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Tadasu Takahashi
For Tadasu Takahashi's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Oct 22, 2021
Loud, but not so clear: Discussing ‘noise’ and the rules surrounding election cars in Japanese
The sound trucks that make the rounds on Japanese streets are unanimously thought to be noisy. However, are they effective?
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives
Oct 7, 2021
Photography, exercise and mental health awareness come together at Photohope
Yuko Yoshikawa of Photohoku believes that photos have the power to heal. This makes the group's latest charitable effort, in support of TELL Japan, all the more special.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Sep 24, 2021
Have you heard?: The Japanese for getting someone’s attention is pretty simple
The mayor of Helsinki reportedly made a suggestion that his city should go 'all English.' Can you imagine a Japanese city doing the same thing?
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Sep 14, 2021
Japanese for when you’re lost in life — or just lost on the road
While we can't say 2021 has been defined by loss, it's pretty evident that a feeling of being lost has popped up in a lot of situations.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Aug 13, 2021
Discovering 'meaning' in Japanese with one kanji in particular
As we reflect on the Olympics, some may be wondering what the significance of holding them during a pandemic was. The kanji that helps express that is used for other deep thoughts, too.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language
Aug 12, 2021
Giving an overall take on the end of the Olympics in Japanese
What did you like and dislike about the 2020 Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony? Let's practice some terms that help when we want to give our opinion in Japanese.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language
Jul 29, 2021
The many views of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony
Use Japanese words such as 'suki' or 'yoi' to tell people that you liked or didn't like the opening ceremony for this year's Olympics.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jul 16, 2021
Know the right words to use when speaking to the police in Japanese
With the Olympics less than a week away, police may be increasing the amount of random spot checks they regularly engage in. Learn some vocabulary to help you if you get stopped.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jun 18, 2021
Take in the beauty of Hokusai's wave and then give your verdict on it in Japanese
Learn the basics of art criticism in Japanese while taking in Katsushika Hokusai's iconic print, 'Under the Wave off Kanagawa.'
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
May 21, 2021
The ‘wake’ structures that you can use to expand on your reasoning
The terms 'wake da,' 'wake dewa nai,' 'wake ga nai' and 'wake ni wa ikanai' help with giving reasons u2026 like maybe reasons why you don't want to cancel a major international event?
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Apr 9, 2021
LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai gives us an object lesson in referencing proverbs
LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai was called out for using the term 'tazan no ishi,' which in English can be described as an 'object lesson.'
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Mar 12, 2021
Achieving solidarity requires more than words
With the anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, we're reminded of the solidarity of the people of Tohoku. Now if only we could find that unity in our politics.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Mar 5, 2021
Emergency Japanese that, fingers crossed, you'll never need to use
As with most disasters, it's better if you do your preparations for some scenarios while things are safer. Of course, that includes knowing the language of emergencies.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jan 19, 2021
A flurry of news means a ton of new Japanese vocabulary
The first few weeks of 2021 have been eventful to say the least. Make sure to take a note of the new vocabulary you're hearing in order to keep up with the talk of the town.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jan 8, 2021
Apologetic words abound amid a new wave of coronavirus cases
The vocabulary surrounding the state of emergency is back in the headlines as Tokyo gets set for new guidelines. When people go against those guidelines, well, the excuses start.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Dec 26, 2020
20 Questions: The best answers of 2020
The 20 Questions format aims to get people in Japan to tell us about their thoughts and beliefs in their words. Here are some of the most interesting answers from 2020.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 15, 2020
The trouble with linking COVID-19 to 'hikikomori'
The mental health issue is already poorly understood; now its role in the public imagination is shifting again.

Longform

When trying to trace your lineage in Japan, the "koseki" is the most important form of document you'll encounter.
Climbing the branches of a Japanese family tree