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!

How do you say "pain" in Japanese? Whether you're traveling, visiting a doctor in Japan, or just learning the language, knowing how to express pain accurately can be life-saving — literally. Japanese has a rich vocabulary for describing pain, including: Basic words like itai (painful) and itami (pain) Practical phrases like "my head hurts" and "it hurts here" Body part vocabulary for headaches, stomachaches, and more Unique onomatopoeia like zukizuki (throbbing) and gangan (pounding) — a fascinating feature of Japanese that even doctors use! In this complete guide, you'll learn everything you need to communicate pain in Japanese — from a simple "ouch!" to describing exactly what kind of pain you're feeling at a hospital. Let's dive in! 1. The Basic Word for Pain: 痛い (Itai) and 痛み (Itami) Two essential words to know: JapaneseRomajiMeaningType痛いItai"Painful" / "It hurts"Adjective痛みItami"Pain"Noun 痛い (Itai) — The Most Common Word for "It Hurts" Itai (痛い) is the word you'll use 90% of the time. It literally means "painful" but is used like the English "ouch!" or "it hurts." Examples: 「いたい!」 Itai! — "Ouch!" 「あたまがいたい」 Atama ga itai — "My head hurts." 「すごくいたい」 Sugoku itai — "It really hurts." Pro tip: When you're in real pain, just shout 「いたい!」 — every Japanese person will instantly understand. 痛み (Itami) — The Noun "Pain" Itami (痛み) is the noun form, used when describing pain more formally — like at a hospital or in writing. Examples: 「いたみがあります」 Itami ga arimasu — "I have pain." 「ひどいいたみです」 Hidoi itami desu — "It's a terrible pain." 2. Essential "It Hurts" Phrases in Japanese Knowing how to combine itai with body parts is the key to communicating pain naturally. The Basic Pattern: [Body Part] が痛い (ga itai) = "My [body part] hurts" EnglishJapaneseRomajiMy head hurtsあたまがいたいAtama ga itaiMy stomach hurtsおなかがいたいOnaka ga itaiMy throat hurtsのどがいたいNodo ga itaiMy back hurtsせなかがいたいSenaka ga itaiMy tooth hurtsはがいたいHa ga itaiMy eyes hurtめがいたいMe ga itaiMy chest hurtsむねがいたいMune ga itaiIt hurts hereここがいたいKoko ga itai Useful Variations 「いたいです」 Itai desu — "It hurts." (polite) 「ちょっといたい」 Chotto itai — "It hurts a little." 「とてもいたい」 Totemo itai — "It hurts a lot." 「いたかった」 Itakatta — "It hurt." (past tense) 3. Japanese Words for Body Parts and Common Pains Here are the medical-style noun forms for common pains — useful at hospitals and pharmacies. EnglishJapaneseRomajiHeadache頭痛ZutsuuStomachache腹痛FukutsuuToothache歯痛ShitsuuSore throatのどの痛みNodo no itamiBack pain腰痛YoutsuuJoint pain関節痛KansetsutsuuMuscle pain筋肉痛KinnikutsuuMenstrual pain生理痛Seiritsuu Pattern note: Many medical terms end in 痛 (tsuu) — meaning "pain" — combined with the body part. Once you spot this pattern, you'll recognize dozens of medical words! How to Use Them at a Hospital 「ずつうがします」 Zutsuu ga shimasu — "I have a headache." 「ふくつうです」 Fukutsuu desu — "I have a stomachache." 「ようつうがあります」 Youtsuu ga arimasu — "I have back pain." 4. Japanese Pain Onomatopoeia: The Secret Vocabulary Doctors Want to Hear Here's something fascinating: in Japan, doctors actually ask patients to describe pain using onomatopoeia — sound-symbolic words that capture the feeling of pain. When a Japanese doctor asks 「どんな痛みですか?」 Donna itami desu ka? ("What kind of pain is it?"), they expect an onomatopoeic answer. This is unique to Japanese — and once you learn these, you can describe pain more precisely than in English! The 12 Most Important Pain Onomatopoeia OnomatopoeiaRomajiType of PainBest ForずきずきZukizukiThrobbingHeadache, toothacheがんがんGanganPoundingSevere headache, hangoverしくしくShikushikuDull, achingStomachacheきりきりKirikiriSharp, twistingStomach cramps, ulcersじんじんJinjinTingling, numbingSmashed finger, numb limbsちくちくChikuchikuPrickingSkin pain, allergyひりひりHirihiriBurning, stingingSunburn, scrapesぴりぴりPiripiriSharp tinglingBurns, electric painいがいがIgaigaItchy sorenessSore throatびりびりBiribiriElectric shockNumbness, nerve painぎしぎしGishigishiCreakingJoint painごりごりGorigoriGrindingStiff shoulders, joints How Doctors Use Onomatopoeia "Atama ga gangan itamu" (頭ががんがん痛む) — "My head is pounding" "I ga kirikiri itamu" (胃がきりきり痛む) — "I have a sharp twisting stomach pain" "Nodo ga igaiga suru" (のどがいがいがする) — "My throat is itchy/scratchy" When you use these phrases, Japanese doctors can immediately understand the type of pain — often more precisely than describing it in plain words! ⚠️ Don't Mismatch Onomatopoeia and Body Parts Each onomatopoeia goes with specific types of pain. Avoid these common mistakes: ❌ "Nodo ga gangan itai" (My throat is pounding) — gangan is for heads, not throats ❌ "Atama ga shikushiku itai" (My head is dully aching) — shikushiku is for stomachs, not heads ✅ "Atama ga gangan itai" — Correct ✅ "Onaka ga shikushiku itai" — Correct 5. Other Useful Japanese Words for Feeling Unwell Pain isn't the only sensation you might need to describe. These onomatopoeia cover other physical feelings: SymptomJapaneseRomajiDizzinessくらくらKurakuraNauseaむかむかMukamukaSwollen hands/feetぱんぱんPanpanRacing heartbeatどきどきDokidokiFeverish/feeling hotぼうっとBōttoHeavy/sluggish bodyだるいDarui (adjective) Useful phrases: 「くらくらします」 Kurakura shimasu — "I feel dizzy." 「むかむかします」 Mukamuka shimasu — "I feel nauseous." 「だるいです」 Darui desu — "I feel sluggish." 6. How to Describe Pain Levels When the doctor asks how severe the pain is, here are the words you need: LevelJapaneseRomajiMeaning1少しいたいSukoshi itaiA little painful2ちょっといたいChotto itaiSlightly painful3いたいItaiPainful4けっこういたいKekkou itaiQuite painful5すごくいたいSugoku itaiVery painful6ものすごくいたいMonosugoku itaiExtremely painful7がまんできないGaman dekinaiUnbearable 7. Quick Reference: Survival Phrases for the Hospital Save these for your phone — they could save you in an emergency in Japan! SituationJapaneseRomajiIt hurts hereここがいたいですKoko ga itai desuI have a feverねつがありますNetsu ga arimasuI feel sickきぶんがわるいですKibun ga warui desuPlease call an ambulanceきゅうきゅうしゃをよんでくださいKyuukyuusha wo yonde kudasaiWhere is the hospital?びょういんはどこですかByouin wa doko desu kaDo you speak English?えいごをはなせますかEigo wo hanasemasu ka Practice Japanese with Native Speakers — For Free! The vocabulary in this article will help you survive medical situations in Japan — but real fluency comes from practice. The good news? You don't need to be in pain to start practicing Japanese! At Ohanasi Kagawa, we connect Japanese learners from around the world with native Japanese speakers for free language exchange events every weekend: Join a free online event from anywhere in the world Get paired 1-on-1 with a native Japanese speaker 15 minutes in Japanese, 15 minutes in English Beginner-friendly — mistakes are always welcome! 5,000+ members from 55+ countries You don't need to be in Japan to start practicing real Japanese. 👉 Join Ohanasi Kagawa for free and start speaking Japanese today! Summary: How to Say Pain in Japanese Key takeaways: 痛い (Itai) is the all-purpose word for "it hurts" — use it for almost any pain 痛み (Itami) is the noun form — used in formal/medical contexts Japanese has special medical noun forms like 頭痛 (zutsuu = headache) and 腹痛 (fukutsuu = stomachache) Onomatopoeia like ずきずき (zukizuki) and がんがん (gangan) are essential — Japanese doctors actually expect you to use them! Match each onomatopoeia to the right body part — don't say "atama ga shikushiku" 😅 The best way to remember all this? Practice with real Japanese speakers! 👉 Join Ohanasi Kagawa for free and practice Japanese with native speakers → Curious about Japanese language and culture? Check out our other guides: How to say sorry in Japanese: 5 ways to apologize What does Daijoubu mean? What does Sumimasen mean?

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!

How do you say "sorry" in Japanese? It's one of the first things travelers and Japanese learners want to know — and the answer is more interesting than you might think. In Japanese culture, apologizing properly is considered a form of politeness and respect. Japanese people apologize quickly and often, even in situations where Westerners might not feel an apology is needed. In this guide, you'll learn: 5 essential ways to say sorry in Japanese — from casual to extremely formal When and how to use each phrase correctly Body language that matches each apology The cultural meaning behind apologies in Japan Whether you're traveling to Japan, doing business with Japanese colleagues, or learning the language, knowing these phrases will help you communicate naturally and respectfully. Let's dive in! Why Apologizing Matters in Japanese Culture Compared to many Western cultures, Japanese people apologize much more frequently — and often quickly take responsibility, even when something isn't entirely their fault. For example, when two people bump into each other on the street in Japan, both will usually say "Sumimasen" (excuse me / sorry), regardless of who was at fault. Why? In Japan, apologizing first isn't seen as "losing." It's seen as: A sign of humility and good manners A way to keep social harmony (和 / wa) Showing respect for the other person's feelings Knowing how to apologize properly in Japanese isn't just about words — it's about understanding the culture. Now let's look at the 5 essential ways to say sorry in Japanese. 1. ごめん / ごめんなさい (Gomen / Gomennasai) — Casual Apology Use with: Family, close friends, romantic partners, children This is the most casual way to say sorry in Japanese. There are three levels of casualness: PhraseRomajiCasualnessごめんGomenVery casual (best friends, family)ごめんねGomen neSoft, friendlyごめんなさいGomennasaiCasual but slightly more polite Examples: 「遅れてごめん!」 Okurete gomen! — "Sorry I'm late!" 「ごめんね、わすれてた」 Gomen ne, wasureteta — "Sorry, I forgot." ⚠️ Important: Don't use gomen with your boss, customers, or strangers — it sounds too casual and can come across as rude in formal situations. Body language: Often paired with clasped hands in front of the chest (a small "please forgive me" gesture). 2. すみません (Sumimasen) — Everyday Polite Apology Use with: Strangers, acquaintances, colleagues, store staff, public situations Sumimasen is the most versatile word in this list. It means "sorry" or "excuse me" — and you'll hear it dozens of times a day in Japan. When to use it: 🚶 When you bump into someone on the street 🚇 When you step on someone's foot on a crowded train 🍴 When calling a waiter at a restaurant 🙋 When asking a stranger for directions 🚪 When entering or leaving someone's office Examples: 「すみません、おみずください」 Sumimasen, omizu kudasai — "Excuse me, water please." 「おまたせしてすみません」 Omatase shite sumimasen — "Sorry to keep you waiting." Fun fact: Sumimasen literally means "this won't end" or "I can't finish" — implying that your gratitude or regret has no end. Beautiful, right? Body language: A small bow (15° angle) usually accompanies sumimasen. 3. 失礼しました (Shitsurei Shimashita) — "Excuse Me for the Rudeness" Use with: Workplace situations, light formal apologies, leaving a room Shitsurei shimashita literally means "I was rude" — and it's used when you've done something slightly inappropriate or intrusive. When to use it: 🚪 When leaving someone's office or a meeting room 📞 When you call the wrong number 🤝 When interrupting someone briefly ⏰ When you're a bit late to a meeting Examples: 「失礼しました!」 Shitsurei shimashita! — Said when leaving someone's office 「お電話まちがえてしまい、失礼しました」 Odenwa machigaete shimai, shitsurei shimashita — "Sorry, I dialed the wrong number." This phrase is especially useful in business and professional settings. It's polite without being heavy. Body language: A medium bow (30° angle). 4. もうしわけございません (Moushiwake Gozaimasen) — Deep Formal Apology Use with: Customers, clients, serious business situations, when you've made a real mistake Moushiwake gozaimasen is the formal apology used in business and customer-facing situations. The word moushiwake means "excuse" — and the phrase literally translates to "there is no excuse." It's a heavy, sincere apology. Use it when you really mean it. When to use it: 🏪 As a store employee apologizing to a customer 💼 When apologizing to a client for a mistake 📦 When a delivery is delayed ⏳ When customers have been waiting Examples: 「おまたせして、もうしわけございません」 Omatase shite, moushiwake gozaimasen — "We deeply apologize for the wait." 「ご迷惑をおかけして、もうしわけございません」 Gomeiwaku wo okake shite, moushiwake gozaimasen — "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience." Even more formal version: 「申し訳ありません」 Moushiwake arimasen (slightly less formal) or 「誠に申し訳ございません」 Makotoni moushiwake gozaimasen (extremely formal). Body language: A deep bow (45° angle), held for 2-3 seconds. 5. 土下座 (Dogeza) — The Ultimate Apology Use with: Almost never in modern life — but culturally important to know Dogeza is the most extreme form of apology in Japan: kneeling on the ground and placing your forehead on the floor. You've probably seen this in samurai movies, anime, or Japanese TV dramas — someone in deep regret throwing themselves to the ground in front of a feudal lord or business client. Modern reality: Dogeza is rarely used in everyday life today. It's considered overly dramatic and is mostly reserved for: Historical or theatrical contexts Extreme situations (extremely rare) Symbolic gestures of total submission When you see it now: Mostly in TV dramas, manga, and anime. If you ever encounter dogeza in real life, it usually signals something very serious has happened. Cultural note: Even though it's rare, dogeza remains a powerful symbol in Japanese culture — representing the deepest level of remorse possible. Quick Reference: Which Apology to Use SituationPhraseFormalityTexting a friend "sorry I'm late"GomenCasualBumping into someone on the streetSumimasenPoliteLeaving a meeting roomShitsurei shimashitaFormal-lightApologizing to a client for an errorMoushiwake gozaimasenVery formalBegging for forgiveness in a TV dramaDogezaExtreme Body Language: How to Bow Properly In Japan, the depth and length of your bow matches the depth of your apology. Bow typeAngleWhen to useEshaku (会釈)15°Light "sumimasen" — passing someone, light greetingsKeirei (敬礼)30°"Shitsurei shimashita" — business situationsSaikeirei (最敬礼)45°"Moushiwake gozaimasen" — serious apologiesDogezaKneelingExtreme situations only Pro tip: When apologizing seriously, avoid eye contact during the bow. Looking up while bowing can come across as insincere. Common Mistakes Foreigners Make ❌ Mistake 1: Saying gomen to your boss or a customer → ✅ Use sumimasen or moushiwake gozaimasen instead ❌ Mistake 2: Using moushiwake gozaimasen for small things → ✅ Use sumimasen — moushiwake is for serious mistakes ❌ Mistake 3: Saying "sorry" in English when you should apologize in Japanese → ✅ Even basic Japanese apologies are deeply appreciated by locals ❌ Mistake 4: Forgetting to bow → ✅ The bow is half of the apology — words alone aren't enough in formal situations Practice Apologizing with Native Japanese Speakers — For Free! Reading about Japanese apologies is one thing. Actually using them in conversation is what makes them stick. At Ohanasi Kagawa, we connect Japanese learners from around the world with native Japanese speakers for free language exchange events every weekend: Join a free online event from anywhere in the world Get paired 1-on-1 with a native Japanese speaker 15 minutes in Japanese, 15 minutes in English Beginner-friendly — mistakes are always welcome (and you'll have plenty of chances to practice sumimasen!) 5,000+ members from 55+ countries You don't need to be in Japan to start practicing real Japanese. 👉 Join Ohanasi Kagawa for free and start speaking Japanese today! Summary: 5 Ways to Say Sorry in Japanese #JapaneseRomajiUse For1ごめん / ごめんなさいGomen / GomennasaiFriends, family, casual2すみませんSumimasenEveryday, strangers, polite3失礼しましたShitsurei shimashitaLight business apology4もうしわけございませんMoushiwake gozaimasenFormal business, customers5土下座DogezaExtreme, rarely used today Key takeaways: Apologizing is a core part of Japanese culture and politeness Match the formality level to the situation — using gomen with a customer is rude Body language (bowing) is just as important as the words Japanese people deeply appreciate when foreigners try to apologize in Japanese — even imperfect attempts! 👉 Join Ohanasi Kagawa for free and practice Japanese apologies with native speakers → Curious about Japanese language and culture? Check out our other guides: What does Sumimasen mean? Complete guide What does Daijoubu mean? How to say "Do you speak Japanese?"

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!

Do you think Japanese is difficult? Learning to read and write is not easy. How about speaking and listening? The Japanese language has "katakana" to represent words from foreign languages. Katakana is used to represent words from foreign languages in Japanese. Once you get used to the Japanese pronunciation of katakana words used in conversation, you will be able to understand many words. For example: 「スターバックスでキャラメルフラペチーノとドーナツが食べたい」 "Starbucks de Caramel Frappuccino to donut ga tabetai." It is only a matter of time before you will be able to somehow understand what they are talking about. However, what you have to be careful of is Japanese-English, which has evolved uniquely in Japan. Many katakana are used in ways that are unrelated to their original meaning. In this article, we will introduce some complicated Japanese-English words that native English speakers should be aware of in Japan. バスルームはどこですか? "Where is the bathroom?" If you wanted to go to the bathroom and asked,「バスルームどこですか?」 "Bathroom wa dokodesuka?" where do you think you would be directed? It is the bathing room. In Japanese houses, toilets and baths are kept separate. So, we don't call the toilet a "bathroom." When you say,「バスルームに行きます」 "I'm going to the bathroom," at a Japanese friend's house, they might get surprised.  チップスを食べる "Eating chips" When we speak of chips in England, we mean French fries. In Japan, chips mean potato chips. They are the same potato, but they are completely different foods. If you say to a Japanese friend, "I want chips," he or she may offer you nori sio (seaweed salt) flavored potato chips. スマートな人 "Smart person" What kind of person do you consider smart? Smart people, clever people, and stylish people come to mind, right? In Japan, the word "smart" is used to describe a person's physical shape. Slim people are called smart. Both are words of praise, but they have completely different meanings, so please be careful how you use them. サイダーを注文する "Order a cider" Cider is a drink in Japan. However, if you order it thinking it is cider, you will not get apple juice or apple wine. Cider is a clear carbonated juice in Japan. Of course, it is non-alcoholic. Ramune, a traditional drink, is also a type of cider. ドライバー "A driver" A driver is a person who drives a car. This is the same in Japan. But it also means "screwdriver" in Japan. It is a tool used to turn a positive or negative screw. And the club used to hit a golf tee shot (the first shot) is also called a "driver." So you need to determine which "driver" it is from the content of the conversation. Summary Japanese-English that differs from the original English meaning may be confusing. There are many foreign words in katakana. Once you get used to katakana, you will feel more familiar with the Japanese language! Let's have a fun conversation using katakana at Ohanashi Kagawa!

In this page, we will tell you how to participate in the Ohanasi Kagawa language exchange events from the Ohanasi Kagawa website. For detailed instructions on each step, please refer to the pages dedicated to each step. It may seem difficult at first, but it is actually very simple, so please read carefully until the end. Event Participation Flow 0 - Register an account with Ohanasi Kagawa if you have not done it yet Click here to register for an Ohanasi Kagawa account >>> 1 - Jump to Ohanasi Kagawa login page 2 - Enter your email address and password to login 3 - Select the event you want to attend from the recommended events 4 - The event you have reserved will appear in the reserved events 5 - On the day of the event, login to Ohanasi Kagawa and click the "Join" button 6 - Enter the event venue 7 - Wait for the opening presentation to begin 8 - Seating order is announced during the opening presentation 9 - Move to your seat after the opening presentation 10 - Start talking with your partner as soon as you are seated 1 - Jump to Ohanasi Kagawa login page First of all, click the “Login” button on the Ohanasi Kagawa website to enter the login screen. Click here to login >>> If you have not yet registered for Ohanasi Kagawa web app, please do so first. Registration is free. Click here to register an account >>> How to register an account >>> 2 - Enter your email address and password to login Once you enter the login screen, you can log in by entering your email address and password. Click here to log in >>> 3 - Select the event you want to attend from the recommended events After logging in, scroll down a little (move the screen down) to see the recommended events. Click on the Details button to see event times and details about the event. Click on the Reserve button to reserve an event without having to view the event details. When you find an event you would like to attend, press the Reserve button. 4 - The event you have reserved will appear in the reserved events When you click the “Reserve Event” button, your reserved event will appear in the reserved events box. Ohanasi Kagawa focuses on 1-on-1 talks, and a tally is taken 24 hours prior to the event to balance the event attendees to ensure that there is a 1:1 ratio. The tally is done on a first-come, first-served basis, which means that some people will be able to attend the event and others will not. For example, if there are 30 Japanese language learners applying for the event and 25 English language learners, the 5 people who applied after the Japanese language learners will not be able to participate. If you are able to participate in the event after the total is calculated, the enter button on the reserved event will change from gray to green, and you will be able to click on the enter button. Please understand that if you are unable to attend an event due to oversubscription, the reserved event displayed in the reserved events will be automatically deleted. Please also check your registered e-mail for the tally results. 5 - On the day of the event, login to Ohanasi Kagawa and click the "Join" button When it is time for the event, please log in to Ohanasi Kagawa. After logging in, click the “ Join” button on the reserved event. After clicking the “ Join” button, you will be redirected to the event site called “Remo”. 6 - Enter the event venue Clicking the "Enter Event Venue" button will take you to the event venue (Remo). You will not be able to enter the event venue until the event start time. When it is time for the event to start, please follow the procedure in Remo to enter the event venue. If you cannot enter the event venue, please let our staff know via chat. Contact us >>> 7 - Wait for the opening presentation to begin When you enter the venue, please turn on your camera and microphone first. Until the opening presentation begins, you can either chat with other attendees, wait in the break area, or listen to explanations from the staff at the beginner's table. To move around, double-click on the seat you wish to occupy. The timer above will display the time until the opening presentation begins. What to do if you have a problem at the event venue? How to deal with mechanical troubles Regarding basic operation of Remo 8 - Seating order is announced during the opening presentation When the opening presentation begins, staff will welcome you and play a video describing the event. After that, please check the general chat as your name and seat number will be announced in the general chat. (You can check your name and seat number from the general chat on your chat button even after the presentation is over.) Click here for basic Remo operation >>> 9 - Move to your seat after the opening presentation Double-click on your seat to go to your seat after the opening presentation. If you want to check your seat, please click the "Chat" button next to the camera and microphone, and press the "General Chat" button. If you are unable to move or are unsure of your seat, please come to the central staff room or chat with the "Event manager" in the chat room. 10 - Start talking with your partner as soon as you are seated When you arrive at your seat, please start a conversation with your partner for 15 minutes in Japanese and 15 minutes in English. Our staff will be patrolling the room, so if you have any trouble, please call us anytime. Also, if you have any trouble while talking with your partner, please let our staff know via chat or come directly to the staff room. Conclusion How was it? We hope that by understanding the general procedure of Ohanasi Kagawa events, it has made it easier for you to participate in our events. I am sure you will be very nervous at the beginning. However, please feel free to come to the event as there are many staff members who will be patrolling and supporting you for this purpose. We are sincerely looking forward to your participation. Join Ohanasi Kagawa events >>>

When you are learning Japanese, you may be confused by the many expressions with similar meanings. This time, I will explain three different expressions: "にしては", "のわりに", and "のくせに", and compare them. Let's check the meaning of these expressions and see when you can use them! "にしては", "のわりに", and "のくせに" are expressions used when the result is different from what you expected or hoped for. For example, if you say, "このおかし、¥100にしてはおいしいね! (This candy tastes great for 100 JPY!) it means that you expected that the taste would not be so good for 100 JPY, but it turned out delicious. In the same way "このおかし、¥100のわりにおいしいね！"(This candy tastes good even though it costs only 100 yen.) "このおかし、¥100のくせにおいしいね！"(This candy tastes good even though it costs 100 yen.) you can say like this, but there are some differences. First of all, "くせに" has an insulting implication. "¥100のくせに (Even though it's only 100 yen)," which implies that you are looking down on a 100-yen snack. In addition, you can often use "にしては" when your thoughts differ from what is generally expected, and "のわりに" when your subjective expectations differ from what is generally expected. So when you want to express your personal opinion, you use "のわりに". It is also important to remember that you cannot use "~にしては" after an adjective. You can say, "このおかし、やすいわりにおいしいね！(This candy tastes great even though it is cheap!)" , but "このおかし、やすいくせにおいしいね！(This candy tastes great despite its cheap price!)" sounds like a sarcastic compliment. As you can see, there are slight differences in the usage of "にしては", "のわりに", and "のくせに". If you have a chance to come into contact with Japanese, please pay attention to which one they are using.  Let's increase your knowledge of the Japanese language and enjoy learning Japanese even more! Even so, it's hard to understand the differences in grammar. There is no one nearby who can teach me the differences in grammar in an easy-to-understand way. I want to learn grammar more clearly. Have you ever thought like that? At our online Japanese language school, we have prepared original teaching materials and curriculum to help you learn Japanese grammar in an easy-to-understand way. Wouldn't you be happy if you could master Japanese grammar and become more confident in speaking Japanese? If you are interested in our online Japanese Language School, click the link below to see more information. Learn more

”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