Category: Learn Japanese

  • Kurikinton in Gifu – Japan’s Pure Chestnut Sweet That Marks the Start of Autumn

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    Discover Gifu’s kurikinton (栗きんとん) — a simple chestnut + sugar wagashi that signals Japan’s autumn. Learn the difference between osechi 栗金団 and Gifu’s fall version, explore Nakatsugawa & Ena shops, and taste the spirit of the season.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Three pieces of kurikinton, traditional Japanese chestnut sweets, placed on a glossy black lacquer plate with soft autumn lighting, surrounded by blurred red and orange maple leaves on a warm washi paper background.

  • The Art of Chopstick Etiquette in Japan — A Guide to Eating Mindfully

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    When I first came to Japan, I thought chopsticks were just simple sticks. But over time, I learned they carry centuries of culture and care. In this post, I share how chopsticks began, the “don’ts” of Japanese etiquette, and the small phrases that show respect during meals.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Red chopsticks and fortune cookies on a dark background — symbolizing Asian dining culture and tradition.

  • Visiting a Japanese Home: Modern Etiquette, Phrases, and Acts of Respect You Should Know

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    Visiting a Japanese home is more than just a social visit — it’s a gentle exchange of trust and kindness. From saying ojamashimasu at the door to offering a small gift and accepting tea politely, every action carries quiet meaning. In this post, I share what I’ve learned — the modern manners, useful Japanese phrases,…

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Historic Japanese tea house with wooden exterior and hanging greenery, representing traditional hospitality culture.

  • Useful Japanese Phrases I Use Every Day at Work

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    From “ohayou gozaimasu” to “otsukaresama desu,” my day as a caregiver in Japan is filled with gentle phrases that show teamwork, care, and respect.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Smiling caregiver in green scrubs holding a paper heart, symbolizing kindness and compassion in caregiving.

  • Understanding “気分転換 (Kibun Tenkan)” — The Japanese Art of Refreshing the Mind

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    In Japan, kibun tenkan means taking a gentle pause to refresh your mood. Through my caregiving work and daily life, I’ve learned that even a small moment — a walk, a cup of tea, a quiet breath — can change everything.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    A person sits alone on a park bench surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms under the spring sunlight.

  • Osewa ni Natte Orimasu” Meaning and Usage — How to Use Japan’s Polite Expression of Gratitude

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    In Japan, you’ll often hear the phrase “Osewa ni natte orimasu.” It’s more than just “thank you” — it reflects gratitude, humility, and the value of human connection. Here’s what it really means and how to use it naturally in daily life and work.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    A peaceful bronze Buddha statue seated on a lotus pedestal surrounded by green pine trees at a Japanese temple garden, symbolizing serenity and mindfulness.

  • Understanding “Otsukaresama Desu”: A Small Phrase That Holds Japan’s Heart

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    When I first started working in Japan, I noticed one phrase floating around the workplace more than any other: “Otsukaresama desu.” People said it so often—after meetings, after lunch, even in the middle of the day. At first, I wasn’t sure what it really meant. But over time, I realized that this simple phrase carries…

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    A man wearing a white shirt rests inside a parked car with a towel over his eyes, taking a nap after work.

  • The Many Ways to Say “Oishii” in Japanese: Living Deliciously in Japan

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    In Japan, “oishii” is more than just “delicious.” It’s a word that shows up in everyday meals, in TV dramas, and in conversations that celebrate life’s small joys. On Oishii Days, I want to share not only how to use oishii when eating but also the many other ways Japanese people express taste and enjoyment.…

    Written by

    Genevieve G.