Japanese to Know: Common “Matsuri” Words

Matsuri, or festivals, are held all over Japan. They’re lively, fun, entertaining, and a great way to experience Japanese culture. Are you thinking of checking out a Japanese festival when you visit Japan? Here are the words to know before you go!

Back to Basics: Self-Introduction & Useful Japanese Verbs

When learning a new language, no matter how long you’ve been studying, it’s important to review the basics every once in awhile. Let’s review how to introduce yourself in Japanese for the first time, as well as the ten most useful Japanese verbs!

Japan’s Top 10 Plum-Viewing Spots

In Japan, before the cherry blossoms come the plum blossoms! Called “ume” (梅) in Japanese, plum blossoms are associated with the start of spring in Japan, as they start to bloom all around the nation in February and March. Here are 10 places that are famous throughout Japan for their incredible plum blossoms.

What Happens During a Japanese Wedding Ceremony

What Happens During a Japanese Wedding Ceremony Have you ever been to a wedding in Japan? Do you imagine a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony to date back thousands of years? You may be surprised to learn that Shinto weddings, known in Japanese as shinzen kekkon (神前結婚), “Marriage before the gods”, did not actually begin in Japan until the early 20th century. … Read More