In this episode, we dive into the colorful world of Japanese onomatopoeias — words that describe sounds, textures, and even feelings in a way English often can’t. From smooth and light to rough and heavy, these expressions are everywhere in everyday Japanese.

We break down the two main categories of onomatopoeias: feeling-based expressions and sound-based expressions, and explore how small changes — like switching か (ka) to が (ga) — can instantly make a word feel harsher, heavier, or more intense.

Amber explains how these words are actually used in real conversations, while Kade tries to guess some of the English meanings.

Grab a coffee and join us for another relaxed deep dive into everyday Japanese language and culture.

In this episode of Kanji & Coffee, we talk about emotions in Japanese, focusing on everyday words like うれしい (ureshii), 怒る (okoru), and 悲しい (kanashii). We explore how these feelings are expressed in real conversations, how natives use Onomatopoeias, and how emotions are often communicated indirectly in Japanese.

This episode is perfect for Japanese learners, Japanese listeners interested in English, and anyone curious about how emotions are talked about in daily life in Japan.

Grab a coffee and join us for another relaxed deep dive into everyday Japanese language and culture.

In this episode, we explore how New Year is celebrated in Japan and why it’s considered the most important holiday of the year.
From hatsumōde to osechi and temple bells, we take a closer look at the customs that shape the Japanese New Year experience.

If you’ve ever wondered how Japanese people welcome the new year, what traditions they follow, or how it differs from Western celebrations, this episode will give you a clear and cultural insight into it all.
Grab a coffee and join us for a relaxed deep dive into everyday Japanese language and culture.