As language lovers it is pretty much a given that we are also huge fans of books. So it goes without saying that combining these two things make us very happy indeed; happier than Samwise Gamgee in a field of potatoes and anyone with a heartbeat in the presence of Jamie Fraser. Okay maybe not(…)

Japanese is notorious for being a difficult language to learn, especially for English speakers. While some aspects of Japanese, such as its writing system, are admittedly challenging, there are plenty of other features of the language that are surprisingly simple! In fact, in many ways, Japanese is less grammatically complex than English. Here are some(…)

Due to Japan’s influence in international business and culture, there are plenty of native English speakers who have learned to speak Japanese with proficiency. If you ask them if their journey to fluency was easy, however, they’ll likely respond with a resounding “no”. Indeed, for a variety of reasons, Japanese is challenging for English speakers.(…)

Poetry is primarily about the sound and flow of words, so how do aesthetic differences between languages affect the art form in different cultures?

Tokyo is a vibrant and stimulating place to visit, and there’s a tonne of stuff to do once you arrive. Before you start planning how to spend your days though, you should definitely figure out where you’re going to spend your nights. Accommodation in Japan is not cheap, and you may find your hostel or hotel(…)

If you’re a stranger to Asia there will be quite a few cultural differences you’ll notice when you get there, but a good grasp of the language will help you no end – as well as taking notice of these top ten tips! What to Pack: 1. Get Connected Most of the sockets in Japan(…)

When we think of drinks from Japan, teas of all sorts and the ubiquitous sake immediately come to mind, but there are plenty of other beverages that please the local palette. In a country of over 125 million people it’s not surprising that there are thousands of drinks consumed, many with historical, traditional, and regional(…)

Japan is well known for its wacky culinary choices, in particular the potentially lethal Fugu, a well-known fish delicacy. But the following 6 weird and wonderful dishes and drinks are so out there, they’re almost off the planet! 1. Shirako It sounds relatively benign, and its literal translation of ‘white children’ could mean anything, but(…)

Japan is a country of contradictions, with a delicate balance of tradition, history, and Eastern culture combined with modern architecture, mass commercialisation, and Western affectations – which makes it one of the most complex countries in the world to visit. There is so much to see and do, so many places to visit and stay,(…)

Fact: The literacy rate in Japan is almost 100% Yes, it is true that overall, Japanese literacy is near 100%. In fact, this is why a language spoken by only one country with no colonial influence and only a few isolated pockets of emigrants throughout the world can be categorized as one of the top 10(…)