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The Japanese tea ceremony, known as “sadō/chadō” or "chanoyu,” is a profound cultural practice that transcends the mere act of drinking tea. Rooted in the philosophy of Zen Buddhism, Japanese culture and spirit are woven into every aspect of tea ceremony etiquette.

At its core, the Japanese tea ceremony is not just about enjoying a cup of tea but also about appreciating the beauty of simplicity, mindfulness, and life. The ceremony is often held in a special tea room, a pure space designed to foster a sense of tranquility and mindfulness. The architectural elements and seasonal decorations within the room play an important role in creating an atmosphere that complements the tea-drinking experience. The tea room welcomes guests by being decorated with hanging scrolls and seasonal flowers and plants.

A typical example of a Chinese character phrase often used in hanging scrolls is wa kei sei jaku,” meaning harmony, respect, purity, and solitude, representing an atmosphere of respect and harmony between host and guests. Silence is often maintained during the ceremony, allowing guests to enjoy subtle sounds such as the rustling of the tea whisk or the quiet pouring of water.

During a tea ceremony, the main activities are observing “teishu” (the host) make tea, eating Japanese sweets, and drinking powdered green tea. Every gesture has a deep meaning, from the way the host purifies their utensils to the direction they turn to leave and how they present the tea bowl.

In the tea ceremony, there is a moment when “chashaku” (the tea scoop) and “chaire” (the tea caddy, a container for powdered green tea) are wiped with a silk cloth called "fukusa." This act is not about cleaning due to dirt but rather symbolizes purification. In reality, it may seem unnecessary, wasteful, and inefficient. However, it is done to welcome and treat guests to the fullest extent. Throughout the tea ceremony, the host may leave the tea room several times. Typically, the host avoids showing their back to the guests when moving around or exiting, but when leaving with a water container called “kensui,” the host deliberately turns their back. This is because the water in the container is not pristine after being used, so the host turns away from the guests' view. Tea bowls usually have a distinguishable front and back, and when serving the bowl, it is placed in such a way that the front faces the guest.

When a guest, on the other hand, is about to drink tea, they pick up the tea bowl, presented with the bowl’s front facing them, they should turn it twice in their hands, and then begin to sip. This gesture is a consideration to avoid placing their mouth directly on the depicted scene on the front of the bowl. In this way, the Japanese tea ceremony is a culture that fosters a sense of respect for everything and everyone present, transcending the immediate participants—both the host and the guest—making it an enjoyable experience that values mindfulness and appreciation for all aspects, including those not physically present.

We, modern people, are sometimes so engulfed in the hustle of our daily lives that we do not have time to relax, enjoy time, and reflect on our own lives. However, I believe that occasionally participating in a tea ceremony can provide a precious opportunity to sense that we are living together in a vast world.

Blog Quiz

1 What is the significance of turning the tea bowl twice in the hands before sipping tea?

a) It adds a decorative element to the ceremony.

b) It prevents spillage.

c) It avoids placing the mouth directly on the depicted scene.

d) It follows a specific dance routine.

2 Why does the host turn their back when leaving with a water container called Kensui?

a) To show disrespect to the guests.

b) To hide the water container.

c) To demonstrate efficiency.

d) To maintain purity in the water container.

3 What does the act of wiping the tea scoop and tea caddy symbolize during the ceremony?

a) Cleaning due to dirt.

b) Aesthetic decoration.

c) Symbolic purification.

d) Expressing efficiency.

Scroll down to see the answers below.

Answers:

1.         C

2.         B

3.         C

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Staying healthy is very important for university students. College can be a hectic time with lots of studying and busy schedules. But if students stay healthy, they can do better in school and enjoy their lives more.

First of all, being healthy means taking care of your body. It's making sure your body is in good shape. When you're healthy, you're less likely to get sick. You won't have to miss classes or exams because of being unwell. This way, you can focus on your studies and do your best.

Healthy students also have more energy. When you eat well and exercise, you feel more active and ready to focus your tasks. You won't feel tired all the time, and you can stay awake and alert during your classes. This can help you understand your lessons better. Moreover, staying healthy is good for your mood. College life can be stressful, and it's easy to feel down or anxious. But when you're healthy, your body releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins that boost your mood. You'll feel happier and more relaxed, which is great for dealing with the pressures of university life.

Eating right is a big part of staying healthy. A balanced diet with fruits, veggies, protein and healthy fats can keep you in good shape. It gives your body the vitamins and minerals to function well. Plus, it helps you keep a healthy weight, which is important for your overall well-being.

Exercise is another key to staying healthy. Moving your body regularly keeps your muscles and bones strong. It can also help resuce stress and make you feel more energetic. You don't need to be a pro athlete; simple activities like walking, riding a bike, or using the stairs instead of an elevator can make a big difference.

Lastly, staying healthy helps you sleep better. A good night's sleep is crucial for your brain to work well. It helps with memory and thinking. When you're well-rested, you can concentrate on your studies and perform better in your classes.

In conclusion, being healthy is vital for university students. It means looking after your body and mind. When you're healthy, you can stay focused on your studies, have more energy, and be in a better mood. Eating well, exercising, and managing stress are all part of staying healthy. So, it's essential for students to prioritize their health during their college years.

Blog Quiz

Q1. According to this essay, what four types of food are part of a balanced diet?

Q2. What are three simple ways you can get exercise?

Q3. What are the chemicals in your body that make you feel good called?

Scroll down ↓ for the answers to the quiz.

Quiz Answers

A1. Fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats.

A2. Walking, riding a bike, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

A3. Endorphins.

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I really love salty pickled plums called umeboshi. I have loved them since I was a little child. When I was young, I was pretty picky about food, so I mainly ate plain white rice, miso soup, and umeboshi. My grandma had some plum trees in her garden, and every year, she would make umeboshi by hand. Her umeboshi were more sour than salty, and they were soft and had a natural red color because of an herb called red shiso.

I thought my grandma's umeboshi were perfect, and she kept making them until she was ninety years old. I always say umeboshi is my favorite food when people ask, but I never thought about making them from scratch until after my grandma passed away ten years ago.

When my mom, aunt and uncles, and I were going through her things, we found her recipe notebook, and it had an umeboshi recipe. Plums are harvested in June, so if I missed that time, I would have to wait a whole year to make umeboshi. That year, I decided to give it a try. I bought some plums at the store and picked some from my parents' trees. I have been making them every year since then.

Making umeboshi is simple. All you need is plums, salt, a little bit of distilled alcohol to clean the container, red shiso, and some heavy stones. First, you weigh the plums and measure out about twelve percent of their weight in salt. Then, you wash and dry the plums and clean the container with alcohol to prevent mold. Next, you layer salt and plums in the container, adding more until it is full. Place a plate and heavy stones on top, cover it, and leave it for about a week.

After a week, a sour and salty liquid comes out and covers the plums. That is when you add red perilla leaves. Wash them with salt and mix them into the container. The liquid turns bright red because of the leaves. Leave the plums for three to four weeks until the rainy season ends in Japan. Finally, on a sunny day, put the plums outside in a bamboo basket to dry and soften. I love seeing the red plums on my veranda.

I know many people, especially young ones, don't like umeboshi. But when you cook them with meat, fish, or vegetables, they lose their weird smell and add a rich flavor to the dish. I am always amazed at how people in the past made this preserved food with so few ingredients and simple steps. Umeboshi, for me, is a connection to my past and a wonderful tradition that I still enjoy today.

Blog Quiz:

Q1. Did the author like many foods when she was a child?

Q2. About how many weeks are required to complete the pickled plums?　

Q3. Why do you need shochu, a distilled alcohol, for making umeboshi?

Scroll down to see the answers below. ↓

Answers:

A1. No, she was a picky eater.

A2. About four to five weeks altogether.

A3. To clean the container to prevent mold.

Photo Credit: Karen Laark Boshoff @Pexels.com  

Have you ever enjoyed Aussie sweets? What comes to mind when you think of Aussie sweets? There are a lot of traditional and popular sweets in Australia. Let’s explore some of them! 

First of all, there are Lamingtons. A Lamington is a square-shaped sponge cake covered with chocolate and coconut sprinkles. There are various theories, but it is generally believed that Lamingtons are named after Lord Lamington, who was a governor of the Queensland colony between the end of 18th and the early 19th century (or his wife). Lamingtons are really popular in Australia. Australian people have enjoyed National Lamington Day on the 21st of July since 2006. 

Next, there is pavlova. This is a meringue-based dessert. Making pavlova is not that difficult. First, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Then, bake slowly in an oven on low-heat. After the meringue base is cooked, cover it with whipped cream and your favourite fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, mango, kiwi fruit, and passion fruit. A pavlova kit is available at a supermarket, and you can make one very easily with the kit. Pavlova is also quite popular in New Zealand, and the debate about whether pavlova was originally born in Australia or New Zealand is still ongoing. 

Another popular sweet is Anzac biscuits. The main ingredients are oats, flour, sugar, butter, golden syrup, and dried coconut (if you want). “Anzac” means the allied forces of Australia and New Zealand that were established during World War Ⅰ. Anzac biscuits were originally made for soldiers by their mothers or wives. That’s why the long-lasting and nutritious ingredients are used for the biscuits. They are sold at supermarkets all year round, but they are particularly popular on the 25th of April, which is the Anzac Day. 

These are three very popular Aussie sweets, but of course, there are other famous sweets such as Tim Tams, too. By the way, did you know that Australians consume the most ice cream per year all over the world, according to some surveys? New Zealand comes second. As it is said that these two countries have had a very close relationship historically and culturally, it seems to be natural for the countries to have similar taste in desserts. Regarding ice cream, you should try “Hokey Pokey” flavour when you have a chance of travelling in New Zealand or Australia. It was not originally born in Australia but in New Zealand. It is said that Hokey Pokey is a nationally popular flavour there. The flavour is quite similar to caramel, but it is actually made from golden syrup. Golden syrup is boiled down until it becomes crunchy, and it is mixed up with vanilla ice cream. Many people enjoy the rich flavour and crunchy texture. It is also popular in Australia. There are plenty of tasty sweets in Australia. It might be nice to enjoy their taste and also think about their historical and cultural background while you enjoy them. 

Questions: 

Q1. “Aussie” means _____

         a. Australian

         b. Austrian

         c. Summer

         d. Spring

Q2. Which of the following are not Australian sweets?

         a. Anzac biscuits

         b. Good-day cakes

         c. Lamingtons

         d. Tim Tams

Q3. Australians consume more ice cream per capita than Japanese. True or false?

Scroll down ↓ for the answers 

Answers

A1.  a

A2.  b

A3.  True

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I started cooking for myself when I was studying abroad in France. My French roommate often cooked French food with great pride, and that influenced me to become an admirer of French cuisine. I was just a beginner at the time, so I just enjoyed making sauce or dressing. However, at the end of the stay, I could grill meat well and make dishes using ingredients which had been unfamiliar to me, such as sour cream and herbs.

Before studying abroad, I had no interest in food at all. I had no appetite, didn’t enjoy eating, and so I had no interest in cooking. However, after returning to Japan, my parents said that I ate far better. I may have learned the joy of eating in the country of gastronomy. In addition, I was interested then in well-balanced meals and ingenuity for delicious food.

And after I left my parents' house and started living alone, I naturally started cooking. I was still a beginner. Sauteed vegetables weren't as crispy as I had hoped, and I didn't grill meat enough well to get the ideal tenderness. In particular, I still needed to study French cuisine. I also learned to analyze the food served every time I ate out. How fully are they grilled? What ingredients combined with what? What do they make the sauce with?

About 20 years have passed since then. Nowadays, cooking is essential for my better life. Now I know a lot of recipes and I can prepare the dishes for dinner, thinking of keeping a little for the next day's lunch box. I can also meal prep so that I can eat as soon as I get home. I’m looking forward to going to the supermarket thinking, "What dishes will I be able to eat this week with today's shopping?" Of course, I don't forget to take a break by eating out or getting takeout and learn a lot from the food made by professionals. I couldn’t have imagined that I would cook so much. People change.

Questions

Q1. When the author started cooking, she made

A. sour cream

B. sauce or dressing

C. a grilled steak

Q2. After returning to Japan, ...

A. the author ate better

B. the author started cooking well

C. the author lost interest in food

Q3. In order to eat as soon as she gets home, the author

A. buys some takeout.

B. goes to supermarket.

C. meal preps.

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

Answers

A1. B

A2. A

A3. C

What is Gumbo?
First of all, what is gumbo? Gumbo is the official cuisine of Louisiana, U.S.A. It is a kind of stew usually made with chicken or seafood stock, meat (usually meat, sausage, shellfish, or a mix of them all), a thickener such as okra, and vegetables (onion, celery, and green pepper). To make gumbo, you must first make a dark roux using flour and a fat (usually lard or oil). This can take a long time, and you must be very careful not to burn it. Gumbo is often eaten with rice and/or bread. For some of you, it might seem like a type of curry, but the flavors are very different.

Gumbo’s History
Gumbo is a unique and loved traditional food that shares aspects of different cultures. Gumbo uses ingredients and cooking techniques from African, French, Spanish, and Native American cultures. This follows the history of Louisiana through the decades. An area which was first the home to Native American tribes, it was then settled by the French who used the waterways to trade for goods and slaves. The people arriving from Africa were experienced in farming rice, which was new to the area. After, a group of Germans moved into Louisiana and brought their tradition of sausage making. Later, Louisiana became a territory of Spain, which brought people from the Canary Islands who had experience in fishing. These people fished things such as oysters, shrimp, and crabs. They also brought spices such as cayenne pepper and chili pepper. The Spanish allowed the French people living in Canada to move down to Louisiana. Slowly and quietly, Louisiana came back to French ownership, and then it was sold to the United States in 1803. By this time, rice, seafood, sausages, spices, okra, onion, green pepper, and tomatoes had all been brought by people from different areas.

During these 100 years, gumbo started to be made in different forms and slowly new things were added to what we now know as gumbo. Now, gumbo is eaten year-round all over the South-Eastern area of the United States, and it has expanded to different parts of the world. You can even find gumbo in Japan if you look for it.

Be Gumbo
Just like gumbo, people should explore new cultures and not only observe them but also let them become a part of you. Learn from others and try to take the best parts and make them yours. So go out into the world and be gumbo. But be careful, gumbo can be spicy!


Photo Credit: Towfiqu Barbhuiya@pexels.com
Or Gumbo-Best-Wallpaper 【https://yesofcorsa.com/gumbo/】




Blog Quiz
Q1. What vegetable is used in gumbo?
a. carrots
b. celery
c. eggplant

Q2. What is one country that gumbo uses cooking techniques or ingredients?
a. Egypt
b. Cambodia
c. France

Q3. Gumbo is often eaten with what other food?
a. Naan
b. Fruits
c. Rice




Scroll down ↓ for the answers to the quiz.




















Quiz Answers

Q1. b
Q2. c
Q3. c

Have you ever tried rooibos tea? I drink it almost every day. It tastes good and seems to benefit me in several ways. I first tried rooibos tea after my dermatologist told me that it could alleviate skin inflammation caused by allergies. I have some allergies that cause skin and eye irritation, and I cannot help wheezing and coughing without antihistamines during the pollen seasons. I cannot clearly prove the effects of rooibos tea, but it seems to me that the scratchy feelings in my throat and skin have eased since I started regularly enjoying this tea.

Rooibos tea is an herbal tea made from the leaves of the plant called Aspalathus linearis. Rooibos means “red bush” in Afrikaans, and it looks crimson as its meaning suggests. Depending on its type, the flavor can be a little different. Red rooibos is probably more well-known, which is fermented and oxidized. It generally tastes a little nutty and sweet, more like black tea. Green rooibos is unfermented and unoxidized. The flavor seems a little weaker, and it tastes more like green tea. I personally prefer the red one for its unique flavor.

In addition to the alleviation of skin inflammation, rooibos tea may be able to benefit you in some other ways. Rooibos tea is rich in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. It also contains an enzyme called superoxide dismutase. These nutrients may help you ease some problems. Magnesium is said to help the body relax, which may lead you to better sleep. You may be able to doze off quickly if you take a cup of rooibos tea before bed because it is also caffeine-free. Minerals such as calcium, manganese and fluoride contained in the tea is also said to help build strong bones. The enzyme contained in rooibos tea is believed to work as an antioxidant and antihistamine. It may slow down the aging process of the body and alleviate skin inflammation and irritation.

Recently, rooibos tea is available at ordinary supermarkets because of its increasing popularity from the possible positive effects. Why don’t you try it? Before you try rooibos tea, you should know the nutrients of rooibos tea may interfere with medications, so I suggest you consult your doctor if you are taking medicine.

Q1. What kind of doctor is a “dermatologist” in Paragraph 1? 

Q2. What kind of color is “crimson” in Paragraph 2? 

Q3. What are some possible positive effects of drinking rooibos tea according to the author?

Scroll down for the answers to the quiz.

A1. A doctor who studies and treats skin diseases. 

A2. Red. (Actually, rich deep red color inclining to purple)

A3. It may alleviate skin inflammation and irritation, help induce a good sleep, help build strong bones, and slow down the aging process. 

Every day, we are reading in the news media and experiencing the effects of climate change. Often here in Japan, this may seem unconnected with our daily lives, and it may seem like there is nothing we can really do about it. We may think that one person's actions will not make any difference. But remember, this global problem that will affect our future was caused by a lack of awareness of how our daily lifestyles were creating all the environmental problems we are now facing. Therefore, since we humans are the cause of the problem, we can also be the solution.

Many people may think that adapting our lifestyle to one that is more sustainable and eco-friendly means giving up things that we enjoy.  However, discovering new environmentally friendly activities can actually bring us a sense of joy and a renewed sense of hope. They can also be a gateway to meeting young people all over the world who are exchanging creative and innovative ideas.  The solutions to this issue are connected with three main parts of your daily lifestyle: what you eat, what you buy, and the energy you use. The greenhouse gases we are producing (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide) come mainly from these three parts of our life and do not just lead to climate change but are also poisoning and polluting the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil from which our food comes.

Here are some simple suggestions that you can try, step by step, to move towards a more sustainable lifestyle.1. Eat less meat and buy organic and locally produced in-season food whenever possible. 2. Think “quality” rather than “quantity” when you shop. Be prepared to pay more for something that is durable and well-made and that you can use for a long time. 3. Spend just five minutes switching your energy provider to a company that is using renewable energy to provide your electricity. There are many such small companies now in Japan and you can easily find them on the internet and decide which one is best for you.

Finally, remember that humans are the only species that make garbage (waste) and that often this 'waste' can be made into a resource, such as by composting your leftover food, using old clothes for rags, or to give to younger friends as presents, or reusing plastic bags as many times as you can. Remember, it is YOUR future and you are the ones who can make a difference!

Photo credit Markus Spiske@Pexels.com

Q1: What are the three main parts of our life that are connected to climate change?

Q2: What are the three main greenhouse gases our lifestyles are creating?

Q3: How long will it take to find a utility provider that is eco-friendly?

Scroll down for answers 

A1: What we eat, what we buy, the energy we use for electricity and travel.

A2:  Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide

A3: It only takes a few minutes.

You should enjoy your leisure time while you can because once you start working, you may not have much time for yourself. The average amount of overtime work in Japan is said to be 25 to 26 hours per month. If you work five days a week, you will work one more hour extra each day: a total of nine hours everyday. So why don’t you enjoy your free time while you are a student? You can enjoy sightseeing, eating out, and participating in outdoor activities since the state of emergency has been lifted now.

Do you know how many temples and shrines there are in Osaka, Shiga, and Kyoto? There are 3,395 in Osaka, 3,213 in Shiga, and 3,076 in Kyoto. You would think Kyoto has the largest number of temples and shrines but surprisingly Osaka has the most. The public transportation in Osaka is well developed so it is easy to get around on the subways and buses. A one-day ticket for Osaka is only 800 yen and you can use it for both the Osaka Metro and city buses. In Kyoto, buses are convenient for getting around. You can visit most of the temples by bus. A one-day ticket for both subways and buses is 1,100 yen. You can visit as many temples and shrines as the time allows. Isn’t it a good opportunity to enjoy a tranquil environment?

As you go around, you can also enjoy the food of the area. There are 51,230 restaurants in Osaka, 13, 325 restaurants in Kyoto, and 4,699 restaurants in Shiga. You have so many choices! There are interesting regional dishes in all three places. If you look them up on the internet, you will see enormous variety. I recommend trying the local specialties. However, those places might be crowded, and I’m sure there are people who want to avoid the busy places, so there are other options. For example, a great way to spend leisure time without encountering crowds is to check out some of the natural scenery in the Kansai region. 

If you want to enjoy the outdoors, you could visit the famous Lake Biwa in Shiga. A lap around the lake is about 200 km. You see many cyclists going around, but it will take you about ten hours if you cycle at 20 km/hour. If you are not crazy about cycling, you can take two days to go around. If you like motorcycles, using a 400cc motorcycle will take about four hours. Or you can go around with a car and that will take about four hours too. If you want to enjoy cycling in urban areas, you can rent a bicycle in Kyoto and Osaka, but there is heavy traffic, so please be careful. Now you probably feel like you want to do something in your leisure time, don’t you? You can enjoy these things even after you start working but making time to do them will probably be harder than now. So why don’t you act now?

Photo credit: Elijah O’Donnell@Pexels.com

Q1: Which prefecture has the most temples and shrines?

a. Kyoto

b. Osaka

c. Shiga

Q2: How many restaurants are there in Osaka?

a. Less than 5,000

b. About 13,000

c. About 51,000

Q3 If you cycle around Lake Biwa, how long does it take?

a. 4 hours

b. 6 hours

c. 10 hours

Scroll down for answers 

A1: b

A2: c

A3: c