サラリーマン (Sararīman)

A common word for someone who works full-time in a company. It’s derived from “salaryman,” a word made in Japan. While it sounds familiar, it doesn’t exist in natural English—yet it’s used constantly in Japan.

マンション (Manshon)

This refers to a modern apartment building, often with good facilities. The word comes from “mansion” but was redefined in Japan. To non-Japanese ears, it sounds like you live in a giant luxury home.

カルテ (Karute)

Used in hospitals to refer to a patient’s medical chart. It sounds English, but it actually comes from the German word Karte. Many Japanese people think it’s international medical jargon.

サークル (Sākuru)

In Japan, this means a university club or student group. It comes from the idea of people gathering in a “circle,” but in English, the word just means a shape—so it often leads to blank stares.

マスコミ (Masukomi)

Short for “mass communication,” this word refers to the media—TV, newspapers, and entertainment press. It sounds English, but native speakers don’t say it that way. Japanese people often assume it’s universally understood.

Which of these abbreviations surprised you the most?

Japanese is full of these fun, compact words — would you like to see more in another post? Let us know!

アルハラ (aruhara)
Short for “アルコールハラスメント” (alcohol harassment).

Sadly still an issue in some companies, where people feel pressured to drink at work events. Know your rights if you work in Japan.

ワイシャツ (wai shatsu)
Short for “ホワイトシャツ” (white shirt).

It refers to business dress shirts, regardless of color. So yes, even a light blue one can be a “ワイシャツ” in Japan!

ヘビロテ (hebi rote)
Short for ヘビーローテーション (heavy rotation).

Used when someone listens to or wears something over and over. Like: この曲、最近ヘビロテ中！

アラサー (arasa)
Short for アラウンドサーティー (around thirty).

Used to describe people in their late 20s to early 30s. Yes, there’s also アラフォー (around 40) and アラフィフ (around 50)!

That same day, two people were taken to the hospital due to heatstroke at the venue.

If you're planning a visit this summer, take precautions. Although we are still in the tsuyu season, it's getting hot out there.

If you're living in or traveling in Japan, stay updated on weather alerts.

In Kyushu (Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, and Kumamoto) —especially in June 10th— a linear rainband may bring sudden disasters.

Up to 180mm of rain is expected in 24h. Stay safe and avoid risky areas.

What can be done to stop this trend?

That’s the question on everyone’s mind — but time is running out.

Do you think Japan can turn things around?

This isn’t only a rural issue.

Cities are also feeling the pinch — fewer workers, slower economic growth, and growing care demands for the elderly.

Younger generations feel the pressure too:

💸 Rising cost of living
🏘️ Lack of support for families
😔 Uncertainty about the future

Many say it’s hard to imagine raising children in today’s Japan.