Discussing hobbies is a key part of making connections in Japan. Knowing how to ask about someone’s interests, and share your own, is a fantastic way to make friends. The…
Culture
Welcome, Japanese learners! Connecting with the language means exploring Japanese culture. Today, we’re diving into the fun world of Japanese toys (おもちゃ, omocha). Toys are a wonderful window into Japan’s…
Welcome, Japanese learners! The speech of Japan’s vibrant southern islands has a famously rhythmic and tropical flavor. Uchinaaguchi (沖縄口, ウチナーグチ), often called Okinawa-ben (沖縄弁), is not just a dialect but…
Welcome, Japanese learners! The speech of Japan’s vast northeastern region has a famously warm and rustic flavor. Tōhoku-ben (東北弁, とうほくべん) is a family of dialects, best known by its nickname…
Welcome, Japanese learners! The speech of Japan’s “Peace Capital” in the Chūgoku region has a distinct, powerful rhythm. While part of the Chūgoku dialect family, Hiroshima-ben (広島弁, ひろしまべん) is famous…
Welcome, Japanese learners! The speech of Japan’s biggest city in Kyushu has a powerful, friendly flavor. While part of the Hichiku dialect family, Hakata-ben (博多弁, はかたべん) is famous for its…
Welcome, Japanese learners! The speech of Japan’s former capital has a unique flavor. While part of the Kansai dialect family, Kyō-kotoba (京言葉, きょうことば) is famous for its elegance, politeness, and…
Welcome, Japanese learners! If you’ve ever watched Japanese comedy or a drama set in Osaka, you’ve likely encountered a lively, musical way of speaking that’s quite different from your textbook….
Welcome, Japanese learners! While your textbook teaches you the standard language, Japan is a country rich with linguistic diversity. Stepping outside of Tokyo reveals a tapestry of dialects, or 方言…
Welcome, Japanese learners! To truly understand Japan, we need to look beyond its famous cities. Let’s explore the country as a whole (日本全体, にほんぜんたい, Nihon zentai). Japan is a land…