Photo Credit: Kahori Kobayashi

I have a pet dog. She is a shiba-mix and I love her very much. Occasionally, my family likes to go on vacation, and we can’t take her with us. In Canada, where I grew up, there are many dog kennels in the countryside but still close to cities. They offer lots of outside space for dogs to run and play, heated dog cabins, onsite veterinarians, and 24-hour web cameras where you can check on your dog anytime. They are like resorts for dogs! In Japan, however, I haven’t seen any options beside dog hotels. Dog hotels sound nice, but they are generally not as nice as you’d think. They are in cities, which is convenient, but they are always very small. I’ve used a nice dog hotel that was very clean and had lots of staff, but it was very expensive. I’ve also used an inexpensive dog hotel that was pretty old and dirty, and my dog had to stay in a cage all the time except for her two walks each day. I felt very sad having to leave her there.

I think someone who could open a Canadian-style dog kennel in Japan could be very successful. Buying land on the outskirts of a big city such as Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto is not expensive, and you could charge more money than the existing dog hotels if you offered a better ‘resort’ experience for their dogs. I’m sure most Japanese pet owners would be happy to pay more if they knew their pets were being treated better. There would be no competition, as there are no other dog kennels like this in Japan. In addition, if you could offer services in other languages, you would surely get the business of any foreigners living in Japan who might have difficulties using Japanese and are already used to this kind of dog kennel.

Some dog kennel companies in sell franchises. Perhaps it would be possible to purchase the franchise rights for Japan, and then the company would help you set up your dog kennel. This would be an easier way to start your business, as you can just follow the formula they already used successfully. Once your first dog resort is booming, you can expand and open more locations near to other major cities in Japan. Then you could kick back and relax at a resort with your profits, because everyone (and every dog) deserves a resort vacation once in a while.


Blog Quiz

Q1. Where is the writer from?

1) Japan
2) Canada
3) Unknown


Q2. Which of the following is NOT a reason given that 'dog resorts' would be successful in Japan?

1) There is no competition
2) Land in the countryside is cheap.
3) Japanese people would prefer small dog hotels.


Q3. Who does not deserve a resort vacation once in a while?

1) Cats
2) Dogs
3) People



Scroll ↓ down for answers

















Quiz Answers

Q1. 2
Q2. 3
Q3. 1

Photo Credit: Ken Uemura

(dancers pictured are Heidi S. Durning and Mikayo Mori)

On September 28th, 2024, I had the opportunity to dance in the Eiun-in temple garden. Eiun-in temple is a Jodo Buddhist temple located in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto. Usually, it is a private temple, so it is not open to the public. However, I have had the opportunity to dance there for the past 30 years. Every two or three years, I collaborate with other dancers and musicians to create a performance appropriate to show in the beautiful inner garden of Eiun-in temple. For these performances the temple opens to the public and it is enjoyed immensely by everyone.

This year’s dance, music, and garden collaboration performance was titled “Sorara”. Dance performers Mori Mikayo and I created new works inspired by nature and feelings. Original music was composed by percussionist, Watanabe Ryo and Noh flutist, Nonaka Kumiko. We were inspired to create by the resonating sounds of the temple bells, the seasonal plants, the sky above us, and the various shapely clouds. The audience members were seated inside the temple with the musicians surrounding them on either side. The dancers appeared and moved within the garden visualizing the nature images using the arms, legs, and torso enhanced by facial expressions. Costumes were worn to compliment the color of the trees, sky, and seasonal plants blossoming in the garden. These colors were shades of blue, green, white, brown, and orange.

On this day we had good weather but several times before, I performed in the rain which was quite refreshing. Dancing in a temple garden is very different from dancing in a theater. We can feel our feet touch the moss, the costumes flow with the wind, and the air soothes us. The audience members watch the dancers melt into the garden scenery while the live music mixes with the natural sounds made by the birds and crickets.

We always feel lucky to perform in the Eiun-in temple garden as we share the space with everyone present there.

Blog Quiz

Q1. Where was the performance held?

Q2. What inspired the creation of the performance "Sorara"?

Q3. How is dancing in the temple garden different from dancing in a theater?

Scroll down↓for answers

Quiz Answers

Q1. At the Eiun-in Temple, in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto.

Q2. It was inspired by nature and feelings.

Q3. It is different because the dancers can feel the moss under their feet as they dance and the breeze as they move around the garden, and the live music mixes with the sounds of nature in the garden.

Photo Credit: Pedro Fegueras@Pexel.com

Overcoming stress is a common challenge in today's fast-paced world.　Univeristy students often find themselves suffering from stress, and sometimes lack effective strategies and mindsets to overcome it. It is important to have effective strategies in place to manage and reduce stress levels in order to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. While stress is a natural part of life, prolonged exposure to stress can lead to a variety of physical and mental health issues. Here are some of the best ways to overcome stress:

1. **Identify the Source of Stress**: The first step in effectively managing stress is to identify the root cause. Take some time to reflect on what is causing you stress – whether it's work, relationships, financial issues, or health concerns. By pinpointing the source of your stress, you can begin to address it more effectively.

2. **Establish Healthy Coping Mechanisms**: Developing healthy coping mechanisms is essential for overcoming stress. This can include engaging in regular physical activity, practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing, maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and connecting with supportive friends and family members.

3. **Time Management**: Poor time management can lead to increased stress levels. Learning to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and break large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones can help reduce feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.

4. **Mindfulness and Meditation**: Mindfulness and meditation practices have been shown to be effective in reducing stress and promoting overall well-being. By staying present in the moment and practicing mindfulness, you can learn to let go of worries about the past or future, and focus on what is happening right now.

5. **Seek Professional Help**: If you find that your stress levels are significantly impacting your daily life and well-being, it may be beneficial to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide you with tools and strategies to better manage stress and improve your mental health.

6. **Practice Self-Care**: Engaging in self-care activities is crucial for reducing stress levels. This can include taking time for yourself to relax, practicing hobbies you enjoy, getting a massage, or simply taking a break from your usual routine to recharge.

7. **Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle**: Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and prioritizing sleep are key components of managing stress. A healthy lifestyle can help support your physical and mental well-being, making it easier to cope with the challenges that come your way.

8. **Set Boundaries**: Learning to set boundaries and say no when necessary is important for reducing stress levels. It's okay to prioritize your own well-being and needs, even if it means turning down certain commitments or responsibilities.

9. **Practice Gratitude**: Practicing gratitude can help shift your focus from what is stressing you out to what you are thankful for. Keeping a gratitude journal, where you write down things you are grateful for each day, can help foster a more positive mindset and reduce stress.

10. **Engage in Relaxation Techniques**: Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, or visualization can help calm your mind and body in times of stress. Taking a few minutes each day to practice these techniques can have a significant impact on your overall stress levels.

In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to overcoming stress. It's important to experiment with different strategies and find what works best for you. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can effectively manage stress and improve your overall well-being. Remember that it's okay to ask for help when you need it, and that taking care of yourself is essential for living a balanced and fulfilling life.

Blog Quiz

Q1. What is the first step, when trying to reduce stress?

A.  Set boundaries

B.   Seek professional help

C.   Identify the source of stress

Q2. University students often _______ effective strategies to deal with stress.

A.  lack

B.   lose

C.   laugh at

Q3. When practicing ______________, you will shift your focus from the stress to what you are thankful for and feel a more positive mindset and feel less stress.

A.  gardening

B.   gratitude

C.   gourmet cooking

Scroll down for the answers to the quiz.

Answer Key

Q1. C

Q2. A

Q3. B

Photo Credit: Erik Mclean @pexels.com 

You probably know “The God of Manga”, Tezuka Osamu, but do you know “The King of Comics”?

You may not know who this King is, but you might know many of his characters. Over the past 15 years, superhero movies from Hollywood have become very popular worldwide. The most popular of these superhero movies were the Avengers movies of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). These box-office hits featured characters such as Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk, and Nick Fury. All of these characters were created or co-created by Jack “the King” Kirby.

Kirby started working in American comics when he was about 20 years old. A few years later, he met up with his creative partner Joe Simon, and together they created Captain America in 1940. On the cover of the very first Captain America comic, Captain America punched Adolph Hitler, This was a year before the United States entered the Second World War. It established Captain America as an ideal of America: the very best that America could be.

After joining the American army and fighting in Europe during the war, Kirby returned to drawing comic books. By this time, superhero comics had become less popular, so Kirby and Simon created a new genre of comics: romance comics. In 1947, their comic magazine Young Romance was the first and most popular of over 100 different romance comics published until the mid-1950s.

But it is from the 1960s that Kirby became the King. He joined Marvel Comics, and in 1961, Marvel published The Fantastic Four with art by Kirby. In a period of about ten years, Kirby helped create some of the most famous superheroes of American comic books. Not only did Kirby create the characters named above, he also was the original artist for the X-Men (made into their own series of movies) and helped co-create Ant-Man and Black Panther. In all, 21 of the MCU movies feature Kirby-created characters as the main heroes of the story.

By this time, Kirby had developed his own dynamic art style and innovative storytelling techniques that changed the way comic book stories were told. His art had a sense of movement and energy when many other comic artists drew stiff figures that seemed motionless in comparison. The stories that he told through his art were often at a cosmic scale. With these stories, he made the reader think about the meaning of being human in a universe that was so vast. Kirby’s work set new standards for visual storytelling that still influences artists today.

Questions:

Q1. Kirby co-created Captain America in 1940. Who was his co-creator?

Q2. When did Kirby do his famous work for Marvel Comics?

Q3. What was special about Kirby's art?

Scroll down ↓ for answers.

A1. Joe Simon

A2. During the 1960s

A3. It was very dynamic with a lot energy. He told stories that were on an epic scale.

Photo credit Andrea Piacquadio @ pexels.com

I am a sloth. When the morning alarm rings, I stay cocooned in my bed, stretching those “just five more minutes” into eternity. No matter how bright the light streaming through the window, I revel in the soft warmth, savoring the continuation of my dreams.

Being called lazy may sound like a criticism, but within this idleness, I find life's little pleasures. Amidst the rush of daily life, I often pause to watch the clouds drift across the sky or to enjoy the fragrance of flowers in the garden. This, too, is a privilege of being a sloth.

Household chores are frequently postponed. Laundry piles up, and dishes accumulate in the sink, but I view this scene as a “challenge for another day.” Without self-reproach, I whisper to myself, “Well, I’ll do it tomorrow.” This ease alleviates daily stress.　Yet, one might wish to say so; curiously enough, I manage to tackle household tasks with thoroughness.

Work follows the same pattern. As deadlines loom, I calmly brew a cup of coffee and take a deep breath before I start. Rather than rushing for results, I proceed slowly and surely. Although others may urge me to be more diligent, I believe in maintaining my own pace.

This slothful nature is, in fact, the wellspring of my creativity. In those moments of doing nothing, sudden ideas emerge, and solutions present themselves. What remains unseen in the rush of busyness often becomes clear in the quiet moments.

I am a sloth. Yet, these lazy times are precious to me, enriching my life in their own way. No matter how fast the world spins, I will continue to savor these leisurely moments. This is my way of living.

Questions:

Q1. How does the author react when their morning alarm rings?

Q2. How does the author feel about being called lazy?

Q3. What does the author believe helps their creativity?

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

Answers:

A1. The author stays in bed, for longer and (probably) goes back to sleep again.

A2. The author acknowledges it might sound like criticism but finds things he enjoys in his idleness.

A3. The author believes that moments of doing nothing (being idle) are important for their creativity.

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.

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.

Photo Credit: Tom Fisk@pexels.com

What do you think is the best job? There actually existed a multi-award-winning campaign, “The Best Job in the World” in 2009. The Australian government launched the project globally. It offered a six-month dream job as a caretaker of the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, tasked with spreading the beauty of the islands via social media. Its goal was to raise Queensland’s international profile as an attractive holiday destination. The campaign predominantly targeted the international youth market in the UK, Europe, USA, New Zealand, South Pacific, Ireland and Nordic regions, South East Asia, China and South Korea, and of course, Japan. The campaign attracted unprecedented levels of global attention and saw about 35,000 applications submitted from over 200 countries.

The main location for this job was Hamilton Island. According to some travelling websites, Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s most desirable holiday destinations. It is the largest island in the Whitsundays, an archipelago of 74 scenic islands that make up just one part of the Great Barrier Reef. Luxury resorts, scuba diving, beautiful beaches and scenic flights – this is a place with remarkable beauty both above and beneath the water. It has a high reputation, suggesting that Hamilton Island just may be paradise. So, what is the job on the island actually like? As it is a caretaker, the person needs to do some chores. However, the main job is “enjoying the life on the island and the Great Barrier Reef.” For example, the person can visit nearby islands and enjoy marine sports like snorkeling or swimming. It is even fine if the person just lies on the beach, relaxing some of the time there. And the person posts pictures and videos via social media to showcase the charms to the rest of the world. That’s it. The government covers fees for such activities and they also offer the accommodation. The contract is for about six months, and you can earn around 15,000,000 yen! This is indeed a dream job, isn’t it? To apply for the job, all you need to do is create a short video (about one minute) for self-promotion. Out of 35,000 people applying, 16 final applicants, including one Japanese woman, were selected. In the end, a British man got the job.

During his six-month role, he visited almost 100 Queensland destinations, fielded more than 450 media interviews, posted more than 60 blogs and generated 2,000 photos, 47 video diaries and more than 1,000 tweets. According to his interview, he did enjoy his life on the island, engaging in various activities every day. The job was indeed the “best” job for him. The campaign increased international awareness of the islands of the Great Barrier Reef and delivered more than $430 million in estimated global public relations value thanks to global news coverage and an 8th place ranking on the list of the world's top 50 PR stunts of all time. If there is such a campaign again, would you like to apply for it?

Blog Quiz

True or False?

Q1. Only Australian residents could apply for this job.

Q2. The main job was to enjoy life on the island.

Q3. This job contributed a lot to tourism in Queensland.

Scroll down to see the answers below.

Answers:

1.         F

2.         F

3.         T

Photo Credit: Charlotte May@pexels.com

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

Photo Credit: cottonbro studio@pexels.com

In English conversation classes, sometimes the topic turns to “What is the best way to learn English?” Of course, there is no one best way to learn—each person is different, but... as an English teacher, I have my opinions. When someone suggests that watching movies in English is an interesting way to get listening practice, I mostly agree with them. Movies are interesting and a learner can usually hear a lot of English. However, I think that watching television programs is probably better. I have a couple of reasons for this.

The first reason is that television shows are both shorter and longer than movies. Why shorter? On one hand, an episode of a TV program is usually between 25 and 60 minutes long—under one hour. On the other hand, a movie might be two hours long. If someone is listening intensely to their second language, a shorter time will be less tiring and more enjoyable. Why longer? An episode of a TV program is like a chapter in a book, but a movie is like a whole book. TV programs tell a story over are the entire series: that could be six episodes or twenty or more! In TV shows, the story can become deeper and more interesting because the person watching spends much more time with the characters.

The second reason is that television programs are just talkier. In an episode of a TV program, characters will talk more than characters in a movie. TV programs tell more of the story through dialogue than movies, so a learner will hear more English in ten minutes of a TV program than they will in ten minutes of a movie.

Why do I say that television is talkier than movies? This is because of the different histories of the two mediums.

Movies are a visual experience. They have always been primarily a visual medium. Until about 1930, movies were silent. A language of visual storytelling was developed for films, and this visual language has continued, changed, and expanded until the present. Television influenced some of the changes to visual storytelling because, when TV began in the 1940s and 50s, people started going to movies less. To get more people into the movie theatres, the movie industry created movies that offered a visual spectacle—colour, widescreen, even 3D—that TV could not match. For these reasons, much or most of the story in a film today will be told through the images and spectacle.

Television is more an audio experience. TV came from radio—almost all early TV performers and writers came from radio rather than the movie industry. This made sense because the radio networks already had infrastructure that could be adapted to broadcast television signals and were producing regular programs that could be easily adapted to television. As well, early television sets had small screens that could not show detail like the big screen of the movie theatres: characters had to talk more so the viewer could understand the story. Because television programs were written like radio programs, people listened to the television in the same way they listened to the radio. Someone might cook dinner with the television on or do homework while watching a favourite TV show. No one cooks dinner or reads a book in a movie theatre.

The emphasis on using dialogue to tell a story in television shows has continued even until the present day. This is why I think television is better for listening to English than movies. Of course, I always tell students that movies are good... but television is better.

Blog Quiz

Q1. Why are TV programs shorter than movies?

Q2. Why are TV progams longer than movies?

Q3. What kind of experience are movies?

Q4. What kind of experience is television?

Scroll down to see the answers below.

Answers:

1.         They are usually less than an hour for one episode, but a movie is usually two or more hours.

2.         There are many episodes used to tell a story. Movies usually tell the whole story in the movie.

3.         Visual experiences

4.         Audio experiences