If you’ve spent any time exploring Japanese culture or language, you might have come across the term 恋みくじ. It was the 4th most searched term according to Google Trends for 2024, but what exactly is it, and why has it captured the attention of so many for so long in…
In recent years, the landscape of language learning has undergone a significant transformation. With the advent of technology, traditional methods of studying Japanese are being enhanced and sometimes replaced by digital tools that cater to a variety of learning styles and can both enhance and make learning more efficient. From…
If you’ve ever tried learning Japanese, you might have stumbled across a fascinating aspect of the language that leaves many learners both amused and bewildered: words that that fall under various linguistic labels such as phenomimes and onomatopes. Phenomime: A word or phrase that mimics a certain physical form or motion Onomatope:…
In Japan, the culture of 部活 (ぶかつ), or after-school club activities, plays a significant role in the lives of students. These clubs, which encompass a wide range of sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities, offer students an opportunity to engage, grow, and connect outside of the classroom. Particularly popular among…
In recent years, the phenomenon known as トー横キッズ (Tōyoko Kids) has emerged as a distinctive feature of urban youth culture in Yokohama. This group of young individuals, often seen sitting on the streets and engaging in various activities, reflects broader social dynamics and issues affecting Japan’s youth today. In this…
Akira Kurosawa’s 「生きる」is a cinematic gem that delves deep into the human experience, focusing on themes of mortality, purpose, and the meaning of life. Released in 1952, the film tells the poignant story of Kanji Watanabe, a lifelong bureaucrat who discovers he has terminal cancer and embarks on a journey…
In recent years, Japan has been shaken by a scandal involving the Unification Church 統一教会, also known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. This controversy has intertwined with Japanese politics, celebrities, and public life, raising questions about the future of the nation’s political landscape and social fabric….
Japanese is a language rich with nuance, and reading it proficiently involves more than just recognising characters and words. The resources and content I put out via this website and Youtube tries to focus on one thing: authentic materials and content from real Japanese speakers so that you input better…
The problem You want to communicate in a second language, but you can neither understand nor form anything approaching a level of conversation that you’re subjectively happy with. The solution Go out there and talk and consume content anyway. There’s no secret shortcut that I can tell you, and I…
Following on from the post about motivation last week, here is a ‘part 2’ which focuses on recognising the traps your brain sets for you, as recognising these traps or pitfalls is the key to avoiding them. First we’ll consider the main points. I’ll split this up into reasons for…