Tips for living in Japan

February 21, 2020Japanese TPOgs-webmaster

Japanese Expressions that Cause Misunderstandings

Sometimes Japanese expressions are not meant to be understood verbatim. For instance, after presenting a product, a salesman from a foreign company was told by his Japanese contact, that “Watashi ha subarashii to omoimasu ga, shanai de kentou shite mimasu.” (I think this is wonderful, but I will consider it with my colleagues.) On hearing […]

February 20, 2020Japanese Perspectivegs-webmaster

Japanese are Good at Innovation, not Invention

How is it that an island with such poor resources could achieve such remarkable economic growth? One of the major reasons for this is that Japanese are experts in creating good products. It is safe to say that Japanese are not generally good at inventing great products that change society such as cars and televisions, […]

February 20, 2020Hints For Learning Japanesegs-webmaster

Knowledge of Japanese Culture is Necessary when Translating

When a meal invitation is given, Japanese have a custom where guests bring a present as a token of gratitude for the food that is provided. In the case of Westerners, the guest will give a present saying “This is a nice cake sold at a shop near my house. It is very delicious,” and […]

February 19, 2020Japanese Perspectivegs-webmaster

Why can’t Japanese Improve Their English?

Because of the ongoing surge of globalization in Japan, the number of foreigners living in the country is increasing. So is the boom in enthusiasm among Japanese for studying English. However, while increasing numbers of Japanese have been learning English for many years, there are still not very many who can speak it fluently, even […]

February 19, 2020Japanese TPOgs-webmaster

“You” is not the only translation of “Anata”

Japanese has a rich vocabulary compared to English, but it can convey delicate nuance. For instance, the English word “you” is generally translated as “anata,” but in actual conversation, many other words are used. Sentence endings also vary in accordance with this. “Anata ha ima isogashii desu ka” (Are you busy now?) is used as […]

February 17, 2020Japanese Perspectivegs-webmaster

Japan: Where Parents and Children Depend on Each Other

In western countries, couples usually attend parties together, but in Japan, men mostly go by themselves. Men also occupy most of the important positions in society. Japan is often called a “Men’s paradise,” but the position between men and women is completely reversed at home. At home, wives are the “boss” and whatever they decide […]

February 17, 2020Hints For Learning Japanesegs-webmaster

The Japanese Language has Characteristic ways of Being Expressed

The Japanese language contains so-called “greeting words.” When writing a letter, the opening words are usually “Haikei” (Dear Sir), which are followed with a seasonal greeting and some sentences expressing concern about the receiver and their health. Then, the main section of the letter is closed off with “Keigu” (Sincerely). Due to the large number […]

February 16, 2020Japanese Perspectivegs-webmaster

Japanese People Use Pretext to Achieve Real Intentions

Japanese people are usually very careful about how they speak and behave so that they will not be criticized. However, the reality is that Japanese gain what they want by camouflaging their true intentions well. For example, the Japanese Constitution bans Japan from maintaining a military, but in reality, the country does possess armed forces, […]

February 15, 2020Hints For Learning Japanesegs-webmaster

Dialects Create Familiarity and Softens Speech

In January 2007, HIGASHIKOKUBARU Hideo, a former entertainer, was elected as governor of Miyazaki prefecture. It is believed that his speech, “Miyazaki wo dogenka sen to ikan” (We must do something for Miyazaki), spoken in the local dialect to citizens of the prefecture during the election campaign, played a big role in his surprise victory. […]

February 14, 2020Hints For Learning Japanesegs-webmaster

Japanese tend to shorten words to four characters

Do you know the word “Kimutaku”? This is a shortened form of “Kimura Takuya,” a famous Japanese personality and pop singer. “Matsukiyo” is an abbreviation for the leading drugstore chain, “Matsumoto Kiyoshi.” Although “Toshiba” (Toshiba Corporation) used to be a shortened form of “Tokyo Shibaura Denki,” it is now the official company name. As you […]

February 13, 2020Japanese Perspectivegs-webmaster

Japanese are anxious about how they are perceived by others

When the Titanic was about to sink, the captain let the women and children board the boats first.At that moment the captain persuaded the men to remain on board by saying to the English men, “Gentlemen know that ladies go first,” to the Americans, “Now, you can be heroes,” to the Germans, “This is the […]

February 12, 2020Hints For Learning Japanesegs-webmaster

Different Methods of Expression Between Japanese and English

In western countries, most people like to be called by their first names when they meet a person for the first time (e.g. “Hi, John!”). On the contrary, in Japan, people do not like to be called by their first names soon after they meet someone, as they think it sounds too friendly and makes […]