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Shiritori is a popular Japanese word game well-known for its simplicity and charm. The game stimulates creativity, mental agility, and memory, and is also an excellent tool for learning and practicing Japanese vocabulary. In this article, we will explore the rules, variations, and strategies of this intriguing word game.

The game is simple: One player starts with a word, and each player must continue with another word that begins with the last letter (syllable) of the previous word. Words cannot be repeated, and the player who says a word that ends with n (ん) also loses the game.

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How to play Shiritori

Shiritori consists of players taking turns to say words that start with the last syllable of the previous word. The game is usually played by two or more people and can be played in both Japanese and other languages.

However, when playing in Japanese, there are some additional or optional rules to follow:

• Only nouns count. Common pronouns and place names may be allowed;
• A long vowel can either be ignored or considered as a vowel;
• Dakuten and handakuten can be ignored or added as a rule;
• The length of a word must be three or more syllables.

The game has several other rules that can be included to make it easier or harder. It is a very simple and interesting game to play, and it can be adapted and played in any language.

Strategies to Win Shiritori

Although Shiritori is a casual game, there are some strategies that can be employed to increase the chances of winning:

1. Learn and memorize rare words: Having a vast vocabulary and knowledge of less common words can be useful, especially when the game becomes more challenging.
2. Try to predict your opponent’s responses: By anticipating the words your opponent might use, you can plan ahead and think of several possible responses.
3. Use words with less common syllables: Choosing words that end with less common syllables can make it harder for your opponent to respond and increase your chances of winning.

See also: Super Dictionary of Yojijukugo – List of words with 4 kanjis

History and Meaning of Shiritori

The word “Shiritori” (しりとり) is a combination of two Japanese terms: “shiri” (尻), which means “tail,” “buttocks,” or “end,” and “tori” (取り), which means “to take” or “to grab.”

Together, they form “shiritori” (尻取り), which can be translated as “taking the tail” or “taking the end.” The etymology of the word reflects the basic mechanics of the game, where players must create a new word using the last syllable or “tail” of the previous word.

The exact origin of Shiritori is difficult to determine, as there are no historical records specifically documenting its emergence. However, it is widely accepted that the game has its roots in Japanese culture and tradition, possibly dating back to the Heian period (794-1185) or the Edo period (1603-1868).

During these periods, word games and poetry were very popular among the nobility and the warrior class, as well as among the general population. The most famous of these is “uta-awase,” a poetry contest in which participants competed to create the best poem following specific rules and themes. “Renga,” a style of collaborative poetry in which poets created alternating verses to compose a long poem, was also common.

It is believed that Shiritori may have originated as a simplified form of such word games, aimed at providing entertainment and fun for people of all ages and social classes. Over the years, the game has gained popularity and evolved, becoming a common pastime and a useful tool for learning and practicing Japanese vocabulary.

We recommend reading: Heian Period – The period of peace in Japan

See below a song about Shiritori:

Variations of the Shiritori Game

There are several variations of Shiritori that can be played to make the game more challenging or suitable for different age groups and skill levels:

1. Thematic: Players must choose words related to a specific theme, such as animals, foods, or places.
2. Limited time: Players have a set time to think of a word, making the game more exciting and challenging.
3. Words from specific grammatical categories: Instead of using only nouns, players can choose words from other grammatical categories, such as verbs or adjectives.

In addition to the mentioned variations, the game can appear in different forms for children or in books and apps. It is possible to create different puzzles and intelligence tests using the basis of the game.

The image below shows a map with determined words, where the goal is to find words that start with the last syllable and end with the first syllable of the word that follows the path:

Let’s Play Shiritori?

Now that you have learned how to play Shiritori, why not invite your friends and take the test? If you are still lost, see an example of a game below:

Example of a game

• Player 1: sakura (さくら)
• Player 2: rajio (ラジオ)
• Player 3: onigiri (おにぎり)
• Player 1: risu (りす)
• Player 2: sumou (すもう)
• Player 3: udon (うどん) – Lost!

You can also easily download a game or app on your phone, just search for “Shiritori” in the app store.

To conclude, we can summarize that Shiritori is a simple and engaging Japanese word game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and language skills.

In addition to being a great way to learn and practice Japanese vocabulary, the game can also be played in other languages and with different variations and rules.

Through the use of strategies and vocabulary knowledge, players can challenge each other and improve their language skills while having fun.

In this article, we will present amazing photos of cosplays of Yor Forger, Anya, and Loid that showcase the talent and dedication of the Spy x Family fan community.

Spy x Family is a successful manga series written and illustrated by Tatsuya Endo, which has won fans around the world with its engaging plot and charismatic characters.

The story follows Loid Forger (Twilight), a spy, Yor Forger, an assassin, and their adopted daughter, Anya, who together form a “fake” family with the goal of completing a secret mission. With memorable character designs and unique personalities, it’s no surprise that cosplayers are recreating and celebrating these characters through their works.

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• Anya’s Facial Expressions from Spy x Family
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• Characters Come to Life with Doki Doki Literature Club Cosplay

Anya Forger: Adorable and Telepathic

Anya, the adopted daughter of Loid and Yor, is a sweet and mischievous girl with telepathic abilities. Her characteristic look includes short blonde hair, comfortable clothes, and a frequently curious and funny facial expression. Here are some of the most charming interpretations of Anya Forger in cosplay:

Sometimes fans go beyond the limit and sensualize Anya with cosplay. If you were looking for an Adult version of Anya Forger, the images will now show how she would look:

Yor Forger: The Elegant Assassin

Yor Forger has won the hearts of fans with her elegant appearance and her ability to balance her double life as a deadly assassin and a loving wife.

Cosplayers have captured the essence of Yor through detailed costumes and expressive poses, showcasing her fearless side and fighting skills, as well as her gentle and caring nature.

Cosplay of the United Forger Family

In addition to individual cosplays, many cosplayers choose to represent the Forger family as a group, capturing the unique dynamic and unconditional love that exists between these characters. Here are some impressive photos of cosplayers portraying the Forger family together:

The fame of the game Doki Doki Literature Club inspired a new wave of bold and eye-catching cosplay, today we will see the characters of this game full of twists coming to life and creating trends.

Doki Doki Literature Club (DDLC) is a visual novel game released in 2017, which quickly gained popularity due to its unique narrative and unexpected twists. Despite its deceptively cute and colorful appearance, the game addresses dark and complex themes, creating an unforgettable gaming experience.

As a result, a vibrant fan community has emerged, with many of them embracing the art of cosplay to honor their favorite DDLC characters.

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• What does Doki Doki mean?
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Cute Doki Doki Cosplay

One of the main factors behind the popularity of DDLC cosplay is the wealth of captivating characters and intriguing designs found in the game. Each character has a distinct personality and a unique visual style that cosplayers can use to create impressive and memorable costumes.

For example, Monika, the charismatic president of the literature club, is often portrayed in bold and provocative cosplays, highlighting her dominant role in the game. On the other hand, Sayori, the protagonist’s childhood friend, is often represented in more innocent and cheerful outfits, reflecting her kind and optimistic personality.

This diversity of characters and visual styles offers cosplayers a wide variety of options, allowing them to explore different aspects of their creativity and artistic skills.

Dark and Intense Cosplay

Many DDLC cosplayers choose to create darker and more intense versions of their favorite characters, incorporating visual elements that reflect the most impactful and disturbing moments of the game. This can include elaborate makeup, special effects, and props that bring to life the darker aspects of the game.

By exploring these dark themes through cosplay, DDLC fans have the opportunity to express their appreciation for the game in a deeper and more personal way, while challenging the boundaries of what is considered appropriate or conventional in the world of cosplay.

The Japanese have an extensive collection of interesting habits and customs to learn. In this article, we will look at some of these customs. We will mention customs, manners, rules, and random habits. Unfortunately, it is not possible to categorize them in this article; we will only mention the most common ones and important facts you should know.

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It can be rude to pour your own drink

Instead of you pouring your drink or someone pouring drinks for everyone, eventually someone will notice and fill your glass. Just remember it is a bit rude to fill your own drink;

When drinking with friends, wait for the Kanpai

Drinking before they say Kanpai, a type of toast among friends, is considered rude and undisciplined. This usually happens when drinking Sake and Beer at a gathering, celebration with friends or colleagues;

Shaking hands when doing business

It may be common to shake hands when closing deals, there is no need to bow if you have shaken hands with someone;

Yukata

This garment, besides being popular at summer festivals, is often used as pajamas, especially in hotels and onsens. In some cases, you can have breakfast wearing the yukata. Furthermore, the women’s Yukata should be well secured, in case you are not wearing anything underneath and it opens..;

Slippers

Some bathrooms or other places provide slippers to access certain areas, just remember not to take them out of the place;

Generally, slippers should not be used on tatami floors. In ryokans, slippers are often only used in the hallways;

Also read: Zori – Havaianas or Japanese Sandals?

Trash and Recycling

There are many rules about how to package trash and the collection for recycling that varies according to the municipality. So you must pay close attention to the details to avoid doing it wrong;

Playing with Chopsticks

Use chopsticks only for eating, that’s how the Japanese do it; besides involving hygiene, chopsticks represent many traditions and cultures, playing with them can be disrespectful;

Also read: Chopsticks – Tips and Rules on how to use and hold chopsticks

Pointing with your finger

It is considered threatening in Japan; instead of pointing with fingers, the Japanese usually point in a direction with an open hand. Verbal instructions without gestures are also very common;

Taking a Dirty Bath

In public baths, hotels, and homes, you will encounter a bathtub. In Japan, bathing is seen as a relaxing leisure activity rather than a body cleaning act. The Japanese usually wash themselves in the shower before entering the bathtub, and avoid any soap residue in the bathtub. (Or Ofuro).

Towels in Hot Springs

People bring small towels with them to bathing areas. These are used to lightly clean the body before entering the bath. They are also a tool for modesty to cover small parts of your body when standing. The towels cannot get wet. So they are often used on the head;

We recommend reading: Onsen – Natural Hot Springs of Japan

Oshibori

Many restaurants offer a damp towel called Oshibori, which is used to lightly clean the hands before meals, so you should avoid using it on your face or as a napkin; it is considered rude;

Blowing your nose

Blowing your nose in public is considered rude. People usually go to the bathroom to blow their nose. Sniffling is generally normal;

Touching and Hugging

We know that hugs and back pats are not common among the Japanese. Even lovers tend to avoid physical intimacy in public places. Therefore, avoid hugging or holding the hands of strangers, unless they are holding a sign that says Free Hugs;

Walking while smoking

Walking and smoking is seen as dangerous and reckless for a variety of reasons, the biggest being the idea that you could accidentally burn someone on a crowded street.

Itadakimasu and Gochisosama deshita

Before every meal, you should say Itadakimasu before eating and Gochisosama after finishing the meal; these are important customs that involve various things and meanings.

Both words have several translations such as thank you for the food, I humbly accept the food, I thank God for the food, it was a good meal.

This custom, although it has a bit of spirituality involved, is a cultural practice performed by everyone regardless of belief.

Also read: Itadakimasu and Gochisousama – What is the true meaning?

Names

You should address a person by their last name and use the most common respectful suffix “-san”. Except if you are quite close friends with someone, you may call them by their first name;

We recommend reading: List of Japanese Last Names 200+ Origin and Meanings

Soups

Soups are eaten with a spoon, of course. But there is no problem in picking up a bowl of soup to drink directly from it. This is quite common;

Well, these are just some of the customs and habits related to Japan; in fact, there are thousands of rules and customs related to each item mentioned in this article, such as eating with chopsticks or in the bathroom. This is just another explanatory article because there are thousands of cultural differences and customs that can be found in various articles on this site.

There is a wide variety of games available in online stores for smartphones, and games in general have flourished recently and diversified, resulting in high demand. Adults and children play for many reasons, whether to obtain some fun, excitement, and comfort away from the pressures and problems of modern life.

In this article, we will list the best games from the Google Play Store and Apple Store so that players can choose a new game based on a brief description. The focus of this article is on Android apps, but you will find many of the games also on iOS.

List of the best free games for Android in 2022

We present in the following list a group of the best, most important, and most popular games that can be played online or downloaded for free on Android systems from Google Play:

FIFA 2022 Mobile

FIFA 2022 is one of the most recent and popular releases from EA SPORTS, one of the most important video game companies in the world. FIFA 2022 is the most famous game in the field of football, as it offers the best international, local, and European tournaments for fans of these tournaments. The game includes many tips and gameplay strategies so that players can create their own strategy, choose favorite teams, and control their strategies and gameplay skills. The game puts players in the role of coaches, managers, planners, and implementers of games as well. The game also allows players to switch gameplay, swap players, and play against other teams controlled by other players or controlled by the game itself. The company released the latest version of the game, which relies on updating gameplay techniques and tactics, enhancing defensive capabilities and shooting ability, and making audio and visual efficiency at its highest levels to give the feeling of real matches.

SLOTS

The Internet is famous for various casino sites that offer players the chance to win many prizes, bonuses, and money as well. Online slots are called slots, which consist of spinning the arm and waiting for the symbols or numbers where the player bet from the beginning to appear. Also available in these games is the casino’s free spins bonus that allows players to win without depositing money. These games also offer a wide range of other features, such as educational and training courses and free accounts, which will increase the chances of winning and enhance the excitement of thrill and fun.

PUBG Mobile

The PUBG game has spread since 2017 and has been highly admired by all age groups of video game lovers. This game has provoked wide controversy because it is the only game in terms of the number of players participating in a round. Each round of the game includes about 100 players from all nationalities. These players are spread across a certain geographical area and use the resources available in that area and try to survive until all players die and only one player or group remains, then the rest is considered the winner of the round. The PUBG game falls under fighting games, but differs in many factors, the most important of which is that there is no chance of return if the player is killed in the round and that it can also be played in different styles, as shown below:

• Simple Game: This is when one person plays against 99 other players.
• Playing in Pairs: when one player joins another player and fights against the remaining 98 players.
• Team Play: When one player joins three other players and fights against other teams.
• You can also
• Playing from the Player’s Perspective: The player opts to have the camera as if it were in their eyes and sees everything as if they were in the game.
• Playing from a Third-Person Perspective: The player opts to have the camera behind the player as if someone were filming the entire event.

Regardless of which mode the player chooses, the main objective of the game must be verified to survive until the end, one must be careful, follow all instructions, pick up all weapons, and constantly look at the map for players around.

Asphalt 9 Game

Asphalt is one of the most popular car racing games for mobile phones. The game offers more than 70 different racing tracks, each with its own challenges, attributes, and appearances, so each of them also has special skills that must be present in the car or in the player themselves. Normally the race consists of eight players, but with the new updates of the game, it has become possible to increase the number of players according to the difficulty of the race itself. Asphalt races are similar to traditional driving in some ways, such as basic driving concepts, but differ in the focus on racing skills and controlling the car through the options at the top of the screen.

Call of Duty: Mobile

Call Of Duty: Mobile is one of the most popular free games offered on smartphones at the moment. This game has reached a competitive level with the famous PUBG game due to the great capabilities of this game and a fan base growing every day. The game involves an attempt to obtain all resources, weapons, and enough food that provides the player with chances to survive from the enemies surrounding them in the game, therefore it is considered one of the action and fighting games. When downloading the game, players must follow the instructions, adjust the types of weapons, and start playing with focus.

We recommend reading: 15 ways to earn CPs in Call of Duty Mobile for free

The positive effects of games on intellectual performance

Video games have a very large impact on overall culture and on individuals in particular. Recent studies indicated that people who play video games have significantly higher levels of intellectual and analytical performance compared to people who do not play video games.

Video games affect a person’s ability to analyze and think quickly in a perceptible and logical manner. Therefore, the brain is very trained in the ability to analyze and think quickly. On the other hand, studies indicated that hand-eye coordination improves at an unprecedented level due to video games. Where video games require quick action at hand as soon as you watch the action in the game and this skill is a skill that must be enhanced with practice, and this practice is done through video games.

On a psychological level, video games help introverted people or those who lack the skill to make friends to try to push them into a privileged society and gain diverse friendships. There is no room for discussion that the increased demand for video games would cause certain problems, but the advantages of video games are distinct and numerous if adopted at their natural pace and without affecting other aspects of life.

On the internet, we come across new hydration techniques daily, using a variety of ingredients. However, one recipe that has been making waves lately is the homemade Japanese hair hydration, which uses very simple products that can easily be found at home. And let’s be honest, when it comes to hydration, Japanese women know their stuff, as they have the smoothest and shiniest hair in the world. Want to know how to make this recipe? Then come with us!

Japanese hair hydration:

This little recipe not only keeps the hair super hydrated but also produces an impeccable straightening effect. And the best part is that we will use super simple ingredients, which if you don’t have at home, you will definitely find at any market. So check out the ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of sugar;
• 2 tablespoons of sago;
• 1 tablespoon of hydration mask;
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (avocado, rosehip, castor, or another).

All you need to do is put half a glass of water in a saucepan, add the sugar and sago, stirring over low heat until the mixture boils. Then, you will strain the entire mixture and throw away the sago balls, as we only need the gel it releases when boiled.

Next, all you need to do is add the hydration cream to this mixture, stirring well until everything is homogeneous. After washing your hair and removing excess moisture, you will separate your hair into sections and apply our hydration mixture to each one of them.

To improve the results, you will put a cap on your head and wait about 15 to 20 minutes before removing the mixture from your hair. To finish, apply a good conditioner and rinse again with water.

The sago in this recipe is capable of deeply hydrating the hair, and combined with sugar, the hydration cream, and vegetable oil, it can keep the ghosts of frizz and dryness far away.

Another Japanese hydration:

To add to this list, we brought you another homemade Japanese hair hydration recipe, so you can include it in your hair care routine. So pay attention to the list of ingredients:

• 1 capful of glycerin;
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch;
• 1 tablespoon of honey;
• 2 tablespoons of hydration mask;

First, you will wash your hair with shampoo, and after removing excess moisture, mix all the ingredients well and apply them to the strands, section by section, until nothing is left. Then, just put a cap on your hair and wait about 30 minutes.

After the time is up, you will rinse your hair only with water, apply a conditioner, and rinse again after about 3 minutes. And voilà, your hair is hydrated and smooth, just like the Japanese.

In addition to care like hydration, proper washing of the strands, and nutrition are essential steps for those who want long, smooth, and healthy hair! See you later!

Which anime-focused streaming platform is better to subscribe to? Funimation vs. Crunchyroll, see the positive and negative points of each.

Not long ago, literally the only effective way to consume anime here in Brazil was through piracy. But over time, this has changed, with more investment in open TV. In 2012, Crunchyroll arrived in Brazil, the only good option for those who wanted to watch anime officially.

Over the years, this has improved, especially with the arrival of new streaming services in the country that also include anime in their catalog. However, this is not the focus of these platforms, but now we have the option to choose between 2 different streamings, 100% focused on anime.

Funimation vs. Crunchyroll

This article aims to highlight the differences, and thus, the negative and positive points about Funimation and Crunchyroll, to help choose which one to subscribe to.

Catalog

There are several factors that make someone choose one streaming service over another, and without a doubt, the main one is related to the catalog. Crunchyroll has been in Brazil for much longer, since 2012, and has over 1,000 anime in its catalog. On the other hand, Funimation has around 700, which is a good number considering it arrived in the country in 2020.

Both have anime of all genres and eras, meaning both new and classic anime. But the big advantage goes to Crunchyroll for containing a good portion of the “essential” anime, which are those anime that everyone has heard of at some point in their life, or that when asking for a recommendation, without a doubt, one of them will be referenced. The giant shounen, Naruto, One Piece, Dragon Ball, etc. But this is not exclusive to them; Funimation is also investing and has 2 big hits of the moment, Kimetsu no Yaiba and Shingeki no Kyoujin.

Regarding the Catalog, both are somewhat equal, with rare exceptions of some exclusive anime to one platform or another… So, it really depends on individual preferences.

• Learn how to watch TV on your mobile.

Simulcast

Both are receiving anime all the time, with a good portion being seasonal anime, the so-called Simulcast. And this is exactly a good factor for those in a hurry to choose between Funimation vs. Crunchyroll. After an anime is released in Japan, it arrives on Crunchyroll in just 1 hour! While on Funimation, this time is much longer, but it still comes out on the same day.

In other words, for those who are in a hurry to watch, or depend on watching first (content creators), the sooner they can watch, the better for production. The time difference in Simulcast is crucial.

Image Quality

Both have anime with the best available quality, with most in 1080p (fullHD). However, only Funimation provides the maximum quality for all users, including non-subscribers. Crunchyroll offers its anime at a maximum of 720p for those using the free version of the service.

Availability on Different Platforms

Since Crunchyroll has been around longer, it is literally available on all platforms you can imagine. It is available for consoles (Xbox 360, One, Series S and X, Playstation 3, 4 and 5, PS Vita, and Wii U), has mobile versions for Android and iOS, in addition to apps for Smart TVs (Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV).

Funimation, which has just arrived, is still gaining its mobile versions, for TV and consoles. So far, Funimation is available for Android, Consoles (Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Series S and X, Playstation 4 and 5), TV (Android TV, Roku, Fire TV, and Chromecast).

Since both are available to watch in the Browser, it is up to the user to choose according to the platforms they like to use to watch their anime.

Subscription Price

Finally, one of the main factors influencing the decision on which streaming service to subscribe to is the price, which will dictate the cost-benefit. Both are different, which helps to choose based on the price. While Funimation has only one subscription model (at least for now), on the other hand, Crunchyroll has 2 different subscription plans.

Funimation Subscription Plan

Called Premium Plus, Funimation’s subscription plan allows users to watch all anime in the catalog without ads and without restrictions. In addition, it allows up to 5 simultaneous screens, in case you have many platforms at home or wish to share the cost with someone.

Price: R$ 24.99 / month, R$ 249 / year.
Trial period (new users): 14 days.

Crunchyroll Subscription Plans

As mentioned, Crunchyroll has 2 different subscription plans, actually 3, but one of them is just a one-year version of another plan. Check below what the plans are:

Fan: The most basic plan of the platform. Allows users to watch all the anime on the platform, without any ads, but can only be used on 1 simultaneous screen. Price: R$ 25.00/month.

Mega Fan: Includes all the benefits of the Fan subscription plan, but with an additional allowance of up to 4 screens and the possibility to download for offline viewing. Price: R$ 32.00/month. This is the only plan with the option to contract for 12 months, which comes with a 16% discount, totaling R$ 315.00/year.

Funimation vs. Crunchyroll: Which to subscribe? Conclusion

In short, all the major points regarding each of the biggest streaming services focused on anime have been raised, their prices, catalogs, etc. But then, which one to subscribe to? The answer is… It depends!

What you are looking to watch, both platforms have different catalogs, but at the moment Crunchyroll has a larger collection, after all, it has been in the market much longer than Funimation here in Brazil.

If you are looking for a lower-cost option, the answer is Funimation! For those who will watch anime casually and do not want to pay much to consume little, Funimation is a good choice, especially because of its anime and exclusive dubs. The price is the same as Crunchyroll (basic plan), but allows 5 screens, making it possible to share the cost with someone.

Cost vs. Benefit: the winner of the cost vs. benefit is Crunchyroll, for having a much larger collection, and the basic plan of the platform being close to the price of Funimation. Although it only has one screen in the basic plan, it has more available anime that arrive earlier on the platform, just 1 hour after the release in Japan.

There is also the option to use the Kotas site to save on your subscriptions, learn more here.

The answer to the question of which to choose is to choose the one that best meets your current needs. Both are growing, and the anime market is gaining space in Brazil.