Yōkai, roughly translated to 'spirits' or 'demons' in Japanese, have appeared in Japanese horror legends and folklore since historical times. In a period when the surreal began to overtake realistic...
Japan Culuture & Language
Dive into the heart of Japanese culture. These blogs cover everything from ancient traditions to pop culture and language learning.
Japanese Onomatopoeia: 25 Useful Japanese Descriptive Words
Japanese onomatopoeia is a real gem in the Japanese language, innit? The language can be a bit fuzzy and indirect, but these onomatopoeic words really step up, giving us spot-on ways to express...
Japanese Abbreviations: 40 Must-Know Shortcuts for Easy Communication
The Japanese language is known for its unique and fascinating characteristics, one of which is the frequent use of abbreviations, especially in casual conversations and texting. This linguistic...
Essential Japanese Travel Phrases You Must Know for a Smooth Visit to Japan!
If you are planning to travel or move to Japan and don’t speak any Japanese, here are some common daily Japanese phrases you can memorise easily and quickly to get by every day! Whether you're...
Exploring 6 Famous Japanese Stories and Legends: Timeless Tales of Morals and Magic
Like other countries, Japan has its own Japanese folktales (mukashi-banashi, “Japanese stories from long ago”) that were initially spread via word of mouth. These Japanese legends and traditional...
Japanese Toilets: Astonishing Experiences and Unforgettable Moments
Japan is an amazing country to visit because of its fascinating culture, delicious food, and kind locals. One of the unexpected perks during my trip was discovering that Japanese toilets are the...
30 Japanese Slang Words You’ll Actually Hear (With Meanings)
Japanese slang words are constantly changing and evolving. If you’re studying Japanese through textbooks or in classrooms, you’ll probably never come across these words. In this blog post, you’ll...
Modern Japanese Fashion: Essential Tips for Mastering Minimalist Style
Ditching the days of neon colours and vibrant palettes, modern Japanese fashion is gravitating towards a more minimalist approach. Embracing muted tones and streamlined silhouettes, the Japanese are...
Common Japanese Learning Mistakes: 10 Blunders to Steer Clear Of
Studying the Japanese language can be really frustrating at times, especially when you're faced with complex kanji characters, tricky pronunciation, and nuanced grammar rules. It's easy to feel...
Jikkyousha Sensation: Unveiling the Irresistible Appeal of Japan’s Gaming Celebrities
It’s not surprising that online gaming is widely popular in Japan. After all, it’s where some of the most legendary game companies were born: Nintendo, Square Enix, Sega, Konami—the list goes on....
Unmasking the True Weeaboo: The Ultimate Checklist
Unless you're familiar with Japanese pop culture, you may not know the terms 'weeaboo' or 'otaku'. Perhaps you've heard of them but are unsure what they mean or how they differ. Or maybe you've...
The Disturbing Truth About the Sexualisation of Young Japanese Girls in Anime, Manga, and Media
If you've watched Japanese anime or read manga, you may have noticed how some characters, particularly young girls, are portrayed. Often, middle or junior high school girls are drawn with adult-like...
Cheat Without Cheating: Decoding Japan’s Unique Relationship Dynamics
In a previous blog post, we delved into another hidden facet of Japanese culture—cheating—and explored why it’s more accepted here than in other countries. We defined cheating as “having a...
Is Japan Like Anime? Discover the Surprising Truth
Is Japan like anime? This is a question that intrigues many people fascinated by the colourful and vibrant world of Japanese animation. While anime portrays a captivating and sometimes exaggerated...
Learn Japanese: Proven Tips for Quick and Easy Mastery
Are you hoping to learn Japanese? Learning a new language is challenging, but it is a fun and rewarding process, and you can start at home today. Many people think studying the Japanese language is...