The subject of this article is the results of a pilot research of Japanese euphemisms conducted at Hokkaido University, Japan. Japanese euphemisms remain a low-studied layer of lexis. The aim of the article is to analyze the euphemisms used by the Japanese in such thematic fields as low intelligence, physically challenged people, ugly appearance, serious diseases, death and low social status and to define the most frequently used ways of making Japanese euphemisms. The results of the research may be helpful for those who study Japanese language and culture and want to understand their nuances better. Also, the article mayt help translators find efficient ways of translating Japanese euphemisms into English.