If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you will definitely want to visit some Japanese temples and shrines. Temples and shrines are beautiful places. More than just religious places, many are also historically or culturally significant as well. So, what is a Japanese temple? And how does a temple differ from a shrine? At first … Continue reading What Are Japanese Temples and Shrines? A Guide
Understanding Japanese: Sumimasen (済みません) vs. Gomenasai (御免なさい)
Two essential phrases When it comes to understanding Japanese, few phrases are more essential than sumimasen and gomenasai. Both of these are frequently translated as “I’m sorry.” Naturally, given Japan’s well-deserved reputation as a polite society, these two phrases will get you through a lot of situations in Japanese culture. But which one should you … Continue reading Understanding Japanese: Sumimasen (済みません) vs. Gomenasai (御免なさい)
What Was the Showa Era (Period) in Japan?
The Showa Era is an interesting period in Japanese history. However, it can also be confusing to understand. In many ways, there were actually two Showa eras. World War II is the obvious dividing point between early and late Showa. These two periods are diametrically opposed. The military expansion and war years (1926-1945) bear little … Continue reading What Was the Showa Era (Period) in Japan?
Understanding “Daijobu Desu” (大丈夫です) in Japanese Culture
At its core, "Daijobu Desu" can be broken down into two parts: “Daijobu,” which signifies “okay,” “fine,” or “good,” and “Desu,” a polite verb ending that can be likened to “is” or “am” in English
What Was the Classical Era (Period) in Japan?
If you want to understand Japan, it helps to know about the Classical Era in Japanese history. The Classical Era could be considered one of the historic building blocks upon which Japan was built. During this period, Japan borrowed a lot of Chinese culture, and then modified it into something uniquely Japanese. This period also … Continue reading What Was the Classical Era (Period) in Japan?
How to Handle Your Japanese Mail While Traveling or Visiting Home (for Expats)
Here’s a scenario expats living in Japan might be familiar with: Say you’re living in Japan, either studying here or on a holiday visa, or you’re working here long-term. Perhaps you plan on returning to your home country for the holidays. Or maybe you’re planning an epic journey from Hokkaido to Kyoto to Okinawa, and … Continue reading How to Handle Your Japanese Mail While Traveling or Visiting Home (for Expats)
Are Tourists Taking Over Tokyo?
Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, is a city that harmoniously blends ancient traditions with the innovations of the modern world. It’s been a place of great intrigue among westerners for a long time. Its cultural exports have constantly swayed new generations to visit the exciting country. However, in recent years, there has been a … Continue reading Are Tourists Taking Over Tokyo?
An Overview of the Edo Period (Era) in Japan
The Edo Period is one of the more famous eras in Japanese history. It is also one of the more misunderstood periods. In pop culture, Edo is associated with sword-swinging samurai, feudal lords, and castle towns. While that image is not false, it's not completely accurate. However, Edo was a time when Japan isolated itself … Continue reading An Overview of the Edo Period (Era) in Japan
What Was the Meiji Era (Period) in Japan?
The Meiji Era is an extremely popular period of Japanese history. This period has inspired everything from books to plays to anime — and with good reason. Meiji times featured revolutionary changes to Japan’s government, and huge advancements in culture and technology. It was also a time of military expansion. For better or for worse, … Continue reading What Was the Meiji Era (Period) in Japan?
What Was the Taisho Era (Period) in Japan? – A Complete Overview
When it comes to Japanese history, the Taisho Era sometimes gets overlooked. For one thing, the Taisho Era is not as long as the Meiji Era which came before it, or the Showa Era which followed. However, the period is worth knowing about — and not just because of a certain anime series about a … Continue reading What Was the Taisho Era (Period) in Japan? – A Complete Overview