Japanese with Hikari's Blog

Your friend says, “The trains have stopped running, and they won’t be restored today.”
You pause for a moment and reply, “That means we’ll have to take a bus or taxi.”

In Japanese, a natural connector for this situation is ということは.
This phrase is often...

Have you ever been chatting with a friend, suddenly remembered something you wanted to ask for a while, and felt like changing the topic?

Or maybe at work, you’re talking with a colleague and you think, “Oh, right, didn’t he say he was traveling thi...

Did you know that KitKat(キットカット), one of the most popular Japanese souvenirs, is also considered a good luck charm for students taking exams? 🍫✨

This comes from a play on words. In the Kyushu dialect, people say 「きっと勝つとぉ」 (kitto katsu to~), which me...

It’s time for another tiny but mighty Japanese particle! 

This time we’re looking at を (wo); pronounced just like “o.”

Think of it as the spotlight that shows what the action is happening to.

I’m drinking… Drinking what? → Coffee! ☕

I’m studyi...

Are you fascinated by the samurai? You’re not alone! These legendary warriors from Japan's past continue to inspire people all over the world. But who were they really, and what did they stand for? Let’s dive into the history, values, and legacy of t...

So you’ve decided to start learning Japanese congrats! 🎉
It might feel a little overwhelming at first (yes, three writing systems can be a lot 😅), but don’t stress. With a few smart strategies, you can learn Japanese faster and more effectively than y...

Japan’s work culture is known around the world for being hardworking, respectful, and… well, a little intense. But there’s way more to it than just long hours and bowing!
Let’s take a look at what makes Japan’s workplace unique. Some things might surp...

Not a while ago I introduced you to Kenzo Takada, a successful Japanese fashion brand.Now, I’m here to introduce you to Naoto Fukasawa, a very bright Japanese industrial designer!

Let’s learn about him together 👩🏻‍🏫

Who is Naoto Fukasawa 深澤 直人

Let’s get to know Kenzo, his life and his most popular work😀

Japanese Roots

Kenzo Takada (高田賢三) was born on February 27, 1939, in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. Kenzo’s love for fashion started early, thanks to his sisters' magazines. He started ...

We are continuing with the Yokai series!

Read about other Yokais: Kappa, Oni, Tengu and Yukionna!

(image from Wikipedia)

What is Inugami?

Ever heard of Inugami? It’s one of Japan’s spookier yokai, a dog spirit with a mix of loyalty and da...

I’m super excited to share the story of the Japanese Yokai Yukionna (雪女), known as the Snow Woman. This fascinating figure from Japanese folklore is a mix of beauty and danger, perfectly capturing the spirit of winter.

 Let's read about other Yok...

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... 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...