We need to tell you to take a look before the new slang of today outruns us all… eh ho eh ho…
slang
We take a closer look at some of the entries selected by Gen Z and Gen Alpha Japanese schoolgirls and suddenly feel very old.
The number one pick is derived from the lyrics of a song that’s sung in neither Japanese nor English.
Test your knowledge of Japanese slang from the ’70s onwards with these limited-edition cup noodles!
The Agency for Cultural Affairs’ National Language Subcommittee of the Cultural Deliberation Council asks people to be easier to understand online.
One of the best things about living overseas is the opportunity to learn the local lingo. By learning to communicate with the locals, it’s easier to get by day-to-day, and you’ll be able to unravel much more about the country’s culture. A Spanish YouTuber living in Taiwan shared a list of must-know pet phrases that he picked up by observing the locals. If you’re learning the Chinese language, starting a new phase in life in Taiwan, or even just imagining taking a trip to the lovely country, hit the “read more” button!
I’m sure that many of our readers are acquainted with the Japanese word otaku and its assimilation into English. For those that aren’t, it is a special label given to people who are especially obsessed with what might be considered nerdy hobbies, particularly those related to Japanese anime and manga. In Japanese, it can refer to any person with an obsession, whether it be half-naked figurines or interior design, but it almost always carries the negative connotation of being obsessed to the point of anti-social behavior. In the Western world, however, being an otaku is a badge of honor for many. People who like Japanese manga, anime, and games will often self-identify as otaku and join together with others of like interests over the Internet and other social outlets.
For better or worse, this circle of online anime fanatics has adapted a small vocabulary of Japanese words, creating a sub-set of Internet slang that bridges the language gap between these two similar cultures. Japanese pop culture enthusiasts worldwide cling to words like baka, moe, hentai, and more. But is this particular aspect of otaku culture a healthy thing to have spread? For example, there’s also the potentially disillusioned concept of “mai waifu.”
MOST POPULAR
Now
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Which convenience store onigiri rice balls are the most popular? Survey reveals surprising results
‘Josou’ specialist Naoko Tachibana opens crossdressing photography retrospective in Tokyo【Photos】
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
Expo 2025 mascot Myaku-Myaku to release tastefully erotic photo book
Japanese man drives truck that’s on fire directly to fire station, drops flaming potatoes[Videos]
Weekly
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
Monthly
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026- 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
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
Yearly
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]- Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
Expo 2025 mascot Myaku-Myaku to release tastefully erotic photo book
Japanese man drives truck that’s on fire directly to fire station, drops flaming potatoes[Videos]
Open-air public toilet at Sensoji temple in Tokyo is waiting to be discovered by foreign tourists
We take on the Baskin-Robbins Japan 31-day challenge and live to tell these tips
Super Mario teams up with JR Kyushu for the perfect power-up steamed bun snack
McDonald’s Japan celebrates spring with… a Strawberry Shortcake Pie?!?
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
How to order snacks on a Shinkansen bullet train in Japan
Proclaim dedication to your special pirate-someone with deluxe One Piece-inspired jewelry
-
