Learn Japanese with a Short Story. Today’s lesson is Kobutori Jiisan こぶとりじいさん The Old Man with a Lump, a very famous Japanese Fable. Please enjoy the lesson video, the whole story in Japanese and Vocabulary/Phrases list. Explanatory Video こぶとりじいさん Story Outline こぶとり爺さん Once upon a time, there were two old men with big bumps on their cheeks. The old man … Read More
#3 因幡の白兎 Learn Japanese with a Short Story ~Inaba no shiro usagi
Learn Japanese with a Short Story. Today’s lesson is Inaba no shiro usagi 因幡の白兎 Hare of Inaba, one of the stories of Japanese Myth. Please enjoy the lesson video, the whole story in Japanese and Vocabulary/Phrases list. Explanatory Video いなばの しろうさぎ Story Outline 因幡の白兎 A rabbit from Izumo mythology. In order to get from Okishima to Inaba, he crossed the … Read More
#2 北風と太陽 Learn Japanese with a Short Story ~Kitakaze to Taiyo
Learn Japanese with a Short Story. Today’s lesson is Kitakaze to Taiyo 北風と太陽 The North Wind and the Sun, a very famous Aesop’s Fables. Please enjoy the lesson video, the whole story in Japanese and Vocabulary/Phrases list. Explanatory Video きたかぜ と たいよう Story Outline 北風と太陽 One day, the North Wind and the Sun decide to have a contest of strength. … Read More
Learn Japanese with a Short Story #1 ~Kasajizo かさじぞう
Do you know any Japanese folktales? You might heard some of the famous ones like Momotaro and Kintaro. I have started a new Japanese lesson section, Learn Japanese with short stories. I’m planning to make it a series, so please keep in touch with us! Today’s short story is one of Japanese folktales, Kasa Jizō. This is another famous folktale … Read More
Osorezan (恐山): Japan’s “Fear Mountain”
Japan’s Mount Osorezan (恐山) in Aomori Prefecture is ranked along with Koyasan and Hieizan as one of the three most sacred places in the entire country. Today, it known as the site of Bodai-ji Temple, where female mediums called itako are said to be able to communicate with the deceased. Read on to learn all about Japan’s fascinating “fear mountain”.
The Secret World of the Maiko
Most people do not really know Geisha beyond their elaborate kimonos. Many can recognize one from a mile away, but apart from the white makeup and the intricate hairstyle, there is very little that is known about them. We take a closer look at the intriguing world of the Geisha and the Geisha-in-Training, the Maiko.
Onsen and Sento: A Closer Look Into Japan’s Bathing Culture
Japan is a volcanically active country and that has given rise to natural hot springs known as onsen.
Feel peace of mind at Zentsuji Temple
If you are looking for a calming place in the Japanese countryside, this is the place to be. Located in the western part of Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku, the head temple of the Zentsuji School of Shingon Buddhism is the birthplace of Kukai (Kōbō Daishi) and is widely known as one of the three great spiritual sites of Kobo Daishi … Read More
5 Things to Do during Autumn Season in Japan
The Autumn season is a great time to discover the beauty of Japan and learn more about its history and culture. If you are planning to visit Japan this October or November, here are activities and events that we recommend so you can make the most of your trip.
Japan’s Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日)
Every year around mid-end of September, in time with the autumn equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, Japan observes a national holiday called Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日). This day has been a public holiday since 1948, and it actually celebrates more than just the changing of the seasons. Here’s the things you may want to know about Japan’s Autumnal Equinox Day!