Onsen vs. Sento vs. Ofuro: What’s the Difference?
Onsen is one of the popular destinations when we go on a sightseeing trip, while I sometimes go to a nearby Sento and take an Ofuro every day. The three Japanese terms, Onsen (温泉), Sento (銭湯),...
Recommendation of Unique Japanese Products and Culture BLOG
Bekkoame: Ame Hard Candy, like Bekko or Tortoiseshell
The other day, I found a hard candy or Ame (飴) in a supermarket that we Japanese are familiar with but that I rarely see sold at stores. The treat called Bekkoame (べっこう飴) is...
Suntory Tokucha Premium vs. Tokucha Green Tea
I’m a long-time lover of Suntory Tokucha Green Tea, and I have continued drinking the Tokuho beverage almost every day since the last post about it. This year (2022), Tokucha (特茶) marked the 10th...
Why Gaki (ガキ/餓鬼) Means Child in Japanese
Although we usually use the word Kodomo (子供) when describing a child, we sometimes refer to an ill-mannered/annoying kid as a Gaki. Gaki (ガキ/餓鬼) is a vulgar Japanese term for brat in English, but...
Sakura: Another Meaning of the Japanese Word
When people hear Sakura (さくら), many will probably picture beautiful pink cherry blossoms in full bloom in the spring. Yes, Sakura (桜) is the Japanese word for the cherry tree and its blossoms, but...
Umeshiba: KariKari Ume Pickled Plum from Muraoka
Muraoka Foods (村岡食品) is a Gunma, Maebashi-based food company known for its pickle snacks. The maker produces and sells unique treats, unlike any other, which include Chorogi, Gonjiri, and this Umeshiba (梅しば). Umeshiba (梅しば)...
Meccha vs. Totemo vs. Honto Ni: Meaning & Usage
Meccha (めっちゃ/滅茶), Totemo (とても), and Honto Ni (ほんとに/本当に) are Japanese synonyms used to emphasize an adjective or an adverb. In other words, these phrases are interchangeable, but unlike Totemo and Honto Ni, Meccha is slang,...
Another Sakuma Drops from Sakuma Seika (サクマ製菓)
Sad news hit Japanese candy fans recently; Sakuma Seika (佐久間製菓: Sakumaseika), headquartered in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, announced that the company will shut down operations on January 20, 2023. It’s a shame, but their Sakuma Drops (correctly Sakuma’s...
