Illustration of the moon (Pixabay.com/susan-lu4esm) Did you know that the phrase 月が綺麗ですね (tsuki ga kirei desu ne) “The moon is beautiful, huh” in Japan has a different meaning than just “I want to tell you that the moon is beautiful”. Actually, “The moon is beautiful, huh” means expressing feelings to the opposite sex. In this article, let’s discuss the meaning of the phrase “The moon is beautiful, huh” in Japan. Meaning of “The moon is beautiful, huh” in Japan “The moon is beautiful, huh” is an expression used when expressing love to the opposite sex. You can express your love to someone in a more indirect way than saying あなたが好き (anata ga Suki) “I like you” or 愛してる (aishiteru) “I love you.” Although it is not a word that is often used, if you are a romantic person, you can use it when expressing your feelings. Origin of the phrase “The moon is beautiful, huh” in Japan It is said that the phrase “The moon is beautiful, huh” means to express love. Its origin comes from an anecdote in which an English literary scholar in the Meiji era translated “I love you” as “The moon is beautiful, huh” instead of 愛している (aishiteru) “I love you”. This great writer thought that, given the nature of the Japanese, “when expressing love, they should not express it directly,” and the phrase “The moon is beautiful, huh” emerged. Although the authenticity of the anecdote […]
Illustration of feelings (Pixabay.com/kaboompics) Kimochi (気持ち) is a Japanese word that is often used in various contexts, both in everyday conversation and in Japanese pop culture. In Japanese culture, kimochi has a deeper and broader meaning. This term does not only refer to positive feelings, but also includes various other emotions that can be felt. Definition of the word kimochi Literally, kimochi means “feeling.” This word consists of two terms: “ki” (気) which means “energy” or “soul,” and “mochi” (持ち) which means “to have” or “to hold.” So, kimochi can be interpreted as “the energy that is owned” or “the feeling that is inside.” When someone says “kimochi ga ii” (気持ちがいい), it means “the feeling is good,” it can refer to feelings of comfort, happiness, or satisfaction. On the other hand, “kimochi ga warui” (気持ちが悪い) means “feelings are bad,” which can describe discomfort or dissatisfaction. There is also “atsui kimochi” (熱い気持ち) which can be interpreted as desire made up of the words 熱い (atsui) meaning “hot” and 気持ち (kimochi) meaning “feelings.” Kimochi is also often used in a more romantic context. For example, when someone says “kimochi wo tsutaeru” (気持ちを伝える), it means “conveying feelings.” This is an important step in communication between couples, where they share their feelings with each other. The difference between kimochi and kibun […]
Japanese people looking at their phones (Image by freepik) In the digital era, messages coming into your phone are often an important aspect of your daily life. However, a phenomenon that may sound strange to many people is the Japanese habit of ignoring or not responding immediately to incoming messages. Many wonder why many Japanese people tend to leave their messages as unread. Let's explore some of the reasons behind this habit. Japanese people don't know how to respond First of all, it is important to understand the communication culture in Japan. Japanese culture highly values politeness and etiquette in communication. Often, there is social pressure to provide an appropriate and proper response. In this context, if someone receives a message and is unable to provide an adequate response, they may choose not to read it at all. This is a way to avoid a response that could be considered impolite or not good enough. By keeping the message as unread, they feel no obligation to provide an answer until they are ready. There are times when Japanese people don't know what to say or how to reply, so they take the time to compose a message. In addition, there are times when Japanese people are too naive to mark it as read because they are worried about […]
Japanese-style house (Pixabay.com/shell_ghostcage) Moving-in and housewarming gifts (新築・引越し祝いのプレゼント) are one of the unique and meaningful traditions in Japan. This tradition is not only about giving, but also reflects mutual respect and maintaining good relationships. By giving gifts, Japanese people want to show support and good wishes for the recipient's new life in a new place. What are moving-in and housewarming gifts? Moving-in gifts are gifts given when someone buys and moves into a used house or condominium other than a newly built one. If someone is moving from one rental apartment to another, you don't have to give a gift. However, you can give a regular gift to someone close to you as a farewell gift. A housewarming gift is a gift given to someone when they move into a newly built house. Japanese people give housewarming gifts not only to family homes but also to those who move into newly built condominiums. How to Choose the Right Gift Illustration of a man in a Japanese-style house When choosing a gift, there are several things to consider. It is important to consider the recipient's preferences and habits. Don't give them something they might not like or even need. Give an interesting gift […]
X account profile illustration (Image by freepik) In recent years, social media platforms have undergone significant changes in an effort to create a more positive and healthy online environment. One of the most prominent changes is the removal of the like tab. The disappearance of the like tab on social media X Recently, social media X has started hiding the like tab for privacy reasons. Currently, the like tab can only be seen by the account owner and cannot be seen by other users as before. This certainly raises discussion among netizens on X. The disappearance of the like tab feature on social media X has become a hot topic among users and social media observers. When this feature was removed from the platform, many were confused and wondered about the purpose of the change. The like tab, which was previously one way for users to show appreciation for the content they enjoyed, is now gone, leaving a trail of questions in the minds of many. Some users feel that the disappearance of the like tab is a step backward for a platform that is widely known for its vibrant community. This feature, which allows users to give a 'like' mark to friends' posts or interesting content, has become an integral part of how people interact on the platform. With the like tab, users […]
Male employees in Japan (Pixabay.com/mercado2) In an increasingly competitive world, we are often amazed by the progress and achievements made by Japan. One of the main factors driving Japan's success is the hard work that is an integral part of their culture. The Japanese are known to have an extraordinary work ethic, which has inspired many countries around the world. The reputation of the Japanese as hard workers is world-renowned. More than just a myth, this culture of hard work is deeply embedded in Japanese society and is formed from a variety of complex interrelated factors, ranging from history, culture, education system, to social structure. Let's explore more deeply why the Japanese are known for their extraordinary work ethic. Influence of History and Culture Japan's long history, marked by challenging periods such as war, natural disasters, and the Meiji Restoration period which demanded rapid modernization, has formed a mentality of resilience and high discipline. The Japanese people had to work hard to survive and rebuild their country after various trials. This resilience has been passed down from generation to generation, becoming an integral part of the national identity. The spirit of bushido, the samurai code of ethics emphasizing loyalty, courage, and honor, although no longer directly relevant, still leaves an impact on the values of perseverance and dedication to work. […]
Control stick (Pixabay.com/AlohaWorld) The Japanese are known for their hard-working and disciplined culture. However, behind the busyness, they are also good at finding a balance in life by pursuing hobbies that don't drain your pockets. Unlike the trend of Western hobbies that are often synonymous with big expenses, the Japanese prioritize simplicity and beauty in small things. Here are some of their favorite hobbies that are easy on the wallet: Survey on Hobbies That Don't Cost Money Hobbies are hobbies that are enjoyed in your free time. Hobbies have several benefits such as reducing stress and improving skills. Although there are quite a few hobbies that cost quite a lot of money, there are some hobbies that don't cost money. In fact, these hobbies can generate income. Here are some hobbies that don't cost money according to the Japanese. Biz Hits Co., Ltd. conducted a survey on awareness of non-money hobbies among 500 men and women in Japan from November 15-18, 2022. The results showed that the top ranking for non-money hobbies was sports and fitness (79 people), followed by reading and manga (76 people), watching videos, dramas, and movies (62 people), crafts and handicrafts (38 people), games (35 people), walking (31 people), and gardening (24 people). Sports and fitness hobbies Illustration of a man jogging Sports and […]
Two samurai (Image by freepik) Japanese has many words that are often used to refer to friends. Some of them that are often confusing for foreigners are tomodachi and nakama. Although both can be translated as “friend” in Indonesian, they actually have different meanings. Japanese, like other languages, has a rich nuance in expressing relationships between people. The word “friend” alone, in Japanese, has various levels of closeness and different contexts. Two words that are often confusing for Japanese learners are tomodachi (友達) and nakama (仲間). Although both are translated as “friend” in Indonesian, a deeper understanding will reveal significant differences in their meaning and context of use. Tomodachi (友達): Friends Based on Personal Relationships Tomodachi is someone who is open and interacts with each other as an equal. It means someone who can be shared with aspirations, interacted with as an equal, and can be played and chatted with. If you enjoy chatting and don't mind sharing your personal life, you can call them tomodachi. Also, since a tomodachi is someone who is your equal, you can’t technically call your superior at work a tomodachi. Tomodachi refers to a friend in the most general and broad sense. It is a relationship that is built […]
A man with a shiba inu (Image by freepik) Japanese men are often considered to be some of the most attractive men in the world. With their fair skin, narrow eyes, and neat black hair, many agree that Japanese men have a unique and attractive charm. But why do Japanese men look more attractive? Is it because of their genetics or are there other factors that make them so charming? Japanese men, with their distinctive appearance and lifestyle, have caught the attention of many people around the world. Their handsomeness is not just a matter of genetics, but rather a complex combination of various factors. Let's explore some of the reasons why many find Japanese men attractive. Aesthetics and Well-groomed Hairstyles One of the most striking factors is their great attention to appearance. Japanese men's hairstyles vary widely, from neat and modern haircuts to bolder and textured ones. They don't hesitate to experiment with styles, but always keep their hair looking well-groomed and clean. The use of the right hair products and careful styling techniques result in a neat and stylish look, without looking overdone or messy. This shows confidence and attention to detail, something that many find attractive. Whether it's a slick back […]
Alarm clock (Pixabay.com/JESHOOTS-com) The Japanese are known as a society that values time highly. This can be seen from their habit of always being on time, both in daily activities and in the workplace. In fact, punctuality is considered one of the important values in Japanese culture. So, why do the Japanese hold this value so firmly? Punctuality in Japan is not just a good habit; it is a principle of life that is deeply embedded in the culture and ethics of its people. The Japanese are known throughout the world for their extraordinary punctuality, an attribute that shapes various aspects of their lives, from business to social life. But why is that? Why is respecting time so deeply embedded in the Japanese psyche? The answer lies in a combination of historical factors, culture, and social values that have developed over centuries. Cultural and Historical Influences Japan's long and rich history plays an important role in shaping the culture of respecting time. Japan's feudal social system, with its strict hierarchy and complex code of ethics, demanded high levels of precision and discipline. Non-punctuality could be seen as a form of disrespect for others, especially those in higher positions in the social hierarchy. The Bushido tradition, the samurai code of ethics, emphasizes the importance of honor, self-discipline, and commitment to duty, […]
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