Famous Figures
(夢否人々）
(夢否人々）
This famous tennis player shares her name with the city she was born in. She has several well-known tournament victories, including the U.S. and Australian Open
Naomi Osaka (大坂 なおみ)
This word is actually a short version of another word with the same kanji. It is the standard, polite way to refer to yourself.
Watashi (私）
These collectable creatures make perfect sense to be found inside capsule machines. Although, you don't have to throw the capsule at them to catch one.
Pokémon (ポケモン）
Widely considered the most popular Japanese boy band since thy formed in 1999. This group announced last year that their tour in the spring of this year will be their last.
Arashi (嵐）
A playing card company at first. This company hit it big with arcade cabinets and video games with a barrel-throwing ape in 1981.
Nintendo (任天堂株式会社)
This famous dog was given a statue in their honor located in Shibuya. Their story led to the first Akita being brought to the U.S.
Hachiko (ハチ公)
A more polite way to say thank you. It is mostly used for situations with people you don't know well.
arigatougozaimasu（ありがとうございます）
A recognizable icon for Japanese culture in other countries with her red bow. Some people with keychains of her don't know that this cat is actually British.
Hello Kitty (ハロー・キティ)
This popular J-pop group is known for wearing school uniforms in their performances and their message of rejecting traditional Japanese standards.
Atarashii Gakko (新しい学校のリーダーズ)
This series has an anime, video games, and 28 films since 1997. In it, the lead detective prodigy of the same name solves various mysteries, except for how he never seems to grow any taller.
Detective Conan (名探偵コナン)
This famous fictional figure is the only one from Japan to have a star on Hollywood's walk of fame. It's a real surprise he didn't destroy the city while he was there.
Godzilla (ゴジラ）
Be careful to pronounce the first hiragana correctly in this word, or you might just be calling something "correct!" (正解）when you actually mean the world we all live in.
Sekai (世界）
A more specific name for Japanese capsule machines and toys made by the company Bandai. The word comes from the sound the machine makes and the capsule dropping down.
Gashapon (or Gachapon)
ガシャポン （ガチャポン）
Considered one of the most influential artists in Japan. She is a bilingual singer, and her album "First Love" is the highest-selling album in all of Asia.
Utada Hikaru (宇多田ヒカル)
A girl actually comes out of the screen when the haunted videotape in this horror film is placed in a TV. The original 1991 novel of the same name has two other books in the series called "Loop" and "Spiral."
The Ring (リング）
This famous athlete is called one of the greatest figure skaters in history. He has broken world records for figure skating 19 times over the course of his career.
Yuzuru Hanyu (羽生 結弦)
Although the kanji is different, this word shares its hiragana with the word for Bee (蜂). Coincidentally, Bees move in the shape of the number that this word means.
Hachi (八）
An odd item for a capsule machine, especially since you can't eat it. In Australia, the rotating machine that serves an iconic food in this capsule toy is called a "train."
Sushi Belt or Sushi Conveyor Belt (回転寿司)
The national instrument of Japan, played by strumming its thirteen strings with three fingerpicks. This instrument was introduced to Japan by China in the 7th century.
Koto (箏 or 琴)
The longest running live-action show in Japan with over 1,600 episodes. This show features insect-themed, motorcycle riding superheroes fighting various villains.
Kamen Rider (仮面ライダ)
A famous historical figure. This samurai led the first known uprising against the Japanese government. It ended with his beheading in 940.
Taira No Masakado (平 将門)
When used on the internet, this word at the end of a sentence means something is funny. If you say it out loud though, people may wonder why you just mentioned grass for no reason.
Kusa (草）
Her name literally means small and cute. This character has grown from her manga of the same name to become one of the biggest merchandise brands in the modern day.
Chiikawa (ちいかわ）
Inspired by the glam rock and heavy metal bands of the 80s, this subculture of Japanese musicians is recognizable by a brightly colored wardrobe and a theatrical flair while performing.
Visual Kei (ヴィジュアル系)
This 1954 black and white film is considered one of filmmaker Akira Kurosawa's best movies. The U.S. made their own film based on this one, but with a lucky number of cowboys as the main cast instead.
The Seven Samurai (七人の侍)