Find a Job that Fits You in Japan (3): Find Your Passions
Let's Discover Your Passions To Find Your Suitable Job in Japan Have you read the previous article, "Find a job that fits you in Japan (1): Find Your Values" and "Find a job that fits you in Japan (2): Find Your Talents"? If not, please read them first to find your values and talents. As […]
Find a Job that Fits You in Japan (2): Find Your Talents
Let's Discover Your Talents To Find Your Suitable Job Have you read the previous article, "Find a job that fits you in Japan (1): Find Your Values"? If not, please read it first to find your values. As we discussed in that article, to find a job that truly suits you, it must satisfy three […]
Find a Job that Fits You in Japan (1): Find Your Values
Let's Discover Your True Values To Find Your Suitable Job Finding the right job for you may seem easy, but it is actually difficult. Often, people work at jobs that they are good at, but don't last long; people work at jobs they love, but lack the skills and techniques; people work at jobs they […]
How to use "Chotto" in Japanese?
It is quite natural for a word to have multiple meanings in a certain language. In Japanese, too, a single word can have many meanings. One of the representative words is "chotto" ちょっと. It is normally written in hiragana. Chotto has so many different meanings, some similar and some opposite. It may sound complicated, but […]
What Is "Haiku"?
Haiku, made up of only 17 syllables arranged in a 5‐7‐5 pattern, is said to be the shortest poetic form in the world. Unlike a "tanka," a haiku is required to have a seasonal word in it. Haiku have become popular overseas, and there are some enthusiasts who compose haiku in English. Takahama Kyoshi's famous […]
What Is "Tanka"? たんか 短歌
Tanka (literally “short poem”), which belongs to the old Japanese poetry called "waka 和歌," is a 31‐syllable poem formed by five lines in the pattern of 5‐7‐5‐7‐7. Originally there existed other forms in "waka" such as "choka 長歌" (literally “long poem”), which was distinguished from "tanka." With the disappearance of "choka" and other minor forms, […]
The History of Japan's School Lunch
The History of Japanese School Meals The School Lunch Law enacted in 1954 states that “Administrators of compulsory education schools must endeavor to implement provision of school meals at applicable compulsory education schools.” As a result, in Japan, most elementary school students and junior high school students eat kyushoku (school lunch). Parents usually pay 250 […]
Discrimination against Koreans in Japan
Zainichi Sabetsu: Discrimination against Koreans in Japan By Ryoji Shimada There is discrimination in every country. Even in Japan, which is so safe that women can walk alone at night, there is discrimination. Discrimination against women is a major problem in Japan, especially among developed countries. There are many other forms of discrimination, and discrimination […]
What is Andon? Making Andon, a Japanese lantern
Lantern making with a Japanese washi paper The andon is a lantern made of Japanese paper and framed with bamboo or wood lit by burning oil or a candle. It is believed to be originally used by the Buddhist monks during the Muromachi period (1392-1573) as portable lighting. In the Edo period (1600-1867), the andon was especially popular for […]
Japanese Food Going International: Sushi, Ramen, etc.
(The photo is Osechi Ryori*: Japanese New Year Feast) Japanese Food Going International: Sushi, Ramen, etc. The world as it concerns food in the 21st century is an extraordinary spectacle. On the one hand are the famine and food shortages among developing nations, on the other is gluttony and obesity. Heightened global interest in Japanese food […]