Coto Japanese Academy

Alphabet is the foundation of the English language, and the same thing can be said about hiragana in the Japanese language. Mastering hiragana is important for anyone who wants to learn the basics of Japanese. As one of the two Japanese alphabets — right next to katakana — hiragana is used for both Japanese grammars and function words. Today, we’ll be learning about the Japanese hiragana ro and rotenburo.

Because of this, having a strong foundation of hiragana means having a generally strong foundation of Japanese skills, too. Yet despite its importance, it shouldn’t take a long time for you to master hiragana. In fact, with the right teacher and support, it should only take no longer than a week for you to master hiragana, including reading and writing them. Hiragana’s shapes are relatively simple, especially if you compare them to kanji. Dwell no further. In this blog series, we’ll be breaking down all the Japanese phonetics (AIUEO or あいうえお) for beginners.

Want to get started on hiragana chart? Download and print our free hiragana chart and practice sheet PDF!

Today’s Japanese Hiragana: Ro (ろ）

The hiragana characters for the ‘R’ family have one of the most simple strokes — most of them are less than one stroke and, at the very most, two. There’s the ra, ri, ru, re, ro (ら、り、る、れ、ろ). The character for ro is is similar to ru (る). The only difference is that there is no tail that curls inward. Remember to follow the stroke order and practice writing them as it is a great way to help you master hiragana in a short time. Be careful not to get ro and ru mixed up.

Learn a Japanese word from Ro (ろ): Rotenburo (ろてんぶろ)

What is a Rotenburo?

A rotenburo is an open-air hot-spring bath. “Ro” (露) means is exposed without walls or fences. “Ten” (天) means the sky, while “furo” (風呂) is, well, a bath in Japanese. Rotenburo is the second most common Japanese bath, right next to onsen.

Have you ever bathed in a rotenburo?

These days, rontenburo can be found on the rooftops of business hotels and in super sento bath houses even in Tokyo. The scenery can be breathtaking. Soaking your body into warm, mineral-rich hot water while getting the full view of gleaming city skyline is an experience a lot of people dream of. But while city rotenburo are just fine, without a doubt, rotenburo that offer natural views of the mountains or ocean is on another level.

Rotenburo, image, photo, picture, illustration

Author’s experience

There are a lot of impressive rotenburo. One of the greatest that I’ve visited so far was at an inn in Tobira Onsen spa in Nagano Prefectre. The surrounding was so white it was like stepping into a magical world. I felt like I was in some hazy dream.

Another one I’d like to mention was a rotenburo at an old inn in Ojiro Onsen spa town in Shizuoka Prefecture. The rotenburo was really close to the ocean — or more precisely, it sat on top of the ocean. The hot water would overflow from the bath to the sea water. It was as if I was bathing in the vast open sea instead of a small hot tub.  

Rotenburo, image, photo, picture, illustration

Japan’s Onsen Culture and History

By the way, wouldn’t you agree that the Japanese are unmatched their love of hot baths or onsen? Japan has about 100 active volcanoes, and this is why the country has lots of hot springs. Apparently, there are about 3,000 hot springs scattered throughout all 47 prefectures. There are also theories that say that Japan’s bathing culture started as much as 6,000 years ago, with rotenburo being one of the main predecessors. We can wonder if the Japanese who lived thousands of years ago had the same kinds of feelings about bathing in rotenburo as we do now.

Japan’s bathing culture continued on for centuries since then. During the Edo period (1603–1868), the city of Edo (or present-day Tokyo) had lots of public bathhouses (these were not rotenburo, but baths inside buildings). Not many of the houses in Edo had a bath, so lots of people would go to the bathhouse. Japanese bathouses turn into something. Not just a place for, well, taking baths, it becomes a spot for townspeople to get together and foster a sense of community. 

These days, small bathhouses are disappearing from towns and cities. On the other hand, facilities such as super sento are visited by lots of people, from children to old folks. They enjoy a variety of bathing styles.

About this week’s blog author:

Shigemi Matsumoto was a junior high school Japanese teacher for 23 years before joining Coto Language Academy. He is an experienced Japanese language teacher. He currently teaches Coto’s Intensive Courses (intermediate and advanced), Business Courses and Part-time N1 grammar and reading classes. He is also involved in developing teaching materials at Coto Academy. (more…)

This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here

Monthly Events at Coto


Every month we hold cultural and social events for our students and their friends to discover more about Japanese culture, meet new friends and practice Japanese. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Lunch Tour – Thursday Jan 10

Cooking Class – Wednesday Jan 16

Calligraphy Class – Wednesday Jan 23

Perapera Active Learning Party – Saturday Jan 26

Jan. 10 Thu: Lunch Tour in Kagurazaka

 

Torijaya

Every month, we organize a lunch tour in one of the many delicious restaurants in the Kagurazaka area. This time we will be visiting “Hanakagura” a traditional Japanese restaurant!

Have you ever been to Kagurazaka?


It’s an enchanting neighbourhood located 5 minutes walking from the Coto Academy, where you can find many shops, fancy cafés, traditional and modern restaurants. If you want to join us and discover Kagurazaka, mail us and make your reservation now! This time we will be visiting a restaurant as part of our lunch tour – “Torijaya” – a traditional Japanese restaurant.

  • Date: Thursday, Jan 10, 2019
  • Time: 12:30 – 13:50
  • Place: Japanese Restaurant “Torijaya” ( 鳥茶屋 )
  • Meeting point: Coto 1F at 12:30
  • ¥1500
  • Up to 16 people
  • Staff: Kana Furumizu, Mutsuki Sasaki

Book Appointment from Coubic

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Jan. 16 Wed: Cooking Class-Shikaimaki

There are many ways of preparing Japanese sushi and every month we organize a cooking class for you to learn more about it! This month we introduce the way to make 四海巻き(Shikai-maki). Have fun learning how to make with us and take up the challenge to create beautiful norimaki for the eye and delicious for your palate!

  • Date: Wednesday, January 16th
  • Time: 12:40 – 13:50
  • Place: Coto Language Academy 1F
  • ¥2500
  • Up to 9 people
  • Instructor: Emiko Shimizu (teacher from Coto)

Book Appointment from Coubic

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Jan. 23 Wed: Calligraphy Class


If you are interested in learning how to draw each and every stroke in the Japanese Kanji character, this event is for you! Every month, Coto Academy will hold a calligraphy class. Learn the basics of calligraphy along with the artistic way of writing kanji, you will be practicing on three characters as shown below. The instructor, Wakana Shingae, is a professional calligrapher. Grab this opportunity to experience the traditions of Japan and participate in our calligraphy class!

  • Kanji: 新 迎 笑
  • Date: Wednesday, January 23rd
  • Time: 12:40 – 13:50
  • Place: Coto Language Academy 1F
  • ¥2500
  • Number of participants: up to 10 people
  • Instructor: Wakana Shingae 

Book Appointment from Coubic

 
 

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Jan. 26 Sat: Perapera Active Learning Party


Have you heard of the Japanese word “Perapera”? It is used to describe someone who speaks a language very well! Coto’s Pera Pera Party is the perfect time for you to have a go at conversation in Japanese. Get the chance to practice your speaking with 20 Japanese native speakers and to chat about many topics in Japanese. During English speaking time… it will be your turn to be a teacher!

  • Date: Saturday, January 26, 2019
  • Time: 18:15-21:15pm
  • Place: Coto Language Academy 1F
  • Fee: 1500¥ with 2 drinks and snacks.
  • Number of participants: Native Japanese 20, Japanese Learners 20

Book Appointment from Coubic
 
 

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Alphabet is the foundation of the English language, and the same thing can be said about hiragana in the Japanese language. Mastering hiragana is important for anyone who wants to learn the basics of Japanese. As one of the two Japanese alphabets — right next to katakana — hiragana is used for both Japanese grammars and function words. Today, we’ll be learning about the Japanese hiragana ru and routine (stylized as ru-tin in katakana).

Having a strong foundation of hiragana means having a generally strong foundation of Japanese skills, too. Yet despite its importance, it shouldn’t take a long time for you to master hiragana. In fact, with the right teacher and support, it should only take no longer than a week for you to master hiragana, including reading and writing them. Hiragana’s shapes are relatively simple, especially if you compare them to kanji. Dwell no further. In this blog series, we’ll be breaking down all the Japanese phonetics (AIUEO or あいうえお) for beginners.

Want to get started on hiragana chart? Download and print our free hiragana chart and practice sheet PDF!

Today’s Japanese Hiragana: Ru (る)

The hiragana characters for the ‘R’ family have one of the most simple strokes — most of them are less than one stroke and, at the very most, two. There’s the ra, ri, ru, re, ro (ら、り、る、れ、ろ). The character for ru is similar to ro(ろ). The only difference is that there is no tail that curls inward. Remember to follow the stroke order and practice writing them as it is a great way to help you master hiragana in a short time. Be careful not to get ro and ru mixed up.

Want to take your kanji skills up a notch? Check our comprehensive kanji page for study tips, kanji life hacks and free worksheets!

Learn a Japanese word from Ru (る) Routine (ルーティン)

The Japanese word for ルーティン is a loan word from the English word routine, and it has the same meaning. While it might not be a Japanese hiragana, the word routine is still interesting and evokes several opinions. Some food for thought: Do you have a fixed daily routine?

Japanese definition of routine

Routines are used to refer to “a fixed task every time.” People might have the impression that having a routine means having a boring life.

However, ever since a few years ago, it has been used more often to refer to a series of motions that an athlete goes through before an important match. At crucial moments, they go through some fixed motions to stabilize their mental state, strengthen their muscles and heighten their focus.

Routine of a Japanese language teacher

In my opinion, routines produce results. I eat natto and eggs for breakfast, drink coffee when I reach my workplace and stretch before sleeping. It helps me stay grounded in life, and once I get used to it, I don’t think of doing them consciously. It becomes a rhythm that I look forward to at the beginning and end of the day.

Examples of Japananese routine

As for Japanese people, you can look at our star example Ichiro Suzuki — the baseball athlete, national treasure, and first MLB player to enter the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. Ichiro works out at least four times a day and uses eight high-tech sports machines. By consciously doing the same motions that you usually do, you will be able to show off your true abilities without succumbing to the pressure in situations that make you nervous.

There are likely many athletes who stick to a fixed routine not just in crucial moments, but for their daily schedules as well. From the meals they eat and the clothes they wear, small, mundane practices help nurture their mental health.

You don’t need to be an athlete to develop your own life routine. You can start by thinking about the best Japanese study routine. Maybe brew a cup of coffee before settling in on your desk? Maybe draw a fixed schedule?

I know a few people who have succeeded in making studying a habit. One person comes to our Coto class and revises one hour before class. Another person uses an app to learn new words for 15 minutes every morning. One person listens to Japanese podcasts on the train on the way to work. After three months, these routines will become a small form of self-confidence.

About this week’s blog author:

Yumi Yoshida is one of our great Coto Japanese language teachers who’s from Tohoku. She has 16 years of experience working as a Japanese teacher. In her free time, Yumi loves to hike, travel and drink Japanese sake. She thinks the best way to learn Japanese is to engage in fun and friendly conversations in Japanese.

(more…)

There are 46 hiragana characters. Today, we’ll be learning about the Japanese hiragana ri and Japanese ryokan.

Alphabet is the foundation of the English language, and the same thing can be said about hiragana in the Japanese language. Mastering hiragana is important for anyone who wants to learn the basics of Japanese.

As one of the two Japanese alphabets — right next to katakana — hiragana is used for both Japanese grammars and function words.

Having a strong foundation of hiragana means having a generally strong foundation of Japanese skills, too. Yet despite its importance, it shouldn’t take a long time for you to master hiragana.

In fact, with the right teacher and support, it should only take no longer than a week for you to master hiragana, including reading and writing them. Hiragana’s shapes are relatively simple, especially if you compare them to kanji.

Dwell no further. In this blog series, we’ll be breaking down all the Japanese phonetics (AIUEO or あいうえお) for beginners.

Want to take your kanji skills up a notch? Check our comprehensive kanji page for study tips, kanji life hacks and free worksheets!

Today’s Japanese Hiragana: Ri (り)

The hiragana characters for the ‘R’ family have one of the most simple strokes — most of them are less than one stroke and, at the very most, two.

There are the ra, ri, ru, re, ro (ら、り、る、れ、ろ). The character for ri contains two strokes. A lot of people prefer to write them with one stroke, but it’s always great to separate the ri (り) into two vertical lines — the first, left line must be slightly shorter than the right.

Remember to follow the stroke order and practice writing them as it is a great way to help you master hiragana in a short time.

What’s the difference between a Japanese ryokan and a hotel?

What makes a ryokan different from a hotel? I’ll be delving into details about 3 main points below.

1. You’ll find futon on tatami at ryokan

According to a survey in 2014, 50.7% of people in Japan prefer sleeping on Western-style beds to futons. The bed has just overtaken the futon by a slight margin. The main reason? It’s troublesome to set up and fold away the futon.

This is what makes visiting ryokan a special occasion. Someone will set up the futon for you while you’re having dinner in a different room.

Once you return to your room after your meal, you’ll find a perfectly made futon bed waiting for you. It’s one of the best parts of staying at a ryokan.

2. You’ll get to feast in traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner at ryokan

When you’re checking in, it’s not uncommon to be asked what time you’d like to have breakfast and dinner.

However, you’ll have limited options for the time, and a late breakfast or dinner is not acceptable. One student from Spain mentioned that having dinner at 6:30 p.m is way to early if someone wants to spend the day sightseeing.

But we must note that a ryokan is not just a place you stay overnightー it’s an experience in itself.

3. You get to soak in Japanese hot springs (or onsen) at ryokan

This is one of the best parts of the ryokan experience. It’s common to first take a bath after you’ve changed into your yukata.

Don’t forget to indulge in some tea and sweets before your bath. You’ll find them set up on the table in your room and they’re free. The tea and sweets are not only a sign of hospitality, but they also ensure to prevent people from entering the hot spring on an empty stomach.

There are cases where people fall ill after taking a hot spring bath on an empty stomach. I just found out about this recently!

Ryokan embodies the heart  of Japanese hospitality. There are people who either love them or hate them, but if you have a chance, you should definitely give it a try. Let me know what your recommended spots are!

About this week’s blog author:

Yasuko Hidari received her Masters of Literature at graduate school in Scotland and studied rock music as a commodity. After that, she worked for a culture related think tank.

She has a very extensive knowledge of music and movies. She’s also the co-author of our Japanese beginner textbook, “Nihongo Fun & Easy”.

Want to learn more fun facts from Japanese hiragana? Check out our AIUEO series!

Alphabet is the foundation of the English language, and the same thing can be said about hiragana in the Japanese language. Mastering hiragana is important for anyone who wants to learn the basics of Japanese. As one of the two Japanese alphabets — right next to katakana — hiragana is used for both Japanese grammars and function words. Today, we’ll be learning about the Japanese hiragana ra and ramen.

Having a strong foundation of hiragana means having a generally strong foundation of Japanese skills, too. Yet despite its importance, it shouldn’t take a long time for you to master hiragana. In fact, with the right teacher and support, it should only take no longer than a week for you to master hiragana, including reading and writing them. Hiragana’s shapes are relatively simple, especially if you compare them to kanji. Dwell no further. In this blog series, we’ll be breaking down all the Japanese phonetics (AIUEO or あいうえお) for beginners.

Want to get a fuller view of the hiragana chart for your Japanese study? Check out our article on learning hiragana!

japanese-hiragana-ra-ri-ru-re-ro-

Today’s Japanese Hiragana: Ra (ら)

The hiragana characters for the ‘R’ family have one of the most simple strokes — most of them are less than one stroke and, at the very most, two. There are the ra, ri, ru, re, ro (ら、り、る、れ、ろ). The character for ra contains two strokes. Remember to follow the stroke order and practice writing them as it is a great way to help you master hiragana in a short time.

Learn a Japanese word from Ra (ら): Ramen (ラーメン)

When you learn the Japanese hiragana alphabet ra (ら), you may think of the ramen (ラーメン). The world loves ramen, but no one can match the same obsession that Japanese people have. In fact, it’s so popular, that there are over 30,000 ramen shops in Japan. Depending on the area and shop (and local specialties), the taste of the soup and the type of noodles also vary. Everyone has their own favorite, but each one of these bowls is just as delicious. This time, I am going to tell you about the phrases that you need to know when ordering ramen at a shop.

A ramen enthusiast? Check out our article for the best ramen shops in Tokyo.

Common Japanese phrases when ordering at a ramen shop

A lot of popular ramen chains in Tokyo provide English menus, but small ramen shops are the true hidden gems — and, most of the time, they will only hand out Japanese menus. Learn these useful Japanese words and phrases so you don’t get lost when ordering a bowl of ramen.

Japanese Vocaulary for Noodles

Let’s start with noodles! Depending on the shop, you might be able to choose how firm you want your noodles.

  • Soft – やわらかめ(yawarakame)
  • Medium – 普通（futsuu)
  • Slightly Firm – やや硬め（yaya-katame)
  • Firm – 硬め(katame)
  • Hard – バリ硬(bari-kata)
  • Wire – 針金（harigane)
As you go down the list, the noodles get firmer. When you challenge noodles with “Wire 針金（harigane)” hardness, it would be best to do it when your stomach is feeling well. 
 
Want to take your kanji skills up a notch? Check our comprehensive kanji page for study tips, kanji life hacks and free worksheets!

Japanese Vocabulary for Ramen Soup Preference

Next up is the soup base. People’s preferences are pretty divided in this aspect.
  • Light – あっさり（assari): Soup is refreshing and not greasy.
  • Rich – こってり(kotteri): Soup is oily with a strong flavor and stock from pork bones.
  • Very Rich and Thick – 超こってり(cho-kotteri): Soup has a very strong flavor with lots of oil.

Japanese Vocabulary for Ramen Toppings

Now we will move on to toppings! What toppings do you like?
  • Cha-siu – チャーシュー（cha-shu): The king of ramen toppings! It is marinated pork that is cooked and thinly sliced.
  • Aji-tsuke Tamago – 味付け卵（ajitsuke-tamago), or Aji Tama味玉(ajitama): A boiled egg that is marinated in soy sauce.
  • Menma – メンマ（menma): Bamboo shoot that is boiled and fermented.
  • Green onions – ねぎ（negi): A herbal flavor that ramen must have! In Kanto(Eastern Japan), white long onions are popular, while green onions are popular in Kansai(Western Japan).

There’s a lot of ways you can customize your ramen — although we can’t guarantee the salaryman beside your booth won’t raise an eyebrow. It’s easy to fall into the temptation of ordering all the toppings. 

Additional Information

On top of all the information above, here’s two additional things which, if you know, would make you an expert!

  1. Kae-dama – 替え玉（kae-dama): Asking for seconds on only the noodles, without soup.
  2. Soup Wari – スープ割り(soup-wari): After finishing the tsukemen noodles, diluting the tsuke sauce with stock soup so that you can drink it.

japanese hiragana quiz fun facts

Quiz!

At a particular ramen shop in the city, there is a menu called “Designated R-20” (individuals who are under 20 years old cannot order from it). So, what’s the secret indgredient in that ramen? ?

The answer is tequila! The menu has a notice, stating “Entirely Alcohol”. I heard that it even comes with lime, which is a must-have with tequila. It seems to be quite a special custom. If you want to experience getting drunk while eating ramen, definitely go try it!

About this week’s blog author:

Ayana Nezu has a long history in education and training. In 2017, she joined Coto Language Academy – her first time in a Japanese Language School. She currently is based at our Azabu Coto Japanese Club location and is recently obsessed with Rakugo. (more…)

Japan is home to some of the most renowned video game characters, like Sonic the Hedgehog, Mario, and the ever-popular Pokémon. But did you know that playing video games might be an excellent method to learn Japanese? This is an exciting combo for gamers who enjoy languages!

It’s no surprise that many fans of Japanese games are also interested in the language and culture that surrounds them. Video games may immerse you in authentic Japanese conversation, provide intriguing stories, and even help you improve your reading, listening, and comprehension skills. Whether you’re fighting legendary enemies, solving tough riddles, or exploring breathtaking virtual worlds, games make learning feel effortless and enjoyable.

It isn’t a secret then that many lovers of video games also are learners of the Japanese language.  In this article, we’ll go over some games that you can use to learn Japanese – be it through reading, listening or even understanding!

One of the questions that you might be having is: Why Learn Japanese Through Video Games?

Video Games are fun way to learn a language, and that includes Japanese, because: 

  • It’s a good way for Immersive Practice games to surround you with Japanese text, dialogue, and audio, helping you learn naturally.
  • For fans of action video games, Visual Learning words and phrases are paired with visuals and actions, making them easier to understand and remember.
  • Fun and Motivating learning feels like play, keeping you motivated and engaged.

1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Category/Genre: Racing

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Japanese Learning Resources: Learning Japanese through Video Games: Image result for mario kart 8 deluxe
Wait… Mario Kart? Although the game does not have a lot of Japanese dialogue – beginners will find a fun challenge in being able to read the game menus and option settings in Japanese.

Moreover, it’s region-free! This means that you can get the game in Japan or even in the States and would still be able to change the language accordingly. With a wide variety of characters to choose from and customisation options available for the Karts, getting tired of this can be really tough as well.

As motion controls available for the Joycons, one can only yearn to get their hands on this game to play with their friends and forget about going to the arcade.
 

2. Monster Hunter World

Category/Genre: Action Role-Playing

Platforms: PC, PS4, XBox One

Japanese Learning Resources: Learning Japanese through Video Games: Image result for monster hunter world ps4
Being a well-known series in Japan, this is a game that you definitely shouldn’t miss! With a Japanese dub and English subtitles available for Character dialogues, this is an interesting opportunity for Japanese learners to grow their vocabulary.

Being part of a popular and well known series – this game also houses some of the best graphics out of any Monster Hunter title, further complemented by its immersive storyline and gameplay that can most certainly pack a punch.

If you thought that this game was going to be as tough as the previous entries in the series, well you’re wrong. The developers had smoothened out the gameplay to ensure that the learning curve would be significantly smaller than others in the series by introducing a tutorial system at the very start.
 

3. Ni no Kuni

Category/Genre: Role-playing
Platforms: PC, PS3, Nintendo DS, Mobile
Our Rating: 8/10
Japanese Learning Resources: Learning Japanese through Video Games: Image result for ni no kuni ps3
Traverse through a world of magic and wonders in Ni no Kuni as you follow a young boy named Oliver in his adventures. With an amazing soundtrack and a great story to tell, this game sure knows how to hit you in the right spots at the right moments and take you on an emotional rollercoaster.

Moreover, the audio and subtitles can all be changed to Japanese. This would definitely make it easier for learners who’d want to learn the art of listening and reading Japanese!

As combat is relatively simple, the game still comes with a tutorial system to guide new players who may be unfamiliar with the game itself. With that in mind, be sure to check out the game when you have a chance to!
 

4. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Category/Genre: Action-Adventure
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Wii U
Japanese Learning Resources: Learning Japanese through Video Games: Image result for legend of zelda breath of the wild
Taking place in the Kingdom of Hyrule, Link is back at it again with his trusty Master’s Sword and Bow of Light! Set in an open world, players are free to roam around and explore the Kingdom of Hyrule, all while solving puzzles and trying to progress throughout the storyline.

Character models and the environment were all beautifully crafted to ensure that you have one of the most immersive experience

The fact that you can change voices and/or even subtitles to Japanese makes it so much more fun and enjoyable for those who’d like to learn some Japanese as they play the game.

As you progress through the storyline, notice how the characters interact with each other as well as the context in which certain words are being used.

This can definitely be beneficial for Japanese learners especially since the language is heavily reliant on context. Knowing when to use what word and under which circumstance can definitely help you out in your daily Japanese conversations.

Just like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, this game is also region free! After playing the game, I guess you could say that the overall experience was indeed BREATHtaking ;D
 

5. Devil May Cry 5 (Release: March 8, 2019)

Category/Genre: Action-Adventure, Hack and Slash
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBox One
Japanese Learning Resources: Learning Japanese through Video Games: Image result for devil may cry 5 ps4
Slated to be released in 2019, Devil May Cry 5 would be the latest entry into the series. Known for its fast-paced action combat, this game has gathered loads of anticipation from its fans locally in Japan and abroad.

With the ability to alter the character’s voices and subtitles into the Japanese Language, this game is a must-grab for those who’d want to learn Japanese as they play the game.

For example, a word that you can pick along the way as you play the game can include nouns like じゅう (Gun).

As the game has yet to come out as of the time we are writing this post, all we can do is to admire the beautiful graphics this game has to offer in its Japanese Trailer.
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6. Sonic Forces

Category/Genre: Platformer
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBox One, Nintendo Switch
Japanese Learning Resources: Learning Japanese through Video Games: Related image Sonic Forces
Sonic Force is the newest entry into the Sonic the Hedgehog series which is more or less known for its signature platformer-style gameplay.

In this game, each stage holds its own theme and the goal would be to make it to the end of the stage in the fastest time or highest score possible so as to attain the “S” Rank.

The game also comes with boss battles as well as various character customisation options such as choosing what the characters can wear etc.

As for learning Japanese, you can most certainly do so by getting your hands on the Japanese copy of the game! Catch your favourite characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog series in action as they’d go through a series of battles against the notorious Doctor Eggman!

With dialogues, cutscenes and menu options available in Japanese, this can prove to be a very good opportunity as well for those who’d like to learn some Japanese all whilst playing a game!

 

7. Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! (Release: November 16, 2018)

Category/Genre: Role-Playing
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Image result for pokemon let's go eevee switch cover
A huge fan of Pokemon Go or have been to a Pokemon Center in Tokyo? Having been to a Pokemon Center not long ago, I saw this game being advertised in their stores. The first thought that came to my mind was that: “Isn’t this Pokemon Go?”.

As it turns out, it is actually what you get! By combining elements of the old pokemon games with the mechanics of Pokemon Go, this is sure to capture the hearts of many Pokemon fans out there. Depending on which version you get, you start out with either Pikachu or Eevee.

Moreover, the Pokemon you caught can also be subsequently traded online or even be used in battles.

So… how can this help me learn Japanese? With Language options readily available, you can easily switch the text to Japanese if you’d like to learn some Japanese as you play the game!

Pssh, most Pokemon’s names are also in Katakana so this is definitely a good opportunity to start memorising and identifying the various Katakana characters!
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8.  Persona 5

Category/Genre: Role-Playing, Social Simulation
Platforms: PS3, PS4
Japanese Learning Resources: Learning Japanese through Video Games: Related image Persona 5
Love watching anime and also playing games? This game combines the best of both worlds and would be literally what you’d get!

Set in a Tokyo high school, follow the development of the Protagonist going by a Phantom Thief codename of “Joker” as he gets ousted from his school.

As for the gameplay, it’s comprised of 2 components, namely turn-based combat and a storyline. These elements requires you to make contextual decisions which may alter the ending.

With real-life illustrations of locations in Tokyo such as Akihabara, Shinjuku and Shibuya, this game can definitely prove to be an immersive experience.

Moreover, the language, dialogues and subtitles can all be changed into Japanese as well. Playing the game seem as if we arewatching an anime and playing a game at the same time. Listen out for the itsy bitsy bits of details put in by the developers into the dialogue.

From there, we’re sure you’d definitely pick up a Japanese word or two as you progress through the storyline.
 

9. Monster Hunter XX

Category/Genre: Action Role-Playing
Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch
Japanese Learning Resources: Learning Japanese through Video Games: Image result for monster hunter xx cover
First released back in 2017, this game sought to buy some time as the main development team worked on Monster Hunter World. This entry to the series contains most maps and monsters from previous games which ran on a similar engine.

This largely appealed to the long-time fans of the series with many quality-of-life changes to streamline the gameplay.

However, a thing to note would be that this game relatively long lines of Japanese texts packed within a dialogue box (Kanji without Furigana too :O).  Nevertheless, this is is still a relatively well-refined game for those who are up for a challenging Monster Hunter game.

The long lines of Japanese text can prove to be intimidating but it’s really through the tough storms we can truly start to understand, learn and pick something up. Also, it’s full of cat puns in Japanese so do look out for them ニャー!

Note: The game also got localised not too long ago and is currently known as Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate.
 

Extra Tip! 

Take a look on Learn Japanese with Animal Crossing!, and enjoy learning Japanese in a fun and enjoyable way. 

10. Metal Gear Survive

Category/Genre: Action-Adventure, Survival
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBox One
Japanese Learning Resources: Learning Japanese through Video Games: Image result for metal gear survive ps4
In a world surrounded by zombies, you play as a customisable character that’s looking into a series of events relating to the outbreak of an infectious disease.

Being the first Metal Gear game to be released since 2015 after Kojima-san’s departure from Konami, this game has brought about many features and elements that seem to depart from the series’ original formula.

To be frank, just something about this game itself seems to lose its original charm and polish especially when it comes to the thrill of hiding from military officials and personnel as compared to hiding from zombies. What’s more, where’s Snake?

Nevertheless, this game can still prove to be useful if you’d like to learn some Japanese. This is especially since the dialogue can be paired with Japanese subtitles. In turn, this gives Japanese learners loads of opportunities to try and identify the Hiragana.

Moreover, there is Kanji without Furigana as well which makes this ideal for those who’d like a challenge especially in terms of identifying some Kanji characters.
 

11. Final Fantasy XV

Category/Genre: Action Role-Playing
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBox One
Japanese Learning Resources: Learning Japanese through Video Games: Image result for final fantasy xv ps4
Set in the world of Eos, you’d play on as Noctis, the crown prince of the Lucis nation. As he and his friends make their way to the capital of Accordo for Noctis’ wedding, things start to go awry as the Niflheim nation begins its rampage upon the capital of Lucis.

Besides the immersive storytelling experience comes the gameplay which makes use of a real-time battle system where players have to manage their Health Points and Magic Points all whilst fighting the enemy

With options to change up the dialogue into Japanese, listen out for how the characters converse under different contexts throughout the game. English subtitles are also available and can be turned on, making it easier to understand and comprehend what the characters are saying.

With these in mind, you should definitely consider picking the game up if you’d like to learn some Japanese!
 

12. Resident Evil 7 Biohazard

Category/Genre: Survival Horror
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBox One, Nintendo Switch
Japanese Learning Resources: Learning Japanese through Video Games: Image result for resident evil 7 ps4 biohazard
If you’re looking for a horror game with an eery vibe, you have got to try this game. By putting you through an immersive storytelling experience, you start to uncover the mysteries surrounding Ethan Winters, the main character.

If you’re thinking, how does this let me learn Japanese then? Fret not, as Japanese dubs are readily available to anyone who may consider picking the game up. English subtitles are also available if you’d like to see what each Japanese sentence mentioned in the game would mean. 

It really felt as though we were brought back to the days where J-Horror was booming in the market! (Pssst check out Ringu and Ju On: The Grudge if you’d like some good ol’ classic Japanese Horror Films).

With all these in mind, this has got to be one of the better horror games to be released in a very long time so check it out if you would!
 

13. Super Smash Bros Ultimate (Release: December 7 2018)

Category/Genre: Fighting
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Japanese Learning Resources: Learning Japanese through Video Games: Image result for super smash bros ultimate cover
Imagine a game where Mario gets to meet Pikachu, Link, Ryu or even Pacman, how cool would that be? Well, that’s just part of what Super Smash Bros Ultimate has to offer.

With tons of characters to choose from with unique moves and abilities, this game is sure to keep you entertained once it’s released.

As for the gameplay, the main idea would be to fight it out against opponents and emerge as the victor of each match. Each game mode, however, houses its own objectives.

Although there doesn’t seem to be much Japanese dialogue, game menus and option settings should still be available in Japanese. Some words that are common to Japanese Game Settings can include words like 設定 (Settei), sure does sound like “Settings” doesn’t it!

With these Japanese learners would definitely be able to learn some Japanese and also play the game at the same time!

Meanwhile, let’s just appreciate the trailer for now…

 

14. Pokemon Ultra Sun & Moon

Category/Genre: Role-Playing
Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
"Pokémon Ultra Sun" Japanese Ver. [Region Locked / Not Compatible with North American Nintendo 3ds] [Japan] [Nintendo 3ds]"Pokémon Ultra Moon" Japanese Ver. [Region Locked / Not Compatible with North American Nintendo 3ds] [Japan] [Nintendo 3ds]
Similar to other Pokemon games prior to this entry, Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon focuses on an 11-year old kid who’d fight off various villainous groups such as Team Skull.

This is all done in tandem with growing and developing your very own pokemon, seeing as some of them evolve through numerous battles against various opponents.

As for the gameplay, it’s similar to the previous entries to the franchise, consisting of a turn-based combat system where each Pokemon takes turns to execute their attacks.

So, how is this good for learning Japanese? With so many Pokemon that come with different names, this is a very good opportunity for you to learn and memorise some Katakana! It may sound tough at first but once you get the hang of it, reading Katakana can become as easy as ABC!

15. Splatoon 2

Category/Genre: 3rd Person Shooter
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Japanese Learning Resources: Learning Japanese through Video Games - Splatoon 2
Last but not least, we have Splatoon 2! A third-person shooter that’s circled around characters known as inklings who’d use colored ink to attack enemies as well as clear various objectives.

With a Singleplayer Campaign and an Online Multiplayer available, this game is sure to keep you coming back for ages. Splatfests are also available as a monthly event where players battle it out between a debate to see which side they’d stand for! (E.g. Action vs Comedy)

As these Splatfests are region specific, we’d recommend getting the Japanese version instead just cuz’ of how whacky they can get! 

Also, this can prove to be a good opportunity to learn some Japanese as characters dialogue boxes would be filled with Japanese text, with Splatfests housing some culturally Japanese topics (E.g. ご飯 vs パソ or even 花 vs 団子).
 

Just like playing a great video game, learning Japanese can be interactive, exciting, and rewarding. At Coto, we bring that same sense of fun and enjoyment to our crash courses. You can learn Japanese for everyday life in just a few weeks. 

If you’re ready to level up your Japanese skills in a fun and effective way, join our crash course today.

FAQ

Can playing video games really help me learn Japanese?

Yes! Video games immerse you in a Japanese language environment, exposing you to vocabulary, sentence structures, and cultural nuances in an engaging way. Games with Japanese dubs, subtitles, and menus can enhance your listening, reading, and comprehension skills.

Are video games a substitute for formal Japanese language learning?

Not entirely. While games are an excellent supplementary tool for building vocabulary and reinforcing language concepts, structured learning through classes or resources is still essential for mastering grammar and fluency.

Can I use Japanese subtitles while playing?

Yes, many games allow you to switch the language settings to include Japanese audio with English or Japanese subtitles. For example, Ni no Kuni and Resident Evil 7 Biohazard are great for practicing reading and listening simultaneously.

Are there games with a steep language learning curve?

Yes, games like Monster Hunter XX and Metal Gear Survive have complex Japanese text, often featuring Kanji without Furigana. These games are better suited for intermediate to advanced learners seeking a challenge.

What about multiplayer games like Splatoon 2?

Multiplayer games like Splatoon 2 are great for practicing casual Japanese, especially if you participate in regional events like Splatfests. These events often feature culturally specific themes, giving insight into Japanese culture and slang.

Is Shenmue good for learning Japanese?

Absolutely! Shenmue is set in Japan and offers a highly immersive environment filled with everyday conversational Japanese. The game’s dialogue mimics natural speech patterns, making it perfect for learners interested in picking up practical phrases, colloquialisms, and culturally specific interactions. Its slow-paced storytelling also allows players to focus on comprehension without being rushed

Want to master Japanese? Start taking Japanese lessons with us!

This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here

Monthly Events at Coto


Every month we hold cultural and social events for our students and their friends to discover more about Japanese culture, meet new friends and practice Japanese. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Lunch Tour – Thursday Nov 29

Cooking Class – Wednesday Dec 5

Year End Party – Saturday Dec 8

Calligraphy Class – Wednesday Dec 12

 

Nov. 29 Thu: Lunch Tour in Kagurazaka Hanakagura

Every month, we organize a lunch tour in one of the many delicious restaurants in the Kagurazaka area. This time we will be visiting “Hanakagura” a traditional Japanese restaurant!

Have you ever been to Kagurazaka?


It’s an enchanting neighbourhood located 5 minutes walking from the Coto Academy, where you can find many shops, fancy cafés, traditional and modern restaurants. If you want to join us and discover Kagurazaka, mail us and make your reservation now!
Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Date: Thursday, Nov 29, 2018
  • Time: 12:30 – 13:50
  • Place: Japanese restaurant “Hanakagura” (花かぐら）
  • Meeting point: Coto 1F at 12:30
  • ¥1500
  • Up to 16 people
  • Staff: Kana Furumizu, Mutsuki Sasaki

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Dec. 5 Wed: Cooking Class-Oshizushi

 

There are many ways of preparing Japanese sushi and every month we organize a cooking class for you to learn more about it! This month we introduce the way to make 押し寿司 (Oshi-Zushi). Have fun learning how to cook with us and take up the challenge to create beautiful norimaki for the eye and delicious for your palate!

  • Date: Wednesday, December 5th
  • Time: 12:40 – 13:50
  • Place: Coto Language Academy 1F
  • Fee: 2500 yen
  • Number of participants: up to 9 people
  • Instructor: Emiko Shimizu (teacher from Coto)

Book Appointment from Coubic

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Dec. 8 Sat: Year-End- Party 


How was 2018 on the whole for you?
Come join us this December for a friendly get-together and let’s take this opportunity to end off 2018 with a bang. Not only that, but we’ll also be holding a photo contest and Japanese games!
Cotoの先生たちもたくさん参加します。日本語でたくさんお話ししましょう ! 今年最後の大イベントです。一緒に盛り上がりましょう!

  • Date: Saturday, December 8, 2018,
  • Time: 19:30-22:00 pm (Opens at 19:10, Starts at 19:30)
  • Place: Tokyo Mercato, 5 Min. from Suidobashi Station, 12 Min. from Coto
  • Cost: 5500 yen in advance / 6000 yen at the door (Includes Food and Free-Flow Drinks)
  • Photo Contest: During our year end party we will be hosting a photo contest with the theme of “What does Japan mean to you?” You may submit a photo of anything you wish as long as it represents your feeling towards what Japan is. Join in on the fun and RSVP now! For more details, head over to this page!

Book Appointment from Coubic
 
 

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Dec. 12 Wed: Calligraphy Class


If you are interested in learning how to draw each and every stroke in the Japanese Kanji character, this event is for you! Every month, Coto Academy will hold a calligraphy class. Learn the basics of calligraphy along with the artistic way of writing kanji, you will be practicing on three characters as shown below. The instructor, Wakana Shingae, is a professional calligrapher. Grab this opportunity to experience the traditions of Japan and participate in our calligraphy class!

  • Kanji: 冬 雪 聖
  • Date: Wednesday, December 12th
  • Time: 12:40 – 13:50
  • Place: Coto Language Academy 1F
  • Fee: 2500 yen
  • Number of participants: up to 10 people
  • Instructor: Wakana Shingae

Book Appointment from Coubic
 
 

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This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here

Monthly Events at Coto


 

Every month we hold cultural and social events for our students and their friends to discover more about Japanese culture, meet new friends and practice Japanese. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Lunch Tour  – Thursday Nov .1

Cooking Class – Wednesday Nov. 7

Calligraphy Class – Wednesday Nov. 14

Mt. Mito Hiking and Onsen Tour – Sunday Nov 18

Nov. 1 Thu: Lunch Tour in Kagurazaka Kaga

 

Every month, we organize a lunch tour at one of the many delicious restaurants in Kagurazaka area. This time we’ll enjoy some delicious Japanese cuisine at Kagaya! If you want to join us make your reservation now!

Have you ever been to Kagurazaka?


Kagurazaka is an enchanting neighborhood located 5 minutes walking from the Coto Academy, where you can find many shops, fancy cafés, traditional and modern restaurants. Every month, we organize a lunch tour in one of the many delicious restaurants around this place. If you want to join us and discover Kagurazaka, mail us and make your reservation now!
This time we will be visiting a new restaurant as part of our lunch tour – “Kagaya” – a traditional Japanese restaurant with a long history in Kagurazaka.  This is a great chance to learn about traditional Japanese cuisine.

Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Date: Thursday, Nov 1, 2018
  • Time: 12:30 – 13:50
  • Place: Japanese restaurant ” Kaga” 加賀(かが）
  • Meeting point: Coto 1F at 12:30
  • ¥1500
  • Up to 16 people
  • Staff: Kana Furumizu, Goyu Sato

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Nov. 07 Wed: Cooking Class-Shikai maki 


There are many ways of preparing Japanese sushi and every month we organize a cooking class perfect for you to learn more about it! This month, we introduce the way to make “shikaimaki”.Once you’ve learned how to make it, it is easy to make this dish at home too. We can create interesting designs based on your ideas! We look forward to seeing you at this event.
Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Date: Wednesday, Nov 07, 2018
  • Time: 12:40 – 13:50
  • Place: Coto Language Academy 1F
  • Fee:
  • ¥2500 (including material fee)
  • Up to 9 people
  • Instructor: Emiko Shimizu (teacher from Coto)

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Nov.14 Wed: Calligraphy Class 


If you are interested in learning how to draw each and every stroke in the Japanese Kanji character, this event is for you! Every month, Coto Academy will hold a calligraphy class. Learn the basics of calligraphy along with the artistic way of writing kanji, you will be practicing on three characters as shown below. The instructor, Wakana Shingae, is a professional calligrapher. Grab this opportunity to experience the traditions of Japan and participate in our calligraphy class!
KANJI of this month: 月 叶 夢
Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Date: Wednesday, Nov 14, 2018
  • Time: 12:40 – 13:50
  • Place: Coto Language Academy 1F
  • ¥2500
  • Up to 10 people
  • Instructor: Wakana Shingae

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Sunday, Nov 18: Mt. Mito Hiking and Onsen trip


Coto holds a hiking tour every spring and fall every year. This is the perfect time to see Mt. Mito in this beautiful autumn. After hiking, you can enter the hot spring and relax! Don’t worry about transportation, because we will go there by Coto round-trip bus. (You can also karaoke on the bus too! ♪)
Book Appointment from Coubic
Date: Sunday, November 18
Time: 7:40 – 19:30
Place: Mt Mito, Tokyo Prefecture
Meeting Place: Coto Japanese Academy, 1F
Fee: ¥6,500  (round trip private bus from Iidabashi, onsen entrance and insurance)
Limit: up to 42 people
Staff: Ayaka Takaki and Go-yu Sato
B.Y.O: lunch, rain jacket, sunglasses, hiking shoes (jogging shoes are also okay), mats and trash bags (trash cannot be discarded and must be taken home) as well as towels for the onsen. Please note that tattooed people might not be able to enter the onsen.

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This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here

Monthly Events at Coto

Japanese

Every month we hold cultural and social events for our students and their friends to discover more about Japanese culture, meet new friends and practice Japanese. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Lunch Tour – 10/04
Historical Tour to Edo Castle – East Park Imperial Palace – 10/06
Origami Class – 10/11
Calligraphy Class – 10/17
Cooking Class (Oshi-Zushi) – 10/24
Halloween Party – 10/27

10/4 Thu: Lunch Tour in Kagurazaka Tori-Jaya

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Every month, we organize a lunch tour at one of the many delicious restaurants in Kagurazaka area. This time we’ll enjoy some delicious chicken hot pot at Torijaya! If you want to join us make your reservation now!

Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Date: Thursday, Oct 4, 2018
  • 12:30 – 13:50
  • Meeting at Coto Japanese Academy 1F
  • ¥1500
  • Tori-Jaya
  • upto 16 people
  • Staff: Mutsuki S.
  • Sorry, only chicken hot pot but no vegetarian menu

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Saturday, Oct 6 : Historical Tour to Edo Castle – East Park Imperial Palace

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Imperial Palace east garden tour – Transport yourself back in time 250 years when Tokyo was known as Edo. Explore the former site of Edo castle with a guide who can share the mindset and history of samurai culture
Book Appointment from Coubic
Date: Saturday, Oct 6
Time: 13:00-15:30
Meeting at Otemon gate (大手門前）, It’s near Palace Hotel
Fee: ¥1500
Tour guide : Kenta Fukuda  /  Coto Academy Staff: Mutsuki Sasaki
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10/11 Thu Origami Class

アセット 1
Have you ever tried Origami? It’s easier than you think if you got sense!
Coto teacher Eiko Sekiguchi will instruct you how to make “crane”, “mini box”, “sumo wrestler” with origami. Kids are welcome (free of charge). Please enjoy the lesson in relaxing mood having tea and snacks!
Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Date: Thursday Oct 11, 2018
  • 12：40〜13：50
  • Coto Academy 1F Room 13 & 14
  • Up to 10 people
  • 1000yen （incl. material, tea and snacks）

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10/17 Wed: Calligraphy Class

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If you are interested in learning how to draw each and every stroke in the Japanese Kanji character, this event is for you! Every month, Coto Japanese Academy will hold a calligraphy class. Learn the basics of calligraphy along with the artistic way of writing kanji, you will be practicing on three characters as shown below. The instructor, Wakana Shingae, is a professional calligrapher. Grab this opportunity to experience the traditions of Japan and participate in our calligraphy class!

KANJI of this month：芸 秋 美

Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Date: Wednesday Oct 17, 2018
  • 12:40 – 13:50
  • Coto Language Academy 1F
  • ¥2500
  • Up to 9 people
  • Instructor: Wakana Shingae

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10/24 Wed: Cooking Class (Oshi-Zushi)

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There are many ways of preparing Japanese sushi and every month we organize a cooking class for you to learn more about it! This month we introduce the way to make 押し寿司 (Oshi-Zushi). Have fun learning how to cook with us and take up the challenge to create beautiful norimaki for the eye and delicious for your palate!


Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Date: Wednesday, Oct 24, 2018
  • 12:40 ~ 13:50
  • Venue: Coto Japanese Academy 1F
  • ¥2500 (including material fee)
  • Up to 10 people
  • Instructor：Emiko Shimizu

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10/27 Sat：Halloween Party!

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We’re very excited to hold our annual Coto Halloween Party! Come join us for food and drink and a chance to show off your best costumes.
We’ll provide finger food and refreshments, along with activities including conversation starters related to Halloween and Japanese horror stories, funny games and a costume contest!
Start the fun from 17:00 on Saturday, October 27 at Coto Japanese Academy 1F.
Book Appointment from Coubic
Details:

  • Date: Saturday, October 27
  • Time: 17:00 to 20:00
  • Place: Coto Japanese Academy  1F
  • Fee: 1000 yen (also payable at the door)
  • Friends and family welcome!

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凹む (“hekomu”) – Meaning of Hekomu in Japanese – AIUEO

A Hieroglyph?
The Meaning behind 凹む (Hekomu)
Other Meanings
Words with Similar Meanings

A Hieroglyph?

Have you ever seen this sign? It is in fact a Kanji. It is pronounced “hekomu.” This is a “hieroglyph,” (a character that visually represents their direct meaning) along with 山 (mountain) or 川 (river), but what does it mean? Let’s look at some example sentences with “凹む.”
1. The car hit a wall, and the body got severely 凹んでしまった (“hekondeshimatta”, past tense).
2. The table is 凹んでいる (“hekondeiru,” present continuation tense) a little, because there was a table on it.

3. This ball is soft, so it 凹む (“hekomu,” present tense) if you squeeze it.

The Meaning behind 凹む (Hekomu)

Now you see, don’t you? This means that a strong force is applied from outside and a part of it gets dented. It is also easy to see that from the shape of this Kanji, don’t you think?

By the way, “凹む” is an intransitive verb, so it is used like “a thing 凹む.” Its transitive version is “凹ます” (“hekomasu”). Haven’t you ever “凹ませた” (“hekomaseru,“past tense) your belly when wearing a swimming suit?

Other Meanings

Actually, this Kanji has another meaning.
(At a company)
A: It looks like C is 凹んでいる (“hekondeiru,“present continuation tense) because he was just scolded by the manager.
B: No wonder, anyone would 凹む (“hekomu,” present tense) if scolded like that.

See? Exactly, it means “feeling ‘temporarily’ depressed (when scolded by someone or when something shocking happens).” You can probably understand this by visualizing “your mind getting 凹んでしまった (‘hekondeshimatta’, perfect tense) by strong words or a shock.” This usage of “凹む” is in fact slang, but it is widely used, not just by young people.

Words with Similar Meanings

By the way, “落ち込む” (“ochikomu”) and “凹む” are very similar, but the former means that a person is more depressed and is close to the meaning of “悩む” (“nayamu”).
〇 He has been 落ち込んでいる (“ochikondeiru,” present continuation tense), saying they lost the game because of him.
△ He has been 凹んでいる (“hekondeiru,“present continuation tense), saying they lost the game because of him.
Do you ever notice your mind 凹む (“hekomu,” present tense)? When that happens, you might feel better by going to a boxing gym and 凹ますこと (“hekomasukoto,” transitive gerund present tense) a sandbag.

About the author:

Kumi Tanaka

The author for this article is Kumi Tanaka-sensei. With over 14 years experience as a Japanese teacher – she also advises foreign professionals as a career consultant. She is mainly responsible for the Business Japanese course, JLPT N1 classes, and Intensive courses. Tanaka-sensei is quite popular amongst our intermediate and advanced students! Currently, she is also enjoying studying the Vietnamese language. (more…)