JAPAN
Takahiro Takiguchi illustration

(Illustration by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

“-san”, a simple honorific title equivalent to Mr. Mrs, Miss or Ms. can be very convenient. The title may be applied to most Japanese regardless of gender, age and social status. “Takanaka-san” can be either a senior gentleman or a young girl. So, when you need to write a letter or email to someone whom you have never met before, be sure to use this title.

Oko (-ru)/do [angry in Japanesev kanji character]

Oko (-ru)/do [angry in Japanese] (Image by Stripes Japan)

Takahiro Takiguchi is a writer based in Yokosuka, Japan. Takiguchi covers travel, food and culture stories for Stars and Stripes Japan. Follow along as Takiguchi takes readers to less crowded destinations around the mainland, you might also catch him out and about recording Speakin’ Japanese lesson videos for Instagram.

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