Language | BILINGUAL Dec 10, 2021
Sports, silent meals and 'Shut Up!': What Japan was talking about in 2021
by Tadasu Takahashi
The year's top buzzwords were announced to great fanfare, but the real word on everyone's lip last week was "omicron."
Language | BILINGUAL Sep 30, 2021
Words that mean how they sound: The power of onomatopoeia
by Eric Margolis
You may not understand exactly what’s being said when you hear onomatopoeic words in Japanese, but you’ll most likely have an idea of what they mean based on how they sound.
Language | BILINGUAL Jun 25, 2021
Japan's office workers get poetic on life during the pandemic
by Haruka Murayama
The nation's office workers express themselves on COVID-19 and pop culture for the 34th Senryu for Salaried Workers Contest.
Language | BILINGUAL Mar 19, 2021
What makes beautiful Japanese? It's as simple as a morning greeting
by Eric Margolis
A word that sounds good rolling off the tongue? Or an everyday greeting that lets people know you care? Japanese speakers sound off on what words they think are beautiful.
Language | BILINGUAL Feb 5, 2021
The art of the Japanese pun: From classic poetry to dad jokes
by Eric Margolis
Wordplay is used in a non-comical way even in traditional Japanese dishes at the holidays, with the names of ingredients recalling expressions of good tidings.
Language | BILINGUAL Dec 22, 2020
The secret is out: This kanji will remain closely associated with the pandemic of 2020
by Ryan Norrbom
The Japanese have spoken, "密" (mitsu) is the kanji of the year for 2020. But what is this kanji trying to say to us?
Language | BILINGUAL Dec 8, 2020
Japan's 2020 buzzwords still contain a sense of whimsy in spite of trying times
by Haruka Murayama
At the start of the year it was expected that 2020's buzzwords would all be related to the Olympics. Oh, how quickly that can change.
Language | BILINGUAL Nov 3, 2020
Japan's original stamp rally is a godly one
by Ryan Norrbom
Taking part in "go-shuin atsume" is an interesting way to get to know Japan's many shrines and temples.