10 Funny Japanese Slang Words to Help You Chat Like a Native
Most textbooks and formal classes do not teach informal expressions or slang. Here are ten funny slang words in Japanese to make you sound more like a native speaker.
February 12, 2019
Category: Culture
Anyone remotely familiar with Japan knows that its culture is varied and runs deep. From traditional arts such as tea ceremony dating back to the 9th century, to the latest anime and teen fashions, Japan is rich with cultural topics to explore. Select a subcategory below or browse all our blog articles on Japanese culture.
ALL 806Crafts 60Museum 141Pop culture 105Tradition 309
Medieval Okinawa – When the Ryukyu Kings Ruled Urasoe-jō
Visitors to Okinawa seek out the ancient castle ruins of the island that tell the stories of the Kings of the Ryukyu era. The most famous one surely is the majestic Castle Park of Shuri. But before the political base was built there, it resided in Urasoe, on a hill that would later on become known to American soldiers as Hacksaw Ridge during World War II.
CultureNatureSightseeingOkinawa
February 8, 2019
Top 5 Winter Activities in Osaka
In Osaka, however, there are plenty of activities to do during the winter which are sure to pull you out of your cosy warm bed and into Kansai’s popular prefecture! Here’s a look at 5 things to do in Osaka during the winter!
CultureEventsSightseeingKansai
February 4, 2019
Traditional Indigo Dyeing Workshop at Nihon Minka-en
Join the Traditional Japanese Indigo Dyeing workshop at Nihon Minka-en in Kawasaki City for the one-of-a-kind experience of designing and dyeing your own unique handerchief, bandana or t-shirt. Even beginners can have lots of fun with this traditional Japanese craft.
February 1, 2019
Tokyo Disney Sea With the Kids: How to Maximize Your Fun and Minimize Your Waiting Time
Having never been to either of Tokyo’s Disney resorts, we weren’t sure which of the two to start with, but ended up choosing Disney Sea. Here is how we maximised our fun and minimised the waiting time.
February 1, 2019
The Conbini: Japan’s Ultimate Life-Saver
These 24/7 stores are the very definition of convenience. Here you can find the solution to any and every problem concentrated under one roof. Need to print a document for an early morning meeting? Conbini. Hungry and want some instant ramen and bento in the middle of the night? Conbini.
January 30, 2019
5 Unique Arts and Crafts to Try in Okinawa
Once the Kingdom of the Ryukyus, a distinct local culture flourished, with strong influences from China, Indonesia, and other neighbors, who traded dyes, tools, and techniques. Many of these beautiful handicrafts survive today, so when in Okinawa, skip the mass produced souvenirs, and have fun making your own instead.
January 22, 2019
Interesting Japanese People and Where to Find Them
Japan offers a wide range of experiences and sights to see, from robot restaurants to sushi bars, from anime festivals to zen monasteries. The people express themselves in a wide range of activities, from traditional ceremonies to cyberpunk cinematography. But every now and then, I hear from long-term residents that Japan does not offer much in the way of interesting people.
January 21, 2019
Studio Ghibli Is at Toyama Glass Art Museum
From 8th December 2018 to 24th February 2019, the Studio Ghibli Exhibition is entertaining young and old fans in Toyama City. Come to the Toyama Glass Art Museum and soak in the magic! This creative exhibition draws visitors into an intricate maze. As you figure out your way to the exit, the world of Ghibli envelops you with a wealth of history, culture, arts and philosophy. Don’t worry about getting lost, you’ll be presented with a road map at the entrance.
January 21, 2019
Inexpensive Maiko Encounters and Kimono Cosplay in Kyoto
Those who maintain venerable traditions are highly valued in Kyoto. Even though maiko and the older geiko are part of an exclusive high society, there are not enough new recruits anymore. In the renowned Gion area they dart out of taxis into teahouses at twilight, so there is little chance to stop them for a photo.
January 8, 2019
New Year's in Okinawa: How Are Celebrations Different Than in Mainland Japan?
Here are a few things you can experience at the start of the New Year on the beautiful Ryukyu islands, which differ from mainland O-shogatsu.
December 30, 2018
One-Thousand-Year-Old Performance Art: Rakugo Comedy Show
A rakugo (落語) show is essentially an equivalent of the Western one-man comedy show, where a guy tells humorous stories to the audience. But rakugo is much more than just stand-up comedy! The rakugoka–this is what the rakugo performer is called–is basically a mix of an actor, a storyteller and a comedian who can tell jokes and make facial expressions.
December 21, 2018
5 Reasons to Visit Yufuin, Oita
Today there are many activities you can do at the popular tourist destination. You can rent some kimono and amble through the historic quarter in traditional costume. You can take a ride on a rickshaw. You can eat sweets at one of many vendors on Yunohira Kaido Street. You can have your photo taken with an owl on your arm at the Owl Zoo. But to me, the true charm of Yufuin had always been the tranquility.
December 18, 2018
37 Essential Words and Phrases for Visiting the Doctor in Japan
Seeing a doctor in Japan is usually not too much trouble, even if you don’t speak Japanese. Here are some useful phrases and words you may need depending on your problem, some common kanji you’ll see at clinics and hospitals, and how to tell the difference between a hospital and a clinic, as well as some additional information.
December 17, 2018
Ningle Terrace: Furano’s Cozy Arts and Crafts Village
A central town in Hokkaido known for its picturesque landscape, Furano holds one novel treasure: Ningle Terrace, a group of 15 cottages hidden in the woods next to one of Furano’s most popular resorts, New Furano Prince Hotel.
CultureFood & DrinkShoppingHokkaido
December 17, 2018
Satou Making in Your Home – Creating a Carving Knife From Samurai Sword Parts
Knives used to carve them are specialized tools called “satou” or “hidari-ba” which are more like tiny scrapers than knives. They look like dental picks for mythical creatures to be used by monstrous dentists. I acquired my first set of satou knives from master carver Kazuaki Nakamura but I needed a knife suited to my individual needs: One that was curved in the opposite direction to the knife included in the set.
November 6, 2018
Red Seals and Black Ink: A Beginner’s Guide to Shrine Stamps
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you’ll almost certainly have Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple visit on your itinerary—and if not, you should. If you want a one-of-a-kind souvenir, a goshuin is just what you’re looking for!
November 2, 2018
Exploring the Mori Building Digital Art Museum: Epson teamLab Borderless
Mori Building Digital Art Museum: Epson teamLab Borderless in Odaiba’s Palette Town is the first permanent digital museum in the world, and is easily becoming a must-see for tourists and locals alike. The brainchild of teamLab, a visionary art collective made up of artists, engineers, CG animators and more, this digital wonderland lives up to its 'borderless' name.
October 26, 2018
