Japanese with Hikari's Blog


Your sensei's tips about Japanese culture and language

🐈 What is Maneki Neko? The Lucky Cat's Origins and Meaning 🎎 - culture Jun 10, 2025

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...

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Craziest Vending Machines in Japan 🍖 - food 🎎 - culture 🧭 - destinations May 26, 2025

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...

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Places that inspired Ghibli's animation movies 🎎 - culture 🎞️ - anime / movies 🧭 - destinations May 12, 2025

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...

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🇯🇵 4 Fun Japanese Idioms! 🈚 - kanji 🎎 - culture May 06, 2025

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....

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The Japanese School System: Rules, Student Life, and Exams 🎎 - culture Apr 22, 2025

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 ...

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The Most Instagrammable Places in Japan – A Photographer’s Dream! 🎎 - culture 🧭 - destinations Apr 19, 2025

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...

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The Curious and Fun World of JapanEnglish 🎎 - culture Apr 14, 2025

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 has ...

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Why Japanese People Struggle with English – The Real Reasons 🎎 - culture Apr 08, 2025

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...

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The Origin of Karaoke: How Japan Created a Global Phenomenon 🎎 - culture Mar 30, 2025

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...

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Cool Japanese Inventions That Changed the World 🎎 - culture Mar 27, 2025

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...

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#1 Sport in Japan: Why Baseball is So Popular 🎎 - culture Mar 26, 2025

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...

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3 Magnificent Origami You'll Ever See 🎎 - culture Mar 19, 2024

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...

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