Recent wanderings

How to Say Yes and No in Japanese

How to Say Yes and No in Japanese

Do you know how to say yes and no in Japanese? This seems like a simple concept but there are actually many different ways to say yes and no. It’s especially important to understand Japanese culture so that you know when and how to use 

Colors in Japanese: Everything you need to know

Colors in Japanese: Everything you need to know

Did you know that colors in Japanese often have unique meanings and origins? This makes sense because dyeing fabric has been a Japanese tradition since the 8th century. There are also the beautiful Japanese woodblock prints calle Ukiyo-e, which have been around since the 17th 

What does otaku mean in Japanese?

What does otaku mean in Japanese?

Many people know the word otaku, even if they have never studied Japanese. It’s a popular Japanese word that’s associated with people who like anime, manga, and Japanese culture. Have you ever wondered what the word actually means in Japanese and whether it’s considered an 

How to compliment men in Japanese

How to compliment men in Japanese

Have you ever wondered how to compliment men in Japanese? Here are some phrases you can use and how to use  them in Japanese culture!  Ushi-san, Tanuki’s new friend from New Year’s thinks Tanuki is very handsome! Complimenting men in Japanese culture: In Japanese culture, 

Japan in Japanese: Is it Nippon or Nihon?

Japan in Japanese: Is it Nippon or Nihon?

You probably know that 日本 is the written word for “Japan” in Japanese. But do you know how to pronounce it? This is a question that’s asked by Japanese learners and even Japanese natives! In Japanese, there are two ways to pronounce 日本, nihon and 

Seijin no hi: Coming of age day

Seijin no hi: Coming of age day

On the second monday of January, Japan has a national holiday that celebrates 20 year olds called Seijin no hi (成人の日). This celebration is a coming of age ceremony that recognizes the transition into adulthood.  What happens on Seijin no Hi? Ceremony All 20 year 

How to compliment women in Japanese

How to compliment women in Japanese

As you’re learning Japanese, you might be interested in knowing how to compliment women in Japanese. Here is everything you need to know, from types of compliments and when to use them. It’s important to keep in mind that Japanese culture is not extroverted. Special 

Japanese Phrases and Vocabulary for New Year’s

Japanese Phrases and Vocabulary for New Year’s

Happy New Year! I hope everyone has been having a wonderful winter holiday. In Japan, New Years is a big event where everyone gathers with their family. You can read more on Japanese New Year’s traditions here. If you have any Japanese friends that you’d 

Religion in Japan: Shinto and Buddhism

Religion in Japan: Shinto and Buddhism

Many people might wonder about religion in Japan, a country full of temples and shrines! What’s unique about Japanese culture is that the idea of religion, where you follow one specific religious group, is not common. Instead, people tend to follow the practices of both 

How to Ask for Directions in Japanese

How to Ask for Directions in Japanese

If you’re traveling Japan, you might want to know how to ask for directions in Japanese. Smartphones have made it less likely to get lost, but you never know when you might find yourself with no battery in a foreign country! At the end there’s