Otoshi (お通し)
One of the unique culture of izakaya(Japanese-style pub) is “otoshi”. Otoshi is a kind of “seat charge” or “appetizer” and refers to a small dish served after the first order. The “otoshi” also has a role to link between the
Archives: glossary
Izakaya (居酒屋)
An Izakaya is a Japanese-style pub, that serves alcoholic beverages and food to go with the alcohol. Izakaya generally serve mainly beer, sake, shochu (Japanese distilled spirit), and in recent years, highballs (whisky and soda). In addition, each izakaya has
Koinobori (こいのぼり)
Koinobori is a traditional Japanese custom that began in the Edo period (1603-1868). It is a streamer in the shape of a carp (“Koi” in Japanese), which is displayed in the yard to wish for the healthy growth of boys.
Arigato gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)
“Arigato gozaimasu” is a word used in the sense of gratitude. If a more polite expression is used, it is “Domo arigato gozaimasu (Thank you very much)”. In close relationships with family and friends, it is common to simply say,
Sumimasen (すみません)
“Sumimasen” is one of the most common words used by Japanese people in daily conversation. The original meaning of “Sumimasen” is apology. However, it can be used in three different ways depending on the situation. Specifically, it can be used
Gin-bura (銀ぶら)
Gin-bura is a slang created in the Taisho Period (1912-1926) to describe a casual stroll through Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most popular shopping districts. The “Gin” and “Bura” in Ginbura are abbreviations for “Ginza” and “Burabura (casual stroll)”. In other
Hanami (花見)
Hanami is the Japanese traditional culture of viewing cherry blossoms in spring. In Japan, cherry blossoms can be seen not only in the parks, but also in various places in the city, and there are many places are called cherry
Senbero (せんべろ)
Senbero is a slang term for an izakaya (Japanese Style Pub) where you can get drunk for 1,000 yen. In general, senbero is a reasonable izakaya or standing bar where you can have a couple of drinks and snacks for
Curry Rice (カレーライス)
Curry rice is the national dish of the Japanese people, in which curry is served over rice. Curry originated in India, but it is believed that Japanese curry developed from English curry, which was arranged from Indian curry. In Tokyo,
Tokyo Subway Ticket
The Tokyo Subway Ticket is a ticket that allows unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines within the validity period. There are countless subway lines in the 23 wards of Tokyo, covering about 280 stations including Shinjuku,