Culture
Japan is full of shortened words — and once you notice them, you’ll hear them everywhere. From remote control becoming Remo-con to smartphone becoming Sma-pho, abbreviations are a fun and natural part of everyday Japanese communication. 1. Why Japanese People Shorten Words Japanese culture values efficiency and simplicity, but there’s more to it than that. The Japanese language has a natural rhythm made of short syllables, so shortening words makes them easier to say and gives them a catchy, rhythmic sound. That’s why even foreign brand names and people’s names get shortened based on sound, not spelling: Starbucks → Staba ...
In Japan, you’ll often come across free items and services that might surprise you — especially if you’re visiting from a country where almost everything comes with a price tag. From restaurants to city streets, Japan’s culture of hospitality and marketing makes “free” a part of everyday life. Free Water in Restaurants In many countries, you have to buy bottled water at restaurants. But in Japan, a glass of cold water — or sometimes tea — is served automatically and free of charge as soon as you sit down. It’s offered before you even place your order, and refills ...
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