Japanese sweets are a must-try among Japanese foods. In particular, I would like to recommend Japanese sweets using "anko" (red bean paste). Anko is made from sweetened and mashed azuki beans. It is also called "an." It is a popular ingredient in traditional Japanese sweets. Foreigners may feel some resistance to food made from sweetened beans. However, anko and bean foods are not the same thing. Once you try it, you will be surprised at how delicious it is. And you may be addicted to its cute appearance. Today, we will introduce some typical Japanese sweets using anko. こしあん"Koshi-an" and つぶあん"Tsubu-an" are two types of red bean paste There are two main types of red bean paste. One is "koshi-an." Koshi-an is made from cooked azuki beans that have been mashed and then strained. The outer skin of the azuki bean curd is removed so that the texture is very smooth. The other is "tsubu-an." Tsubu-an is made by cooking azuki beans softly, leaving the grains and skin. People either prefer koshi-an or tsubu-an. The colors of red bean paste which are called あかあん "Aka-an" and しろあん "Shiro-an" The color of red bean paste made from azuki beans is described as "aka." Technically, it is not red but rather a brownish-reddish-purple or purplish-reddish-brown color. The general term "aka-an" refers to red bean paste made from red beans such as red kidney beans as well as azuki beans. There is also a type of red bean paste called "shiro-an." "Shiro-an" is made from white beans, such as white kidney beans and white flower beans, cooked sweetly and mashed. Japanese sweets using あんこ "anko" たいやき Taiyaki It is shaped like a fish and filled with tsubuan on the inside. It may seem strange that there is bean paste in a fish, but it is a cute-looking Japanese sweet. There are specialty stores in Asakusa and other sightseeing spots. It is recommended to eat them while walking around. どらやき Dorayaki This Japanese sweet is made with a fluffy pancake-like dough stuffed with tsubu-an. Honey is used in the batter, making it moist and fluffy. Some pancakes contain chestnuts or shiratama (white rice balls like mochi) along with the red bean paste. They are available at convenience stores, supermarkets, and Japanese confectionery stores. いまがわやき Imagawayaki It is a Japanese sweet with a round shape and a filling of tsubuan or shiroan inside. It is sometimes called "oban-yaki" or "kaiten-yaki," depending on the region. In Hyogo Prefecture and the Kansai region, Imagawa-yaki is called "Gozasouro." This is the name of the Imagawa-yaki store that originated in Hyogo. "Gozasoro" is loved by the locals, and is now easily found in the food sections of department stores all over the country. It can be eaten in department stores and tourist areas. だいふく Daifuku It is a Japanese sweet made of mochi dough and wrapped with either koshi-an or tsubu-an. There are many ways to arrange the bean paste and the dough. Mame daifuku is made by boiling large peas or black beans with salt and wrapping them in mochi dough. There are also various types of Daifuku, such as salty salt Daifuku and Kusa Daifuku with yomogi (mugwort). We especially recommend the strawberry daifuku. It contains a single strawberry wrapped in mochi dough and koshian. It can be purchased at convenience stores, supermarkets, department stores, and Japanese confectionery stores. There are many other Japanese sweets using anko.  おだんご Odango ようかん Youkan 八つ橋 Yatsuhashi 最中 Monaka あんぱん Anpan あんみつ Anmitsu おしるこ Oshiruko The list is endless when you include famous local confections. That is how inseparable Japanese sweets and anko are. Let's get to know Anko, talk about Japanese sweets, and have fun at Ohanashi Kagawa!

What Japanese do you know? When you are just beginning to learn Japanese, you have to memorize a lot of words. Konnichiwa Itadakimasu Kawaii Arigato These words are also important Japanese words for communication. However, there are more useful words. Words that are one word but can be used in various situations. Here are some words and ways to use them: We recommend these words for beginners who wish to speak Japanese. The word だいじょうぶ "Daijoubu". The word "daijoubu" can be used conveniently with various meanings. In fact, "daijoubu" is a strange word that has both positive and negative meanings. The pronunciation of "daijoubu" is not difficult even for foreigners, so it can be very useful once you learn the situations in which it is used. If you know how to use this word, even beginners in Japanese should be able to speak like native speakers. だいじょうぶ "Daijoubu" with a positive meaning When you fall or get injured 「大丈夫?」 「大丈夫」 「Daijoubu?」 「Daijoubu」 If nothing happened or if the injury was not serious. When you catch a cold and was absent from school. 「たいちょうは大丈夫?」 「大丈夫」 「Are you feeling daijoubu?」 「Daijoubu」 If you are not that sick and recovering. When you are busy at work. 「たいへんそうだけど大丈夫?」 「大丈夫」 「You look busy. Daijoubu?」 「Daijoubu」 If you can manage on your own. When confirming an appointment. 「あしたのよていは大丈夫?」 「大丈夫」 「Are you daijoubu for tomorrow’s appointment?」 「Daijoubu」 If you are going to be on schedule. When you are asked to do something 「これ、きょうじゅうにできる?」 「大丈夫」 「Can you finish this by tomorrow?」 「Daijoubu」 If you know you can do it or are confident about it. Positive "daijoubu" is a common pharse in everyday life. だいじょうぶ "Daijoubu" that has both a positive and negative meaning When asked for opinions on the food. 「Is it good?」 「Daijoubu」 When asked about a new hairstyle or outfit. 「How’s my haircut?」 「Daijoubu」 One must be careful with the answer "Daijoubu" in this situation. It can mean "good" in a positive way, but it can also mean "not good" at the same time. だいじょうぶ "Daijoubu" with a negative meaning. When asked if you want a plastic bag at a convenience store. 「ふくろはいりますか?」 「大丈夫です」 「Do you need a plastic bag?」 「Daijoubu desu」 When you need one. When you want to decline an invitation. 「きょう、のみにいこうか?」 「大丈夫です」 「Do you want to go out for a drink?」 「Daijoubu desu」 When you don’t want to go. Although the correct response would be "irimasen" or "ikimasen," it is commonly used by Japanese who cannot say "no" directly and prefer to decline softly.  "Better get used to it than learn it." As the Japanese proverb says, practice makes perfect! Let's talk with people using "daijoubu" at Ohanashi Kagawa!

In a previous column, I introduced "Daijyoubu" as a useful Japanese word that can be used by beginners. Today, I would like to recommend "Sumimasen" as the second useful Japanese word! "Suminasen" has several meanings depending on how you use it. When you apologize When you call out to someone When you show your appreciation At first, it may seem complicated, but if you know the situations in which it is used, it is not difficult to use it in conversation. "Sumimasen" is a common word used in everyday life. Once you understand how to use it, even beginners in Japanese will be able to communicate effectively. Here are some easy explanations of how to use "すみません sumimasen" in many different situations. "すみません Sumimasen" used when apologizing The word "sumimasen" is used to apologize. This is the same meaning as "gomennasai." It is a slightly more polite way of apologizing to someone you don't know or to someone you are not very close to. When you bump into someone: 「すみません」 " Sumimasen" When you are late for an appointment: 「すみません。おそくなりました」 "Sumimasen. I'm late." When you break something: 「すみません。コップをわってしまいました」 "Sumimasen. I broke a glass." Notes. When apologizing after a fight with a friend, you do not use "すみません sumimasen." In this case, it is "ごめんなさい Gomennasai." "すみません Sumimasan" used when calling out to someone. We use "sumimasen" as a word to call out to people. When there are people around the train door and you can't get through: 「すみません。おります」 "Sumimasen. I’m getting off." When you want to call an waiter at a restraunt: 「すみません。ちゅうもんをおねがいします」 "Sumimasen. Please take an order." When you want to ask a question: 「すみません。しぶやえきはどこですか」 "Sumimasan. Where is Shibuya Station." The word "sumimasen" is very common in everyday life. In many cases, it is used to address strangers rather than close friends. "すみません Sumimasen" used to express a gratitude The word "sumimasen" is also used to express your gratitude. It has the same meaning as "thank you," but is often used when someone is kind to you. When someone opened a door for you. When someone offered you a seat on the train When someone waited for you to get on the elevator. The word "sumimasen" to express your thanks can also be replaced by the polite "Arigato gozaimasu." Once you understand the three meanings of "sumimasen" and learn how to use it, you will enjoy Japanese conversation even more. Trying using "suminasen" and speak up at Ohanashi Kagawa!

What cute Japanese expressions do you know? Japanese adverbs include words that describe the state of things in detail. Words that are formed by combining words into a single word are called "Jogo (畳語)". For example: きらきら Kirakira  さらさら Sara sara ほのぼの Hono bono すくすく Suku suku  The word " Jogo" may sound difficult, but don't worry. Most Japanese people do not even know the word "Jogo". It is a simple word, but it is not the language of young children, and is commonly spoken and heard in daily life. It is casually used in various situations. In this issue, we will introduce some cute Japanese words related to the "texture of food." What is ふわふわ fuwa fuwa? What comes to mind when you hear the word "fuwa fuwa"? Most Japanese people think of bread. You see it in commercials and at bakeries as "fuwa fuwa bread" or "fuwa fuwa texture." Japanese people love soft and fluffy bread. Japanese words for texture like this remind us of what kind of food we are eating. And it is important to understand what kind of condition the food is in. Cute words to describe texture 「さくさく Saku saku」 Fried pork cutlets, fried shrimp, croquettes, tempura, and curry buns. Used when fried food is crispy. 「かりかり Kari kari」 French fries, well-cooked bacon, and small hard pickled plums Use for slightly hard and chewy foods. 「ぷりぷり Puri puri」 Shrimp, squid, and octopus. Used for firm and chewy foods. 「ほくほく Hoku hoku」 Sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and chestnuts. Often used for autumn foods. 「あつあつ Atsu atsu」 Ramen, soup, sukiyaki, and takoyaki. Used for foods cooked warm. 「ねばねば Neba neba」 Natto, okra, yams, and nameko mushrooms. Used for sticky foods. Is it different from onomatopoeia? Onomatopoeia is a language that uses verbal onomatopoeia, mimetic words, and gibberish to describe the state of things, movements, and animal noises. Wan wan, doki doki, za- za,Sube sube, and so on. Onomatopoeia is not only formed by combining words into a single word: はくしょん　Hakushon がっかり　Gakkari うんざり　Unzari ガシャン　Gashan パチン　Pachin おぎゃー　Ogyaa There are many different ways of expression. "Jogo" is a part of onomatopoeia. There are many more cute Japanese words to describe food. Let's check out what words are used for ingredients, cooking methods, and food conditions! You are sure to find a cute expression. How many words can you say to describe the texture? Let's talk about food at Ohanashi Kagawa!

It is painful when you feel pain in your body. You may feel pain when you are sick, injured, or have stomach pain for an uncertain reason... There are many possible situations. In Japanese, we don't use difficult words to describe pain. It can be conveyed with onomatopoeia, a word made up of a single word combined with other words. For example, when you go to the hospital with a headache, the doctor may ask you: "What kind of pain is it?" How would you answer it? Throbbing (zuki zuki) Pounding (gan gan) We use these words when we have a headache. Today, I will introduce some useful Japanese words that you should know. This way, you could reduce stress of not being able to communicate well even though you are not feeling well. What kind of pain do you feel? When your tooth hurt ずきずき Zuki zuki When your finger is stuck in a door じんじん Jin jin When one has a stomach ache きりきり Kiri kiri しくしく Shiku shiku When you have a sore throat いがいが Iga iga When the limbs go numb じんじん Jin jin びりびり Biri biri When the skin is sunburnt ひりひり Hiri hiri When you have stomach ache ちくちく chiku chiku しくしく Shiku shiku When your bones or joints hurt ぎしぎし Gishi gishi ごりごり Gori gori When you have a burns and peeling skin ぴりぴり Piri piri ひりひり Hiri hiri Words to use when you're not feeling well Dizziness くらくら Kura kura Nausea むかむか Muka muka When the hands and feet are swollen ぱんぱん Pan pan When your heartbeat quickens どきどき Doki doki Will the hosipital understand? 「胃がきりきりと痛む」 "E ga kirikiri itamu (I have a splitting stomach ache)." Most Japanese can imagine what kind of pain it is. The expression "kiri kiri" is accepted as common knowledge. Of course, it is also understood in hospitals. When a doctor asks patients, 「どんな痛みですか」"What kind of pain do you have?" It is better to use onomatopoeia such as "zuki zuki," "gan gan," or "shiku shiku" to convey the pain more accurately than explain it in other ways. Things to watch out for It can be complicated until you get used to describing pain. When you feel a headache, you will realize that it is a throbbing feeling. It is hard to experience each pain separately. However, you must be careful not to use the wrong word for pain. Do not say, "Nodo ga gangan itai (my throat is pounding)," or "Atama ga shikushiku itai (I have a griping pain in my head)." Let's first try to apply onomatopoeia to the pain you experience. It is very useful to know what kind of pain you are experiencing by sensing the location of the pain and the symptoms. Let's have fun at Ohanashi Kagawa and learn about what expressions of pain we can use!

For those interested in Japanese food, I would like to recommend Japanese bread. Many of you might be familiar with Japanese bread. It has appeared in recent anime and manga, along with ramen and onigiri (rice balls). What makes Japanese bread so special is its softness. The fluffy texture of the bread will certainly surprise foreigners who are used to eating hard bread. You will also be surprised at the many varieties of bread available. There are many different types of breads to choose from, ranging from sweet dessert breads to side dish breads with ingredients on top. We recommend freshly baked bread from a bakery, but you can easily find good bread at convenience stores as well. Here are some breads I would like to recommend. When you visit Japan, be sure to try some of these breads. Cute looking メロンパン“Melon pan” Do you know why the melon pan got its name? There are several theories, but one is that it resembles a muskmelon because of the lattice pattern in its appearance. There is no melon in the bread. Some melon pan has a slight aroma of melon. The main feature of the melon pan is the use of cookie dough on top of the bread. At first bite, you will be surprised by the texture of the crispy cookie. Then, you will be impressed by the softness of the bread inside. Recently, there have been melon pans, like the one with cream. However, we recommend you try the simple melon pan. In Asakusa, Tokyo, there is a store that specializes in melon bread. Mysterious food? カレーパン "Curry pan" Curry pan is bread with curry inside. Furthermore, this bread is not baked in an oven but fried in oil. That is why the surface of the bread is crispy. The soft bread is filled with spicy curry, and it can be eaten as a snack or a lunch. There are different kinds of curry ingredients, depending on the bakery. Beef Curry Keema Curry Curry with lots of vegetables If you come across freshly fried curry bread at a bakery, it is worth a try! The classic flavor! あんぱん"An pan" Azuki beans are an essential part of wagashi (Japanese traditional sweets). There are two types of an: tsubu-an and koshi-an. Tsubu-an is made with the azuki bean skin left on, while koshi-an is made by removing the azuki bean skin and rubbing the azuki bean paste into a smooth paste. A pan is available in both koshi-an and tsubu-an. The soft buns are filled with a sweet bean paste that is not too sweet. Anpan is a perfect introduction to Japanese sweets. Why not give it a try? Let's talk about Japanese bread at Ohanashi Kagawa!

"Japanese is beautiful." "But it is difficult." When you are studying Japanese, you may face such challenges. But you don't have to worry about it. You can improve your language skills by learning Japanese with a curious mind. There are adjectives and adverbs in Japanese that express feelings or convey a state of feeling. You can use onomatopoeia to convey your feelings more clearly. Idioms may also be used to express yourself. Idioms can be difficult to master without thinking in their native language. But if you find the unique phrases interesting, you will be able to learn them. If you understand the idioms used in daily life, you will be able to express yourself more effectively in Japanese. Today, we will introduce some useful idioms using colors. What are “かんようく” idioms? Idioms are expressions that many Japanese are familiar with in their daily lives. Japanese idioms have been used for a long time. An idiom is a unique Japanese phrase made up of two or more words. It expresses a special meaning different from the original meaning of the word. A similar word is "proverb," but an idiom does not contain a lesson or saying and is a short expression. Idioms are used as metaphors for things. There are many unique phrases in Japanese, such as idioms using the body and idioms using animals. "かんようく"Idioms using colors ”Me no iro wo kaeru (目の色を変える)” To change one's eyes in response to anger, surprise, or other changes in emotion Example: "Sukina mono wo miruto meno iro ga kawaru." “Iromegane de miru (色眼鏡で見る)” To view people with preconceptions or prejudice. To have a biased view of things. Example: ”Shotaimen no hito wo iromegane de minaiyouni shiyou.” “Makkana uso (真っ赤な嘘)” An obvious lie. An absolute lie. An unmistakable lie. Example: ”Sorewa jijitsudehanai. Makkana usoda.” “Aka no tanin (赤の他人)” A complete stranger. An unrelated person. A person who has no connection to you. Example: “Anohito towa mattaku kankeiganai. Aka no taninda.” “Shiroi me de mirareru (白い目で見られる)” To be looked at coldly. To be looked at with suspicion. Example: “Densha no nakade oogoe de hanashitara, mawarikara shiroi me de mirareta.” “Hakushi ni modosu” (白紙に戻す)” To return to the original condition. To put things back the way they were. Example: “Jyoukenga awanai koto de kono torihiki wa hakushi ni modoshimasu.” “Me wo shirokuro saseru (目を白黒させる)” To be very surprised. To get surprised and flustered. Example: “Takarakuji ga attate me wo shirokuro saseta.” “Haraguroi (腹黒い)” People who plan things in their minds that are not good. People who are mean. People who plan to do bad things. Example: “Ano hito wa haraguroi kara kage de nani wo itteruka wakaranai.” “Kiiroi koe (黄色い声)” The high-pitched cheers of women and children. It's also called "Kiroi seien." Example: “Aidoru no consert kaijyou wa kiiroi koe de ippaida.” “Tonarino shiba wa aoi (隣りの芝生は青い)” The feeling of seeing other people's things better than your own. The feeling of envying others. Example: “Kochi no cake yori socchi no cake no hou ga oishisou ni mieruno wa, tonarino shiba ga aoku mirerudake.” This idiom is based on an English phrase (The grass is always greener on the other side. ). Let's have a fun conversation using idioms at Ohanashi Kagawa!

Do you know how many "words of apology" there are in Japanese? The words you use depend on the situation: words for family and friends, words for people you are not close to, and words used in business situations. Compared to foreigners, Japanese people tend to apologize immediately. This is because many Japanese people think that when they bump into someone on the street, for example, it is not the other person's fault.  Of course, there are people who blame the other person and get angry. In most cases, it is the Japanese who immediately say the words　「ごめんなさい」 "Gomennasai" or 「すみません」"Sumimasen." In Japan, it is not considered a loss if you apologize first. Being able to apologize properly is also a form of politeness in Japan. In this article, we will explain the types of words to use to apologize in Japanese and how to use them easily. Words of apology 「ごめんなさい」"Gomennasai" 「ごめんなさい」“Gomennasai” 「ごめんね」”Gomenne” 「ごめん」”Gomen” These are used to apologize to family members, friends, and those close to you. They are commonly used in everyday life. Words of apology 「すみません」 "Sumimasen” 「すみません」"Sumimasen" is used when you cause trouble for someone you don't know or don't know very well. It is a slightly more polite apology. For example:  ・When you bump into someone on the street ・When you step on someone's foot on the train Words of apology 「もうしわけございません」"Moushiwake gozaimasen” 「もうしわけございません」"Moushiwake gozaimasen" is an apologetic phrase used in business situations. It is used in situations where you are apologizing politely. For example: When the cash register at a store is crowded, 「おまたせして、もうしわけございません」 "Omatasesite moushiwake gozaimasenn." When your order is taking a long time to arrive at a restaurant, 「もうしわけございません。もうしょうしょうお待ちください」 "Moushiwake gozaimasen. Mou shoushou omachikudasai." How to use the right words to apologize Let me explains how to use different words to apologize when you are late for an appointment. To a friend, 「ごめんね」 "Gomenne." At a hair salon 「すみません」 "Sumimasen." To a clients at work 「もうしわけございません」 "Moushiwake gozaimasen." Movement when apologizing There is also a gesture of apology. When used in combination with words of apology, it is more effective in expressing the sense of apology. 「ごめんなさい」 "Gomennasai" Clasping hands 「すみません」 "Suminasen" Bow your head 「申し訳ございません」 "Moushiwake gozaimasen" Bow your head. What is 土下座“Dogeza”? Kneeling on the floor or ground and placing one's hands on the ground to express an apology. It can be seen in historical and TV dramas. It is rarely used in everyday life. Kneeling on the ground is the highest level of apology. Summary It's better not to have too many opportunities to apologize. But if you know these three apology words, you can use them when the time comes. Are there opportunities to use words of apology at Ohanashi Kagawa?

When foreigners come to Japan, they are surprised at the number of vending machines. They will be surprised at how easily they can find vending machines in their daily lives. In Japan, vending machines are available anytime, anywhere, and whenever you want. There is no need to look around for a store just because you are thirsty. You can find a vending machine in no time. Isn't that convenient? In this article, I would like to introduce the convenient and useful vending machines in Japan. Convenience of vending machines Vending machines have become an important part of Japanese life. They are so familiar to us that we don't even realize how much we appreciate them when we live in Japan. Once you try using a vending machine, you will fall in love with its convenience. Easy to find vending machines Vending machines can be found throughout the city, on the streets, inside buildings, and beside the entrances to convenience stores. Even in rural towns without stores, vending machines can always be found. They can be found not only in downtown areas, such as in front of train stations but also in residential areas, allowing people to purchase drinks whenever they need them. Lots of different kinds of drinks Water, tea, juice, sports drinks, and coffee are the most common drinks sold in vending machines. Some machines have an assortment of corn soup, oshiruko (Japanese sweet red bean soup), and amazake (sweet sake), which is a good drink to have when it is cold. Most vending machines are managed by beverage manufacturers. So the types of drinks sold and their prices vary by a vending machine. Sometimes rare drinks that are not sold in convenience stores or supermarkets are sold. Finding your favorite beverage is part of the fun too. You can choose between cold and hot drinks What makes Japanese vending machines excellent is that cold drinks are properly refrigerated. If you are thirsty on a hot summer day, you can get a cold drink as expected. On a cold winter day, you might want a hot drink. Hot beverages such as tea, coffee, and soup are available too. The availability of cold and hot beverages from a single vending machine is a wonderful example of Japanese technology. Accepts cash as well as electronic money Cashless vending machines are spreading in urban areas. Although it varies from vending machine to vending machine, an increasing number of machines accept transportation-related electronic money such as Suica, and distribution-related electronic money such as Nanaco, WAON, and Rakuten Edy. At Narita and Haneda airports, there are vending machines that accept credit cards. It is possible that your first purchase upon arrival in Japan was a drink from a vending machine. Please note that some vending machines in rural areas only accept cash! Items sold in vending machines Beverages are not the only things sold in Japanese vending machines. There are many different types of vending machines. They range from the most common to the most unique. Some local stores have vending machines that sell unique local delicacies, so if you see one, why not give it a try? Ice cream Breads, pastries Cakes Cigarettes Beer Frozen dumplings Local gourmet Fresh flowers Let's talk about vending machines and drinks at Ohanashi Kagawa!

”I don’t understand Keigo at all!” Many Japanese learners might find it hard to understand Keigo (honorific expressions). However, it is not only Japanese learners who are struggling with Keigo. Many Japanese people also feel that they are not good at Keigo. Today let’s study together just three Keigo (honorifics) commonly used by the Japanese! What is Keigo in the first place? Japanese people value vertical relationships in their daily lives. Therefore, we use Keigo as a polite expression for people who are older than you, have a higher position than you have, or when you meet someone for the first time. It’s hard to explain all about Keigo in this email, so if you’d like to learn more about them, we recommend you take a lesson at our school! Today, I’ll share only three Keigo we often use with you. 1. いらっしゃいます = いく(go) / くる (come) The Keigo of いく “go” and くる “come” is いらっしゃいます. いらっしゃいます is used when the other person is superior to you. Example Sentence せんせい、今度(こんど) わたしの家(いえ)にいらっしゃいませんか？ Sensei, would you like to come to my home in the future? 2. おっしゃる = いう (say) The Keigo of いう” say” is おっしゃる. おっしゃる is also used when the other party is superior. Example Sentence すみません。今(いま) なんとおっしゃいましたか？ Excuse me. May I ask what you just said? 3. ごらんになる = みる (look, see, watch) The Keigo of みる “look, see, watch” is ごらんになる. Example Sentence こちらをごらんください。 Please take a look. How was the Keigo this time? Keigo is indeed difficult to learn, but if you do not master it well when you come to Japan, you might be seen as impolite by Japanese people. If you'd like to be able to speak Japanese fluently, we recommend this post below https://ohanasikagawa.com/blog/way-to-speak-japanese