Loek van Kooten, MA
@loekalization.bsky.social
Loekalizing your games from and to Japanese, Chinese, Korean, English and Dutch. Portfolio: Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, F1® 2023, Syberia: The World Before, Arma 3. Owner of www.loekalization.com Developer of www.c4ttitude.com (a CAT tool).
Compare and Despair: The Side‑by‑Side Comedy of 比
The kanji 比 began life as two figures standing so uncomfortably close you wonder if ancient scribes invented personal space or immediately compared theirs to someone else's and realized they came up short.
The kanji 比 began life as two figures standing so uncomfortably close you wonder if ancient scribes invented personal space or immediately compared theirs to someone else's and realized they came up short.
December 18, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Compare and Despair: The Side‑by‑Side Comedy of 比
The kanji 比 began life as two figures standing so uncomfortably close you wonder if ancient scribes invented personal space or immediately compared theirs to someone else's and realized they came up short.
The kanji 比 began life as two figures standing so uncomfortably close you wonder if ancient scribes invented personal space or immediately compared theirs to someone else's and realized they came up short.
Cattitude just received a long overdue visual update, and I am happy to say it now looks far more 2025 than eighties.
December 18, 2025 at 4:36 AM
Cattitude just received a long overdue visual update, and I am happy to say it now looks far more 2025 than eighties.
Fear With A Hole Punched Through Your Heart: The Strange Bravery Of 恐
If terror had a logo, 恐 would be a minimalist masterpiece: neat lines, a hollow center, and the unsettling suggestion that someone has politely but firmly drilled a hole straight through your chest.
If terror had a logo, 恐 would be a minimalist masterpiece: neat lines, a hollow center, and the unsettling suggestion that someone has politely but firmly drilled a hole straight through your chest.
December 17, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Fear With A Hole Punched Through Your Heart: The Strange Bravery Of 恐
If terror had a logo, 恐 would be a minimalist masterpiece: neat lines, a hollow center, and the unsettling suggestion that someone has politely but firmly drilled a hole straight through your chest.
If terror had a logo, 恐 would be a minimalist masterpiece: neat lines, a hollow center, and the unsettling suggestion that someone has politely but firmly drilled a hole straight through your chest.
Mind the Gap: The Many Faces of 隙 (suki)
隙 (suki) is the kanji equivalent of that one friend who shows up uninvited and finds the only crack in your plans, your wall, or your emotional defenses. It means "gap," "opening," or "lapse": basically, anything that lets in cold air or crushing defeat.
隙 (suki) is the kanji equivalent of that one friend who shows up uninvited and finds the only crack in your plans, your wall, or your emotional defenses. It means "gap," "opening," or "lapse": basically, anything that lets in cold air or crushing defeat.
December 16, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Mind the Gap: The Many Faces of 隙 (suki)
隙 (suki) is the kanji equivalent of that one friend who shows up uninvited and finds the only crack in your plans, your wall, or your emotional defenses. It means "gap," "opening," or "lapse": basically, anything that lets in cold air or crushing defeat.
隙 (suki) is the kanji equivalent of that one friend who shows up uninvited and finds the only crack in your plans, your wall, or your emotional defenses. It means "gap," "opening," or "lapse": basically, anything that lets in cold air or crushing defeat.
A Slice of Action: The Kanji That Gets Things Done
Let's talk about 作 (tsukuru): the kanji that practically rolls up its sleeves and gets to work.
Let's talk about 作 (tsukuru): the kanji that practically rolls up its sleeves and gets to work.
December 15, 2025 at 3:18 AM
A Slice of Action: The Kanji That Gets Things Done
Let's talk about 作 (tsukuru): the kanji that practically rolls up its sleeves and gets to work.
Let's talk about 作 (tsukuru): the kanji that practically rolls up its sleeves and gets to work.
「荒稼ぎ」って、合法？ギリギリ？
一瞬で大金を手に入れるって、夢ありますよね？でも、それって…グレーじゃない？今回の主役は「荒稼ぎ」。漢字を分解していくと、草もない、川も干上がった、豚が屋根の下で眠ってる…？なんじゃそりゃ。でも見終わるころには、あなたも合法的に稼げそうな気がしてくるかも？
www.youtube.com/shorts/P4lis...
#漢字の世界 #言葉の裏側 #日常に潜む哲学 #稼ぐって何 #ワードにツッコミ
一瞬で大金を手に入れるって、夢ありますよね？でも、それって…グレーじゃない？今回の主役は「荒稼ぎ」。漢字を分解していくと、草もない、川も干上がった、豚が屋根の下で眠ってる…？なんじゃそりゃ。でも見終わるころには、あなたも合法的に稼げそうな気がしてくるかも？
www.youtube.com/shorts/P4lis...
#漢字の世界 #言葉の裏側 #日常に潜む哲学 #稼ぐって何 #ワードにツッコミ
How to Rob Wall Street with One Kanji
YouTube video by Japanology
www.youtube.com
December 14, 2025 at 12:48 PM
How to Rob Wall Street with One Kanji
Ever wanted to get rich without jail time? Meet 荒稼ぎ (arakasegi): a Japanese word so powerful, it could've been Jordan Belfort's battle cry.
www.youtube.com/shorts/P4lis...
Ever wanted to get rich without jail time? Meet 荒稼ぎ (arakasegi): a Japanese word so powerful, it could've been Jordan Belfort's battle cry.
www.youtube.com/shorts/P4lis...
How to Rob Wall Street with One Kanji
YouTube video by Japanology
www.youtube.com
December 14, 2025 at 12:48 PM
How to Rob Wall Street with One Kanji
Ever wanted to get rich without jail time? Meet 荒稼ぎ (arakasegi): a Japanese word so powerful, it could've been Jordan Belfort's battle cry.
www.youtube.com/shorts/P4lis...
Ever wanted to get rich without jail time? Meet 荒稼ぎ (arakasegi): a Japanese word so powerful, it could've been Jordan Belfort's battle cry.
www.youtube.com/shorts/P4lis...
Pain That Drills Through the Soul (and Your Sinuses)
Today's kanji is 痛. Tsū or itai, meaning pain, sorrow, or just a good old-fashioned "ow." And this one doesn't just mean pain: it looks like it hurts.
Today's kanji is 痛. Tsū or itai, meaning pain, sorrow, or just a good old-fashioned "ow." And this one doesn't just mean pain: it looks like it hurts.
December 13, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Pain That Drills Through the Soul (and Your Sinuses)
Today's kanji is 痛. Tsū or itai, meaning pain, sorrow, or just a good old-fashioned "ow." And this one doesn't just mean pain: it looks like it hurts.
Today's kanji is 痛. Tsū or itai, meaning pain, sorrow, or just a good old-fashioned "ow." And this one doesn't just mean pain: it looks like it hurts.
快: The Joy of Cutting Emotional Baggage with One Finger
快 (kai) is the kanji equivalent of that feeling when your phone battery jumps from 1% to 80% in five minutes. Relief. Lightness. A breezy "I got this" energy. And all of it, believe it or not, thanks to a tiny radical with slicing ambitions.
快 (kai) is the kanji equivalent of that feeling when your phone battery jumps from 1% to 80% in five minutes. Relief. Lightness. A breezy "I got this" energy. And all of it, believe it or not, thanks to a tiny radical with slicing ambitions.
December 12, 2025 at 8:03 AM
快: The Joy of Cutting Emotional Baggage with One Finger
快 (kai) is the kanji equivalent of that feeling when your phone battery jumps from 1% to 80% in five minutes. Relief. Lightness. A breezy "I got this" energy. And all of it, believe it or not, thanks to a tiny radical with slicing ambitions.
快 (kai) is the kanji equivalent of that feeling when your phone battery jumps from 1% to 80% in five minutes. Relief. Lightness. A breezy "I got this" energy. And all of it, believe it or not, thanks to a tiny radical with slicing ambitions.
When Your Tongue Becomes a Talk Show Host
Say hello to 話 (hanashi or wa), the kanji for speech, conversation, language: or as I like to call it, "when your tongue refuses to shut up." Let's dissect this chatty character. First up: 言, the radical for "to speak."
Say hello to 話 (hanashi or wa), the kanji for speech, conversation, language: or as I like to call it, "when your tongue refuses to shut up." Let's dissect this chatty character. First up: 言, the radical for "to speak."
December 11, 2025 at 5:26 AM
When Your Tongue Becomes a Talk Show Host
Say hello to 話 (hanashi or wa), the kanji for speech, conversation, language: or as I like to call it, "when your tongue refuses to shut up." Let's dissect this chatty character. First up: 言, the radical for "to speak."
Say hello to 話 (hanashi or wa), the kanji for speech, conversation, language: or as I like to call it, "when your tongue refuses to shut up." Let's dissect this chatty character. First up: 言, the radical for "to speak."
How a Floppy Beard Became the Symbol of Ultimate Endurance
Meet 耐 (taeru), the kanji that turns "suffering in silence" into a full-body sport. This stoic little square is built from two parts: on top, we have 而, representing soft, drooping hairs: yes, think grandpa's wispy beard on a humid day.
Meet 耐 (taeru), the kanji that turns "suffering in silence" into a full-body sport. This stoic little square is built from two parts: on top, we have 而, representing soft, drooping hairs: yes, think grandpa's wispy beard on a humid day.
December 10, 2025 at 8:04 AM
How a Floppy Beard Became the Symbol of Ultimate Endurance
Meet 耐 (taeru), the kanji that turns "suffering in silence" into a full-body sport. This stoic little square is built from two parts: on top, we have 而, representing soft, drooping hairs: yes, think grandpa's wispy beard on a humid day.
Meet 耐 (taeru), the kanji that turns "suffering in silence" into a full-body sport. This stoic little square is built from two parts: on top, we have 而, representing soft, drooping hairs: yes, think grandpa's wispy beard on a humid day.
Roku You Like a Hurricane: The Curious Case of 碌
Meet 碌 (roku), a kanji that looks like it's been through some stuff, and has the etymology to prove it.
Meet 碌 (roku), a kanji that looks like it's been through some stuff, and has the etymology to prove it.
December 9, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Roku You Like a Hurricane: The Curious Case of 碌
Meet 碌 (roku), a kanji that looks like it's been through some stuff, and has the etymology to prove it.
Meet 碌 (roku), a kanji that looks like it's been through some stuff, and has the etymology to prove it.
Death by Kanji: When People Become Bone Fragments
死 (shi) is the kanji equivalent of the grim reaper tapping you on the shoulder. With a meaning as final as "death" or "to die," it doesn't beat around the bush. But like all good horror stories, it has layers. Structurally, 死 is a visual eulogy.
死 (shi) is the kanji equivalent of the grim reaper tapping you on the shoulder. With a meaning as final as "death" or "to die," it doesn't beat around the bush. But like all good horror stories, it has layers. Structurally, 死 is a visual eulogy.
December 8, 2025 at 4:49 AM
Death by Kanji: When People Become Bone Fragments
死 (shi) is the kanji equivalent of the grim reaper tapping you on the shoulder. With a meaning as final as "death" or "to die," it doesn't beat around the bush. But like all good horror stories, it has layers. Structurally, 死 is a visual eulogy.
死 (shi) is the kanji equivalent of the grim reaper tapping you on the shoulder. With a meaning as final as "death" or "to die," it doesn't beat around the bush. But like all good horror stories, it has layers. Structurally, 死 is a visual eulogy.
指輪の真実：愛の証、それとも高級首輪？
「指輪（ゆびわ）」の漢字をサクッと分解しつつ、ちょっと毒のある視点で真相に迫ります。
笑えて刺さる、でもどこか考えさせられる。
あなたの“指輪観”がひっくり返るかもしれません。
#指輪の真実 #結婚のリアル #愛か首輪か #漢字の深み #考え直そう
www.youtube.com/shorts/LugCW...
「指輪（ゆびわ）」の漢字をサクッと分解しつつ、ちょっと毒のある視点で真相に迫ります。
笑えて刺さる、でもどこか考えさせられる。
あなたの“指輪観”がひっくり返るかもしれません。
#指輪の真実 #結婚のリアル #愛か首輪か #漢字の深み #考え直そう
www.youtube.com/shorts/LugCW...
The Hidden Truth Behind Rings: Love Symbol or Luxury Collar?
YouTube video by Japanology
www.youtube.com
December 7, 2025 at 8:02 AM
The Hidden Truth Behind Rings: Love Symbol or Luxury Collar?
What if your wedding ring isn't a symbol of love... but a luxury collar in disguise?
Dive into the hidden meaning behind "yubiwa," where character breakdown meets sharp-edged humor.
www.youtube.com/shorts/LugCW...
What if your wedding ring isn't a symbol of love... but a luxury collar in disguise?
Dive into the hidden meaning behind "yubiwa," where character breakdown meets sharp-edged humor.
www.youtube.com/shorts/LugCW...
The Hidden Truth Behind Rings: Love Symbol or Luxury Collar?
YouTube video by Japanology
www.youtube.com
December 7, 2025 at 8:01 AM
The Hidden Truth Behind Rings: Love Symbol or Luxury Collar?
What if your wedding ring isn't a symbol of love... but a luxury collar in disguise?
Dive into the hidden meaning behind "yubiwa," where character breakdown meets sharp-edged humor.
www.youtube.com/shorts/LugCW...
What if your wedding ring isn't a symbol of love... but a luxury collar in disguise?
Dive into the hidden meaning behind "yubiwa," where character breakdown meets sharp-edged humor.
www.youtube.com/shorts/LugCW...
Ki: The Invisible Drama Queen of the Japanese Language
You can't see it. You can't touch it. But it will absolutely ruin your picnic or your personality. Meet 気 (ki): Japan's favorite invisible force, responsible for the weather, your mood, and 70% of polite conversation.
You can't see it. You can't touch it. But it will absolutely ruin your picnic or your personality. Meet 気 (ki): Japan's favorite invisible force, responsible for the weather, your mood, and 70% of polite conversation.
December 6, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Ki: The Invisible Drama Queen of the Japanese Language
You can't see it. You can't touch it. But it will absolutely ruin your picnic or your personality. Meet 気 (ki): Japan's favorite invisible force, responsible for the weather, your mood, and 70% of polite conversation.
You can't see it. You can't touch it. But it will absolutely ruin your picnic or your personality. Meet 気 (ki): Japan's favorite invisible force, responsible for the weather, your mood, and 70% of polite conversation.
A Turning Point for Japan's Translators, Subtitlers and Voice-Actors
Something big just happened in Japan's creative industry: bigger than most headlines admit. Glovision, one of the country's major dubbing and subtitling studios, was formally warned by the Fair Trade Commission...
Something big just happened in Japan's creative industry: bigger than most headlines admit. Glovision, one of the country's major dubbing and subtitling studios, was formally warned by the Fair Trade Commission...
December 5, 2025 at 8:52 AM
A Turning Point for Japan's Translators, Subtitlers and Voice-Actors
Something big just happened in Japan's creative industry: bigger than most headlines admit. Glovision, one of the country's major dubbing and subtitling studios, was formally warned by the Fair Trade Commission...
Something big just happened in Japan's creative industry: bigger than most headlines admit. Glovision, one of the country's major dubbing and subtitling studios, was formally warned by the Fair Trade Commission...
Autumn: Bound Grain, Grilled Fish, and Shrinking Turtles
Meet 秋 (aki): the kanji for "autumn," and arguably the most agriculturally accurate season Japan ever wrote down. It's made of 禾 (grain) and 火 (fire). But no, this isn't a rustic ode to crop-burning. That fiery bit?
Meet 秋 (aki): the kanji for "autumn," and arguably the most agriculturally accurate season Japan ever wrote down. It's made of 禾 (grain) and 火 (fire). But no, this isn't a rustic ode to crop-burning. That fiery bit?
December 5, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Autumn: Bound Grain, Grilled Fish, and Shrinking Turtles
Meet 秋 (aki): the kanji for "autumn," and arguably the most agriculturally accurate season Japan ever wrote down. It's made of 禾 (grain) and 火 (fire). But no, this isn't a rustic ode to crop-burning. That fiery bit?
Meet 秋 (aki): the kanji for "autumn," and arguably the most agriculturally accurate season Japan ever wrote down. It's made of 禾 (grain) and 火 (fire). But no, this isn't a rustic ode to crop-burning. That fiery bit?
This Ain't Paint, It's Personality Paste
Let's talk 塗料 (toryō). Technically "paint" or "coating," but spiritually? It's personality paste for furniture that's seen things. 塗 is where the mess begins. This kanji throws together water (氵), dirt (土), and a trowel (余). Yes, a trowel.
Let's talk 塗料 (toryō). Technically "paint" or "coating," but spiritually? It's personality paste for furniture that's seen things. 塗 is where the mess begins. This kanji throws together water (氵), dirt (土), and a trowel (余). Yes, a trowel.
December 4, 2025 at 4:15 PM
This Ain't Paint, It's Personality Paste
Let's talk 塗料 (toryō). Technically "paint" or "coating," but spiritually? It's personality paste for furniture that's seen things. 塗 is where the mess begins. This kanji throws together water (氵), dirt (土), and a trowel (余). Yes, a trowel.
Let's talk 塗料 (toryō). Technically "paint" or "coating," but spiritually? It's personality paste for furniture that's seen things. 塗 is where the mess begins. This kanji throws together water (氵), dirt (土), and a trowel (余). Yes, a trowel.
擁: Hug It Like You Mean It (or Else)
擁 (yō) is what happens when a hug grows up, joins the military, and starts a political career. On the left: 手. A hand. So far, so Disney. But on the right? That's 雍 (also yō), and that's where the therapy bills start stacking up.
擁 (yō) is what happens when a hug grows up, joins the military, and starts a political career. On the left: 手. A hand. So far, so Disney. But on the right? That's 雍 (also yō), and that's where the therapy bills start stacking up.
December 3, 2025 at 9:30 AM
擁: Hug It Like You Mean It (or Else)
擁 (yō) is what happens when a hug grows up, joins the military, and starts a political career. On the left: 手. A hand. So far, so Disney. But on the right? That's 雍 (also yō), and that's where the therapy bills start stacking up.
擁 (yō) is what happens when a hug grows up, joins the military, and starts a political career. On the left: 手. A hand. So far, so Disney. But on the right? That's 雍 (also yō), and that's where the therapy bills start stacking up.
Let's talk 派 (ha). The kanji that moonlights as a philosopher, a fashion critic, and a full-blown clique manager. Structurally, 派 is made of two parts: 水 (water) on the left, and on the right... well, this is where things get juicy.
December 2, 2025 at 6:51 AM
Let's talk 派 (ha). The kanji that moonlights as a philosopher, a fashion critic, and a full-blown clique manager. Structurally, 派 is made of two parts: 水 (water) on the left, and on the right... well, this is where things get juicy.
Enemies, Empires, and Why Cute in Japanese Might Just Be a War Crime
Let's talk 敵 (teki). Enemy, opponent, rival. The guy you face down at dawn. Or, if you're in Japan, the kanji lurking inside the word for adorable. First: structure.
Let's talk 敵 (teki). Enemy, opponent, rival. The guy you face down at dawn. Or, if you're in Japan, the kanji lurking inside the word for adorable. First: structure.
December 1, 2025 at 7:50 AM
Enemies, Empires, and Why Cute in Japanese Might Just Be a War Crime
Let's talk 敵 (teki). Enemy, opponent, rival. The guy you face down at dawn. Or, if you're in Japan, the kanji lurking inside the word for adorable. First: structure.
Let's talk 敵 (teki). Enemy, opponent, rival. The guy you face down at dawn. Or, if you're in Japan, the kanji lurking inside the word for adorable. First: structure.
「撃ち抜く」の語源がエグすぎた。まさかの“爆頭”から古代の車輪まで！？
ただの「撃つ」じゃない、「撃ち抜く」は日本語界のスナイパー。
命中して終わりじゃない、貫通して通り抜ける—それがこの言葉の本気。
古代戦車の車輪から、現代FPSの爆頭セリフまで。
一発で貫く語源と歴史、全部解説します。最後まで見たら、「撃ち抜く」が一生モノの単語になります。
#日本語の奥深さ #語源マニア #爆頭用語 #歴史と言葉 #日本語勉強中
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1HX...
ただの「撃つ」じゃない、「撃ち抜く」は日本語界のスナイパー。
命中して終わりじゃない、貫通して通り抜ける—それがこの言葉の本気。
古代戦車の車輪から、現代FPSの爆頭セリフまで。
一発で貫く語源と歴史、全部解説します。最後まで見たら、「撃ち抜く」が一生モノの単語になります。
#日本語の奥深さ #語源マニア #爆頭用語 #歴史と言葉 #日本語勉強中
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1HX...
Headshot in Japanese? The Word That Literally Shoots Through History
YouTube video by Japanology
www.youtube.com
November 30, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Headshot in Japanese? The Word That Literally Shoots Through History
Think 撃ち抜く just means "to shoot"? Think again. This Japanese word doesn't just hit: it pierces, penetrates, and passes through like a linguistic sniper bullet.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1HX...
Think 撃ち抜く just means "to shoot"? Think again. This Japanese word doesn't just hit: it pierces, penetrates, and passes through like a linguistic sniper bullet.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1HX...
Headshot in Japanese? The Word That Literally Shoots Through History
YouTube video by Japanology
www.youtube.com
November 30, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Headshot in Japanese? The Word That Literally Shoots Through History
Think 撃ち抜く just means "to shoot"? Think again. This Japanese word doesn't just hit: it pierces, penetrates, and passes through like a linguistic sniper bullet.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1HX...
Think 撃ち抜く just means "to shoot"? Think again. This Japanese word doesn't just hit: it pierces, penetrates, and passes through like a linguistic sniper bullet.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1HX...
Was It the Bamboo: or Something Much Bigger?
When Wang Fuk Court went up in flames, the world instantly blamed one thing: bamboo scaffolding. But the real story is far messier.
When Wang Fuk Court went up in flames, the world instantly blamed one thing: bamboo scaffolding. But the real story is far messier.
November 29, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Was It the Bamboo: or Something Much Bigger?
When Wang Fuk Court went up in flames, the world instantly blamed one thing: bamboo scaffolding. But the real story is far messier.
When Wang Fuk Court went up in flames, the world instantly blamed one thing: bamboo scaffolding. But the real story is far messier.