8 Key Phrases for Navigating 'Izakaya'
Don't speak Japanese? Walk into a Japanese-style pub and order with ease using these eight key phrases!
Intro to the Japanese Writing System
Learning Japanese First Time in Japan
Can you spot the differences between each of Japan's three different characters?
7+ Kinds of Calligraphy Brushes
The kind of calligraphy brush you need depends on the kind of lines you want to draw. Here are seven-plus options from a historic shop in Toyohashi that you can order from anywhere!
Mashikaku: Japan’s Edo-Era Typography Returns
In Edo-era Japan, several lettering styles known as 'Edomoji' were invented for advertising purposes. One design team wants to bring these characters back.
9 Ways to Talk About the Weather
Since it changes so often, the weather is actually a hot topic in Japan—no pun intended! Find out nine ways to get in on this easy conversation-starter!
Survival Japanese for Concerts & Events
So you've decided to attend an event from your favorite idols or artists, but how ready are you really? Here are some often-used terms you should check out to navigate your way!
10 Easy Phrases for Shopping in Japan!
Learning Japanese Holiday Shopping
Reviewing these 10 phrases can make your Japan shopping excursion that much easier!
5 Things I Learned Doing Japanese Improv
If you're getting tired of JLPT textbooks, kanji apps and watching TV you don’t understand, why not think about using improv comedy to study the language?
Are You Coming or Not?
Learning Japanese Deeper Japan
Depending on whether you live in the western or eastern part of Japan, this phrase is interpreted in two different ways!
6 Bits of Advanced-Level Lawson Trivia
Did you know that the Lawson Store 100 song apologizes for the price? Or that there's 'frying music' for the staff? This is stuff even Lawson employees don't know!
Learning to Love 'Sumi' Ink Sticks
Ink sticks, or 'sumi,' were a practical way of conserving and transporting ink. They're the classic tool for writing Japanese calligraphy—and using them has an almost Zen-like quality.
Think You Know All the Hirgana Characters?
Learning Japanese Deeper Japan
Only one out of five Japanese people can read these characters—can you?
The History Behind Japan's 'Janken' Game
Learning Japanese Deeper Japan
Whether resolving a dispute, deciding who pays the check for lunch, or simply passing the time, Japan’s “rock-paper-scissors” culture is simple, and a lot of fun.
Intro to the Japanese Writing System: Katakana
Learning Japanese First Time in Japan
Let's take a look at perhaps the most puzzling type of Japanese text: 'katakana.'
4 Phrases to Help You Speak 'Kansai-Ben'
Speak like a local in Osaka, Kyoto or Kobe with these four simple phrases from the Kansai Dialect.
Otoshi: Izakaya's Compulsory Appetizer
Before heading out to an Japanese pub, you might want to read up on the infamous 'otoshi.'
Become an Izakaya Guru with These 6 Videos
Impress your friends with your knowledge of the ins and outs of Japanese pubs and the drinks and food served at them!
Learn Japanese on Instagram?!
If you're trying to learn Japanese but always on the go, this Japanese Instagram account might be just for you!
Use Caution When Uttering this Japanese Word
Learning Japanese Deeper Japan
Be careful when breaking out this one—sometimes the person you’re pitying doesn’t want your pity.
Key Castle Vocabulary
Don't know a 'tenshu' from a 'hori'? We're here to help!
