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Find Your Connection: Captivating Hiragana ‘E’ Soul Tee
Our journey through the spiritual alphabet of Japan continues. After exploring the “First Breath” of あ (A), the “Quiet Strength” of い (I), and the “Rising Wave” of う (U), we now arrive at a character that represents the beauty of how we interact with the world: Hiragana ‘E’ (え). The Kotodama of “E”: Resonance and Expansion In the world of Kotodama (the spirit of words), the sound “E” is associated with expansion and branching out, much like the branches (Eda) of a tree. It carries the energy of En (縁)—the mysterious invisible threads of fate that connect us to…
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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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The Wacky Tale of “I”: From a Person to a Simple Stroke!
The character “い” in the Japanese alphabet evolved from the Chinese character “以,” which depicted a person walking. Chosen for its similar sound, “以” was simplified over time as scribes sought efficiency in writing, leading to the fluid, easy-to-write “い” we recognize today. This highlights language’s evolution for practicality.
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The Fascinating History of Japanese Character ‘あ’
The Japanese character “あ” originates from the complex Chinese character “安,” which means “peace.” As Japanese scribes simplified the character for ease of writing, “安” transformed into the curvy “あ” we recognize today. This evolution reflects the adaptation of language through practical needs in writing.
Let’s cook Japanese food
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Fluffy Castella Cake: The Ultimate Guide of making castella
Castella Cake is a beloved Japanese dessert with European origins, known for its moist texture. It offers a delightful pairing with green tea or coffee.
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Dashimaki Tamago Omelet: Ultimate Bliss from Hidden Japan
Dashimaki Tamago is a Japanese rolled omelet known for its fluffy texture and umami flavor from dashi stock, becoming a family favorite and a bento box staple.
Shimmy-J Designs
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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