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May 09, 2024
 

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NIHONGO

Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Dec 16, 2022
If you thought 2022 was a battle, this year's top kanji pick shows you weren’t alone
The kanji of the year for 2022 is used for wars and struggles, while this year's buzzwords referenced sports lingo and a Norwegian pop tune.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / Vocabulary Boost
Dec 16, 2022
Merriam-Webster’s word of the year is ‘gaslighting,’ and don't try to tell us there isn't a Japanese equivalent
Merriam-Webster saw a huge spike in people looking up the word “gaslighting” in 2022, and Japan is also no stranger to the concept.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 12, 2022
'War' selected as kanji of the year amid international conflicts
The kanji for 'sen,' meaning war, battle or match, was picked as the single most representative Chinese character corresponding to the social mood in Japan this year.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Dec 9, 2022
The language of c-c-c-cold!: You can say more than just ‘samui desu’
The temperature may be dropping but that doesn't mean your vocabulary can't be on the rise. Start expanding on the ways you can express how you feel during the winter.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 4, 2022
From 'HTT' and 'SusHi Tech' to 'NHK,' Koike’s way with words falters
The Tokyo governor is known for her past catchy policy terms such as Cool Biz, but lately her choice of expressions has failed to resonate with the public.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Dec 2, 2022
The linguistic side-effects of yet another year with COVID-19
As we the end of our third year of life in the pandemic, it's time for a review of all the newly popular vocabulary that has sprung up as a result.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Nov 25, 2022
How to put your best foot forward when stepping into a Japanese tatami room
You get an invite to your landlord's place, which is great. However, now you have to navigate the etiquette rules of the tatami room they will entertain you in.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Nov 18, 2022
Warming up to onsen: The quirks and customs of public baths
Japan's hot spring baths are often on the to-do list of many tourists, just make sure you know the rules before heading inside.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Nov 11, 2022
Don’t get confused using your ei bii s(h)ii's when writing Japanese
There are two systems in place to romanize Japanese. One way reflects how the language is pronounced today, the other might be more true to original Japanese.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Nov 2, 2022
Use 'Book Week' to finally get to those titles piling up on your shelves
Started by publishers and librarians decades ago, Book Week is a way to get people reading. Though, the fact that it's autumn may also provide some encouragement.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Oct 28, 2022
If there's something strange in your neighborhood, it could be a yōkai
Yu014dkai can take any form as they are our fears and imaginations made manifest. They make for easy scapegoats, and can be used as warnings to keep children on their best behavior.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / Vocabulary Boost
Oct 28, 2022
A verb you're bound to wear out on Halloween
The verb 'kiru' (to wear) is a necessary bit of a vocabulary to know on a night like Halloween. Its usage is about more than just costumes, though.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Oct 21, 2022
Walk this way, talk this way: The Japanese vocabulary of going on a pilgrimage
Get back to nature and take a break from the rat race by embarking on one of Japan's many storied pilgrimages.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Oct 14, 2022
Planning a trip to Japan? Here are a few key terms you can use at your hotel.
Hotel staff speak an honorific form of Japanese that isn't always the first thing taught to budding language students. However, understanding it can give an insight into the culture.
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 30, 2022
How can you fight climate change in Japan? Learn how to talk about it.
A good approach to speaking about hot-button topics in Japanese is to use so-called softeners so that your don't come off as too direct with your opinions.
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
Sep 9, 2022
The study of Japanese slang is challenging and never stops. Luckily, it’s also a lot of fun.
Wes Robertson set out to engage with other linguists on Twitter and wound up creating a database for modern Japanese slang.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / Vocabulary Boost
Sep 8, 2022
Climate talk reaches 'crisis' mode
Are you clued in to the “GX” taking place in Japan? If not, it's time to review your environmentally focused vocabulary lists.
Tokuryū, a new crime menace in Japan, emerges from the shadows
The National Police Agency coined the term "tokuryū" to classify individuals involved in dark part time jobs and quasi-gangsters, using the words "tokumei" (anonymous) and "ryūdo" (fluid) to reflect their characteristics.
Thanks, tourists. Views of Mount Fuji are now blocked.
Tourists pose in front of a convenience store with Mount Fuji on Friday in the town of Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture. Local residents are upset over littering, overcrowding and the inconvenience caused by the visitors.
Is Modi’s party heading for a stunning election loss?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign tactics have escalated, including anti-Muslim rhetoric and fearmongering, reflecting his ruling party's desperation.
Two more arrested over brutal murder of couple in Tochigi
A vehicle carrying Seiha Sekine, the 32-year-old common-law husband of the deceased Tokyo couple's first daughter, leaves a police station in Tokyo's Shinagawa Ward on Tuesday.
After blockbuster boxing victory, what next for ‘Monster’ Inoue?
Naoya Inoue celebrates his victory over Luis Nery in their IBF-WBA-WBC-WBO super bantamweight title boxing match at Tokyo Dome on Monday.
Unlike 10 years ago, Japan's new security bill sparks little debate
The Lower House starts discussing a security clearance bill on April 19 in Tokyo.
After blockbuster boxing victory, what next for ‘Monster’ Inoue?
Naoya Inoue celebrates his victory over Luis Nery in their IBF-WBA-WBC-WBO super bantamweight title boxing match at Tokyo Dome on Monday.
Xi bristles as Macron and von der Leyen urge China to do more on Ukraine
French President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese leader Xi Jinping and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen walk after their meeting in Paris on Monday.
How a Japanese scientist is turning the climate crisis into music
A screencap of a performance of Hiroto Nagai's “String Quartet No. 1 ‘Polar Energy Budget’” by the PRT Quartet
Japan’s tween skateboarders get head start on preparations for 2028 Olympics
Ibuki Matsumoto competes at an event in Osaka on April 21.

Podcast

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.
[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

Longform

Rows of irises resemble a rice field at the Peter Walker-designed Toyota Municipal Museum of Art.
The 'outsiders' creating some of Japan's greenest spaces
By Stephen Mansfield

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