At times, Japan seems to be an alarmist country. Topics like immigration, terrorism, and the latest strain of influenza can be blown out of proportion and reactions can appear over the top. But is it any wonder when you consider the Japanese language?
Japanese is a language of tall tales. Anyone can start communicating in Japanese almost instantly after knowing just a handful of basic terms: kawaii! (cute), muzukashii! (difficult), sugoi! (amazing) and tsukareta! (I'm tired).
Japanese is full of one-word expressions that seem to wrap up several feelings into one tight package. As a result, the Japanese seem to be a nation of exaggerators as life takes on an urgent tone.