Night

The Japanese language is rich in words and expressions influenced by nature, history and culture. This episode looks at words related to the night. In ancient Japan, people appreciated the quiet and darkness of nighttime, and had different names for different times of the evening. The night was also associated with mysterious beings. From his home in Kyoto, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words and the culture behind them.

"Tasogare" (literally, "Who's that?"): right after twilight
"Koyoi" literally means "this evening," but suggests that people are still going about their daily activities
"Yomosugara": all through the night
"Hyakkiyagyo": nighttime march of 100 demons

Transcript