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Experience the Soul of Japan: Stunning Hiragana ‘A’ Tee
Wear the Spirit: Discovering “Kotodama” with the Hiragana ‘A’ Tee When you think of Japanese fashion, what comes to mind? Is it the sleek minimalism of Tokyo or the intricate patterns of a traditional kimono? While those are iconic, there is a deeper, more invisible layer to Japanese culture that we’ve captured in our latest collection: Kotodama. What is Kotodama? In Japan, there is an ancient belief that words possess a soul. This is called Kotodama (言霊)—the spiritual power residing in every sound and character. When we speak or write with intention, we are not just communicating; we are breathing…
Blogs
Let’s practice Japanese
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🌟 New YouTube Video Released! Learn Japanese “E” Words
A new YouTube video from “Picture this: Japanese Words!” teaches Japanese words starting with the sound え (E) to improve pronunciation and vocabulary.
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NEW! Hiragana ‘U’ Sound: Video Practice & Mastery Hub OPEN!
A new YouTube video for practicing Japanese Hiragana focuses on words starting with the ‘U’ sound, enhancing vocabulary and pronunciation skills for learners.
History of Japanese alphabet: Hiragana
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Hiragana Ha Origin: The Secret Splash of the Great Wave!
The H-family begins with the Hiragana Ha (は), transforming from the complex wave symbol 波 into a simpler form, reflecting speed, style, and artistic expression.
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Hiragana No Origin: The Secret of the Magic Swirl!
In the final “N-family” adventure, Junior Detectives learn about Hiragana No, its origins, transformation, and significance in Japanese writing and culture.
Let’s cook Japanese food
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Fun cooking Japanese Curry Rice: Step by Step Guide
Japanese curry rice, or “kare raisu,” is a beloved comfort food, rich in tradition and customization, celebrated for its unique flavors and adaptable recipes.
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The Art of Miso Soup: A Simple Guide to a Japanese Staple
Miso soup is a cherished Japanese dish with a rich history, known for its comforting flavor and health benefits, suitable for numerous variations and recipes.
Shimmy-J Designs
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Unleash Quiet Strength: Stunning Hiragana ‘I’ Samurai Tee
The Power of Intention: Discovering “Quiet Strength” with the Hiragana ‘I’ Tee Following the vibrant “first breath” of our ‘A’ design, we are proud to introduce the second piece in our Kotodama Series: the Hiragana ‘I’ (い) T-shirt. In Japanese culture, the sound “I” often resonates with two profound words: Ishi (意志 – Will/Intention) and…
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Experience the Soul of Japan: Stunning Hiragana ‘A’ Tee
Wear the Spirit: Discovering “Kotodama” with the Hiragana ‘A’ Tee When you think of Japanese fashion, what comes to mind? Is it the sleek minimalism of Tokyo or the intricate patterns of a traditional kimono? While those are iconic, there is a deeper, more invisible layer to Japanese culture that we’ve captured in our latest…
J-RPG
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Dragon Quest III HD-2D: Why This Legend is Still a Must-Play
The Legend Reborn: Why Dragon Quest III HD-2D is a Modern JRPG Masterclass The “legend” has finally returned, and it’s more vibrant than ever. Originally released in late 2024, the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake continues to dominate the conversation in 2026. If you’re looking for the perfect blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge tech, this…
こんにちは。
I’m Shimachan

Welcome to “Picture this: Japanese words”!
Hello there! My name is Shimachan.
This picture book series was born from my wish to make learning Japanese fun for everyone. I’ve designed it so that even if you’ve never heard a word of Japanese before, you can learn by looking at the pictures, almost like singing a song or playing a game.
You’ll learn not only pronunciation, but also the unique pitch accent of Japanese, which is shown visually so you can understand it even without a native Japanese speaker by your side. Feel free to share the book with your family and friends and have fun saying the words out loud together!
Now, let’s start our Japanese adventure!
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