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: Gerd Altmann @Pexels.com

Almost everyone has dreams of someday doing something remarkable, memorable, or exciting. You dream of climbing Mount Everest, you would like to meet a famous celebrity, or you want to someday live in Paris, France. At first, these dreams seem unattainable. However, when people can make a plan for action, it can help them to realize their personal goals.

Long-term goals may take time to achieve. It may seem overwhelming to think how to reach them. A key to reaching the long- term goals is to make short-term goals that are easier to outline and achieve. Many short-term goals can be reached in a relatively small amount of time. This gives the person a sense of moving forward and of satisfaction with their efforts.

For any personal goal it is helpful to think carefully and write down some specific aspects that will clarify the purpose and actions needed. The four important points for outlining a short-term or long-term goal can be:

1. What specifically is the goal?

2. Why is it important to you?

3. What actions will you take to achieve it?

4. By when do you want to complete or achieve the goal? (a deadline)

When you write these things down, you are clarifying the goal in your mind and in reality. This is giving you a plan of action with real efforts and a timeline to push yourself to finish any steps towards your goals. The actions you describe must be realistic (possible) and fit the deadlines you set for yourself. Let’s look at an example.

You want to travel to France someday. This is perhaps a long-term goal. There are several considerations which could be short-term goals, for example; having the money or means to get there, preparing yourself to live in French culture, or finding a travel partner.

We can outline the goal as follows.

Long-term goal:

What: Traveling for one month in France

Why: Because I am interested in speaking to French people and I want to try many types of French cuisine

How: (Here you can create some smaller goals)

By When: Traveling to France before I am 25 years old.

Short-term goal:

What: Learning to speak French at a daily conversational level

How: By finding a good website or YouTube channel for daily practice

By when: Becoming fluent at French before the end of next year

When you start to clarify your goals and describe some specific actions and deadlines, it will be much easier for you to realize your dreams. It really is possible!

Blog Quiz

Q1. What is the meaning of 'a long-term goal'?

Q2. Why is it important to make a goal realistic?

Q3. In the example, what is the deadline for becoming fluent at conversational French?

Scroll↓down for answers

Quiz Answers

Q1. A goal that may take a longer time to achieve.

Q2. You have more chances of success.

Q3. Before the end of next year.

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: RDNE Stock project @Pexels.com

The Japanese people are known to be sensitive and appreciative of the seasons. We have four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter, and each has its own beauty. There are many festivals and customs to celebrate the seasons.

One of the customs is called “Koromogae”: a seasonal change of clothing. In Japan, it’s usual for the people to start wearing short sleeved clothes at the beginning of June, and they go back to long sleeves at the beginning of October. I have always followed this tradition up until 2024.

The world had its hottest summer in 2024, including Japan. Global warming seems to be speeding up these days. In Osaka, where I live, from July to September for 2 months, the temperature was over 35 degrees Celsius. And even in mid-October, the temperature was as high as 29 degrees. In my entire life, this was the first time that I wore short-sleeved shirts in mid-October.

However, the majority of the people here in the Kansai area wear long-sleeved clothes in October, even when it is hot. Why?! I believe that’s because the Japanese people are faithful in following tradition. Let me share my personal experience of when I was going to graduate school in the U.S.A.

I went to a university called Brigham Young University, the largest private university in the U.S. It’s in a small town called Provo, an hour south from Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. Utah has a lot of deserts, so it’s very dry. It gets very hot in the summer, but very cold in the winter. Utah is famous for its snow and has many famous ski resorts.

What surprised me was that most people in Utah wear short sleeves all year around. In the winter, they just wear heavy jackets over the short-sleeved shirts. And in the spring, even though it’s still cold, when there was a sunny day, I saw many students (boys) lying on the grass shirtless. I thought this would never happen in Japan.

I love the fact that Japanese people are sensitive to the seasons and there is a custom like “Koromogae,” but this custom may change in the near future due to the unusual warm weather. I think that we should be wearing short-sleeves when it’s hot, even if it’s in the middle of October. Until then, Japanese people will be wearing long sleeves regardless of the high temperature in October!

Questions:

Q1. Why does the author think that Japanese people wear long-sleeved clothes regardless of the high temperature in October?

Q2. What surprised the writer when he was going to school in America?

Q3. When do Japanese people usually start wearing short-sleeved shirts?

Scroll down↓for answers

A1. They are faithful in following the custom of "Kromogae."

A2. Male students would lie down on the grass shirtless in April when it was a sunny day.

A3. They usually start wearing them at the beginning of June.

Photo Credit: Rodolfo Clix @Pexels.com

I grew up in the southeastern part of the United States. While there is a lot that comes as a result of being from that part of the country, lately it has involved natural disasters. The state where I’m from was horribly affected by Hurricane Helene (hurricanes are Atlantic Ocean-equivalents to typhoons in the Pacific Ocean). It should always be sad to see the effects of disasters around the world, but it’s different when the location is your hometown.

For me, I’ve been away from my hometown almost all of my adult life, and only really have an address there for citizenship purposes. With family and friends moving on in their lives, I had felt the connection weaken recently, but the effects of the hurricane have challenged that some for me. Even if there is less of what connects you to a place, there are still memories of what was.

It is hard to see so much of what used to be in my hometown either be totally flooded, uprooted from its foundations, or simply washed or blown away. Images and videos I saw almost seemed like they were from another place, but then I’d see a familiar storefront, a very particular street name in a headline, or adjacent towns or counties being mentioned. Then, the feeling just sinks in that it both is and isn’t the place I used to know.

Over time, places that we know will change their meanings for us. Sometimes a positive will become a negative, a negative will turn positive, or they’ll stay the same but we’ll find something new to maintain that feeling. Buildings and people will come and go, and, in the case of me with Hurricane Helene, entire towns practically disappear. It is a part of life you cannot always predict.

Change will happen, and the reasons for it do not have to be bad, though they sometimes are. The main thing to remember is changes to where you were do not suddenly change who you are. The people and places you have and had known will always hold their place in your memory, but what you do with them now determines their weight.

Do not let circumstances decide what you know to be true in yourself. You know what has made you the person you are today.

Questions:

Q1. What recent event has happened in the author’s hometown?

Q2. How long has the author been away from their hometown?

Q3. For the author, what should NOT have final say in what influences our lives?

Scroll down↓for answers

A1. Hurricane Helene

A2. Almost all of his adult life

A3. Circumstances

Photo Credit: Roman Ska @pexels.com 

Imagine you are a fresh university student who decides to live by yourself. What kind of home would you like to live in? There is quite an interesting housing option in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, which is easy on the wallet. Can you guess what it is like? They are container homes. I once found an article about these unique houses, and I would like to introduce them to you.

First of all, why were container homes born in Amsterdam? The biggest reason is that housing in the city is quite expensive, similar to living in Tokyo, and it is very challenging for students to find low-cost apartments. Therefore, there is a shortage of reasonable housing for students. The next question would be, “Where did the idea of building houses made of containers come from?” The answer is that there are thousands of unused shipping containers in ports around the world. Although steel companies recycle some of the old containers, they cannot recycle all of them. That’s why there are just so many containers left behind. Therefore, the idea to reuse the shipping containers as student housing came up. Actually, the materials are suitable for creating houses.

First of all, shipping containers are basically all the same size, so it is quite easy to build up and it does not take a lot of space to make a new residential area. Also, it takes very little energy to reuse the containers for housing because there is no need to create a house from scratch. Next, containers are made of steel and the steel is strong. Strength is quite an essential factor when building a house. Finally, the containers are so widely available that they are quite cheap to buy. That can lead to offering students affordable housing.

How affordable is it, by the way? According to the article, the monthly rent is about €400, which is around \65,000. (Note: it was in 2015 when this container housing project started) It is about half the price of the average rental fee of a so-called studio apartment in the Netherlands. That is a brief background that shows why the container houses were born and why they are suitable for housing.

What is the inside of the container houses actually like? Do you think it is attractive enough for university students that they would want to live there? According to students who have actually lived in the container houses, each apartment is quite spacious. It has a kitchen, a bedroom with a study area, and a bathroom. Some students say that it is bright, and it also has its own balcony. It is warm and quiet. In addition, it has a high-speed Internet connection, too. Therefore, it seems like a comfortable environment for university students.

Nowadays, shipping containers are not only used for homes but also for a huge container shopping mall, container offices, restaurants, coffee shops, and mobile health clinics, for example. Would you like to live in a container house?

Questions:

Q1. In which city are the container homes the author talks about located?

a. The Netherlands

b. Amsterdam

c. Tokyo

Q2. Which of these is NOT an advantage of container homes?

a. They are strong

b. They look beautiful

c. They are affordable

Q3. How do you think the author feels about container homes is?

a. They are a good idea.

b. They are over-priced.

c. The author would prefer a normal apartment

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

Answers:

1. b

2. b

3. a

Photo Credit: Hai Nguyen @ Pexels.com

A former graduate student of Ritsumeikan University wrote me an e-mail from the London School of Economics (LSE) in England. She was coming to Kyoto for a visit and wanted to come by the campus to say hello. A few years ago, when she was going through the application process, another graduate of Ritsumeikan University who was already there studying took her under her wing and showed her the ropes. Now, here she was already about to graduate and very willing to help her kohais who were curious about their own future after Ritsumeikan. I felt proud and happy that she wanted to keep this magic chain going.

Often many students are divided between going immediately to graduate school and working after graduation. Some feel that they want to expand their knowledge and study further. Others, for various reasons, want to work and gain experience in the “real world.” More often than not, those who choose the latter path of working immediately say that they may also like to eventually go back to school for a higher degree. I wanted to share the pros and cons of these two paths for my very active and ambitious students this semester and knew that she would be perfect to give a talk to her kohais.

Just in time, a message came to my Linkedin account. It was a former student, now a career woman working her way up the corporate ladder as a bilingual human resources consultant. She wanted to inform me of how her consulting session went with an advanced student of mine who was at the moment looking for employment. The young, vibrant, and smart international consultant of Bangladeshi and Japanese heritage, and the passionate, savvy, and cosmopolitan graduate student of sociology of Indian ethnic background from LSE volunteered their time, knowledge, and experience on May 24, 2024, during the Senpai Kōhai Network Connection Spring 2024 Event titled “Graduate School and Corporate Life: Advice from Senpais.”

I sat in the back watching these two young, powerful, and energetic women, full of life and passion speak and share their experiences, knowledge and wisdom with their kohais who listened carefully to their every word with awe and respect. They confided that they, too, felt unsure and insecure during their first year but through the help of their senpais who reached out and lent a helping hand, they eventually also found their best path – one that has brought them to where they stood now. I felt proud – not only of their brilliant shine but also because they were solidifying the circular connection of the “Magic Chain” by never forgetting to give thanks to the outreach of helping hands.

Questions:

Q1. Who came for a visit and from where?

Q2. How many speakers were there and who were they?

Q3. What is the "Magic Chain"?

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

A1. A graduate student from England and a consultant from Bangladesh

A2. Two. They were former Ritsumeikan students.

A3. The practice of receiving knowledge from those who have come before and passing knowledge on to those who come after.

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: Nancy Guth @ pexels.com

I used to think, until a few years ago, that the idea of dogs understanding people's feelings and words was just a subjective notion held by dog lovers. However, once I got a dog as a pet, it didn't take me long to realize that dogs are incredibly intelligent and emotionally rich creatures. In fact, I have become convinced that dogs can, indeed, understand human feelings and language.

For example, my dog can distinguish simple words such as his name, 'food,' and 'walk.' My dog's name is Blue. He does not turn around when I say Taro. He doesn't like taking a walk very much, so when I say, 'Let's go for a walk,' he runs away in a heartbeat. Or even if I don't say, "Let's go for a walk," he runs away as soon as he sees me with a walking pouch hanging from my neck. This shows that he not only recognizes his name but also recognizes the context and meaning of the word 'walk.'

What is even more surprising is that my dog remembers our family members' names. One day, my daughter hid somewhere and I said to Blue, 'Huh? Where's Hana (my daughter's name)?', he stopped playing and started scurrying around, going from room to room, earnestly looking for Hana. Isn't it a real surprise?

Furthermore, I often see videos on social media of dogs seemingly conversing with their owners. These dogs communicate using verbal information by pressing buttons that play pre-recorded sounds such as their owner's name, 'walk,' 'cuddle,' 'water,' 'later,' 'now,' or other phrases. It's fascinating to see how some dogs can string together multiple words to form simple sentences.

Scientific studies also support the idea that dogs can understand human emotions and language. Research has shown that dogs can recognize human facial expressions and vocal tones, reacting differently to happy, sad, or angry cues. This ability to empathize and respond appropriately suggests a deep emotional bond between humans and dogs.

In conclusion, the belief that dogs can understand human feelings and language is not just a romantic notion held by dog lovers. It is supported by both my personal experiences and scientific research. Dogs' ability to comprehend and respond to human emotions and words highlights their remarkable intelligence and the profound bond they share with us. Whether it's recognizing their name, responding to commands, or empathizing with our feelings, dogs consistently demonstrate their amazing capabilities.

Questions:

Q1. How did the author's perspective on dogs' understanding of human emotions and language change over time? Why?

Q2. What are two examples that show the author's dog can understand language?

Q3. What have some scientific studies found regarding dogs’ understanding? How do these studies contribute to the overall argument presented in the essay?

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

Answers:

A1. The author’s thinking changed when she got a dog as a pet. After she got the dog, she felt that it could understand some words and concepts.

A2. When the dog hears the word “walk” it tries to escape since it doesn’t like going for walks. Also, the dog could seemingly understand that “Where’s Hana?” meant she should look for Hana.

A3. Studies show that dogs can understand some language and emotions. These findings support the author’s observations.

Photo Credit: Vallentin @pexels.com 

As an English teacher living in Japan, experiencing the seasons here has been quite different from what I’m used to back in the UK. Both countries have four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—but the way each season feels and is celebrated can be very different.

Spring: Cherry Blossoms vs. Daffodils

In Japan, spring is famous for the beautiful cherry blossoms, or sakura. People in Japan love to have picnics under these pink and white flowers during the cherry blossom festivals. In the UK, spring is also a lovely season, where flowers like daffodils and bluebells cover the parks and gardens. While we don’t have big picnics under the trees, the blooming flowers are a cheerful sight after the cold winter.

Summer: Festivals and Rain

Japanese summers are hot and full of lively festivals. People wear yukata, which are like light kimonos, and enjoy fireworks and street food. In the UK, our summers are usually cooler and, let’s be honest, a bit rainy. We do have music festivals and barbecues whenever the sun decides to shine, which makes for a fun time too.

Autumn: Leaves and More Leaves

Autumn in Japan is as stunning as the spring, with the leaves turning bright red, orange, and yellow. People go to parks and mountains just to see this colorful display. In the UK, autumn is also beautiful with the leaves changing color, but it’s generally more subdued. We enjoy cozy evenings as it starts to get colder.

Winter: Snowscapes vs. Dark Days

Winters can be quite different. In Japan, places like Hokkaido are famous for their snow festivals with huge ice sculptures. In other parts of Japan, New Year is a big celebration where families come together. In the UK, winter is more about short days and long nights. We get some snow, but it’s not as common. Christmas is a huge deal, and cities light up with decorations and markets.

Living in Japan has shown me how differently seasons can be experienced and celebrated in another culture. While the UK seasons are more about subtle changes and quiet beauty, Japan’s seasons are full of vivid colors and festivals. Both places have their unique charm, making each season special in its own way.

Questions:

Q1. What season do British people associate daffodils with?

Q2. What is one problem with summers in England?

Q3. Which of the countries gets more snow?

Scroll down ↓ for answers:

A1. Spring

A2. It is too rainy.

A3. Japan