Japanese dialects, known as hōgen, vary significantly across different regions of Japan. These dialects can differ in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, making them unique to their respective areas. For example, the Kansai dialect, spoken in cities like Osaka and Kyoto, is known for its distinct intonation and expressions compared to the standard Tokyo dialect. There are over 100 dialects in Japan, with some being so different that speakers may struggle to understand each other. The Okinawan dialect, for instance, is part of the Ryukyuan language family and is quite distinct from standard Japanese. These variations reflect Japan's rich cultural diversity and history.