How to Play Rock Paper Scissors in Japanese: じゃんけん (Janken) + Handy Illustrated Guide

2026 Jun 04

In Japan, “rock paper scissors” is referred to as “じゃんけん”(Janken). Although it is called different names in different places, the rules of the game are generally the same in every country. The full countdown phrase is じゃんけんぽん (Janken pon!), equivalent to “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot!”In Japan, janken is used to settle disagreements, select participants, and […]

How to play Rock Paper Scissors in Japanese - じゃんけん (Janken) - Handy Illustrated Guide

News and resources

How to Play Rock Paper Scissors in Japanese: じゃんけん (Janken) + Handy Illustrated Guide

In Japan, “rock paper scissors” is referred to as “じゃんけん”(Janken). Although it is called different names in different places, the rules of the game are generally the same in every country. The full countdown phrase is じゃんけんぽん (Janken pon!), equivalent to “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot!”In Japan, janken is used to settle disagreements, select participants, and […]

How to play Rock Paper Scissors in Japanese - じゃんけん (Janken) - Handy Illustrated Guide

12 Cheesy Japanese Pick-up Lines (That Actually Work)

Interested in someone at the office, at university, or at your local bar, but don’t know how to flirt in Japanese? Or maybe you just want to make your friend groan with a cheesy one-liner. Either way, you might be wondering: do pick-up lines even work in Japanese? It takes confidence to ask someone out, […]

Feature image for the Japanese pick-up line blog showing a man asking out a woman

Minato Area Guide: Things to Do in Tokyo’s Most Affluent Area

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Tokyo’s Minato area? The bustling nightlife, luxurious apartments, or the night skyline from Tokyo Tower? It’s obvious that the Minato area is one of the most wealthy parts of Tokyo, home to many large corporations, high-end shops and restaurants in Azabu, and many […]

Minato Area Guide_ Things to Do in Tokyo’s Most Affluent Area

How to Give Compliments in Japanese Like a Native

Have you ever been stuck in a situation where you wanted to compliment someone, but didn’t know how to express it naturally in Japanese? Knowing how to homeru (褒める) — the Japanese word for “to praise” or “to compliment” — is one of the simplest ways to make friends and form genuine connections. But getting […]

feature image of blog showing a colleague complimenting eachother with a thumbs up