‘Kyun’.
Binge-watch and enjoy this weekend. Get ready to feel the ‘Kyun’! Did you know? ‘Kyun’ is the Japanese word for the sweet feeling of your heart skipping a beat. Kyun MindfulnessAt35 #FindYourIbasho
Japanese culture
JapanesePronouns
Did you know that Japanese has an incredibly diverse range of words for “I”? In English, we simply use “I,” but in Japanese, your choice of first-person pronoun reveals a lot about who you are, how you see yourself, and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. It is essentially a tool for “self-designing”
A Quick Smile
Let me introduce two very short “Rakugo” (traditional Japanese sit-down comedy) stories. They are simple, classic, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face! check out my website (or Instagram)! 🗝️✨ FamilyBond BinboHimanashi PiponPresents #Rakugo #JapaneseHumor #ShortStories #CultureExchange #JapaneseLanguage
ConversationArts
Following my previous post about the beautiful traditions of letter writing, let’s shift our focus to the fascinating world of daily spoken communication. Have you ever been chatting with someone and felt that natural instinct that it’s “time to wrap up this topic” or “time to head home,” but wondered how we actually signal that
JapaneseCulture
In the world of Japanese language education, there is a famous saying: “English is a language of ‘Doing’ (Suru), while Japanese is a language of ‘Becoming’ (Naru).” At first glance, this might seem like a simple grammatical rule. However, it connects deeply to a matter of the heart—how we perceive and experience the world around
They understand without being told.
“You don’t have to cook anything today. Just stay in bed and rest.” These few short words from my family—spoken when I was completely bedridden and weak from sudden summer heat—held the beautiful essence of what we call a “high-context culture” in Japan. 1. The Art of “Not Saying Everything” In cultural anthropology, communication is
The Japanese Aesthetic of “Ma” (The Space Between)
When we are constantly running through our busy daily lives, we sometimes lose track of where our heart truly lies. In Japan, there is a beautiful concept called “Ma” (間). It refers not simply to an empty void, but to a meaningful pause or a “blank space” that is essential for moving forward. The few
The Japanese Aesthetic of “Ma” (The Space Between) Read More »
Cho-musubi (Bow Knot)
In Japan, we have a beautiful tradition of decorating gifts with “Mizuhiki”—ornamental paper cords. They are not just decorations; they are a physical expression of the giver’s heart and prayers for the recipient. As working adults, we often navigate the world wearing invisible “armor” to protect ourselves. However, the moment we choose a gift for
🧺 A Life Without Strain
Through my 30s, I remember constantly feeling like I was “reaching” (背伸び). I was chasing career goals, navigating tricky relationships, or just struggling to keep up with my own ideals. There was a lot of striving, worrying, and a lot of life experience gained. But now that I’ve reached my 40s, my mind has finally
SelfRefinement
I’ve decided to try everything I want to do. Life is too short and precious to waste! Right now, the cherry blossoms in Japan are incredibly beautiful. Watching them bloom reminds me of the beauty of “new beginnings.” My story, The Way of Olivia, is the result of my own small courage. I hope it