Eccentricity

Unique Hotels / ユニークなホテル

When it comes to western style hotels in Japan, they run the gamut from budget to luxury hotels. Like most things, the price of the hotel g

Ryokan / 旅館 – traditional Japanese style hotel

I believe staying at a traditional Japanese ryokan is quite unique and could be a bit intimidating experience for foreign tourists because o

Hugs and Kisses ハグとキス

Japan is known for having fewer public displays of affection compared to its Western counterparts. Physical touching among friends and love

Japanese and Cats Part 2 ／日本人と猫　その２

日本語会話 There are quite a few idioms in English that include cats:“Cat got your tongue?”, “Raining cats and dogs”, “taking a cat nap”, “let...

Japanese and Cats Part 1 / 日本人と猫

日本語会話 Hello Kitty is not the only indication of Japanese obsession with the feline. You will see porcelain cats with one raised paw (see...

Pecking Order 上下関係（じょうげかんけい）

日本語会話　初級　中級 Many Japanese, in particular, younger generations, envy the individualism the United States offers. Why do you think that is?...

Motorcycle Gangs 暴走族　ぼうそうぞく

Learn Japanese culture and language Bosozoku / Motorcycle gangs

Kawaii Culture part 2

So, how did the Kawaii-culture came about and why does it continue today in Japan? I am not a sociologist, so what I am writing here is...

Kawaii Culture Part 1

The word, Kawaii, is a Japanese adjective to describe cute objects, persons or behaviors. This word is used rather frequently in Japan,...

Pachinko Parlor

It’s not too difficult to find Pachinko parlors in Japan. Rows of game machines are visible from the street, and you can hear loud noise...

Facial Masks

Long before a mask became mandatory during the COVID pandemic, wearing a mask has been a part of Japanese lifestyle. During allergy...

Valentine's Day

In the Western culture on Valentine’s Day, husbands and wives (or boyfriends and girlfriends) present chocolates and roses to their...

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