Popular Japanese idioms Learning Japanese vocabulary and grammar is a great way to start studying Japanese. But sometimes it is useful to know some Japanese idioms as well. Using the right idioms in your conversation will definitely impress your Japanese friends and co-workers and make your Japanese sound more natural too. In this blog for Japanese learners., Miyako Fujinawa, a Japanese teacher...

Japanese hair There are a very large number of hair salons in Japan. Which leads me to think that Japanese people often get their hair cut. Most men tend to keep their hair short, and it is not only schools but also companies that have rules for hairstyles. In this blog for Japanese learners, Japanese teacher Kumiko Yatabe explains the problems she has with her hair and clothes. Please read the...

The Japanese political system The Japanese political system is a democratic system that was originally based on the German Diet system. There are two houses - the lower house or the House of Representatives and the upper house or the House of Councilors. There are a number of general elections held periodically to elect the members. The House of Representatives elections are held every four...

Autumn in Japan Many people feel that autumn in Japan is the most beautiful season. The leaves change colours in the many parks and mountain forests, and there are many seasonal fruits and vegetables that are very tasty. You can hike up many of the easily accessible trekking routes as well as visit many of the celebrated temples and shrines with breathtaking scenery, and enjoy the joys of...

Food accessories in Japan Soy sauce containers and dispensers come in all shapes and sizes in Japan. It is a sub-culture in itself. Part of the charm of Washoku or Japanese cuisine is the way in which it is presented. From colorful side dishes to stylish tableware, you can enjoy more than just the food. In this blog for Japanese learners, Japanese teacher Sachiko Someya introduces one...

Coffee in Japan The coffee industry in Japan has a long and interesting history. Introduced to the country by Dutch and Portuguese traders in the 16th Century, it grew in popularity, especially after the second world war. Nowadays, large firms like Starbucks dominate the café style coffee drinking, and canned coffee is still also a uniquely Japanese product. This blog for Japanese learners by...

How to study Japanese Kanji There are many ways to study and memorize Kanji. You can try to learn the radicals or practice the stroke order and write them our repeatedly. Or you try to learn them organically by making note of all the Kanji you see if you live in an immersive environment. Or you can do what this teacher recommends. Read this blog to find out the method a Japanese teacher employs...

Alternative medicine in Japan Japanese people are very health-conscious and spend a lot of money on health products, supplements, and health treatments including massages. But in this blog by a Japanese teacher, you can learn about one health method which is gaining popularity in Japan and is surprisingly...free! Listen to the blog and learn how to pronounce the Japanese. Learn new vocabulary...

Japanese Ghost Stories Japan is a country with a long history of literature and within this, ghost stories play a deep and colorful role in its folklore. Japanese yurei (ghosts) and yokai (mythical spirits) appear in many forms of entertainment from books to traditional art forms. Today, they also appear in anime, manga, video games, and movies. In this blog for Japanese learners, Japanese...

Concerts after the pandemic During the pandemic, concerts and live music gigs have been canceled. In Japan, when the sports games were restarted, they asked the spectators to refrain from crying out or shouting. For this reason, I think there is pent-up energy ready to be released in the post-Corona world. Maybe in that 'return to normal' Eguchi sensei will find the experiences that she is...