Photo Credit: Ketut Subiyanto @Pexels.com 

 

I have moved five times in the last 20 years, so I got the hang of the various tasks involved in moving. Now, I’ll let you know my tips for finding a good apartment and moving well. 

 

If you plan to move at the end of March, you should start looking for your apartment in November. First, research online. Check the terrain and hazard map of the new location. Check also the locations of supermarkets and convenience stores. Find out if express trains stop at the station and how often trains come. Then, research the market price of the rent and work out which apartments you can rent. 

 

If possible, go to a real estate agent in December to see the apartments. One of the reasons to go so early is that real estate agents are not busy during this period and take their time to talk with you. If you go in February or March, they are too busy to be as helpful. 

 

In December, they already know that some apartments will be available at the end of next March. In that case, you cannot see the inside of the room because someone lives there, but you can check the entrance or surroundings of the building. You can do that even if you go there in February and March, but the difference is that your real estate agent has time to spare, so you can consult with them. If your real estate agent has seen another room in the same apartment, you can ask what it’s like inside. Also, you can ask them about the security of the area or how busy it is after dark, and, if the rent is cheaper than that of others, they may be able to tell you why. 

 

In addition, some apartments are already available in December, and if you find an available apartment you like, you are lucky. Some kind apartment owners sign the contract in December but let you start paying the rent from the end of February or March. That's the main reason I recommend to start apartment-hunting in December. Owners want to make sure that you take the apartment from the next April, so they hope that you make a decision quickly, so this gives you an advantage. (It is also important to make a good impression on the real estate agent. The real estate agent may let the owner know what you’re like. So, don’t forget to be neat and polite when you see your real estate agent.) 

 

There is one more benefit when you decide in December; you are sure of moving. Some people cannot move at the end of March because there are so many moves in Japan then that they cannot find an available moving service. When you decide early, you can also choose the day and the time you want to move. The only downside to signing a contract in December is the rent. Even if the owner waits until the end of February or March, in March you will have to pay double rent; you need to pay for your current apartment and your new apartment. But if you can get over that, I’m sure it's best to sign in December. 

 

 

Questions

Q1. If you plan to move at the end of March, you should start looking for your apartment ...  

A. in November  

B. in December  

C. in March  

 

Q2. If possible, it’s better to go to a real estate agent …  

A. in November  

B. in December  

C. in March  

 

Q3. The only downside to signing a contract in December is ...  

A. that the real estate agents are busy  

B. that you have to pay double rent  

C. that the owners are not in hurry  

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers 

 

Answers 

A1. A

A2. B

A3. B

Photo Credit: Pixabay @Pexels.com

It was during the coronavirus pandemic that I started baking sweets. I heard that the library in the neighborhood would close for a while because of the pandemic, so I borrowed a cheesecake recipe book just because I liked its cover. And a year of mastering cheesecakes began.

 

I had only a whisk, but no other tools or ingredients. I went to the store to buy cake molds, flour and so on. I was nervous then not only because I was in an unfamiliar sales floor for utensils, but also because I thought there might be a mysterious virus floating around. (Now it’s clear I was too nervous. It was before the virus spread, so it could not have been there at that store.)

 

Anyway, I got what I needed, and enjoyed making all sorts of cheesecakes for about a year. Making Cheesecakes is deep. You can make an endless variety of cheesecakes, changing the quantity of different ingredients such as cream cheese, sugar, eggs, lemon, fresh cream and cookies. Each time I made it, I made improvements, pursuing my ideal sourness, sweetness, firmness and the base (that is the bottom part of the cookie dough).

 

But I don’t make cheesecakes today. I finally found and realized my favorite cheesecake, but I quit because it was hard to clean up. There were a lot of used large tools to wash that were covered with sticky cream cheese. However, my cheesecake-making boom led me to the next step. I started baking many other sweets and now I make scones, muffins, American soft cookies, apple pie, tarte tatin (which resembles apple pie), ganache, rocky road fudge (chocolate mixed with nuts and dried fruit), and more. Before the pandemic, I couldn’t have imagined that I would make so many sweets.

 

Maybe I wouldn’t have started making sweets without the pandemic. Since then, I spend my days off in a different way, so I think it was a turning point in my life.

 

Questions

 

Q1. The author borrowed a cheesecake recipe book because ...

A. she liked its cover

B. she was asked to do that

C. she always wanted to make a cheesecake

 

Q2. When she went to the store to buy cake molds, she was ...

A. happy

B. sad

C. nervous

 

Q3. She stopped baking cheesecakes because ...

A. she was too busy

B. it was hard to clean up

C. she was tired of cheesecakes

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

Answers

A1. A

A2.  C

A3.  B

Photo Credit: Christian Diokno @Pexels.com

 

The world is full of advice on how to live in a clean room. I’m sure you have sometimes been disappointed comparing your room with someone’s nice, clean room on the Internet. I introduced two important points for cleaning in a blog titled "Living in a Clean Room (1)" and "Living in a Clean Room (2)". But before anything, don't forget that people have various stages of life.

 

To tell the truth, I used to live in a messy room, full of things. There were many things that I thought were important. I needed them because I felt like they shaped me. There is no way you can throw away things that are related to your identity. What is more, I couldn't clean at all because I was so busy every day. The room was overflowing with things, and I couldn’t tidy them up, so I couldn’t vacuum my room. What a mess! I knew that my family and friends were astounded and I didn't like that. But I could do nothing.

 

However, I have far fewer things now by having let go of things. I also have come across wonderful cleaning tools. So, today I proudly declare that I am able to clean and keep my room tidy.

 

I need here to emphasize that I just happened to be able to do that. In a few years or so, I might not be able to clean my room. In other words, people have various life stages, and along with that, I think there are times when you can clean your room and times when you can't.

 

Look at KonMari (Marie Kondo). She became world-famous by her own methods of tidying up. However, now she has a small child and she says she cannot tidy up like she used to. As much as she enjoyed parenting, I think it would be difficult for her as a tidying professional to accept the fact that she cannot clean up enough. Perhaps you are longing for a clean room right now, but you may not be able to clean it. If so, maybe now is not the time. That’s all. Even if you can't clean your room now, don't be so sad. You might think you would be happier when you have a clean room, but just find some other ways to be happier. There are many ways to be happier, and cleaning is just one of them.

 

Questions:

 

Q1. The author couldn’t let go of things because

A. those were expensive

B. those seemed related to her identity

C. she didn’t know how to throw those away

 

Q2. Marie Kondo is

A. a famous tidying expert

B. a famous strict housekeeper

C. a famous kind nanny

 

Q3. Cleaning a room

A. is only way to be happier

B. is just one of the ways to be happier

C. has nothing to do with happiness

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

Answers:

A1. B

A2. A

A3. B

Photo Credit: Tim Douglas @Pexels.com

 

Even if you're not a minimalist, even if you can't declutter, you can keep your room clean. Last time, I wrote about the importance of having the right cleaning tools for you. Now I would like to introduce another important thing: the cleaning cycle.

 

Cleaning regularly is the first condition to keep a room clean. Of course, whether you can do it regularly depends on the cleaning tools, as mentioned in the last blog. But another important thing is preparing your cleaning tool for the next use.

 

For example, consider a work counter in your kitchen. Every time you prepare dinner, the counter gets dirty. So, you will wipe it off with a dishcloth. Then, how do you make the dirty cloth clean again so that you can use it later? Maybe you think, “I don't want to wash this with my favorite clothes, so I'll put it aside for now and wash it with other dirty dishcloths later'', and a few days later, you have many dirty dishcloths and you may become reluctant to touch them or put them in the washing machine. In the meantime, you'll run out of dishcloths to wipe your counters with, and your counter will be dirty. You have no choice but to buy other cloths. And here is a vicious cycle of dirty dishcloths and new dishcloths that increase.

 

So, making sure your cleaning tools are ready for the next use is essential to regular cleaning. When it comes to dishcloths, I recommend washing them in the very next use of the washing machine, even if you have to wash them with your favorite clothes. In fact, if you clean regularly, your dishcloth won't get so dirty, so you won’t be so sad to do it. If you think your dishcloth is too dirty, simply wash it by hand immediately after use and throw it into the washing machine. If the cloth is so dirty that you don't want to wash it with your hands, use disposable wipes for a while. You might feel guilty about cleaning in an unsustainable way, but it would be nice to start using dishcloths later when you get into the habit of cleaning the kitchen.

 

So, when you buy new cleaning tools, you need to think about how to clean them to use them again.

 

Questions

 

Q1. The first condition to keep a room clean is ...

A. waking up early

B. having a large trash can

C. cleaning regularly

 

Q2. The author recommends washing dishcloths

A. in the very next use of washing machine

B. a few days later

C. in a bucket

 

Q3. Before you get into the habit of cleaning the kitchen, you can use

A. new dishcloths

B. old and dirty dishcloths

C. disposable wipes

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

Answers

A1. C

A2. A

A3. C

Photo Credit: Pixabay @Pexels.com

 

Keeping a room tidy seems to be a common challenge for people in the world. The world is full of information for aiming for a tidy room. For example, minimalism and elimination (Danshari, 断捨離 in Japanese) are famous keywords for decluttering. It is true that fewer things make a room easier to tidy up and therefore easier to clean. But not everyone can live as a minimalist right away. Some people feel things are so precious that they can't throw them away, and others are still in the process of getting rid of things (for years!). Even so, however, we can keep our rooms clean. That's why I want to write here about the importance of choosing the right cleaning tools. Cleaning tools are your important partners in getting your ideal room. Cleaning tools don't have to be branded or trendy. The important thing is to find a cleaning tool that suits you.

 

I used to hate vacuum cleaners. You cannot imagine the melancholy I had when carrying that loud, heavy machine and banging its blunt head all over the place! But one day my life changed when I got a small cordless cyclone vacuum cleaner.

 

It turns out that I didn't hate vacuum cleaners, but I just didn’t like that it was noisy, heavy, and that I often had to squat down to plug and unplug the cord. (But I have to admit the last point comes from my personal laziness.) The new vacuum is made of cheap plastic and underpowered. But it soon became one of my best friends. It's quiet and light, and cleans the room as if I were taking a walk with it. Moreover, I can see the garbage that it collects in its cylinder every time I use it. And I quickly throw the collected garbage into the trash can. I got a perfect partner to clean my room!

 

Thanks to my new vacuum cleaner, I also gained confidence. It's not that I'm too lazy to clean. As long as I have the right tools, I can enjoy cleaning and keep my room tidy. Perhaps the previous vacuum cleaner was more expensive and had more power. But it didn't suit me. In order to continue cleaning without difficulty, you need a tool that suits you. It will be an important partner and will work with you to provide a clean and tidy room.

 

Questions

 

Q1. Minimalism and elimination are famous keywords for ...

A. learning

B. decluttering

C. sharing

 

Q2. The author liked the new vacuum cleaner because it was

A. cheap

B. powerful and gorgeous

C. quiet and light

 

Q3. The new vacuum cleaner gave the author

A. confidence

B. a chance to get a job

C. a break to think

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

Answers

A1. B

A2.C

A3. A

Photo Credit: Gotta Be Worth It @Pexels.com

 

You may have started living alone this spring. Once things settle down a bit, how about putting some plants on your balcony? Here are a few tips for those who want to spice up your balcony with beautiful greenery. First, take a good look at your balcony. Is it south or north? Is the next building close to yours? Even if it is north facing or even if the next building makes shade, there are many beautiful plants that can live healthily as long as it is bright enough. Also, is your balcony fenced or walled? If it is fenced it may get a lot of sun, or it may get too much sun. Additional fences may be needed to provide shade if the sun is too strong. If it is enclosed by a wall, the amount of sunlight varies greatly depending on the location on the balcony: some parts will get enough light, but others will get almost no light. For a walled balcony, you may need to buy a stand to put your plants on, or hang the plant on the wall.

 

Once you have analyzed your balcony, you can look for plants that can thrive there. In fact, this step takes the longest. Just because a plant meets your balcony’s conditions doesn't mean you will like it. Even if you have a plant that you think might be okay, it may not be available at your local garden center, or it may not be the season to plant it. This stage may take six months to a year, but don't give up. Take a walk around the neighborhood and enjoy looking at the gardens. You will find ones that are close to the conditions of your balcony and discover your favorite plants.

 

Finally, think about your life. If you want to hang your laundry out on the balcony, where is the best place for your plants to keep them out of the way? Also, make sure you can water them when needed. And if you are away for a long time in summer, you also need to choose plants that finish before summer. (No one wants to find a dead plant on the balcony at the beginning of the new semester). It is said it takes at least three years to grow plants successfully. In other words, for the first three years or so, it is a series of failures. But after that, you'll find the best relationship between your place, your plants, and your life, and you'll be an excellent gardener.

 

Questions

 

Q1. If your adjacent building makes shade, ...

A. there are no plants that survive.

B. you need to choose plants that can survive.

C. you need to buy a fence.

 

Q2. What do you need if the sun is too strong?

A. Additional fences

B. A stand

C. Plants that finish before summer

 

Q3. Maybe you need to look for your plants ...

A. for a month

B. for six months to a year

C. for three years                                                     

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

Answers

A1. B

A2. A

A3. B

Photo Credit: Pixabay @Pexels.com

 

I have been going jogging regularly with two of my friends for the past twelve years. These friends of mine are often referred to as 'mom-friends.' We met when our children attended the same nursery school in Kyoto, and that is where we got to know each other. I became friends with several mothers there, and we formed a group of five friends. Despite our busy schedules with young toddlers, we managed to spend time together. It was a pleasure for me because we shared similar concerns, such as taking care of our children, managing household chores, and balancing work responsibilities.

 

I still remember how it all started. The five of us gathered at my place, sipping on glasses of wine and venting out our stress. Out of the blue, one of them began talking about her newfound habit of early morning jogging, as early as six o'clock. She explained how invigorating it felt to exercise when the day was just beginning. Curiously, she invited us to join her. Initially, I declined the offer, as it seemed impossible for me. I struggled with managing everyday life and was constantly fatigued. However, another friend in our group expressed interest in joining her. As they started discussing potential dates, the other two friends and I thought it sounded insane. But suddenly, it appeared to be a wonderful idea, and I felt a surge of motivation to make a change. Consequently, I ended up joining them.   

 

That was 12 years ago, and to this day, three of us still regularly gather for morning jogs on weekends. Over time, our circumstances shifted. One of my friends relocated to Osaka, while I moved to a different area of Kyoto. Throughout the years, we experienced some interruptions. One friend sustained a shoulder injury, while the other friend and I both tragically lost our respective parents, temporarily preventing us from having our morning runs. However, we made a point of maintaining our commitment to meet for our jogging sessions along the Kamo River in Kyoto, which serves as the most accessible meeting point for the three of us. Despite losing contact with our other mom-friends, the three of us have managed to maintain a strong connection. We not only meet for our exercise sessions but also gather for lunches and dinners, providing us with additional opportunities to spend time together.

 

Through this experience, I have learned that maintaining positive habits becomes easier when we feel connected to the people around us. Friendships endure when we engage in meaningful activities together, such as our morning jogs. Making friends as an adult can be challenging, but the bond I share with my jogging companions extends far beyond exercise. We actively create cherished moments during these shared experiences. Moreover, the consistent practice of jogging has not only contributed to my physical health but has also played a vital role in sustaining my mental well-being. Together with my friends, I have found a source of strength and support that positively impacts my overall wellness.

 

Q1. With how many friends have I regularly jogged? 

Q2. Where do I jog on weekends? 

Q3. How many years have we managed to get together for jogs?

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

 

A1. two

A2. Along the Kamo River in Kyoto

A3. 12 years

Photo Credit: Olia Danilevich @Pexels.com

 

In general, I like playing and/or watching sports such as tennis, volleyball, basketball, baseball, football, and so on. I enjoy playing with teams and it is a lot of fun to communicate with people while playing sports. When playing such sports, I need quick responses and instinctive reactions and I get really excited when I play.

 

When it comes to sports like Japanese martial arts, they are too sophisticated for me to enjoy. They seem to require the student to follow a detailed process as well as practice and effort to even understand the logic of what you are doing. They also include a lot of mental preparation that occurs through the movement and process. Therefore, I did not practice arts like kendo or kyudo while in Japan. Despite that, I was interested in the deeper meaning of such activities.

 

I wrote in a previous blog that I lived in Belgium for nearly 12 years. During that period, I tried kyudo for some time. My sensei and almost all the students at the dojo were Belgian. I had a chance to learn and practice all the procedures, movements and techniques in French. It was a very good experience as I needed to understand not only the process of kyudo but also some of the philosophy of Kyudo using a language other than Japanese in a different cultural situation. I remember I was often told by the senior students at the dojo that “Mato (的) is not the target/goal but the result of all the process of our movement”. This kind of idea is different from other sports that require competition with others as I mentioned at the beginning of this essay. Since I was curious how people in Europe perceive martial arts from Japan, I asked one of my friends who was from France and had practiced Aikido and Karate. It seems that at the beginning, it was the esthetic interest in things such as costumes and kata that attracted him. However, later he started to understand and focus on mastering himself in terms of training his own mental and physical balance through the martial arts.

 

Through these experiences across sports, culture and language, I could understand some of the deeper meaning of Japanese culture and sports. I really appreciate these experiences. I stopped doing kyudo for many years after I returned to Japan. However, I am thinking to restart by trying to remember the instructions I received in French in Belgium.

 

Questions:

 

Q1. According to the author, what did she feel about Japanese martial arts before starting?

 

Q2. Where did the author learn and practice kyudo?

.

Q3. What did she find good about the experience doing Japanese martial arts abroad?

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

A1. She thought that they were difficult to understand (they require following a detailed process as well as practice and effort to even understand the logic of what you are doing) and needed mental preparation through the movement and process.

 

A2. She learned in Belgium

 

A3. It was a very positive experience as she needed to understand not only the process of kyudo but also some of its philosophy using a language other than Japanese in a different cultural situation.

Photo Credit: Artem Podrez @pexels.com

 

Did you know that Shiga Prefecture gets a lot of snow? This stunning region in Japan receives abundant snowfall in the winter due to its unique climate and geographical location. Nestled in the central part of Honshu, Japan's main island, Shiga offers a mix of both coastal and inland areas, making it a true winter wonderland.

 

During the winter season, Shiga is characterized by cold temperatures and frequent precipitation, often falling as snow due to its location in a mountainous region. Cold air from the continent flows over the Sea of Japan and picks up moisture, resulting in a snowfall paradise. Additionally, Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan, is located in Shiga Prefecture and contributes to the prefecture's climate. During the winter, the lake's temperature is warmer than the surrounding air, leading to the formation of lake-effect snow when cold air passes over the warmer water. This can result in heavier snowfall in the areas around the lake, creating a breathtaking winter wonderland.

 

If you're looking for a place to embrace the snow, Gran Snow Okuibuki is a must-visit ski resort in Shiga. It is situated on the slopes of Mount Ibuki and offers a variety of skiing and snowboarding terrain for all levels of experience. With 18 runs ranging from beginner to advanced level, you'll find the perfect slope for your skill level. The resort also features a wide range of facilities, including ski and snowboard rentals, ski schools, and several restaurants and cafes.

 

One of the unique features of Gran Snow Okuibuki is its powder snow, which is highly sought after by skiers and snowboarders. The region receives abundant snowfall and is known for its light, dry powder snow that makes for excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions. Besides skiing and snowboarding, Gran Snow Okuibuki also offers a stunning view of Mount Ibuki and the surrounding natural scenery, making it a popular destination for sightseeing as well as winter sports.

 

If you're planning a trip to Gran Snow Okuibuki, there are several ways to get there from Kyoto. You can rent a car and drive to the resort, take a direct bus from Kyoto Station, or take the train to Maibara Station and then a bus or taxi to the resort. The journey is approximately two hours and will take you through some of the most breathtaking winter scenery you've ever seen.

 

Overall, Gran Snow Okuibuki is a highly regarded ski resort in Shiga Prefecture that offers a wide range of winter activities, excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions, and stunning natural scenery. We can't wait to see you there next winter!

 

 

Questions:

 

Q1. What makes Shiga Prefecture in Japan unique when it comes to snowfall?

 

Q2. What are some of the winter activities available at Gran Snow Okuibuki?

 

Q3. What are the different ways to get to Gran Snow Okuibuki from Kyoto?

 

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

A1. Its climate and geographical location.

 

A2. They are skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledding.

 

A3. One option is to rent a car and drive to the resort. Another option is to take a direct bus from Kyoto Station. Also, you can take the train from Kyoto Station to Maibara Station and take a bus or taxi to Gran Snow Okuibuki. i.e., by car, bus, train, train and bus, or train and taxi.

Photo Credit: Karolina Grabowska @pexels.com

 

Anime are one of the most popular aspects of Japanese culture, and have attracted a wide audience not only within Japan but also in foreign countries. Why are Japanese anime so popular? There are several reasons, such as high-quality artwork, great music, and a wide variety of stories. Additionally, one cannot overlook the crucial role of voice actors who greatly contribute to anime.

 

A voice actor’s main duty is to read and record scripts for TV programmes, but they also work on anime, films, radio shows, commercials, audiobooks, video games, and more. While they primarily work behind the scenes, voice actors have gradually gained recognition. These days, becoming a voice actor is considered a dream job, particularly for younger people.

 

What are some appealing aspects of this profession? First and foremost, a voice actor brings anime characters to life. For example, when an original manga or a comic book is adapted into anime, the character becomes more vibrant and lively, as additional details like breathing and laughter are portrayed. While some people may have their own image of a character, passionate performances can strongly captivate the audience, and even enhance the original story. Another appealing aspect is that a voice actor can provide a relaxing effect through their voice, potentially offering encouragement to those feeling down.

 

However, being a voice actor comes with its own set of challenges and difficulties. For instance, some voice actors mention the inconsistency of job offers. Moreover, it requires endurance and a strong mindset to persistently audition for roles. Those who have overcome these challenges and difficulties cultivate professionalism, which ultimately contributes to the production of better anime.

 

As the roles of voice actors gain prominence, their popularity has been steadily growing overseas as well, both among the audience and foreign voice actors. For example, there is a story of an American voice actor expressing admiration for a Japanese voice actor. When a Japanese anime is dubbed in English, the American voice actor pays homage to the Japanese voice actor by copying aspects of the style to ensure that the anime’s essence remains intact.

 

Overall, voice actors play a pivotal role in supporting anime. Their tireless efforts have remained largely hidden behind the popularity of Japanese anime, which bring joy and entertainment to numerous people.

 

 

Questions: Read the blog and decide if each sentence is T (true) or F (false).

 

Q1. Spending a lot of money on creating anime is one of the reasons for the popularity of Japanese anime.

 

Q2. Voice actors can cheer people up by their voice.

 

Q3. Voice actors have gradually become popular only in Japan.

 

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

 

A1. F

A2. T

A3. F