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
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.
Using の in Japanese: Connecting Nouns
What does の mean in Japanese? Learn how の connects two nouns with simple examples like わたしのバッグ, 日本の食べ物, and 東京のホテル.
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.