Japan, Explained a Little Deeper.
Language, culture, travel — and the little things Japan doesn’t always explain.
Stories, Lessons & Tips from Japan
Learn the Japanese you actually hear, understand the culture behind everyday life, and discover Tokyo through the places I know.
Japanese Language • Culture • Tokyo • Travel
What Does Itadakimasu (いただきます) Mean in English?
Itadakimasu (いただきます) is often translated as “Let’s eat,” but its real meaning goes much deeper. Discover where the word comes from and how this simple phrase expresses gratitude for the food, nature, and people behind every meal.
Things Japanese People Never Explain-Ichigo Ichie （一期一会）
When comes to Japanese wisdom word or phrase, it’s often the case that becomes popular outside of Japan first since we just live by that philosophy.
What is Kokoro bakari mean?
What is Kokoro bakari mean in Japanese? We will explain what it means and how to use Kokoro bakari in daily life.
Yappari Meaning in Japanese: What Does やっぱり Mean?
Yappari is a common Japanese word with no single English translation. Learn how やっぱり is actually used to mean “as expected,” “I knew it,” “after all,” and more.
Iku vs Kuru: How to Say “Go” and “Come” in Japanese
Iku means “go” and kuru means “come” — but Japanese doesn’t always use them the way English does. The key is understanding where the speaker is and which direction the movement is going.
Iku vs Kaeru: How to Say “Go” and “Go Back” in Japanese
Iku and kaeru can both involve “going” somewhere, but they mean different things in Japanese. Learn when to use 行く (iku) and when to use 帰る (kaeru) with simple, natural examples.
Yabai Meaning in Japanese: Bad, Amazing, or Crazy?
Yabai is one of those Japanese words that can mean something bad — or something surprisingly good. Learn what やばい really means and how Japanese speakers actually use it.
