The 72nd Yosakoi Festival burst into life on August 10, 2025, in Kochi City, Japan, turning the streets into a whirlwind of color, music, and rhythmic energy. Spread across 16 vibrant venues throughout the city, the first official day of performances featured 188 teams—120 from within Kochi Prefecture and 68 …

When you search for “nothing in Japanese” on Google, you might expect a simple translation—something quick and straightforward. But Japanese, with its rich linguistic and cultural layers, offers more than just one word for “nothing.” Whether you’re a beginner learning Japanese, planning a trip to Japan, or just curious about …

In Japan, spotting a detached home with a swimming pool is a rare sight. Unlike in some countries where pools are a common backyard feature, a mix of practical, economic, and cultural factors makes them uncommon here. From limited land to high costs, unique climate challenges, deep-rooted traditions, and everyday …

When you step into Japan, one of the first things you notice is the impeccable manners. From the hushed silence on crowded trains to the meticulous exchange of business cards, Japanese society operates with a level of politeness that often leaves foreigners in awe—or sometimes puzzled. Why are Japanese people …

Introduction: Why Learn Directions in Japanese? You’re standing at a busy street corner in Kyoto, surrounded by vibrant signs in Japanese, trying to find your way to a hidden sushi restaurant. Your phone’s battery is low, and the map isn’t making sense. You spot a kind-looking local, but how do …

Shohei Ohtani, a professional baseball player hailing from Iwate Prefecture, Japan, has taken the world by storm since joining Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2018. What sets him apart? His rare “two-way” talent—excelling as both a pitcher and a hitter—a feat so extraordinary it’s captivated fans globally. Ohtani’s popularity in …

If you’ve ever visited Japan or watched Japanese media, you might have noticed a curious habit: many people, especially women, cover their mouths with their hands when they feel embarrassed, shy, or even when they laugh. This subtle gesture is more than just a random quirk—it’s a deeply rooted cultural …

When you stumble across Japanese words like shikkari (しっかり) and hakkiri (はっきり), you might wonder what they mean and why they sound so similar. For English speakers unfamiliar with Japanese, these terms can seem confusing at first. Are they the same? Do they overlap? This article will answer all your …

Have you ever noticed how often Japanese people smile? Whether it’s a cheerful greeting from a store clerk, a polite grin in a business meeting, or a friendly expression during casual encounters, smiling seems to be everywhere in Japan. As a foreigner, you might wonder: Is this constant smiling a …

Introduction: A New Musical Journey Begins On November 5th, 2024, Nao Toyama, a celebrated Japanese voice actress and singer, will release her latest single, “Toryanse,” the opening theme for the anime Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits Season 2 (known in Japanese as かくりよの宿飯 弐). Toyama’s multifaceted career has made …