Namiko's Japanese Language Blog

My mom came to visit me last week. As I mentioned in my previous blog, I am very close with my mom. It was nice to see her and we had a great time. Whenever she comes, she often finds some differences from home. She said to me that she felt a little awkward going into the bathroom without wearing slippers. What? Slippers? Yes, I totally forgot about bathroom slippers in Japan. The toilet is in a separate room from the bathtub and slippers are usually set there. It is kind of a funny custom to wear slippers even in a tiny bathroom.


Japanese Translation

I am glad that quite a few people responded saying that the "Japanese Word of the Day" email course is great material to learn from. Some people, especially advanced learners, are asking if I could add Japanese writing for each word. Actually, there is a link under "Today's Audio Files" in the email lesson you receive every day. It leads you to the "Word of the Day" lesson on my site, which includes Japanese writing. It would be great if you have the time to check out Japanese writing and listen audio files every day.

I want to let you know that I've started "Word of the Day" lessons by email. Each day you will receive a new word with a definition, pronunciation and example sentences. I hope they will help you to build vocabulary or refresh your knowledge. If you are interested, click here to subscribe. I've also started adding romaji translations for "Namiko’s Blog Lessons". I would encourage you to learn as much Japanese writing as possible, but I thought Japanese translation (in kanji, hiragana and katakana) might be a little bit overwhelming for beginners. The important thing is to enjoy reading and learn something from them. I always appreciate your comments or input about my column.


Japanese Translation

June is the rainy season (tsuyu) in Japan. It lasts until mid-July in most parts of Japan, except the northern island, Hokkaido. The Japanese children make a little doll called, "teruteru-bouzu" when they wish for a sunny day. They look like little ghosts that you'd see at Halloween. When I first saw little Halloween ghosts in North America, they reminded me of teruteru-bouzu. There is a song about "teruteru-bouzu." When we were little, we sang this song and flipped a shoe to the sky, and if it lands on its face it would be sunny tomorrow. Such simple fun, isn't it?


Japanese Translation

I was reading an article that the production of "kayaributa" is now at its peak before summer starts. When I saw a picture of it, it made me nostalgic. "Kayaributa" is a pig shaped pottery that you put a mosquito coil (katori-senkou) in. It is one of the things that give a poetic charm to the Japanese summer. Why a pig? Unfortunately I don't have the answer, but it has a humorous look, doesn't it? Since there are many mosquitos in Japan, katori-senkou is an essential item for summer. It has been used for more than 100 years and is still popular. I wonder if other hot and humid countries have something similar.


Japanese Translation

I like children's picture books (ehon). I enjoyed reading them when I was little and I still enjoy them very much. Since children's books are usually written in hiragana, I think they are great material to learn Japanese reading and writing from. There are so many books that I like. I will be introducing a book once in a while in my blog. "Daruma-chan to tengu-chan" by Satoshi Kako is one of my all time favorites. The two very Japanese characters, daruma-chan and tengu-chan are cute and humorous. I found out there is an English version available ("Little Daruma and Little Tengu"). I am curious to know how this story is translated into English.


Japanese Translation

I crave Japanese sweets once in a while. Since I grew up eating them, I even have a nostalgic feeling for them. I made "daifuku" today, which is made from rice flour stuffed with anko (red bean paste). They were very yummy! You can also put strawberries inside of anko and make "ichigo daifuku". There are several other varieties of daifuku. It is funny, when I am in Japan, I never think about making Japanese sweets at home, because they are available everywhere and quite reasonably priced, too.


Japanese Translation

My hometown has a danjiri festival in May every year. Danjiri is a traditional wooden float in the shape of a shrine or temple. The taiko (drum) and kane (bell) are used to play the danjiri rhythm. Whenever I hear the sound, I get very excited. I was not able to see the festival for several years, and when I saw it and heard the rhythm again, I was almost in tears. It surprised me how much I missed it and was moved by it. I think many cultures have rhythm rooted in its country and people. My nephew and niece visited my parents place during the danjiri festival this year. They loved it and followed it through the town.


Japanese Translation

Next Sunday is Mother's Day (Haha no hi). Click here to learn the kanji character for "haha (mother)." Although "Happy ~" can be translated as "~ omedetou," there is no Japanese equivalent of "Happy Mother's Day." Sending a Mother's Day card is not too common in Japan, but giving flowers (especially carnations) is a popular thing to do. I am very close with my mom. She is very open-minded and has been very supportive of whatever I have done. Since hugging parents (except by children) is not a common practice in Japan, I sometime wonder if words are enough to show love. Besides, I feel a little embarrassed to express my feelings in front of her, but I always appreciate her open mindedness.


Japanese Translation

I was at a kids’ party and saw a game being played. A picture of a donkey was on a board and blindfolded children were trying to pin a tail on it. Both my Japanese friend and I had never seen this game before, but we both agreed on how similar it is to the Japanese game called, "fukuwarai." I found out later that the game is called, "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" and it is one of the most popular games at children’s parties. I am surprised that I’d never come across it before. It is interesting to realize that culture is something you have to grow up with and experience. I am sure that every Japanese person knows about "fukuwarai" and has played it at sometime in their childhood.


Japanese Translation