Kanji and Katakana: The Charm of Japanese Language & Slippers

Kanji and Katakana: The Charm of Japanese Language & Slippers

Even Japanese people find their own language difficult, especially when it comes to using kanji, a writing system derived from Chinese culture.

Understanding kanji can be extremely challenging, as each character has multiple meanings and readings. Even native speakers of Japanese often struggle with many kanji characters.

Japanese employs three main writing styles: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. Hiragana is relatively easy, and katakana is not too difficult either, but kanji poses significant challenges for many Japanese learners.

One fascinating aspect of kanji is that each character carries a profound meaning and reading, enabling the expression of complex concepts with just one character.

Katakana, on the other hand, is primarily used to represent foreign cultures or objects that are new to Japan. For instance, when there is no traditional Japanese equivalent for a word like "ice cream," it is expressed in katakana as "ice cream / aisukurimu."

The brand name "Heiwa Slipper 平和スリッパ" combines both kanji and katakana. "Heiwa" means "peace," written in kanji as 平和. Each kanji character has its own distinct meaning, and combining two kanji can create entirely different meanings.

The kanji "平" means "level," "fair," and "normal," while "和" (Wa) means "peaceful," "harmonious," "getting along well with others," and "Japanese." Together, they form a kanji character that represents peace.

Interestingly, the Japanese reading of the English word "slippers" is used as "スリッパ" (supurippa) in katakana. However, it slightly differs from the Japanese word for "slipper," which mainly refers to "indoor footwear in general." The plural form is rarely used in katakana, so "slippers" is sometimes used instead of "slipper."

Kanji and katakana each have their intriguing backgrounds and play essential roles in the Japanese language.

We hope you find Japanese slippers appealing and cherish the comfort they bring when wearing your favorite pair.

Back to blog

Knitting up-cycled

1 of 12

Highly popular

1 of 12

Reviews

You can find more detailed customer reviews of our products on the SHOP app. SHOP is a shopping and package tracking app powered by Shopify.

SHOP Tracking and shopping—all in one
Track your orders and discover the world’s greatest brands—all in one place.

SHOP : Heiwa Slipper

➡︎ Product reviews

>>>

 

Carbon-neutral shipping with Shopify Planet
Carbon-neutral shipping on all orders
  • Discover Uwabaki: Japan's Iconic Indoor Shoes

    Discover Uwabaki: Japan's Iconic Indoor Shoes

    Uwabaki are traditional Japanese indoor shoes commonly worn by students in schools. Beyond their practical function, uwabaki hold cultural significance, reflecting Japan's emphasis on cleanliness and respect for shared spaces.

    Discover Uwabaki: Japan's Iconic Indoor Shoes

    Uwabaki are traditional Japanese indoor shoes commonly worn by students in schools. Beyond their practical function, uwabaki hold cultural significance, reflecting Japan's emphasis on cleanliness and respect for shared spaces.

  • New🌻Natural GETA ZOURI Slippers

    New🌻Natural GETA ZOURI Slippers

    Introducing the perfect slippers for summer!!! These slippers are crafted using natural Japanese HINOKI wood, left untreated to preserve its inherent moisture-absorbing properties. With a contemporary design upgrade, they embody...

    New🌻Natural GETA ZOURI Slippers

    Introducing the perfect slippers for summer!!! These slippers are crafted using natural Japanese HINOKI wood, left untreated to preserve its inherent moisture-absorbing properties. With a contemporary design upgrade, they embody...

  • Do you give in house slippers as gifts on Mother's Day?

    Do you give in house slippers as gifts on Mothe...

    Heiwa Slipper : On Mother's Day in Japan, slippers are often suggested as gifts, rooted in traditional gender roles. However, this notion may feel outdated, as home should be inclusive for...

    Do you give in house slippers as gifts on Mothe...

    Heiwa Slipper : On Mother's Day in Japan, slippers are often suggested as gifts, rooted in traditional gender roles. However, this notion may feel outdated, as home should be inclusive for...

1 of 3