Japanese with Hikari's Blog

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... Ferm...

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 Japan...

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...

📚 History of Sumo Wrestling 相撲

Sumo wrestling, Japan's national sport, is full of rich traditions and has been around for over 1,500 years. It is said that Sumo started as a ritual dance to entertain the Shinto gods. So interesting 😲

(image via w...

Let’s talk about Kintsugi (金継ぎ) the fascinating Japanese art of fixing broken pottery with gold. This technique doesn’t just repair but transforms cracks into beautiful highlights!

(image via Wikipedia)

Breakdown of the word

“Kintsugi” combines ...

I am sure you have spotted the Maneki Neko, or “beckoning cat,” in restaurants and shops, waving its paw (how cute are cats, btw?). But what’s its backstory?

🎌A Blend of Japanese and Chinese Influence

Maneki Neko 招き猫 originated in Japan during th...

We'll diving into one of Japan’s most legendary landmarks: Mount Fuji (富士山, Fuji-san)! Let’s break down its name and explore why it’s such a big deal in Japanese culture.

What’s Behind the Name?

Mount Fuji’s name is written as 富士山. Here’s what th...

I will introduce you to Japanese Green Tea 緑茶 and Matcha 抹茶, which are traditional, rich in antioxidants, and very popular teas you can drink in Japan and overseas!

🌱 What is Japanese Green Tea 緑茶

Green tea originated in China and was brought to...

Japanese vending machines 自動販売機 (jidou hanbaiki) are everywhere in Japan, and I’m sure that if you've ever been there, you’ve been amazed at how many there are.

Cold beverages, hot beverages, lockers, ice cream… There are so many purposes for them t...

Ever read a super short poem and felt like it perfectly captured a moment? That’s haiku (俳句) Japan’s famous three-line poetry that say a lot with just a few words. It’s simple, deep, and all about capturing the beauty of everyday life. Let’s take a f...

Have you ever heard of JLPT? What does N5, N4, N3, N2, N1 mean?

In this article I’ll talk all about JLPT, the only exam you need to take if you want your Japanese level to be certified and work or study at a university in Japan.

🔴 What’s JLPT

I...

Are you a fan of Ghibli’s animated movies? Well, I hope you are because I’m about to show you some places that have inspired some movies from this famous Entertainment company!

Enjoy 🤩

🏯 Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し) – Edo-Style Bathhouses & Mysterio...

I’m sure you’re Japan's #1 fan, but I’m also sure you don’t know all these incredible buildings you can see in Japan! Save this article for your next trip if you like design 🤩🇯🇵

💩 SuperDry Hall スーパードライホール

(credits to thegate12.com)

The Super ...

Let’s see 4 useful Japanese idioms, those colorful expressions that add a little flair to the language! Whether you're a language enthusiast or just starting to learn Japanese, these fun Japanese idioms will help you sound more natural and expressive...

The Japanese school system is known for its discipline, structure, and unique traditions. From mandatory education in Japan to strict school rules, cleaning duties, and high-pressure entrance exams, student life in Japan is quite different from what ...

If you love capturing breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cityscapes, and picture-perfect streets, then tourism in Japan is a must for your bucket list! From neon-lit skyscrapers to serene temples and hidden gems, Japan is a paradise for photographers a...

If you've ever traveled to Japan, you've probably seen some unexpected Japanese inventions in language, English words used in ways you wouldn’t expect!

From T-shirts that say "Happy Smile Life" to café signs offering "Enjoyable Taste Time," Japan h...