Understanding cultural references and their impact on language usage.

Get familiar with traditional and contemporary Japanese customs. Understanding festivals, traditional arts, pop culture, and social norms will allow you to better comprehend the cultural references in texts.
Understand the impact of historical events on language use. There can be specific phrases and idioms that are a direct result of Japan’s history.
Familiarise yourself with distinct regions and dialects in Japan. Knowing the differences in word usage and pronunciation can help you recognise regional cultural references.

Recognise the influence of Buddhism and Shintoism on the Japanese language. The religions have significantly shaped language and expressions, with many idioms and sayings rooted in their teachings.
Understand the role of media and popular culture trends in shaping colloquial language and slang. Language evolves with pop culture trends, with new words and phrases often coined from media personalities or shows.
Study the effect of significance of seasons in Japan on the language. Certain linguistic expressions and idioms are used seasonally, reflecting the importance Japanese culture attaches to the changing seasons.

Make use of Japanese manga, anime, and dramas when learning. These are not only entertaining, but also rich in cultural references and modern colloquial expressions.
Use cultural dictionaries or websites for reference, as they provide a wealth of information on cultural practices and their impact on language.
Include authentic material such as newspapers, novels, or blogs in your reading practice. This will expose you to real-world cultural references and their usage.

Regularly review the cultural references and associated language that you’ve learned. Understanding the impact of culture on language is a continuous learning process.
Seek feedback on your understanding from native speakers, teachers, language learning platforms, and don’t shy away from asking questions about cultural references you’re unsure about.
Evaluate your progress regularly. Recognising cultural references and their impact on language will improve gradually over time - celebrate your learning journey’s small victories.