January 17, 2024 • 10m
Written Japanese was developed and refined after Japan began using Chinese kanji characters in the early 5th century. This history...Read more
January 24, 2024 • 10m
This episode focuses on words related to yama (mountains). Mountains make up about 75% of Japan's territory, and they have made th...Read more
February 21, 2024 • 10m
This episode focuses on me (eye). Just like other languages, Japanese has a lot of words and phrases related to eyes, and they are...Read more
February 28, 2024 • 10m
This episode focuses on words related to fukuro (bag). Reflecting its unique wrapping culture, Japan has a wide variety of bags, l...Read more
April 24, 2024 • 10m
This episode focuses on words related to shio, or salt. Salt played an important role in the development of Japan's food culture a...Read more
May 1, 2024 • 10m
In this episode, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan explores Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture and examines words and ex...Read more
May 29, 2024 • 10m
This episode focuses on kuruma, which means both wheel and wheeled vehicle. A ubiquitous word, it has rolled its way into many Japanese expressions.
June 5, 2024 • 10m
This episode focuses on kawa, which means both river and stream. These flowing bodies of water have played a central role in Japan...Read more
July 3, 2024 • 10m
This episode focuses on nana, or the number seven. Seen as a lucky number in Japan, it has given rise to many unique everyday words and expressions.
July 10, 2024 • 10m
This episode focuses on kuchi (mouth). Japanese has many words and phrases related to its shape and functions.
July 31, 2024 • 10m
This episode focuses on shibai, which means both "a play" and "acting." It describes all types of acting and has produced many unique expressions.
August 7, 2024 • 10m
This episode focuses on gekijo, or "theater." Japanese theaters have characteristic features that have produced many idiomatic expressions.
September 25, 2024 • 10m
This episode focuses on fumu, meaning both "to step" and "to stomp." The action is an important part of Japanese Shinto rituals an...Read more
October 2, 2024 • 10m
This episode focuses on oto, or "sound." Japanese is rich in sound-related expressions and idioms, many describing aspects of repu...Read more
October 29, 2024 • 10m
The Manyoshu is the oldest extant anthology of Japanese poetry. Through poems presented in both manga and a modern setting, we gli...Read more
November 6, 2024 • 10m
The Manyoshu is the oldest extant anthology of Japanese poetry. Through poems presented in manga and a modern setting, we glimpse ...Read more