write an essay about japan

Essays About Japan: Top 5 Examples and 5 Prompts

Japan is a beautiful country famous for its lush landscape, delicious food, and well-mannered people. Here are some examples of essays about Japan.

A developed country in Asia known as the “land of the rising sun,” Japan has become a hot commodity for tourism and business. Japan is truly a sight to behold, from its beautiful cherry blossoms, efficient public transportation system, and delicious food. 

Japan’s rich history has allowed it to develop into one of the most advanced nations in the world, and its technology is renowned worldwide. Moreover, its people are known for their discipline, hard work, and resilience, even in the face of severe natural disasters. Japan is, without a doubt, a country worth visiting. 

If you want to write essays about Japan, here are our best essay examples and writing prompts to help you begin. 

1. What Japan Taught Me About Life by Beth Louise

2. japan experience: reflection on japanese culture by rayan elhafiz abdalla, 3. what i learned about design from travel in japan by teo yu siang.

• 4.  The best time to visit Japan by Pat Kay

5. A Day Trip To Kobe by David Swanson

5 prompts for essays about japan, 1. what does japan mean to you , 2. misogyny in japanese society, 3. why visit japan, 4. japan’s history, 5. living in japan: what’s it like.

“In fact, there’s so much to see and do that it feels like a lifetime of exploring would never uncover all that’s on offer. It’s also a bright, buzzing lesson in living fast; just wandering around in the crowds is a massive adrenaline rush, and Monday nights are as mental as Fridays. But despite the intensity of a city so large, people are calm and quiet. It’s the most magical juxtaposition. Everything is moving at light-speed, but with such efficiency and thoughtfulness, that it feels like a well-oiled, intuitive machine, powering a ride that you never want to get off.”

In her essay, Louise writes about her experience traveling to Tokyo, Japan. She compares it to a machine, with all the people in the city playing their part. She is amazed by the people’s focus, discipline, manners, and sense of purpose, and she can better appreciate life’s simplicity. She is mesmerized by Japan and recommends booking a trip to Tokyo as soon as possible. 

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“People were very friendly, they will greet you even if they don’t know you. One shocking incident that I will not forgot, is when the cashier was trying to help me put all my coin money in my wallet with me. In America I am not used to having someone put my money inside my wallet, that is really invading personal space. However, I learned that in Japan it seems normal to just drop off someone’s coins in their wallet.”

Similar to Louise, Abdalla reflects on new things he discovered about Japan and its people during his time there. These range from trivial things such as the “Pokemon Go” rollout in the country to the Japanese’ sense of honor and discipline. He recounts an experience in which the cashier was helping him put his change into his wallet, something he is not used to back home. He provides excellent, although short, insight into Japan, its culture, and its people. 

“Everything around us is designed: from the smartphones we use every day to the tactile paving on a walkway. But it’s often hard to examine the designed environment around us with eyes as fresh as a tourist’s. So if you’ve made it to the end of this post, I’ve got a challenge for you: The next time you take a walk outside, try to become aware of the thousands of design decisions around you. What works, and what can be improved?”

Siang writes about the edge that Japanese cities and society in general have because they are well-designed. He cites innovations such as fast, automated cash register machines and aid for the visually impaired and recalls lessons such as the importance of accessibility when designing something. 

4.   The best time to visit Japan by Pat Kay

“When people ask me “When is the best time to visit Japan?”, I usually reply with “anytime”. Japan is always a good idea, at any time of year. It’s truly an all-year-round destination that provides vastly varied experiences throughout its distinct 4 seasons. Whether you’re a traveller who loves snow, or one who thrives in humidity; a traveller who wants to see beautiful nature changes, or wants to be thrown into crowds; whatever your style of travel, there’s a season and a time for that.”

Kay describes the weather and activities during the different seasons in Japan, giving readers an idea of when they would prefer to visit. Japan ranges from the ethereal but chaotic cherry blossom season to the calm, frigid snow season; however, each year’s season has its own charm. Kay’s essay gives good insight into the best times to visit Japan.

“When planning a visit to Kobe, consider the fact that the city has been completely rebuilt since 1995, following the great Hanshin earthquake that leveled much of the city. Except for a few memorials, you likely won’t be aware of the destruction at all. Instead, what you will discover is a cosmopolitan port city where foreign influences intermingle, museums are dedicated to sake, and a conveniently compact and walkable quarter showcases a robust nightlife scene that has featured jazz on the menu for nearly a century. Oh, and, of course, there is the beef.”

In this short write-up, Swanson lists the best things to do in Kobe, Japan, a place best known for its top-quality beef. However, there are many things to do in the city besides eating beef, such as viewing historical buildings, going to the hot springs, and visiting the botanical gardens. However, Swanson notes that eating is an integral part of a trip to Kobe, and one should not miss out on trying the beef. 

In your essay, you can write about the country’s significance to you. For example, are you from there, or do you have Japanese ancestry? Have you visited? Write about your connection to the country and why this connection exists in the first place. If Japan has a special place in your heart, this essay topic is for you. 

When editing for grammar, we also recommend taking the time to improve the readability score of a piece of writing before publishing or submitting

With all its glory and excellence, Japan is less evolved in gender equality. So how are women treated in Japan? First, delve into research about the treatment of women in Japanese society, and show how the culture differs from modern western gender equality ideologies. Then, discuss why Japan is behind in encouraging women’s equal rights. Make sure to cite research, statistics, and interviews to support your point. 

This topic is straightforward; whether you have been or not, try to persuade others to visit the country. Include highlights that others should visit and suggestions for places others can visit. If Japan was a bad experience for you, go the other way: why should you not visit Japan?

Japan has a dark history surrounding its role in World War II. In your essay, briefly explain these events and research their effects on Japan after the war. How did the war change Japan- for better or for worse? Elaborate on the impact and, as always, include references to strengthen your arguments. This is quite a broad topic, so you can focus on one element of Japanese society: values, city planning, relationships with tourists, race, inequality, and gender equality.

Based on reading articles and sample essays as well as any experiences in Japan, list the advantages and disadvantages of living in Japan and conclude whether it would be ideal for moving to Japan or not. Use anecdotes from travel writers or people who live in Japan to show why living in japan is enjoyable or not so enjoyable. Pick a stance for a compelling argumentative essay.

If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing tips !

If you’re stuck picking your next essay topic, check out our guide on how to write an essay about diversity .

Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

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Personal Essay Example: Reasons Why I Want to Visit Japan

Where is one place in the world you would like to visit? Explain why you would want to visit this place, and what you would want to do or see once you arrive. Include specific details and examples in your response.

If I could visit any place in the world, it would be Japan. Many people, such as my friends, relatives, and reviews, told me how amazing Japan is. Japan is one of the most attractive places for tourists, millions of people each year travel there to try its exotic and traditional food. Another reason why is because of the beautiful sakura flowers that only bloom once a year. Japan also has one of the most unique hotels, one being a capsule hotel, like the name says you live in a capsule.

Japan is known for their natural beauty. There are many mountains, waterfalls, and forests, and most importantly, cherry blossoms. Like I said in my manifesto, I like adventuring to new places and especially in mother nature. As my parents say, I’m quite the photographer so, whenever I go to new places, I can add some photos to my collection and see many astonishing views. One of my wishes is that I get a Fujifilm X-T4, it is a camera that specializes in photography, and I want to capture almost everything that I do. If I go to Japan during April, I would definitely go to Chidorigafuchi. Chidorigafuchi is a seven hundred meters long river that leads to the Imperial Palace. The river is surrounded by cherry blossoms and you can take a boat/canoe ride down the river. Chidorigafuchi is one of the most popular places in Japan for viewing cherry blossoms, and during April, cherry blossoms bloom and shine at their brightest. Cherry Blossoms are one of my favourite types of plants because of how beautiful they are and how rare they are. Remember that this is a once-in-a-year time and the cherry blossoms die fast so if you get to see them, you are very lucky! The next place I would go to is Mount Fuji. Mount Fuji is a popular tourist attraction in Japan that a lot of people recognize. It is the thirty-fifth tallest mountain in the world and rises up to 12,388 feet, so I want to see it myself. When I’m at Mt. Fuji, I want to see around because there are five lakes and many temples that surround Mt. Fuji. There is also a lot of history, so I want to learn about it. An example is that Mt. Fuji was known as a sacred kami or spirit in the Shinto religion. The last place I would like to go is to a hot spring. Hot springs are very common because of all the volcanoes Japan has. Hot springs are very relaxing and are located in traditional Japanese inns.

Japan has one of the most unique and exotic foods in the world, that’s why I want to try their foods. Fun fact, 30% of the world's 7 Eleven’s are in Japan and it is pretty common to see a convenience store in every street. So whenever you need a cheap meal such as an egg sandwich, you can head over to 7 Eleven or Family Mart. Many shops in Japan have a traditional food called bento box. All families have a different recipe and they could be eaten for any meal, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and sometimes dessert. One exotic food that I want to try is omurice from Yukimura Motokichi. He works at Kichi Kichi and is most popular for his omurice. He entertains everyone with his cooking tricks, jokes, and makes a very memorable time for everyone. Omurice is a dish that contains fried rice and an omelette, topped off with some ketchup. Another dish I would like to eat is sushi, a traditional dish from Japan and is my favourite food of all time. I like sashimi over the rolls because I think that in sushi, the fish is the most important part of the combination. Sushi is a traditional food for the Japanese people and whenever you eat sushi in Japan, it may be pricey, but believe me, it tastes like heaven. Another food I would like to try is ramen. I love noodles and ramen is my favourite type of noodle dish. I would take tonkatsu ramen because ramen is about broth and tonkatsu ramen has pork bone broth. And for dessert, I would take mochi. Mochi has a wide range of flavours but I would take the green tea matcha because I drink green tea almost every day and it is my favourite type of tea. Unique food that is only grown in Japan is square or cube watermelons. They are essentially ornamental and are very expensive. They are around two hundred and fifty dollars and I want to see what’s so special about them. Another food I would like to try is street food. Every countries’ street food is unique but Japan’s stand out to me. There are more than two thousand items to try and street food doesn’t take very long.

There are a lot of tourist attractions in Japan and there is a lot I like to go to. I really want to go to Japan’s Disney World. I am a big fan of theme parks and I heard that Disney World is a very fun place to go to. So far, have been to Canada’s Wonderland and Universal and both turned out to be super fun. I really like Disney movies and now that they own Marvel or the Avengers, I really want to check out what they built for the Avengers. I also want to visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura. It is a colossal representation of Amida Buddha and is one of the most celebrated Buddhist figures. My family are Buddhists so it is nice to go here. Last but not least, I want to go to Hokkaido. Hokkaido is an island located north of Japan, taking up twenty percent of Japan’s mass and five percent of its population. Hokkaido is one of the most popular destinations for travelers in Japan. Boasting unspoiled natural sights, festivals, historical landmarks, coastline villages and the freshest seafood in the country, the island is sure to impress even the most seasoned traveler.

My third reason why I want to go to Japan is because of their unique hotels, one is a capsule hotel. Capsule hotels were also known as pod hotels are a type of hotel that has been invented in Japan. The room/capsule you get is roughly the length and width of a single bed and has the height for a person to crawl in and sit/sleep on the bed. The amenities you get would be the same as any other hotel, a/c, power sockets, slippers, etc. Amenities outside the capsule, you are given toilets, showers, Wi-Fi, dining rooms, and sometimes a cafeteria. It is around ¥2000 to ¥4000, which is 18 to 37 Canadian dollars, which is cheaper than most hotels. Once you get there, your clothing and footwear are swapped to Japanese clothing, yukata and slippers. Another unique hotel from Japan is bus and train hotels. Bus and train hotels both have the size of a business classroom in an airplane. They have comfortable reclining chairs that can turn into a bed. You are also given as many amenities as a hotel would.                  

In conclusion, I would like to visit Japan because I find that their natural beauty is really beautiful and their foods are very flavorsome. Japan, in general, is unique because I find that the culture, art, technology, etc is very different from other countries. I think that no other country can offer the same characteristics Japan has.

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Essay about Japan

• 1 Works Cited

Japan Geographical Setting Japan is an island country in the North Pacific Ocean. It lies off the northeast coast of mainland Asia and faces Russia,Korea, and China. Four large islands and thousands of smaller ones make up Japan. The four major islands- Hokkaido,Honshu,Kyushu and Shikoku form a curve that extends for about 1,900 kilometres. Topography Japan is a land of great natural beauty. mountains and hills cover about 70% of the country. IN fact, Japanese islands consist of the rugged upper part of a great mountain range that rises from the floor of the North Pacific Ocean. Jagged peaks, rocky gorges, and thundering mountain waterfalls provide some of the country's most spectacular scenery. Thick forests thrive on …show more content…

Two Pacific Ocean currents--the Japan Current and the Oyashio Current--influence Japan's climate. The warm, dark-blue Japan Current flows northward along the country's south coast and along the east coast as far north as Tokyo. The Japan current has a warming effect on the climate of theses regions. The cold Oyashio Current flows southward along the east coasts of Hokkaido and northern Honshu, cooling these areas. Seasonal winds called monsoons also affect Japan's climate. In winter, monsoons from the northwest bring cold air to northern Japan. These winds, which gather moisture as they cross the Sea of Japan, deposit heavy snows on the country's northwest coast. During the summer, monsoons blow from the southeast , carrying warm, moist air from the pacific ocean. Summer monsoons cause hot, humid weather in central and southern Japan. Rain is abundant through most of Japan. All the areas of the country--except eastern Hokkaido--recieve at least 100 centimetres of rain yearly. Japan has two major rainy seasons--from mid-June to early July and from September to October. Several typhoons strike the country each year, mainly in late summer and early Autumn. The heavy rains and violent winds of these storms often do great damage to houses and crops Family: The Extended Family Family life has always been important in Japan. Before 1945, many Japanese lived in large family units that included grandparents, parents, children, and

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• 24 Works Cited

The country of Japan is an island nation, which is separated from Mainland Asia by the Sea of Japan. (“Facts about Japan”)

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Japan Change and Continuity over Time Essays

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Dbq geography and imperialism.

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What Is The Difference Between Great Britain And Japan Dbq

Just as the British did, Japan had a period of expansion. The difference was, japan only went into Asian countries like Korea, Manchuria, China and Russia (Doc. 9). Japan was in need of raw materials to move their industrialization forward. According to William Beasley, “… [Japan] had become dependent on other parts of the world for markets and raw materials.” Similarly to great Brittan, the Japanese relied on other parts of the world for raw materials, as well as the fact that the position of the country was advantages to the trade industry. Japan was very dependent on its coast lines. Walter Weston explains, “The deeply indented coastline of Japan provides a number of excellent harbors on the Pacific coast, and its shores abound in fish of all kinds, the rich supplies of which have for centuries constituted one of the chief articles of food of the people (Doc. 6).” As stated earlier, the circumstances are eerily similar to those of Great

Infamy V. Perry's Change In Japan

Japan, as known today, is a world powerhouse in technology and innovation. It currently ranks third in GDP, bringing in over $4.9 trillion dollars per year. However, this has not always been the case. Japan is well known for its period of “Sakoku,” a Japanese word literally meaning “closed country.” From 1600-1850s, that is indeed what Japan was; Japanese citizens were not allowed to leave the country and no foreigners were allowed to enter. The country was completely isolated from the rest of the world, even in regards to trade. This was changed in 1854 by Commander Matthew Perry and his Navy squadron. With the Kanagawa Treaty, Perry ended Japan’s period of isolationism and pushed them into their future as a world power.

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Japans history dates back almost 53,000 years and is filled with interesting and fascinating events. Most of Japans actions have left the major world powers in the world stunned. The base of this amazing country is astonishing just by itself. The base is a bunch of active and large under water volcanoes. Japans uniqueness from the rest of the world ranges from its culture to its very interesting history to the change in government every few hundred years and their trading dilemma with petroleum and their assortment of fish that they export. Japan as a country is so very appealing and kind compared to the rest of the world its no wonder that it’s geographically separate from the rest of the world.

Western Influence on Japan Essay

• 5 Works Cited

Western Influence on Japan Japan, as a nation, is a continually changing society. Ever since western nations became involved with Japan, its changes over recent times have increased at a substantial rate. Japan now faces cultural, economical and social differences as a result of the western involvement. The involvement was initiated by the Japanese themselves, beginning during the Meiji Period1 through current times.

Japan and Foreign Influence Essay

Throughout the course of East Asian history, Japan has been largely influenced by the Asian mainland. From ancient times to the medieval period, significant contributions to Japan can be seen coming from both Korea and China. Both of these countries diffused elements of their cultures to form the basis of Japanese society – namely China. These foreigners would influence various aspects of society including technology, philosophy, politics, and religion.

Japan Religion Essay

All around the world, religion is a dominant idea for many cultures; exemplifying a certain way of life, serving as a basis for faith, and bringing charity to the world, religion is a extensive concept. For several cultures and countries religion may vary according to demographics, socio-economical class, and ethnicity. Main concepts of religion in Japan are natural and superstitious based. The leading religion in Japan remains Shinto, while other religions have come and go, interweaving themselves among the Japanese society.

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Japan is an island nation that is located across the Japanese Sea. Japan consists of the islands of Hokkaiodo, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu (Yamada & Kurashige, 2003). The landscape of Japan is seventy-one percent mountainous ("Population Demographics," 2007). Japan is a small country that is situated in the northern temperate zone. Japan experiences the four seasons similar to that of North America. Japan experiences typhoons which are a lot stronger than their sister hurricanes in the Atlantic (Yamada &

Swot Analysis Of Japan

Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, is an island in East Asia in the Pacific Ocean. Its capital is Tokyo and the national language is Japanese. Japan is considered a great power and is a member of both the United Nations and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. The country enjoys a highly skilled work force and is considered to have one of the most highly educated countries in the world. At one point, the 2000s, Japan also laid claim to providing 4 of 5 top circulated newspapers in the world. (Foreign & Commonwealth Office, 2017) (OECD, 2017)

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Japan’s History and Culture on a Global Scale Essay

Introduction, works cited.

Unearthing the history and culture of Japan is an intricate endeavor. Among the current major powers, Japan is the most distinctive in its environment and culture. The origin of the Japanese language is among the most disputed arguments in linguistics (Diamond par. 4-5). Such arguments are vital to the self-image of the Japanese and to the manner in which other people perceive them. This paper discusses Japan’s history and culture under the creative legacies theme while focusing on hindrances and advantages in the country’s contributions to the world’s civilization and knowledge. The increasing dominance of Japan and touchy affiliations with the neighbors make it more significant to stand against myths and get answers.

The hunt for answers is complex since the proof is exceedingly conflicting. For instance, Japanese are biologically indistinctive, and their looks and genes are comparable to the Koreans and some Asians. 1868 marked a period of the modernization of Japan, with the Meiji restoration leading to the centralization of everything about the emperor.

Historical affirmations have created the notion that the Japanese are intrinsically not creative. All through history, Japan has methodically absorbed technological and scientific principles from overseas. In the course of more than 200 years of state-enforced insulation from European rebellion and Christianity, from around 1630 to 1850, the nation’s scholars collected scientific and technological details systematically from Dutch sources (Coleman 5). A trend of American and European intrusions in Northeast Asia starting in the 1850s compelled leaders in Japan to search for more enlightenment from the West, with the objective of centering on military and engineering disciplines.

Towards the end of the 19 th century, the Meiji Period witnessed quick industrialization, urbanization, transformation, and adjustment of Western organizational endeavors. Such advancements stimulated the establishment of a higher education system in Japan. The stress on the establishment of university education, nevertheless, strongly influenced the assimilation of foreign knowledge and technology transfer, especially in sectors such as engineering that experienced instant applications.

The overall pattern of copy-from-overseas continued for some period after the end of the Second World War, as confirmed in comprehensive copyright certification and reverse engineering, taking part in the assessment of successful products from competitors (Coleman 5). Foreign language acquisition following the war, with its inculcation of reading capacity at the cost of productive proficiencies, revealed the nation’s knowledge-gathering stance.

In 1937, Sakichi Toyoda made significant contributions to the Japanese Industrial Revolution when he established the Toyota Corporation. This has turned out to be one of the most successful and biggest car companies across the globe. Though Japan has a far-reaching and interesting history, it was not swayed by foreign nations, and its culture has thrived in isolation. Nonetheless, the moment her ports began operating and trading with the US, Japan started to industrialize and develop (Tsutsui 23-27). Ultimately, the nation has risen into a mighty world power. After successfully overcoming numerous obstacles subsequent to the Second World War with the help of the United States, Japan rebuilt its financial systems and currently remains an economic power.

The traditional Jomon community existed from 14,500 to around 300 BCE. They were the early hunters and gatherers who made pottery with a complexity that still amazes to date. The Yayoi befriended the Jomon community, interacted with the Chinese, tilled the land, and erected a fundamental political formation. At the same period, the Japanese language borrowed Kanji, good-looking and charming characters, from China (Walker 19-23).

A military nation referred to as the Yamato confederation arose and took pride in having the first monarch who acted as a god. The remnants of the Jomon community, the Emishi, were subjugated by the Buddhist theocracy, who established a new center in Kyoto. In 737, an outbreak of smallpox gave room for the first immunization against such future occurrences. Numerous upheavals, volcanic eruptions, and a comparatively weak nation resulted in the leadership of Samurai in 1185. In the course of the Onin battle, Kyoto collapsed, and armed Buddhist Sectarians spread turmoil.

The 16 th century led to the connection of the three big names in the history of Japan, which included Hideyoshi, Ieyasu, and Nobunaga. Europeans’ router, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, attacked Korea two times with prospects on China. Although he was driven back from the Korean peninsula, Hideyoshi greatly expanded his Japanese territory (Walker 34-38). This made Tokugawa bring the Japanese under single rule following his conquest in 1600. In the course of the moderately stable period, Japan conquered the Ainu at a place called Hokkaido. Merchants increased in wealth, there was the emergence of a sentiment of Japanese exceptionalism, and the Americans arrived. The most recent in a sequence of occurrences and the ensuing unequal treaties assisted in the facilitation of the downfall of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

With blood taxes being charged and interests of the nation overshadowing those of individuals, increased industrialization resulted in intensive development and prosperity for some individuals while others suffered pollution, melancholy, and death. The mining of copper and coal resulted in the destruction of fertile lands. This was so intense that it made Tanaka Shozu, an environmentalist, decry the activities, affirming that the government was waging war against its people. Enhanced militarization resulted in Japan overpowering Russia in 1905 (Walker 49-53). Mistrust of the wealthy individuals with the rising industrialization was caused by the dishonesty of Taisho Democracy and the several political assassinations that followed.

After the withdrawal of the US influence on Japan in 1952, the country turned into an industrial powerhouse. In the 1960s, its economy developed greatly despite numerous high-profile pollution lawsuits revealing the ugly underside of its splendor. Japan’s success then started declining gradually in the 1990s (Walker 51-53). It is at this time that conflicts with China came up and worsened. Moreover, numerous calamities struck, and a dangerous earthquake was experienced. This sent immense waves over the densely populated regions and resulted in the meltdowns of a nuclear plant. Such occurrences are a solemn portrayal of the susceptibility of Japan as a nation consisting of Islands.

As Japan seeks to recover from past disasters, it experiences issues of over-fishing, exceedingly low birthrates, and increasing climatic changes, which it experiences along with most nations in the West. In the recent past, some Japanese have attempted to revise the victory of the Second World War into a less imperialist account of occurrences (Walker 57-59). The rising trouble with China has provoked questions regarding the wisdom in some parts of the constitution. The once ardent doctrine of passivism has developed some cracks. Nonetheless, Japan effectively promotes its popular culture across the globe and upholds an affable and largely productive connection with its greatest enemy in the Second World War, the US.

Japan’s distinctive culture started with its exclusive topography and environment. Comparisons show that Japan is far more secluded than Britain, which is just about twenty-two miles from the coast of France. Japan is more than one hundred miles from the nearest position in the mainland of Asia, which is South Korea. It also lies nearly 200 miles from the Russian mainland and approximately 500 miles from China (Diamond par. 5-6).

Moreover, climatic conditions have been found to make Japan unique. The rainfall it experiences, which is nearly 120 inches every year, results in its being the wettest temperate nation across the globe. Apart from the rains in winter that occur across Europe, Japan is also rainy during the summer growing season, which offers it the greatest plant yield than any country in the temperate region.

Just about 20% of the land in Japan does not have mountains inappropriate for farming as approximately 15% is agricultural land (Diamond par. 6-8). Nonetheless, a standard square mile of the farmland is fertile to the extent that it feeds eightfold more people than an equal ordinary area in Britain. The high rainfall in Japan also provides unparalleled support for the forests that regenerate fast after logging. Regardless of the thousands of years supporting a dense population, Japan is still in a position to give visitors a welcoming impression of greenness since over 70% of the land comprises forests.

Just as they like to emphasize, the Japanese are biologically and culturally somewhat uniform, with the exemption of the characteristic community of the Ainu in the northern island. A careful analysis appears to imply that the Japanese only got to the country recently from the mainland of Asia, not long enough to allow the development of major differences with their other cousins in Japan or displace the original inhabitants, the Ainu. Nevertheless, if that were the case, the Japanese language could be anticipated to demonstrate close similarity to a number of mainland languages as the case of English, which is comparable with other Germanic languages (Diamond par. 7-9). It is difficult to resolve the inconsistency between the seemingly ancient language in Japan and the proof for recent origins.

The Japanese culture is intricate and has both hindrances and advantages. If corporations wish to invest in Japan, they should start by understanding the main components of Japanese culture over and above its influence on the means of conducting business. If organizations fail to comprehend and make suitable adjustments, they could inadvertently offend Japanese sensitivities and fail in their endeavors.

Japan has made remarkable contributions in numerous technical and scientific domains (Mason and Caiger 48-50). Particularly, the nation has played a vital role in the digital revolution and has established various modern innovative and extensive technologies in sectors such as robotics and electronics established by Japanese entrepreneurs. Japanese popular culture, which is highly influenced by its electronic expertise, commands considerable control internationally.

Praying for practical gains is a widespread religious endeavor in Japan. It is referred to as gene teriyaki. It has an extensive nature, and a vast number of individuals pray and buy talismans for everything beginning with road safety and educational success to victory in businesses and protection from ailments. However, the practice has been largely disregarded in academic disciplines or pushed to the sidelines as an occurrence of superstition and deviation from the actual dynamics of religious beliefs. Establishing their research on a combination of textual, chronological, ethnographic, and current materials, Reader and Tanabe show the myth of such perspectives, demonstrating that, apart from being sidelined, the perception and performance of gene teriyaki are found at the core of the Japanese spiritual world (23-25).

Genze teriyaki exists just as a widespread religious practice, although it is backed by the doctrinal formations of numerous Buddhist divisions, is ordained in religious teachings, and is supported by basic training establishments, holy places, and temples. The gains are both sought and purchased, and Reader and Tanabe talk about the financial and commercial facets of why and how establishments uphold practical benefits (33-35). Concentration is drawn to the dynamism and flexibility in the spiritual settings where new products are provided in reaction to the varying demands. Interlinked in economic endeavors and stimulations are the assertions that strengthen and justify the advancement and application of underlying gains.

In the midst of the current great powers, Japan is the most characteristic in its surroundings and culture. This paper has shed light on Japan’s history and culture under the creative legacies theme. It has focused on barriers and advantages in the country’s contributions to the world’s culture and knowledge. 1868 was a period of the transformation of Japan, with the Meiji restoration bringing about the centralization of major things around the ruler.

Improved militarization led to Japan subduing Russia in 1905. Following the withdrawal of the United States control on Japan in 1952, the nation rose to become an industrial powerhouse. The exclusive culture of Japan is supported by the outstanding topography and environment. The culture and the history of Japan are complex and hold both impediments and benefits. For companies that desire to invest in Japan, there is a need to understand the main elements of Japanese culture besides its influence on the approach of carrying out business.

Coleman, Samuel. Japanese Science: From the Inside . Routledge, 1999.

Diamond, Jared. “In Search of Japanese Roots.” Discover , 1998. Web.

Mason, Richard, and John Caiger. A History of Japan . 2nd ed., Tuttle Publishing, 1997.

Reader, Ian, and George Tanabe. Practically Religious: Worldly Benefits and the Common Religion of Japan . University of Hawaii Press, 1998.

Tsutsui, William. Japanese Popular Culture and Globalization . Association for Asian Studies, 2010.

Walker, Brett. A Concise History of Japan . Cambridge University Press, 2015.

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IvyPanda. (2021, June 2). Japan's History and Culture on a Global Scale. https://ivypanda.com/essays/japans-history-and-culture-on-a-global-scale/

"Japan's History and Culture on a Global Scale." IvyPanda , 2 June 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/japans-history-and-culture-on-a-global-scale/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'Japan's History and Culture on a Global Scale'. 2 June.

IvyPanda . 2021. "Japan's History and Culture on a Global Scale." June 2, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/japans-history-and-culture-on-a-global-scale/.

1. IvyPanda . "Japan's History and Culture on a Global Scale." June 2, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/japans-history-and-culture-on-a-global-scale/.

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IvyPanda . "Japan's History and Culture on a Global Scale." June 2, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/japans-history-and-culture-on-a-global-scale/.

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Essay Samples on Tokyo

Tokyo, the bustling capital city of Japan, is a unique and exciting destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the heart of modern Japan. If you’re thinking about writing an essay about Tokyo, there are many topics that you could explore.

One potential topic for an essay about Tokyo is the city’s rich history and culture. From ancient shrines and temples to modern skyscrapers and neon-lit streets, Tokyo is a city of contrasts that reflects Japan’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. You could explore the city’s many museums and art galleries, visit the famous Meiji Shrine, or take a stroll through the trendy Shibuya district to experience the city’s vibrant youth culture.

Another topic for an essay on Tokyo is the city’s food culture. Tokyo is known for its incredible variety of delicious and unique foods, from traditional sushi and ramen to trendy fusion cuisine. You could explore the city’s many food markets and sample some of the city’s famous street food, or try your hand at making your own sushi or ramen at a local cooking class.

A third potential topic is the city’s role as a global economic and cultural hub. Tokyo is home to many of Japan’s largest companies and plays an important role in the global economy. The city is also a major center for art, fashion, and popular culture, with a thriving music, film, and fashion scene.

In conclusion, Tokyo is a fascinating and multifaceted city that offers many opportunities for exploration and discovery. Whether you’re interested in the city’s history and culture, food scene, or role as a global hub, there is plenty to explore and write about. So why not start working on your Tokyo essay today?

The Best Time to Travel to Tokyo City

Harajuku is one of the most fashionable neighbourhoods in Tokyo. It's an iconic part of the city and is one of the main reasons why so many people book tickets to Tokyo from Sydney each year. There are tons of cosplay shops, upmarket boutiques and...

Report on the Average Rent in Tokyo

Introduction Tokyo, the capital city of Japan has been widely received well-deserved credibility as the greatest crowed populated city in the world. Despite its crowed manner, the Japanese government has approved and protect more than one-third of the bigger metro area to be known as...

Settlement Inquiry Project: Tokyo, Japan

People rushing around with a sense of ease to their given destinations, the delicious smell of food gently roaming around through the atmosphere, city lights rebounding off building windows against the site of the horizon. This is a scene in Tokyo. Tokyo is the capital...

Creating the Best Tourist Experience in Tokyo

Tokyo is known as one of the busiest cities in the world. In 2018, Tokyo has ranked as the most populous metropolitan area in the world (Citymayors.com, 2019). However, Tokyo is not just a busy city but there are many places where you can experience...

"Tokyo Story": Bringing the Message Through Cinematography

Tokyo Story is a 1953 Japanese film directed by Yasujiro Ozu, telling the story of an elderly couple named Shukichi and Tomi who travel from their small hometown to visit their children in Tokyo,  who are too busy to spend time with them. Some of...

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Tokyo Disneyland & Ehe Disney Sea Park Problem Identification

In 1997, expanding upon their prior progress with Tokyo Disneyland, Oriental Land Corporation Japan and the Walt Disney Company talked about the likelihood of another joint undertaking known as the Tokyo Disney Sea Park. Diverse methodologies towards capital planning and particular corporate administration drove the...

Tokyo In Spring: Sakura And Festivals

Like everywhere in Japan, spring in Tokyo means sakura (cherry) blossoms. This is an obvious reason to visit but by no means the only one. There are also traditional festivals, sumo, seasonal delicacies and a whole lot more in bloom in the city's parks and...

Best topics on Tokyo

1. The Best Time to Travel to Tokyo City

2. Report on the Average Rent in Tokyo

3. Settlement Inquiry Project: Tokyo, Japan

4. Creating the Best Tourist Experience in Tokyo

5. “Tokyo Story”: Bringing the Message Through Cinematography

6. Tokyo Disneyland & Ehe Disney Sea Park Problem Identification

7. Tokyo In Spring: Sakura And Festivals

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Essay on Japan Visit

Students are often asked to write an essay on Japan Visit in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Japan Visit

Exploring japan.

Japan is an island country in East Asia. It is known for its mix of traditional and modern, with beautiful temples and high-tech cities. When people visit Japan, they can see tall skyscrapers, historic castles, and enjoy cherry blossoms in spring.

Japanese Culture

Japanese culture is rich and unique. Visitors often try sushi, wear kimonos, and watch sumo wrestling. Festivals happen throughout the year, showing off Japan’s history and traditions. Anime and manga are also big parts of Japanese entertainment.

Beautiful Nature

Japan has stunning nature spots. Mount Fuji is a famous volcano and a symbol of Japan. There are also peaceful gardens, hot springs, and quiet forests to explore. Nature lovers enjoy Japan’s changing seasons, especially the colorful autumn leaves.

Travel Tips

Traveling in Japan is easy with bullet trains. It’s important to be polite and follow local rules. Learning a few Japanese words can help visitors make friends. Remember to carry cash, as some places don’t take cards.

250 Words Essay on Japan Visit

Why visit japan.

Japan is a country full of wonders, perfect for people who love to see new places. It has a mix of old traditions and new technology, making it a unique spot to explore. When you go to Japan, you can see tall buildings, taste different foods, and learn about history.

Amazing Cities

Tokyo, the capital, is known for its bright lights and busy streets. It’s like a playground for anyone who enjoys shopping, eating, and playing video games. Kyoto, another city, lets you step back in time with its beautiful temples and peaceful gardens. Each city in Japan offers its own special experience.

Delicious Food

Japanese food is not just sushi. You can try ramen, tempura, and many sweet treats. Food in Japan is made with care, and it’s fun to watch chefs cook your meal right in front of you. Trying new dishes is a big part of the adventure.

Cultural Festivals

Japan has festivals all year round. These events are full of music, dance, and costumes. They are a great way to see Japanese culture up close. You can join in the fun and make memories that will last forever.

Nature’s Beauty

Nature lovers will enjoy Japan’s mountains, forests, and beaches. The cherry blossoms in spring are famous all over the world. It’s a beautiful sight that makes Japan a special place to visit.

In conclusion, Japan has something for everyone. It’s a land where the past meets the future, and every visit is an adventure.

500 Words Essay on Japan Visit

Introduction to japan.

Japan is a beautiful country in East Asia. It is known for its rich history, modern cities, and lovely nature. Many people from all over the world go to Japan to see its famous places and learn about its culture.

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a huge city with tall buildings and bright lights. It’s full of fun things to do, like visiting the Tokyo Tower or watching the busy crosswalk in Shibuya. Osaka is another big city in Japan. It’s famous for delicious food like takoyaki, which are round snacks filled with octopus.

Traditional Culture

In Kyoto, you can see old temples and shrines that are very important in Japan’s history. You might even meet people dressed in kimonos, which are traditional Japanese clothes. There are also tea ceremonies where you can learn how to prepare and drink green tea the Japanese way.

Nature and Seasons

Japan is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring. People have picnics under the cherry trees to enjoy the pink flowers. In the fall, the leaves of the trees turn red and yellow, which looks very pretty. Japan also has mountains to climb and hot springs to relax in.

Japanese food is tasty and different from food in other countries. Sushi is a famous Japanese dish that many people like. It’s made with rice and fish. There are also many sweet treats in Japan, like mochi, which is a soft and chewy sweet made from rice.

Technology and Fun

Japan is known for its cool gadgets and video games. In places like Akihabara in Tokyo, you can find lots of electronic shops. There are also game centers where you can play video games and win prizes.

Traveling Around

Getting around Japan is easy, even if you don’t speak Japanese. There are trains called bullet trains that go very fast and can take you to different parts of Japan quickly. The signs in train stations and airports are also in English, so you can find your way.

Respectful Manners

Japanese people are very polite. It’s important to be respectful when you visit Japan. This means taking off your shoes when you enter someone’s home and saying “thank you” and “please” in Japanese, which are “arigato” and “onegaishimasu.”

A trip to Japan is an exciting adventure where you can see both old and new things. You can enjoy the food, learn about the culture, and see beautiful places. Japan is a country that welcomes visitors and offers many different experiences for everyone. If you ever get a chance to go to Japan, you will have memories to keep for a lifetime.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Japanese Colonization In The Philippines
• Essay on Japanese Culture
• Essay on Japanese Family

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StoryLearning

Learn A Language Through Stories

How To Write In Japanese – A Beginner’s Guide

Do you want to learn how to write in Japanese , but feel confused or intimidated by the script?

This post will break it all down for you, in a step-by-step guide to reading and writing skills this beautiful language.

I remember when I first started learning Japanese and how daunting the writing system seemed. I even wondered whether I could get away without learning the script altogether and just sticking with romaji (writing Japanese with the roman letters).

I’m glad I didn’t.

If you’re serious about learning Japanese, you have to get to grips with the script sooner or later. If you don’t, you won’t be able to read or write anything useful, and that’s no way to learn a language.

The good news is that it isn’t as hard as you think. And I’ve teamed up with my friend Luca Toma (who’s also a Japanese coach ) to bring you this comprehensive guide to reading and writing Japanese.

By the way, if you want to learn Japanese fast and have fun while doing it, my top recommendation is  Japanese Uncovered  which teaches you through StoryLearning®. 

With  Japanese Uncovered  you’ll use my unique StoryLearning® method to learn Japanese naturally through story… not rules. It’s as fun as it is effective.

If you’re ready to get started,  click here for a 7-day FREE trial.

If you have a friend who’s learning Japanese, you might like to share it with them. Now, let’s get stuck in…

One Language, Two Systems, Three Scripts

If you are a complete beginner, Japanese writing may appear just like Chinese.

But if you look at it more carefully you'll notice that it doesn’t just contain complex Chinese characters… there are lots of simpler ones too.

Take a look.

それでも、 日本人 の 食生活 も 急速 に 変化 してきています 。 ハンバーグ や カレーライス は 子供に人気 がありますし 、都会 では 、 イタリア 料理、東南 アジア 料理、多国籍料理 などを 出 す エスニック 料理店 がどんどん 増 えています 。

Nevertheless, the eating habits of Japanese people are also rapid ly chang ing . Hamburgers and curry rice are popular with children . In cities , ethnic   restaurants serv ing Italian cuisine , Southeast Asian cuisine and multi-national cuisine keep increas ing more and more .

(Source: “Japan: Then and Now”, 2001, p. 62-63)

As you can see from this sample, within one Japanese text there are actually three different scripts intertwined. We’ve colour coded them to help you tell them apart.

(What’s really interesting is the different types of words – parts of speech – represented by each colour – it tells you a lot about what you use each of the three scripts for.)

Can you see the contrast between complex characters (orange) and simpler ones (blue and green)?

The complex characters are called kanji (漢字 lit. Chinese characters) and were borrowed from Chinese. They are what’s called a ‘logographic system' in which each symbol corresponds to a block of meaning (食 ‘to eat', 南 ‘south', 国 ‘country').

Each kanji also has its own pronunciation, which has to be learnt – you can’t “read” an unknown kanji like you could an unknown word in English.

Luckily, the other two sets of characters are simpler!

Those in blue above are called hiragana and those in green are called katakana . Katakana and hiragana are both examples of ‘syllabic systems', and unlike the kanji , each character corresponds to single sound. For example, そ= so, れ= re; イ= i, タ = ta.

Hiragana and katakana are a godsend for Japanese learners because the pronunciation isn’t a problem. If you see it, you can say it!

So, at this point, you’re probably wondering:

“What’s the point of using three different types of script? How could that have come about?”

In fact, all these scripts have a very specific role to play in a piece of Japanese writing, and you’ll find that they all work together in harmony in representing the Japanese language in a written form.

So let’s check them out in more detail.

First up, the two syllabic systems: hiragana and katakana (known collectively as kana ).

The ‘Kana' – One Symbol, One Sound

Both hiragana and katakana have a fixed number of symbols: 46 characters in each, to be precise.

Each of these corresponds to a combination of the 5 Japanese vowels (a, i, u, e o) and the 9 consonants (k, s, t, n, h, m, y, r, w).

(Source: Wikipedia Commons )

Hiragana  (the blue characters in our sample text) are recognizable for their roundish shape and you’ll find them being used for three functions in Japanese writing:

1. Particles (used to indicate the grammatical function of a word)

は     wa     topic marker

が     ga      subject marker

を     wo      direct object marker

2. To change the meaning of verbs, adverbs or adjectives, which generally have a root written in kanji. (“Inflectional endings”)

急速 に     kyuusoku ni        rapid ly

増 えています       fu ete imasu     are increas ing

3. Native Japanese words not covered by the other two scripts

それでも     soredemo     nevertheless

どんどん     dondon     more and more

Katakana  (the green characters in our sample text) are recognisable for their straight lines and sharp corners. They are generally reserved for:

1. Loanwords from other languages. See what you can spot!

ハンバーグ     hanbaagu     hamburger

カレーライス     karee raisu     curry rice

エスニック     esunikku     ethnic

2. Transcribing foreign names

イタリア     itaria     Italy

アジア     ajia     Asia

They are also used for emphasis (the equivalent of italics or underlining in English), and for scientific terms (plants, animals, minerals, etc.).

So where did hiragana and katakana come from?

In fact, they were both derived from kanji which had a particular pronunciation; Hiragana took from the Chinese cursive script  (安 an →あ a), whereas katakana developed from single components of the regular Chinese script (阿 a →ア a ).

So that covers the origins the two kana scripts in Japanese, and how we use them.

Now let’s get on to the fun stuff… kanji !

The Kanji – One Symbol, One Meaning

Kanji  – the most formidable hurdle for learners of Japanese!

We said earlier that kanji is a logographic system, in which each symbol corresponds to a “block of meaning”.

食     eating

生     life, birth

活     vivid, lively

“Block of meaning” is the best phrase, because one kanji is not necessarily a “word” on its own.

You might have to combine one kanji with another in order to make an actual word, and also to express more complex concepts:

生 + 活   =   生活     lifestyle

食 + 生活   =  食生活     eating habits

If that sounds complicated, remember that you see the same principle in other languages.

Think about the word ‘telephone' in English – you can break it down into two main components derived from Greek:

‘tele' (far)  +  ‘phone' (sound)  = telephone

Neither of them are words in their own right.

So there are lots and lots of kanji , but in order to make more sense of them we can start by categorising them.

There are several categories of kanji , starting with the ‘pictographs' (象形文字 sh ōkei moji), which look like the objects they represent:

(Source: Wikipedia Commons )

In fact, there aren’t too many of these pictographs.

Around 90% of the kanji in fact come from six other categories, in which several basic elements (called ‘radicals') are combined to form new concepts.

For example:

人 (‘man' as a radical)   +   木 (‘tree')    =  休 (‘to rest')

These are known as 形声文字 keisei moji or ‘radical-phonetic compounds'.

You can think of these characters as being made up of two parts:

• A radical that tells you what category of word it is: animals, plants, metals, etc.)
• A second component that completes the character and give it its pronunciation (a sort of Japanese approximation from Chinese).

So that’s the story behind the kanji , but what are they used for in Japanese writing?

Typically, they are used to represent concrete concepts.

When you look at a piece of Japanese writing, you’ll see kanji being used for nouns, and in the stem of verbs, adjectives and adverbs.

Here are some of them from our sample text at the start of the article:

日本人     Japanese people 多国籍料理     multinational cuisine 東南     Southeast

Now, here’s the big question!

Once you’ve learnt to read or write a kanji , how do you pronounce it?

If you took the character from the original Chinese, it would usually only have one pronunciation.

However, by the time these characters leave China and reach Japan, they usually have two or sometimes even more pronunciations.

How or why does this happen?

Let's look at an example.

To say ‘mountain', the Chinese use the pictograph 山 which depicts a mountain with three peaks. The pronunciation of this character in Chinese is sh ā n (in the first tone).

Now, in Japanese the word for ‘mountain' is ‘yama'.

So in this case, the Japanese decided to borrow the character山from Chinese, but to pronounce it differently: yama .

However, this isn’t the end of the story!

The Japanese did decide to borrow the pronunciation from the original Chinese, but only to use it when that character is used in compound words.

So, in this case, when the character 山 is part of a compound word, it is pronounced as san/zan – clearly an approximation to the original Chinese pronunciation.

Here’s the kanji on its own:

山は…      Yama wa…     The mountain….

And here’s the kanji when it appears in compound words:

火山は…     Ka zan wa     The volcano…

富士山は…     Fuji san wa…     Mount Fuji….

To recap, every kanji has at least two pronunciations.

The first one (the so-called訓読み kun'yomi or ‘meaning reading') has an original Japanese pronunciation, and is used with one kanji on it’s own.

The second one (called音読み  on'yomi or ‘sound-based reading') is used in compound words, and comes from the original Chinese.

Makes sense, right? 😉

In Japan, there’s an official number of kanji that are classified for “daily use” (常用漢字 joy ō kanji ) by the Japanese Ministry of Education – currently 2,136.

(Although remember that the number of actual words that you can form using these characters is much higher.)

So now… if you wanted to actually learn all these kanji , how should you go about it?

To answer this question, Luca’s going to give us an insight into how he did it.  

How I Learnt Kanji

I started to learn kanji more than 10 years ago at a time when you couldn't find all the great resources that are available nowadays. I only had paper kanji dictionary and simple lists from my textbook.

What I did have, however, was the memory of a fantastic teacher.

I studied Chinese for two years in college, and this teacher taught us characters in two helpful ways:

• He would analyse them in terms of their radicals and other components
• He kept us motivated and interested in the process by using fascinating stories based on etymology (the origin of the characters)

Once I’d learnt to recognise the 214 radicals which make up all characters – the building blocks of Chinese characters – it was then much easier to go on and learn the characters and the words themselves.

It’s back to the earlier analogy of dividing the word ‘telephone' into tele and phone .

But here’s the thing – knowing the characters alone isn’t enough. There are too many, and they’re all very similar to one another.

If you want to get really good at the language, and really know how to read and how to write in Japanese, you need a higher-order strategy.

The number one strategy that I used to reach a near-native ability in reading and writing in Japanese was to learn the kanji within the context of dialogues or other texts .

I never studied them as individual characters or words.

Now, I could give you a few dozen ninja tricks for how to learn Japanese kanji. B ut the one secret that blows everything else out of the water and guarantees real success in the long-term, is extensive reading and massive exposure.

This is the foundation of the StoryLearning® method , where you immerse yourself in language through story.

In the meantime, there are a lot of resources both online and offline to learn kanji , each of which is based on a particular method or approach (from flashcards to mnemonic and so on).

The decision of which approach to use can be made easier by understanding the way you learn best.

Do you have a photographic memory or prefer working with images? Do you prefer to listen to audio? Or perhaps you prefer to write things by hands?

You can and should try more than one method, in order to figure out which works best for you.

( Note : You should get a copy of this excellent guide by John Fotheringham, which has all the resources you’ll ever need to learn kanji )

Summary Of How To Write In Japanese

So you’ve made it to the end!

See – I told you it wasn’t that bad! Let’s recap what we’ve covered.

Ordinary written Japanese employs a mixture of three scripts:

• Kanji, or Chinese characters, of which there are officially 2,136 in daily use (more in practice)
• 2 syllabic alphabets called hiragana and katakana, containing 42 symbols each

In special cases, such as children’s books or simplified materials for language learners, you might find everything written using only hiragana or katakana .

But apart from those materials, everything in Japanese is written by employing the three scripts together. And it’s the kanji which represent the cultural and linguistic challenge in the Japanese language.

If you want to become proficient in Japanese you have to learn all three!

Although it seems like a daunting task, remember that there are many people before you who have found themselves right at the beginning of their journey in learning Japanese.

And every journey begins with a single step.

So what are you waiting for?

The best place to start is to enrol in  Japanese Uncovered . The course includes a series of lessons that teach you hiragana, katakana and kanji. It also includes an exciting Japanese story which comes in different formats (romaji, hiragana, kana and kanji) so you can practice reading Japanese, no matter what level you're at right now.

– – –

It’s been a pleasure for me to work on this article with Luca Toma, and I’ve learnt a lot in the process.

Now he didn’t ask me to write this, but if you’re serious about learning Japanese, you should consider hiring Luca as a coach. The reasons are many, and you can find out more on his website: JapaneseCoaching.it

Do you know anyone learning Japanese? Why not send them this article, or click here to send a tweet .

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Home » Articles » How to Write in Japanese — A Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Writing

Full disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. ?

written by Caitlin Sacasas

Language: Japanese

Reading time: 13 minutes

Published: Apr 2, 2021

Updated: Oct 18, 2021

How to Write in Japanese — A Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Writing

Does the Japanese writing system intimidate you?

For most people, this seems like the hardest part of learning Japanese. How to write in Japanese is a bit more complex than some other languages. But there are ways to make it easier so you can master it!

Here at Fluent in 3 Months , we encourage actually speaking over intensive studying, reading, and listening. But writing is an active form of learning too, and crucial for Japanese. Japanese culture is deeply ingrained in its writing systems. If you can’t read or write it, you’ll struggle as you go along in your studies.

Some of the best Japanese textbooks expect you to master these writing systems… fast . For instance, the popular college textbook Genki , published by the Japan Times, expects you to master the basics in as little as a week. After that, they start to phase out the romanized versions of the word.

It’s also easy to mispronounce words when they’re romanized into English instead of the original writing system. If you have any experience learning how to write in Korean , then you know that romanization can vary and the way it reads isn’t often how it’s spoken.

Despite having three writing systems, there are benefits to it. Kanji, the “most difficult,” actually makes memorizing vocabulary easier!

So, learning to write in Japanese will go a long way in your language studies and help you to speak Japanese fast .

Why Does Japanese Have Three Writing Systems? A Brief Explainer

Japanese has three writing systems: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. The first two are collectively called kana and are the basics of writing in Japanese.

Writing Kana

If you think about English, we have two writing systems — print and cursive. Both print and cursive write out the same letters, but they look “sharp” and “curvy.” The same is true for kana. Hiragana is “curvy” and katakana is “sharp,” but they both represent the same Japanese alphabet (which is actually called a syllabary). They both represent sounds, or syllables, rather than single letters (except for vowels and “n”, hiragana ん or katakana ン). Hiragana and katakana serve two different purposes.

Hiragana is the most common, and the first taught to Japanese children. If this is all you learn, you would be understood (although you’d come across child-like). Hiragana is used for grammar functions, like changing conjugation or marking the subject of a sentence. Because of this, hiragana helps break up a sentence when combined with kanji. It makes it easier to tell where a word begins and ends, especially since Japanese doesn’t use spaces. It’s also used for furigana, which are small hiragana written next to kanji to help with the reading. You see furigana often in manga , Japanese comics, for younger audiences who haven’t yet learned to read all the kanji. (Or learners like us!)

Katakana serves to mark foreign words. When words from other languages are imported into Japanese, they’re often written in Japanese as close as possible to the original word. (Like how you can romanize Japanese into English, called romaji). For example, パン ( pan ) comes from Spanish, and means “bread.” Or from English, “smartphone” is スマートフォン ( suma-tofon ) or shortened, slang form スマホ ( sumaho ). Katakana can also be used to stylistically write a Japanese name, to write your own foreign name in Japanese, or to add emphasis to a word when writing.

Writing Kanji

Then there’s kanji. Kanji was imported from Chinese, and each character means a word, instead of a syllable or letter. 犬, read inu , means “dog.” And 食, read ta or shoku , means “food” or “to eat.” They combine with hiragana or other kanji to complete their meaning and define how you pronounce them.

So if you wanted to say “I’m eating,” you would say 食べます ( tabemasu ), where -bemasu completes the verb and puts it in grammatical tense using hiragana. If you wanted to say “Japanese food,” it would be 日本食 ( nipponshoku ), where it’s connected to other kanji.

If you didn’t have these three forms, it would make reading Japanese very difficult. The sentences would run together and it would be confusing. Like in this famous Japanese tongue twister: にわにはにわにわとりがいる, or romanized niwa ni wa niwa niwatori ga iru . But in kanji, it looks like 庭には二羽鶏がいる. The meaning? “There are chickens in the garden.” Thanks to the different writing systems, we know that the first niwa means garden, the second ni wa are the grammatical particles, the third niwa is to say there are at least two, and niwatori is “chickens.”

Japanese Pronunciation

Japanese has fewer sounds than English, and except for “r,” most of them are in the English language. So you should find most of the sounds easy to pick up!

Japanese has the same 5 vowels, but only 16 consonants. For the most part, all syllables consist of only a vowel, or a consonant plus a vowel. But there is the single “n,” and “sh,” “ts,” and “ch” sounds, as well as consonant + -ya/-yu/-yo sounds. I’ll explain this more in a minute.

Although Japanese has the same 5 vowel sounds, they only have one sound . Unlike English, there is no “long A” and “short A” sound. This makes it easy when reading kana because the sound never changes . So, once you learn how to write kana, you will always know how to pronounce it.

Here’s how the 5 vowels sound in Japanese:

• あ / ア: “ah” as in “latte”
• い / イ: “ee” as in “bee”
• う / ウ: “oo” as in “tooth”
• え / エ: “eh” as in “echo”
• お / オ: “oh” as in “open”

Even when combined with consonants, the sound of the vowel stays the same. Look at these examples:

• か / カ: “kah” as in “copy”
• ち / チ: “chi” as in “cheap”
• む / ム: “mu” as in “move”
• せ / セ: “se” as in “set”
• の / ノ: “no” as in “note”

Take a look at the entire syllabary chart:

Based on learning how to pronounce the vowels, can you pronounce the rest of the syllables? The hardest ones will be the R-row of sounds, “tsu,” “fu,” and “n.”

For “r” it sounds between an “r” and an “l” sound in English. Almost like the Spanish, actually. First, try saying “la, la, la.” Your tongue should push off of the back of your teeth to make this sound. Now say “rah, rah, rah.” Notice how your tongue pulls back to touch your back teeth. Now, say “dah, dah, dah.” That placement of your tongue to make the “d” sound is actually where you make the Japanese “r” sound. You gently push off of this spot on the roof of your mouth as you pull back your tongue like an English “r.”

“Tsu” blends together “t” and “s” in a way we don’t quite have in English. You push off the “t” sound, and should almost sound like the “s” is drawn out. The sound “fu” is so soft, and like a breath of air coming out. Think like a sigh, “phew.” It doesn’t sound like “who,” but a soft “f.” As for our lone consonant, “n” can sound like “n” or “m,” depending on the word.

Special Japanese Character Readings and How to Write Them

There are a few Japanese characters that combine with others to create more sounds. You’ll often see dakuten , which are double accent marks above the character on the right side ( ﾞ), and handakuten , which is a small circle on the right side ( ﾟ).

Here’s how dakuten affect the characters:

And handakuten are only used with the H-row characters, changing it from “h” to “p.” So か ( ka ) becomes が ( ga ), and ひ ( hi ) becomes either び ( bi ) or ぴ ( pi ).

A sokuon adds a small っ between two characters to double the consonant that follows it and make a “stop” in the word. In the saying いらっしゃいませ ( irasshaimase , “Welcome!”), the “rahs-shai” has a slight glottal pause where the “tsu” emphasizes the double “s.”

One of the special readings that tend to be mispronounced are the yoon characters. These characters add a small “y” row character to the other rows to blend the sounds together. These look like ちゃ ( cha ), きょ ( kyo ), and しゅ ( shu ). They’re added to the “i” column of kana characters.

An example of a common mispronunciation is “Tokyo.” It’s often said “Toh-key-yo,” but it’s actually only two syllables: “Toh-kyo.” The k and y are blended; there is no “ee” sound in the middle.

How to Read, Write, and Pronounce Kanji Characters

Here’s where things get tricky. Kanji, since it represents a whole word or idea, and combines with hiragana… It almost always has more than one way to read and pronounce it. And when it comes to writing them, they have a lot more to them.

Let’s start by breaking down the kanji a bit, shall we?

Most kanji consist of radicals, the basic elements or building blocks. For instance, 日 (“sun” or “day”) is a radical. So is 言 (“words” or “to say”) and 心 (“heart”). So when we see the kanji 曜, we see that “day” has been squished in this complex kanji. This kanji means “day of the week.” It’s in every weekday’s name: 月曜日 ( getsuyoubi , “Monday”), 火曜日 ( kayoubi , “Tuesday”), 水曜日 ( suiyoubi , “Wednesday”), etc.

When the kanji for “words” is mixed into another kanji, it usually has something to do with conversation or language. 日本語 ( nihongo ) is the word for “Japanese” and the final kanji 語 includes 言. And as for 心, it’s often in kanji related to expressing emotions and feelings, like 怒る ( okoru , “angry”) and 思う ( omou , “to think”).

In this way, some kanji make a lot of sense when we break them down like this. A good example is 妹 ( imouto ), the kanji for “little sister.” It’s made up of two radicals: 女, “woman,” and 未, “not yet.” She’s “not yet a woman,” because she’s your kid sister.

So why learn radicals? Because radicals make it easier to memorize, read, and write the kanji. By learning radicals, you can break the kanji down using mnemonics (like “not yet a woman” to remember imouto ). If you know each “part,” you’ll remember how to write it. 妹 has 7 strokes to it, but only 2 radicals. So instead of memorizing tons of tiny lines, memorize the parts.

As for pronouncing them, this is largely a memorization game. But here’s a pro-tip. Each kanji has “common” readings — often only one or two. Memorize how to read the kanji with common words that use them, and you’ll know how to read that kanji more often than not.

Japanese Writing: Stroke Order

So, I mentioned stroke order with kanji. But what is that? Stroke order is the proper sequence you use to write Japanese characters.

The rule of stroke order is you go from top to bottom, left to right.

This can still be confusing with some complex kanji, but again, radicals play a part here. You would break down each radical top left-most stroke to bottom right stroke, then move on to the next radical. A helpful resource is Jisho.org , which shows you how to properly write all the characters. Check out how to write the kanji for “kanji” as a perfect example of breaking down radicals.

When it comes to kana, stroke order still matters. Even though they’re simpler, proper stroke order makes your characters easier to read. And some characters rely on stroke order to tell them apart. Take シ and ツ:

[Shi and Tsu example]

If you didn’t use proper stroke order, these two katakana characters would look the same!

How to Memorize Japanese Kanji and Kana

When it comes to Japanese writing, practice makes perfect. Practice writing your sentences down in Japanese, every day. Practice filling in the kana syllabary chart for hiragana and katakana, until there are no blank boxes and you’ve got them all right.

Create mnemonics for both kanji and kana. Heisig’s method is one of the best ways to memorize how to write kanji with mnemonics. Using spaced repetition helps too, like Anki. Then you’re regularly seeing each character, and you can input your mnemonics into the note of the card so you have it as a reminder.

Another great way to practice is to write out words you already know. If you know mizu means “water,” then learn the kanji 水 and write it with the kanji every time from here on out. If you know the phrase おはようございます means “good morning,” practice writing in in kana every morning. That phrase alone gives you practice with 9 characters and two with dakuten! And try looking up loan words to practice katakana.

Tools to Help You with Japanese Writing

There are some fantastic resources out there to help you practice writing in Japanese. Here are a few to help you learn it fast:

• JapanesePod101 : Yes, JapanesePod101 is a podcast. But they often feature YouTube videos and have helpful PDFs that teach you kanji and kana! Plus, you’ll pick up all kinds of helpful cultural insights and grammar tips.
• LingQ : LingQ is chock full of reading material in Japanese, giving you plenty of exposure to kana, new kanji, and words. It uses spaced repetition to help you review.
• Skritter : Skritter is one of the best apps for Japanese writing. You can practice writing kanji on the app, and review them periodically so you don’t forget. It’s an incredible resource to keep up with your Japanese writing practice on the go.
• Scripts : From the creator of Drops, this app was designed specifically for learning languages with a different script from your own.

How to Type in Japanese

It’s actually quite simple to type in Japanese! On a PC, you can go to “Language Settings” and click “Add a preferred language.” Download Japanese — 日本語 — and make sure to move it below English. (Otherwise, it will change your laptop’s language to Japanese… Which can be an effective study tool , though!)

To start typing in Japanese, you would press the Windows key + space. Your keyboard will now be set to Japanese! You can type the romanized script, and it will show you the suggestions for kanji and kana. To easily change back and forth between Japanese and English, use the alt key + “~” key.

For Mac, you can go to “System Preferences”, then “Keyboard” and then click the “+” button to add and set Japanese. To toggle between languages, use the command key and space bar.

For mobile devices, it’s very similar. You’ll go to your settings, then language and input settings. Add the Japanese keyboard, and then you’ll be able to toggle back and forth when your typing from the keyboard!

Japanese Writing Isn’t Scary!

Japanese writing isn’t that bad. It does take practice, but it’s fun to write! It’s a beautiful script. So, don’t believe the old ideology that “three different writing systems will take thousands of hours to learn!” A different writing system shouldn’t scare you off. Each writing system has a purpose and makes sense once you start learning. They build on each other, so learning it gets easier as you go. Realistically, you could read a Japanese newspaper after only about two months of consistent studying and practice with kanji!

Caitlin Sacasas

Content Writer, Fluent in 3 Months

Caitlin is a copywriter, content strategist, and language learner. Besides languages, her passions are fitness, books, and Star Wars. Connect with her: Twitter | LinkedIn

Speaks: English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish

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Home — Essay Samples — Arts & Culture — Japanese Culture — Exploring Communication Styles in Japanese Culture

Exploring Communication Styles in Japanese Culture

• Categories: Interpersonal Communication Japanese Culture

About this sample

Words: 521 |

Published: Jan 31, 2024

Words: 521 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

High-context communication, indirect communication, group-oriented communication, written communication, cross-cultural communication challenges.

• Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond Culture. Anchor Books.
• Iwasaki, S. (2013). "Japanese communication : language and thought in context." University of Hawai'i Press.
• Nakane, C. (1970). "Japanese Society." Penguin Books.
• Smith, M. B. (1991). "Japanese Culture: Its Development and Characteristics." Routledge.

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Transition Words and Phrases for Japanese Essays  

  June 9, 2020

By   Alexis Papa

Are you having a hard time connecting between your ideas in your Japanese essay? In this article, we have listed useful transition words and phrases that you can use to help you let your ideas flow and have an organized essay.

Japanese Phrases for Giving Examples and Emphasis

For example,

がいこく、たとえばちゅうごくへいったことがありますか。 Gaikoku, tatoeba Chuugoku e itta koto ga arimasu ka?

Have you been abroad, for instance China?

たぶんちゅうごくへいったことがあります。 Tabun Chuugoku e itta koto ga arimasu.

I have probably been to China.

Japanese Essay Phrases: General Explaining

しけんにごうかくするのために、まじめにべんきょうしなきゃ。 Shiken ni goukaku suru no tame ni, majime ni benkyou shinakya.

In order to pass the exam, I must study.

あしたあめがふるそう。だから、かさをもってきて。 Ashita ame ga furu sou. Dakara, kasa wo motte kite.

It seems that it will rain tomorrow. So, bring an umbrella.

Showing Sequence

まず、あたらしいさくぶんのがいせつをしようとおもう。 Mazu, atarashii sakubun no gaisetsu wo shiyou to omou.

First, I am going to do an outline of my new essay.

つぎに、さくぶんをかきはじめます。 Tsugi ni, sakubun wo kaki hajimemasu.

Then, I will begin writing my essay.

Adding Supporting Statements

かれはブレーキをかけ、そしてくるまはとまった。 Kare wa bureki wo kake, soshite kuruma wa tomatta.

He put on the brakes and then the car stopped.

いえはかなりにみえたし、しかもねだんがてごろだった。 Ie wa kanari ni mieta shi, shikamo nedan ga tegoro datta.

The house looked good; moreover,the (selling) price was right.

Demonstrating Contrast 

にほんごはむずかしいですが、おもしろいです。 Nihongo wa muzukashii desu ga, omoshiroi desu.

Although Japanese language is difficult, it is enjoyable.

にほんごはむずかしいです。でも、おもしろいです。 Nihongo wa muzukashii desu. Demo, omoshiroi desu.

Japanese language is difficult. Nevertheless, it is enjoyable.

にほんごはむずかしいです。しかし、おもしろいです。 Nihondo wa muzukashii desu. Shikashi, omoshiroi desu.

Japanese language is difficult. However, it is enjoyable.

にほんごはむずかしいですけれど、おもしろいです。 Nihongo wa muzakashii desu keredo, omoshiroi desu.

Japanese Essay Phrases for Summarizing

われわれはこのはなしはじつわだというけつろんにたっした。 Wareware wa kono hanashi wa jitsuwa da to iu ketsuron ni tasshita.

We have come to a conclusion that this is a true story.

Now that you have learned these Japanese transitional words and phrases, we hope that your Japanese essay writing has become easier. Leave a comment and write examples of sentences using these Japanese essay phrases!

Alexis Papa

Alexis is a Japanese language and culture enthusiast from the Philippines. She is a Japanese Studies graduate, and has worked as an ESL and Japanese instructor at a local language school. She enjoys her free time reading books and watching series.

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Write a paragraph about family in Japanese In this post, we will introduce to you the lesson : Write a