JAPAN IN
ONE MINUTE 
~ Unlocking Japanese Wisdom: The Fascinating World of “Yojijukugo” ~
Hey Issy, I saw something interesting at a temple the other day.
There was a wooden sign with four big kanji (Chinese characters used in Japanese) written on it.
I had no idea what it meant… Is that Japanese?
Ah, that sounds like a “Yojijukugo“.
It’s a special type of Japanese expression made up of four kanji characters.
Yoji…juku…go? Sounds like a secret ninja technique!
I’ve seen four kanji lined up like that in books or on signs,
but sometimes the meanings are hard to understand.
“Yojijukugo” are four-character idioms made by combining four kanji.
Each one expresses a complete idea, lesson, or concept, sometimes even a philosophy.
Even though they’re short, they often carry deep cultural or emotional meaning.
“Yojijukugo” are used in daily conversations, literature, and education.
Many reflect values from Japanese history and culture.
Understanding them can offer a deeper view into how Japanese people think and express themselves.
So it’s like a whole world of meaning packed into just four characters.
That’s really cool!
Four characters with deep meaning?
That’s like me, small but full of personality!
Haha, exactly, Pecco.
You’re basically a living “Yojijukugo“!
We want to learn more “Yojijukugo“, so please teach us some next time!
Alright, I’m going to become a “Yojijukugo” master!
Summary
“Yojijukugo” are Japanese four-character idioms that pack deep cultural meaning and philosophy into just four kanji.
