Nihongo

Language | WELL SAID May 15, 2017

Introducing the verb 'kamau'

by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro

"Kamau" means "to take care of" or "to mind" and is mainly used in the negative form.

Language | NEWS IN NIHONGO May 15, 2017

Kumamoto 'baby hatch' accepted 125 babies in 9 years since launch

"Konotori no yurikago" marks its 10th anniversary

Language | BILINGUAL May 8, 2017

The delicate Japanese art of rom-com title translation

by Kaori Shoji

With so much at stake, it's no wonder distribution companies pour so much thought into coming up with workable, attractive Japanese titles for their films.

Language | WELL SAID May 8, 2017

Introducing two adverbs: 'dozo' and 'do ka'

by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro

'Dozo' is used when someone requests something or politely expresses their wish.

Language | NEWS IN NIHONGO May 8, 2017

Hiroshima A-bomb museum east building reopens

The east building of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum reopened April 26 following renovations.

Language | WELL SAID May 1, 2017

Responding unexpectedly with 'sorega' and 'sorenanoni'.

by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro

Today we'll introduce two conjunctions: 'sorega' and 'sorenanoni'.

Language | BILINGUAL Apr 24, 2017

Conquering ‘Commendatore’: Murakami brandishes familiar lexicon in latest novel

by Daniel Morales

Murakami’s language has evolved over the course of his career, and knowing some of his tricks will help ease you into this 1,048-page novel.

Language | WELL SAID Apr 24, 2017

Introducing 'ni kakawarazu' and 'o towazu'

by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro

Today we'll introduce two Japanese phrases meaning "regardless of."

Language | NEWS IN NIHONGO Apr 24, 2017

Temperature rises to over 30 C in Takasaki

Wide areas of eastern Japan saw clear skies with strong sunshine on April 18. The weather in some inland areas of the Kanto- Koshin region resembled that of June and July, with temperatures in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, rising to 30.6 degrees Celsius, marking this ...

Issues | LABOR PAINS Apr 23, 2017

The cost of convenience in Japan: when foreign students work instead of study

by Hifumi Okunuki

It's midnight at the convenience store I often patronize near my home in Tokyo's central Shinjuku district. The store's open all day and night, 365 days a year. There is one man I've seen quite a bit of lately — behind the counter, stocking shelves, ...