When most people think of summer, they imagine sunshine, beaches, and festivals. But in Japan, summer is also the season of ghost stories. Whether it’s whispered tales around a campfire or chilling TV specials, kaidan—traditional Japanese ghost stories—are a beloved seasonal tradition.

Japanese is full of expressive idioms, and four-character idioms, or yojijukugo (四字熟語), are particularly powerful. These compact phrases often carry deep meaning, perfect for motivating yourself or describing a mindset—especially in business.

In the vast world of Japanese idioms, few sound as intense and powerful as Hyakusen Renma (百戦錬磨). Literally meaning “trained and polished through a hundred battles,” this idiom is the verbal embodiment of strength gained through relentless experience. Whether used to describe a seasoned warrior or an experienced professional, it’s a phrase that commands deep respect.

Yugong Yishan (愚公移山) literally translates to "The Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains." This four-character idiom comes from an ancient Chinese fable and conveys the powerful message that no matter how impossible a task may seem, persistent effort will eventually lead to success.

Have you ever felt so fired up about something that your passion seemed to ignite the air around you? In Japanese, there's a powerful four-character idiom that captures this very energy — 気炎万丈 (Kien Banjō). This phrase paints a vivid picture of emotions blazing like fire and ambitions rising sky-high.

Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is one of Japan’s most romantic and symbolic traditional events. Held every year around July 7th, it celebrates the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, two celestial lovers who are allowed to meet just once a year. With beautiful decorations and heartfelt wishes, Tanabata invites people of all ages to look up at the stars and dream.

Have you ever felt that a single moment had the power to change everything? In Japanese, there's a powerful idiom that expresses just that—Senzai Ichigū (千載一遇), meaning “a once-in-a-thousand-years encounter.” It’s a poetic phrase that captures the rarity and preciousness of a unique opportunity.

Have you ever wished you could slow down and simply enjoy life without rushing? In today’s fast-paced world, the Japanese idiom Yūyū Kankan (悠悠閑閑) offers a gentle reminder of the value of living calmly and at your own rhythm.

Have you ever met someone whose bravery is so fierce that no one else could match it? In Japanese, we describe such unmatched courage with the phrase 勇猛無比 (Yūmō Muhi) — a term used to celebrate truly exceptional strength and fearlessness.

Among the many inspiring Japanese idioms, 精神一到 (Seishin Ittō) stands out as a bold declaration of the power of focused will.This phrase encourages us to believe that if our spirit is truly committed, nothing is impossible.

Have you ever faced a moment of pressure, and wished you could stay completely calm?

Have you ever heard of a heart so calm, so still, that it reflects the world like a perfectly polished mirror or a glass-like pond?In Japanese, this ideal state of inner peace is beautifully expressed in the four-character idiom: 明鏡止水 (Meikyō Shisui).