Tag - japanese-culture

 
 

JAPANESE CULTURE

Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Apr 14, 2023
Long story short, abbreviated Japanese is good value for your time
In English, acronyms are a way to communicate what you want to say quickly. The Japanese tend to shorten their speech by shortening their words.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Mar 3, 2023
Japanese mottos: Where there’s a will, there’s a zayū no mei
Japanese business culture in particular is partial to the idea of a person being able to sum themselves up with a catchy — and insightful — phrase to live by.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jan 27, 2023
Are ‘white’ companies proving to be too much of a good thing for Japan's Gen Z?
'Black' companies are places of excess: excess overtime, excess chores — not excess pay! And the best way to express the idea of 'too much' in Japanese is with the verb-suffix 'sugiru.'
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jan 9, 2023
Make sure your nouns and verbs match when talking about what to wear
Did you notice more kimono than usual being worn on Jan. 9 this year? That's because it was Coming of Age Day, an occasion for which Japanese youth sport their 'Sunday best.'
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Dec 30, 2022
There’s more going on in a haiku than just the 5-7-5 syllable rule
Dive into one of Japan's most fascinating art forms during the holidays and think up a couple of haiku poems to celebrate the season.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Dec 23, 2022
A few phrases for when you head to dinner at your in-laws' house
Maybe you just want to compliment someone's cooking, or maybe you want to avoid a fight? Either way, brushing up on some Japanese before heading to your in-laws doesn't hurt.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Oct 7, 2022
I know Japanese. Why can’t I read signs in Hokkaido?
A lot of the readings for kanji on Japan's northernmost island are connected to the language and culture of the Ainu, who are indigenous to Hokkaido.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Sep 23, 2022
What to say (and what not to say) at a Japanese funeral
With the state funeral of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe taking place in the next few days, we take a look at how the Japanese traditionally mourn the recently departed.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Sep 16, 2022
When breaking up in Japanese, be sure to give up the ghosting
It's hard to break up with someone in any language, but the inclination toward “ghosting” may make one side feel even worse.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Aug 12, 2022
Read between the lines when it comes to party invitations
Japanese people tend to avoid giving a clear 'no' when asked a question. Learn the sentences that infer a negative outcome early on in your studies here.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jul 29, 2022
Cherry blossoms, cranes and the language of Japanese symbols
The bald eagle of the United States and the orchids of China have deeper meanings in their respective cultures. What items do the Japanese give symbolic weight to?
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Oct 23, 2018
Time for Japan to shine in diversity
Expanding the definition of what it is to be Japanese and encouraging diversity will only further Japan's role as a country fully in tune with the needs of the 21st century.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 8, 2018
Finance Ministry 'sisters' needed
Japan's male-centric workplace culture is a breeding ground for scandals.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan / THE VIEW FROM NEW YORK
Jan 22, 2017
Reversing Japanese names for Western use?
When did the Japanese start reversing the family-personal name order for Western consumption?
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 23, 2016
What's mine is yours: build bridges by sharing cultures
Saying Japanese culture can only be experienced by the Japanese inhibits cross-cultural exchanges and ignores the fact that Japan has borrowed liberally from other cultures.
JAPAN
Mar 25, 2016
Ministry touts cultural, industry promotion with Japan House diplomacy hubs
The government aims to create a fresh network between Japan and people overseas with the announcement Friday of new diplomacy hubs to promote Japanese culture and industry.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Dec 1, 2015
Reviving Japan Inc.'s entertainment division
If Japan had its own cartoon-and-comics-driven Hollywood, it would increase its global cultural clout and give the economy a much needed boost.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Nov 17, 2015
Behind Japanese parochialism
Japan's parochialism is embedded in history and the economic, educational and social structure. We should not expect to see more than a slow change — and it might be toward more rather than less isolation.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Nov 15, 2015
Asia's music cultures come together at gig
Music director Kishiko Kawaguchi will host a concert Nov. 29 that some Japan Times readers can attend free.

Longform

Capsule hotels were created as a way to deal with the amount of overwork employees tend to do in Japan. Can't commute home? Then spend the night in an tiny, affordable sleeping space.
Japan wakes up to the market for a proper sleep