Common Animal Onomatopoeia used by the Japanese

We like to think some constants are with no doubt universal and shared by everyone. For instance, sounds that animals make. They don’t have change from one country to another. But here you are in Japan, learning that dogs say “wan wan” instead of “woof, woof”. Welcome to the world of Japanese animal onomatopoeia! Animal-related OnomatopoeiaOther […]

Japanese Caligraphy: Learn the culture through words

Japanese calligraphy is not only an important part of Japanese culture but also a relaxing and fun way to practice your Kanji! If you are troubled by Kanji studies, why don’t you take a break with some brushes and ink?   Japanese Calligraphy’s History & PhilosophyMore than Holding a Brush and Drawing StrokesTools commonly used […]

A Japanese Word for June: Tsuyu

Do you believe an umbrella will just do the trick when the rain starts falling? Well, keep that thought in mind, experience the Japanese rainy season, 梅雨(つゆ) , and get back to us! The Japanese rainy season starts in late spring and ends in early summer – roughly the beginning of June until mid-July in […]

Japanese Bento (弁当): Much more than just a box of food

You would be very mistaken to think that Japanese bento is merely a quickly prepared meal for busy people. In essence, it is the love of ones who make wrapping for ones who take. Japanese bentos form an integral part of the food culture, which cannot be simply traced from a packed meal.  The word bento […]

The Art of Aizuchi: Active Listening in Japanese Conversation

First, watch our video about Aizuchi above! What is The Art of Aizuchi? “Sou” Variations Expressing “I got it!” Showing Your Surprise! Using Aizuchi Properly What is The Art of Aizuchi? To master conversing in Japanese, you must first learn the Art of Aizuchi: A way to indicate to the speaker that you are actively listening. […]

Japanese for Love: How to express your feelings

  Having many loan words, Japanese for love sometimes might sound familiar to our ears. That’s why it’s not that difficult to learn these useful words and phrases Love-Love…?Origins of Love-Love (ラブラブ)Other Loan words related to LoveTraditional Japanese words related to Love Love-Love…? – They are so love-love!– What are you saying?!– ラブラブだって!– Ah! You […]

Ways to say “I Love You” in Japanese

How Do Japanese people use “I Love You”? Do you know how to say “I love you” in Japanese? You may have heard “ai shiteru” or “suki” as ways to express love in Japanese. In this article we explain the Japanese nuances behind the love related words in Japanese. On the other hand, check out […]