Language | BILINGUAL May 5, 2023
Why bilingual literature is needed in a place like Japan
by Eric Margolis
Only when Japan’s great stories are translated into other languages can we get a glimpse into the real lives of people living here.
Language | BILINGUAL Apr 27, 2023
More simple words to power up your conversations in Japanese
by Brendan Craine
Continuing with conjunctions, here are a few that allow you to string pieces of similar information into a sequence.
Language | BILINGUAL Apr 21, 2023
Use video games to learn Japanese and connect with your children
by Jennifer O'Donnell
What are your kids talking about when they bring up Minecraft, Fortnite or Pokemon? Take an interest in their games and learn some new Japanese terms in the process.
Language | BILINGUAL Apr 14, 2023
Long story short, abbreviated Japanese is good value for your time
by Yuko Tamura
In English, acronyms are a way to communicate what you want to say quickly. The Japanese tend to shorten their speech by shortening their words.
Language | BILINGUAL Apr 6, 2023
Talk about your favorite shows in Japanese — but no spoilers, please!
by Cassandra Lord
It's always fun to talk about what's on TV, but recently it has been what's on streaming services that has taken up most of the conversation.
Language | BILINGUAL Mar 30, 2023
Know the shady Japanese vocabulary that will help you avoid 'dark' part-time jobs
by Tadasu Takahashi
Even if the turnover for them is quick, knowing the code words people use to refer to possibly illegal activities will give you some insight into the Japanese language.
Language | BILINGUAL Mar 22, 2023
Get off the beaten path with some basic Japanese to see the sakura
by Cassandra Lord
The key verb to know when traveling is "iku" (to go). Combine it with other verbs for further specificity.
Language | BILINGUAL Mar 17, 2023
For some in Japan, the first day of spring means a visit with the ancestors
by Yaeko Kabe
While visits to the family grave are often done during the Bon holidays in August, the spring and autumn equinoxes are also a traditional time to reconnect with your ancestors.
Language | BILINGUAL Mar 10, 2023
The Oscars are upon us. What films are you rooting for?
by Eric Margolis
Discussing what makes a great movie is fun conversation fodder. What kind of movie do you think is worthy of an Academy Award?
Language | BILINGUAL Mar 3, 2023
Japanese mottos: Where there’s a will, there’s a zayū no mei
by Peter Backhaus and Tamaki Fukuda
Japanese business culture in particular is partial to the idea of a person being able to sum themselves up with a catchy — and insightful — phrase to live by.
Language | BILINGUAL Feb 23, 2023
Get your sports vocabulary into shape for the start of baseball season
by Eric Margolis
Preseason baseball games have begun, catch up on your sports-related vocabulary so you don't strike out in any conversations.
National Feb 21, 2023
Government to screen Japanese-language schools to ensure quality
New legislation will also require instructors at certified schools to obtain a new national qualification for teaching Japanese.