Guest Author - Joy Alari
This is a guide, that is intended for the articles listed on the Japanese Culture site, it can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone guide too.
The following words, can be second-nature to any Japanese enthusiast, but if you are new to the Japan loving community, don’t fret because of all the confusing words, all you need just some little guidance.
All the terms listed below, can and will be found throughout, the articles that appear on this site, you will also encounter it, in almost everyday Japanese speech. As new articles are written, this glossary will be updated, to include new terminology, that would be introduced through those articles.
Anime
Anime is the Japanese word for animation, it is used by the Japanese to describe all forms of animation, it also used in the United States, to specifically describe all Japanese animation.
Azuki
Azuki is a small red bean, which is used as a popular ingredient, in many Japanese desserts, as well as dishes.
Cosplay
Cosplay is an abbreviation for costume play, cosplay can also refer to the art, of dressing up in costume, especially to resemble anime, manga, sci-fi/fantasy and even video game characters.
Fugu
Fugu is a dish made with blowfish, its one of the popular delicacies in Japan but if not properly prepared, a plate of Fugu can lead to death!
Hanami
In Japan, Hanami literally means “flower viewing”, but it also often refers to viewing of a sakura, or cherry blossoms.
Kami
Kami means the Dragon gods.
Keiro no Hi
Keiro no Hi is a Japanese festival, that celebrates all the senior citizens of Japan, it is celebrated on every third Monday in September.
Maneki Neko
Maneki Neko means the beckoning cat, it is a Japanese good luck charm.
Manga
Manga is the Japanese word, for comics or graphic novels and it is also used to describe all forms of Japanese comics. In America, the word is often used to refer to all Japanese comics.
Natto
Natto is a traditional Japanese dish, which is made from fermented soybeans.
Onsen
Onsen are Japanese hot springs, that have medicinal properties, they are generally used for bathing.
Prefecture
Prefecture is the governmental unit in Japan, it is similar to a state in the United States.
Sakura
Sakura are Cherry blossoms.
Shubun no Hi
Shubun no Hi is the Autumnal Equinox Day, depending on the year, it takes place between every 23rd or 24th of September.
Sushi
Sushi is "Vinegared" rice, that comes with different types of accompaniments, such as raw fish, vegetables or seaweed.
Yosakoi
Yosakoi is a type of Japanese dance, it dates back to 1954, the Yosakoi dance is a combination, of modern music as well as traditional Japanese dance movements.
Yukata
Yukata is an informal cotton kimono or bathrobe, it is usually provided at most hotels, inns, onsen, and bath houses.
