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 …