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
Questions are essential building blocks of language. Whether you are trying to navigate a new country or want to create an engaging conversation and keep it flowing, knowing how to ask the right questions in Japanese will get you there! Let’s start with what is sometimes called the ‘5 W’s’ in English: who, what, where, … 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
Water is one of the most essential elements of life – and it shows up in many parts of the Japanese language too! The everyday word for water in Japanese is mizu (水). But did you know there are separate words for hot and cold water in Japanese? There are also several interesting kanji compounds … Read more
Fire is a force of nature in every culture, and Japan is no exception! The main word for fire in Japanese is hi (火 / ひ). You will also come across the word kaji (火事 / かじ), which is used for a destructive blaze such as a house fire. In Japanese, there are several words … Read more
Conversing about the weather is essential when it comes to making small-talk in Japan! Whether it be by the water cooler in the workplace, or a one-liner at the beginning of an email, some form of acknowledgment of the current weather is a great way to break the ice and get a conversation flowing. Below … Read more