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LIFE

Language

Noonoo, a chihuahua dressed in a T-shirt that reads "BRAT," takes part in the Halloween Dog Parade in New York last year.

LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL

Feb 28, 2025

Brats, rebels and rascals: Finding the right word for mischievous kids

By Yuko Tamura

Charli XCX’s idea of “brat” doesn’t translate neatly into Japanese, but there are other words for playful rebellion.

The poet and essayist Kamo no Chomei wrote “Hojoki” in 1212 after bearing witness to a series of natural and man-made disasters. His experiences caused him to withdraw into a hermetic lifestyle.

LIFE / Language

Feb 20, 2025

Attempting the classics: Deciphering impermanence in ‘Hojoki’

By Eric Margolis

With modern-day aids, this 13th-century piece of text isn't as challenging as you may think.

While AI has added increased uncertainty over what is and isn't true, misinformation has been around for a while.

LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL

Feb 14, 2025

How to tell if what you're hearing is true (or just sounds like it is)

By Yuko Tamura

Some Japanese grammatical terms signal uncertainty, and that is when you need phrases to help you get to the truth of the matter.

The concept of diversity isn't foreign to Japanese people, but new ways of referring to the practice in society might be.

LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL

Feb 9, 2025

DEI, woke and 'forest bathing': When a direct translation just won't cut it

By Yuko Tamura

Take a three-step approach that includes context and nuance when describing buzzwords and complicated terminology.

Tokyo’s notoriously crowded trains and train stations can be stressful for many. Unfortunately, the ぶつかり男 (butsukari otoko, bumping man) takes his stress out on others through shoving, elbowing and shoulder checks.

LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL

Jan 31, 2025

Mind the gap — and the shoulder checking: Dealing with pushy people in Japan's crowded spaces

By Yuko Tamura

Knowing what to say in the moment is good, knowing how to report it to the authorities is even better.

Getting caught in the rain while walking home may require you to use the passive voice when relaying your bad luck to others.

LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL

Jan 23, 2025

Annoyed? Unfairly treated? Express yourself in Japanese with the passive voice

By Yaeko Kabe

Verbs get complicated when they're used to describe feelings of annoyance or victimization.

What does the year hold for Japan? Make your own predictions using some key phrases.

LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL

Jan 17, 2025

Let’s make some predictions about what will happen in the year ahead

By Yuko Tamura

The start of the new year comes with expectations as to how the following months will unfold. Learn how to respond to what others predict.

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.

Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

The sun shines from behind a waving Philippine flag at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

Eighty years after the Battle of Manila, old foes forge new ties

By Anton L. Delgado

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Supporting women’s social participation is Cartier’s commitment

Supporting women’s social participation is Cartier’s commitment

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