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Japonica
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日本語で読むジャポニカ
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Featured Stories
Why You Can Never Say You’re Fluent in Japanese
Why You Can Never Say You’re Fluent in Japanese
Understanding culture is as important as learning vocabulary and grammar
DC Palter
Jun 27
Capsule Toys Are Booming — and They Symbolize the Stagnant Japanese Economy
Capsule Toys Are Booming — and They Symbolize the Stagnant Japanese Economy
Looking for funny souvenirs in Japan? Here’s what you want
Yuko Tamura
Jun 26
Building Cultural Literacy to Improve Linguistic Fluency
Building Cultural Literacy to Improve Linguistic Fluency
Why You Can’t Learn a Language Without Learning the Culture
Michele Fujii
Jun 23
This Is Why the Japanese Government Cannot Stop the Declining Birthrate
This Is Why the Japanese Government Cannot Stop the Declining Birthrate
I lost my job because of dysfunctional “hokatsu”
Yuko Tamura
Jun 22
Latest Stories
Japan as a Child’s Paradise
Japan as a Child’s Paradise
Personal reflections on childhood in the US, UK and Japan
Wendy Jones Nakanishi/Lea O'Harra
Jun 24
Japan Connections over 55 Years in English
Japan Connections over 55 Years in English
A Japanese exchange student changed our lives forever despite the language barrier
Bev Garcia
Jun 23
A Japanese film stirred up a storm inside me
A Japanese film stirred up a storm inside me
Have I already lived the best memory of my life…
Memories of Korea
Jun 22
Civilians in the Crossfire: Remembering the Caves of Okinawa
Civilians in the Crossfire: Remembering the Caves of Okinawa
Stories by the victims of the Battle of Okinawa on the 77th anniversary and their testimonies that bring the Okinawa Peace Memorial to…
Jarrod Zenjiro Suda
Jun 21
Do You Want to Live in Japan? Be Ready to Face These 5 Contradictions
Do You Want to Live in Japan? Be Ready to Face These 5 Contradictions
Living in Japan, I noticed several contradictions that make this country even more interesting
Olivia F
Jun 20
What Do Travelers Love Most about Japan? The Answer is Unexpected.
What Do Travelers Love Most about Japan? The Answer is Unexpected.
A peek into the world of the private tour industry in Japan through the eyes of a travel entrepreneur
Alvin T.
Jun 20
Why You Can’t Learn Japanese From a Textbook
Why You Can’t Learn Japanese From a Textbook
Textbooks and classes won’t make you fluent in Japanese. Here’s what will.
Luke Dupont
Jun 19
Hayato — The Forgotten Ancient People of Southern Kyushu
Hayato — The Forgotten Ancient People of Southern Kyushu
A mighty warrior race disappeared from history
Diane Neill Tincher
Jun 19
Spirit Oblations (Hanzaki)
Spirit Oblations (Hanzaki)
(Monstrous Yokai fish and what to get them for New Year!)
Wachwurd
Jun 18
Why Adventure Lovers Should Visit Kochi Prefecture
Why Adventure Lovers Should Visit Kochi Prefecture
Kochi offers kayaking, hiking, craft beer, sake breweries, and more!
Kyoko Nagano
Jun 18
7 Shochu Recommendations From a Shochu Nerd
7 Shochu Recommendations From a Shochu Nerd
Barley, rice, brown sugar. Step into the versatile world of Japan’s national spirit.
Jamie Ryder
Jun 17
Sakata, Japan — From Fame to Obscurity, but the Beauty Lives On
Sakata, Japan — From Fame to Obscurity, but the Beauty Lives On
A former trading hub, Sakata holds hidden treasures
Diane Neill Tincher
Jun 17
The Myth that Japanese Dislike Foreigners
The Myth that Japanese Dislike Foreigners
How our biases cause misunderstandings
Maya Matsuoka
Jun 16
Why You Should Listen to Hip-Hop to Master the Japanese Language
Why You Should Listen to Hip-Hop to Master the Japanese Language
Learn Japanese rhyming. You’ll appreciate skillful rappers and Nikkei headlines.
Yuko Tamura
Jun 15
Book Review: The Salaryman by Michael Howard
Book Review: The Salaryman by Michael Howard
A humorous guide to surviving as an American in a Japanese company
DC Palter
Jun 15
The Takarajima Incident — Tragedy on Treasure Island
The Takarajima Incident — Tragedy on Treasure Island
English whalers’ demand for beef has dire consequences
Diane Neill Tincher
Jun 14
What is the Magnificent 1400-year-old Art “Butsuzo”?
What is the Magnificent 1400-year-old Art “Butsuzo”?
Understanding the Cultural Significance of Buddhist Statuary in Japan
Yujiro Seki
Jun 14
History, blossoms, and volcanoes: Cherry Blossoms at Takada Castle Park
History, blossoms, and volcanoes: Cherry Blossoms at Takada Castle Park
A once (or more) in a lifetime experience everyone should try
Scott Votour
Jun 13
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