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.

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.

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."

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 … like maybe reasons why you don't want to cancel a major international event?

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

People | 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.