This active volcano near Tokyo is the tallest mountain in Japan.
Mount Fuji
This word means both “thank you” and “thanks” depending on formality.
ありがとう
This group of warriors followed the code of bushidō.
Samurai
This Pokémon, an electric mouse, is the franchise’s mascot.
Pikachu
This shape-shifting animal spirit is often depicted with multiple tails and is known for its trickster behavior.
Kitsune
This city, once Japan’s capital for over 1,000 years, is famous for its temples and shrines.
Kyoto
This word, often heard when entering a shop, means “Welcome.”
いらっしゃいませ
This city became Japan’s capital in 1868, marking the beginning of the Meiji Restoration.
Tokyo
This iconic plumber in red first appeared in 1981 and has become Nintendo’s most famous mascot.
Mario
This type of protective charm, often sold at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, is believed to bring good luck or ward off misfortune.
Omamori or talisman
The northernmost prefecture of Japan, known for its cold climate and snow festivals, is this.
Hokkaido
The phrase “Itadakimasu” is said before eating. Its closest meaning in English is this.
I humbly receive or Lets eat
This Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes is practiced worldwide.
Origami
First released in 1986, this fantasy adventure game series follows a hero, featuring dungeons, puzzles, and the Triforce.
The Legend of Zelda
The Shinto sun goddess, said to be the ancestor of Japan’s emperors, is this deity.
Amaterasu
Japan is made up of four main islands. The smallest of them is this one.
Shikoku
This grammatical structure adds respect and humility to speech, often used in business or service.
Keigo or honorific speech
This annual spring event is celebrated with picnics under blooming cherry blossom trees.
Hanami
his Studio Ghibli film, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003.
Spirited Away
In the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, these two deities are credited with creating the islands of Japan.
Izanagi and Izanami
This city on Kyushu is known as Japan’s “Gateway to the West” because of its long history of international trade with Europe and China.
Nagasaki
This Japanese phrase literally means “good hard work” and is often said to coworkers when finishing the day.
おつかれさま Otsukaresama
This traditional Japanese sport has ceremonial rituals, such as salt throwing, and professional tournaments are held six times a year across Japan.
Sumo wrestling
This Japanese idol group set the Guinness World Record for being the largest pop group, often with over 100 members.
AKB48
This legendary creature resembles a lion-dog and is commonly placed at temple entrances to ward off evil spirits.
Komainu