If you're baffled by the title of this article or considering the possibility that we might have fallen victim to a typo, let's start by saying neither of those ideas is accurate. While there is just one language known as Japanese, the Japanese language comprises various dialects and three very different writing systems. In this article, we'll explore the Japanese languages and their intriguing history to explain why Japanese is as much of an art as a unique language! Table of Contents History of Japanese Exploring the Different Dialects of Japanese Four Fascinating Japanese Language Facts Wrapping Up 1. History of Japanese A- Old Japanese Did you know that Japanese history dates back some 2,000 years? Although... Show more

https://www.youtube.com/embed/2cB7KxUvP9w While many of us are enjoying the beginning of spring and looking forward to all that April (and May and June…) have in store, this feeling of excitement is perhaps strongest in Japan right now.  You see, April 29 (Showa Day) marks the beginning of Golden Week! This is a several-day period during which many Japanese people receive time off work, allowing them to travel and enjoy the refreshing spring weather at will.  The Showa Day holiday in Japan, or 昭和の日 (Shōwa no hi), commemorates one of the most trying (and most successful) periods of the nations’ history: the Showa era. In this article, you’ll learn all about Showa Day in Japan and gain some knowledge about the emperor behind... Show more

https://www.youtube.com/embed/MepdZchhD4s From the Harvest Festival in Germany to Thanksgiving Day in the United States, many cultures around the world have a thanksgiving holiday of some sort. In Japan, this holiday is 勤労感謝の日 (きんろうかんしゃのひ), or "Labor Thanksgiving Day." In this article, you’ll learn how the Japanese show 感謝 (かんしゃ), or "appreciation," on this special day, as well as the holiday’s origins.  Are you ready? Let’s get started. 1. What is Labor Thanksgiving Day in Japan? Each year on November 23, the Japanese celebrate Labor Thanksgiving Day. This is a national holiday dedicated to honoring all workers, reflecting on progress and production, and enjoying the company of family.  While Labor... Show more

You asked, so we provided—easy-to-follow instructions on how to set up your electronic devices to write in Japanese! We’ll also give you a few excellent tips on how to use this keyboard, as well as some online and app alternatives if you prefer not to set up a Japanese keyboard. Table of Contents Why it’s Important to Learn to Type in Japanese Setting up Your Computer and Mobile Devices for Japanese How to Activate an Onscreen Keyboard on Your Computer How to Change the Language Settings to Japanese on Your Computer Activating the Japanese Keyboard on Your Mobile Phone and Tablet Japanese Keyboard Typing Tips How to Practice Typing Japanese 1. Why it’s Important to Learn to Type in Japanese Learning a new language is... Show more

https://www.youtube.com/embed/sWs1GCPQbO4 Is that autumn in the air, already? I don’t know about you, but I’m more than ready for it!  Today, we’re going to explore 彼岸の中日 (ひがんのちゅうにち), or "the equinoctial day," on which the Japanese acknowledge the arrival of autumn. On the Autumn Equinox, Japanese people express appreciation for their ancestors and indulge in a few seasonal celebrations as well.  Let’s take a closer look! 1. What is the Autumnal Equinox? Autumnal Equinox Day, or 秋分の日 (しゅうぶんのひ), normally falls on September 22 or 23. This is the day on which summer officially becomes autumn; in addition, the sun will rise in the true east and then set in the true west.  The Autumn Equinox celebration... Show more

https://www.youtube.com/embed/9fkjkyuZ5rs Japanese fireworks are arguably the best part of summer. After a long and trying rainy season (tsuyu), people are just itching to get out and enjoy themselves! Did you know there’s a firework display called the Niagara? These fireworks are arranged in a row, set off at the same time, and are specially designed to look like a huge wave or waterfall. In this article, you’ll learn all about the fireworks festival in Japan: what to expect, how these festivals got started, and some relevant vocabulary you can use to impress your Japanese friends. Let’s get started. 1. What is the Hanabi Festival in Japan? Every year during the summer, usually in July and August, the Japanese... Show more

https://www.youtube.com/embed/9MwLqr1hrfQ Rain, rain, go away… I don’t know about you, but I get pretty depressed when it’s rainy or overcast—and more so with each day that the weather remains gloomy. Imagine that kind of weather for several weeks straight! Each year, various regions of Japan experience a several-week period of much rainfall and cloud cover called the rainy season, or tsuyu. In this article, you’ll learn all about this rainy season, Japan’s most notable features during this time, what you can do during a rainy season visit, and some useful vocabulary. Let’s get started. 1. What is the Rainy Season in Japan? 梅雨 (Tsuyu) is the rainy season in Japan, and it literally translates to "plum rain." This is in... Show more

Bunka no hi, celebrated each year in November, is a relatively new Japanese cultural holiday that has experienced some adaptations over time. Originating during the reign of Emperor Meiji, and originally called Meijisetsu, this holiday was a day for Japan to celebrate the birth of its emperor until 1948. In this article, you’ll learn the most pertinent facts about Culture Day in Japan: activities, meaning, and what role the Constitution of Japan played in evolving the holiday into what it is today. At JapanesePod101.com, we hope to make every aspect of your learning journey both fun and informative! 1. What is Culture Day in Japan? Culture Day is a Japanese national holiday for appreciating peace and freedom, and was... Show more

Have you ever wondered "How are the elderly treated in Japan?" Each year, the Japanese population celebrates and honors the elderly people in Japan for their contributions to society. The aged are regarded with much respect, and Respect for the Aged Day is a special occasion on which to really go all out and show this admiration. In this article, you’ll learn all about the Respect for the Aged Day meaning, and more facts about the elderly people in Japan. Learning about this holiday and what it looks like in Japanese society will go a long way toward helping you understand the culture of Japan. At JapanesePod101.com, we hope to make every aspect of your learning journey both fun and informative! So let’s get started. 1.... Show more

Each year, Japan celebrates the Bon Festival (also called O Bon, The Obon Festival, or The Feast of Lanterns). This holiday is essentially a time for families to honor their deceased by throwing a celebration for them, a tradition we’ll go more into later. In this article, you’ll learn about Japanese Bon Dance music, and many other Obon Japanese events and symbols. In learning about the Obon Festival Japan observes each year, you’re allowing yourself a deeper, more heartfelt glimpse into its culture and its history. At JapanesePod101.com, we hope to make this learning adventure both fun and informative. So let’s get started learning about the Japanese Bon Festival holiday! 1. What is Obon in Japan? The Bon Festival is an... Show more