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My students are always asking me what are good podcasts to help with learning Japanese. It’s a great question and I have spent the last few weeks listening to many of the Japanese language podcast options available on the app store to find an answer.
In general, I think it is a fantastic tool...
It's autumn in Japan! Otsukimi season! …but what is otsukimi?
The word “otsukimi” literally means, “to watch the moon”. Otsukimi is held around the day of a full moon from the middle of the September to the beginning of October. At this time of the year in Japan, it is said that the clear air makes the moon look at...
Do you often watch Japanese movies, drama or anime?
Netflix is very popular in Australia and it can be a great place for watching Japanese shows to practice your listening, even your knowledge of Japanese culture!
New shows and films are being added all the time; but you might not know which ones to watch.
So now it’s my job to recommend...
Do you like cooking Japanese food? I often miss the taste of Japanese food and the biggest problem is finding the right ingredients to cook Japanese dishes that taste like home. These days many Asian supermarkets are starting to stock a good range of Japanese food and products. There are also a few that stock almost exclusively Japanese food...
When visiting Japan, there are many types of accommodations both western-style and Japanese-style that vary widely in terms of style and budget. If you want to experience Japanese culture, you should stay at Ryokan!
Ryokan is a traditional Japanese style inn. You will find ryokan throughout Japan, especially around onsen (hot spring) resorts in the mountains and by the coast.
Ryokan...
Did you know that for every 23 people in Japan there is 1 vending machine available, which works out to be approximately 5.5 million vending machines in Japan alone!
Vending machines in Japan have played their part since the 50’s providing an interesting array of products ranging from fresh eggs to a pair of running shoes. Everything imaginable has been...
Izakaya（居酒屋）are casual drinking places where people can relax and enjoy the local taste of good food and drink. They are the most commonly known restaurant type in Japan and since the prices are usually more reasonable than those at restaurants or fancy bars, they are favoured by Japanese for the place to grab a couple of drinks after work...
The very first convenience store (Konbini) opened up in Japan in the early 70’s. To date there is now a staggering 52,872 stores throughout Japan. Hence there name “convenient”, but like so many other things we take them for granted. For people who have shopped at Konbini, have you ever thought about what is uniquely different about them, apposed...
In Australia we can only see fireworks on special occasions such as New Year’s or national holidays, concerts or entertainment events in Australia. However in Japan, hanabi (fireworks) are a common display not only in the big cities but also in local areas throughout Summer. They are even available for sale so many families and groups of friends can create...
Are you hooked on Pokémon GO… caught any Pokémons or bumped in a poll or tree lately? Did you ever collect the old school Pokémon cards when you were young, what was it you did out doors during your childhood?
Japanese people are also preoccupied with the Pokémon craze, yet many Japanese children like catching insects too!
People have speculated and...
