Japanese with Hikari's Blog

📚 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...

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...

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...

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 ...

Ever wondered why Japanese can't speak English fluently, even though it’s a major global language? Or why Japan doesn’t know English as well as some of its neighbors? Despite years of study, many Japanese people find English difficult. But why? Let’s...

Karaoke is one of Japan’s most famous entertainment inventions. Today, it is a beloved activity worldwide, enjoyed in bars, private rooms, and even at home. But how was karaoke born, and who invented karaoke? Let’s dive into the origin of karaoke, ex...

Japan is famous for its creativity and innovation. Many Japanese inventions have changed the way we live, from high-tech gadgets to everyday conveniences. Some are well-known, while others may surprise you. Let’s take a look at some of the most unexp...

In this article, I’ll talk about the #1 sport in Japan! Can you guess it?

🥁Drum rolls…

It’s baseball, of course!⚾️

Let’s discover more about the most loved sport in Japan!

⚾️ The History of Baseball in Japan

The history of baseball in Ja...

Do you know Origami 折り紙? Folding paper to create various shapes, known as "origami," is one of Japan's traditional arts.

Today, I will share 3 examples of magnificent origami that will leave you speechless🤩!

But first, let’s learn more about origam...

Today, February 14th is バレンタインデー (Valentine’s Day)!

But did you know that in Japan, we have certain rules for this event?🤯 And what’s ホワイトデー (White Day)? And how is it related to Valentine’s Day?

Let's compare Valentine's Day and White Day from dif...