Hikikomori : Pulling Away from the World

Hikikomori refers to an extreme version of social withdrawal that is especially prevalent in Japan and affects hundreds of thousands of young men. The term refers to the person as well as the phenomenon.

literally means ‘pulling away,' Hikikomori (引きこもり, shut-in) is a diagnosed mental disorder in Japan. While every country has its share of people who hide away from the outside world and its social obligations, it’s extremely common in Japan, a country whose people are known for their shyness.

Bunraku : traditional puppet theatre of Japan

Bunraku, (文楽), also known as Ningyō jōruri (人形浄瑠璃) or Japanese puppet theater founded in Osaka in 1684, is probably the most developed form of puppetry in the world. It is closer in style to Punch and Judy than Pinnochio as there are no strings and in its early days the puppeteers were hidden behind a curtain.

Maneki Neko - Lucky Cat

Maneki Neko (招き猫) is a traditional Japanese figure, which is believed to bring good luck to the owner. This figure is usually displayed at the entrance of shops, restaurants, pachinko parlors, and other businesses.

Literally translate as "Beckoning Cat," Maneki Neko are usually moving one paw. If the cat figure is raised the left paw it means that is trying to attract more clients, on the other hand if it is the right paw, it means that is attracting money, although some believe the opposite.

Let's Play With the Japanese Wordplay

One unique feature of the Japanese language allow you to use numbers to create phrases that are easy to remember. What is it??

Japanese double entendres have a rich history in Japanese entertainment, because of the way that Japanese words can be read to have several different meanings and pronunciations (homographs). Also, several different spellings for any pronunciation and wildly differing meanings (homophones). Often replacing one spelling with another (synonyms) can give a new meaning to phrases.

Itasha: Otaku Car Modification

What happens when anime otaku and petrolheads combine?

Itasha (痛車) is a Japanese term for an otaku decorating the bodies of their cars with fictional characters of anime, manga, or video games. Predominately "cute" female characters, usually involve paint schemes and stickers. Automobiles are called Itasha, while similar motorcycles and bicycles are called itansha (痛単車) and itachari (痛チャリ).

humour : School Test

It was the first day of school and a new student, the son of a Japanese businessman, entered the fourth grade.

The teacher said, "Let's begin by reviewing some American history. Who said "Give me Liberty, or give me Death?"

Introduction to the Japanese Folklore

Japan have so many foklore which is heavily influenced by both Shinto and Buddhism, the two primary religions in the country. It often involves humorous or bizarre characters and situations and also includes an assortment of supernatural beings, such as, kami (gods and revered spirits), yōkai (monster-spirits), yūrei (ghosts), and animals with supernatural powers such as the kitsune (fox), tanuki (raccoon dog), and bakeneko (transforming cat), as well as sacred objects and possessed objects. Nonetheless, these are stories handed down for many generations that have a basis in fact with perhaps a little fiction and superstition thrown in over time.