The Main Difference Between「は」and「が」
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The Main Difference Between「は」and「が」

A simple question for beginners studying Japanese is, what are the main differences between「は」and「が」? Some of you may have come across them before and initially thought their uses are very similar, if not the same. However, their actual meaning is quite different, and something very difficult to articulate via English. One similarity you may have…

Reiwa: 令和 The Beginning of Japan’s New Era
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Reiwa: 令和 The Beginning of Japan’s New Era

Reiwa: 令和 The Beginning of Japan’s New Era was announced by the Japanese Government on 1 April Monday, 2019. At this time, Japan also entered a new financial year, welcoming with it some changes to its immigration rules too. These new immigration laws will allow some foreign nationals to enter Japan as unskilled workers. However,…

The State of Being – だ, です, じゃない and じゃありません
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The State of Being – だ, です, じゃない and じゃありません

In this exercise, we will explore the equivalent expression of ‘to be’ or ‘not to be’ (that is the question ?… hmmm) in Japanese.  Firstly, we will look at 「だ」 and the similar, but the more formal version of 「だ」 which is 「です」. Then, we will look at the negative state of being 「じゃない 」….

The Differences in Use Between「を」and「が」
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The Differences in Use Between「を」and「が」

As we continue to explore the difference in Japanese particles, we will look at two which are particularly useful. These are used for distinguishing objects and identifying unknowns, namely 「を」 and 「が」 respectively. If you’re new to Japanese particles, you may be interested to read our first entry about the basics titled ‘Topic Marker and…

Viewing Autumn Leaves at Narita San (成田山で紅葉)
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Viewing Autumn Leaves at Narita San (成田山で紅葉)

Dating back to 940, Narita-San or more specifically Narita-San Shinsho-ji (成田山新勝寺) is a temple located in central Narita, Chiba. It is a well-known temple within the Kanto region and regularly holds large events. These typically happen during the seasons of New Year (お正月), Obon (お盆), Spring and Fall. The gardens are especially pretty during the…

Topic Marker and Sentence Ending Particles – は, も, よ & ね!
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Topic Marker and Sentence Ending Particles – は, も, よ & ね!

In this exercise, we will examine the main particles used at the start of Japanese sentences, namely 「は」(wa), which is used to identify the topic of a sentence. Additionally, we will look at 「も」(mo), which can also be used as a similar topic markers, but has the added meaning of ‘as well’ or ‘too’. We…

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park – 広島平和記念公園
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Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park – 広島平和記念公園

August 6, 1945, would be the day that goes down in history that devastated the city of Hiroshima, and particularly the area surrounding the Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park for years to come. The United States dropped one of two Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima, codenamed ‘Little Boy’, it was the first time in world history that…

Grave of the Fireflies (火垂るの墓) – Film Review
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Grave of the Fireflies (火垂るの墓) – Film Review

The 1988 classic film Grave of the Fireflies (火垂るの墓) came way before Studio Ghibli’s (ジブリ) many classics such as Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し), Howl’s Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城) and My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ). However Grave of the Fireflies will always be the classic movie to me, and without exception my favourite. Based on the book written by the…

FAQ Japan Essential Explore Japan FAQs
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FAQ Japan Essential Explore Japan FAQs

This is our growing frequently asked question list of questions and solutions that will remain to progress as the site grows. We urge you to upload any type of questions you have in our comments section, as well as we will answer them as quickly as we can. Moreover, we suggest you examine back everyday…

Japan Considers Relaxing Major Prerequisite for Foreign Investors
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Japan Considers Relaxing Major Prerequisite for Foreign Investors

It has actually been reported that the Justice Ministry remains in the process of reviewing key requirements for foreign nationals wanting to start a service and also stay in Japan. According to resources, the primary criteria they are looking for to change for the international capitalist visa is the capital arrangement of 5 million yen….

Journey in Japan Part 53: In the Land of Spuds and Money
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Journey in Japan Part 53: In the Land of Spuds and Money

Today I overslept. It is 4 pm when I finally creep from my bed. Having missed a lot of the day, as well as without a plan, I make a decision to head to Asakusa to locate something to do. When I reach Asakusa, I instantaneously hear the noise of banging drums. Complying with the…