Language | NEWS IN NIHONGO Oct 6, 2020
A Kyodo article looks at the latest plan to build big in Tokyo with the Torch Tower.
Language | BILINGUAL Sep 29, 2020
Japan has finally come to its census
by Shaun Mckenna
Japan undergoes a census every five years and 2020 happens to mark the questionnaire's 100th anniversary.
Language | WELL SAID Sep 29, 2020
Onomatopoeic terms like 'niko-niko' get us smiling
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
"Kusu-kusu" and "gera-gera" are two types of laughs that are used in entirely different situations.
Language | NEWS IN NIHONGO Sep 29, 2020
Department stores ready to take 2021 new year’s osechi orders
You may think it's too early to start thinking about the new year holidays, but department stores are expecting more work than usual amid the pandemic.
Language | BILINGUAL Sep 22, 2020
Channeling that 1964 spirit amid the pandemic
by Kaori Shoji
Sacrifice, dedication and training — these were the pillars that supported athletes in the 1964 Olympics. They might help during the pandemic, too.
Language | WELL SAID Sep 22, 2020
You ought to know how 'beki' can help your Japanese
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
The negative "bekarazu" structure may be old, but you can still find it in written Japanese with a strong prohibitive nuance attached to it.
Language | NEWS IN NIHONGO Sep 22, 2020
Half of people in Japan feel healthier due to coronavirus outbreak
How are you feeling these days? Half of Japan feels healthier thanks to the pandemic, a Kyodo story looks at why.
Language | BILINGUAL Sep 15, 2020
A debate on name order highlights an old translation issue
by Eric Margolis
Last name, first? Some Japanese people would like to see their linguistic traditions better reflected in English-language media.
Language | WELL SAID Sep 15, 2020
You'd be surprised how far 'naka-naka' can take you in Japanese
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
The adverb "naka-naka" can be used to comment on a surprising result, just don't use it when discussing the results your boss gets.
Language | NEWS IN NIHONGO Sep 15, 2020
Special train unveiled as Hokkaido railroad marks 140th anniversary
A new train pulls into the station in Hokkaido and a Kyodo article looks at its significance.
Language | BILINGUAL Sep 8, 2020
Take notes: This is the stationery lesson
by Haruka Murayama
September reminds us all of heading back to school even during a pandemic. Hit the local stationery story with the correct Japanese.
Language | WELL SAID Sep 8, 2020
Learning how to use 'ni suginai' is nothing more than essential
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
The verb "sugiru," which means to exceed, can be used in a variety of ways both positive and negative.