Rebecca Shiraishi-Miles 
“If we spoke a different language, we would perceive a somewhat different world.” ‒ Ludwig Wittgenstein Do you agree with this quote? I know I do. Many languages have beautiful and unique words which cannot be translated precisely. These words often represent concepts which are so unique to that culture, there is simply no equivalent … Read more
Do you have someone in your life who’s obsessed with Japan? (It’s ok if that person is you… I won’t tell anyone 😉 ) Are you looking for cool Japanese gift ideas for Christmas or a birthday? Start by checking out my list of dream Japanese themed gifts! I’ve put together this gift guide of … Read more
The leaves are changing colour, the days are getting shorter, there’s a nip in the air… Autumn is here! (Or fall, depending on where you’re from ? ) Perhaps you already know that the seasons are very important in Japan. In Japanese culture, people honour the changes in the seasons with foods, drinks, customs, festivals … Read more
So you want to learn Japanese, but you don’t have time or money for classes? Learning a new language is hard, and most people who try end up quitting before they get very far. It takes time and persistence. The Pimsleur courses are one of the most famous self-study language courses out there. They use … Read more
Finally! The long, cold winter is over, and spring is arriving in Japan! Spring is many people’s favourite season in Japan. As in other countries, spring is a sign of new life and a fresh start. The most famous symbol of spring in Japan is sakura – cherry blossom flowers. As you will see, there … Read more
Everybody loves a party. And not many people love a party more than the Japanese! Each year, thousands of different festivals take place across Japan. These festivals are usually rooted in the Shinto tradition. Many date back hundreds of years. However, Japanese festivals are more than just a religious event. They represent a chance to … Read more
The word ‘hello’ is one of the first words we want to learn in any language! It’s no surprise that when we start learning Japanese, we want to learn the word ‘hello’ first. This simple greeting helps us make connections and friends. Well, of course nothing is ever simple in Japanese… You may have learned … Read more