Japanese Words

ストロベリームーン | Strawberry Moon

お変わりありませんか。| How have you been?

お (o) = polite prefix

変わり (kawari) = change

ありませんか = “is there not?” → soft, polite question

ちょうちん｜Paper lantern 🏮

🌸 Sakura and paper lantern are often connected in cherry blossom season in Japan.

Lanterns are hung in trees or along paths to illuminate the blossoms at night.

咲き始める｜さきはじめる｜Start blooming

🌸 東京で桜が咲き始めました。

ゆったり｜yuttari

It describes a feeling of ease — physically or emotionally — with plenty of space or time (no schedule).

ex. ゆったりした服 (yuttari shita fuku) → Loose / comfortably fitting clothes

ゆったりお茶時間を (yuttari ocha jikan wo)

あるがまま｜'as it is'

“Living あるがまま — as I am, as life unfolds.”

節分｜せつぶん｜Last day of the winter in the traditional Japanese calendar (usually February 3)

Setsubun is about clearing out bad energy and welcoming good luck for the new season. Think: spiritual housekeeping before spring arrives 🌸

The main ritual: Bean throwing

It’s called 豆まき (mamemaki). People throw roasted soybeans while saying:

鬼は外！福は内！ Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi! “Demons out! Fortune in!”

The oni (demons) symbolize illness, misfortune, and negative energy.

Eating for luck

Afterwards, you eat:

The same number of beans as your age (plus one, for extra luck)

心意気｜こころいき｜spirit / attitude of the heart

one example: treating someone without saying anything.

友だちが黙ってコーヒーをおごってくれた。 → それは心意気だね。 (That’s real heart / such a nice gesture.)