Japanese with Hikari's Blog

Continuing with Yokai, we'll dive into the mysterious world of Tengu.

 Let's read about other Yokai: Kappa and Oni!

👺What is a Tengu?

(image via Wikipedia)

In Japan, everyone knows what a tengu looks like. Unlike the kappa, these long-nosed mon...

In our continuing exploration of yokai, the mysterious creatures from Japanese mythology, today we’re diving into one of the most iconic and fearsome figures: the Oni. Unlike the mischievous kappa or mysterious tengu we’ve discussed before, oni are a...

Let's dive into the world of yōkai, those fascinating supernatural beings from Japanese folklore. One of the most intriguing yōkai is the kappa, a creature that lives in rivers and ponds. But before we get into that, let's explore a bit of the histor...

If you’re interested in Japanese culture, I’m sure you’ve heard of “idol” アイドル before.

In Japan, idols are young entertainers who sing, dance, act, appear on TV shows, do modeling, star in commercials, and interact with fans.

Their main charm? T...

Let’s chat about obentou (お弁当), those super aesthetic Japanese lunchboxes you’ve probably seen online or in anime. They’re not just meals; they’re little boxes of joy filled with history, culture, and love.
Let me tell you all about it!

🥢 What is...

Think sushi started in a Tokyo sushi bar with fancy tuna and seaweed rolls? Not quite!
Sushi’s story goes way back — and it actually didn’t begin as the dish we know today.

Let’s take a tasty trip into sushi’s past 🍱🕰️

🐟 It All Started with... Fe...

Ok, you’ve decided to start learning Japanese, but you notice that there are 3 writing systems 😱

Let’s break it down, nice and simple.

🌸 1. Hiragana (ひらがな) — Soft & Curvy

Hiragana is the first script Japanese kids learn.
It’s used for native Jap...

Have you ever been to a Japanese Onsen 温泉 before? It’s a very ancient tradition in Japan that even the oldest Japanese book ever, the Kojiki 古事記 (712 CE), mentions it. So, I will teach you how to successfully experience Onsen in Japan so you can enjo...

I want to talk about one Japanese poet that I admire so much! Her name is Misuzu Kaneko, and her poems are timeless pieces of art that were discovered not so long ago. Her writing is full of passion, and it makes you change your perspective of the wo...

When you think of fast food, your mind might jump to drive-thrus, greasy fries, and soda combos. But in Japan? Fast food has its own unique vibe, and it's not just about speed, but also quality, variety, and cultural twists. Let's dig into what makes...

Earthquakes (地震・じしん) happen very often here in Japan. It’s just part of life.

But why so many? And how do Japanese people deal with it on a daily basis? Let’s break it down.

🌋 Why Does Japan Have So Many Earthquakes?

Short answer? Japan is sitt...

Let’s dive into the world of ukiyo-e (浮世絵), Japan’s famous woodblock print art that’s been a big part of the country’s culture for centuries. This art style captured everything from landscapes to daily life, and some of the most iconic pieces we know...