Want to get better at Japanese? Reading is one of the best ways to improve your language skills. It’s especially important to read a lot when you’re learning a language with a different writing system, like Japanese. Hiragana, katakana and kanji can be overwhelming at first. But with enough reading practice, reading these characters will … Read more
Filler words are a phenomenon in every language. They are used to ‘fill in’ spaces in conversations, perhaps to give yourself time to think about what you want to say or as conversational padding. In Japanese they are known as tsunagi kotoba (つなぎ言葉 / つなぎことば), literally translating as ‘linking words’. What are filler words? English … Read more
August in Japan is hot, humid, busy and full of summer traditions! School holidays are underway and it’s peak festival season. Many people travel this month to see family or attend seasonal events. Alongside the heat and fireworks, August is also shaped by Obon, a time focused on family and community. Whether you are travelling … Read more
In this post, we will be learning all about the vibrant Japanese bars known as izakaya. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, a trip to an izakaya should definitely make your list! What is an izakaya? Izakaya (居酒屋 / いざかや) literally translates to something along the lines of ‘a shop to reside and drink’. … Read more
July in Japan marks the real start of summer. The rainy season comes to an end, temperatures rise, and the country goes into festival mode! Look out for local fireworks festivals and people dressing in yukata. Whether you’re travelling or enjoying Japanese culture from home, July is full of colour and tradition! Here are some … Read more
It is no secret by now that Japan’s vending machine game is on another level! They are referred to in a few ways: the full way to say vending machine in Japanese is jidou hanbaiki (自動販売機 / じどうはんばいき), which is often shortened to jihanki (自販機 / じはんき), or hanbaiki (販売機 /はんばいき). Vending machines are undeniably … Read more
It’s not truly a Japanese summer without summer festivals, or natsu matsuri (夏祭り / なつまつり) as they’re known in Japanese! Matsuri take place year round, from the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido in winter to the Niihama Taiko (drum) Festival in autumn. But the peak time for Japanese festivals is summer! Summer festivals are generally … Read more
June in Japan marks a clear shift into early summer. It’s starting to get hot and humid in most of Japan, and delicious summer foods are coming into season. June is most known for being the rainy season! The rain brings lush green landscapes, blooming hydrangeas and newly planted rice seedlings. While June doesn’t have … Read more
I know, I know, what do you mean ‘how to use the toilet’?! Of course I know how to use a toilet, I’m not a toddler, we have them in my home country too! Well, it’s not like you will have to potty-train all over again, but the toilets in Japan can be quite unique … Read more