In the heart of Japan’s summer season, the island of Kyushu has been battered by relentless heavy rainfall, triggering widespread flooding, landslides, and emergency evacuations. As of August 11, 2025, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued its highest-level special heavy rain warnings for several areas in Kumamoto Prefecture, including …

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 …

Heavy Rain Alert in Kyushu, Japan: Record-Breaking Downpours, Landslide Risks, and What It Means for the Region As of August 11, 2025, Japan’s southern island of Kyushu is under a severe weather alert due to relentless heavy rain caused by linear precipitation bands. This phenomenon has already dumped over 400 …

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 …

If you’ve ever visited Japan, particularly bustling cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya, one sight might have caught you off guard: commuters dozing off on trains, heads bobbing gently with the rhythm of the rails, even during rush hour. This isn’t just an occasional occurrence—it’s a daily ritual for many. …

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 …