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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

New year in Japan, or Oshōgatsu (お正月), is a big deal. It’s calm, meaningful, and full of traditions that go way beyond countdowns and fireworks. If you’ve ever wondered why the whole country feels different around January 1, here’s your guide to the ...

If you've ever been to Japan, you've probably noticed something pretty wild...
Vending machines are literally everywhere.
Like, on quiet streets, in the countryside, even up mountains! 🏞️🥤

So, what’s the deal? Why does Japan have more vending machines...

When we think about “lockdowns” today, we think of the pandemic.
But did you know Japan once locked itself off from the rest of the world… for over 200 years?

This was called 鎖国 (sakoku), literally “closed country.”
And wow, did it change the course o...

Let’s take a look into who geisha really are, where they came from, and why they’re still so loved in Japan today. 

🖌️ What Does “Geisha” Mean?

The word geisha (芸者) means:

• 芸 (gei) = art or performance
• 者 (sha) = person

So, a geisha is lite...

Let’s take a look at what makes these places so unique, and why they’re such a big part of Japanese social life!

🏮 What is an Izakaya?

The word izakaya (居酒屋) breaks down like this:

• 居 (i) = to stay or sit
• 酒 (sake) = alcohol
• 屋 (ya) = shop

Did you know that Japan has a truly unique Christmas tradition? It doesn’t involve Santa hats or caroling, it’s all about crispy fried chicken from KFC!
Yep, every December, millions of families in Japan celebrate the holiday with a "party barrel" fro...

On March 3rd, in Japan, we celebrate Hina Matsuri ひな祭り, the Doll (girls’) Festival. If you’re really into Japanese culture, you may have already known about it and even seen the colorful altars where little dolls are displayed.

Are you curious to kn...

You probably know already that Japan is obsessed with Sakura leaves (cherry blossom leaves).

You probably also know that in Spring, all of Japan is covered with beautiful Sakura trees, and we gather to see them.

But why?

I’m about to tell you why ...

 Have you ever looked at something and immediately thought, “OMG, that’s so cute!”?

Well, in Japan, there’s a word for that: kawaii. But "kawaii" isn’t just about being cute, it’s a whole vibe.

Let’s dig into where it comes from, how it’s evolved, ...

In this article, I’m telling you about one of Japan’s most stunning autumn traditions: Kōyō (紅葉), or the changing of the leaves! Let’s dive into why Kōyō is such an important part of Japanese culture and where you can experience it.

🍂 What does "Kōy...

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...