
The jewelry shows off how gorgeous some Japanese words can be.
One of the most interesting aspects of learning a new language is discovering words that don’t have equivalents in your native tongue. Japanese has plenty of unique words we’d love to import into English, and even English has some pretty good unique words too, like “serendipity” or “petrichor.”
And the London-based artist Minimalist Things has recently turned these unique words into an art form by bringing the words, their language of origin, and meaning all together in custom-made necklaces.
▼ Here’s one with the Japanese word “wabi-sabi” (侘び寂び),
an aesthetic that values the simple, subdued, and imperfect.
▼ Another Japanese one: the word “komorebi” (木漏れ日),
meaning “sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees.”
▼ And there are plenty of other languages with cool words too,
like “hyggelig” from Danish, the winner for coziest word in the world.
▼ Here’s “toska” from Russian,
which we have to say feels very Russian.
▼ Maybe you’re feeling a bit of a “duende” yourself
looking at all these cool works of art?
▼ The single Brazilian Portugese word “cafuné” sounds
a lot sweeter than that long English phrase.
If you’d like an untranslatable necklace of your own, Minimalist Things is currently “taking a short break,” most likely filling orders for people who want some of their awesome work. But be sure to check back and perhaps suggest some favorite “untranslatable words” of your own.
Source: Etsy/MinimalistThings via fubiz
Images: Etsy/MinimalistThings, Pinterest/Minimalist Things






Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Expo 2025 mascot Myaku-Myaku to release tastefully erotic photo book
Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki releases new artworks, still wants to make movies
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Expo 2025 mascot Myaku-Myaku to release tastefully erotic photo book
Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki releases new artworks, still wants to make movies
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
The town with Japan’s best castle also has one of Japan’s best breakfasts. Here’s where to eat it
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Peko-chan Milky Time Cafe opens in Chiba and we go to check out all of the pastries and merch
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
The town with Japan’s best castle also has one of Japan’s best breakfasts. Here’s where to eat it
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Peko-chan Milky Time Cafe opens in Chiba and we go to check out all of the pastries and merch
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Suspects arrested for 100-million yen Kyoto home invasion robbery after eight-year search
New sun protection mask becomes popular in Japan
Robot noodle chef starts working in Tokyo train station, serves up taste of the future【Video】
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new Sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2025