Anime (アニメ ) are Japanese animated productions that can be either computer generated or hand-drawn. They can be anything, from television series and short films to full-length feature films. Manga (漫画) are Japanese versions of comic books. Both anime and manga are popular forms of entertainment in Japan and over the years, also around the world. Most anime series are derived Read more …
Japanese Culture
Japanese cuisine is famously eclectic, and tastes range from the traditional to well beyond avant garde. Here are some Japanese foods to hook your attention, if not your tastebuds. Tokyo Banana Tokyo Banana (東京ばな奈) is one of the more popular presents people bring back from Japan. It is similar to a Twinkie, but banana flavored. Read more …
Japanese Culture
We recently invited three former KCP International Japanese Language School students to dinner. Over lots of great sushi, Dana Greenfield (Winter 2011 – Spring 2012), Brian Bergquist (Spring 2012), and Nathaniel Hattrick (Spring 2012) reminisced about their time in Japan and shared insights into our study abroad program in Tokyo. The dinner conversation was lively Read more …
For KCP Students, Student Views
I’ve tried eating Chinese, Korean, and Japanese food with a spoon and fork. Somehow the experience is not the same. I always find myself wanting chopsticks to complete the meal and make it more enjoyable. Chopsticks are an important part of Asian culture. Their long and colorful history that dates back centuries. Their practical uses are undeniable Read more …
Japanese Culture
One of Japan’s first public parks is Ueno Park (上野公園) in Taitō, Tokyo. Established in 1873, the park remains a favorite destination for locals and tourists. Not only is it a vast, gorgeous area of ponds, gardens, and thousands of trees, but it also houses several shrines, temples, and museums including the Tokyo National Museum and Read more …
Student Views
Oyakodon (親子丼), which means “parent-and-child donburi” in Japanese, is a rice bowl dish topped with boneless chicken, egg, and scallions. It is one of Japan’s favorite comfort foods. In my numerous attempts to recreate a Japanese dish such as oyakodon, I often used to wonder why I keep missing that special sweet taste. I used the Read more …
How To
Hagoita (羽子板 ｢はごいた｣) are Japanese wooden paddles used in the traditional game hanetsuki (羽根突き, 羽子突き). The game, something like badminton, is usually played during the New Year. Hanetsuki’s popularity may have declined over the years, but hagoita are still much in demand with their intricate designs and continue to be a decorative item in many Japanese households. A hanetsuki Read more …
Japanese Culture
KCP Fall 2012 student Hector Santiago shares some effective tips on language learning in Japan. Thanks for your wisdom! Since I’ve been back in the States, I’ve received emails from students going abroad and currently abroad asking for advice in how to survive in Japan, how to meet people and make friends, and so on. Read more …
Learning Japanese, Student Views
Hakama (袴) is a kind of traditional Japanese clothing once worn only by men but now used by both men and women. They are ankle length, tied to the waist, and usually worn over a kimono. There are two different types of hakama: divided umanori (horse-riding hakama) which have a split material for legs to move more freely, and undivided andon Read more …
Japanese Culture
Koi, specifically nishikigoi (錦鯉), literally means “brocaded carp.” For fish hobbyists, they have become one of the most expensive fish to own. Japanese koi are mainly kept for their beauty and enhance the decorative aspects of most gardens and homes. For the Japanese, these fish symbolize love and friendship, since the word “koi” is a homophone for Read more …
Japanese Culture
Student Views