Konnichiwa! 🇯🇵

Can you believe Halloween is almost here? 🎃

Here's something you might not know about me..

When I was growing up in Japan, Halloween wasn't something we celebrated.

In fact, I didn't really know much about it!

I experienced Halloween for the first time when I moved to Vancouver, Canada, over 30 years ago. 😱

And wow, was that a different experience! 😂👻

Of course, things have changed quite a bit in Japan since then.

Halloween costumes, decorations, and events have become popular, especially in big cities like Tokyo!

Speaking of cultural differences, here's another one!

Japan doesn't have daylight saving time! 😮

In Japanese, we call it Samā taimu (サマータイム), which comes from the English expression “Summer time.”

Here in Toronto, our clocks will go back 1 hour on Sunday, November 1.

Interestingly, several parts of Canada, including most of British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba, are saying goodbye to changing their clocks as of this year!

Confusing, isn't it? 😅🇨🇦

🇯🇵 New Lesson: Tondemo nai (とんでもない)

Have you ever heard the expression Tondemo Nai (とんでもない)?

This is one of my favourite examples of how fascinating Japanese can be!

Believe it or not, this one expression can have 3 completely different meanings.

It can be negative, positive, or even a polite response to a compliment!

In my latest YouTube lesson, I'll explain all three meanings and share a fun trick to help you remember the expression.

🎥 Watch new lesson here

I hope you enjoy it!

Happy Halloween! 🎃

Jyā ne!

Satoko 😊

Japanese World Academy