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

Photo Credit: Maitree Rimthong @pexels.com

 

Savings and Investing

 

Children often learn their money skills from their parents. For example, parents often tell their children to make a habit of saving money.

 

The problem is that many parents have very poor money management skills. Studies show that in America more than 25% of people have less than $1000 savings.

 

This situation is obviously stressful for the individual, as any job loss would spell disaster. The individual is locked into a job that they may not like, and they, and their family, are in a financially precarious situation.

 

The importance of saving and investing, and teaching these skills to our children, cannot be overemphasized. The power of compounding interest shows that a person who invests $10,000 at the age of 20 and leaves it in an ETF paying 7% would have over $210,000 if they retire at the age of 65 (and almost $300,000 if they retire at 70!!) with no additions!

 

Do you save? Do you have a part time job?

 

What are your financial goals for your 20s? For your 30s?

 

What age would you like to retire?

 

What does financial stability mean to you? How much money do you need to reach financial independence?

 

Recently, the idea of financial independence and even early retirement has taken hold in American and many western countries. What financial independence means to one person will, of course, be different from another person. One person can live a simple life surfing and playing guitar in a small beach town, and live very frugally. Another person may wish for boats and sports cars.

 

Neither preference is better or worse than the other. The important point is, however, to be true to yourself, and know what will make you satisfied with your own life.

 

How much do you need to retire (or become financially independent)? The question is not one of values, but a simple mathematical equation. When your income from passive investments (or “passive income flow”) exceeds your outgoing expenses, you have reached a position of financial independence.

 

The art of learning to save money (and learning to invest our savings) is a skill fundamental to our daily life. Unfortunately, this skill is very poorly taught at schools. The necessity for schools (and parents) to instill the mental requirements for saving and investing in children has many additional positive effects.

 

Questions:

 

Q1. What percentage of US citizens have less than $1000 in savings?

 

Q2. Who teaches kids about money?

 

Q2. What is the main problem when parents teach their kids about money?

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

A1. Over 25%

A2. The parents

A3. The parents are poor money managers, so they do not know how to teach good habits.

Photo Credit: Julian Jagtenberg@pexels.com

 

 

When you are younger, you usually do not spend time thinking about what it means to be “old” because you’re too busy doing the things that will become your life as you get older. When you’re older, you can get caught in the trap of looking back and wondering “what if I did this” or “what if I didn’t do that.” Both have very innocent reasons behind them, but have their strengths and weaknesses, positives and negatives.

 

At a younger age, you are (hopefully) full of inspiration and focus and in the pursuit of possibilities. There should be any number of things for you to pursue and consider, and only your willingness to explore may decide your path. A negative side of this freedom is you could get lost in the labyrinth that life can become sometimes, ever wandering and not sure how you got where you are. Sometimes that part of the journey and the deeper lesson have value, but it can also lead to restlessness in not knowing what you’ll find.

 

Once you get “older,” your life has (hopefully) balanced itself out and it’s easier to settle yourself on the things you want to do and not be thrown off by the events that don’t seem to go your way. You can afford to be content with what you’re doing and how you got there. On the other end, though, some people settle too soon and the comfort of predictability can narrow your vision of other things. You may question those who have made different choices than yourself, or, over time, begin to question your own choices. This can still lead to a positive path and some people get a new lease on life by reinventing themselves despite the challenge in doing so, but it can also push someone into the famed mid-life crisis.

 

The “why’s” and the “what’s” that life tests you with are not the same as other people, but they’re not meant to be predictable or avoided. Young or old, some people would try to minimize or soften the bumps by making the ride as smooth (and uninteresting) as possible. Wherever the destination may be and however you choose to get there, don’t worry about what you might leave behind or how difficult it may be to get there. The world is full of people who traded ambition for safety.

 

Don’t be afraid to be a little careless as your explore possibilities for yourself, and on the other hand, do not doubt yourself if you think you found what you want to do. A truly dangerous person is someone who knows what they want and are willing to give it their all once they found it.

 

 

Blog Quiz:

Q1. What decides where a person can be when they’re younger?

Q2. How can someone overcome problems when they’re older?

Q3. According to the author, what does he think the world has too much of?

 

Scroll down to see the answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

 

1.         A willingness to explore

2.         Reinventing themselves by choosing something new for their life

3.         People who have traded ambition for safety

Photo Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko@pexels.com

 

 

How many times have you heard that first impressions matter? Probably many, but what exactly do you do to succeed in coming across the right way? One could say that making a good first impression is an art. Whether it is in a professional setting, social gatherings, or everyday encounters, the way we present ourselves sets the tone for future interactions. Making a stunning first impression is like scoring an early goal in the first few minutes of a game. So, let's explore the three key elements that can transform a casual meeting into a memorable connection.

 

Confidence

Confidence is the magic ingredient in the recipe for a stellar first impression. It’s like the sparkle in your eyes and the assuredness in the way you carry yourself. When you walk in radiating confidence, it’s contagious. It shows that you believe in yourself and what you bring to the table, making others naturally gravitate toward you. Confidence isn't about being loud or overpowering; it's about believing in who you are and what you bring to the relationship. It is subtle, yet powerful magnetism that draws people in.

 

Authenticity

Being yourself is paramount. Authenticity is magnetic. When you’re genuine, it resonates with others. Acting to be something you are not, often backfires, but authenticity fosters connection. It’s about being comfortable in your skin, embracing your quirks, and letting your true personality shine through. Authenticity builds trust and rapport effortlessly. It’s the foundation upon which strong relationships are built.

 

Positive Attitude

The power of positivity is remarkable. A positive attitude can transform an interaction. It’s infectious and sets a welcoming tone. Nobody wants to engage with a downer, but everyone loves to be around someone who exudes positivity. It’s like a ray of sunshine in a conversation, creating a pleasant and memorable experience. A positive attitude sets the stage for meaningful connections and paves the way for fruitful relationships.

 

In essence, any situation involving meeting new people, making connections, seeking opportunities, or engaging in social or professional interactions benefits from a good first impression. It's about creating a positive and memorable initial encounter that lays the groundwork for fruitful relationships and successful interactions.

 

In summary, confidence, authenticity, and a positive attitude are the pillars of making an impactful first impression. They are the keys that unlock doors to successful interactions. Mastering these qualities sets the stage for a successful encounter, fostering connections that can last a lifetime. Whether you are trying to make new friends, land a new job or anything in between, there’s nothing more important than making a good first impression.

 

 

Blog Quiz

 

1. How does the author describe the importance of confidence in making a good first impression?

A) Loud and overpowering

B) Subtle yet powerful attraction

C) Pretentious and flashy

D) Timid and reserved

 

2. According to the passage, what role does authenticity play in interactions?

A) It fosters pretense and artificial connections

B) It creates barriers to trust and rapport

C) It builds trust and a harmonious relationship

D) It diminishes the significance of genuine connections

 

3. According to the passage, a positive attitude is described as infectious and

capable of setting a welcoming tone. Is this True or False?

 

Scroll down to see the answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

1. B

2. C

3. True

Photo Credit: Karolina Kaboompics@pexels.com

 

 

Covid-19 measures have been lifted, yet many people continue to wear masks outdoors; a culture which has grown in recent years. One of the main reasons for this is the dreaded ‘kafunsho’. 40% of Japan’s population have this allergy. If you are lucky enough to be unaffected you most certainly know a beleaguered hay fever sufferer.

 

Japan’s huge population of cedar (sugi) and cypress (hinoki) trees begin dropping their pollen at the start of the year - two weeks earlier than last year in some parts of the country due to warmer weather. Why are there so many of these tree species in Japan? To answer this question, we need to take a step back in time.

 

During WWII Japan used a lot of wood for production and construction. Forests were also lost to bombing and fire damage. Afterwards, as the country rebuilt its infrastructure, the Japanese government ordered villagers to plant millions of trees for future building projects and protection from landslides and floods.

 

However, instead of planting trees like Japanese beech (bunanoki), the government chose to plant only two tree species, the fast-growing evergreens, cypress and cedar. On top of that, some natural ancient forests were replaced with human-made plantation forests because cypress and cedar could be sold more profitably. As a result, 44% of Japan’s forests [https://www.nippon.com/en/features/c03913/] have only one or two species.

 

For the next twenty years, the trees were cared for, but from the 1970s, the price of imported building materials from Southeast Asia began to drop, leaving nowhere for these new trees to be sold. They were abandoned to live out their natural lives, unharvested and releasing huge amounts of pollen into the air every year.

 

Back to the present day, the task of recreating more vibrant and biodiverse forests won’t be easy. Japanese forestry law still puts limits on the reintroduction of more native species because when an adult cypress or cedar is cut down, it must be replaced with a seedling of the same type.

 

Every year hay fever allergy symptoms cost the global economy two billion US dollars due to sick days and lost productivity. This year, some Japanese companies have even provided hay fever allowances for employees to spend on prescription treatments and clinic visits. Prime Minister Kishida has called it a ‘social problem’ and ‘national disease’, promising to take urgent government action, most likely in the form of replanting forests with trees that drop less pollen and promoting a type of GMO rice that may lessen hay fever symptoms. It is a step in the right direction, but there will be no quick fix.

 

Forestry companies like Hyakumori [https://www.hyakumori.com/] fully understand that the solution will take time. Its ‘100-year plan’ aims to increase biodiversity and encourage long-term thinking about environmental issues. Hyakumori wants Japan to use a totally different and sustainable model for forest management. This could be possible if the government updates its policies and allows for more local control of forest transformation.

 

 

Blog Quiz:

 

Q1. In the last sentence of the first paragraph, what does the word ‘beleaguered’

mean?

Q2. Why were the evergreens, cypress and cedar trees planted after WWII?

Q3. In the last sentence of the second-last paragraph, what does the phrase ‘a step in the right direction’ mean?

 

Scroll down to see the answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

1.           Stressed / harassed / long-suffering

2.           They are fast-growing trees that could be sold profitably.

3.           An action that positively advances a plan towards a goal.

Photo Credit: Yan Krukau@pexels.com

Joining a circle or club is an important part of Japanese university life. These organizations are often called “student groups” in English-speaking countries. It helps make your time in college more exciting and can teach you many things.

First, being part of a student group can help you make friends. When you start university, it's common to feel a bit lost or alone. Joining a group means you meet people who share your interests. You can make friends and feel like you belong. It's like finding a little family on campus.

Student groups also give you a chance to learn new things. You can join a group that matches your hobbies, like music, sports, or art. Or you can explore something totally different. In groups, you'll learn from others and maybe even discover a new passion.

Moreover, student groups help you build skills beyond the classroom. You can become a leader, learn to work with a team, or plan events. These are skills that are important in your future job and life. It's like getting a head start on gaining experience.

Being part of a student group can reduce stress. University life can get overwhelming with exams and assignments. Group activities provide a fun and relaxing break. You can enjoy doing what you love with friends, and it can be a great way to relieve stress.

Student groups often organize events and activities. This means you'll have something exciting to do on campus. It's not all about studying. You can go to parties, games, or shows. This makes your time in university more enjoyable.

Another great thing is that student groups sometimes give back to the community. They do charity work and help those in need. Being part of such groups teaches you about kindness and helping others. It's a great way to make the world a better place.

In conclusion, joining a student group is a smart choice for university students. It helps you make friends, learn new things, develop skills, reduce stress, and have fun. Plus, it teaches you about giving back to the community. So, it's a great way to make the most of your time in college.

 

Blog Quiz:

Q1. What does the author compare joining a group to?

Q2. What are three events you can go to if you join a student group?

Q3. What is a university circle or club referred to in English-speaking countries?

 

Scroll down for answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quiz Answers:

Q1. Joining a little family.

Q2. Parties, games or shows.

Q3. A student group.

Photo Credit: Cottonbro Studio@pexels.com

 

 

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.