Matthew Coslett
After his 6 month stay got extended to 6 years, Matthew decided just to stay. As well as writing about his beloved Kansai, he spends hours in the middle of nowhere looking for wildlife and searching for the parts of the city most people ignore.
Articles
Unusual Katakana and Their Origins
Did you know that ノルマ actually means "quota" and not the name of your mate's grandma?
5 Weirdest Names for Japanese Food
Would you like extra soy sauce with your dancing zombie octopus?
Baby Names That Work in Japanese and English
Hi! My name is. What? My name is. Who? My name is...
Spot the Kanji for Good and Evil in Everyday Japanese
良 and 悪 are really useful characters. Here's where to watch out for them day-to-day.
Useful Japanese Halloween Vocabulary
Learn these words to help you identify some of the costumed characters you might encounter this Halloween.
Common Japanese Phrases To Help You Study JLPT N2 and N3 Grammar
Master advanced Japanese grammar by listening out for these phrases on the daily.
How to Ask for Time Off in Japanese
It can be a tricky business asking for time off in a Japanese workplace. Try these useful phrases.
How to Bargain in Japanese
Useful Japanese for negotiating a discount in different situations from shopping to signing an apartment contract.
How to Make Small Talk in Japanese
“Atsui desu ne” and other phrases to help you fill an awkward silence in Japan.
Japanese Words for Weddings
Here comes the 嫁.
Sweat the Small Stuff: 5 Tips for Passing the JLPT
Don’t be a stressed mess, learn how to pass your next JLTP with flying colors.
Japanese Words To Describe Food Textures
Ever heard the words カリカリ, さくさく or モチモチ around Japanese food?
