THIS IS JAPAN Japanese Information

Kyoto, Japan’s eternal cultural heartbeat, has long captivated the world with its whisper of cherry blossoms, the solemn chime of temple bells, and the graceful sway of geisha in lantern-lit alleys. As we step into 2026, this ancient capital—once known as Heian-kyō—promises an even richer tapestry of experiences. From age-old …

As the first snowflakes begin to dust the peaks of Hokkaido, ski enthusiasts around the world turn their gaze to Niseko—a name that evokes images of endless powder fields, steaming onsen soaks, and breathtaking views of Mount Yotei. If you’re dreaming of carving fresh tracks in 2026, this guide is …

You’ve probably seen “doudemo ii” (どうでもいい) in anime subtitles, heard it in J-dramas, or stumbled across it on Japanese Twitter threads. At first glance, it looks harmless—literally “it’s fine either way,” right? But ask any native speaker and they’ll tell you: this phrase is rarely neutral. In fact, “doudemo ii” …