Japanese History
Shogi: Japan’s Timeless Game of Strategy and Culture
Japanese Language
Japanese Language What Does “Ottori Gatana de Kaketsukeru” Mean? The Surprising Samurai Origin of This Japanese Expression
Discover the true meaning of "Ottori Gatana de Kaketsukeru" — a Japanese idiom rooted in samurai culture. Learn why it means rushing urgently, not arriving calmly, and how it's still used today.
Japanese Language “Mukashi Totta Kinezuka”: The Japanese Proverb That Celebrates Skills That Never Fade
Discover the meaning of the Japanese proverb "Mukashi Totta Kinezuka," which celebrates how past skills never fade. Learn its origin, examples, and cultural significance.
Japanese History Why Is It Called Shokupan? Unraveling the Meaning Behind Japan’s Beloved White Bread
Discover why Japan’s beloved white bread is called shokupan. Explore its history, name origin, role in post-war Japan, and how it became a daily staple of Japanese cuisine.
Japanese Culture Why Are Raincoats Called “Kappa” in Japan? The Surprising History Behind the Word
Discover why raincoats are called "kappa" in Japan. Explore the word's origins, history, and cultural significance, from ancient rainwear to modern usage.
Science and Nature Wisdom Teeth Around the World: What They Are and Why Japan Calls Them “Oyashirazu”
Learn what wisdom teeth are, why Japan calls them "Oyashirazu," and how different cultures give meaning to these late-blooming molars.
Japanese Language What Does “Ateuma” Really Mean? Tracing the Origin and Usage of This Sharp Japanese Term
Learn the true meaning and cultural background of “ateuma,” a strategic Japanese term used in politics, business, and beyond.
Japanese Language What Does “Junfudō” Mean? A Guide to Its Usage, Synonyms, and Opposites
Junfudō means “no particular order”—a useful term when order doesn’t matter. Learn how and when to use it, along with its English equivalents and opposites.
Japanese Language “Catching a Sea Bream with a Shrimp”: Unpacking the Meaning and Modern Applications of a Japanese Proverb
Explore the meaning of the Japanese proverb "catching a sea bream with a shrimp" and discover how small actions can lead to big rewards in life and business.
Japanese Culture Understanding the Meaning and Cultural Role of “Fuhō” in Japan
Explore the cultural significance and history of "fuhō," the Japanese tradition of announcing deaths, and discover how it reflects empathy, respect, and social connection.
Japanese Culture The Surprising Truth Behind “Lightning Marriages” and “Lightning Divorces”
Explore the deeper meanings behind "lightning marriages" and "lightning divorces," revealing why these sudden events in celebrity news are more than just shocking headlines.