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 …