Imagine you’re wrapping up a long day at work, and your colleague gives you a thumbs-up on that report you slaved over. Or maybe you’ve just nailed the perfect outfit for a night out, and your friend nods approvingly. In moments like these, English speakers might say “spot on” or …

Imagine you’re wandering through the vibrant streets of Osaka, surrounded by the sizzle of street food stalls and the chatter of locals. You bite into a piping hot takoyaki, and without thinking, you exclaim, “Meccha oishii!” – meaning “This is super delicious!” The vendor flashes a grin, nodding in agreement. …

Have you ever watched a video of people in Japan greeting each other and wondered why they seem to bow at every turn? It’s a sight that’s both intriguing and a bit mystifying for those of us from handshake-heavy cultures. As someone who’s traveled to Japan and fumbled through my …