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Author Archives: J Sensei
Nanika: Something Or Other
何か（なにか） This follows up my post on itsudemo, where I explained why this should be read as “anytime” (as in, “at any time”) from a few points of view. You’ll see why below. It was inspired by a little slice … Continue reading
Itsudemo: Anytime, But Not Anywhere
Itsu demo (いつでも） The Japanese word “itsu demo” (いつでも) has two very distinct parts. Itsu (何時、いつ) is represented by kanji that literally read, “what time”. Dictionaries say “demo” means but or however, but that is not how it is applied here. … Continue reading
Nagaimo: A Staple of Japanese Cuisine
Nagaimo The nagaimo (長芋、ながいも), or Dioscorea opposita, is also known as the Chinese yam or Korean yam. The first kanji is “long”; the second is best read as “yam”. Yams long predated potatoes in Japanese cuisine.
Japan Emperor Has Successful Heart Bypass Surgery
This is too high profile to not post about, so I wanted to pass on that the Emperor of Japan had successful heart bypass surgery in response to a diagnosis of angina. Long story short, it’s a lot better for … Continue reading
Social Graces in Japan: A Quick Lesson
The Situations This is an exchange between different characters of the Japan-produced video game, Tales of Rebirth, which sadly never made it to America. These are loose translations I am providing to illustrate the situations, both involving a newly joined … Continue reading
Deshou as Interjection: Making a Statement
Two schoolgirls talking about Sean Penn. Schoolgirl #1: “Sean Penn is so cool!” Schoolgirl #2: “He sure is!” Two Japanese schoolgirls talking about Sean Penn. Schoolgirl #1: “Sean Penn wa kakkou ii yo ne!” Schoolgirl #2: “Deshou!” What Just Happened … Continue reading
Sakura Bloom Forecasts? Hanami Schedules?
桜と花見 The blog Surviving In Japan has posted a very interesting and potentially useful forecast for cherry blossom (sakura, 桜、さくら) blooming in Japan for 2012, divided by region and location. Watching blooming blossoms is known as hanami (花見、はなみ), or simply “flower viewing” … Continue reading
Ben-Tou Anime Review/ Impressions
Food Fight! Summary: Tasty, but pack your suspension of disbelief and a thick skin with your lunch box.
Thoughts On Japanese Idols, In General
Just A Few Thoughts I was reading up on Japanese Idols, which, believe it or not, isn’t something I normally get into whatsoever. I’ve been focused on other areas and, well, I avoid anything that smacks of obsession like some people … Continue reading
A Japan By Any Other Name
A Little History Japan has been known by various names throughout history, mainly corresponding to what we know as “The Land of the Rising Sun” (nihon is composed of “sun” and “origin”, for to China that is where the sun came from). … Continue reading