sitting
Even when speaking with fellow English speakers, sometimes you realize that the same thing can be called a variety of names. (Try calling soda “pop” in most of the US and enjoy the funny looks you get.) The same is true in Japan, where, thanks to regional dialects, some people have a hard time being understood when they leave their hometowns.
One Twitter user recently brought regional dialect differences to the forefront of the Internet when he surveyed over a thousand people about the word they would use to describe a certain way of sitting. Collecting and plotting the data on a map of Japan, the results have been surprising people from all regions!
When my nephew was still a baby, I clearly remember the whole family gathering to watch as he rolled over for the first time. It was an exciting moment, and we were all impressed by his accomplishment.
On the other hand, I can’t remember the last time anyone gave me a round of applause for rolling over, even if I’ve had so much beer that my motor skills have regressed to infant-level. The fact is that whether an action is compelling to watch has as much to do with the natural charisma of the performer as it does with what they’re doing.
For example, most of us couldn’t entertain a group of strangers by just sitting in a chair, but that’s only because we aren’t this incredibly cute, eminently relaxed cat.
In the days following Nono-Chan the cat’s 8th birthday, he began to take stock of his life. He wondered if chasing strings and sleep was all there was. “Have I reached my fullest potential as a cat,” he pondered.





Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Japan manners debate: Is it OK to put a Mister Donut donut back on the shelf after taking it?
Japan has omurice chocolate, and the weirdest thing isn’t how it tastes
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Cup Noodle maker Nissin teams up with thick-broth ramen chain for instant ramen rice[Taste test]
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
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
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Cup Noodle maker Nissin teams up with thick-broth ramen chain for instant ramen rice[Taste test]
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
Pokémon menstrual pads appear in Japan【Photos】
A robot joins the team at a fast-food restaurant, but in an unlikely city in northern Japan
The Japanese Valentine’s treats that look like chocolates but taste like the ocean
Japanese park’s English dog turd warning minces no words【Why does Engrish happen?】
What if Sailor Moon characters were lingerie models? They’d look stunning like this 【Photos】
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Now you can be one step closer to the very best with your very own life-size, realistic Poké Ball
Japan’s wildest Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony celebrates new adults in Kitakyushu 【Photos】