Have you ever stumbled upon a quirky Japanese word while scrolling through social media or chatting with friends online, and wondered what it really means? If “otsu” has popped up in your feeds—maybe in a comment on a gaming stream or a quick text from a Japanese acquaintance—you’re not alone. …

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 …

In the world of baseball, few players capture the global imagination quite like Shohei Ohtani. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way sensation wrapped up his eighth MLB season on September 28, 2025 (September 29 in Japan), with a performance that blended sheer power and resilience. Facing the Seattle Mariners on the …

Imagine stepping off a plane in Tokyo, your heart racing with excitement as you prepare to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most fascinating cultures. You spot your local host waiting at the airport, and as you approach, you muster up the courage to say those first words: “Hajimemashite.” …

As the calendar flips to late September, most of us around the world start pulling out sweaters and craving pumpkin-spiced everything. But in Japan, something unusual is happening—or rather, not happening. Autumn seems to be playing hide-and-seek. On September 28, 2025, Osaka recorded a high of 30.6°C, marking the city’s …

As we edge closer to October 2025, Japan is gearing up for a series of updates that could touch everything from your daily entertainment to your household budget. If you’re living in Japan, planning a trip, or just curious about how this innovative nation keeps evolving, these changes highlight the …

In recent years, the city of Kawaguchi in Saitama Prefecture has become a focal point for heated discussions about Japan’s growing immigrant communities, particularly those from Kurdish backgrounds. Online forums and social media buzz with stories of cultural clashes, traffic woes, and public disturbances, often painting a picture of tension …

Have you ever wondered why some couples in Japan opt for separate beds or even separate rooms? It’s a topic that often sparks curiosity among international audiences, especially when compared to Western norms where sharing a bed is seen as a symbol of intimacy. But in Japan, this practice isn’t …