If you thought 2022 was a battle, this year's top kanji pick shows you weren’t alone
The kanji of the year for 2022 is used for wars and struggles, while this year's buzzwords referenced sports lingo and a Norwegian pop tune.
Merriam-Webster saw a huge spike in people looking up the word “gaslighting” in 2022, and Japan is also no stranger to the concept.
The language of c-c-c-cold!: You can say more than just ‘samui desu’
The temperature may be dropping but that doesn't mean your vocabulary can't be on the rise. Start expanding on the ways you can express how you feel during the winter.
From 'HTT' and 'SusHi Tech' to 'NHK,' Koike’s way with words falters
The Tokyo governor is known for her past catchy policy terms such as Cool Biz, but lately her choice of expressions has failed to resonate with the public.
The linguistic side-effects of yet another year with COVID-19
As we the end of our third year of life in the pandemic, it's time for a review of all the newly popular vocabulary that has sprung up as a result.
How to put your best foot forward when stepping into a Japanese tatami room
You get an invite to your landlord’s place, which is great. However, now you have to navigate the etiquette rules of the tatami room they will entertain you in.
Warming up to onsen: The quirks and customs of public baths
Japan's hot spring baths are often on the to-do list of many tourists, just make sure you know the rules before heading inside.
Don’t get confused using your ei bii s(h)ii's when writing Japanese
There are two systems in place to romanize Japanese. One way reflects how the language is pronounced today, the other might be more true to original Japanese.
Use 'Book Week' to finally get to those titles piling up on your shelves
Started by publishers and librarians decades ago, Book Week is a way to get people reading. Though, the fact that it's autumn may also provide some encouragement.
If there's something strange in your neighborhood, it could be a yōkai
Yōkai can take any form as they are our fears and imaginations made manifest. They make for easy scapegoats, and can be used as warnings to keep children on their best behavior.
A verb you're bound to wear out on Halloween
The verb "kiru" (to wear) is a necessary bit of a vocabulary to know on a night like Halloween. Its usage is about more than just costumes, though.
Walk this way, talk this way: The Japanese vocabulary of going on a pilgrimage
Get back to nature and take a break from the rat race by embarking on one of Japan's many storied pilgrimages.
