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

Motokyo 9/23/26 Motokyo 9/23/26

How to Start Learning Japanese: A Simple Beginner Roadmap

Want to learn Japanese but not sure where to begin? Here’s a simple step-by-step roadmap to help you start with hiragana, build the basics, and begin using real Japanese.

Motokyo 9/13/26 Motokyo 9/13/26

Japanese Counters Made Simple: Why 1本 Is Ippon, Not Ichihon

Why is 1本 “ippon” instead of “ichihon”? Learn how Japanese counters work, discover the most useful counting patterns, and test yourself with interactive quizzes.