Fired for Sweating? My Unbelievable Experience Working in Japan’s Summer Heat
One sweltering August day, my manager pulled me aside. "Japanese people don’t sweat," he said, eyeing my soaked shirt. The next day, despite cooling wipes and sheer willpower, I sweated again. By evening, a letter awaited me: fired—for sweating. In Japan. In summer....
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Language Learning Mistakes: How I Accidentally Asked for Poop in Japan
In Japan, a language mix-up led to a hilarious moment at 7-Eleven. Trying to buy daifuku, the author mistakenly said "うんこ" (poop) instead of "あんこ" (red bean paste). After the attendant's shocked reaction, they both laughed, and the author learned the importance of precise pronunciation....
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32 Tips for Learning Japanese with ADHD
Struggling to stay focused while learning Japanese? Discover 32 practical tips tailored for ADHD learners! From breaking down kanji into bite-sized chunks to gamifying vocab drills, this guide helps you stay motivated, organized, and excited on your language journey. Perfect for all JLPT levels!...
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Yo-kai Watch: Past, Present, and Future
Yo-kai Watch blends Japanese folklore with vibrant gameplay, rising on the 3DS in 2013 and evolving with Yo-kai Watch 4 on the Switch. Though the latter lacked global release, Level-5 hints at localization and a new title. The franchise remains timeless, balancing nostalgia and fresh possibilities for fans....
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Sukeban and Bancho: Unmasking Japan's 80s Rebels
Dive into the rebellious world of スケバン (sukeban), Japan’s fearless girl gang leaders, and their male counterparts, 番長 (bancho). Discover their strict codes, unique style, and symbolic defiance of societal norms. Learn Japanese vocabulary, grammar, and a legendary story of courage and honor!...
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N4 Kanji and Vocabulary Lesson 01
Learn 10 essential N4 kanji through vocabulary, real-life context, and a short story, "変わった一日 (A Changed Day)." Follow a protagonist's unexpected day and test your understanding with fun questions. Perfect for boosting your Japanese skills and preparing for the JLPT in an engaging way!...
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From TikTok to Tranquility: Why Zen Gardens Speak to a New Generation
Experience the serenity of Zen gardens, where simplicity meets mindfulness. Discover how these Japanese landscapes reflect Zen philosophy, promote meditation, and inspire modern tranquility. Learn their spiritual symbolism, key elements, and why they captivate a new generation seeking peace in chaos....
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Discovering Japan Through the Shamisen: Tradition Meets Modernity
Explore the shamisen, Japan's iconic three-stringed instrument. From skilled artisans crafting each piece to modern artists like SOME≡LINEZ blending tradition with urban beats, the shamisen bridges past and present. Discover its timeless charm and how it inspires Japan’s vibrant cultural scene....
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Build, Watch, Learn: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Gundam and Gunpla
Discover the epic world of Gundam! This beginner's guide dives into the story, iconic Mobile Suits, and essential vocabulary. Learn where to start watching, explore famous pilots, and get hands-on with Gunpla—build your favorite mecha models and join a vibrant, creative community!...
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Every Year, Thousands of Daruma Doll Heads Are Burned in This Captivating Japanese Ritual
Discover the captivating Japanese ritual where thousands of daruma doll heads are burned annually to symbolize gratitude and new beginnings. Learn about this unique tradition and its deep cultural significance....
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Setsubun 2025: How to Celebrate with Kawaii Oni Masks & Japanese Traditions
Setsubun (節分) is a fun and exciting festival that happens in Japan every year on February 3rd. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Setsubun is known fo...
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🎆 No Countdown in Shibuya: Why Tokyo’s Year-End Event is Cancelled Again 🎆
Shibuya's Countdown Event Cancelled Again! The event used to attract 大勢 (おおぜい - large crowds), and unfortunately, that led to some problems like 飲酒トラブル (いんしゅとらぶる - alco...
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Shinto Vocabulary and Traditions: A Guide for Japanophiles
Japan isn’t just about neon-lit streets, retro games, and delicious gyoza—it’s also a land deeply rooted in spiritual traditions. Shintoism (神道, Shintō), Japan's indigenous religion, is a fascinating and timeless thread woven through the country's culture, ar...
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Welcome to the Exciting World of Regional Dialects!
magine traveling to a different part of your country and barely being able to understand a single word people say. That’s exactly what it was like for visitors entering Osaka centuries ago. Back then, Osaka was a bustling...
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Self-Study Japanese for JLPT: What You Need to improve Your Chances of Success
Learning Japanese is like stepping into a dojo for the first time, declaring confidently, “I know Japanese,” only to be met with a masterful “Show me.” This moment is all too familiar ...
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Mastering Japanese Verbs: Unlocking the Mystery of Ichidan and Godan
Are you ready to dive into the world of Japanese verbs? If you’re like most Japanese learners, you’ve probably heard about ichidan and godan verbs and thought, “Wait, what?” ...
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Battle Bacteria and Learn Japanese: Dive into the World of Cells at Work!
Are you ready to dive into the microscopic world inside your body while leveling up your Japanese? Let’s explore 働く細胞 (Cells at Work!), a fun and educational anime that anthropomorphizes cells...
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Binge These 10 Japanese YouTubers to Boost Your JLPT Skills Effortlessly!
Are you tired of dry textbooks and boring flashcards? Want to learn Japanese while enjoying the best of Japanese entertainment? You’re in the right place! We’ve put together a list of 10...
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How I Mastered Japanese Verb Conjugation in a Week!
When learning Japanese, verbs form the foundation of communication. They allow us to express actions, states, and even our desires. However, understanding how to conjugate them across ...
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JLPT Cracking the Code: Master Japanese Transitive and Intransitive Verbs for N4/N5 Success 🎯
Mastering transitive and intransitive verbs is essential for passing the JLPT N4/N5 and leveling up your Japanese. These tricky verbs can con...
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The Ultimate Japanese Study Guide: Unlocking Success for All Learners
What’s up fellow language learners! if you’ve ever tried to study anything by yourself, you’ll know it’s a challenge. A language doubly so. Where do you begin?...
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Learn to read Japanese super fast with YomuJP
Hey there, fellow Japan enthusiasts! Are you ready to take your Japanese language skills to new heights? Say Yaho to your new favorite Japanese learning aid Yomujp.com! 🎉...
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Retro gamers paradise: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Bargains and Rare Finds at Hard Off!
Hey there, bargain hunters and treasure seekers! Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure through the fascinating world of Hard Off? In this comprehensive guid...
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🎮📚 Unleash Your Japanese Skills: Nintendo DS, Your Ultimate Language Sensei!
What’s up fellow gamers! Ready to take your Japanese to the next level in a fun and exciting way? If you’re over 30 or under 20 you may have completely missed the Nintendo DS. Maybe you were only exposure to handheld games was the Nintendo Switch, which has blown...
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🥃 Whiskey Wednesday: The Epic Tale of Japan’s Ascent in the Global Whiskey Landscape 🇯🇵✨
Konnichiwa, fellow whiskey aficionados! 🌟 Get ready for 今日ものあわせ (today’s toast) as we delve into the 魅力的な (captivating) world of Japanese ウィスキー (whiskey). 🥃✨...
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Picachu to Passport: The Anime Enthusiast’s Path to Making Japan Your New Home
Welcome to another installment of the pekopeko blog! It’s often said that “It’s impossible to become Japanese” “It’s too hard to become Japanese” or “Only Japanese can be Jap...
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Kyoto Samurai Guide: Unlocking the hidden gems of Feudal Japan
What’s up guys and welcome back to pekopeko. To day we have treat in store for anyone who loves old Japan and there’s no better place to start than Kyoto. Did you kn...
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Unlock the Fast Lane to Fun: All Aboard the Otaku Express from KIX to Namba!
What’s up guys and welcome to another pekopeko travel guide! This time it’s about Osaka and the incredible Nankai express train the whisks you from the airport at 120k/h fro...
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Cracking the Kanji Code: Top 5 Tools for Mastering Japanese Characters!
Yes, learning the Kanji is super hard. No, there are no magic tricks or gimmicks I can give you that will smush into your brain all 2136 Kanji you need to be able to read Japanese books and newspapers. But with...
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Mastering Japanese Verbs: The Definitive Reference for Manga fans!
Knowing how to correctly use the right verb conjugation will mean the difference between saying “It nice eat with you” and “Nice eating with you”. This can make a huge difference in your flue...
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Speaking Japanese with Studio Ghibli Flair: How to Express Emotion Like Miyazaki Character
Studio Ghibli films have captivated audiences around the world, not only through their enchanting animation but also through the emotional depth of their characters. Hayao Miyazaki, the mastermi...
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Beyond Tourism: Work and study in Japan
Say goodbye to fleeting tourist experiences and hello to an extended stay in Japan! With a study visa in hand, you’ll have the key to unlock a world of endless possibilities in this captivating cou...
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