For the longest time I've run across all kinds of Japanese idioms that follow the same sort of pattern, not even realizing that they were an actual "thing." They'd be like this: Four kanji. Meanings of the individual … [Read more...]
If you're going to learn the Japanese language, it's always going to be a better experience if you can have some interaction with Japanese people. Language just isn't the same without culture, and culture just isn't the … [Read more...]
Sorry ladies. I have bad news. Kanji isn't a fan of your gender. Now, you can't go blaming the Japanese for this. They got these kanji, along with their meanings, from China. That being said, no matter where you're talking … [Read more...]
When you're studying your kanji, have you ever thought that some kanji look suspiciously like the thing they're supposed to be representing? In terms of the big kanji picture, this actually happens quite rarely. Most kanji … [Read more...]
Last week @ayabuns on Twitter bribed me with this picture to write an article about kendo. I am fairly easy to bribe. Therefore, today you are getting an article about kendo. But not just any article! We'll talk a little … [Read more...]
When I think of Japan I tend to think of beautiful design. Zen gardens, temples, shrines, tea ceremonies, manga, anime, wabi-sabi... the list goes on and on. Yet for some reason Japan just can't put any of this together to … [Read more...]