Lexis Japan Blog

Kobe beef, happy cows and enormous amounts of beer
There’s something special about Kobe Beef. Learn more about where it comes from, bovine massages, beer and happy cows!

Kotowaza … or how to sound a bit clever in Japanese (but be careful…. even monkeys fall from trees!)
Want to sound a bit clever in Japanese…? Drop a few kotowaza into your conversations!

Glimpses of old Japan – Takayama really is something special
It can be harder than you think to capture a glimpse of ‘old Japan’, but Takayama really is something special.

Tying yourself in knots – learning hayakuchi kotoba tongue twisters (and a fun one for the experts!)
For pronunciation and fluency in Japanese, there’s nothing better than hayakuchi kotoba!

Sports-obsessed Kobe….and the 5 Kobe sports teams you should know
No matter where you are in the world, there’s no better ice-breaker than a chat about the local sports team! Kobe has a long and rich history when it comes to sports, with many of its teams enjoying a loyal and passionate fan base. Here’s a quick read to prepare you for Monday morning banter!

Kobe has been a leading centre for international trade for more than 150 years
Kobe is a vibrant port city located on the coast of Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture. Known for its historical significance and scenic beauty, Kobe has also emerged as a hub for international trade, with many multinational companies setting up operations in the city.

Haunted Kobe….O-Hime of Ikuta Shrine
The Ghost of Ikuta Shrine is one of the most famous ghost stories of haunted Kobe, and it has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries…

Live like a local? EAT like a local! All about “Meibutsu” (名物) (and 5 great must-try Kobe specialities)
Have you heard the word ‘meibutsu’ before? “Meibutsu” (名物) is a Japanese word that refers to a local specialty or a famous product of a certain area. Listing meibutsu seems to come very naturally to Japanese people…name almost any city or region and they will quickly reel off the well known specialities of the area..

What’s the deal with kanji, and the 10 kanji you really need to know
Here’s a simple list of the ten kanji that you really need to know (and can teach yourself…even if it’s on the plane to Kobe)!