Recent Posts
Beyond Takai and Yasui: Japanese Vocab to Watch Out for While Shopping
These 10 Japanese words and phrases can help you bargain for some good deals or talk about the finer things in life.
By Teni Wada on April 18, 2018
Beyond ‘Kirei’: 5 Phrases to Help You Use Japanese Like a Boss this Spring
Time to head out and enjoy the annual bloom of flowers armed with a few new casual and slangy phrases to try with your friends.
By Teni Wada on March 14, 2018
Beyond ‘I Love You’: 5 Tips For Navigating Romance in Japan
It’s that time of the year again — the countdown to Valentine’s Day (and its alter ego White Day) begins in Japan. Are you ready to let that special someone know how you feel? Here are five ways to tell it from your heart — without sounding like a cheesy anime character.
By Teni Wada on February 2, 2018
A Year in Japan Through Emoji
What emojis like 🎍, 👹 and 🎏 actually mean, how to partake in Japanese holidays and celebrations using them, plus some go-to Japanese phrases to top it all off.
By Teni Wada on January 2, 2018
Ultimate Guide to Winter Illuminations in Japan’s 47 Prefectures
We chart winter light ups all across Japan in our latest travel guide.
By Teni Wada on November 25, 2017
Fall Foods in Japan: Where to Find Them and How to Cook Them
These 10 versatile ingredients will effortlessly bring the feel of Japan’s hearty autumn to your table.
By Teni Wada on October 26, 2017
10 Places To Experience the Best of Autumn in Japan
Hikes that catch trees bursting into color and an enticing hot spring bath afterward. These 10 locations are perfect for an adventure, soak or just a change of scene from the city.
By Teni Wada on October 11, 2017
Beyond ‘Kowai’: 10 Japanese Words For When You’re Freaked Out
This Halloween, be more than just scared with these new Japanese words and phrases to express your fear and disgust like a horror movie pro.
By Teni Wada on October 4, 2017
Beyond “Yasumi”: The Sad Disappearance of Silver Week Explained
What’s the difference between “shukujitsu” and “saijitsu” — two types of Japanese holidays — and the surprising reason why we won’t have another extended Silver Week autumn vacation for nine years.
By Teni Wada on September 6, 2017
Beyond ‘Oishii’: 10 Tastier Words to Describe Japanese Food
The eskimos may apparently have 1,000 words for snow, but if you watch Japanese TV there seems to be only one (or two) words for “delicious.” Not for you anymore.
By Teni Wada on August 29, 2017
Cruise Through Tokyo on a Traditional Dining Boat
Tokyo’s waterways offer stunning views of the city in the summer and the boats that ply them offer dining courses for all occasions — from fireworks to ninjas to wedding receptions.