Comment by jjjjjjjjjjjjjjj

The Japanese writing system uses three different character sets. Loan words are generally always written using one of these three sets, "katakana". Learning how to properly read and write Japanese will take years, but I highly encourage anyone visiting to at least learn how to read the 48 katakana (entirely phonetic). It's relatively low effort for the value it adds to your trip. Many of the Japanese loan words are of English origin, meaning you'll effectively be able to read some Japanese and understand it which can be very satisfying, useful, and hilarious.