If you think every foreign-sounding word in Japan comes from English… think again! Many words that sound English actually come from German or French — and most Japanese people don’t even realize it. It’s one of those delightful quirks of language that shows how Japan borrowed, mixed, and reinvented words in its own way. Let’s explore some examples that might surprise you!   German Words Hiding in Plain Sight During the Meiji era (late 19th century), Japan learned a lot from Germany — especially in medicine and science. That’s why many “English-looking” words in Japanese actually came from German.     Arubaito (アルバイト) — from Arbeit, “work”. In English you’d say “part-time job,” but in Japan even students proudly say, “I have an arubaito.”   Karute (カルテ) — from Karte, “medical record/card”. Every patient has one — this word lives in every hospital.   Kombināto (コンビナート) — from Kombinat, “industrial complex”. It sounds high-tech — because it is, linguistically!   Orugōru (オルゴール) — from Orgel, “music box”. The word feels as nostalgic as the sound it makes.   Even today, medical and technical fields in Japan keep many German-based terms — a reminder of how much Japan once admired German precision and discipline.   French Elegance in Everyday Life France left its mark on fashion, food, and lifestyle. Some words are so natural in Japan that few realize their French roots.   Zubon (ズボン) — from jupon, “petticoat/underskirt”. Somewhere along the way, it transformed into “pants.” Quite a wardrobe change!   Apaato (アパート) — from ...

What Is Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year)? In Japan, New Year’s celebrations, called Oshogatsu (お正月), are the most important annual event. Unlike Western countries where December 31 is central, Japanese families focus on January 1–3, spending time with relatives, visiting shrines, and preparing symbolic food. It is a time for starting fresh, showing gratitude, and praying for health, happiness, and prosperity in the year ahead. Decorations for the New Year Kadomatsu (門松) Kadomatsu are bamboo and pine decorations placed at the entrance of homes or buildings. The bamboo represents growth and strength, while pine symbolizes longevity and resilience.They are meant to welcome ancestral spirits and the Shinto deities who bring blessings for the year. Shimenawa (注連縄) A sacred rope made of rice straw, shimenawa is hung on doors or gates to ward off evil spirits.Paper streamers called shide are often attached, marking the space as pure and protected. Kagami Mochi (鏡餅) Kagami mochi is a decoration made of two stacked rice cakes with a small bitter orange (daidai) on top. The round shape represents harmony, while the daidai symbolizes prosperity for future generations.Families display kagami mochi in their living rooms as an offering to the gods and later eat it in a ritual called kagami biraki in January. Food Traditions Osechi Ryori (おせち料理) Osechi ryori is a set of traditional dishes served in colorful lacquered boxes called jubako.Each dish carries symbolic meaning: Kuromame (black beans)  Good health and hard work. Sweet black soybeans simmered slowly in sugar and soy sauce. Soft, slightly sweet, and glossy in ...

Matsuri—Japanese festivals—are vibrant gatherings where communities celebrate the seasons, give thanks, and come together in joyful spirit. From the thunder of taiko drums and the glow of paper lanterns to the aroma of sizzling street food, a matsuri is less a performance than a living tradition that welcomes locals and visitors alike.   What Is a Matsuri? At its heart, a matsuri is a community celebration often connected to a shrine, a seasonal milestone, or local history. While rooted in tradition, festivals are remarkably open: streets fill with music, dancers form circles you can join, and neighborhoods proudly showcase their unique styles.   So Many Styles, So Much Energy Japan’s festivals are wonderfully diverse. You’ll see mikoshi—portable shrines—carried on shoulders through narrow streets; floats (some on wheels) rolling by to the beat of drums; raucous festivals where floats are pushed, spun, or even crashed into each other; and fiery rites where sacred objects are symbolically burned to purify and renew. Daytime can feel like a neighborhood parade—night brings a magical shift: lanterns glow, chants rise, and the crowd moves as one.   Street Food & Stalls Most matsuri feature rows of yatai (food stalls): yakisoba, takoyaki, grilled corn, shaved ice, candy apples, and more. Game stalls offer goldfish scooping or ring toss for kids. It’s casual, delicious, and social—the snack-in-one-hand, cheer-with-the-other kind of evening.   Joining the Festival Matsuri aren’t just for watching—many invite participation. You might rent a yukata in summer, learn simple dance steps, or join a chanting crowd as the procession passes. ...

Omikuji (おみくじ) are traditional Japanese fortune slips found at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.Visitors draw them to receive guidance or predictions about different aspects of life, such as health, love, business, or travel.The word omikuji comes from kuji (lottery), reflecting the random nature of drawing a slip. History of Omikuji The origins of omikuji can be traced back to the Heian period (794–1185).Initially, they were used for decision-making at temples, often to determine important matters by divine will.Over time, omikuji became more accessible and transformed into a fortune-telling practice for ordinary people. Types of Fortunes Daikichi (大吉) – Great Blessing The best result, symbolizing excellent fortune, success, and happiness. Chūkichi (中吉) & Shōkichi (小吉) – Middle & Small Blessings Moderate luck, often meaning gradual progress or small successes. Kichi (吉) – Blessing A general good fortune, but with advice to be cautious. Suekichi (末吉) – Future Blessing Luck that will come later, after patience and effort. Kyō (凶) – Curse / Bad Luck Unfavorable fortune. However, it often comes with advice on how to overcome challenges. How to Draw an Omikuji Approach the omikuji stand at a shrine or temple. Pay a small fee (usually 100–300 yen). There are two common styles: Lottery Box Style Shake a wooden box until a numbered stick comes out, then receive the corresponding fortune slip.   Self-Service Box Style Place your coin into a donation box, and directly pick one folded paper slip from the box yourself. Read your fortune and reflect on its message. What to Do with ...

Ema (絵馬) are small wooden plaques sold at Shinto shrines in Japan.Visitors write their wishes or prayers on them and then hang the plaques at the shrine. The word ema literally means "picture horse"—originally, people offered horses to the gods, but over time this practice was replaced with wooden tablets. History of Ema The tradition of ema dates back to the Nara period (710–794).At first, real horses were given as offerings to deities for protection or blessings. Later, images of horses were drawn on wooden plaques instead, making the offering more symbolic and widely accessible. Today, ema can feature not only horses but also a variety of designs depending on the shrine and the type of prayer. Common Types of Ema Love and Relationships Ema with heart motifs or couples are common at shrines dedicated to love, such as Jishu Shrine in Kyoto.Visitors pray for romance, marriage, or harmony in relationships. Academic Success At shrines near universities, ema often feature designs for education.Students write their wishes for passing entrance exams or academic achievement. Health and Longevity Ema related to good health or recovery from illness are found at shrines focusing on healing deities. Business and Prosperity Some ema are decorated with coins or treasure symbols, used by people wishing for financial stability and success. Designs and Seasonal Variations Zodiac Signs: Many shrines sell ema with the year’s zodiac animal. Shrine-Specific Motifs: Some shrines have unique ema with images of their main deity. Seasonal Events: For New Year’s, special ema are released for wishes for the ...