Japanese with Hikari's Blog

In Japan, people often ask a fun and unexpected question:
“What’s your blood type?”

It might sound strange at first, but in Japan it’s a light and playful way to talk about character, relationships, and even daily luck. It’s a bit like a built-in ...

A few weeks ago I posted a podcast video on my Youtube Channel where I talked about the Chinese zodiac signs in Japan. So I thought to share it with you on this newsletter, too, in case you’ve missed this episode!

So here you go!

In Japan, zodiac s...

When people think of Japanese martial arts, karate usually pops into mind. 

It’s practiced all over the world, but its roots are tied to a specific place and moment in history. And karate isn’t just about kicks and punches. It’s really about discipl...

Recently, I received a DM on Instagram from a follower asking me about my favorite songs. 

When I replied that my favorite genre is City pop, I was genuinely surprised by his response, because he told me he didn’t know this genre!

That made me thin...

Japan’s tourism has grown a lot over the last 15 years. Before the pandemic, the number of international visitors was steadily rising. After borders reopened, tourism surged to record levels. 

In 2024, about 36.87 million foreign visitors came to Ja...

Wondering how different Japanese is that you learn in the textbooks versus the Japanese your friend is texting you?
Japanese texting has its own vibe. People type fast, shorten everything, and love playful expressions.

Here are some common text-style...

Ever since I was young, I’ve always been drawn to people who express themselves freely, even if it means standing out. 

That’s probably why not-regular artists feel close to my heart, and this topic resonates with me.

I am sure many of you are into...

If you want to understand Japan beyond the tourist brochures and anime, here are some films that provide insightful perspectives on Japanese life:

🎬 Shoplifters (万引き家族)
Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, this Palme d'Or-winning film explores the lives ...

Japan is experiencing an interesting phenomenon: the rise of akiya (空き家), or abandoned homes. Once seen as a problem, these empty houses are now being noticed for their potential. Often located in rural areas, akiya are being repurposed in innovative...

When people think of Japanese poetry, they usually picture haiku. But did you know that tanka (短歌) is even older and has been loved for over 1,300 years? With five lines and 31 syllables (5-7-5-7-7), tanka is all about expressing deep feelings in a s...

You might think Japanese is just one language, but there’s actually a big difference between classical Japanese (文語 bungo) and modern Japanese (口語 kōgo). 

Classical Japanese was used hundreds of years ago in poems, books, and even love letters. Whil...

Have you ever seen a gift wrapped in a beautiful square of fabric instead of paper? That’s called furoshiki (風呂敷), and it’s a centuries-old Japanese tradition that’s making a big comeback today. Not only is it elegant and practical, but it’s also eco...

Did you know Japan has native people? Meet the Ainu (アイヌ) the first people who lived in northern Japan. They have a really cool culture that's totally different from what most people think of as "Japanese."

Let's check out their amazing world, tradi...

Japanese trains are always. on. time. ⏱️ Even down to the second! It’s not a myth, it’s a real part of daily life.

Let’s find out how Japan pulls this off, and what happens on the rare occasions when the trains run late.

⏰ Precision is Everythin...

Japan is famous for its hardworking spirit. Punctual trains, incredible service, and that deep sense of responsibility… It’s part of the charm! 
But there’s also a darker side to this dedication that’s important to understand.

Let’s talk about Japane...

Have you ever looked at your friend and thought, "I really need you to do something for me"? Maybe you’re waiting for a reply to a text, or you're wishing your roommate would finally wash those dishes!

Imagine you're at a karaoke box with a Japanese...

Have you ever bought a new pair of shoes and thought, "Wow, these are so easy to walk in!" or tried on a new outfit and felt like, "This is so easy to move in!"? It’s the best feeling when clothes aren’t just stylish but also super functional and "mo...

Have you ever looked at the sky, seen dark clouds, and thought, "Hmm, it's probably going to rain"? Or maybe you’ve cooked a masterpiece and wanted to nudge your friend with a "It’s delicious, right?"

That’s exactly where だろう (darou) comes in!

It’s...

Have you ever walked into a cute Japanese bakery, smelled the fresh melon pan, and suddenly realized... you don't know how to actually ask for it?

Don't worry! We’ve all been there, pointing frantically and hoping for the best. But what if I told yo...

Have you ever done something and thought, "Whew, that was hard work!" only to have a friend say, "That? That's not even work!"

That little sting of being told your effort doesn't even reach the "starting line" of a category is exactly what we are le...

Have you ever seen someone act so fast it made your head spin?

Imagine your younger brother coming home from school. The second and I mean the millisecond his foot crosses the threshold, he throws his bag on the floor and sprints outside to play wit...

Have you ever noticed how one change in your life always seems to drag another change along with it?

Maybe as your Japanese level improves, your bank account balance decreases because you keep buying more manga? (I feel your pain!)
Or perhaps, as th...

Have you ever had a day where one good thing happened, and then BAM! Another amazing thing happened right after?
Or maybe you missed your train, and then realized you forgot your umbrella just as it started pouring?

In Japanese, when you want to say ...

Have you ever looked at the sky and thought, "I really hope it stays sunny for my picnic tomorrow"?
Or maybe you’ve seen a friend working way too hard and wanted to say, "You should probably take a break!"

If so, today’s grammar is going to be your ...