How to Use SUMIMASEN Practically
You definitely have heard that Japanese people often say “sumimasen.” Probably you know it means “sorry.” This is true, but actually, it also has another two definitions, like “excuse me“ …
Life
life in Japan
Suica, a Pre-paid IC Card in Japan
Pre-paid IC cards are indispensable items to carry with you to live an urban life in Japan. Above all, “Suica,” run by JR East Co., is fairly familiar with people …
Gokigen-you!~Useful Expressions That Make You Sound Sophisticated~
Do you have any plans to visit Japan? Are you interested in the Japanese language? If so, I’d like to introduce some expressions that make you sound elegant, polite, and …
Japanese stationery
I would like to introduce you to a few kinds of Japanese stationery, from a reasonable one to a little expensive one. I know many great pen companies around the …
Wonderful! Railroads in Japan
Many Japanese use railroads to commute, to go somewhere for leisure. Of course, some people use cars as a means of transportation, but using railways is basically cheap, so anybody …
Amazing Japanese Vending Machines Part 2
There are a lot of vending machines in Japan. A vending machine is called “jihanki” which is an abbreviation for “jido hanbaiki.” The benefits for owners are that they can …
Onigawara, the Guardian Deity of the Japanese House
In Japanese we have the word “Satsuki Bare” that means a bright clear day in May, and we have more opportunities to look up at the sky than on dark …
Why do Japanese people go to shrines?
This time, I would like to introduce you to the mysterious power spot called a “shrine” in Japan. Why do Japanese people go to shrines so often? Sometimes we are …
Introduction to Traditional Crafts of Japan
When you hear Japanese Traditional Crafts “Dentou Kougei” (伝統工芸), what items or techniques come to mind? There are various traditional crafts called “Kougeihin” (工芸品) in Japan, such as Kokeshi dolls …
Rainy Season “Tsuyu” in Japan
“Tsuyu” is Coming Soon! There are four seasons in Japan. Spring, summer, autumn and winter. The changing of the seasons is ambiguous these days though. We have “tsuyu” between the …