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12 .22How Kawaramachi got its namePhoto Credit: Satoshi Hirayama@pexelsBefore I began to write this blog, I thought I knew what I was going to say. As I have done several times before, I set out to cover an aspect of Kyoto, in this case, a partial history of Kawaramachi Avenue. However, when I did some research into the topic, I found that my understanding was incorrect, or at a minimum incomplete, so let me cover what I got wrong.A few years ago, when I was doing research into the river, Takasegawa, I had read that the “kawara” in Kawaramachi referred to roof tiles. “Machi” I knew meant area or town, so I had erroneously concluded that the place had taken its name from its proximity to the tile industry. However, while roof tiles were produced in the area, the “kawara” in Kawaramachi refers to a river plain and not roof tiles. This is clear if you look at the two root Kanji for “kawara” which separately mean “river” (河) and “plain” (原). Thus, Kawaramachi is the area of the riverbed.At first it might seem odd to name an area after a river plain and not the river itself, but I have a theory on why this was done. In the past, the widths of rivers would vary much more than they do nowadays, so flooding was a common threat. Stroll along the river between Shichijo Avenue and Kitaoji Avenue today and you will find signs that recall when the river became many times its normal size. In other words, if you wanted to build a house or business in the area, you needed to be cognizant of how wide the river could be. In effect, the name Kawaramachi is an apt warning for those who choose to inhabit the area: you can live here, but don’t be shocked if the river inundates your house.Thankfully, the section of the Kamo river that passes through Kyoto city no longer poses the severe flooding risk that it once did. Today, only rarely does the river breach any part of its levee and even when this happens the consequences are much smaller than in the past. These days when most locals hear the name “Kawaramachi” they think of shopping and not riverbeds.Vocabulary
erroneously – incorrectly
cognizant – know somethinginundate – flood, cover with waterQuestions:
1. What are the two translations for “kawara” mentioned in the essay?
2. Why does the author think the area was named after the river’s bed?
3. What do most people think of when they hear “Kawaramachi” today?Scroll down for answers. ↓
Answers:
A1. “Roof tiles” and “River plain”
A2. To warn residents of the risk of flooding
A3. ShoppingRobert Perkins -
12 .01The Mystery of the Mary Celeste
In 1872, a small ship called the Mary Celeste left New York City. It was a beautiful wooden ship about 30 meters long. The captain, Benjamin Briggs, was an experienced and respected sailor. He brought his wife and their young daughter on the trip. There were also seven crew members. The ship carried barrels of alcohol and was sailing to Italy. The weather was calm, and everything seemed normal.
One month later, another ship, the Dei Gratia, was sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. The sailors saw a ship moving strangely in the distance. Its sails were open, but it was turning slowly, without direction. They tried to call out, but no one answered. So they decided to go closer.
When they reached the ship, they were shocked — it was the Mary Celeste. But something was very wrong. The ship was silent. There were no people on board. The captain, his family, and the entire crew were gone. The last entry in the ship’s logbook was more than a week old. It did not say anything unusual.
Inside the ship, the men found strange details. The sails were damaged, and the ropes were messy. But the ship was not broken. It was safe to sail. There was food and fresh water for six months. All the valuable things — money, jewelry, and tools — were still there. The crew’s clothes were in their rooms. Even the captain’s notebook was still on his desk. Only one thing was missing: the small lifeboat.
The barrels of alcohol in the cargo were mostly fine, but a few had leaked. This made some people think there might have been a problem with fumes or gas. Maybe the captain believed the ship would explode and ordered everyone to get in the lifeboat. But if that happened, why didn’t they return when the ship did not explode?
Another idea is that pirates attacked. But pirates usually take money, food, and goods. Nothing was stolen. Everything was clean and untouched.
Some people think the Mary Celeste met a giant sea creature or a huge sea wave that pulled the people off the ship. Others think the crew drank the alcohol and became violent, but there was no sign of a fight.
There are also more mysterious theories. Some people say the people on the ship were taken by aliens. Others believe the Bermuda Triangle pulled them away, even though the ship was not near the Triangle. These ideas are fun to imagine, but there is no real evidence.
In fact, we still do not know what happened. The people simply disappeared, leaving a perfect, safe ship behind. No bodies were ever found. The lifeboat was never found. The ship had no marks of damage or crime. It is one of history’s most famous mysteries.
Today, the story of the Mary Celeste is still studied by sailors, historians, and mystery lovers. It teaches us that the sea is beautiful but unpredictable. Some secrets of the ocean may never be solved. The Mary Celeste remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in history — a ghost ship slowly drifting with no one on board, and no answers.
Difficult Vocabulary
Crew – 船員（せんいん）
Cargo – 積み荷（つみに）
Fumes – 煙（けむり）・ガス
Pirates – 海賊（かいぞく）
Unpredictable – 予測できない（よそくできない）
Comprehension Questions
Where did the Mary Celeste begin its journey?
a) London
b) New York City
c) LisbonWhat did the sailors of the Dei Gratia find when they went on board the Mary Celeste?
a) A broken ship with no cargo
b) A full crew working normally
c) An empty ship with no peopleWhat was still on the Mary Celeste when it was found?
a) Food, water, and valuable items
b) A letter explaining everything
c) A damaged engineWhich object was missing from the ship?
a) The captain’s notebook
b) The lifeboat
c) All the foodWhy is the Mary Celeste still famous today?
a) Because the captain became rich
b) Because it was the fastest ship in history
c) Because no one knows what happened to the people
Scroll down for answersAnswer
b) New York City
c) An empty ship with no people
a) Food, water, and valuable items
b) The lifeboat
c) Because no one knows what happened to the people
BBP staff -
11 .24The Mystery of the Yonaguni Undersea RuinsPhoto Credit: Melkov/Wikipedia
Have you ever heard of the Yonaguni Undersea Ruins? They are one of Japan’s mysteries. Many people in Japan have never heard of them, but divers around the world know this strange and beautiful place. The ruins are under the sea, near Yonaguni Island in Okinawa.
In 1986, a local diver discovered something surprising while swimming near the island. He saw huge stone shapes on the sea floor. The shapes looked like steps, walls, and even roads. Everything looked very straight and sharp, almost like they were cut by people. The diver thought he had found an ancient city under the sea.
But here is the mystery: no one knows if the ruins are natural or human-made.
Some scientists say the Yonaguni ruins were made by nature. They believe the rocks slowly broke into shapes over thousands of years. Strong waves, earthquakes, and wind may have created straight lines in the rock. According to these scientists, the ruins are beautiful, but not made by humans.
Other researchers say the ruins look too perfect to be natural. The steps are very even. The walls look straight. Some stones look like they were placed carefully. There is also a wide, flat “plaza” that looks like a meeting place.
Some people believe Yonaguni was once part of a very old civilization from more than 10,000 years ago, before the sea level rose. If this is true, the ruins could be one of the oldest human structures in the world.
The ruins are deep underwater, so it is difficult to study them. Divers can only stay down for a short time. Also, there are no clear signs of tools, pottery, or human bones. Without these, it is hard to prove that people built the ruins.
Because there is not enough evidence, the mystery continues. Are the shapes natural rock formations? Or did people build them long ago?
Today, many divers visit Yonaguni Island to see the ruins with their own eyes. The water is clear and blue. Hammerhead sharks even swim nearby in winter. Whether the ruins are natural or human-made, they are one of Japan’s most interesting and mysterious places.
If you visit Okinawa, you can see the ruins yourself and decide what you think they really are.
Useful Vocabulary
ruins – old buildings that are broken or destroyed
civilization – a large, organized society in history
plaza – a flat open space
formation – the shape something has
evidence – information that shows something is trueComprehension Questions
A. Multiple Choice
Where are the Yonaguni ruins located?
a) Near Tokyo
b) Under the sea in Okinawa
c) In South AmericaWhen were the ruins discovered?
a) 1986
b) 1960
c) 2010What do some scientists believe?
a) The ruins were made by aliens
b) The ruins are natural rock formations
c) The ruins are a modern buildingWhy is it difficult to study the ruins?
a) They are too dangerous to touch
b) They are underwater
c) They are in a desert
Scroll down for the answers
Answers
b) Under the sea in Okinawa
a) 1986
b) The ruins are natural rock formations
b) They are underwater
BBP Staff -
11 .17The Power of Small Habits
The Power of Small Habits
Do you ever feel too busy or tired to make big changes in your life? Maybe you want to study more, get fit, or improve your English, but you don’t know where to start. The good news is this: you don’t need big changes to see big results. You just need small, good habits.
What is a Habit?
A habit is something you do again and again — often without thinking. Brushing your teeth, checking your phone, or drinking coffee in the morning are all habits. Some habits are good. Some are not so good. The secret to success is choosing good ones and repeating them every day.
Why Small Habits Work
Many people try to change too much at one time. For example, they say, “I will study English for two hours every day!” or “I will go to the gym every morning!” After one week, they stop. It’s too hard.
Small habits are easier. For example:
Read one English article each day.
Stretch for two minutes after waking up.
Smile and say hello to one new person on campus.
These habits are small, but over time they grow — like planting a seed that becomes a big tree.
How to Build a Habit
Here is an easy plan:
Start small. Choose one simple action that takes less than five minutes.
Connect it to something you already do. For example, “After breakfast, I will read one page of an English book.”
Repeat every day. Habits become stronger with repetition.
Reward yourself. Say, “Good job!” or give yourself a small treat.
Don’t Be Perfect — Be Consistent
Everyone forgets sometimes. That’s okay! Missing one day will not destroy your habit. Just start again the next day. The most important thing is consistency, not perfection. Big success is not one giant step — it’s many small steps, every single day.
Questions
1. What is a habit?
a) Something you do once in a while
b) Something you do again and again
c) A plan you make for the future2. Why do small habits work better than big changes?
a) They are easier to continueb) They take more time
c) They make you tired3. What should you do if you forget your habit one day?
a) Give upb) Start again the next day
c) Make a new habit immediately4. What is most important in building a habit?
a) Being perfectb) Doing many habits at once
c) Being consistentA. Multiple Choice
-
b) Something you do again and again
→ A habit is something you do many times, often without thinking. -
a) They are easier to continue
→ Small habits are simple and realistic, so people can keep doing them. -
b) Start again the next day
→ It’s okay to miss one day — just try again tomorrow. -
c) Being consistent
→ Doing something every day is more important than being perfect.
BBP Staff -
04 .07Alternative Ways to Speak and Write in your Target Language
Photo Credit: Julia M. Cameron @Pexels.com
How do you study English? Do you take regular lessons as part of your university courses? Do you join free communication sessions like those offered by the BBP Communication Rooms on campus? Do you have a pen friend or a private tutor? There are many conventional ways to learn a language, but have you ever considered these ‘alternative’ ways to get better at a language?
Is talking to yourself a sign of genius or an indication of craziness? By ‘talking to yourself’, it means speaking softly (or louder) when it’s only you present. You might talk to yourself in the shower or taking a walk or washing the dishes. It’s a sign of an active mind and a happy disposition. How about if you started talking to yourself in another language? Start with simple words like describing the things around you or exchanging imaginary pleasantries. As you get better at it, start commentating on live TV news or sports you’re watching. Keep it light and fun and spontaneous. It will help you grow in confidence as a speaker in your target language.
That’s the speaking way - now how about the writing way? Start a micro blog on Threads or Bluesky or other such social media platform. Micro blogs are short, topical comments which help start interaction with other users on the same site. Create a page with your name in English and a few words about yourself and the kind of topics you’re interested in blogging about. Search for similar topic blogs and comment on them regularly. You will soon build up a small community of followers and be able to practice your writing in the target language in a fun and spontaneous way.
These are two simple, fun ways to use your target language on a daily basis and inject a little spontaneity into your language learning.
Questions:
Q1. Is a ‘pen friend’ someone you speak with or write to?
Q2. What word best matches ‘disposition’ from the text?
a: Hope
b: Manner
c: Intention
d: Place
Q3. Does being “spontaneous” mean acting slowly or acting quickly?
Scroll ↓ down for answers
A1. A friend you write to
A2. B. (Manner)
A3. Acting quickly
BBP Staff -
01 .27Japanese Seasonal Change of Clothing
Photo Credit: RDNE Stock project @Pexels.com
The Japanese people are known to be sensitive and appreciative of the seasons. We have four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter, and each has its own beauty. There are many festivals and customs to celebrate the seasons.
One of the customs is called “Koromogae”: a seasonal change of clothing. In Japan, it’s usual for the people to start wearing short sleeved clothes at the beginning of June, and they go back to long sleeves at the beginning of October. I have always followed this tradition up until 2024.
The world had its hottest summer in 2024, including Japan. Global warming seems to be speeding up these days. In Osaka, where I live, from July to September for 2 months, the temperature was over 35 degrees Celsius. And even in mid-October, the temperature was as high as 29 degrees. In my entire life, this was the first time that I wore short-sleeved shirts in mid-October.
However, the majority of the people here in the Kansai area wear long-sleeved clothes in October, even when it is hot. Why?! I believe that’s because the Japanese people are faithful in following tradition. Let me share my personal experience of when I was going to graduate school in the U.S.A.
I went to a university called Brigham Young University, the largest private university in the U.S. It’s in a small town called Provo, an hour south from Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. Utah has a lot of deserts, so it’s very dry. It gets very hot in the summer, but very cold in the winter. Utah is famous for its snow and has many famous ski resorts.
What surprised me was that most people in Utah wear short sleeves all year around. In the winter, they just wear heavy jackets over the short-sleeved shirts. And in the spring, even though it’s still cold, when there was a sunny day, I saw many students (boys) lying on the grass shirtless. I thought this would never happen in Japan.
I love the fact that Japanese people are sensitive to the seasons and there is a custom like “Koromogae,” but this custom may change in the near future due to the unusual warm weather. I think that we should be wearing short-sleeves when it’s hot, even if it’s in the middle of October. Until then, Japanese people will be wearing long sleeves regardless of the high temperature in October!
Questions:
Q1. Why does the author think that Japanese people wear long-sleeved clothes regardless of the high temperature in October?
Q2. What surprised the writer when he was going to school in America?
Q3. When do Japanese people usually start wearing short-sleeved shirts?
Scroll down↓for answers
A1. They are faithful in following the custom of "Kromogae."
A2. Male students would lie down on the grass shirtless in April when it was a sunny day.
A3. They usually start wearing them at the beginning of June.
N. Irie -
11 .11Dance Experience and Benefits
Photo credit: Cottonbro Studio @ pexels.com
I started dancing when I was three years old. My mother took me to my first dance class. It was a ballet class. Since then, I have danced ballet, jazz, contemporary and traditional Japanese dance for over fifty years. There are several reasons why dance experiences have been beneficial in my life.
First of all, it has given me the ability to communicate with various people. Dance taught me the strength of body language. The combination of body language and words can deepen communication. Even if I was not fluent in a language by combining body language somehow, I was able to communicate. This way I have been able to make friends all over the world.
In addition, dance has stimulated my creativity and imagination. I have enjoyed choreographing (creating) new original dance after I acquired dance techniques by attending many classes. I have learned to combine movement and music with a theme to perform on stage. In order to come up with a theme, I read, visited museums, took walks in nature and listened to all kinds of music to be inspired. The imagination has no limits.
Finally, in order to dance, maintaining good health is a must. To dance I have been very conscious about eating healthy food, keeping my body flexible and mind clear. I am constantly thinking about a balanced meal. I try to stretch all the time as I keep a healthy mind.
I believe after all these years I will not be able to stop dancing. It is a big part of my life. I am very grateful towards my mother who took me to my first dance class. At that time, I did not know how it would influence my life in so many ways. I will continue to dance for at least 40 more years if I can.
Questions
Q1. When did the author start dancing?
Q2. In what three ways has dance improved the author’s life?
Q3. How many more years will she try to dance?
Scroll down ↓ for the answers
A1. When she was 3 years old
A2. Dance helped her communicate better, use her imagination, and eat well.
A3. She wants to dance 40 more years.
Heidy Durning -
11 .04Learning English with Music
Photo Credit: Anna Shucks @pexels.com
Incorporating music into your language learning journey can be an enjoyable and effective way to improve your English skills. Whether you're a fan of pop, rock, hip-hop, or jazz, there's a wealth of musical resources waiting to help you on your path to fluency. Here are some tips on how to harness the power of music to enhance your English learning experience.
1. Choose Songs You Enjoy: Start by selecting songs in English that you genuinely enjoy listening to. Whether it's your favorite band or a catchy tune you heard on a streaming app, choosing songs that resonate with you will make the learning process more enjoyable and motivating.
2. Focus on Lyrics: Once you've chosen a song, take the time to listen to the lyrics carefully. Read along with the lyrics while you listen, and pay attention to the pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar used in the song. You can find lyrics online on websites like Genius or AZLyrics. Many streaming apps will also provide lyrics.
3. Break it Down: Break down the lyrics into smaller chunks and focus on understanding the meaning of individual words and phrases. Look up any unfamiliar words in a dictionary and try to learn their meanings in context.
4. Sing Along: Don't be afraid to sing along with the music! Singing along can help improve your pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm in English. Even if you're not a confident singer, singing along with your favorite songs can boost your confidence and pronunciation over time.
5. Study Grammar and Syntax: Pay attention to the grammatical structures and syntax used in the lyrics. Analyze how sentences are formed, and identify different tenses, prepositions, and conjunctions used in the song. This will help reinforce your understanding of English grammar in a fun and engaging way.
6. Use Music for Listening Practice: Make listening to English music a regular part of your daily routine. Create playlists of your favorite English songs and listen to them while you're commuting, exercising, or relaxing at home. The more exposure you have to English music, the more you'll improve your listening skills.
7. Explore Cultural References: English songs often contain cultural references and idiomatic expressions that can provide valuable insights into English-speaking cultures. Take the time to research the cultural context behind the songs you're listening to, and you'll gain a deeper understanding of the language and its cultural nuances.
By incorporating music into your English learning routine, you can make language learning more engaging, enjoyable, and effective. So plug in your headphones, turn up the volume, and let the music guide you.
Questions:
Q1. Which stage should you look up unknown vocabulary?
Q2. What are two benefits of singing along?
Q3. What are the outcomes of stage 7
Scroll down ↓ for answers:
ANSWERS:
A1. In the third stage
A2. It boosts confidence and improves pronunciation.
A3. You gain cultural understanding.
BBP Staff -
09 .09Make Your Dreams Come True with English!
Photo Credit: Nobuaki Irie@pexels.com
On my 11th birthday, my cousin gave me a record of the popular singing duo, the Carpenters as a present. Of course, I didn't understand English at all back then. However, fascinated by the beautiful singing voice and melody, I wanted to know the meaning of the lyrics. That was my first encounter with English. At the age of twelve, I was impressed by the dynamic singing voice of The Three Degrees, a black trio who was as popular as the Carpenters in Japan, and that was how I became interested in Soul Music (R&B).
The following year, a group of five black brothers called Tavares caught my eye while watching TV. I instantly became a big fan of them and joined the Tavares fan club, which was backed up by a Japanese record company (Toshiba EMI) when I was in junior high school. Perhaps because I was very enthusiastic about the group, I ended up becoming the president of the fan club during my high school years. I often held Tavares record concerts and even went to radio stations to promote their songs. My dream was to go to a Tavares concert and meet them in America someday. So, I studied English hard to make that dream come true.
Tavares eventually disappeared from the music scene, not releasing records anymore in the late 1980s. When I was giving up my dream of meeting them, I heard the news that Tavares was coming to Japan to give concerts even in my home town of Osaka! Right after reading the news, I wrote to their record company even though I wasn’t sure if my letter would reach the group. I really wanted to thank them for their music that had enriched my life and given me a lot of joy and happiness. It is no exaggeration to say that they helped me become an English teacher. On the day of their concert in Osaka, my dreams finally came true. Not only was I able to hear their singing live but also allowed to meet them backstage. Tavares looked at me and said, "You are the one who wrote us." Yes, they had received my letter! The members were very happy to see me, and we took pictures together. The photos are still my lifelong treasures even to this day.
Just like this, through English, I was able to fulfill my dream. I hope that you too will meet many wonderful people and have valuable experiences by using English. Make your dreams come true with English!
Blog Quiz
Q1. How did the author encounter English?
Q2. What was the name of the group that the author became the president of the fan club for?
Q3. How did the author’s dream come true?
Scroll down to see the answers below.
Answers:
1. The author’s cousin gave him a record of the Carpenters for his birthday.
2. Tavares
3. The author was able to see Tavares' concert in Osaka and meet them backstage.
Nobuaki Irie -
06 .24Joining a Student Group
Photo Credit: Yan Krukau@pexels.com
Joining a circle or club is an important part of Japanese university life. These organizations are often called “student groups” in English-speaking countries. It helps make your time in college more exciting and can teach you many things.
First, being part of a student group can help you make friends. When you start university, it's common to feel a bit lost or alone. Joining a group means you meet people who share your interests. You can make friends and feel like you belong. It's like finding a little family on campus.
Student groups also give you a chance to learn new things. You can join a group that matches your hobbies, like music, sports, or art. Or you can explore something totally different. In groups, you'll learn from others and maybe even discover a new passion.
Moreover, student groups help you build skills beyond the classroom. You can become a leader, learn to work with a team, or plan events. These are skills that are important in your future job and life. It's like getting a head start on gaining experience.
Being part of a student group can reduce stress. University life can get overwhelming with exams and assignments. Group activities provide a fun and relaxing break. You can enjoy doing what you love with friends, and it can be a great way to relieve stress.
Student groups often organize events and activities. This means you'll have something exciting to do on campus. It's not all about studying. You can go to parties, games, or shows. This makes your time in university more enjoyable.
Another great thing is that student groups sometimes give back to the community. They do charity work and help those in need. Being part of such groups teaches you about kindness and helping others. It's a great way to make the world a better place.
In conclusion, joining a student group is a smart choice for university students. It helps you make friends, learn new things, develop skills, reduce stress, and have fun. Plus, it teaches you about giving back to the community. So, it's a great way to make the most of your time in college.
Blog Quiz:
Q1. What does the author compare joining a group to?
Q2. What are three events you can go to if you join a student group?
Q3. What is a university circle or club referred to in English-speaking countries?
Scroll down for answers below.
Quiz Answers:
Q1. Joining a little family.
Q2. Parties, games or shows.
Q3. A student group.
The BBP Staff