TCJ Blog

In Japan, it is common to see “what day it is today” featured in the news or on social media every day. Many of these days are unofficial holidays, such as Cat Day or Meat Day. These are not just random dates. They are based on a uniquely Japanese form of wordplay known as 語呂合わせ: goroawase, where numbers are read in ways that sound like words. Goroawase is a type of Japanese wordplay in which numbers are read in creative ways and turned into meaningful words. In Japanese, each number has multiple possible readings, such as on’yomi (Chinese-derived reading), kun’yomi (native Japanese reading), English pronunciation, or even onomatopoeic sounds. For example, the number “two” can be read as ni (on’yomi), futa (kun’yomi), two (English), or even nyan, the sound of a cat’s meow. By taking advantage of these flexible readings, people in Japan often assign meanings and word associations to numbers, turning them into playful expressions and even “holidays.”

As a Japanese teacher, I often hear students say, “I just started learning Japanese, but the pronunciation seems relatively easy.” In fact, Japanese may appear simpler because it has fewer distinct sounds compared to English or other Asian languages. For example, there is no need to distinguish between “L” and “R,” and learners do not need to focus on intricate tongue movements required in English pronunciation. However, Japanese also has a “difficulty in its simplicity.” As students continue learning Japanese, they often encounter common struggles, such as: “Even though my vocabulary and grammar are correct, native speakers still ask me to repeat myself” or “I think I am speaking correctly, but it doesn’t seem to be understood.” The root cause of these challenges lies in fundamental differences in pronunciation. By understanding these differences, learners’ Japanese can be better understood and more natural. Using English as a reference, let’s take a closer look at these pronunciation differences.

In this article, the best time to study in Japan is explained in detail, along with differences in admission periods across institutions such as universities, vocational schools, and Japanese language schools. Understanding the most suitable timing enables effective planning of a study abroad experience and helps to avoid common pitfalls. This guide aims to help readers identify the most appropriate study period for their needs.

When learning Japanese, learners often encounter words that have the same pronunciation but different kanji and meanings. For example, the word kami may sound the same, yet its meaning can vary greatly. This often leads learners to wonder how native speakers distinguish between them in conversation. Japanese contains a large number of homonyms—words that share the same pronunciation but have different meanings. As a result, this can be one of the most challenging aspects of the language for learners. A common question is how Japanese speakers determine which meaning is intended. In practice, they rely on context, surrounding words, and the situation in which the expression is used. In this article, several representative homonyms are introduced, along with explanations of their meanings and how native Japanese speakers distinguish them, supported by specific example sentences.

For those considering studying in Japan, attending a language school, or seeking employment in the country, understanding Japan’s unique gestures is essential—not just the language itself. During time spent in Japan, it becomes apparent that these gestures reflect distinctive cultural norms. Hand and body movements can vary significantly depending on language and cultural background. This article explores commonly used gestures among Japanese speakers and highlights how they differ across cultures. We hope this article will support your daily life in Japan.