抹茶色のランドセル：A Matcha Green Randoseru – What A Choice Can Say
In Japan, elementary school students use a backpack called a “randoseru”, and its color can reflect identity, social expectations, and the surprising weight of a child’s “simple” choice.
幸運のサイン：When Good Luck Sends a Sign
Ritsuko Sensei introduces Japanese symbols of luck and shares her dracaena’s bloom as a hopeful sign.
宇多田ヒカル：Utada Hikaru – An Iconic Japanese Singer
Sensei Mayu shares her thoughts about the interesting word-use of Utada Hikaru, and how her song“Hikari” can be felt in different ways.
「出世」という言葉: What Does “Success” Really Mean?
Shusse usually means career success—but in Japanese, the word also applies to fish. What is that all it means?
またあれが食べたい！：Local Flavors and Memories from Guatemala
I Want to Eat That Again! Do You Have a Food That You Miss and Always Remember?
Chiyoko Sensei Shares Her Favorite Foods from Guatemala
Japanese Essay: 生理が戻ってきた！(I got my period back!)
Learn Japanese by reading a short essay about menstruations, women’s health and medical situations with English translation and Furigana.
Japanese Short Essay: ダンスへの愛があふれる (My love for dance)
Learn Japanese by reading a short essay about Saya Sensei’s long relationship with dance with English translation and Furigana.
Japanese Short Essay: “Crafting Queens” ― 女友達とメンタルヘルス
Learn Japanese by reading a short essay “Girlfriends and Mental Health” with English translation and Furigana.
Japanese Short Essay: しぜん、山の川、元気
Learn Japanese by reading a short essay about “Nature, river and energy” with English translation and Furigana.
Japanese Short Essay: フリーランス、効率性、スペイン
Learn Japanese by reading a short essay about “Freelance, productivity and Spain” with English translation and Furigana.
Japanese Short Essay: 8月、夏休み、仕事
Learn Japanese by reading a short essay about “August, Summer vacay, work” with English translation and Furigana.
Japanese Short Essay: 口笛、階段、幸せ
Learn Japanese by reading a short essay about “Whistling, stairs and happiness” with English translation and Furigana.