Words like futon, tycoon and karaoke are so ingrained in the English language that it's easy to forget they are actually of Japanese origin. In fact, Japan has long been a rich source of loan words ...

Marie Kondo reflects on some elements of Japanese culture—kintsugi, umami, the kyureki calendar—that have informed both her ...

As a native Japanese speaker, I get annoyed when I come across English articles that tout Japanese buzzwords like ikigai. They’re not commonly used in our day-to-day conversations. Ikigai is more like ...

Learning Japanese might look hard at first with its different writing. But, starting with common words is the best way to begin. Knowing everyday words will quickly help you understand simple talks, ...

Katsu, donburi and onigiri are among 23 Japanese words added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) in its latest update. More than half of the borrowed words relate to food or cooking. Santoku, a ...

Some are words you may hear every day in Hawaii, but you’re not quite sure what they mean. Or perhaps you will be traveling to Japan and want to brush up on your Japanese or just want to learn a few ...

Tourists, and locals who still need the help — like me. I’ve lived in the country for the last three and a half years, and while I can order a drink in a restaurant and catch trains on time, I’m often ...

In this digital age, we’re exposed to news coverage of heartbreaking incidents from all over the world. It feels obligatory to stay informed, yet we also have to carry on with our busy daily lives, ...