If you are an avid anime viewer, you will probably have the infamous Japanese swear word “baka”, which simply translates to stupid or foolish. It’s one of the most commonly used insults in Japanese, and from the way characters shout it, you may have already guessed that it’s meant as an insult. But did you […]
If you are an avid anime viewer, you will probably have the infamous Japanese swear word “baka”, which simply translates to stupid or foolish. It’s one of the most commonly used insults in Japanese, and from the way characters shout it, you may have already guessed that it’s meant as an insult. But did you […]
How do you say “I love you” in Japanese while hitting all the right nuances and intentions? In Japanese, romantic is often viewed through two distinct lenses: 恋 (koi) and 愛 (ai). 恋 (koi) refers to romantic love or the initial spark of attraction. Interestingly, Japanese uses the same figure of speech as English when […]
Have you ever wondered how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Japan? While we all associate Valentine’s Day with romantic dinners and roses, things take a unique turn in Japan! Forget men giving chocolates; in Japan, on February 14, women give chocolates to their loved ones. This does not always have to be their romantic partner. […]
Due to its somewhat controversial origins, National Foundation was abolished following the post-war constitution, but it subsequently bounced back 20 years later. We wonder, does it still hold the same meaning?
When you become a Japanese language student, you might wonder what common Japanese classroom words and phrases you will hear when you go to school. Of course, you will learn new vocabulary as you go, but in this case, we are talking about phrases you should know so you can understand your teacher’s directions, ask […]
If you’ve ever dined at a Japanese restaurant, you’ve likely seen people press their palms together and say “Itadakimasu” before eating and “Gochisousama deshita” afterward. In English, these are usually translated as “Let’s eat” and “Thank you for the meal.” But while they function like “saying grace,” the meaning goes much deeper than simple manners. […]
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If you love the spirit of a city that never stops moving, we recommend making Shinjuku your home base for learning Japanese.
