Rebecca Shiraishi-Miles 
There’s something special about the calm, thoughtful wisdom that runs through Japanese culture. No wonder so many people feel drawn to Japanese philosophy. And the wonderful thing is that so many Japanese concepts are easy to apply to everyday life, even in the west. You don’t have to become a monk or give away all … Read more
I can’t explain why, but for some reason there is a pretty big overlap between people who love Japan and people who love cats! Yes, I include myself in that number 😻 Luckily for us, there’s a huge amount of Japanese books about cats available in English translation right now. Cats have long been a … Read more
Japanese literature has a special way of pulling you right into the rhythms of everyday life. What people eat, how they spend their free time… all the little details that make the culture feel alive. I’ve always been a big reader, and I became fascinated with Japan long before moving there, thanks to books like … Read more
Halloween is getting more and more popular in Japan every year. From pumpkin-flavoured snacks to huge costume parties in Tokyo, the spooky season is becoming a big event! If you’re learning Japanese, it’s a great chance to pick up some fun seasonal words. In this post, we’ll go over how to say ‘Happy Halloween’ in … Read more
Do they celebrate Halloween in Japan? The answer is yes – but not in the way you might expect! Halloween is still a fairly new holiday in Japan. It’s generally seen as a party night for young adults. You won’t see children going door to door for sweets. But you will find huge street parties, … Read more
Some kids get obsessed with dinosaurs or trains. Others just can’t get enough of Japan! From sushi to samurai, manga to Mt. Fuji, there is so much about Japanese culture that captures children’s imagination. If you’ve got a child like that in your life, these Japanese-inspired gifts for kids are the perfect way to fuel … Read more
Ever wished you could watch your favourite anime without subtitles? you’re not alone. I think every anime fan has had that moment, and for many of us, it’s what led us to wanting to study Japanese! That’s where these gifts come in. They’re perfect for anyone who dreams of going beyond “kawaii” and “sugoi” to … Read more
Some people collect stamps, some collect mugs. But if you’re here, chances are you (or your friend) collect stationery – pens, notebooks, stickers, the works – as if it were a defining trait. And honestly, for many Japanese learners, it is! The right notebook or pen can make study time feel less like homework and … Read more