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  • Let’s appreciate the blooming of the Plum trees.

    Let’s appreciate the blooming of the Plum trees.

    In this article, we will appreciate the blooming of the Plum Trees in Japan. The Plum Trees are called Ume (梅) and are the first to bloom before the Momo (peach tree 桃) and the Sakura (cherry tree 桜).

    The period when the plum trees bloom is after winter, starting in February. The famous hanami began with the plum trees before the Nara Period (710-794 AD) and not with the Sakura as some think. The plum trees do not have a stem, and the flowers sprout directly from the branches.

    santana

    The flowers of Ume are mentioned in various Japanese poems, songs, dances, and arts. For the Japanese, ume serves to revitalize, improve health, and increase longevity. Samurai value ume as an energy booster. The fruit of the Plum Tree, ume, (Japanese plum) is used to season juices, drinks, sauces, and sweets in Japan, such as the famous pickle (umeboshi) and the liqueur (umeshu).

    The video below from our friend Santana Channel will help you appreciate the beauty of this flower more:

    The photos in this article were also provided by Santana. I hope you enjoyed this short article, don’t forget to share and leave your opinion about these beautiful flowers in the comments.

  • Discover the True History and Origin of Cosplay

    Discover the True History and Origin of Cosplay

    Cosplay is the practice of dressing up as characters from anime, manga, comics, movies, games, and other media, which has become a form of art and personal expression in various parts of the world. The term “cosplay” combines the English words “costume” and “play,” reflecting the essence of the hobby: to dress as a character and embody it with passion.

    But have you ever wondered how this culture started and how it spread globally? Next, we will explore the fascinating origin and evolution of cosplay, its arrival in Brazil, and some of the most iconic events related to this practice.

    The Origin and History of Cosplay

    Although cosplay culture is often associated with Japan, its roots trace back to the United States. In 1939, during the first World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), Forrest J. Ackerman and Myrtle R. Douglas wore science fiction-themed costumes. Ackerman’s outfit, called a “future-costume,” was a creation of his own, while Myrtle was inspired by the film “Things to Come” (1936). The gesture drew so much attention that it became an annual tradition at science fiction events, laying the groundwork for cosplay.

    It was only in the 1970s that cosplay began to gain popularity among fans of manga and anime in the United States. The concept only gained traction in Japan in 1984, when Nobuyuki Takahashi, a Japanese producer, attended an American convention and was impressed by the creativity of the participants. Inspired, he brought the practice to Japan, where it quickly evolved from a science fiction niche to a cultural craze, encompassing characters from manga to games and movies.

    In Japan, events like “Comic Market” (Comiket), held in Odaiba, Tokyo, brought cosplay to life. Originally focused on the buying and selling of Dōjinshi (independent manga), the event became a meeting point for cosplayers to showcase their creations, helping to shape the Japanese cosplay scene we know today.

    Do you know what cosplay is?

    The Cultural Impact of Cosplay in Japan

    Cosplay in Japan has transformed into a true cultural phenomenon, transcending otaku events and entering the mainstream. The district of Akihabara, known as the center of geek culture in Tokyo, is one of the most famous places where cosplayers can be found daily. Additionally, places like Harajuku have become famous for the mix of alternative fashion and cosplay, attracting tourists and photographers from around the world.

    Another significant impact is the emergence of cosplay-themed cafes, where staff dress as anime characters and interact with customers, providing an immersive experience. Japan also hosts seasonal events, such as outdoor cosplay festivals in historic locations, which help keep the tradition alive and attract different audiences.

    Do you know what lolita, loli, or lolicon means?

    The Influence of Cosplay on Fashion and Media

    Cosplay has influenced the fashion world in surprising ways. Renowned designers have sought inspiration from the aesthetics of anime and video game characters, incorporating futuristic and fantastical elements into their collections. This influence is evident in fashion shows and the emergence of new trends such as Gothic Lolita, Visual-Kei, and the very Harajuku style, which mixes vibrant colors and bold designs.

    In the media, cosplay has also gained popularity in TV shows and documentaries that explore the effort, creativity, and stories behind the costumes. Additionally, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become essential showcases for cosplayers, helping them gain fans and even turn the hobby into a career.

    Challenges and Criticisms Faced by Cosplayers

    Despite being a joyful and creative practice, cosplay is not without challenges. Many cosplayers face criticism or even harassment, especially at events where interaction with the public is constant. Another common obstacle is the high cost of creating high-quality costumes, leading some to seek sponsorships or start crowdfunding campaigns.

    Moreover, there is constant pressure to improve with each new event, which can make the hobby stressful for some. Issues of cultural appropriation are also discussed within the community, as cosplayers from different backgrounds navigate cultural sensitivity when choosing certain characters. It is an ongoing debate that helps define the boundaries of respect and representation in cosplay.

    What are Anime Events like?

    What Defines a Good Cosplayer?

    Being a good cosplayer involves more than just wearing an outfit similar to a character. It is an art that requires dedication, research, and, above all, a genuine passion for the chosen character. Here are some aspects that make a cosplayer memorable:

    1. Fidelity to the Character: A good cosplayer pays attention to detail, replicating the costume accurately and with high-quality materials. Many spend months preparing their outfits and accessories.
    2. Attitude and Interpretation: Embodying the character’s personality is essential. Cosplayers go beyond appearance and dedicate themselves to mimicking expressions, gestures, and speech, transforming the experience for fans who interact with them.
    3. Interaction and Charisma: Cosplay is also about entertainment. Those who stand out not only dress well but also know how to make people smile or be impressed by their portrayal. They turn casual encounters into magical moments for admirers of all ages.

    Another important point is that many cosplayers do not seek profit. For most, cosplay is a hobby fueled by love for pop culture and the desire to make friends who share that passion. It is not uncommon to see cosplayers paying tribute to other artists or characters that inspire them, adding a touch of authenticity and emotion to their work.

    Cosplayer as characters Akatsuki from Naruto in Japan Festa in Bangkok 2013.

    Most Iconic Cosplay Events

    1. Anime Expo (Los Angeles, USA): Considered the largest otaku culture event in North America, Anime Expo attracts fans from all over the world. With over 24 years of history, the event is famous for its cosplay competitions, live shows, panels with voice actors, and even workshops teaching makeup and costume-making techniques.
    2. Japan Expo (Paris, France): Held for over 16 years, Japan Expo is one of the largest Japanese culture events in Europe. Participants can expect an explosion of cosplay, Gothic Lolita fashion shows, Visual-Kei performances, and origami workshops. It is also an opportunity for fans to meet renowned mangaka and J-Pop stars.
    3. World Cosplay Summit (Nagoya, Japan): Known as the “World Cup of Cosplay,” the World Cosplay Summit brings together the best cosplayers from around the world to compete for the championship title. The competition is so intense that many participants dedicate years to preparing. In addition to performances, the event promotes cultural interaction, with parades and parties that celebrate the art of cosplay in grand style.

    Cosplay in Brazil

    In Brazil, cosplay began to gain traction in the late 1990s, driven by the airing of animes like “Saint Seiya.” At that time, pop culture and anime events were still small, but they quickly grew as the popularity of animes and mangas increased. Conventions like Anime Friends, which is now one of the largest otaku culture events in Latin America, helped popularize cosplay and create a united and passionate community.

    Initially, cosplay in Brazil was limited to characters from Japanese animes, mangas, and video games, but it soon expanded to include characters from Hollywood movies, TV series, and even musical bands. The influence of events like Comic Con Experience (CCXP) brought even more diversity, with Brazilian cosplayers showcasing characters from franchises like “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars.” Over time, the practice became a cultural phenomenon, with contests and even cash prizes for the best cosplayers.

    Today, Brazil is recognized as one of the most creative nations in terms of cosplay. The talent of Brazilian cosplayers is often highlighted in international competitions, such as the World Cosplay Summit, proving that the country has a prominent place in the global scene.

    Do you know what cosplay is?

    Cosplay vs. Cospobre: Creativity Without Limits

    While some cosplayers spend fortunes to create faithful and detailed costumes, others prefer a more economical approach known as “cospobre.” Cospobre is a fun and creative way to do cosplay, using simple and improvised materials like cardboard, tape, and household items. While it may seem like a joke, cospobre is a legitimate way to express creativity and often attracts as much attention as more elaborate costumes.

    Whether you are a fan of detailed cosplays or funny cospobres, the important thing is that cosplay continues to be a vibrant and inclusive form of artistic expression. And you, have you ever done a cosplay or do you plan to? Share your experiences or suggestions in the comments!

  • Where to start studying Japanese? How? In what order?

    Where to start studying Japanese? How? In what order?

    This is a quite delicate question, everyone studies in a different way, and achieves different performance and results. In this article, we will make a small analysis of what can be studied and how. Remembering that these are tips and opinions of mine.

    To start, abandon romaji, learn hiragana and katakana at once. If you don’t want to give up romaji and don’t want to learn hiragana, you shouldn’t even start studying Japanese, you will waste your time. With a little effort, in 1 week you can already be capable of learning hiragana and thousands of doors will open, and you will already be able to read most texts in Japanese, and any text that has furigana.

    Now let’s start examining a bit of everything that should be studied in Japanese, and a good suggestion and way to do this. There is no order of what to study first, it all depends on your needs and priorities, we will talk about that too.

    Vocabulary

    This is the main part of learning Japanese, you should focus on learning words. To do this, you should focus on reading, listening as much as possible, and learning and memorizing correctly. Don’t try to force new words into your vocabulary, try to learn them naturally, just study content.

    Increasing your vocabulary is a great way to start learning Japanese, if you focus on this, you will automatically learn other things like kanji, grammar, etc. But remember, don’t force it! Focus on the ability to recall and not memorize.

    How can I increase my vocabulary naturally? By listening to music, using Anki, reading and browsing Japanese websites, studying Japanese material, using apps and dictionaries. There are thousands of ways to increase your vocabulary, but don’t rush.

    Start by learning the verbs which are the most important, by learning them, you can be able to understand and create sentences without difficulties. But don’t forget to learn adjectives, nouns, and others simultaneously. Learning verbs is just a suggestion of priority that you should have.

    Be careful, words in Japanese have different meanings and uses. Only time and immersion in the language will solve this great difficulty.

    shiritori

    Grammar

    The great enemy of learning Japanese, sometimes worse than kanji itself. Japanese grammar is very easy, but it is completely different from our Portuguese, and has thousands of things we don’t know. Verbs are conjugated differently, the order of words in a sentence, the use of particles, and much more.

    For this reason, avoid using automatic translation tools, as they will always make mistakes with grammar or the correct use of words. The first step to take is to learn the particles in detail, and the conjugation of verbs. Then, focus on absorbing content, reading texts, listening to sentences. The more sentences you hear, the more sentences you will be able to create without making grammatical errors.

    If you have difficulty with any part of Japanese grammar, such as particles or verbs, focus on it. You have to concentrate on your weak points. Weak points will only get weaker and will always hold you back. Don’t forget to delve deeply into the details and differences that the language will present throughout the journey.

    particles

    Kanji

    The Japanese ideograms take an eternity to learn. Many are terrified of them, but don’t be afraid. Kanji are necessary in Japanese reading and writing.

    If you want to learn Japanese quickly, and don’t want to become a shodo artist, then put learning to write on the back burner. Learning to write kanji one by one will only delay your learning by years, and will not help you memorize them. After I stopped trying to learn kanji one by one, without realizing it, I had already learned thousands just by reading and studying.

    Take a text with furigana and start reading. When learning words, don’t forget to learn them with kanji, especially verbs. Verbs use a large number of kanji and are easier to memorize.

    Learning whole words is more beneficial than learning the reading of each kanji, because what good is it to learn the reading if when reading the word, you read it wrong? Therefore, the correct way to learn kanji is not to worry so much about them, but about reading and absorbing content.

    One thing you should indeed learn and study in detail are the radicals. By learning the radicals, it becomes easier to memorize kanji, and even write them.

    Chalk on blackboard filled with Chinese and Japanese characters. The words in Japanese have random meanings.

    Conclusion

    When studying Japanese, keep in mind that you will make mistakes, you will fail, you will get frustrated, you will get discouraged, you will forget… Remember that all of this is part of the learning process.

    There is no correct order to learn Japanese, there is a correct way. There is an order where you prioritize your learning, I do it as follows:

    1. Read
    2. Listen
    3. Absorb
    4. Understand
    5. Write

    My study priority:

    1. Vocabulary
    2. Verbs
    3. Sentences
    4. Grammar
    5. Kanji
    6. Writing

    In my opinion, this is the most effective way to learn Japanese. If you follow this priority, you will automatically learn everything else. And you? How do you learn Japanese? What is the order and priority of your study method?

  • The prejudice against animes and mangas

    The prejudice against animes and mangas

    For the Japanese, animes are just drawings that are successful and part of the youth culture of Japan. But Brazilians and foreigners who have a different culture sometimes create a certain prejudice or wrong idea about Japanese animations.

    In this article, I want to address 2 reasons for prejudice against animes. The first is the prejudice from religions against Japanese animations. The second is the prejudice from young people and adults who think that animes and cartoons are for children.

    If you like animes, and have gone through a similar situation, you must have tried to explain your taste, and the person probably ignored you and continued with wrong ideas in mind. I don’t believe this article will change the person’s opinion, but it should make them create a little more respect.

    mangas4

    Animes vs Religion

    If you are a member of a Christian religious organization, you may be advised not to watch animes, some of your brothers or your parents say that anime is the work of the devil. That animes are full of spiritualism, violence, and immorality. This is true, just like series, movies, and books that also have spiritualism, violence, and immorality.

    Now, if you are religious, will you stop watching TV or movies just because there are inappropriate films for Christians? More than 300 animes are released each year, many of which are romantic comedies, dramas, life stories, and have no inappropriate content for Christians.

    In reality, many animations show Japanese culture, which is known for its education, purity, humility, and love. If your child or friend watches an anime that you consider inappropriate, you have every right to complain about the content they are watching, but never complain about Japanese animations in general. Don’t be an ignorant person. Among movies and animes, it is easier to find animes appropriate for Christians than movies.

    desenhoanime

    Anime is for kids

    Some people tend to criticize animes as something childish, just because it is an animation. These people are probably in the same group of gamers who prefer graphics over fun. Without even knowing or understanding the subject.

    Animes have genres just like movies and series. There are animes with blood, animes for adult audiences, and many others. If a person has the courage to say that animes are for kids, it is better to ignore them. This person probably found the style and the voices of the characters childish or had a bad experience.

    Some simply do not like them because they prefer real movies and series with flesh and blood. It is pointless to discuss this; you will only create a new war like the Old Gamers vs New Gamers, or Apple’s IOS vs Android.

    fall-anime-2015

    I don’t like animes

    Many people do not like any type of Japanese animation; sometimes they like American animations, but not Japanese ones. This type of person probably grew up watching dubbed things and does not have the energy to watch subtitled things.

    Or maybe this person cannot understand or adapt to the Japanese language and culture. Perhaps they watched one anime and did not like it, and think that all are the same.

    You have every right to choose what you like or not, but if you don’t like animes, treat them with more respect, do not criticize or complain about those who watch them. Are you happy when someone comes and criticizes something you like? Treat others as you would like to be treated.

    Otakus…

    One of the main reasons for prejudice and criticism against Japanese animations is because of otakus. It is pointless to discuss this subject; all of this involves cultural issues that even the Japanese do not accept. Mutual respect is important.

    The prejudice against animes and mangas

    If you are an anime addict, control yourself! I know that many like to share animes and Japanese culture with people, but you may be contributing to this prejudice.

    And you? What do you have to say about the subject of this article?

  • List of adjectives in Japanese from N4 and N5

    List of adjectives in Japanese from N4 and N5

    In today’s article, I want to share a list of adjectives in Japanese that we learned in the JLPT N4 and N5. Adjectives in Japanese are called Keiyoushi [形容詞]. The list is divided into adjectives of type [な] and type [い].

    The adjectives i [い] have this name because they end with the letter [い]. The adjectives of type na [な] are so named because they require the particle na [な] to become adjectives. Often, it can be a noun turning into an adjective.

    Adjectives in Japanese are quite simple to learn, as they do not have a division of feminine or masculine gender. A single adjective in Japanese can be used by both.

    Before the list, the video below can illustrate a bit more about adjectives of type [い] and [な].

    We recommend that you also read our other articles that talk about adjectives:

    Adjectives IN JAPANESE of type NA [な]

    The translation was done literally from English and may contain some small errors.

    Responsive Table: Scroll the table sideways with your finger >>
    PortugueseKanjiRomaji
    like, love好きsuki
    important, big大切taisetsu
    wonderful, enviable結構kekkou
    many people, crowded大勢oozei
    famous有名yuumei
    considerably, beautifulきれいkirei
    easy簡単kantan
    polite丁寧teinei
    quiet静かshizuka
    dislike, hate嫌いkirai
    quiet静かshizuka
    free time暇hima
    lively賑やかnigiyaka
    useful, practical便利benri
    healthy元気genki
    various色々iroiro
    OK, all right大丈夫daijoubu
    healthy and robust丈夫joubu
    terrible大変taihen
    comfortable, easy楽raku
    unpleasant嫌iya
    important and precious大切taisetsu
    good, qualified上手jyouzu
    bad, unqualified下手heta
    to the utmost possibility一生懸命isshoukenmei
    dangerous危険kiken
    regrettable, disappointing残念zannen
    care, concern心配shinpai
    free, uncontrolled自由jiyuu
    sufficient十分jyuubun
    passionate大好きdaisuki
    adequate, appropriate適当tekitou
    special特別tokubetsu
    anxious, enthusiastic熱心nesshin
    necessary必要Hitsuyou
    serious, earnest真面目majime
    straight真直ぐmassugu
    unreasonable無理muri
    excellent, very good立派rippa
    inconvenient不便fuben

    Adjectives in JAPANESE of type i [い] 

    Responsive Table: Scroll the table sideways with your finger >>
    Portuguese KanjiRomaji
    blue青いaoi
    red赤いakai
    light, bright明るいakarui
    warm温かいatatakai
    new新しいatarashii
    hot暑いatsui
    thick厚いatsui
    dangerous危ないabunai
    sweet甘いamai
    good, nice良いyou / ii
    busy忙しいisogashii
    to be painful痛いitai
    thin薄いusui
    tasty, delicious美味しいoishii
    big大きいookii
    late, slow遅いosoi
    heavy重いomoi
    interesting, funny面白いomoshiroi
    hot, spicy辛いkarai
    light karui
    cute, pretty可愛いkawaii
    strict厳しいkibishii
    yellow黄色いkiiroi
    dirty汚いkitanai
    dark暗いkurai
    black黒いkuroi
    small, fine細かいkomakai
    scary怖いkowai
    lonely寂しいsabishii
    cold寒いsamui
    white白いshiroi
    cool涼しいsuzushii
    awesome凄いsugoi
    wonderful素晴らしいsubarashii
    narrow狭いsemai
    correct正しいtadashii
    high, expensive高いtakai
    pleasant, enjoyable楽しいtanoshii
    small小さいchiisai
    near, close近いchikai
    uninteresting詰らないtsumaranai
    cold冷たいtsumetai
    strong強いtsuyoi
    far遠いtooi
    long長いnagai
    bitter苦いnigai
    to be sleepy眠いnemui
    early早いhayai
    fast, quickly速いhayai
    to feel embarrassed恥ずかしいhazukashii
    low低いhikui
    wide, spacious広いhiroi
    terrible酷いhidoi
    thick, fat太いfutoi
    old古いfurui
    deep深いfukai
    to want something欲しいhoshii
    thin, slender細いhosoi
    tasteless不味いmazui
    round丸いmarui
    short短いmijikai
    difficult難しいmuzukashii
    rare珍しいmezurashii
    gentle優しいyasashii
    cheap安いyasui
    soft, tender柔らかいyawarakai
    ok, all right (respectful)宜しいyoroshii
    young若いwakai

    Did you like the article? Share, leave your comment and suggestions for the next ones.

  • Pick-up lines and romantic phrases in Japanese

    Pick-up lines and romantic phrases in Japanese

    Don’t have any idea how to express your feelings to a Japanese girl? Don’t know how to say romantic phrases in Japanese? Can’t think of pick-up lines? It may seem impossible for you to win over your loved one because of cultural differences. Is it really impossible?

    There is no such thing as “dating a Japanese girl” being impossible. In fact, many Japanese women today prefer foreigners over shy Japanese men. With cultural differences, it can be a bit more complicated to win the heart of a Japanese girl.

    With that in mind, we wrote this article with some romantic phrases and pick-up lines, along with tips and suggestions for you to win over your loved one. Especially if you are a man trying to win over a Japanese girl.

    Be confident and don’t be shy

    Don’t make the same mistakes as Japanese men; many Japanese women think that shy Japanese men have difficulties expressing their feelings and fear a monotonous life without romantic proposals. For this reason, don’t be shy, be more confident!

    Don’t be afraid to make direct proposals, send flowers, romantic letters are not out of fashion in Japan. Whenever you are on the phone, when hanging up, say “I love you,” don’t be ashamed to show affection and care.

    We also have a guide that can help you win over a Japanese guy or win over a Japanese girl. Remember that guides are stereotypical means; you will have to use your own judgment because humans are different. Fortunately, the tips are indeed useful!

    romantic phrases

    Use Japanese terms of endearment

    There are many different words to express affection. But be careful not to use Western terms that may not please your beloved. Even 愛してる (aishiteru – I love you), some girls don’t like to hear it too soon; use alternatives like 大好きです (daisukidesu).

    You can use the honorific -chan with your beloved, call her by her first name or a nickname; some girls like that. Some people, especially women, tend to call their loved ones Darling ダーリン (Dārin – dear) or ハニー (Hanī – honey).

    Pick-up lines and romantic phrases in Japanese

    Romantic phrases and pick-up lines in Japanese

    • You mean a lot to me.
    • あなたは私にとって、とても大事な存在です。
    • Anata wa watashi ni totte, totemo daiji na sonzai desu;
    • You are so beautiful.
    • 君はとても美しいよ。
    • Kimi wa totemo utsukushii yo;
    • I think of you as more than a friend.
    • 私は、友達以上としてあなたのことを考えている。
    • Watashi wa, tomodachi ijō to shite anata no koto wo kangaete iru;
    Pick-up lines and romantic phrases in Japanese
    • I fell in love with you at first sight.
    • 私はあなたに一目惚れした。
    • Watashi wa anata ni hitomebore shita;
    • You make me want to be a better man.
    • あなたは私により良い男になろうと思わせてくれた。
    • Anata wa watashi ni yori yoi otoko ni narō to omowasete kureta;
    • You are my sun, my love.
    • あなたは私の太陽、そして愛です。
    • Anata wa watashi no taiyō, soshite ai desu;
    • Words cannot describe my love for you.
    • 言葉であなたへの愛情は言い表せられない。
    • Kotoba de anata e no aijō wa iiarawasenai;
    Pick-up lines and romantic phrases in Japanese
    • We are destined to be together.
    • 私たちは一緒になる運命だったんだ。
    • Watashi-tachi wa issho ni naru unmei datta n da;
    • Not talking to you for a day feels like not talking to you for a week.
    • あなたと会話しない日が一日空くと、1週間くらい話していない気分になる。
    • Anata to kaiwa shinai hi ga ichinichi aku to, isshuukan kurai hanashite inai kibun ni naru;
    • I still want a relationship with you.
    • それでもあなたと付き合いたい。
    • Soredemo anata to tsukiaitai;
    • I love you so much it hurts.
    • あなたのことが好きで好きでたまらない。
    • Anata no koto ga suki de suki detamaranai;
    Pick-up lines and romantic phrases in Japanese
    • There are many things I love about you.
    • あなたの好きなところは本当にたくさんある。
    • Anata no sukina tokoro wa hontou ni takusan aru;
    • I am in love with you.
    • 僕は君のことが好きなんだ。
    • Boku wa kimi no koto ga suki nanda;
    • I will be here forever, waiting for you.
    • ここで僕は待ってるよいつまでも
    • Koko de boku wa matteruyo itsu made mo;
    • I wanted you by my side more than anyone.
    • 私は他の誰よりもあなたにそばにいてほしかった。
    • Watashi wa no dare yori mo anata ni soba ni ite hoshikatta;
    Pick-up lines and romantic phrases in Japanese
    • I am happy with you by my side.
    • 君がいるだけで僕は幸せだよ。
    • Kimi ga iru dake de boku wa shiawase dayo;

    Romantic phrases and expressions of affection in Japanese

    PortugueseJapaneseRomaji
    I want to kiss youキスしたいkisushitai
    Let’s kissキスしようkisushyou
    Let’s hugハグしよう hagu shiyou
    I want to hug youだきしめたいdakishimetai
    Let’s hold hands手をつなごうよte wo tsunagou yo
    I feel lonely without youあなたがいないと 寂しanata ga inaito, sabishi
    I value you大事にしたいdaijini shitai
    I want to introduce you to someone紹介したいShoukai shitai
    Can I touch you?さわっていい?sawatteii?
    I miss youあなたが恋しいですanata ga koishii desu
    Marry me結婚しようkekkonshyou
    I want to protect you守りたいmamoritai
    We are a coupleカップルです。kappuru desu
    Go out with me私と付き合ってください。watashi to tsukiatte kudasai
    I have fun when I’m with you一緒にいると楽しい！issho ni Iru to tanoshii
    I want to be with you alwaysずっと一 緒にいたいzutto Issho ni Itai
    Let’s go together二人で行こう!futari de ikou
    Let’s meetデートに行こう!deeto ni ikou
    Let’s hang out together!あそびにいこう!asobiniikou!

    Did you like the article? Share your opinion and share it. We recommend that you also read “How to know if a Japanese girl likes me” and “How are relationships in Japan?”.

  • Japanese Signs and Gestures of Communication

    Japanese Signs and Gestures of Communication

    Body gestures in Japan are a fascinating part of communication and reflect the rich culture of the country. Different from Western gestures, they often have specific meanings and are used to express emotions, intentions, or instructions in a discreet and elegant manner. Understanding them can help not only in communication but also in cultural adaptation.

    In Japan, small hand movements or bows can say a lot. In this article, we will address common gestures in two main categories: gestures of denial and warning and gestures of social interaction. Within these categories, we will detail each gesture individually to facilitate understanding.

    The Importance of Gestures in Japan

    Gestures in Japan not only complement verbal communication but often replace words in situations where discretion or silence is valued. This is especially useful for foreigners who have not yet mastered the Japanese language. Learning these gestures not only improves communication but also demonstrates effort and respect for the local culture.

    Moreover, Japanese gestures reflect the philosophy of harmony and respect that permeates society. Understanding their correct use can help avoid social blunders and create a deeper connection with locals.

    Gestures of Denial and Warning

    Cannot – Dame (ダメ)

    Crossing the arms to form an “X” in front of the body is a clear way to say that something is prohibited or unacceptable. This gesture is often used in formal or educational situations, such as by teachers to signal mistakes or by police to indicate restrictions.

    No – Iie (いいえ)

    With a quick movement of the right hand in front of the face, Japanese people indicate something negative or refuse an offer. Although simple, the gesture is powerful and widely recognized in daily life. It is important to remember that, culturally, refusing something with this gesture should be done delicately to avoid offense.

    Wait – Chotto Matte (ちょっと待って)

    Raising one hand with the palm facing forward, similar to a “stop” signal, Japanese people ask for patience or a moment to reorganize the situation. The gesture is commonly used in everyday interactions, especially in moments of hurry.

    gestos

    Gestures of Social Interaction

    I – Watashi (私)

    To refer to themselves, Japanese people traditionally touch or point to their nose. Although it may seem strange to Westerners, the gesture is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Among younger people, however, pointing to the chest is becoming more common, influenced by Western style.

    You – Anata (あなた)

    To indicate another person, the palm of the hand is turned upwards and gently directed towards the individual in question. This gesture is more formal and polite, avoiding direct pointing with the finger, which can be considered rude.

    Come here – Kotchi ni oide (こっちにおいで)

    When calling someone, the hand movement is made with the fingers pointing downwards, pulling slightly inward. The gesture is very different from the Western one, where the fingers usually point upwards, and can confuse those who are not familiar with it.

    Gestures of communication in Japan

    Symbolic and Cultural Gestures

    Promise – Yubikiri (指切り)

    Joining the pinky fingers of two people symbolizes the fulfillment of a promise in Japan. The gesture, known as Yubikiri, carries the meaning of commitment and trust, being widely portrayed in anime and dramas. Traditionally, the gesture was accompanied by a phrase suggesting punishment in case of breaking the promise.

    Gratitude – Itadakimasu (いただきます)

    Before starting a meal, it is common to join hands in a prayer position while saying “Itadakimasu“. This gesture expresses gratitude for the food and for the dedication of those who prepared it. It reflects the respect of Japanese culture for others’ efforts and for nature.

    Apologies – Dogeza (土下座)

    The Dogeza is an extreme way to apologize or show humility, where the person kneels and touches their forehead to the ground. Although it is a gesture rarely used in everyday life, it is still considered a symbol of deep regret in formal or cultural situations.

    Dogeza - Apologizing the Japanese way

    Gestures Related to Emotion

    Shyness or Embarrassment – Tereru (照れる)

    To indicate shyness or embarrassment, it is common for Japanese people to scratch or lightly touch the back of their neck. This subtle gesture is widely recognized and usually accompanied by a shy smile.

    Anger – Ikari (怒り)

    When irritated, Japanese people may clench their fists at their sides or cross their arms rigidly. Although discreet compared to other cultures, the gesture clearly conveys dissatisfaction or frustration.

    Happiness – Yorokobi (喜び)

    Raising both hands in the air and smiling, Japanese people express joy or celebration. This gesture is especially common at sporting events or collective celebrations.

    Love in Japanese + 50 ways to say I love you

    Gestures of Respect and Hierarchy

    Bowing – Ojigi (お辞儀)

    The act of bowing is the most iconic gesture in Japan, symbolizing respect, gratitude, or apologies. Depending on the context, the bow can vary from a slight arc (15 degrees) to a deep bow (90 degrees). Mastering the nuances of Ojigi is essential for any visitor.

    Submission or Request – Shazai (謝罪)

    When making an important request or showing regret, it is common to lower the head in respect. This gesture, less extreme than Dogeza, is widely used in formal situations, such as in the corporate environment.

    Greeting – Keirei (敬礼)

    A variation of Ojigi, Keirei is used for formal greetings, especially in the corporate world or at ceremonies. The bow is straighter and held for a few seconds, reflecting professionalism.

    Occasions when you should bow in Japan

    Playful and Informal Gestures

    Rock, Paper, Scissors – Janken (じゃんけん)

    Japanese people love to play Janken, equivalent to “rock, paper, scissors.” The gesture is used not only as a game but also to make decisions in a relaxed manner. Participants perform the game with synchronized movements and a traditional phrase: “Jan-ken-pon!”.

    Pose – Peace Sign (ピースサイン)

    Making the “V” sign with the fingers is very popular, especially in photos. Although it originated in the West, the gesture has been widely adopted in Japan as a symbol of positivity and fun.

    Request for Favor – Onegaishimasu (お願いします)

    When politely asking for something, it is common to join hands at chest height, as in a prayer. This gesture conveys humility and sincerity, being used in situations ranging from simple requests to formal solicitations.

    Other Important Gestures

    Money – Okane (お金)

    Making a circle with the index and thumb fingers is the most common way to symbolize money in Japan. This gesture is used in stores, negotiations, and even in informal conversations. Unlike Brazil, it is not considered offensive.

    Calm Down – Ochi Tsuite (落ち着いて)

    With palms facing down, Japanese people slowly wave their hands up and down to convey calmness and patience. This gesture is often used in tense situations, such as during discussions or moments of nervousness.

    Okay – Daijoubu Desu (大丈夫です)

    Using the same circle with the fingers that symbolizes money, but with the palm facing forward, Japanese people signal that everything is fine or that something has been resolved. It is a gesture of tranquility and affirmation, very common in friendly interactions.

    Daijoubu - Understanding the meaning and use of the Japanese word

    Conclusion

    Understanding body gestures in Japan not only facilitates communication but also offers a unique opportunity to delve into the culture of the country. Mastering these movements is a sign of effort and respect, something highly valued by the Japanese. We hope this guide helps you feel more confident when interacting in Japan. If you want to learn more, check out other cultural tips we have available!

  • Shakai Hoken – Social insurance of Japan

    Shakai Hoken – Social insurance of Japan

    The Shakai Hoken (社会保険) is a social insurance system in Japan that offers a wide range of benefits to workers. It includes health coverage, retirement, workers’ accident insurance, and even funeral assistance. This system is essential to ensure the financial security and well-being of workers and their dependents. If the holder passes away, the family receives a pension; if they become incapacitated, there is a disability pension; and in case of illness, the insurance covers 70% of medical expenses.

    Social insurance is administered by the Japanese government, and enrollment is done through the employer. It is important to understand how Shakai Hoken works to make the most of its benefits. Let’s explore in detail!

    Structure of Shakai Hoken

    Health Insurance (Kenko Hoken)

    The Kenko Hoken covers 70% of medical expenses, consultations, hospitalizations, and hospital treatments. Insured individuals pay 30% of the cost, but there is a cap of 80,100 yen per month for medical expenses, ensuring that costs are not excessively high. Additionally, if the insured becomes unable to work due to injuries or illnesses, they can receive 60% of lost wages for up to a year and a half.

    Another important benefit is maternity leave assistance. Pregnant women receive 60% of their salary during maternity leave, and there is a subsidy of 420,000 yen for childbirth expenses. The insurance also covers costs for orthopedic products, physiotherapy, and other medical treatments.

    Social Security (Kosei Nenkin)

    The Social Security is part of Shakai Hoken and provides a pension to workers when they reach 65 years of age, provided they have contributed for at least 10 years. Previously, the minimum contribution period was 25 years, but this has been reduced to facilitate eligibility. The pension is paid until the holder’s death, and if the insured passes away, their dependents are entitled to an annual pension that can exceed 1 million yen.

    For those who become disabled, there is a disability pension. Additionally, foreigners who have contributed to the system can apply for a refund of their contributions upon returning to their country, depending on the length of contribution and certain conditions.

    - Real to Yen - How Much Does It Cost and Where to Exchange?
    real to yen – how much does it cost and where to exchange?

    Enrollment and Who Must Contribute

    Enrollment in Shakai Hoken is mandatory for all employees who work more than 20 hours per week, have a contract of at least two months, and earn more than 88,000 yen per month. The company must register its employees in the system and cover 50% of the contributions. Self-employed workers and freelancers are not covered by Shakai Hoken but can enroll in Kokumin Kenko Hoken (National Health Insurance) and Kokumin Nenkin (National Pension).

    How Much Is Paid?

    The costs of Shakai Hoken vary according to the province where the insured resides and the salary they receive. Generally, the total contributions are divided into:

    • 10% of the salary for health insurance;
    • 17% for social security;
    • 1% for other care, such as unemployment insurance.

    Half of the total amount (about 28%) is paid by the company, and the other 13% is deducted from the worker’s salary. For example, if a person receives a gross salary of 330,000 yen, approximately 40,000 yen will be deducted for Shakai Hoken, with about 15,000 yen for health insurance and 25,000 yen for retirement.

    Shakai Hoken - Japan's social insurance

    Additional Benefits

    Funeral Assistance and Death Pension

    If the holder passes away, the insurance covers funeral expenses of about 50,000 yen. Additionally, dependents may receive an annual pension, ensuring financial support for the family in difficult times.

    Refund of Contributions for Foreigners

    Foreign workers leaving Japan can request a refund of the contributions made to Shakai Hoken, known as Lump-Sum Withdrawal Payment. The amount depends on the length of contribution, but this benefit only applies if the worker has contributed for less than 10 years. For longer contribution periods, it is possible to receive the pension even outside Japan.

    hospital and

    Alternatives to Shakai Hoken

    If you do not qualify for Shakai Hoken, there are alternatives, such as Kokumin Kenko Hoken (National Health Insurance) and Kokumin Nenkin (National Pension). These are administered by local municipalities and are mandatory for all residents in Japan over 20 years old. They offer similar coverage but with contributions that may vary depending on income and financial situation.

    Shakai Hoken is a complex system but essential for those working in Japan. We hope this article has helped clarify your doubts. If you want to know more or discuss your specific situation, consult a specialist or see additional information on reliable municipal or provincial websites.

  • Do you know what a Visual Novel is?

    Do you know what a Visual Novel is?

    Visual Novel or Visual Romance are games that do not consist solely of actions or movements; they are basically games where you have to make choices that can bring consequences to the characters, through stories, music, and others. It is worth noting that there are many exceptions regarding the theme!

    Gameplay

    The market for Visual Novels has grown significantly in recent times, bringing everything from a simple game to a complex one. Visual Novels are distinct from other types of games due to their minimal and peculiar gameplay, which boils down to needing to click to advance the text, accompanied by graphics related to the situations that occur and a soundtrack.

    Most of them have a multiple story progression and consequently various endings that depend on the option selected by the player, and in some cases, choosing a “wrong” option results in a Game Over or Bad ending. Some exceptions do not have these options, being centered on just a single story, like in Planetarian.

    Although some Visual Novels try to integrate other elements that require more interactivity from the player, such as in Symphonic Rain, requiring that musical instruments be played and only being able to advance by achieving a good grade, but as in the cited example, they are always related to the story of the game.

    Style/Appearance

    In general, Visual Novels are narrated by the protagonist (in the first person) and divided into days or chapters that follow them from the time they wake up until the end of the day. Although there are exceptions, such as Saya no Uta, in which there are no notable divisions of time and also changes of narrator.

    In terms of graphic characteristics, they usually consist of a generic background, related to the scenario where a certain event occurs, along with the sprites of the characters that are from the narrator’s point of view and, at certain special moments, CGs: more detailed images that were drawn specifically to define the elements of the scene in question, which are normally stored and, in fact, some are unlockable, which motivates replaying it and trying to make different decisions.

    Genres and Contents

    Many Visual Novels are centered on romantic themes, although other themes such as science fiction, fantasy, and horror are not very rare.

    Traditionally in PC games, especially those created by amateur groups, they tend to have erotic scenes and other fanservice. Although those for other consoles tend to be made for all ages. In some cases, such as in Little Busters!, there is an initial production without adult content and only later is another version released with it. And some never have it, like in Umineko no Naku Koro ni.

    Animes Inspired by Visual Novels

    Steins;Gate: Steins;Gate is set in the summer of 2010, approximately a year after the events that took place in Chaos; Head, in Akihabara. Steins;Gate is about a group of friends who customized their microwave into a device that can send text messages to the past. As they conduct different experiments, an organization called SERN, which has been conducting its own research on time travel, follows them, and now the characters must find a way to avoid being captured by them.

    Do you know what a Visual Novel is?

    School Days: Makoto Itou is a high school student who has been admiring a girl named Katsura Kotonoha whom he sees on the subway on his way to school. Makoto managed to take a picture with his cellphone, but due to an unexpected change of seats in his class, he ends up sitting next to Sekai Saionji, who discovers Makoto’s crush on Kotonoha after looking at the photo of her on Makoto’s cellphone menu. Sekai promises to help him date Kotonoha.

    When she finally gets the two together, Sekai begins to show her own feelings after discovering that the boy Kotonoha liked was, by coincidence, Makoto. While waiting for the next subway train with Makoto, who is waiting for Kotonoha, Sekai keeps talking about how Makoto could reward her for all the help she has given him. Before getting on the subway, Sekai kisses Makoto and cries on the way home. Kotonoha happily goes on a date with Makoto shortly after. With the three main characters showing different expressions on their faces, the story begins…

    Grisaia no Kaijitsu: The story revolves around Mihama Academy, a school/prison made to preserve “the fruits that have fallen far from the tree.” It is home to five girls, all of whom have their reasons for being at that academy and living a normal life behind the walls of Mihama.

    One day, Kazami Yuuji, the first male student of the institution, arrives and shakes up the balance and rhythm of the school. Yuuji ends up having what the girls need to cling to their lives once again, or will the walls formed by their pasts prove too high to overcome? Or will his past be even heavier than theirs?

  • Popin Cookin! – Making savory sweets?

    Popin Cookin! – Making savory sweets?

    In Japan, children are already encouraged in artistic cooking from childhood. The company Kracie is famous for making candies that actually resemble foods like sushi, hamburgers, pasta, obento, pizza, taiyaki, drinks, takoyaki, and many others. Savory foods that are actually sweets, and you can even trick people. This type of product is called Popin Cookin!

    The candy does not come fully prepared; it comes with a bunch of little bags with powder, for children and adults to make their own candy and then eat it. The kit usually comes with several bags where you must mix the powder in water inside the containers that come in the kit, and shape your food. Sometimes it may be necessary to put something in the microwave.

    Popin Cookin

    Popin Cookin! is easy to make, super fun, and educational for people interested in cooking and foods from other countries. They usually have flavors of grape and other fruits, chocolate, and bubblegum. Each candy is a different experience.  If you want to try and create these candies, at the store konbini you can find some kits, just search for candy. Click here to visit the konbini store.

    Videos of Popin Cookin!

    If you still have doubts about how it works, nothing better than videos for you to see in practice.  Afterwards, you can visit both channels and find other interesting videos about these candies and Japanese cuisine.

    Other Popin Cookin Candies

    Besides the candies in the shape of savory foods, the company Kracie makes several other common candies, and other candies that you have to prepare yourself. See a small list of candies below, if you’re interested you can research a bit about each.

    • Popin Cookin Sushi
    • Bento
    • Fun Cake
    • Happy Kitchen Donut
    • Happy Kitchen Hamburger
    • Neri Candy Kit
    • Happy Kitchen DIY Pizza Kit
    • Gummy Land
    • Nerunerunerune: Grape
    • Nerunerunerune: Soda
    • Asobou Sakana Tsuri
    • Kurukuru Takoyaki
    • Otanoshimi Neruneru Strawberry Cake Chocolate Sauce
    • DIY Puchitto Kudamono Grape
    • Narunaru Gummy Soda
    • Henshin Bubble jelly
    • Popin Cookin DIY Fun Ramen Kit
    • Colorful Lamennais Land
    • 2015 DIY Sea Gummy Kit
    • Puchitto Animal Pancake Kit
    • Happy Kitchen Taiyaki & Odango DIY Kit
    • Puchitto Strawberry Chocolate 2015
    • HimoHimo Candy Grape
    • HimoHimo Candy Soda
    • Nazonazo Puchitto Green Apple and Lemon Squash
    • Popin Cookin! Puchitto Chocolate 2015
    • Kurabete Neruneru
    • Popin Cookin! Dodotto Tsubupyon Grape
  • How does otaku culture affect its followers?

    How does otaku culture affect its followers?

    Today the article is a bit more serious, as I will address how otaku culture affects its followers, that is, the way people react to turning the act of reading mangas, watching animes, among many other varieties, into an addiction.

    Article made based on the author’s own experiences. Before reading, know that we are only trying to say that everything in excess is harmful.

    Do you know what cosplay is?

    How does it change your way of thinking and acting?

    Surely things change, and even you yourself; what I will say is based on my own experience and that of others.

    Right after becoming an otaku, I felt very down; I would say I was becoming depressed. In a way, I feel good like this, but the biggest problem was suddenly changing with other people. Not that I care, but the side of wanting to maintain appearances hasn’t changed, and that definitely affects me due to losing friendships and distancing from important people.

    The world around you and me changes. The way of seeing things changes. And this affected me because the world became gray, wanting to see the sad side of things, creating impossible possibilities, and the most beautiful side being exactly that.

    The desire to socialize with other people disappears, and the only way to feel confident is through the computer screen. And you realize you are different from others, wanting to be different and having changed; perhaps people become innocent or sensitive to your way of thinking, but they are just different opinions, right?

    The desire to live a forbidden romance also disappears, and then a new ideal or goal arises in your life: not falling in love; this is simple. It is a distancing, mainly because there aren’t many people who share the same ideal as you.

    The hardest part of all this is living in a fantasy world, even if it is childish; something grows inside us, and that is something that cannot be taken away. I would say this world is the same dream world of other people; we just have bigger ambitions.
    Being different is good; dreaming makes you better, but an empty world makes you empty inside.

    Akihabara Tokyo Japan

    How does it affect you in social life?

    Certainly, addiction brings various problems, even if it makes no difference to otakus. One of the biggest problems is becoming a hikikomori or a NEET.

    You can simply exclude yourself from society or not give news saying you are alive, but this only affects you because when this addiction ends or decreases, the only one losing will be you; your friends may replace you with others, and not everything will be as you want.

    You will also be missing out on various opportunities, like the job you always dreamed of, the chance to make new friends, and having a relationship with someone, or something that would change your life; exchanging experiences will make you see the world from another perspective, if you want to, of course.

    Bullying can also cause irreversible problems, but locking yourself in a room and watching animes can mean wasting your time, as there will be people somewhere who will accept you.

    Guide for Anime Addicts - What does Otaku mean?

    How to stop isolating yourself due to some addiction?

    • Try to go out with different people or those who are going through the same problem;
    • Date;
    • Try to find a job and have a steady income;
    • Go out for walks or for something of your interest;
    • Look for online articles that can help you;
    • Make this addiction a hobby, and not something harmful to you;
    • Try to make the addiction something common, where you can share your time and do things you want;
    • Do not abandon the addiction; just make it something that doesn’t matter in your life;
  • Ultimate Guide: How to Watch Monogatari Series in the Correct Order

    Ultimate Guide: How to Watch Monogatari Series in the Correct Order

    The series Monogatari is known for its non-linear and complex narrative, which can leave new fans confused about how to start watching. Despite having a release order, the chronology of events is quite different (see our complete seinen anime list). In this guide, we will explore the best way to enjoy the story fluidly and understand the rich narrative of the series.

    Why Does Order Matter in Monogatari Series?

    The series Monogatari is structured in independent arcs, each addressing a protagonist and a supernatural phenomenon. However, the release order intentionally mixes these events, adding layers of mystery and revelations throughout the story.

    If you are a beginner, following the chronological order can make it easier to understand the events. On the other hand, the release order preserves the narrative impact planned by the author, Nisio Isin. Both approaches have their merits, so let’s present both options.

    Chronological Order: The Timeline of Events

    Kizumonogatari: The Origin of the Supernatural

    Kizumonogatari is the chronological beginning of the saga, addressing how Koyomi Araragi becomes a half-vampire. The story takes place during spring break when Araragi encounters Kiss-Shot Acerola-Orion Heart-Under-Blade (later known as Shinobu Oshino), a vampire on the brink of death.

    The arc focuses on Araragi’s sacrifice, as he offers his blood to save her, becoming her servant. He faces three vampire hunters to restore Kiss-Shot’s powers while questioning his own humanity and morality. The plot establishes the supernatural tone of the series and introduces key characters.

    Kizumonogatari character with vampire mask and red background

    Nekomonogatari: Kuro – The Secrets of Hanekawa

    Set before Bakemonogatari, this part explores Tsubasa Hanekawa’s possession by the spirit Sawari Neko. The arc reveals the dark side of Hanekawa’s domestic life and how her repressed emotions gave rise to the malevolent spirit.

    Araragi, still dealing with the consequences of his transformation into a near-human, tries to help Hanekawa while seeking to understand his own nature. Nekomonogatari: Kuro deepens the relationship between the two characters and sets the stage for future events.

    Black-haired anime girl with cat ears from Nekomonogatari

    Bakemonogatari: The Encounter with the Supernatural

    This arc is a milestone of the series, introducing several heroines and supernatural phenomena. The plot begins when Araragi meets Hitagi Senjougahara, a girl who lost her weight due to a spiritual crab. He decides to help her and, with the guidance of Meme Oshino, solves the mystery.

    Other stories include Mayoi Hachikuji, a ghost girl; Suruga Kanbaru, with a cursed monkey arm; and Nadeko Sengoku, who suffers from a snake curse. Bakemonogatari is an engaging introduction to the world and character dynamics.

    Cover art of Bakemonogatari anime with main characters

    Nisemonogatari: Truths and Falsehoods

    Focusing on Araragi’s sisters, Karen and Tsukihi, Nisemonogatari explores the theme of authenticity. Karen faces a supernatural entity in the form of a bee, while Tsukihi deals with a revelation about her true nature.

    The arc also deepens Araragi’s dilemmas in balancing his normal life with the responsibilities of the supernatural world. It is a story about identity, family, and the confrontation between the false and the true.

    Nisemonogatari anime cover featuring two female characters

    Monogatari Series: Second Season – Supernatural Consequences

    This arc expands the universe of Monogatari, with stories focused on different characters and their personal struggles:

    • Tsubasa Tiger: Hanekawa faces another cat spirit while discovering more about herself.
    • Mayoi Jiangshi: Araragi tries to save Mayoi in a narrative involving time travel.
    • Nadeko Medusa: Nadeko becomes a goddess, exploring themes of obsession and self-destruction.
    • Shinobu Time: Shinobu’s past is revealed in an exciting arc.

    The second season connects previous arcs and brings depth to the characters.

    Where to start Monogatari Series?

    Tsukimonogatari: Araragi’s Reflections

    Araragi realizes that he is becoming more vampiric each day. This arc addresses his internal struggle to remain human and the introduction of Yotsugi Ononoki, who plays an important role in the narrative.

    Owarimonogatari: Revelations and Endings

    In Owarimonogatari, the secrets of characters like Ougi Oshino come to light. The story explores Araragi’s past, closing several main arcs with moments of high emotional and narrative tension.

    Koyomimonogatari: Short Stories of Connection

    This set of short stories connects events between the arcs, exploring Araragi’s daily life as he solves small mysteries.

    Hanamonogatari: The Post-Arc of Kanbaru

    Focusing on Suruga Kanbaru, this arc shows her life after the main events of the series. The story addresses how she deals with the consequences of her past and her role in the supernatural world.

    Release Order: The Original Experience

    If you prefer to follow the order in which the episodes were released, here is the original sequence:

    1. Bakemonogatari
    2. Nisemonogatari
    3. Nekomonogatari: Kuro
    4. Monogatari Series: Second Season
    5. Hanamonogatari
    6. Tsukimonogatari
    7. Owarimonogatari
    8. Koyomimonogatari
    9. Kizumonogatari

    The original order maintains the suspense and surprises planned by the author, adding layers of mystery to the narrative.

    Conclusion

    Whether through the chronological order, which organizes the events for easier understanding, or the release order, which preserves the narrative impact, Monogatari Series is a unique experience. The blend of Japanese folklore, character development, and philosophical dilemmas makes this work one of the most remarkable of its generation. Choose the approach that suits you best and enjoy this fascinating journey.

  • Do you know what a mangaka is?

    Do you know what a mangaka is?

    Mangaka (漫画家 ) is the term used to define a person who makes, draws, or creates stories for manga. In the West, it is correct to define them as a draftsman, illustrator, and screenwriter, but with otaku culture, the term has come to be used frequently.

    What is the routine of a mangaka like?

    Their routine is really difficult; it is necessary to say goodbye to almost everything that is not manga, with few hours of sleep and strict schedules. Being a mangaka is the dream of many (I also dream of it), but few have what it takes, sacrifices are necessary, and if you are not willing to say goodbye to your free time, then give up.

    A mangaka who has a weekly manga creates between 15 and 30 pages, which is already a large number, and one with a monthly release creates between 40 and 60 pages, meaning a lot of work and dedication to be put in. But for sure, mangakas do their work with great pleasure, as they know there are people who value and admire their work, just as I feel while writing this article.

    desenhoanime

    How much does a mangaka earn?

    According to research conducted by me, a beginner mangaka earns an average of 9000円 to 13000円, something around R$298.28 to R$431.00 per published page. This is very relative; the price can vary from mangaka to mangaka, and over time and with the popularity of the manga, the value can reach much higher numbers.

    A mangaka like Eiichiro Oda, author of One Piece, earns about 170 million (R$3.7 million) yen, and a less known mangaka earns almost 2.8 million yen (R$60,000.00).

    bokuga

    Mangaka Yuu Kamiya

    Lucas Thiago Furukawa or his pseudonym Yuu Kamiya, one of the first Brazilian mangakas to succeed in Japan, he was the creator of the light novel No Game No Life. Yuu lived in Brazil until he was 7 years old, and from an early age, he liked to draw; when he arrived in Japan, he barely knew the language, but he was a boy who liked video games, manga, anime, and others, and it was this way that he learned the language, and every day he improved his techniques and knowledge.

    Yuu Kamiya only gained strength as a mangaka when he did a job as an illustrator for the work “Itsuka Tenma no Kuro Usagi,” this was the crucial point for his career, and after this work, he started with his own authorship, with great successes like EArTh, No Game No Life, and Greed Packet Unlimited.

    Yuu is not just a mangaka, but a famous author and illustrator of light novels. Yuu today is respected, and it was with much effort and dedication that he managed to get where he is, so do not give up on your dreams, whether they are difficult or easy.

  • How to learn Japanese with manga

    How to learn Japanese with manga

    Reading manga can greatly help a Japanese language student improve their learning of the language and get to know Japanese culture. Manga has an informal language, requiring a bit of care. They also have images and furigana that help with reading and understanding the text.

    In Japan, it is very common to find people of all ages reading manga; there are thousands of stories for all tastes. In this article, I will give tips on how you can use reading manga to help in learning the Japanese language.

    Choosing and getting familiar with manga

    You should read the entire manga without help! For that, it is necessary to choose a manga at your level. If you are a beginner, choose children’s works like Yotsubato!, Doraemon, and Sazae-san.

    If you are already advanced in the language, you can pick famous works that have simple dialogue, without fiction or complicated words. Manga that depicts life and daily life in Japan, school life, culture, etc.

    You can read the manga and make notes of some words within the manga to help understand unknown words. Keep in mind that to benefit from learning with manga, it will be necessary to read it several times, do research with a dictionary, etc.

    How to learn Japanese with manga

    What to do and not do when studying with manga

    Do not read what you do not know – If you start a manga and spend all your time chasing meanings in the dictionary, we recommend that you choose another manga at your level. You will only delay your learning and will not be able to memorize anything.

    Read again – If you find any word or phrase that you know, read it again. The more you repeat, the harder it will be to forget, and the faster your reading will be.

    Make the reading short and fun – You will only benefit from reading manga if you find it enjoyable. Many people have difficulty or laziness to read; for such people, it is recommended to read little so it doesn’t become tedious or strain the mind.

    Copy Phrases – If you use Anki or another memorization tool, copy the phrases and meanings that you find interesting into the app. Also, use a notebook to write the phrases if you intend to practice writing.

    Be careful with informal language – Manga is full of slang, dialects, abbreviations, and informal words. So extra care is necessary; avoid using expressions from manga in inappropriate places. If you have difficulty discerning these things, choose a more mature and formal work.

    bokuga

    How to learn Japanese with manga?

    To study a manga, you will need some tools and books to accompany your long journey. There are some good books that can help you study with manga; see some below: Besides the books, you will need some tools like:

    Jisho – A complete online Japanese dictionary; it is in English but has translations into Portuguese. Perfect for finding the different meanings of words and kanji.

    Anki – If you do not use Anki or another spaced repetition program, start using it now! Throughout the reading of the manga, copy the sentences to put in the app and help with memorization.

    Capture2Text – If you intend to read manga online, and come across any kanji without furigana, this tool can help. It allows you to capture text from images, making it easy to translate.

    Now just have a notebook and a pen handy, preferably the manga in hand, and start your studies.

  • 50 activities and things to do in Japan

    50 activities and things to do in Japan

    Japan is one of the safest places in the world; in addition, it also offers various varieties of places and activities to do with family, with children, alone, or with friends. In this article, we will highlight 25 activities or things to do in Japan.

    Next, we will present activities and places that families and friends can and should include in their travel and vacation guide. Of course, we will only cover a small piece of what Japan has to offer tourists.

    Places to Visit in Japan

    Parks – Japanese cities, and Tokyo in particular, have excellent family parks that offer almost everything, from forests, gardens, beautiful landscapes, and even small museums and other outdoor attractions.

    Islands – Japan has a number of attractive islands, especially the Okinawa islands, which have a very interesting local culture and an abundance of beautiful beaches. Japan is a country with over 6,000 islands, so there are plenty of options!

    Cities and Villages – Japan has dozens of attractive cities that offer contact with nature, beaches, parks, onsen, castles, temples, historical sites, and streets that are relatively calm.

    Japanese Castles – Japan has more than 100 castles, most of which are modern reconstructions of historical sites. Most have an extensive tower, and some have large moat systems with extensive defenses.

    50 activities and things to do in Japan

    Observation Decks and Platforms – Almost every city in Japan has at least one tower or building with an observation platform that provides a panoramic view of the city. The tallest, by far, is the Skytree in Tokyo.

    Restaurants – Family restaurants are low-cost and serve popular Japanese dishes, such as Tonkatsu and Korokke. As the name suggests, they are convenient for families, so they have some features, such as children’s menus and high chairs.

    Zoos and Aquariums – Almost all major cities in Japan have a zoo or aquarium. Greater Tokyo has dozens of them. In general, Japanese zoos are quite small, but aquariums tend to be very large.

    Museums – Japan features various museums of different categories, with science museums, such as Miraikan, literally: “Future Building,” being the most popular among children.

    50 activities and things to do in Japan

    Temples & Shrines

    Japan has about 90,000 temples and a similar number of shrines. Many of these shrines and temples are used to worship Buddhist and Shinto teachings, but these places can also serve as tourist and resting spots, and they can be found in various locations across the country, even among the most spectacular and peculiar sites in Japan.

    Theme Parks

    Japan also features various theme parks throughout the country, mainly used as meeting points and family fun. The largest parks include well-known names like Disneyland, Universal Studios, and original Japanese parks, like Fuji-Q Highland.

    Onsen – Hot Springs

    Onsen (温泉) are natural volcanic hot springs that are enjoyed, help to relax, and can bring health benefits. Japan is a volcanic country filled with natural and artificial hot springs, so it is not an exaggeration to say that onsens are Japan’s passion.

    Urban dwellers escape to the countryside on weekends for hot baths in nature. From a Japanese perspective, onsens are a cultural activity that is important for children’s socialization. In most cases, bathing in hot springs requires you to do so nude and to be separated by gender.

    50 activities and things to do in Japan

    Beaches – Only in Summer

    Japan has hundreds of decent beaches, including several that are close to Tokyo, in Chiba, Kanagawa, and Izu. Most areas of Japan have a short beach season, which begins when children go on school vacation in July and lasts until the end of August.

    Each beach has its own culture. As a rule, large surfing beaches, like Shonan, tend to be party spots that are less popular among families.

    Activities to Do in Japan

    Skiing and Snowboarding – Japan has hundreds of ski resorts, many of which are ideal for beginners and advanced skiers. Many of them are easily accessible, especially in Tokyo, Nagano, and Niigata.

    Shinkansen – The trip by bullet train is convenient and can be of great interest to those visiting Japan. I am often asked if I have ridden the bullet train, but personally, I find local trains more fun.

    Sports

    The most popular sports for the public in Japan are baseball and soccer. Professional games are quite common in baseball, and it is usually more exciting in cities like Osaka and Nagoya, which have a large fan base.

    The country’s professional soccer league is known as the J. League and has 18 teams. Sumo is another option; Sumo offers demonstrations and open practices for the public, which are shorter and generally free.

    50 activities and things to do in Japan

    Mochi Making

    Mochi [餅] are traditional chewy Japanese rice cakes made by pounding a variety of Japanese rice known as mochigome until it becomes a dough, using a type of wooden pestle.

    This traditional method is still practiced, especially on special occasions, such as New Year. It is also a common cultural activity for children at festivals, resort hotels, and other attractions in Japan.

    50 activities and things to do in Japan

    Wearing Yukata or Kimono

    Yukata are traditional cotton robes worn for summer festivals and hanabi. Children’s yukata are inexpensive and easy to find at stations, department stores, or retail shops.

    When wearing a yukata, it is normal to provide a sense of cultural immersion that children and the whole family will enjoy. On other special occasions, you can try wearing the more complete traditional outfit called Kimono.

    50 activities and things to do in Japan

    Shopping

    Japan has many family-focused shopping areas and offers a unique variety of clothing and toys. Many shopping districts are crowded with narrow sidewalks. Exceptions include Odaiba in Tokyo and Minato Mirai in Yokohama.

    Ginza, a large luxury shopping area in Tokyo, offers a pedestrian-only zone on its main street every weekend. Shopping is an activity that every tourist eagerly looks forward to doing in Japan.

    50 activities and things to do in Japan

    Hiking

    Walking is an extremely common hobby in Japan; the streets are usually lined with few terrains that may hinder walking. There are also hiking trails, both short and long distance, usually in mountainous terrain.

    The country has a strong incentive for fitness, so it is common to find paths specifically for walking and biking. There are many beautiful and paradisiacal places, from gardens and parks to rivers and mountains to walk and enjoy the view.

    50 activities and things to do in Japan

    Events and Festivals in Japan

    Christmas Illuminations – Japanese cities have stunning Christmas illuminations around November and December. Some shopping areas compete with each other to see who has the best illumination in the city.

    Snow Festivals – Japan has a variety of snow festivals in the Tohoku region and Hokkaido; every winter, you can enjoy festivities with snow sculptures, igloos, ice skating, performances, and rides for children.

    Hanami – Viewing Cherry Blossoms

    Hanami, literally “flower viewing,” is the custom of having a place under cherry trees in Japan when they bloom in spring. The term can also be used to say “taking a walk under the trees.”

    The event known as “Cherry Blossom” is one of the most popular events in Japan. Parks and gardens with limited hours, such as Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo, tend to be a bit quieter since they are small neighborhood spots.

    50 activities and things to do in Japan

    Yosakoi Festivals

    Yosakoi is a dance that occurs at festivals, incorporating both traditional and modern elements. It has exploded in popularity in recent years, and almost every university and college in Japan has a team.

    Most teams have around 100 dancers, and usually, hundreds of teams compete at the festival. This festival tends to have a lively and positive atmosphere.

    Hanabi

    Hanabi is the Japanese word for fireworks. Japan has been holding fireworks displays since 1700 and is considered a type of cultural activity. People wear yukata and lie on a plastic mat on the ground for the show.

    It is common for fast food vendors and other food varieties to be set up in sales booths, and these booths are quite popular in Japan.

    Japan has great enthusiasm for fireworks, and people tend to watch the show attentively. The country has numerous hanabi events each year, mainly in August.

    50 activities and things to do in Japan

    Mikoshi Festivals

    The Mikoshi Festival began as a way to bring good luck to an area by parading the kami (God) of the local shrine through the streets. Mikoshi are vehicles that are carried on shoulders and can weigh several kilos. Teams are usually associated with a neighborhood and are commonly competitive with each other.

    For example, it is common for mikoshi teams to jump with the vehicles uncontrollably or throw them in the air in a demonstration of strength and endurance. Despite this frantic environment, this festival can be interesting for children. Participation requires contact with your local shrine well in advance of the festival.

  • Korokke – Recipe for Japanese croquette

    Korokke – Recipe for Japanese croquette

    Korokke is the name given in Japanese to a fried dish originally related to a French dish, the croquette. The korokke was introduced to the Japanese menu in 1887 and in this article we will talk about some curiosities about this dish and its recipe.

    The Japanese croquette is usually served with sauce and accompanied by finely shredded cabbage salad and Japanese rice gohan, but it can also be served as an appetizer.

    Getting to know the Japanese croquette

    The Japanese croquette is made of breaded and fried potato and ground meat mixture. This food is present in obento, recipes, and is sold in convenience stores and markets throughout Japan for a price under 200 yen.

    The korokke is like many Japanese dishes, has an original flavor presenting the cultural richness of Japan, in addition to being simple, easy, and cheap to make. The best part is eating a freshly made Japanese croquette; it’s priceless.

    The korokke is similar to tonkatsu, it can also be eaten individually or in everyday meals, and can also be a worked and refined dish for special occasions.

    As always, the Japanese impress with their choice of seasonings and flavors. What differentiates the Japanese croquette from the French one is its crunchiness made from panko flour and the use of sauce, not to mention the other original ingredients.

    Korokke – curiosities and recipe of the Japanese croquette

    Types and varieties of Korokke

    Korokke are sometimes sold wrapped in paper. They can also be used as a topping for other dishes. When pressed between two slices of bread, they are called pan korokke, or sando korokke.

    There are several types of korokke, we are more used to seeing the American styles, the Americans in this case would be the famous nuggets, both have a great flavor and an unmatched crunchiness.

    • Potato – which uses potatoes
    • Meat – made with ground meat
    • Tuna – with tuna
    • Yasai(vegetable) – made with a mixture of vegetables
    • Curry – curry flavor
    • Kabocha – made with pumpkins
    • Cream – with white sauce
    • Guratan – with white sauce and pasta
    Korokke – curiosities and recipe of the Japanese croquette

    Korokke Recipe

    Below we will see a recipe for korokke, or Japanese croquette. I hope you enjoyed the article, if you liked it, share it and leave your comments. Have you had the chance to eat this beautiful dish? If not, it’s your chance to prepare it at home.

    Ingredients to make the Japanese croquette:

    • 5 potatoes
    • Panko or coarse breadcrumbs for breading
    • 200g of ground meat
    • Salt, Oil, Black pepper, and Nutmeg to taste
    • 1 not very large onion
    • 1 egg
    • Wheat flour for breading

    Preparation method for the Japanese croquette:

    • Wash the potatoes and steam them until soft
    • Peel and mash the cooked potatoes while they are hot
    • Chop the onion into small pieces and sauté in butter until golden
    • Add ground meat
    • Sauté, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg
    • Mix the sautéed ground meat with the mashed potatoes
    • When the mixture is cool, divide and shape the patties into the desired form
    • Coat the patties in wheat flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in coarse breadcrumbs;
    • Fry them in hot oil until golden

    Videos teaching how to make Japanese Croquette

  • Bimbo Yusuri – The act of swinging the legs in Japan

    Bimbo Yusuri – The act of swinging the legs in Japan

    Bimbo Yusuri [貧乏ゆすり] is a Japanese term that defines the shaking of the legs or the tremor while we are sitting. The term can be literally translated as “Person over agitation.”

    The act of shaking the leg is usually an unconscious habit. It is much more common among men, and there are several theories as to why people do this. It is believed that this happens to improve blood circulation, burn calories, or release excess load and stress.

    It can be very good for health, but remember that in Japan this act can be rude. At some point, it may bring embarrassing consequences for those who practice it.

    I first read about this on the site mundo-nipo and decided to bring this information to Suki Desu. I believe you will find more information in that article.

    What can bimbo yusuri mean in Japan?

    It is recommended that people do not do it in public, as this, despite being a belief, shows that you are nervous about something or that you lack self-control, representing a totally rude attitude.

    It may seem like something completely harmless, but it can ruin your work life or social life. This is because you will be seen negatively by those around you. Shaking your legs in front of a client or while waiting for someone will make everyone think you are an impatient and immoral person.

    bimbo yusuri

    If you perform the act of bimbo yusuri, it is recommended that you cross your legs to let the urge pass. The Japanese are not used to saying that what you are doing is rude; they will simply try to ignore you. So you must notice for yourself if you are practicing this habit or not.

    How does Bimbo Yusuri affect your health?

    A British study revealed that bimbo yusuri can reduce the risk of death in women aged between 27 and 78 years, for those who sit more than 7 hours a day.

    The study also revealed that people who do not have the habit of shaking their legs have a 30% higher chance of having heart attacks; this comparison makes it clear that bimbo yusuri can have significant contributions to your life.

    Moreover, it relieves stress and nervousness, improves blood circulation, and prevents heart attacks and sudden deaths.

    Origin of the term Bimbo Yusuri

    It is not known exactly where the term originated, but some believe that the term originated from a foreign term that means “poor people who shake due to the cold.” To conclude, let’s leave a video showing this agitation:

  • The true meaning of Suki Desu

    The true meaning of Suki Desu

    The phrase “Suki Desu” which is the name of our site can have various uses and meanings. Simply put, we can say that 好き (suki) means to like, to love while です (desu) is just a Japanese word constantly used to affirm what is being said in the sentence, similar to a linking verb or the verb “to be”.

    But its meaning goes well beyond that, let’s examine the detailed meaning of both words “Suki“(好き) and “Desu“(です).

    What does Suki mean?

    The word 好き means to love, to like, to enjoy, but it can be used to represent desire, passion, affection, and attraction. The ideogram 好 means passionate, pleasant, to like something, etc.

    What does Suki Desu mean? (好きです)

    The strange thing is that 好き (suki) is not a verb but an adjective. So you must be wondering, how can liking and loving be an adjective? It’s hard to explain, but the word 好き as an adjective can be translated as “desirable”.

    Although 好き is an adjective it has conjugation. And yes, there is a verb called 好く (suku) that also means to like, but it is not used as much. It is exactly because 好き is an adjective that we use です to affirm and conjugate this adjective.

    A person can use other forms besides です to slightly change the expression as we see below:

    • 好きだ – suki da – I like (love)
    • 好きじゃない – suki jyanai – I don’t like
    • 好きだった – suki datta – I liked
    • 好きじゃなかった – suki jyanakatta – I didn’t like

    好き can still be used as an adjective using the particle な (na). The adjective 好き can be used to talk about your hobby or favorite thing.

    • スキーは私の大好きなスポーツです。
    • Sukī wa watashi no daisukina supōtsudesu.
    • Skiing is my favorite sport;

    See also 好き being used as an adjective, which gives an idea of desire, when you desire or when you want.

    • いつでも好きな時に会いに来てください。
    • Itsu demo sukina toki ni ai ni kite kudasai;
    • Come see me when you want;

    It is common to use 大 (dai) which means big to increase, strengthen, and enhance the 好きです. You can say 大好きです (dai suki desu) which can mean “I love you very much” or “I like you very much”.

    What does Suki Desu mean? (好きです)

    Where to use the term Suki Desu?

    Suki desu can be used on many occasions. It can be used to say that you like or love a person, animal, food, movie, anime, series, or anything and object.

    Suki desu is also used to declare to a person that you like. The Japanese use suki desu or dai suki desu in a relationship instead of aishiteru and koishiteru which also means I love you, but more deeply.

    See some sentences that use 好きです for you to better and deeply understand the meaning of this expression.

    • 太陽が大好きです。
    • Taiyou ga daisukidesu;
    • I really like the sun. (or I adore)
    • 水泳は好きですか？
    • Suiei wa sukidesu ka?
    • Do you like to swim?
    • 旅行が好きです。
    • Ryokou ga sukidesu;
    • I like to travel
    • ゲーム大好きです
    • geemu dai sukidesu
    • I like to play video games;

    Japanese is a very simple language, most of the time you just need to say 好きです instead of having to use some words to detail what you enjoy or like. Instead of using some verbs like to practice, to play or to do, you just need to use the thing you like + suki desu.

    There are many other occasions when you can use the expression Suki Desu, do you know any? Is there anything to add? Leave your comments and share with friends. Talking about です is quite complete, in the future we will create an article just about です.

  • What is the difference between the words sora (空) and ten (天) – sky?

    What is the difference between the words sora (空) and ten (天) – sky?

    In Japanese, there is the word sora (空) which can be literally translated as sky or void, and there is also the word ten (天) which can be translated as sky, but what is the difference between the two? In this article, we will try to understand the differences and meanings of each of these words.

    If you are an English student, you might think that the difference is the same as the word sky and heaven, where one is the literal sky and the other is the spiritual sky. But in Japanese? Is it the same? We can say yes and no.

    What does SORA 空 mean?

    The kanji sora or kuu (空) has several meanings beyond sky; it can also mean void, vacuum, air, etc. With this kanji, we form words such as:

    • 空気 – kouki – Air, atmosphere
    • 空港 – kuukou – Airport
    • 空間 – kuukan – Space, airspace
    • 空軍 – kuugun – Air force, aviation

    We can see that the word sora leans more towards the side of space, of emptiness. The sky is a large empty space, and that makes a lot of sense.

    What is the difference between the words sora (空) and ten (天) - sky?

    What does TEN 天 mean?

    The ten or ama (天) can be used to write several words related to the spiritual sky, paradise, or symbolic, see some examples below:

    • 天国 – tengoku – This word literally means paradise, kingdom of heaven;
    • 天使 – tenshi – Means angel

    But the kanji 天 is also used to write words such as:

    • 天皇 – tennou – Emperor
    • 天気 – tenki – Weather
    • 天文 – tenmon – Astronomy

    We can note that the kanji 天 is used to refer to grand and sovereign things like sky, weather, or emperor. It even has a relation to the ideogram dai 大 which means big.

    Zazen - Zen Buddhist Meditation

    What is the difference between 空 and 天?

    So the differences between these 2 kanji are that sora (空) gives the idea of space, void while ten (天) gives the idea of greatness, vastness, power, etc.

    So it is not easy to state a significant difference between these two words. Not to mention that there are many other words using different ideograms with the same meanings of skies, paradises, angels, etc. You will only know the right moment to use each word when you understand the whole context or have more familiarity with the language.

    The Japanese language is a quite complex and simple language at the same time; some things can really confuse our minds, but it has interesting and significant origins and differences.

  • How to take a train in Japan

    How to take a train in Japan

    One of the most important things during your trip to Japan is knowing how to navigate the endless train lines that surround all of Japan. Although many stations have instructions in English, you may need to ask a native for information in Japanese. Keeping this need in mind, we wrote this article to help you take trains in Japan and communicate with people and ask for information at the station.

    If you are a tourist, to avoid problems with purchasing train tickets, we recommend acquiring the JRPass, a card that allows you to travel on most train lines throughout Japan.

    Taking the train in Japan

    In Japan, you pay per station, tickets are sold in automatic machines, do not abandon your ticket as it is also used to exit the station. You should pay close attention to the cars, some trains have cars exclusive for women and smokers. Remember that train stations do not operate 24 hours a day.

    To better understand how trains work in Japan, we will leave some videos below:

    Phrases about trains in Japan

    There are thousands of articles and videos on the internet explaining how to take trains in Japan. We do not want to cover the same things as those sites, we will go deeper and study ways to communicate at a train station.

    Below are some phrases that you will likely need to say or hear during your train journey in Japan. Study them well and be prepared because you will not hear exactly the same as the phrases below.

    「山の手線」はどこですか？
    [yamanote sen] wa doko desu ka;

    Where is the [Yamanote Line]?

    「秋葉原駅」に行きたいですが。
    [Akihabara eki] ni ikitai desu ga;

    I want to go to [Akihabara Station]

    「山の手線」のホームはどこですか？
    [yamanote sen] no hoomu wa doko desu ka;

    Where is the platform for [Yamanote Line]?

    この電車は「東京駅」行きですか？
    kono densha wa [toukyou eki] yuki desu ka;

    Is this the train that goes to Tokyo Station?

    十一時の電車に乗ります。
    juuichiji no densha ni norimasu;

    I am taking the 11 o’clock train

    渋谷で電車をのりかえなければならない。
    Shibuya de densha o norikaenakereba naranai;

    You have to transfer trains at Shibuya

    あなたはその列車に間に合わないでしょう。
    Anata wa sono ressha ni maniawanaideshou;

    You will not be able to catch the train

    電車を乗り違えていますよ。
    Densha o nori chigaete imasu yo;

    You are on the wrong train

    電車が遅れている。
    Densha ga okurete iru;

    The train is delayed

    電車を乗り間違えた。
    Densha o nori machigaeta;

    I took the wrong train

    その列車はすでに出発してしまった。
    Sono ressha wa sudeni shuppatsu shite shimatta;

    The train has already departed

    列車は午後２時半に出る。
    Ressha wa gogo 2-jihan ni deru;

    The train departs at 2:30 PM

    汽車はまだ着きません。
    Kisha wa mada tsukimasen;

    The train has not arrived yet

    Vocabulary related to trains in Japanese

    What is the difference between the words densha (電車), kisha (汽車), and ressha (列車)? The word “densha” is used for electric trains, while “kisha” is for steam trains, and the word “ressha” can be used for both and refers to the trains that make up the train. There is also the bullet train called shinkansen (新幹線).

    If you are traveling by train in Japan for the first time, pay attention to these words from the list below.

    • 時刻表 (jikoku hyou) – Schedule / Calendar
    • 二等車 (nitou sha) – 2nd class
    • 窓側の席 (mado gawa no seki) – Window seat
    • 通路側の席 (tsuro gawa no seki) – Aisle seat
    • 自由席 (jiyuu seki) – Free seat
    • 優先席 (yuusen seki) – Priority seat
    • 指定席 (shitei seki) – Reserved seat
    • 定期券 (teiki ken) – Commuter pass
    • 乗車券 (jousha ken) – Passenger ticket
    • 切符 (kippu) – Ticket
    • 窓口 (mado guchi) – Ticket office
    • 取り消し (tori keshi) – Cancel
    • 禁煙車 (kinen sha) – Non-smoking car
    • グリーン車 (guri-n sha) – Green car / First class
    • 駅長 (ekichou) – Station master / Manager
    • 車掌 (shashou) – Train conductor
    • 行き先 (iki saki) – Destination
    • 方面 (houmen) – Direction
    • 駅員 (ekiin) – Station staff / Attendant
    • 改札口 (kaisatsu guchi) – Station entrance
    • 駅 (eki) – Station
    • 急行 (kyuukou) – Express that stops at major stations
    • 3 番線 (san ban sen) – Track 3
    • 発車時刻 (hassha jikoku) – Departure time
    • 線路 (senro) – Line
    • 本線 (honsen) – Main line
    • 特急 (tokkyuu) – Faster than express
    • 自動券売機 (jidou kenbai ki) – Automatic ticket vending machine
    • 座席番号 (zaseki bangou) – Seat number
    • 始発 (shi hatsu) – First train
    • 所要時間 (shoyou jikan) – Time required
    • 回数券 (kaisuu ken) – Ticket
    • 列車 (ressha) – Train with more than 2 cars
    • 乗り換え (norikae) – Transfer / Train change
    • 新幹線 (shin kan sen) – Bullet train
    • 準急 (junkyuu) – Express train
    • 普通 (futsuu) – Train that stops at all stations
    • 各駅停車 (kakueki teisha) – Train that stops at all stations
    • 電車 (densha) – Train
    • お釣り (otsuri) – Change / To exchange money
    • 終点 (shuu ten) – Last stop / Terminal
    • 喫煙車 (kitsuen sha) – Smoking car
    • 車両 (sharyou) – Vehicle / Locomotives
    • 往復 (ou fuku) – Round trip
    • 片道 (kata michi) – One-way trip
    • 最終電車 (saishuu densha) – Last train
    • 終発 (shuu hatsu) – Last train
    • 終電 (shuu den) – Last train

    We also recommend reading: Everything about trains in Japan – Curiosities

  • The History and Uses of Wasabi in Japanese Cuisine

    The History and Uses of Wasabi in Japanese Cuisine

    Wasabi (山葵) is a famous condiment used in Japanese cuisine in the form of paste. Made from a strong Japanese root called wasabi from the Brassicaceae family.

    Wasabi is expensive because it is grown in cold water and in mountainous regions, mainly in the Amagi Highlands, on the Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka, Hotaka, and Nagano.

    The wild Japanese horseradish seems to have been used as a medicinal plant and antidote for food poisoning, so it has been served with raw fish since the Nara Period between 710 and 793. Its first historical record was in the botanical dictionary, compiled in the Heian Period between 794-1185.

    wasabi1

    Wasabi in cuisine

    Wasabi is used in various ways in cuisine. Firstly, the root can be consumed as paste, powder, or fresh along with its leaves. It has a slightly spicy flavor and gives a completely different sensation in the mouth.

    Besides the traditional use with sushi and sashimi, wasabi can be used in recipes like ochazuke rice and some types of noodles. They often use wasabi powder to season other recipes like fried and roasted vegetables.

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    In Japan, some restaurants allow customers to grate their own wasabi root to eat it as fresh as possible. Japan is famous for inventing flavors in its products, so it is common to find ice creams, drinks, chocolates, snacks, popcorn, peas, and peanuts flavored with wasabi.

    Unfortunately, the famous green paste we eat in sushi restaurants is not pure wasabi but a mixture of wasabi with coloring, mustard, and other ingredients.

    To conclude and complement the article, we will leave a very fun video from our friends in Japan visiting the largest wasabi farm in Japan.

  • Nihon Shuwa – The Japanese Sign Language

    Nihon Shuwa – The Japanese Sign Language

    There are thousands of sign languages spread around the world, each country has its own version. And in today’s article, we will learn details about the sign language of Japan.

    The Japanese sign language is known as 日本手話 (nihon shuwa), it was previously known as temane, and it is globally recognized by the acronym JSL – Japanese Sign Language.

    The Japanese sign language has a vocabulary and grammar different from spoken Japanese. It is somewhat similar to Taiwanese and Korean sign languages. Japanese sign language does not only use the hands and arms, but also the eyes, eyebrows, and jaw.

    Curiosities about nihon shuwa

    More than 95% of the deaf community in Japan understands Japanese sign language, approximately 80% understands the fingerspelling alphabet and television. There are more than 100 schools for the deaf, the first was established in Kyoto in 1878.

    In Japan, the middle finger is used in sign language to make the sign for brother. Despite Westernization, the middle finger is not typically used as an insult in Japan.

    The kanji is used more than the hiragana alphabet in sign language. Sign language also undergoes changes according to the province and region of the country.

    There are some works such as animes and doramas that make use of sign language like gangsta, Orange Days, Babel, and others.

    People with hearing disabilities must use a special sticker on their vehicle for identification. We recommend reading: Special stickers used on vehicles in Japan

    Middle finger in Japanese Sign Language

    Something that went viral on the internet is the word brothers in Japanese (Kyoudai-兄弟) which is made by showing the middle finger using both hands. Something that can be quite comical in the West, imagine several brothers in a church showing the middle finger to get each other’s attention.

    It is worth clarifying that the middle finger in Japan does not have the same meaning as in the West, although Japanese people are now aware of this Western usage. The word older brother (Aniー兄) also uses the middle finger, but only with one hand. The gesture is still made by raising the finger upwards.

    You can see this type of sign being used in other contexts such as conveying the idea of money, or indicating “five” when used together with other fingers. You can see this gesture of Japanese sign language in animes like gangsta, Orange Days, and Babel.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/niLjCSrUgbY

    Japanese alphabet in signs

    Below you can learn the Japanese alphabet in signs.

    Nihon Shuwa - The Japanese Sign Language

    If you want to find media in Japanese sign language, we recommend the following websites:

    Differences between Japanese and Brazilian sign language 

    The video below shows some differences between Brazilian and Japanese sign language.

  • Jihanki Shokudo – Automatic vending machine restaurant

    Jihanki Shokudo – Automatic vending machine restaurant

    The Jihanki Shokudo are one of the most peculiar and charming experiences in Japan. These “automatic machine restaurants” offer a fascinating glimpse into Japanese convenience culture, blending tradition, practicality, and a touch of nostalgia. Unlike conventional vending machines, these places turn a simple meal into a unique experience.

    Whether to savor quick dishes or explore the uniqueness of Japanese culture, the Jihanki Shokudo captivate visitors with their charming atmosphere and innovative solutions.

    What Are Jihanki Shokudo?

    The Jihanki Shokudo are fully automated restaurants where food is prepared and served by automatic machines (jidohanbaiki). Without the presence of attendants, customers choose their dishes directly from the machines, which include everything from hot meals like ramen, soba and udon, to sandwiches, burgers, and desserts.

    Food is prepared in less than a minute, making the service extremely fast and efficient. Additionally, the affordable prices, usually between 200 and 500 yen, make these restaurants popular with both locals and tourists.

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    Features of Jihanki Shokudo

    Variety of Dishes

    The machines at Jihanki Shokudo offer a varied menu that pleases different tastes. Among the available options are:

    • Hot dishes: Bowls of ramen, soba and udon, always served hot and ready for immediate consumption.
    • Quick snacks: Conveniently packaged sandwiches and burgers.
    • Beverages and desserts: From green tea and coffee to sweets and ice creams.

    Environment and Cleanliness

    Although automated, these restaurants maintain a welcoming environment. It is common to find traditional tables for dining, as well as areas decorated in classic Japanese style. Customers have access to utensils such as hashi, cutlery, and napkins.

    Attention to cleanliness is a strong point. There are separate bins for responsible disposal, promoting recycling and keeping the place organized.

    Jihanki Shokudo - Automatic machine restaurant

    Extra Entertainment

    Some Jihanki Shokudo offer more than just food. Machines for gashapon (toy capsules) are available for those who want to take a souvenir. Additionally, it is common to find vintage arcade machines that operate for just 10 yen, providing fun while you wait or after your meal.

    Simple Payments

    The machines generally accept only coins. To make it easier, many restaurants have machines that exchange bills for coins, making the process even more practical.

    The Appeal of Jihanki Shokudo

    Practicality and Speed

    The main attraction of the Jihanki Shokudo is the speed and practicality. In an increasingly fast-paced world, being able to enjoy a meal in less than a minute is a significant advantage.

    Cultural Experience

    These restaurants offer a unique experience that combines technology and Japanese tradition. The opportunity to interact with automatic machines that prepare meals brings a sense of novelty, even for locals.

    Nostalgia and Curiosity

    Many of these machines have a retro look, evoking nostalgia in visitors who grew up with similar machines in the 80s and 90s. This characteristic also attracts curious tourists looking to explore something that is not common outside Japan.

    Tips for Visiting a Jihanki Shokudo

    1. Bring coins: Since the machines only accept coins, it is useful to exchange money before visiting. Often, exchanges can be made on-site.
    2. Try different dishes: Take advantage of the variety to try both hot dishes and beverages and desserts.
    3. Be careful with the temperature: Meals are served very hot, so be cautious when consuming them.

    Conclusion

    The Jihanki Shokudo are more than just restaurants; they are a celebration of Japanese creativity and efficiency. They combine convenience, culture, and nostalgia into a unique experience worth experiencing. Whether for a quick meal or to explore something different, these automatic machine restaurants are a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan.

  • Japanese Conjugation “Tameni”「ために」

    Japanese Conjugation “Tameni”「ために」

    The Japanese expression “tameni (ために)” is used to indicate the purpose or objective of an action. It is commonly translated as “for,” “in order to,” “with the purpose of,” or “so that.” This construction is widely used in the Japanese language to express the reason why something is done.

    The conjunction ために (tameni) is also used to relate a cause and consequence, and to maintain the neutrality of facts. It can also be used when a verb is for the benefit of a noun (see also how to indicate the future tense in Japanese).

    Sentences using “Tameni (ために)”

    There is nothing better than examples to understand the meaning and use of the particle “Tameni (ために).” Below are some example sentences:

    日本語が分からない人の ために 英語で話してください。
    Nihongo ga wakaranai hito no tame ni eigo de hanashite kudasai.

    Please speak English for people who do not understand Japanese.

    倒すためにスーパーサイヤ人になる
    Taosu tame ni suupaasaiyajin ni naru

    To defeat me, become a super saiyan.

    試験のために勉強しています。
    Shiken no tame ni benkyou shite imasu.

    I have been studying for the test.

    The conjunction ために can also be used with the meaning of “in order to” or to cause an effect.

    漫画を読むために、日本語を勉強しています。
     Manga o yomu tame ni. Nihongo o benkyou shite imasu

    I am studying Japanese in order to read manga.

    列車は雪のために遅れた
    Ressha wa yuki no tame ni okureta

    The train was delayed because of the snow.

    Two parallel worlds with different landscapes separated by a line

    ための – Tameno

    On other occasions, “Tameno (ための)” is used to say why you are doing something or to state the purpose that something has or had. It is generally used when a noun is for the benefit of another noun.

    Examples of ための:

    これは子どものためのコンピューターです。
     Kore wa kodomo no tame no konpyuutaadesu.

    This is a computer for my children.

    これは外国人の ための 日本語の辞書です。
     kore wa gaikokujin no tame no nihongo no jisho desu

    This is a Japanese dictionary for foreigners.

    これはベジタリアンの ための 料理です
    kore wa bejitarian no tame no ryouri desu

    This is a dish for vegetarians.

    I hope you enjoyed the article! The conjunction “tameni 「ために」” can also be used in many other occasions, but with time you will get the hang of it. Thank you very much! We appreciate the shares!