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The Sometimes 9 Writing Systems Japanese Students Learn

Much has been written about how English is taught in Japan. Usually the topic is a critique of the curriculum that teaches to the test instead of for practical communicative use. You can also find multiple articles and videos asking variations of the question, “Why can’t Japanese people speak English?” This of course is a […]

Shirakawa-go Hidden Gem Preserving Japan’s Timeless Traditions

Concealed in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture is one of Japan’s most enchanting travel spots—Shirakawa-go. The remote village, which is oftentimes blanketed with thick snow during winter, is more than a postcard-perfect landscape. It’s a living testament to Japan’s rural heritage, where a centuries-old culture is still a fascinating spectacle for global travelers and culture […]

Job Hunting Season in Japan – Shuukatsu

It’s almost that time of year again when you’ll see many recent graduates in their best black suits, roaming the streets to attend interviews and/or training sessions, and becoming indoctrinated into, and swallowed up by the infernal corporate machine. You see, Japan has a rather unique approach to Job Hunting, also called shukatsu, which is […]

KAMAGASAKI : The biggest slum In Japan

Kamagasaki, now officially renamed Airin-chiku, is a neighborhood in Osaka, Japan, with a complex and storied history. Once a thriving hub for day laborers during Japan’s post-war construction boom, it became synonymous with poverty, crime, and social marginalization. However, in recent years, Kamagasaki has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a symbol of resilience and […]

Japanese Prank Where Kids Stick Their Fingers Into People’s Butts is Real

Literally! In Japan, there’s an absolutely BIZARRE prank where children actually stick their fingers into people’s butts—and yes, it’s completely real! This outrageous act, known as kanchō (カンチョー), involves kids forming their index fingers into a “gun” and jabbing an unsuspecting victim’s rear while gleefully shouting the name of the prank! The term kanchō is […]