language

Language | BILINGUAL Nov 23, 2015

When kanji components sound off, be sure to pay attention

by Mark Schreiber

Many common kanji include easily recognizable phonetic components that give a pretty good idea of how they should be read.

Language | WELL SAID Nov 23, 2015

Variations on '-te ii': asking and granting permission in Japanese

by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro

Introducing the proper way to ask and give permission, with varying levels of politeness.

National Nov 23, 2015

Kansai's 'omotenashi' hospitality to foreigners may be model for all Japan

Omotenashi hospitality services introduced by transportation companies in the Kansai region for foreign visitors are increasingly expected to be a model for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Dong Fang, a 28-year-old staff member of a West Japan Railway Co. affiliate, works as a helping hand for ...

How-tos | LIFELINES Nov 22, 2015

Improv pioneers Pirates of Tokyo Bay plan big bilingual birthday bash

by Midori Nishida

The Pirates of Tokyo Bay, who claim to be the capital's only bilingual comedy group, have been bridging cultures through humor since 2010.

Business / Tech Nov 19, 2015

AI robot touted as future English-learning tool for Japanese kids

by Magdalena Osumi

Japan has long been criticized for its low level of English, but children could soon become more proficient in the language just by chit-chatting with an artificially intelligent robot. At least that's the idea from AKA, a Korean startup based in the United States that ...

National Nov 18, 2015

Oxford chooses emoji as word of the year

by Kazuaki Nagata

Reflecting the increased use of emoticons as a communication method, Oxford Dictionaries has chosen one particular emoji as its word of the year for the first time. The emoji, officially called the "Face with Tears of Joy," depicts a half-crying, half-smiling expression. It beat out ...