This is a glossary for words used in the reviews that may not be common knowledge (usually marked with an asterisk). Typically, they'll be terms used in Japanese pop culture, but a few other types of words might make it in. Who knows?
4koma - A comic strip featuring four panels; pronounced "yo-n-koh-mah" (as "yon" is "four" in Japanese).
Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu - Happy New Year! Pronounced "ah-kay-mahsh-tay oh-me-de-toh go-zai-mahss."
Anime - Japanese animation. Like any other animation, it is an art form, or medium, with which someone expresses his/her ideas. This means that there is a wide range of genres, sometimes just for specific age groups. Often mispronounced in English, the Japanese pronunciation is "AH-nee-may."
Baka - A term meaning "silly," "stupid," or "idiot" depending on the context and tone. Pronounced "bah-kah."
Irasshaimase - A greeting for customers entering a Japanese shop or restaurant. Pronounced "ee-rah-shy-mah-say."
Konbanwa - Good evening.
Konnichiwa - Hello.
Manga - Japanese comics. Like anime, it is an art form that comes in a variety of genres, some suitable for all ages, and others not. Also often mispronounced in English, the Japanese pronunciation is "mahn-gah."
Minna-san - Everyone (polite).
Ohayo gozaimasu - Good morning (polite). Pronounced "oh-ha-yo go-zai-mahss."
Sake - An alcoholic beverage made from rice; pronounced "sah-kay."
Sayounara - Goodbye. You've probably heard this word before.
Sushi - Contrary to popular belief, "sushi" means that the food is a rice dish, not a raw fish dish. While sushi can and usually does have raw fish, it can have cooked toppings as well, like egg omelet (tamago) sushi. No doubt you've probably heard this word before as well.
