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  • The Fascinating History of Japanese Character ‘あ’

    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.

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  • Dragon Quest III HD-2D: Why This Legend is Still a Must-Play in 2026

    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…

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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