Learn Japanese Through Pictures

Japan in 2012

2013-01-01T00:35:00.002+08:00

There are a few more hours to 2013. Every year at this very moment, a few hours before the countdown begins, I would reminisce about the 進捗 shinchoku progress I have made throughout the year before making a new resolution the next year.

For me, my resolution was to make a blog about Japan that can share my experience while earning a little from Adsense. Errmmmm....sharing yes...earning no. But that`s ok. It wasn`t my primary goal anyway.

Well, talking about myself is nothing 特別 tokubetsu special. Talking about my view of Japan in 2012 is もっと　面白い motto omoshiroi more interesting.

Economically, I think it is not news that Japan is in 不景気 fukeiki recession. Since I work in a Japanese electronic company in Malaysia, I kinda get the feel of the economic situation. Undoubtedly, Japan 経済 keizai economy is heading south due to its strong currency. Although it has weakened a little recently, but it is still considered strong. Furthermore, 日本会社 nihon gaisha Japanese companies are facing real competition from another growing Korean companies such as Samsung and LG.

Politically, I think I have lost count how many times they have changed their 首相 shushou Prime Ministers. I think the latest one will be Shinzo Abe. Like the rest of the Prime Ministers, Abe will also be tested in his ability to revive the economy. My view, I don`t see a recovery coming up soon as 2013 is より厳しい状態 yori kibishii joutai even a tougher situation. Europe has survived a few times by bailout, but how many times can they be bailed. America is going through a Fiscal Cliff.

Affecting Japan politically and economically is the worsening Sino-Japanese relationship due to the dispute over the Diaoyu Island. Angry Chinese people, who are also one of the largest market, are banning Japanese products. This hurts 輸出 yushutsu exports, and that means it hurts the Japanese economy. China`s military practice near the 島 shima island also shows a growing tension in this matter.
If they start a 戦争 sensou war, no one, including you and me, amid weak market, could go 失業 shitsugyou out of job. Hmmmm...that scare me! Sometimes I think perhaps I should learn how to make and sell curry mee.

In 2013, we 予測する yosoku suru anticipate some change in foreign policies and well as some economic reforms in Japan. If they worked out well, Japan might survive the recession. Lets hope for the best in 2013 for not just the Japanese economy but the world economy. 誰も仕事がある daremo shigoto ga aru everyone can have a job, 誰もいい商売をする daremo ii shoubai wo suru everyone can be in good business, 誰もお金を稼ぐ daremo okane wo kasegu everyone makes money, 誰も幸せになる daremo shiawase ni naru everyone is happy.

picturelearning Wishes You HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013

2012-12-30T12:11:00.002+08:00

Dear Readers,

It has been a long time since I last posted.
Unfortunately, I was not able to finish the Autumn Series. I had them prepared until West Japan but not further down south to Kyushu.
Anyway, I am glad that I was able to covered more than half of Japan.

Recently, work has caught up and occupied most of my time, thus lesser time for blogging.

Anyway, I am so happy that many has gave me encouragement and I am glad that my blog has benefited and entertained many people.

I will try my best to at least publish 1 post per month. Whenever I have more time, I will publish more and I hope you will like it.

By the way, notifications like this will be published in the Facebook Fan Page.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Learn-Japanese-Through-Pictures/313588412049985

I hope you will LIKE my FACEBOOK Fan Page.
I will update all my fans through my fan page from now on.

Before ending this, I wish all my readers a HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013.
May you be healthy and happy always!

Regards,
jonway@picturelearning.org

Visit Japan: Where to View Autumn Leaves in West Japan

2012-11-03T21:00:00.000+08:00

Source: Japanican.com

Takao

Visit the Jingoji Temple in Takao. It greets you with autumn leaves on both sides of the stairs as you walk up to the Jingoji Temple.

Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a rural town at the outskirt that have many calm and tranquil environment.
Take a stroll, or cycle around the town while listening to the crisp leaves your step on. Enjoy its chill air in the autumn and serenity of the ambience.

Koyasan

A temple town where you can also experience the lifestyle of a monk by staying and eating like a monk.

Kiyomizudera Temple

Special illumination during the autumn leaves season in the November.

Osaka Castle Park

It is a castle on the outside and museum on the inside. Reach the top and overlook the park in autumn colors.

Mt Yoshino

The mountain is divided into four areas, with 1000 trees in each area. Named "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" by UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nara Park

Large park with deers roaming around with autumn leaves as background. Interact with the deers. You may feed and touch them. Though they are wild deers, they are pretty tame to visitors.

Visit Japan: Where to View Autumn Leaves in Central Japan

2012-11-02T22:00:00.000+08:00

Source: Japanican.com

Kanazawa

Visit the Kenrokuen, one of the three most beautiful landscape garden in Japan.

Shirakawago

Famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old

Takayama

The Takayama Festival, held in spring and autumn, is considered one of Japan's best festivals

Lake Kawaguchi

The largest among the Fuji Five Lakes. Great view of Mt Fuji alongside the autumn colors on the hills.

Tateyama Kurobe

Take a tour to the Kurobe dam, then cross the Tateyama and walk along in the gorge of snow (snow walls on both sides).

Kamikochi

The grand Japanese Alps, the lush forest, the clear blue Azusa river makes you get in touch closer with nature.

Kurobe Gorge

Forested ravine in the rugged mountains of the Northern Japan Alps. Cut by the Kurobe River, it is one of the deepest gorges in Japan.

Visit Japan: Where to View Autumn Leaves in East Japan

2012-11-01T23:00:00.000+08:00


Source: Japanican.com

Mt Takao

View Tokyo, Mount Fuji and Yokohama from the 頂上 choujou peak at 599 meters from sea level.

Rikugien Garden

Enjoy the nicely arranged with 湖 mizuumi lakes, 木 ki trees and 丘 oka small hill for only 300 yen

Nikko Iroha Road

A terrific view making your drive up winding 道路 douro road is a main access connecting central Nikko and Oku-Nikko enjoyable.

Sengokuhara

Refreshing view along the vast field of ススキ susuki eulalia grass.

Tsurugoka Hachimangu

Near to the coast with a cool sea breeze and you might also see a 結婚式 kekkon shiki wedding ceremony there while you enjoy the view of autumn leaves.

Kumoba Pond

The autumn colors reflected on the 水表面 mizu hyoumen water surface are breathtaking.

Visit Japan: Where to View Autumn Leaves in Northeast Japan

2012-10-31T22:00:00.000+08:00

Source: Japanican.com

Oirase Keiryu

Enjoy the onsen. The best known include Sukayu Onsen (酸ヶ湯温泉), Goshogake Onsen (後生掛温泉) and Toshichi Onsen (藤七温泉)

Kakunodate

Enjoy autumn leaves viewing in this samurai town.

Chuson-ji Temple

The real attraction at Chūson-ji is the Konjiki-dō. Built in 1174, in wood, 25square meters, it has been lacquered all over in gold, complements the autumn leaves golden color.

Naruko Gorge

100m deep gorge with a total length of 2.5km along the Arao gawa River. The sight from the suspension bridge is amazing.

Akiu Falls

One of the top three waterfalls in Japan. The word Aki in Akiu means autumn. The trails to the waterfall offers a great experience in the foliage of the autumn leaves.

Visit Japan: Where to view autumn leaves in Hokkaido

2012-10-30T21:00:00.000+08:00

Where to view autumn leaves in Hokkaido?

Source: Japanican.com

Sapporo Maruyama Park

A beautiful park next to the Hokkaido Shrine. When you visit the Shrine, do remember to try the free red bean pastry. Taste great.

Jozankei

Thirty minutes outside Sapporo. There is a great selection of onsen at Jozankei. Relax after autumn leaves viewing.

Lake Toya

Around the lake, you will find 58 great sculptures. It will definitely make your walking tour more entertaining.

Hakodate Onuma Park

Known for its beautiful lakes and majestic dormant volcano, Mount Komagatake.

Noboribetsu Hell Valley

Sulphurous volcanic pits and geysers. It is smelly like hell. No wonder it is called 地獄谷 Jigokudani Hell Valley.

Sounkyo (Daisetsuzan)

Take the ropeway to the top to enjoy the fantastic view of the largest National Park in Japan.

Abashiri/ Lake Notoro

In autumn, the lake turns red. The Salicornia, a type of marsh, will turn red like the autumn leaves during the autumn. Consider yourself lucky if you see it red, because the time it is in red is considered quite short.

Shiretoko Five Lakes

Take the Shiretoko Cruise. You may be able to see some wild bears too.

Visit Japan: When to View Autumn Leaves in Japan

2012-10-29T20:15:00.000+08:00

When to view autumn leaves in Japan?


Source: Japanican.com

Autumn leaves viewing is at its peak during the end of Oct and beginning of November.
偶然に guuzen ni Coincidentally, the peak time for autumn leaves viewing is in this week. Same week this post is published.
You could go for autumn leaves viewing at almost every part of Japan without disappointment.

Enjoy 紅葉狩り momijigari autumn leaves viewing from Hokkaido to Kyushu.
This is the time where autumn leaves viewing time overlaps throughout Japan.

紅葉 Momiji also called 紅葉 kouyou (both with the same kanji which means autumn leaves) starts from Hokkaido in the North and ends in Kyushu in the South.
So if you plan your trip early to Japan, you might want to make Hokkaido your first destination. Or if you are late, chase down south to Kyushu.

It all ends by mid December.

Autumn Leaves Viewing in Japan

2012-10-27T09:51:00.000+08:00

Dear Readers,

Next week is the Autumn Leaves Viewing Week.
I will introduce a series of articles about autumn leaves viewing.

Learn about

When to view autumn leaves.
Where to view autumn leaves throughout Japan
Why view autumn leaves

Don`t miss the 紅葉狩り momijigari autumn leaves viewing.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+

Nara Mascot

2012-10-25T22:08:00.000+08:00

Nara Station

Sento-kun is the Nara Mascot

せんとくんは奈良のマスコットです。

sento kun ha nara no masukotto desu.

How to Say MASCOT in Japanese

The mascot for Nara is a young Buddhist with antler.

How To Say I Love You to a Japanese Girl with Success

2012-10-23T22:30:00.000+08:00

The key to saying I love you to a Japanese girl with success is indirectness.
How to say I love you to a Japanese girl and yet being indirect?
And why shall I say I love you to a Japanese girl when I meant it but have to be indirect?

I love you is a 3 letter word.

I love you is a simple 3 letter word.
There is a also a simple version of I love you in Japanese - 愛してる Aishiteru. 4 letter word.
Slightly longer, but definitely not hard to pronounce.

Although this sounds like a pretty simple way to say I love you to a Japanese girl, it is not often used.
If I don`t say I love you, what do I say?

If you watch Japanese movies or Japanese drama, you would probably come across scenes where the guys would confess to the Japanese girls.
But they don't say I love you.
They say, I like you.

サバ saba Mackerel fish contains the omega fatty acids EPA, DHA and ALA, which are good for brain growth.

Japanese Culture: Why Japanese Like Moss

2012-10-16T23:19:00.000+08:00

What is moss?

Moss, to put it simply in laymen term, small green plant that grow on wet and shaded soil.
You can find them under tree shades which is also usually wet since it is not exposed to direct sunlight, thus the ground moisture is not easily evaporated.

Is moss a weed?

Some consider moss as a weed.
Moss is a weed when you try to grow grass, and your grass lost to the moss.
But well, if you are growing moss, grass will be the weed.
It mostly a matter of perspective.

Personal experience with moss

For me, I didn't like moss at first. Moss makes the ground slippery.
When I was a child,I was jumping around in the garden and I accidentally landed on a ground covered with moss.
I slipped and fell on the ground.

My body landed flat on the moss covered ground.

There is also a certain moss smell to it that I can remember until today.
Surprisingly, I kind of like the smell of the moss. It is rather refreshing in my opinion.

There were also a time, I was wearing a white shirt with a pair of jeans and I leaned against a wall. I didn't realize that the wall was covered with moss.
Yucks!!! My shirt and jeans had some green moss attached to it.

Some people hate moss

Whereas, there are also some that feel that moss is an eyesore.
Moss can grow on their rooftops and driveway.
They would prefer the rooftops to be in rooftop color and not green moss colored.
For that, some people hate moss.
If you hate it, you hate it.
They would go all the way to kill moss.
They would buy moss killing spray of super strong moss killing chemical, bleach the moss growing area and if you are rich, hire professional to remove moss, etc.

Some people like moss

While some people hate moss, some like moss.
While some people think it is an eyesore, some think it is a beauty.
Just a matter of aesthetic perception.
While some people want to kill moss, some want to grow moss.
Just a matter of preference.

How to Grow Moss?

As we said earlier, moss like shady, cool places with moisture. Give it the right condition and moss will grow. It will die if it is exposed to direct sunlight. Some said moss grow better if it is on slightly acidic soil.

There are also some methods to grow moss on rocks.
You may refer to How to Grow Moss on Rocks, Bricks or Pots.

Why Japanese like moss?

Japanese grow moss in their gardens and flower pots. To the Japanese people, moss gives a sense of serenity and tranquility.

Moss usually grows after a beautiful rain, a slight sunshine, and by the side of a flowing river.
It will flourish when undisturbed thus come calmness.
Moss also signifies continuation and longevity since it can last for a long time.

The older generation of Japanese people would probably love moss more because they like the moss as it continues to grow and live for a long time. That inspire people to continue to flourish (to be active) so that they would be as vibrant like the moss.

Conclusion

When I first in Japan, I thought why were the gardens not maintained. Moss are growing all over.
Then I found out that moss were allowed to grow on purpose. Some even took the effort to grow moss on rocks and pottery. I came to like moss as it blends into nature and gardens. It does create a certain sense of harmony and tranquility not only to the Japanese people but even to me.

With that, I hope you have can understand better why Japanese people like moss.

Umemori Sushi

2012-10-14T20:31:00.000+08:00

Somewhere in Nara

How about some sushi?

寿司はいかがですか。

sushi ha ikaga desu ka.

How To Say SUSHI in Japanese

寿司 Sushi are also rated like hotels. They are rated in to 3 categories:
Expensive - 松 Matsu Pine
Moderate - 竹 Take Bamboo
Normal - 梅 Ume Plum

Toothpick

2012-10-12T20:10:00.000+08:00

Somewhere in Nara

Pick a tooth with a toothpick.
ようじで歯をほじる
youji de ha wo hojiru

How To Say TOOTHPICK in Japanese

Some ようじ youji toothpick and disposable chopsticks contain carcinogens (a bleach used to manufacturing toothpicks and chopsticks), which is harmful and may cause cancer.

Japanese Food: Matsushima Fish Market

2012-10-10T09:00:00.000+08:00

Japanese Food (Washoku) in Matsushimakaigan

When you travel to Japan, there is a place up north called Sendai. Near to Sendai coastline, there lies a small town called Matsushimakaigan. There are some good 和食 washoku Japanese food that you should try in Matsushimakaigan.

If you are visiting the Masamune Wax Museum in Matsushimakaigan, you surely need to visit 松島さかな市場 matsushima sakana ichiba Matsushima Fish Market behind the museum. There are various おいしい oishii delicious food inside Matsushima Fish market. One of that is Japanese food stated in the big banner on the right side of the photo.

Arriving at the Matsushimakaigan Fish Market, the very first Japanese food that ～が目に留まった ~ga me ni tomatta caught my eyes was this big pot of nikomi. Nikomi is a Japanese food that contains stew meat and vegetables with miso broth. A hot bowl nikomi makes a perfect Japanese dish during the cold season of spring autumn winter.

Inside Matsushima Fish Market, you will find a wide variety of delicious Japanese food. There are a few Japanese food that I find interesting. First is the seafood 焼き物 yakimono grilled food. Then the 牛タン gyuutan beef tongue yaki. Finally is the カキバーガー kaki ba-ga- oyster burger. I find these Japanese food pretty special. It is not the average Japanese food that you can find in the average street.

The skewered 海鮮 kaisen seafood is what attracted me the most. What`s more, Japanese food are mostly famous for their fresh seafood. Each skewer cost around 300 yen to 350 yen except for the gyutan which cost 500yen. Anyway, I think it is a reasonable price for a 新鮮な shinsen na fresh piece of seafood.

For that, they will grill the skewered seafood for you on the spot. It is grilled on the spot so that the skewered seafood is served hot and moist (juice of the seafood still intact). The skewered seafood is best served with Japanese beers e.g. Sapporo, Asahi, Kirin, etc.

Oyster Burger

For me, I 選ぶ erabu chose the oyster burger. It was my first time I see a burger that is not the usual pork, beef or fish. Instead it contain カキ kaki oyster.

They took a few minutes to make the oyster burger. It is wrapped inside a polystyrene box to keep it 温かい atatakai warm.

Ta-da!!! The oyster burger contains a piece of fried oyster made to look like a コロッケ croquette korokke. With some lettuce squeezed in between two pieces of fluffy bread.

Honestly, the oyster burger is one of the best burger I had. In fact, it is the only oyster burger that I had. I looked for the oyster burger in Tokyo but I can`t find it anywhere. Definitely not available in McDonald or Burger King.

I certainly miss the oyster burger. If you are visiting Matsushimakaigan, remember to drop by Matsushima Fish Market. Try the seafood and oyster burger.

Lunch in Nara

2012-10-08T09:00:00.000+08:00

Somewhere in Nara

My lunch

私の昼ごはんです。

watashi no hiru gohan desu.

How to Say LUNCH in Japanese

The tips to good weight management
Breakfast like a king
昼ごはん hiru gohan Lunch like a prince
Dinner like a pauper

Japanese Rickshaw

2012-10-06T23:30:00.000+08:00

Somewhere in Nara

You need considerable energy to pull a rickshaw.

人力車を引くのにすごい力が要る。

jinrikisha wo hiku no ni sugoi chikara ga iru.

How to Say RICKSHAW in Japanese

What is the difference between 人力車 jinrikisha rickshaw vs trishaw?
人力車 jinrikisha Rickshaw is powered by human on foot.
Trishaw is powered by human on a bicycle.

Charming Charm

2012-10-04T00:00:00.000+08:00

Kasuga Taisha, Nara

Hey charming, would you like a charm?

魅力的な君、お守りはどうですか。

miryouku teki na kimi, omamori ha dou desu ka.

how to say CHARM in japanese

Charm, instead of meaning attractive, it also means an amulet. In Japan, people buy お守り omamori charms from shrine or temple to kept in nearby themselves to get blessing for marriage, work, exams, etc. Some お守り omamori charms are to prevent accidents, sickness or death. Some お守り omamori charms are to bring good luck. Perhaps you would want to go to a fortune teller first before deciding what type of お守り omamori charm you need.

Fortune in English

2012-10-02T00:00:00.000+08:00

Kasuga Taisha, Nara

Don`t understand Japanese? Don`t worry, we have fortunes in English.

日本語ができない？心配しないで、英語のおみくじがあるよ。

nihongo ga dekinai? shinpai shinaide, eigo no omikuji ga aru yo.

how to say FORTUNE in japanese

おみくじ omikuji fortune is different does not require a fortune teller. You will shake a bundle of sticks, and only one will drop out. There is a number on the stick. You will get your おみくじ omikuji paper fortune based on that number.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine`s Lantern

2012-09-28T00:00:00.000+08:00

Kasuga Taisha, Nara

Kasuga Taisha Shrine has a lot of lanterns.

春日大社はたくさんの提灯があります。

kasuga taisha ha takusan no chouchin ga arimasu

how to say A LOT in japanese

There are not only たくさんの takusan no a lot of lanterns inside the shrine, but also all along the way in the park leading to the shrine. Some are golden, some are bronze, some are stones.

Family Day at Kasuga Taisha

2012-09-26T00:00:00.000+08:00

On the way to Kasuga-Taisha Shrine

Family day in the park.

公園で、家族と一緒に過ごす一日です。

kouen de, kazoku to issho ni sugosu ichi nichi desu.

Draw together with your family.

家族と一緒に絵をかきましょう。

kazoku to issho ni e wo kakimashou.

how to say FAMILY in japanese

家族 kazoku family also means FAther Mother I Love You.

Cute Nara Boy

2012-09-22T00:00:00.000+08:00

Somewhere in Nara

Watch out! Car is coming!
危ない！車が来てるから。
abunai! kuruma ga kiteru kara

how to say WATCH OUT in japanese

When you see someone in danger. Shout it out loud "危ない abunai Watch out!!!!" You may save a life.

Stuck in a Pillar

2012-09-20T00:00:00.000+08:00

Todaiji, Nara

Oh God! Someone please help this kid.

オー！誰かこの子供を助けてください。

oh-! dareka kono kodomo wo tasukete kudasai.

He is stuck.

引っかかっているよ。

hikkakatteiru yo.

how to say STUCK in japanese

The hole size in the pillar is said to have the same size as the Buddha`s nostril. By going through the pillar, some say it is for enlightenment, some say for happiness and some say it is for getting rid of evil. Whatever the significance, it is for good. Most small children will get through easily. There are some cases where adults trying to get through, but got 引っかかる hikkakaru stuck. Someone had to pull him out.

The Great Buddha

2012-09-18T19:25:00.000+08:00

Todaiji, Kyoto

At the front door of the Todaiji temple.

東大寺の玄関で

todaiji no genkan de

You will see the Great Buddha once you enter the temple.

入ったら大仏が見えてきます。

haittara daibutsu ga miete kimasu.

How to Say GREAT BUDDHA in Japanese

The 大仏 daibutsu Great Buddha is a bronze statue that span 48 feet high and weigh 500 metric tonnes.

Todaiji Horn Roof

2012-09-15T19:00:00.000+08:00

Todaiji, Kyoto

Could you see the golden horns on the roof?

屋上に金色のつのが見えますか。

okujou ni kiniro no tsuno ga miemasu ka.

How to Say ROOF in Japanese

On the 屋上 okujou roof, they are not horns but the tail of a fish. It is symbol of protection against fire.

The Huge Todaiji

2012-09-12T18:43:00.000+08:00

Todaiji, Kyoto

This is huge.

巨大ですね。

kyodai desu ne.

It written on the ticket. See how big it is.

チケットに書いてあります。どのぐらい巨大か見てください。

chiketto ni kaite arimasu. dono gurai kyodai ka mite kudasai.

How to Say HUGE in Japanese

The Todaiji was built in year 798. They managed to built something so 巨大 kyodai huge so long ago. It is simply amazing.

Nara Deer Toys

2012-09-09T18:08:00.000+08:00

Somewhere in Nara

Deer toys are so cute.

シカのおもちゃが可愛いですね。

shika no omocha ga kawaii desu ne.

How to Say TOY in Japanese

LEGO is an educational おもちゃ omocha toy that encourage learning through play. I love it when I was a kid.

Japanese English Dictionary: The Next Best to Learn Japanese

2012-09-09T15:28:00.000+08:00

In the previous post, Japanese English Dictionary: Best 2 to Learn Japanese, we have introduced one great Japanese English dictionary to learn Japanese. In this post, we are going to introduce the next best Japanese English dictionary which I have used extensively since the beginning of my journey to learn Japanese. I feel that it provides more examples than WWWJDIC: Word Search.

英語・語学の学習情報サイト「スペースアルク」：アルク

You may input the word you want to search in English or Japanese (kana) in the Japanese English dictionary.

If you input in Japanese (kana) in the Japanese English dictionary.

You will get a list of examples in Japanese with English translation.
The examples are mostly extracted from some reliable sources such as newspapers, articles, magazines, etc.
From here, you can see how they utilize the words, how they structure the sentence, how they express their meanings, etc. For me, I find it very useful.

On the other hand, if you input in English Japanese English dictionary;

Similarly, you will get a list of examples in English with Japanese translation.
What I like is that it can be used to look for some expression in English that cannot be directly translated into Japanese. They would look up the closest Japanese words or phrases that best match with what you want to say.

Combine both the Japanese English dictionary. I am sure it will help you greatly in your journey to learn Japanese.
Explore the Japanese English dictionary. Type in any words and start doing a series of word searches. Learn Japanese from the examples. Hope you will have a great time with the Japanese English dictionary. Good luck in your quest to learn Japanese.

Deer Attack

2012-09-08T11:10:00.000+08:00

Somewhere in Nara

Be careful of angry deers.

怒ったシカに注意してください。

okotta shika ni chuui shite kudasai.

How to Say ANGRY in Japanese

Why 怒る okoru angry? Being angry increase your heart rate and blood pressure. It is a toxic to your body.

See facts about anger.

Non-native Japanese Speaker Learning Japanese

2012-09-08T10:24:00.000+08:00

For a non-native Japanese speaker, learning Japanese can be a difficult. Especially if you decide to learn it by your own. At some points, you might want to get some help from others to get the basics right. Once you got all the ingredients, the rest are just practice...practice...practice.

I stumbled upon a Japanese learning journal written by Leo, an Australian that started studying Japanese at the university about 8 years ago. He stopped studying for about 3 years as he found it so difficult to get his head around and then finally rediscovered his passion for Japanese and self studied from that moment until today. :) He hoped that by writing his journal frequently (in the form of a blog), he will improve his Japanese and hopefully get to a level where he can speak it better.

I found some methods to learn Japanese used are similar to mine.

Learn simple basic everyday Japanese words.
Drop all the bombastic words. Go with the easy words. It is the easy words that we use everyday.

Write about anything like a diary in Japanese.
Getting it written down in words can actually help you structure your sentence. If you can get it written down in words, you are most probably able to compose a good sentence in speaking.

There is a saying. When there is a will there is a way. Keep it up.

Afraid of Deers

2012-09-05T11:47:00.000+08:00

Somewhere in Nara

Papa, I am afraid of deer.

パパ、シカを恐れる。

papa, shika wo osoreru.

How to Say AFRAID in Japanese

Wild deers are pretty tame, but their behaviour will change instantly when they sense danger. You should be afraid of を恐れる wo osoreru deers only if you provocate them. Otherwise, they won`t attack you.

Japanese English Dictionary: Best 2 to Learn Japanese

2012-09-04T22:12:00.000+08:00

A good Japanese English dictionary is important to learn Japanese. Here, I am going to introduce you two Japanese English dictionary that I have used to learn Japanese. I find them easy to use, friendly, never disappointed me with the Japanese word I want to find, and it complements each other to provide good examples.

WWWJDIC: Word Search

I started using this Japanese English dictionary right from the beginning when I started to learn Japanese. Before I learnt any kana or kanji, I depended on romaji a lot. Thus, I liked its Search Using Romanized Japanese, which cater for beginners. Once you learnt the Japanese characters, you could also search using kana and kanji too.

The most accurate search result goes to the top. It will display

kanji: the complicated writing
kana: the not so complicated writing
type: you this word as a noun, adjective (na,i), expression, verb, adverb, etc.
popular word: indicates that this is a commonly used word
example: my favourite function

Click on the [Ex], it will display a list of examples. It will randomly pick 10 examples. You may click on the complete list to see all the examples available. The examples are extremely useful for beginners to learn Japanese.

The examples are quite simple. One method I used is to look at the English text and try to translate it into Japanese. Then, I look at the Japanese text to see how well I did.

Next....
Japanese English Dictionary: The Next Best for Learning Japanese

Resting Deer

2012-09-01T00:36:00.000+08:00

Somewhere in Nara

Rest under the shade (of a tree)

木陰でやすむ

kokage de yasumu

How to Say SHADE (of a tree) in Japanese

Trees provide 木陰 kokage shade and wind buffering that reduces annual heating and cooling costs by 2.1 billion dollars. Save our trees.

More interesting facts about trees.

Scratching Deer

2012-08-26T00:15:00.000+08:00

Somewhere in Nara

Scratch my head.

頭をかいてくれる。

atama wo kaite kureru

How to Say SCRATCH in Japanese

Do you know you can scratch your throat by massaging your ears?

Deer Crossing Street

2012-08-25T06:30:00.000+08:00

Somewhere in Nara

A deer is crossing a road.

シカは道路を渡っているところです。

shika ha douro wo wattateiru tokoro desu.

How to Say CROSS A STREET in Japanese

Every year between October and September, there are many cases of road accidents involving deers 道路・通りを渡る douro/doori wo wataru crossing roads/street.

See News about Deer Crossings and How To Do

Male Deer vs Female Deer

2012-08-22T23:41:00.000+08:00

Somewhere in Nara

There are a lot of deers in Nara

奈良ではたくさんのシカがいます。

nara de ha takusan no shika ga imasu

Some have antler

あるシカは枝角があります

aru shika ha edazuno ga arimasu

Some don`t have antler

あるシカは枝角がありません

aru shika ha edazuno ga arimasen

How to Say DEER in Japanese

All male シカ shika deers have antlers. Most female シカ shika deers don`t. For シカ shika deers, their horns are called antler.

Extraordinary Japanese Culture: Useful Japanese Words

2012-08-19T08:30:00.000+08:00

Japanese language is a fantastic language. Why do I say so? Because there are so many meanings to a Japanese word. You will find these Japanese words 便利 benri convenient. I think I have been using these Japanese words more than 100 times a day.

Sumimasen

"I bought your lunch." "Oh, sumimasen."
"Here, take this concert ticket." "Oh, sumimasen."
"I have brought you the DVD that you wanted to watch." "Oh, sumimasen."

Hmmm...変 hen strange! Why say sumimasen, there is nothing to 謝る ayamaru apologize about. Later I got to know that they are not apologizing. They are saying "Thank you". Sumimasen also means ありがとう arigatou thank you.

Here are the other uses to sumimasen.

"Sumimasen, sumimasen, sumimasen, 降ります orimasu I getting off!" as you call aloud while getting off a
満員電車 man in densha fully packed train.
Used when you are asking people to give way.

"Sumimasen, how do I go to Shinjuku station from here?" as you asking a seemingly busy station officer.
Used when you are interrupting someone from what they are doing.

"Sumimasen, the train was late," as you apologize for arriving late to work.
Used when you are sorry.

"Sumimasen, two beers please," you ordered to the bartender.
Used when you are requesting.

Doumo

In Japan, there are many Japanese words and expression for different situations. When you don`t use correct Japanese words, you might be thought as 失礼 shitsurei impolite. While the correct Japanese word is important, replying to the Japanese words is also likewise important. What word should I use to 返事 henji reply? It is doumo.

"Konnichiwa!" someone greeted you.
"Doumo."

"Otsukare sama deshita!" greeted you when you are going home.
"Doumo."

"Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!" requested you to do something.
"Doumo."

"Arigatou gozaimasu!" said the salesperson when you bought something.
"Doumo."

"Shitsurei shimasu!" someone said to you as he is about to hang up the phone.
"Doumo."

If you are in Japan, you will notice that many Japanese people use the above Japanese words oftenly. The next time you hear "sumimasen" and "doumo", try to identify what the Japanese people mean.

With that, when you are in Japan, try out the above Japanese words of "sumimasen" and "doumo".

Nara Deer Week

2012-08-18T18:57:00.000+08:00

Something that impressed me in Nara are the deers that greeted and welcomed me.
For the first time, I got to so close to them. Touched them looked them in the eyes without any fences in between. The feeling was amazing.

For the next 2 weeks, picturelearning will be presenting pictures of Nara deers.
We hope you feel amazing too!

Extraordinary Japanese Culture: Japanese Greetings

2012-08-18T08:00:00.000+08:00

"Good morning" is said at night

When we start to learn Japanese language, we will first learn the Japanese greetings.
The very first Japanese greeting would probably be おはようございます ohayou gozaimasu "Good morning".
We were taught that ohayou gozaimasu would simply mean good morning and it should be used in the morning.

When I was hired to work in the 居酒屋 izakaya (Japanese pub) as a アルバイト arubaito part-timer, I wanted to give a good impression on the first day at work. So I went to work early while other workers have not arrived yet. At 4pm I arrived at work and said aloud, "こんばんわ konbanwa Good evening" to the 店長 tenchou shop manager and assistant shop manager. But they just うなづいたunaduita nodded quietly in return. At that time, I thought I gave a proper あいさつ aisatsu greeting, thus I felt it was okay. However, after that, when the other workers came, each of them greeted by saying, "Ohayou gozaimasu, ohayou gozaimasu!".

"Huh, it is already past 5pm. Why do they say ohayou gozaimasu?" I was confused.
Out of curiosity, I asked another non-Japanese worker there,"Hey, why did you said ohayou gozaimasu?"
"Hmmmm....every part timer need to say ohayou gozaimasu. Regardless if it is morning, noon, or night, you say `good morning`. I also don`t know, just say it," he explained.
Although I can`t really get it, I just replied,"なるほど naruhodo Oh, I see. From now on I will greet ohayou gozaimasu!".

Arigatou vs Yoroshiku onegaishimasu

In 英語 eigo English, there is no greeting equivalent to "yoroshiku onegaishimasu". The closest translation on the web would be "Please take good care of me". It is mostly used during 自己紹介 jiko shoukai self-introduction. I didn`t know the yoroshiku onegaishimasu for other uses. For example, I didn`t know that yoroshiku onegaishimasu can be used in writing emails too.

In English business emails, for requests, we would end with "Thank you" and "Regards".
I got used to that way of writing, thus when I was writing Japanese emails, I would end by writing "arigatou gozaimasu". I continued doing it for some time until one day, my 先生 sensei teacher found out and told me: "When you have any request, say yoroshiku onegaishimasu".

Different from English emails, in Japanese language, there is a specific word when requesting. You must use yoroshiku onegaishimasu. Suddenly, I felt I was 失礼 shitsurei impolite since I didn`t use the yoroshiku onegaishimasu before.
When you are requesting your counterpart, and while your counterpart haven`t said if he can or cannot do it, saying "arigatou gozaimasu" would means that you have already assumed that your counterpart will definitely able to do it. Although no one had 文句を言う monku wo iu complained me, to a certain extent, I probably had been impolite to some people.

Giant Panda Bread

2012-08-15T21:46:00.000+08:00

Somewhere in Osaka

What a giant panda bread!

なんと巨大なパンダパン！

nanto kyodai na panda pan

How to Say BREAD in Japanese

The biggest naan パン pan bread in the world is 3 meter wide

See picture of biggest naan bread

I love naan with tandoori chicken.

Kobe Tower

2012-08-11T22:31:00.000+08:00

Meriken Park, Kobe

It looks like it is orange in color. Actually the steel is red in color.

オレンジ色に見えるけど。本当は鋼が赤色です。

orenji iro ni mieru kedo. hontou ha hagane ga akairo desu.

How to Say Steel in Japanese

What is difference between iron and 鋼 hagane steel? 鋼 hagane Steel is an alloy made out of iron. Both can be as strong depending on the composition and application.

See Which is stronger steel or iron?

Port of Kobe

2012-08-10T20:00:00.000+08:00

Meriken Park, Kobe

The night view of the ships is beautiful.

船の夜景も美しいだね

fune no yakei mo utsukushii da ne.

How to Say SHIP in Japanese

Port of Kobe is the 4th busiest port in Japan with passenger and cargo 船 fune ships.

FREE Backlinks to Your Japanese Blog

2012-08-10T08:00:00.000+08:00

Criterias to get FREE backlink

Learn Japanese Through Pictures or more commonly known as picturelearning is giving away free backlinks to sites that meet the following criterias:

a) Using English as main communicating language to teach Japanese

b) Lessons in Japanese text

c) With English translation

d) With romaji interpretation

If you meet the above criterias, you may submit your website address to us for review under the COMMENT section below.

Furthermore, this is a dofollow blog, you will get a backlink instantly.

Also, briefly, tell us more about your site.

How this works?

After submitting your site, picturelearning will publish a link to your site with a short review.

From the review, readers could decide which site best suit their learning style.

Benefits

Bloggers will get a free backlink from picturelearning, currently upgraded to pagerank 3.

Readers can conveniently choose and link to various resources in learning Japanese, with English translation and romaji interpretation.

At picturelearning, we are constantly looking for ways to serve you better.

Japanese Iron Man

2012-08-08T22:00:00.000+08:00

Wakamatsu Koen, Kobe

In the city of Kobe,...

神戸市には、

koube shi ni ha

...there is a hero. His name is Iron Man.

英雄がいる。名前は鉄人だ。

eiyuu ga iru. namae ha tetsujin da.

How to Say IRON in Japanese

Tetsujin, the Japanese version of 鉄 tetsu Iron Man, was Americanized and named Gigantor.

See history of Tetsujin

Starbucks in Kitano-Cho

2012-08-05T21:23:00.000+08:00

Kitano-Cho, Kobe

Let`s have a break.

ちょっと休もうか。

chotto yasumou ka.

How about coffee at Starbucks?

スターバックスでコーヒーはどう？

suta-bakkusu de ko-hi- ha dou

How to Say STARBUCKS in Japanese

Do you know that スターバックス suta-bakkusu Starbucks got its name from the novel, Moby Dick?

European Cars

2012-08-04T21:17:00.000+08:00

Kitano-Cho, Kobe

I wish one of those cars are mine.

その車の一つは私のだといいね。

sono kuruma ha watashi no da to ii ne.

How to Say I WISH in Japanese

(something you wish) + だといいね da to ii ne.

For example: I wish I were a king.
私が王様だといいね

watashi ga ousama da to ii ne.

Featured Articles: Extraordinary Japanese Culture

2012-08-04T16:47:00.001+08:00

Dear Readers,

I have completed a two more parts of the Extraordinary Japanese Culture series.
The first part of the series was released in February under the featured articles.
For those who missed it, see Extraordinary Japanese Culture Part 1: Drinks

This coming 18/Aug and 19/Aug, I will release
Extraordinary Japanese Culture Part 2: Greetings
and
Extraordinary Japanese Culture Part 3: Super convenient words

Don`t miss it!!!

Top 5 Myths about Learn Japanese Through Pictures

2012-07-29T23:53:00.000+08:00

Learn Japanese Through Pictures or more oftenly known as picturelearning has received some feedbacks. Some from my friends, some from my readers.
It seemed that some perception about picturelearning is not true, and here, I call them the Myths.

Myth #1 I cannot read Japanese

We understand that many people cannot read Japanese. Thus, we use English as the main language to introduce you to Japanese words. We also provide romaji (Japanese written in alphabets) so that you know how to pronounce them. Even if you cannot pronounce them properly like the Japanese people do, so what? Try to pronounce anyway and hear yourself talking in broken Japanese. I did it too when I was learning Japanese and it made me laugh at myself. It made me happy. This is what this blog is about, to make you happy.

Myth #2 For learning Japanese only

No, we did not make picturelearning for learning Japanese entirely. We made this for leisure reading. We focus on fun pictures, and short statements to introduce some words in Japanese, followed by a How to Say in Japanese segment where we put in interesting facts, quotes, and cultural notes as examples.

Most importantly, we want you to enjoy the pictures and the blog as you get in touch with some Japanese words.
Even if you are not learning any Japanese, it is OK. Just read it for pleasure.

Myth #3 Not for Japanese people

Although we use English as the main language, picturelearning benefits the Japanese people who wants to improve their English proficiency too. We use simple English words and sentences. Like reverse engineering, you can read the Japanese text and see the translation in English. Just like foreigners who want to learn Japanese, you are only doing it the reversed way.
Even if you are not learning any English, it is OK. Just read it for pleasure.

Myth #4 This is a perfect blog

I am not a native Japanese speaker. I started learning Japanese by myself. Then I went on to further study in Tokyo for 2 years with my own money. I tried very hard to master the language in the shortest time, and I made it to be able speak, write and read Japanese within a year. For me, that is a feat. But it doesn`t mean that I am perfect, neither does my blog. I am consistently improving myself to bring you accurate information. If you find any mistake, comment on it and correct me. I am happy to exchange opinions.

Myth #5 Subscribing is difficult

From time to time, we are improving picturelearning with different ways to subscribe.
We try to make picturelearning easy for subscription and easy to follow.
You can choose any of the following method to subscribe and follow us.

You can click on the slide at the top of the blog to subscribe.

You can fill in your email address on the left sidebar.

You click to join us at

- Google+

- Facebook Fan Page

- Twitter

Marry in Europe

2012-07-29T01:00:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kitano-Cho, Kobe

Romantic Western street.

ロマンティックな西洋の町。

romantikku na seiyou no machi

Lets get married.

結婚しましょうか。

kekkon shimashou.

How to Say Will You Marry Me in Japanese

The happiest moment in your life would be asking your love of your life to be your wife.

Ask her: 僕と結婚してくれる？ boku to kekkon shite kureru Will you marry me.

Like Learn Japanese Through Pictures

2012-07-28T21:30:00.000+08:00

Dear Readers,

Learn Japanese Through Pictures or more commonly known as picturelearning is consistently looking for ways to improve how we serve you better with more pictures, lessons, and interesting facts for your reading pleasure while you learn one or two Japanese words in the meantime.

When picturelearning started, we were doing a coverage on Sendai a year before the 3/11 Tohoku Earthquake.

As we moved on to next coverage: Tokyo Game Show, we provided a How to Say in Japanese segment.

We continued to improve as we move on to the next coverage: Yonex Japan Open 2011 where we upgraded the How to Say in Japanese segment with interesting facts, quotes, trivia and cultural notes.

We felt that we should expand our coverage to all around the world instead of just focusing on Japan alone. Moreover, it is a borderless world now, we wanted the readers to go where we had been to. To see what we saw; to feel what we felt. Thus, we made a coverage on Chinese arts in Guangzhou.

During the Chinese New Year 2012, we made a coverage in Penang: Kek Lok Si Temple. It is one of the most prominent temples in Malaysia. The sight of the temple at night is like a glowing city of light floating in the air. See pictures of Kek Lok Si temple.

We are now doing a coverage on Kansai: Kyoto, Kobe, Nara. We want to show you the beauty in the ancient city.

Next, we would be doing a coverage on Bali Island. A mysterious island with a unique culture unlike any other Indonesian island. So stay tuned.

Like picturelearning on facebook

Your LIKE is an encouragement for us to do better.
Your LIKE will also keep you up to date with the latest posts from picturelearning.

While we are striving harder to do better, your encouragement is very important to us.

We love to share with you. We hope that you can share with us too. Let us know where we can improve further. You can leave a comment or email personally to jonway@picturelearning.org

We also hope that you will SHARE picturelearning with your family and friends.
Let them share the fun of enjoying the pictures and learning a little Japanese.

You may also join us at Tweeter or Google Plus.

It is easy. You will find us at the top right of picturelearning homepage.

We appreciate your support.

Lets have fun learning together.

Regards,
jonway

James Bond in Japan

2012-07-28T00:07:00.000+08:00

Kitano-Cho, Kobe

James Bond`s car

ジェイムズ・ボンドの車

jeimuzu bondo no kuruma

Perhaps James Bond is having a drink here.

ジェイムズ・ボンドはここでビールを飲むかな。

jeimuzu bondo ha koko de bi-ru wo nomu kana.

How to say James Bond in Japanese

ジェイムズ・ボンドjeimuzu bondo James Bond is always acquainted with the number 007, a character created in 1953 with more than 20 movies to date.

Nijo Castle

2012-07-27T15:48:00.000+08:00

Nijojo, Kyoto

The Nijo Castle have 2 parts. The Main Circle and the Second Circle.

二条城は二つの部分があります。本丸と二の丸です。

ni jou jou ha futatsu no bubun ga arimasu. honmaru to ninomaru desu.

How to say CIRCLE in Japanese

Do you know that the Japanese currency yen comes from the word 円 circle?

Note: See the difference between 丸 maru and 円 en

Coffee Shot

2012-07-25T10:14:00.000+08:00

Somewhere in Ninnaji, Kyoto

How about some bitter coffee?

苦いコーヒーはいかがですか。

nigai ko-hi- ha ikaga desu ka

How to say BITTER in Japanese

Only 15% of coffee`s 苦い nigai taste come from caffeine

See where is the rest of the coffeee`s bitter taste come from.

Picturelearning is now a Do Follow Blog

2012-07-22T16:10:00.000+08:00

Dear Readers,

I presume some readers who are also bloggers are familiar with the term: no-follow and do-follow.
picturelearning would like to reward a do-follow backlink to your site with your constructive comments on our posts. do-follow backlink is important in order to rank better in Google and other search engines.

picturelearning is always looking for ways to improve ourselves and to serve you better with interesting posts. We welcome your comment.

Thank you for your support.

Regards,
jonway

Ninnaji Pagoda

2012-07-22T10:01:00.000+08:00

Ninnaji, Kyoto

When you open the door,

ドアを開けると。。。

doa wo akeru to

A pagoda will come into sight

仏塔が見えてきます

buttou ga mietekimasu

How to say PAGODA in Japanese

Tianning Pagoda is the highest 仏塔 buttou pagoda in the world with 13 stories

Peeking Cat

2012-07-20T23:29:00.000+08:00

Somewhere in Kyoto

Let`s take a peek!

覗いてみよう！

nozoite miyou

How to say Peek in Japanese

The picture of the cat 覗いている nozoiteiru peeking inside reminds me of the proverb - Curiosity killed the cat.

Golden Kinkakuji

2012-07-18T22:27:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kinkakuji, Kyoto.

Coated with gold.

金でコーティングされている。

kin de ko-tingu sareteiru.

The golden color reflected on the lake.

金色は湖に映っていました

kiniro ha mizuumi ni utsutteimashita.

How to say Gold in Japanese

The largest 金 kin gold mine is Grasberg mine in Indonesia.

See how big is Grasberg mine.

Serenity

2012-07-14T22:07:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Ginkakuji, Japan

I feel so serene in Ginkakuji.

銀閣寺では穏やかに感じる。

ginkakuji de ha odayaka ni kanjiru.

How to say Serene in Japanese

When the mind is 穏やか odayaka serene, there is no such thing as bad weather.

Overlooking Ginkakuji

2012-07-13T21:53:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Ginkakuji, Kyoto

Ginkakuji is surrounded by lush greenery

銀閣寺は豊かな緑に囲まれました。

ginkakuji ha yutaka na midori ni kakomaremashita.

How to say Lush Greenery in Japanese

We are now losing our 豊かな緑 yutaka na midori lush greenery by 7.3million hectars per year. That is about 1400 times the size of Monaco city.

Learn about United Nations report about deforestation.

Blue Moss

2012-07-11T21:22:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Ginkakuji, Kyoto

Blue moss

青い苔

aoi koke

Light green moss spreading.

薄い緑の苔が広がっています

usui midori no koke ga hirogatteimasu.

Green moss

濃い緑の苔

koi midori no koke

How to say Moss in Japanese

The Japanese love 苔 koke moss which symbolizes simplicity and tranquility.

Sand Art

2012-07-06T21:03:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Ginkakuji, Kyoto

The flat sand art

平らな砂の美術

taira na suna no bijutusu

The bulging sand art

膨らんでいる砂の美術

fukurandeiru suna no bijutsu

How to say Sand in Japanese

The tallest 砂 suna sand castle stood at almost 50 feet high. See the tallest sand castle.

Ginkakuji Pavilion

2012-07-04T20:50:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Ginkakuji, Kyoto

Ginkakuji is surrounded by sand and stone gardens.

銀閣寺は砂や石の庭に囲まれました。

ginkakuji ha suna ya ishi no niwa ni kakomaremashita.

How to say Surrounded by.... in Japanese

It is estimated that we produce 4 to 5 billion tonnes of garbage every year. Soon we will be ごみに囲まれた gomi (garbage) ni kakomareta surrounded by garbage.

Japanese Trishaw

2012-07-01T20:22:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kyoto, Japan

Sweat moves trishaws, not petrol.

三輪自転車を動かすのは汗です。ガソリンではありません。

sanrin jitensha wo ugokasu no ha ase desu. gasorin de ha arimasen.

How to say Sweat in Japanese

Dont 汗をかく ase wo kaku sweat the small stuffs, it is all small stuffs.

Grammatical Note:
汗 ase is sweat (nount).

汗をかく ase wo kaku is to sweat (verb)

Ancient Couples

2012-06-30T19:36:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kyoto, Japan

She is my girlfriend.

彼女は私の彼女です。

kanojo ha watashi no kanojo desu.

He is my boyfriend.

彼は私の彼氏です。

kare ha watashi no kareshi desu.

How to say Boyfriend/Girlfriend in Japanese

In Japan, the 彼女 kanojo girlfriend makes chocolate for the 彼氏 kareshi boyfriend on Valentine`s day.

Note: It is also common for girls to make chocolate for guys even if they are just normal friends on Valentine`s day.

Black Whales

2012-06-27T21:59:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kiyomizudera, Kyoto

Small whale on top of black whale. Cute!!!

小さいクジラは大きいクジラの上に乗っています。可愛い！！

chiisai kujira ha ookii kujira no ue ni notteimasu. kawaii!!

How to say Whale in Japanese

The voice of the blue クジラ kujira whale, the largest animal on Earth, has the most powerful voices on the planet that can travel up to hundred miles underwater.

Kimono Dolls

2012-06-24T21:40:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kyoto, Japan

Geisha in kimono

着物を着る芸者

kimono wo kiru geisha

Hello Kitty in Kimono

着物を着るハローキティ

kimono wo kiru haro-kiti

How to say Kimono in Japanese

着物 Kimono comes from 着るもの kiru mono which means the things you wear.

Kimono is also an English word.

Cultural Note: What is the difference between 着物 kimono and　浴衣 yukata?

The main difference is the material. Also, yukata is a bathrobe usually worn in the summer. Check out other differences between kimono and yukata.

Souvenirs shops

2012-06-23T22:10:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kyoto, Japan

There are so many things that I wanted to buy in the souvenir shop.

土産物屋でたくさんのものが買いたいんですよ。

miyage mono ya de takusan no mono ga kaitain desu yo.

How to say Souvenir in Japanese

Do you know that it is polite to buy お土産 omiyage souvenirs for your friends, family and colleague after you have visited some places for holidays or business trips?

Tips: See souvenirs to buy

Explore Picturelearning Easily with LinkWithin

2012-06-22T17:54:00.002+08:00

Dear Readers,

We have installed LinkWithin. Now you can explore picturelearning more easily.
You will see previous posts at the end. Each come with a picture.

We hope you will enjoy exploring picturelearning more with this feature.

Do feedback to us in the comment section to let us know what you think about this feature.
We will continue to strive to serve you better.

Thank you.

Regards,
jonway

Japan Shopping Street (2)

2012-06-20T21:29:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kyoto, Japan

There are many things to are on sale.

たくさんのものが売られている。

takusan no mono ga urareteiru.

Let`s go shopping!

買物に行きましょう！！

kaimono ni ikimashou.

How to say Go Shopping in Japanese

I prefer to 買い物に行く kaimono ni iku go shopping at shopping streets instead of stores where things are much cheaper. See where to go shopping in Tokyo.

Japan Shopping Street (1)

2012-06-17T21:20:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kyoto, Japan

Descending to the shopping street.

商店街に下ります。

shouten gai ni kudarimasu.

Let`s do some shopping!!!

買い物をしましょう！！！

kaimono wo shimashou

How to say Shopping Street in Japanese

This 商店街 shouten gai shopping street is located near the Kiyomizudera Temple. Take a look at Matsubara Dori at 360 degrees.

Sapporo Beer

2012-06-16T21:09:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kiyomizudera, Kyoto

After a long walk in the hot day, nothing beats a cold bottle of beer!!!!

暑い日には長い間歩いた後でビールは最高だろう！！！

atsui hi ni ha nagai aida aruita ato de bi-ru ha saikou darou!!!

How to say Beer in Japanese

Some of the top ビール bi-ru beer brands in Japan includes Sapporo, Asahi, Yebisu, etc

Cupid and the Rabbit

2012-06-13T20:48:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kiyomizudera, Kyoto

Where is the Cupid? The man is the Cupid. He is the God of Love.

キューピッドはどこですか？あの男の人はキューピッドです。彼は恋愛の神様です。

kyu-piddo ha doko desu ka. ano otoko no hito ha kyu-piddo desu. kare ha ren ai no kami sama desu.

How to say Cupid in Japanese

The man is called Okuninushi No Mikoto, a Japanese God of Love and good matches, equivalent to キューピッド kyu-piddo Cupid (only without the arrows). The rabbit beside him is the messenger.

Dissolving Problems

2012-06-10T20:14:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kiyomizudera, Kyoto

Write down your troubles on the the paper, and put it into the water.

悩みを紙に書いて、水に入れます。

nayami wo kami ni kaite, mizu ni iremasu.

All your troubles will dissolve.

悩みはとけます。

nayami ha tokemasu.

How to say in Dissolve in Japanese

Since the Nara era, people write down their troubles, sickness, disturbances in the family, etc into a piece of paper (in the shape of a doll), and put it into water and it will とける dissolve tokeru.

Grammatical Note: Tokeru vs Tokasu

紙が水に溶ける

kami ga mizu ni tokeru

The paper dissolve in the water (by itself).

紙を水に溶かす

kami wo mizu ni tokasu

(Someone) dissolve the paper in water.

Love stone

2012-06-09T22:15:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kiyomizudera, Kyoto

There are 2 love stones. If you can walk from one stone to the other without opening your eyes, you will find true love.

恋占いの石は二つあります。もし一つの石から目を開けずにもう一つの石に歩ければ、真実の恋ができますよ。

koi uranai no ishi ha futatsu arimasu. moshi hitotsu no ishi kara me wo akezuni mou hitotsu no ishi ni arukereba, shinjitsu no koi ga dekimasu yo.

How to say in Japanese: I love you

I like this song by Rod Stewart, "Have I told you lately that 愛している aishiteiru i love you?"

Cultural Note:
In the West, like is different from love.
I like you does not mean that I love you.

In Japan,
私はあなたが好きです　watashi ha anata ga suki desu.
私はあなたのことがすきです watashi ha anata no koto ga suki desu.

both means I love you.

Otawa Waterfall

2012-06-06T20:46:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kiyomizudera, Kyoto

Below the Kiyomizudera Temple is the Otowa waterfall.

清水寺のしたにおたわの滝があります。

kiyomiduzera no shita ni otawa no taki ga arimasu.

This is the Otowa Waterfall. Each stream has a meaning. Do you know what is it?

これはおたわの滝です。それぞれの流れは意味を持っています。知っていますか。

kore ha otawa no taki desu. sore zore no nagare ha imi wo motteimasu. shitteimasu ka.

How to say in Japanese: Meaning

The first stream 意味する imi suru means longevity.

The second stream 意味する imi suru means success at studies.

The third stream 意味する imi suru means fortune in love life.

Kiyomizudera Temple

2012-06-03T20:21:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kiyomizudera, Kyoto

The temple was built in 778.

778年に建っていました。

778 nen ni tatteimashita.

This year, it will turn 1234 years old.

今年は1234歳です。

kotoshi ha 1234 sai desu.

How to ask for age in Japanese

おいくつですか oikutsu desu ka.

なんさいですか nan sai desu ka.

Both means how old are you. The former is more polite.

UFO lanterns

2012-06-02T23:57:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kiyomizudera, Japan

UFO is here!!!

UFO が来た！！！

How to say in Japanese: is here

(someone) + が来た ga kita is here

Believe it or not, in 1883 the UFO が来た ga kita was here

Like Picturelearning in Facebook

2012-06-02T09:17:00.002+08:00

Dear Readers,

Picturelearning is now LIKEable.

Click on LIKE to join picturelearning fan page in Facebook.

Also,
Click on SEND to tell your family and friends about picturelearning.

With more than 1000 pictures and 500 lessons, picturelearning is sharing one of the biggest resource for learning Japanese.
We will continue to strive to serve you better with more pictures and more lessons.

Like us NOW!!!

Regards,
jonway

Water Dragon

2012-05-30T23:47:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kiyomizudera, Japan

Do you know why there is a wash basin at temples?
なぜ手洗い場はお寺にあるか知っていますか。
naze tearaiba ha otera ni aru ka shitteimasu ka.

How to say in Japanese: Wash

Before entering the temple, you have to 洗う arau wash your hands and mouth. It is said that Izanami, the deity that gave birth to Japan, 洗った aratta washed herself in the river after brought back to life from the underworld which was thought as a dirty place. For that reason, Japanese people 洗う arau wash their hands and mouth before entering temples.

For details, learn why Japanese wash their hands and mouth before entering temples.

The Tulip

2012-05-27T12:20:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kiyomizudera, Japan

What a vibrant tulip !!

なんと鮮やかなチューリップですね！！

nanto azayakana chu-rippu desu ne.

How to say in Japanese: Tulip

During the 1600s, チューリップ chu-rippu tulips were so valuable that their bulbs were worth more than gold.

How to Learn Japanese Effectively with Textbooks and Blogs

2012-05-27T01:30:00.000+08:00

The essential Japanese textbooks
There are 2 process that goes hand-in-hand when learning language. The not-so-fun way and the fun way. Usually it is the not-so-fun way first. That is the textbooks.

Why do we use Japanese textbooks first?
When we want to learn any language, we start with the basics. What are the basics? The usual components that makes up a sentence.

In English, we learn "I am, you are, he is, they are, etc".
In Japanese, we learn "ha (wa), ga, wo, ni, no, etc".
It is a general rule which is fixed. No rule is interesting. Despite being not interesting, it is an impartial part of the learning process where we must master.
Furthermore, textbooks are usually too wordy. You get tired even before you started reading.

When does it get interesting?
Once we are good with the basics, the rest is pretty much a matter of creativity. Language itself is an art. The same thing can be expressed in so many different ways with so many words and different grammars.
Where can we find the widest variety of different ways to express the same thing? Blogs!!
For example, just type さくら sakura cherry blossom + blog in Google and you will find thousands of blogs telling their experience from their perspective in their very own words.
Read through blogs that usually come with pictures. See how they use words to describe their emotions.
Furthermore, blogs usually use simple everyday words and grammars to convey their message. This makes blog very practical.
On top of that, the pictures, the story telling and the jokes simply makes reading a pleasure rather than pressure. No exams or quiz after that.

Combining Textbooks and Blogs
Study with textbooks and learn with blogs. Textbooks might be boring, but it is important that you learn the basics. But don`t let the boredom wear you down. Once you are good with the basics, jump to blogs and explore. Learn from from blogs with fun. See How to Learn Japanese Using Blogs. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun learning.

The Bell

2012-05-26T12:11:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kiyomizudera, Kyoto

What is behind these plants?

この植物の裏には何があるかな？

A big big BELL!

ばかでかい鐘です

How to say in Japanese: Bell

鐘 kane Bell can be a tool for communication, instrument of music or simply just a piece of art.

Join picturelearning on Google+

2012-05-26T11:55:00.001+08:00

Dear Readers,

You can now join us on Google Plus.
Just click on the icon "Join picturelearning on Google +"

Join us now!!!

Regards,
jonway

Come in and don`t be stingy

2012-05-23T12:00:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kyoto, Japan

Mr Raccoon welcomes you.

アライグマさんは貴方を歓迎します。

Arai guma san ha anata wo kangei shimasu.

How to say in Japanese: Welcome

Actually it is not a raccoon but a fox (tanuki). It is to 歓迎する kangei suru welcome you into the restaurant or bars. It is a sign of saying "come in and don`t be stingy".

Kyoto Station

2012-05-20T11:39:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kyoto, Japan

The journey around Kyoto began here.

京都を回る旅はここで始まりました。

kyoutou wo mawaru tabi ha koko de hajimarimashita.

How to say in Japanese: Journey

旅 tabi Journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step.

Japanese Breakfast

2012-05-19T11:31:00.000+08:00

Visit Japan: Kyoto, Japan

Regular Japanese breakfast of rice, miso soup, pickles, half-boiled egg and a cup of green tea.

定番の日本朝食の米、味噌汁、漬物、半熟卵、とお茶です。

teiban no nihon choushoku no kome, miso shiru, tsukemono hanjuku tamago to ocha desu.

How to say in Japanese: Breakfast

Eat 朝食 choushoku breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dinner like a poor man

朝食 choushoku = 朝ごはん asa gohan = breakfast

Travel Penang: Kek Lok Si Temple

2012-05-16T22:04:00.000+08:00

Kek Lok Si Temple: The Floating City of Light

Although I have been staying in Penang for more than 20 over years. It was the first time I visited Kek Lok Si Temple at night. What drove me to this temple is that the temple only light up at night for 30 days only during the 旧正月 kyuushougatsu Chinese New Year celebration. On other nights, you cannot enjoy such great view. If you travel to Penang at in January, make sure you visit the Kek Lok Si temple.

You will be able to see Kek Lok Si temple from afar. The entire temple are lighted up in various 色 iro colors. Kek Lok Si temple is located on a higher grounds. So when it turns dark at night, it looks as though it is 浮かんでいる ukandeiru floating in the air. 　

The Colors of Light Illuminates Kek Lok Si Temple

Along the way in the corridors of the Kek Lok Si temple, I was greeted with thousands and thousands of 提灯 chouchin lanterns.

Mostly in 赤 aka red for good luck and 黄色 kiiro yellow for success. It was filled with Chinese New Year mood with all these lanterns hanging around.

There were also some other light decorations such as the floral decorations which were made in such a way that it looked like クラゲ kurage jelly fish.

Kuan Yin Pavilion: The Pride of Kek Lok Si Temple

At the highest point of the Kek Lok Si temple, lies the great Kuan Yin Pavilion. It was completed and opened in 2009. It was really worthy to pay for RM4 to take the inclined tram that will bring you up there. You may walk or drive up there too. The first thing you will see once you reach there is the awe-inspiring Kuan Yin pavilion with an octagonal roof supported by 16 delicately carved 柱 hashira pillars. その時 sono toki At that moment, it is just gonna make you jaw drop with "Wow" coming out from your mouth.

Take this opportunity to drop on your knees before Kuan Yin (The Goddess of Mercy) to thank her for all the great things that had happened to you, and お願いする onegai suru wish that all things will remain good for you and keep coming your way. I always count my blessings too when I pray. Don`t miss this chance when you travel to Penang

You know, when I pray, I always pray, "May I, my family, and people around me to be healthy, happy and peaceful always".
幸せ shiawase Happiness and 健康 kenkou health is the real wealth.

If you happened to travel to Penang during Chinese New Year, make sure to drop by the Kek Lok Si temple. It will definitely be a very memorable experience.

Notification

2012-05-14T22:06:00.000+08:00

Dear Readers,

I am glad to inform that www.picturelearning.blogspot.com is now

www.picturelearning.org

We hope that you will continue to like this site and support us.
Let`s have fun while learning Japanese.

Subscribe to picturelearning now!!!

Regards,
jonway

Overlooking Penang

2012-05-13T10:33:00.000+08:00

Visit Malaysia: Kek Lok Si

This is the view from Kuan Yin is facing. Can you see the tall tower?

これは観音が面している光景です。高いタワーが見られますか。

kore ha kannon ga menshiteiru koukei desu. takai tawa- ga miraremasu ka.

How to say in Japanese: Tower

The タワー tawa- is called KOMTAR. It is said that KOMTAR is like the joss stick for Kuan Yin.

Kuan Yin

2012-05-12T10:23:00.000+08:00

Visit Malaysia: Kek Lok Si, Penang

Goddess of Mercy

観音です

kannon desu.

She will forgive you.

貴方を許します。

anata wo yurushimasu.

How to say in Japanese: Forgive

The stupid neither 許す yurusu forgive nor forget; the naive　許す yurusu forgive and forget; the wise 許す yurusu forgive but do not forget.

The Pillars

2012-05-09T10:22:00.000+08:00

Visit Malaysia: Kek Lok Si, Penang

The 4 pillars.

四本の柱。

yon hon no hashira.

Each pillar is delicately carved.

それぞれの柱は細かく彫りました。

sore zore no hashira ha komakaku horimashita.

How to say in Japanese: Pillar

There are 16 carved dragon 柱 hashira pillars to support the octagonal roof.

Notification

2012-05-08T00:55:00.000+08:00

A new series about Kyoto will be revealed on 19 May 2012.
Don`t want to miss anything from picturelearning?

Subscribe to picturelearning now!!!!

The Kuan Yin Pavilion

2012-05-06T10:21:00.000+08:00

Visit Malaysia: Kek Lok Si, Penang

The majestic Kuan Yin shelter.
堂々とした観音のシェルターです。

doudou to shita kannon no sheruta- desu.

How to say in Japanese: Shelter

Do you know that the Kuan Yin シェルター sheruta- Shelter is about 20 storey high?

Cooperative Piggies

2012-05-05T10:20:00.000+08:00

Visit Malaysia: Kek Lok Si, Penang

Let`s cooperate and carry this.

協力してこれを運びましょう。

kyouryoku shite kore wo hakobimashou.

Oh this is heavy!!!

ああ。。。重い！

aa....omoi!

How to say in Japanese: Heavy

Did you know that the heaviest pig weigh as much as about 1000kg?

How to learn Japanese Using Blogs

2012-05-05T02:02:00.000+08:00

Everyone learn something in their very own way. This applies to learning language as well.
For example, how I learn Japanese is different from how you do it. What might be effective for me might not work for you.

The same goes to blogs. Different blogs express themselves in different ways.
For example, picturelearning blogs by showing pictures to create a better visual impact to help remembering words or phrases.

You have to look for the right blogs that suits your learning style and that helps you learn effectively.

The question is how do you know which blog is right for you?

1. Choose blogs that are short but impactful.

We are busy with life everyday. Traders running businesses, housewife taking care of the family, employees working overtime, student studying for exams, etc. In the middle of this hectic life, we have not much time to spend on studying Japanese (or any language of interest). So choose blog that have short posts which are short enough to keep your attention, but not long enough to bore you. Most importantly, in that short span of your attention, you will learn something and remember it.

2. Choose blogs that tells stories

Let me tell you about an an experiment to test memory. At first, a few people were asked to remember cards as it were shown one by one. Most people can only remember up to 7 cards. But when they were told a story linking each card, they can remember more cards. Likewise, blogs that tell you stories will help you remember better.

3. Choose blogs that uses visual aid

Compare this

vs Red apple

Which makes a better impression?

Blogs are generally free nowadays, written by some dedicated people who loves to share their experience and knowledge, without asking for anything in return but your appreciation.
Choose the best blog that will help you learn effectively. With the internet, text books are outdated. This is a world of where study smart is so much easier. So, take this opportunity to learn effectively and study smartly with blogs.

The longest dog

2012-05-04T10:11:00.000+08:00

Visit Malaysia: Kek Lok Si, Penang

I am a long dog, but I am not hotdog.

長い犬ですが、ホットドッグではありません。

nagai inu desu ga, hottodoggu de ha arimasen.

How to say in Japanese: Long

Did you know the world`s 一番長い ichiban nagai longest hotdog is 203.8m?

Shortest Giraffe

2012-05-03T13:03:00.000+08:00

Visit Malaysia: Kek Lok Si, Penang.

A giraffe can grow up to 6 meter tall.

キリンは6メートルまで育ちます。

Kirin ha 6 me-toru made sodachimasu.

How to say in Japanese: Meter

メートル me-toru Meter is a standard unit used widely around the world, but even some first world country such as America and England are still using feet.

1 メートル me-toru meter = 3 feet.

Naughty Turtles

2012-05-02T17:02:00.000+08:00

Visit Malaysia: Kek Lok Si, Penang

One turtle is on top of the other.

一匹の亀は他の亀の上に上がりました。

ippiki no kame ha hoka no kame no ue ni agarimashita.

Hey turtle, don`t be naughty!!

ほら。。亀ちゃん、いたずらをするな！！

hora...kamechan, itazura wo suru na!!

How to say in Japanese: Naughty

Parents should be able to understand the difference between active and いたずら itazura naughty. Just because a child is running around, does not mean that he/she is いたずら itazura naughty, it simply means he/she is active.

Giving alms

2012-04-29T17:25:00.000+08:00

Visit Malaysia: Kek Lok Si, Penang

These black bowls are for donations.

この黒いお茶碗は寄付のためです。

kono kuroi ochawan ha kifu no tame desu.

How to say in Japanese: Donation

寄付する kifu suru Donating food/clothes/money to monks are also called as giving alms.

Learn Japanese Through Pictures

Japan in 2012

Related articles

picturelearning Wishes You HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013

Visit Japan: Where to View Autumn Leaves in West Japan

Takao

Arashiyama

Koyasan

Kiyomizudera Temple

Osaka Castle Park

Mt Yoshino

Nara Park

Related articles

Visit Japan: Where to View Autumn Leaves in Central Japan

Kanazawa

Shirakawago

Takayama

Lake Kawaguchi

Tateyama Kurobe

Kamikochi

Kurobe Gorge

Visit Japan: Where to View Autumn Leaves in East Japan

Mt Takao

Rikugien Garden

Nikko Iroha Road

Sengokuhara

Tsurugoka Hachimangu

Kumoba Pond

Visit Japan: Where to View Autumn Leaves in Northeast Japan

Oirase Keiryu

Kakunodate

Chuson-ji Temple

Naruko Gorge

Akiu Falls

Visit Japan: Where to view autumn leaves in Hokkaido

Where to view autumn leaves in Hokkaido?

Sapporo Maruyama Park

Jozankei

Lake Toya

Hakodate Onuma Park

Noboribetsu Hell Valley

Sounkyo (Daisetsuzan)

Abashiri/ Lake Notoro

Shiretoko Five Lakes

Visit Japan: When to View Autumn Leaves in Japan

When to view autumn leaves in Japan?

Autumn Leaves Viewing in Japan

Nara Mascot

How to Say MASCOT in Japanese

Related articles

How To Say I Love You to a Japanese Girl with Success

I love you is a 3 letter word.

How to say I love you in Japanese?

I love you vs I like you

Why do I need to be indirect when saying I love you to a Japanese girl?

Conclusion

Mackerel Fish

How To Say MACKEREL in Japanese

Japanese Culture: Why Japanese Like Moss

What is moss?

Is moss a weed?

Personal experience with moss

Some people hate moss

Some people like moss

How to Grow Moss?

Why Japanese like moss?

Conclusion

Related articles

Umemori Sushi

How To Say SUSHI in Japanese

Toothpick

How To Say TOOTHPICK in Japanese

Japanese Food: Matsushima Fish Market

Japanese Food (Washoku) in Matsushimakaigan

Oyster Burger

Related articles

Lunch in Nara

How to Say LUNCH in Japanese

Japanese Rickshaw

How to Say RICKSHAW in Japanese