If you're baffled by the title of this article or considering the possibility that we might have fallen victim to a typo, let's start by saying neither of those ideas is accurate. While there is just one language known as Japanese, the Japanese language comprises various dialects and three very different writing systems. In this article, we'll explore the Japanese languages and their intriguing history to explain why Japanese is as much of an art as a unique language! Table of Contents History of Japanese Exploring the Different Dialects of Japanese Four Fascinating Japanese Language Facts Wrapping Up 1. History of Japanese A- Old Japanese Did you know that Japanese history dates back some 2,000 years? Although... Show more

While many of us are enjoying the beginning of spring and looking forward to all that April (and May and June…) have in store, this feeling of excitement is perhaps strongest in Japan right now.  You see, April 29 (Showa Day) marks the beginning of Golden Week! This is a several-day period during which many Japanese people receive time off work, allowing them to travel and enjoy the refreshing spring weather at will.  The Showa Day holiday in Japan, or 昭和の日 (Shōwa no hi), commemorates one of the most trying (and most successful) periods of the nations’ history: the Showa era. In this article, you’ll learn all about Showa Day in Japan and gain some knowledge about the emperor behind it! 1. What is Showa Day in... Show more

From the Harvest Festival in Germany to Thanksgiving Day in the United States, many cultures around the world have a thanksgiving holiday of some sort. In Japan, this holiday is 勤労感謝の日 (きんろうかんしゃのひ), or "Labor Thanksgiving Day." In this article, you’ll learn how the Japanese show 感謝 (かんしゃ), or "appreciation," on this special day, as well as the holiday’s origins.  Are you ready? Let’s get started. 1. What is Labor Thanksgiving Day in Japan? Each year on November 23, the Japanese celebrate Labor Thanksgiving Day. This is a national holiday dedicated to honoring all workers, reflecting on progress and production, and enjoying the company of family.  While Labor Thanksgiving Day in Japan does have some... Show more

Is that autumn in the air, already? I don’t know about you, but I’m more than ready for it!  Today, we’re going to explore 彼岸の中日 (ひがんのちゅうにち), or "the equinoctial day," on which the Japanese acknowledge the arrival of autumn. On the Autumn Equinox, Japanese people express appreciation for their ancestors and indulge in a few seasonal celebrations as well.  Let’s take a closer look! 1. What is the Autumnal Equinox? Autumnal Equinox Day, or 秋分の日 (しゅうぶんのひ), normally falls on September 22 or 23. This is the day on which summer officially becomes autumn; in addition, the sun will rise in the true east and then set in the true west.  The Autumn Equinox celebration in Japan began as a holiday called 皇霊祭... Show more

Japanese fireworks are arguably the best part of summer. After a long and trying rainy season (tsuyu), people are just itching to get out and enjoy themselves! Did you know there’s a firework display called the Niagara? These fireworks are arranged in a row, set off at the same time, and are specially designed to look like a huge wave or waterfall. In this article, you’ll learn all about the fireworks festival in Japan: what to expect, how these festivals got started, and some relevant vocabulary you can use to impress your Japanese friends. Let’s get started. 1. What is the Hanabi Festival in Japan? Every year during the summer, usually in July and August, the Japanese celebrate the Hanabi festival. Hanabi is... Show more

Rain, rain, go away… I don’t know about you, but I get pretty depressed when it’s rainy or overcast—and more so with each day that the weather remains gloomy. Imagine that kind of weather for several weeks straight! Each year, various regions of Japan experience a several-week period of much rainfall and cloud cover called the rainy season, or tsuyu. In this article, you’ll learn all about this rainy season, Japan’s most notable features during this time, what you can do during a rainy season visit, and some useful vocabulary. Let’s get started. 1. What is the Rainy Season in Japan? 梅雨 (Tsuyu) is the rainy season in Japan, and it literally translates to "plum rain." This is in reference to when the rainy season... Show more

The school entrance ceremony in Japan, or Nyūgakushiki in Japanese, is one of the most momentous occasions in a student’s life, and it takes place each year as the cherry blossoms bloom. In this article, you’ll learn all about this celebratory season and gain some new vocabulary along the way. Let’s get started! 1. What is the School Entrance Ceremony? The Japanese school entrance ceremony name is Nyūgakushiki. Nyūgakushiki is a time of both encouragement and excitement about the coming year for students in every grade, though the Japanese high school entrance ceremony may be the most exciting for new students. During a school entrance ceremony, Japanese students celebrate their enrollment in a school, and that... Show more

Hinamatsuri (Japanese Doll Festival) is a special Japanese holiday dedicated to praying for the well-being of little girls. This holiday is unique to the Japanese culture, and is steeped in both traditional and modern cultural values and beliefs. In this article, you’ll learn many interesting Japanese Doll Festival facts, from the holiday’s origins to how it’s celebrated today. Are you ready? Let’s get started! 1. What is the Japanese Traditional Doll Festival? The Japanese Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri), unique to Japan, is a festival that prays for the healthy growth of little girls. The history of Hinamatsuri goes back a long way. It's said that the hihina (or hiina) play, which involved making little dolls out of paper... Show more

Japan is a country steeped in a rich history and fascinating culture, both of which the Japanese people reflect on each year on 建国記念日 (けんこくきねんび), or National Foundation Day in Japanese. This is a major holiday in Japan, celebrating the beginning of the country’s history. In this article, you’ll learn all about Japan’s National Foundation Day, from its origins to modern-day celebrations and traditions. Are you ready to dive in? Let’s get started! 1. What is National Foundation Day in Japan? National Foundation Day is a day to commemorate the founding of the country and cultivate a love for it. It’s celebrated on the day the first Emperor of Japan was crowned as the "Day that Japanese history began." This national holiday was... Show more

Year-end parties in Japan, also called "drinking parties" or "Bonenkai parties," are special celebrations held at the end of the year. Essentially, during a Japanese drinking party, people get together with food and alcohol, and honestly reflect on the past year with each other. In this article, you’ll learn all about what to expect from a year-end party in Japan, as well as this celebration’s place in Japanese literature. At JapanesePod101.com, we aim to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative—starting with this article! Let’s go. 1. What is a Year-End Party? So, what is Bonenkai in Japan, and why is it important? A 忘年会 (ぼうねんかい), or "year-end party," is a banquet held at the end... Show more