Articles Index - page 2
Barley Tea – Mugicha
Barley Tea (Mugicha) is often served cold and is a refreshing summer drink in Japan.
Memorial Day for My Grandmother - Sobo no Meinichi
My beloved grandmother passed away ten years ago this week.
Rainy Seasons - Tsuyu
June is a rainy season in Japan.
Japanese Tongue Twisters
Many languages have their own tongue twisters.
Learning Hiragana
Have you started learning Japanese writing? If you are new to Japanese, I recommend you learn hiragana first. Japanese children usually start with hiragana as well.
Golden Week
April 29th is Japan's National holiday, Showa No Hi. This day leads Japan into Golden Week, a succession of holidays.
A Story From My Childhood
Since the Japanese school year starts in April, it is the month of new beginnings. I like the feeling when everything starts afresh.
April fools in Japan
The Japanese word for April fools is "shigatsu baka" or "eipuriru fuuru" (using the English expression).
Graduation Song
Although there are various graduation songs today, "Hotaru no hikari" and "Aogeba toutoshi" are old favorites.
Shunbun no hi
March 20st is "Shunbun no hi (Vernal Equinox Day)." It is designated as a national holiday in Japan.
Yukidaruma - Japanese Snowman
The Japanese word for snowman is "yukidaruma".
Valentine's Day in Japan
In Japan, it is only women who give presents (mainly chocolates) to men on Valentine's Day.
Bean-Throwing on Setsubun
On setsubun there is special ritual called "mamemaki (bean-throwing)" to expel demons and invite fortune.
"Okuribito" Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film
The Japanese film, "Okuribito" was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Foreign Film category.
Obama City in Japan
There is a city called "Obama" in Fukui Prefecture, in Japan.
Seijin no Hi - Things that you can do when you turn 20
In Japan at the age of 20 you are able to smoke, drink alcohol, have the right to vote and get married without one's parent's permission.
Happy New Year - Akemashite Omedetou
In Japan, New Year's is the biggest holiday of the year.
What Frustrates Foreigners Most in Japan
Japanese translation of Namiko's blog
Popular Sports in Japan
Japanese translation of Namiko's blog
Nihonjin no saabisu seishin
Japanese translation of Namiko's blog
Asahiyama Zoo
Japanese translation of Namiko's blog
Mushi no koe
Japanese translation of Namiko's blog
Okosama-ranchi
Japanese translation of Namiko's blog
The Beauty of Snow - Yuki no Utsukushisa
There are some areas that have a lot of snow in Japan.
Summer Vacation Homework
Japanese translation of Namiko's blog