Japanese Patterns of Design

Japanese clan symbols: Kamon of notable clans

Do you believe ancient clans still exist in Japan today? Yes, they do, as their descendants are still alive today. Generations of respecting the value of family have allowed Japanese clan symbols, aka Kamon...

Bento: Japanese lunch box makes lunch time fun!

Bento boxes with chopsticks Photo by kofookoo.de on Unsplash Bento is a tasty lunch box that every Japanese is familiar with. Everyone has his own favorite bento and memories with them. They use color and...

Cool Japanese Last Names and their Meanings

This Kamon represents the Japanese family name “Kato” Japan has a vast number of last names. Many of them originated around the 12th century and became official after the Meiji restoration in the...

Kamon: the Symbol of Japanese Family Identity

Uesugizasa Kamon, the Japanese family crest, indicates a family’s origins. Unlike the coat of arms, it doesn’t belong to an individual but to a family. Foreigners can have one if they wish...

Kamon Story: Based on True Unsolved Murder

Maru-ni Agehacho The murder occurred in 1906. It is treated as one of the unsolved cases because the statute of limitations has passed. Renowned novelist Seicho Matsumoto wrote a story about it and added a...

Japanology

400+ Simple Japanese Words

Simple Japanese words you see in this post assure you to have a smooth conversation with Japanese natives. We’ve listed them up by categories, so you can easily find the suitable words for each situation you would...

60+ Useful Japanese Phrases

Useful Japanese phrases can make you feel closer to the Japanese natives. You might already know essential words and want some useful phrases in the next step. Fine! You’ve come to the right place. You can find...