Photo credit: Pipe Vasquez @Pexels.com

In our current day and age, we are surrounded by many ways to make our lives more convenient. Many of these tools have improved our quality of life but have deprived us of a valuable lesson. While not the most important thing in life, it is only through challenging ourselves that we can grow as people and enrich our lives with a sense of meaningful accomplishment.

As university students, you are at a turning point in your lives. You probably realized quite quickly that many things are different from your high school life and more responsibility is put in your hands. While this can be frightening, it is actually an enormous gift that you are given. You are able to choose what kind of life you are going to lead. This could be in the classes you choose, the knowledge you gain, the efforts you give, the friends you make or the challenges you accept. It is the last that will prove to be your greatest asset. Challenging yourself to do something outside of your comfort zone will always teach you something about yourself. This could be finding inner strength to overcome or it could be finding a weak point that you can improve. Developing this kind of strength and awareness can help create an important sense of self confidence that will help you in the future.

Challenges are what define us. If we live a life of convenience and fear to challenge ourselves, then we will never know who we really are. Also, without challenges, we run the risk of living a life that is not truly our own. Over many years, I have heard students say many times that they want to live a life that is worth living because they only have one life. If you feel the same way, I encourage you to challenge yourself. Even if it is a small challenge, it will be worth it.

Questions:

1.    What is a benefit of challenges?

2.    When is the best time to challenge yourself?

3.    What do students say about the type of life they want to have?

Scroll down for answers

Answers:

1.     You can learn about yourself.

2.     Now is the best time to challenge yourself.

3.     Students say that they want to live a full life because they only have one.

Photo credit: A125.Studio Studio @Pexels.com

In America, celebrating your birthday is “a must”. Everyone I know goes all out to mark their special day, and this tradition carries on from childhood to the more sophisticated celebrations of adulthood.

As a child, my parents made my birthday an exciting event each year. One memorable celebration took place at McDonald's, where we invited friends to eat “Happy Meals” in a corner of the restaurant. The highlight was a delicious rectangular sheet cake that we all gathered around for dessert.

Another year, in kindergarten, I hosted a pool party at my grandmother's house. While my friends splashed and laughed in the water and enjoyed popsicles on the deck, I was unfortunately stuck inside with a cold, peering out through the bedroom window. I watched them having a blast while I dreamed of playing with my favorite gift from that year—a beautiful Barbie doll. I loved those dolls!

When I became a junior high schooler, the celebrations transformed. Sleepover parties became the norm, where I’d invite two or three friends to spend the night. We spread sleeping bags across the living room floor, munched on pizza my parents ordered, and stayed up late, watching movies and chatting until early morning. One particularly fun birthday took place at Champs Rollerdome, a roller skating rink pumping with upbeat popular music on the radio. I’ll never forget watching one friend glide effortlessly backwards on skates—a talent that amazed us all!

But birthday parties aren’t just about activities like swimming and skating; they often have creative themes. For my daughter’s second birthday, I decided to throw a Minnie Mouse-themed bash. The house sparkled with pink and red decorations, and I baked a delightful cake shaped like Minnie’s head. My daughter wore a Minnie Mouse costume, and many of her friends joined in the fun, dressed in their own themed outfits!

Gift-giving is a common tradition at these celebrations. Each guest arrives with a brightly wrapped present, and at the end of the festivities, everyone leaves with a small token known as a ‘party favor.’ For my daughter’s birthday, we gave out little containers of bubbles and wands, sending each child home with a bit of bubbly magic.

As you can see, birthday celebrations in America are filled with joy and excitement, especially for children! But the fun doesn’t stop as we grow older. Adults often indulge in special meals or weekend getaways to commemorate their birthdays. Milestone birthdays, like “the big 4-0” or “the grand 8-0”, often call for larger gatherings with family and friends joining in the festivities.

Questions:

1.    What fast-food restaurant was the site of one of the author’s early birthday parties?

2.    Why was the pool party not much fun for the author?

3.    What was the theme if the party that the author threw for her daughter?

Scroll down for answers

Answers:

1.     McDonald’s

2.     She had a cold, so she had to stay isolated and could only watch her friends playing.

3.     Minnie Mouse

Photo credit: Yan Krukau@pexels.com

Have you ever said, “I’m bored!” and felt like that was a bad thing? Many students think boredom is the enemy. When we feel bored, we quickly check our phones, turn on a video, or start scrolling through social media. Today, it is very easy to avoid boredom.

What if boredom isn’t actually a problem? What if being bored can be good for you? It may sound strange, but having nothing to do for a little while can help your brain in several ways.

Why Boredom Can Be Good

When you are always busy with screens, games, messages, and videos, your brain is constantly receiving information. It never really gets a break. Imagine listening to loud music all day. After a while, your ears would need some quiet time, right? Your brain is the same. When you have a quiet moment with nothing to do, your brain finally has time to relax. During these quiet moments, your mind starts to wander. You might think about ideas, memories, plans, or dreams. This is when creativity often appears. In fact, many great ideas happen when people are doing very simple things—walking, sitting, or even staring out of a train window.

Boredom Can Make You Creative

When there is no phone or screen to entertain you, your brain starts to look for something interesting. You might begin drawing, writing, planning your weekend, or thinking of a new idea. Think about children playing. When they get bored, they often invent games or imagine stories. Boredom pushes the brain to create something new. So, the next time you feel bored, your brain might actually be getting ready to do something creative. Let it create. You don’t always need to ‘feed’ it with more screen time. Doing nothing does not mean you must sit like a statue for hours. It simply means giving your brain some quiet time without constant entertainment.

Here are a few simple ways to try it:

1. Take a “Quiet Break”: Sit somewhere comfortable for five or ten minutes. Don’t use your phone. Just relax and look around. You might notice things you usually ignore.

2. Go for a Slow Walk: Take a short walk without music or podcasts. Pay attention to the world around you—trees, buildings, sounds, and people.

3. Let Your Mind Wander: Instead of quickly filling every free moment with your phone, allow yourself to simply think. Daydreaming is not a waste of time. It can help your brain connect ideas.

4. Be Comfortable with Boredom: At first, boredom may feel uncomfortable. That’s normal! But if you give it a chance, you may discover new thoughts, ideas, or hobbies.

Please remember - you don’t need to be busy every second of the day. Sometimes the best thing you can do is… nothing at all. A little boredom can help your brain relax, think more deeply, and become more creative. So, the next time you feel bored, just enjoy it! Your brain might just be getting ready for its next great idea.

Questions:

1. Why does the blog say boredom can be good for you?

A. Because it helps your phone battery last longer

B. Because it gives your brain time to relax and think

C. Because teachers want students to be bored

D. Because boredom makes time move faster

2. What can happen when people have quiet time without screens?

A. They forget how to use technology

B. They become tired immediately

C. Their brains may become more creative

D. They lose interest in hobbies

3. Which activity does the blog suggest as a way to practice “doing nothing”?

A. Playing video games for several hours

B. Watching many short videos online

C. Taking a slow walk without music

D. Sending messages to friends

Please scroll down for the answer key.

Answers:

1.     B

2.     C

3.     C

Photo Credit: the author

I was born and raised in Kyoto, and aside from spending four years in Canada during my twenties, I’ve always lived here. When I was younger, I did not fully appreciate the historical sites and the traditional atmosphere of the city. However, as I have grown older, I have come to cherish Kyoto more deeply. I especially find peace in its temples, which provide a refuge when the stress of daily life becomes overwhelming. After losing my mother four years ago, I began visiting quiet temples more frequently. These visits brought me solace and helped ease my grief.

Kyoto is home to an incredible number of temples—approximately 1,600. While the city is known for famous tourist attractions like Kiyomizu Temple and Kinkakuji Temple (the Golden Pavilion), there are countless others, less crowded yet equally remarkable. These hidden gems often have a unique charm that is worth exploring.

As I have wandered the city, I have discovered beautiful temples I had not even known existed. For instance, a taxi driver once introduced me to Unryu-in, a sub-temple of Sennyu-ji Temple in the Shichijo area. Despite being close to the busy Shichijo Street, this temple feels like a hidden oasis. After passing through the main gate, a long, tree-lined path leads to the temple. At the end of the path, stepping into the temple feels like escaping into another world. Unryu-in has a stunning garden, and visitors can enjoy matcha green tea while admiring the view. With only a few people around, it is a perfect spot to sit quietly and even meditate.

Another favorite of mine is Myoshin-ji Temple in the Hanazono area. This temple complex includes a main temple and as many as 46 sub-temples. Historically, in many large Japanese temples, sub-temples were created when respected monks passed away; their disciples built graves or memorial temples nearby. Over time, these small memorials evolved into independent sub-temples. Although not all sub-temples within Myoshin-ji are open to the public, several can be visited, offering unique experiences. The entire temple site feels like an old town, and walking through its grounds is like stepping back in time.

These lesser-known temples offer tranquility and beauty that are often missed in the city’s more famous spots. Exploring them has deepened my love and appreciation for Kyoto’s rich history and culture.

Questions:

1.     Why does the author visit temples?

2.     What can you enjoy at Unryu-in Temple?

3.     What is Myoshin-ji Temple known for?

Scroll down for the anwer key.

Answers:

1.     To find peace and ease stress or grief.

2.     A beautiful garden and matcha green tea.

3.     46 sub-temples that were created when famous monks passed away.

Photo Credit: Author

On October 5th and October 6th, 2024, the International Symposium on Global Aging and Diversity – Counterhegemonic Narratives of Aging – Identity, Space, and Belonging at Ritsumeikan University welcomed 31 scholars from 13 different countries in person and also online through a hybrid format. If Covid-19 had any positive effects at all, it is allowing the expansion of online participation, giving opportunities for people from distant lands to join and be together through virtual space. The symposium attracted more than 150 interested audiences who registered from numerous countries throughout the world.

The connecting theme was a discussion about the many varieties and diversities of the aging experience. Throughout the world, in both industrialized and developing countries, low birth rate and aging populations is a shared reality. Naturally, as people are getting older and living longer, the theme of aging with autonomy, dignity, and well-being are crucial factors. Various cultures and traditions have their own methods, rituals, and styles, and exchanging ideas ignited new perspectives on mind, spirit, and body.

The two day symposium could not have been so successful and stimulating without the working together of our Ritsumeikan University students. It was a beautiful exchange of learning and giving. Organizing the symposium and making it happen from beginning to end, with a month long planning, was a perfect example of learning by doing and doing through learning.

From planning the minute by minute detail – assembling a large number of scholars scattered throughout the world under a organized and timely program, creating posters to advertise, contacting scholars to give information and directions, stage producing and directing, sound, lights, photos, and documentations, receiving important guests – the student assistants gave it all for the cause of brining an international event together. The students felt a sense of accomplishment, and I was grateful for their willingness to learn, do, and give. As we stood on the stage, holding up the poster that we brought together, after a long two-days of very hard work, the sense of celebration for a job well-done, TOGETHER, was and is truly memorable.

Questions:

1) What was the theme of the event?

2) Where did the event take place?

3) What is learning by doing?

Scroll down↓for answers

Answers:

1)    How different peoples and cultures were dealing with the aging population problem.

2)    At Ritsumeikan University and with people online from all over the world.

3)    Receiving experience and becoming better at a skill by practicing, and in this case, run a conference, to learn by having practical training.

Photo credit: @unsplash

Christmas is the most important holiday of the year in the United Kingdom. It has many traditions that help to make the time special. People decorate their homes, and many of the themes of decorations will be familiar to people in Japan. Two of these are: snowmen and Father Christmas. Both of these are also well-known because of the work of the British illustrator and author, Raymond Briggs. 

Like Japan, in many parts of the UK, it snows in winter, and children enjoy building snowmen in their gardens. In his picture book, The Snowman, Briggs tells the story of a boy who builds a snowman that magically comes to life. As the book has no words, only pictures, it is easy for everyone to enjoy.

The Snowman was also made into an animated film, and the song, “Walking in the Air” from the film is now a classic in the UK at Christmas time. Many families watch the film every year, and it has become part of British Christmas culture.

While the story of The Snowman is quite simple, Raymond Briggs is also famous for another character – Father Christmas, who is a bit more complicated. His Father Christmas is a little grumpy and doesn’t like the cold – he's very human. You can also find this book in Japan: the original title “Father Christmas” has been translated as 『さむがりやのサンタ』. It, too, was made into an animated film which has also long been a favourite on TV at Christmas. Interestingly, when the film was shown in the USA, the voice of Father Christmas was changed – he was no longer grumpy, but jolly. He didn’t say “Blooming Christmas” but “Merry Christmas”, and he certainly didn’t drink too much when he went on holiday. 

Both of these characters show how old traditions can be updated and renewed, keeping the spirit of Christmas alive. 

Merry Blooming Christmas!

 Questions

1.  Which book(s) mentioned were made into films?

2.  What is unusual about Raymond Briggs’ book The Snowman? 

3.  How is Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas different from the traditional Santa Claus?

Scroll down for answers

1. The Snowman, Father Christmas

2. It has no words.

3. He is grumpy and doesn’t like the cold.

Photo credit Negative Space @ pexels.com

Learning a new language takes time, patience, and consistent practice. One of the most effective and enjoyable ways to improve your English skills is by writing a diary. It’s a simple habit that anyone can start, and the benefits are much greater than you might expect. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, keeping a diary can help you build your vocabulary, improve your grammar, and become more confident in expressing your thoughts in English.

Why Write a Diary in English?

1. Practice Writing Every Day

Writing regularly is essential when learning a new language. A diary gives you the chance to practice English every day in a relaxed, pressure-free way. You don't need to worry about being judged. It's just you and your thoughts. Even 5-10 minutes of writing each day can make a big difference over time.

2. Learn from Your Mistakes

When you write in a diary, you may make mistakes — and that’s a good thing! Mistakes are part of the learning process. After writing, you can review your entries and look for errors. Use tools like grammar checkers, or ask a teacher or a friend to read a few entries and give you feedback. Over time, you’ll notice your grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary getting better.

3. Build Your Vocabulary

Writing about your daily life will encourage you to learn new words. For example, if you want to describe what you ate for dinner, you might need to look up food-related vocabulary. Over time, you’ll naturally expand your vocabulary by writing about different topics like your hobbies, feelings, travel experiences, or goals.

4. Thinking in English

When you write your diary in English, you start to “think” in English. This is a big step toward fluency. At first, you might translate from your native language. But with practice, you’ll begin forming sentences directly in English. This helps improve your speaking and listening skills too, because you’re training your brain to use the language naturally.

5. Track Your Progress

A diary is also a record of your English journey. When you read old entries, you’ll be surprised at how much your writing has improved. You’ll also see how your thoughts and expressions have become more complex and natural.

Tips to Get Started

Set a routine: Write at the same time each day — before bed, during lunch, or in the morning.

Start simple: Don’t worry about writing perfectly. Focus on expressing yourself.

Use prompts: If you’re not sure what to write, use prompts like “Today I felt…”, “One thing I learned was…”, or “Something funny that happened was…”

Be honest and personal: The more personal your writing, the more meaningful the practice will be.

Writing a diary may seem like a small step, but it can lead to big improvements in your English. So grab a notebook or a computer, and start writing. Your future self will thank you!

Comprehension Questions

1. Why is writing a diary in English helpful for language learners?

2. What can learners do if they make mistakes in their diary writing?

3. How does writing a diary help improve vocabulary?

Scroll down for the answers.

1. Writing a diary in English is helpful because it allows learners to practice regularly, improve grammar, build confidence, and track their progress without pressure.

2. Learners can review their writing, use grammar checkers, or ask someone for feedback to learn from their mistakes.

3. Writing about daily life encourages learners to look up and use new words related to different topics, which helps expand their vocabulary.