Recent Posts
Tomogashima: A Trip Worth Taking
Across rough seas and aboard decaying ships, the islands of Tomogashima are a unique — if challenging — visit.
By Matthew Coslett on May 17, 2017
What’s in a Japanese Name?
That who we call “ko” would sound as sweet! A GaijinPot guide to recalling tricky Japanese names and learning some new kanji in the process.
By Matthew Coslett on May 16, 2017
How to Speak in Japanese Number Codes
Let’s give a 8888 for this guide to Japanese numbers wordplay. 4649 onegaishimasu!
By Matthew Coslett on April 26, 2017
How To Pronounce Japanese Like A Native
Use these techniques to help you sound more like a native when speaking Japanese.
By Matthew Coslett on April 17, 2017
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 to help you secure that much-needed holiday.
By Matthew Coslett on March 22, 2017
How to Haggle in Japanese
Useful Japanese for negotiating a discount in different situations from shopping to signing an apartment contract.
By Matthew Coslett on March 10, 2017
A Guide to Texting in Japanese
Note to self: The poo emoji is not a bad thing.
By Matthew Coslett on February 20, 2017
Why does Japanese have two kanji for “love”?
With Valentine’s Day approaching, here’s something to add to the romantic confusion: the two different kanji for love.
By Matthew Coslett on February 13, 2017
Useful Japanese for Getting a Haircut
Learning useful Japanese vocabulary is a small price toupee to get the haircut you want.
By Matthew Coslett on January 30, 2017
How to Make New Year’s Resolutions in Japanese
What are your New Year’s resolutions? Gaijinpot presents a guide to making them… in Japanese.
By Matthew Coslett on January 17, 2017
Hatsuyume: The First Dream of the Year in Japan
I dreamed a dream of eggplants gone by. Happy New Year everyone!
By Matthew Coslett on January 1, 2017
How to Talk About Politics in Japanese
Talking about politics can be tricky in Japanese. Here’s a guide to the recent election in America and some of the words it brought up.
By Matthew Coslett on December 19, 2016
A Guide to Japanese Christmas Words
The language of Christmas in Japan reveals some interesting insights into how the season is seen, celebrated and sold here.