jobs; they quit bosses. Intimidation might get you short-term compliance, but it will never earn genuine respect.

Respect is a two-way street. If you want your team to respect you, start by showing respect to them. A healthy manager-employee relationship thrives on mutual trust, not fear.

#6: FAILING TO ADVOCATE FOR YOUR TEAM

Are you a cheerleader for your employees? A great boss champions their team, pushing for recognition, promotions, and growth opportunities.

If you’re promising salary bumps or promotions that never materialize, or if you’re not fighting for your team’s visibility, you’re doing them a disservice. Advocate for them – it’s your job.

#7: PLAYING OFFICE FAVORITES

Imagine that your boss frequently has lunch with one team member, shares exclusive updates with him, and hands him all the high-profile assignments. Sound familiar?

Favoritism isn’t just unprofessional, it’s toxic. Sure, it’s natural to have preferences, but as a leader, you need to treat everyone fairly. You’re not running a popularity contest. You’re managing a team united by shared goals.

IN A NUTSHELL

No one sets out to be a bad boss. However, self-awareness is key to becoming a better one. If you’ve spotted yourself in any of these behaviors, it’s not too late to change. Lead with transparency, consistency, and respect, and watch your team thrive.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

So, are you ready to be the boss your team deserves?

Sources: 1,2, & 3

5 facial sprays/mists under $35 to buy for quick skin hydration where your hands don’t have to touch your face

Keeping skin hydrated without constant contact can be a challenge.

And that’s why we’ve searched high and low for this list of facial sprays/mists to help give you that quick hydration boost without the need to touch your face.

They’re suitable for a midday refresher, as a travel skincare must-have, or just a quick pick-me-up whenever your skin feels dry.

A better complexion is just a spritz away!

Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Adaptogens & Coconut Water

Price: $13

First up, dull skin is no match for this hydration boost from Mario Badescu.

Made using a blend of aloe vera, coconut water, and adaptogenic plant extracts, this facial spray helps your complexion adapt to stressors while delivering a youthful-looking radiance.

Mist it on in the morning as a dewy makeup-setting spray, throughout the day as a pick-me-up, or after cleansing for that dose of hydration before moisturizing.

Your face (and hair!) will drink up this thirst-quenching spritz and radiate a fresher glow.

Caudalie Grape Water

Price: $15

Or quench thirsty skin with this nature’s nourishing nectar.

This vegan facial mist features the antioxidant might of grape water to deliver hydration and calm to the most sensitive complexions.

Its prebiotic powers strengthen your skin barrier while minerals like potassium provide extra moisture.

The polysaccharide-rich formula also absorbs in an instant, leaving you refreshed instead of residue behind.

Simply spray and glow as the 100% fruit water and juice revive your radiance.

Bonus: It’s made using eco-friendly packaging.

Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief

Price: $18

This moisture surge face spray is a godsend for complexions craving a drink.

With a mist packed with aloe and moisture (but not a drop of pore-clogging oil), it rushes a burst of liquid salvation to your skin, rapidly replenishing its moisture levels.

Instantly, you will feel it soothe and soften your face as it restores that dewy balance.

Use it anytime, anywhere your skin sends out an SOS.

Mist it under makeup to prep your canvas or over your look for a refresher.

Thanks to its oil-free, paraben-free formula, you can quench your skin’s thirst without worrying about your makeup sliding off by noon.

Pixi Vitamin Wakeup Mist

Price: $25

Or consider this orange blossom-infused toner and let its citrusy blend of fruit extracts and lavender instantly enliven your complexion.

One spritz provides a burst of hydration, while botanical extracts like arginine nourish and tone for a luminous glow.

Use it as the first step in your routine to prep skin, or spray over makeup for a veil that sets your look.

Better yet, keep this thirst-quenching mist on hand for an anytime aromatherapy refresher that perks up tired skin.

Esmi Skin Minerals Refreshing & Hydrating Skin Snack Face Mist

Price: $33

Last but not least, we have Esmi Skin Minerals’ Refreshing & Hydrating Skin Snack Face Mist, a refreshing spray that rehydrates skin throughout the day, delivering nourishing moisture whenever your face needs it.

Packed with hydrating heroes like coconut oil, fruit extracts, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, this Australian-made mist quenches while protecting under conditions like prolonged air conditioning, UV rays, wind, and weather.

It rehydrates on the go so you can revive your skin (and makeup!) in a few sprays.

Suitable for every age and skin type.

How to Deal with Negative Emotions About Money

Money has a way of tugging at our emotions…sometimes even breaking us down. Recently, I found myself in tears over an academic setback. I had poured a significant amount of money into my studies, only to face disappointing results at the final dissertation stage. The thought of spending even more to fix the situation felt overwhelming.

Negative emotions tied to money can easily spiral into despair, but managing these feelings is essential. Start by examining the impact of your emotions.

#1: EXAMINE THE IMPACT OF YOUR EMOTIONS

Intense emotions aren’t always bad. My initial reaction to failing or needing to revise my dissertation wasn’t “wrong.” Big emotions often mean we’re deeply invested in our lives. However, letting emotions spiral unchecked can wreak havoc on your personal and professional life. When money-related stress takes over, it can lead to:

Strained relationships
Trouble at work or school
Emotional outbursts
Reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms

Take a moment to reflect. Are your emotions affecting your daily life? Identifying these triggers helps you turn emotions into tools for growth and motivation instead of barriers.

#2: IDENTIFY SPECIFIC NEGATIVE FEELINGS ABOUT MONEY

Our emotional connections to money often run deep, even if we don’t realize it. Start by journaling about your feelings toward debt, spending, and saving. Ask yourself:

Does your debt make you feel trapped or ashamed?
Do unplanned purchases leave you feeling guilty?
Does budgeting feel suffocating, triggering anxiety or conflict?

Unpacking these emotions can help uncover their root causes. Once you know what’s driving your feelings, you’re better equipped to change them.

#3: PRACTICE EMOTIONAL REGULATION

There’s no switch to turn off negative emotions, but you can learn to regulate them. Bottling up feelings can harm your mental and physical health, causing:

Anxiety or depression
Sleep disturbances
Chronic stress
Muscle tension and pain

Instead, aim for balance. Allow yourself to feel emotions without judgment. Acknowledge them, let them flow, and then refocus. This practice prevents overwhelm without forcing you to suppress how you feel.

#4: REPLACE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS WITH POSITIVE ONES

Once you’ve identified the negative emotions tied to money, work on replacing them with empowering ones. For instance, if debt makes you feel ashamed, strive to feel motivated instead.

Affirmations can help. Start with phrases like:

“I am in control of my finances.”
“I attract opportunities for financial growth.”

It might feel awkward at first, but over time, these affirmations can reshape your mindset and help you feel more confident about money matters.

#5: BUILD RELIABLE FINANCIAL SYSTEMS

Systems can take some of the emotional weight out of managing money. Small steps like setting up autopay for bills, automating savings, or enabling low-balance alerts can make a world of difference.

However, don’t “set and forget” your finances. Schedule a weekly check-in to calmly review your financial situation. This routine helps you stay proactive and prevents money worries from spiraling.

#6: JOIN A FINANCIAL SUPPORT GROUP

Money stress is incredibly common, yet many people avoid seeking help. Luckily, online resources make support more accessible than ever.

Consider exploring:

Financial literacy courses, like those FREE from the Institute for Financial Literacy
Budgeting communities on social media
Credit counseling services, such as CCS.org.sg
Being part of a positive, informed community can help you develop a healthier relationship with money. Remember, you’re not alone—sharing your challenges and successes makes the journey less isolating.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Dealing with negative emotions about money takes time, self-awareness, and intentional action. By reflecting on your feelings, building solid financial habits, and leaning on support systems, you can turn money from a source of stress into a tool for growth.

Sources: 1 & 2

Tomo Japanese Language School

Tsubasa Language Services

Hougang Japanese Language School

Taiyo Japanese Language School

Adventure HQ

Kiztopia Club @ Jurong Point

SkyPark @ Orchard Cineleisure

Kidodo Space Indoor Playground

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