Japanese children's songs Japanese culture has, as most do, many songs that are taught to children. Some of these are nursery rhymes, but some have a cultural background. In this blog, Murahara sensei reflects on one such song that is particular to hometown of Kagoshima in southern Japan. Please read this amusing blog, and learn some Japanese vocabulary. Listen to the video to practice some Jap...

Japanese summer noodles Noodles are a staple Japanese cuisine and are especially popular in the hot and humid summer months. It is a season when a lot of people lose their appetite due to the heat. But noodles are suitable for this season. They can also be cooled down which is great for those with a lack of appetite. Ueno sensei finds that these Washoku staples are actually more than just a food...

Japanese summers In the summertime, over most of Japan the humidity is high and the temperatures are soaring. For many people, it is an uncomfortable season. There are high numbers of heat stroke sufferers and there are many methods to keep cool, bit traditional and modern. In this Japanese learner's blog by Japonin(JOI) teacher Takase sensei, she shares some of the ways she uses to stay cool in...

Japanese river crab Japanese river crab are usually served an appetizer in some Japanese restaurants. But in this language learner's blog, Someya sensei is not trying to eat these little crustaceans but to pet them ! Read this Japanese teacher's blog and watch the video for listening practice too. 沢蟹Sawagani freshwater crab By SOMEYA Sachiko １か月ほど前、我が家に沢蟹がやってきました。沢蟹とは、水のきれいな山の谷川や小...

Local Star festivals The Tanabata festival is also known as the Star Festival is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. It originally came from the Chinese Qixi Festival and celebrates the story of two star-crossed lovers that can only meet once a year on this day. It is believed that if that evening is cloudy, the lovers cannot meet that year and have to wait another year to ...