Photo Credit: Oleksandr P@ pexels.com

Do you like traveling? If so, what do you think are indispensable factors which make your trip memorable? I travel over 10 times a year, both inside and outside of Japan. Scrutinizing destinations, finding nice accommodations and restaurants, and conducting thorough research on must-visit places are important tasks to plan perfect itineraries. However, these carefully prepared plans are sometimes ruined by one factor: the companion. I have traveled with one friend over 20 times for the last 3 years. She is my ultimate travel companion and always makes my trip special and full of fun and new discoveries.

There are three key conditions that make her the ideal companion:

Independence

She makes her own decisions and takes care of herself. We don't overly rely on each other and naturally enjoy solo adventures. Our accommodation choice is always a single room, allowing us to have personal space. Keeping appropriate distance physically and mentally can create more comfortable trips.

Similar sense of time and money

It is rare for either of us to keep the other waiting during trips. We make schedules and to-do lists with time to spare. We love budget-friendly travels but are not afraid to spend money when it enhances our experience. We find value both in eating a rice ball while gazing at the deep blue ocean in Okinawa and enjoying a luxurious hot spring resort in Hokkaido. She can strike a perfect balance between frugality and enjoyment.

Fun conversation

One of the most significant aspects of our trips is the fun conversations we share. While traveling, we spend long hours at the airports, on trains, or in my car. If we can make the most of this time in an enjoyable way, our travels would be extremely pleasant. Can everyone have a fun conversation? Certainly not. Fun conversations require a wide range of knowledge, intelligence, sensitivity to company, and a good sense of humor. During the trips, we talk to have fun, not to share gossip. After the trip ends, it isn’t the content of our conversations that we remember, it is just the feeling of joy and fun we experienced.

Having the right travel companion is the key to making our trip perfect. Thanks to her, my trips are always filled with unforgettable memories, exciting experiences, and plenty of laughs. Not everyone enjoys traveling with a companion like me though. But whether you prefer to travel with a companion or by yourself, in order to have the most memorable experience, you should consider what the most important travel factors are for you.

Blog Quiz:

Q1. According to the passages, which is NOT included in the author’s perfect

 itinerary?

A. Booking high-end restaurants

B. Choosing destinations

C. Getting detailed information about sightseeing spots

Q2. Which is mentioned about the author’s trips?

A. Doing something alone is also exciting.

B. Perfect trips always require a lot of money.

C. Gossiping is one of the fun aspects of trips.

Q3. What do you think of the author’s personality?

A. Reserved.

B. Unplanned.

C. Talkative.

Scroll down to see the answers below.

Answers:

1.         A. Booking high-end restaurants.

2.         A. Doing something alone is also exciting.

3.         A. Reserved.

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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.

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This is part two of a short blog series about how to study productively. Part 1 was published here. Ritsumeikan University students are very busy and have many classes, assignments, part time jobs, and other things to do, so it is very important to use your free time wisely in order to succeed with your studies.

In part 1, I mentioned making a plan for studying is one important method that should not be overlooked. I also wrote about conducting your own Zoom study sessions. For this post, I recommend four additional methods:1) use Mel Robbins’ 5-second rule, 2) start with easy tasks first, 3) do B+ work, and 4) take brain breaks.

In 2017, Mel Robbins wrote a book and did a TED talk  [https://www.ted.com/talks/mel_robbins_how_to_stop_screwing_yourself_over?language=en ] about the “5-Second Rule”. People who have trouble starting tasks might find it useful. For example, if you have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, count backwards 5-4-3-2-1 and then jump out of bed. Concentrating on counting backwards disrupts your negative thoughts such as “I’m too tired. I want to stay in bed.” and helps your brain switch to “Let’s go and start the day!” Why don’t you try this method and see if it helps you?

Another way to trick your brain into working hard is by doing easy tasks first when you begin a study session. For example, I frequently reply to student messages on manaba+R first, and then I begin planning a lesson or marking some student assignments. Writing messages to students is easy for me and I don’t mind doing it, so it is a good task to use to convince my brain that it’s time to work and finish my tasks. After completing the easy tasks, I am proud of myself and feel good about making progress, so it is usually easier for me to tackle my other work for my classes.

The next way to work productively is by giving myself permission to do “B+ work”. It is impossible to do A+ work on every task perfectly every time, so I give myself permission to do as much as I can and then I stop. This is a good mindset for low-stakes assignments or homework that is not a big part of the final assessment. You should choose this method for tasks that are semi-important, not a final project or a test!

Finally, make sure you take brain breaks. A brain break is an activity that may be fun or simply not related to your work. Sometimes I scroll my Instagram feed, take a walk outside, or do some housecleaning. After the brain break, I can return to my work and focus better on the task. I think my brain enjoys having time off and sometimes I feel I can concentrate more easily after the break.

I hope today’s post gives you some good ideas for how to complete your assignments or study for a test. Why not try one of them and see if it works?

Blog Quiz:

Q1. When should you use the “5-Second Rule”?

Q2. What kind of task does the author start with when she begins a work-

session?

Q3. What kind of assignments should students use the “do B+ work” method

for?

Scroll down to see the answers below.

Answers:

Q1. When you have a task that you don’t want to do.

Q2. Replying to messages from students.

Q3. Low-stakes assignments that are not a big part of their final grade.

Photo Credit: Julia M Cameron@pexels.com

Students at Ritsumeikan University are very busy with classes, assignments and projects. Is it easy for you to complete work for your courses? If you have some trouble, here is some advice for you:

1) Make a plan: at night, think about what you’d like to do the next day and make a list. You might write down something important: classes or tests you have, assignments’ due, and even your part time work schedule. When you wake up the next morning, check the list, and begin your tasks. If you need extra help, you might consider using a calendar or the reminder function on your smart phone. Also, using a Bullet Journal is another way to personalize your schedule to keep your attention on the things you need to do. See this blog post to find out more about Bullet Journals: Bullet Journals [https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/work-money/a32155559/how-to-start-a-bullet-journal/]

2) Get a Zoom buddy: sometimes simply beginning homework can be a very difficult thing to do. In fact, if the homework is for a class that is particularly uninteresting or difficult for you, you might avoid it all together. In this case, why not get a Zoom buddy and study online! Studying with friends is always fun for me. Give it a try! This is how to set up the Zoom session: invite a friend to Zoom with you on a day you are at home and start the Zoom call with your friend. At the beginning of the call, tell your friend what you plan to do. Ask your friend to tell you their plan. Both of you should turn off your PC mics but keep your cameras on. Work for a short period of time (30 minutes, 45 minutes, or one hour). You can decide the length with your friend. At the end of the time period, unmute yourselves and tell each other what you accomplished. Please note during the Zoom session, you should not chat with your friend at all. Watching your friend study should motivate you to do your work. Also, it is not important for both of you to be doing the same task. You can be doing completely different tasks from your friend.

I have many more ideas for how to study productively. Read my next blog to find out more hints. Good luck!

Blog Quiz:

Q1. The author recommends making a plan as an important part of studying

   productively. When is the best time to do so?

Q2. During a Zoom Buddy session, should you keep your camera on?

Q3. During a Zoom Buddy session, should you do the same task as your friend?

Scroll down for the answers below.

Answers:

Q1. At night before you go to sleep.

Q2. Yes, but you should turn OFF your mic so that you are not tempted to talk to

your friend.

Q3. It's not necessary to do the same task. In fact, you should probably do a

different one so you are not tempted to work together.

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: Element5 Digital@pexels.com

Last time, I wrote that extensive reading is the best way to improve your English in Japan and explained what it is by comparing it with “intensive reading.” Just to make things clear, let me add that what I meant was "the best way to improve English BY YOURSELF.”

It goes without saying that language learning should be done through interactions with others whenever possible. (That’s why it’s really important to speak in English with your classmates and teacher as much as you can in class! When you have a chance, you should use the stopwatch function on your smartphone and time yourself and check how many minutes you’re actually speaking in English in one class. Then, you can multiply that time with the number of English classes you have in one semester and calculate the estimated total time. I think a lot of you will be appalled by how short the time is! That’s why you should come to the communication rooms! Sorry, I got carried away. Let’s go back to our topic.)

Outside your English classes and communication rooms, and after you graduate and start working, what can you do to keep on improving your English? Since trying to master a language is a life-long endeavor and challenge, you need something that is easily accessible so that you can continue for a long time. That’s why extensive reading is the best way to go. As long as you have a book with you, you can do it anytime and anywhere. Nowadays, you might even be able to find extensive reading books at your local libraries. Therefore, if you’re lucky, you can do extensive reading for free! Yes, free! Isn’t that amazing?

Another key word that will keep you motivated and help you pursue the long-term goal is “fun.” As I wrote in the last blog, extensive reading is also called “pleasure reading,” and it should be something that you enjoy doing. This is the other reason why extensive reading is a great way to develop your English skills. How could you ever continue doing something if you can’t enjoy it?

I have written the two main reasons why extensive reading is the best way to enhance your English ability in Japan. For more specific reasons why you should do it, here is a list of benefits that extensive reading researchers have found in their studies:

If you do a lot of extensive reading …

- you will gain confidence,

- you will be able to read English faster,

- you will learn more vocabulary,

- you will improve your overall English ability (= grammar, listening, writing, and speaking),

- and you will get higher scores on tests.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog and hope that you are more interested in doing extensive reading. I have written the “why’s” this time, so next time I would like to write the “hows” so that you understand how you can actually start and do extensive reading. To be continued!

Blog Quiz:

Q1. Why does the writer suggest that you check the time you speak English in

 your English classes?

Q2. How can you do extensive reading for free?

Q3. What are the two main reasons that you can continue doing extensive

 reading for a long time?

Answers:

A1. So that you can realize how much you are actually speaking in English.

A2. You can do it for free if you can find a library that has extensive reading

 books.

A3. It’s easy to do and fun!

Photo Credit: Elviss Railijs Bitāns@pexels.com

The term ‘audiophile’ refers to someone who is passionate (often obsessively so) about the high-fidelity reproduction of sound. Audiophiles will sometimes go to great lengths to find the best sounding albums from their favorite music artists. Whether you call them LPs, records or vinyl, many times the Japanese recordings of albums are considered the greatest and most sought after by many audiophiles. Let’s take a look at just some of the reasons why.

1. Quality Control: Especially during the 1960s to the 1980s, Japanese record pressing factories were regarded as having much better and stricter quality control than record pressing factories in the West. Japanese factories also tended to press records in much smaller quantities meaning that the overall quality was better.

2. Virgin Vinyl: While other factories around the world tended to use recycled vinyl, Japanese plants initially began using new vinyl for each press. This was called ‘pure virgin vinyl’ and resulted in records with less surface noise. In the 1960s and 70s, the electronics company, Toshiba, pioneered their ‘Everclean’ vinyl, which is easily distinguishable because of its shiny red color. These Toshiba red records are still highly sought after by collectors because of their rarity, but also because these records were made to reduce static electricity and dust buildup, producing a clearer sound.

3. The Obi: Japanese vintage records usually came with a small strip of paper wrapped around the outside of the album called the Obi, or ‘sash’ in English. Because album covers were usually all in English, the Obi was the perfect solution to present the Japanese consumer with information about the artist/album printed in Japanese on the Obi strip. Records with the Obi still intact are often highly sought after by collectors for their rarity and in some cases for their beauty.

4. Quality and Condition: In the case of Japanese records, not only is the vinyl of higher quality than most, but the jacket of the record was made of higher quality materials. Many Japanese records have a jacket made from thick, strong cardboard, rather than the thinner cardboard found on western releases. This means that Japanese records tend to be much heavier than their western counterparts, but also means that they are typically in better condition and last much longer.

It is also true that culturally Japanese people tend to value their possessions more, especially given that these records were quite expensive to buy at the time they were made. For example, a 2,000 yen record in 1960 is more than 10,000 yen in today’s money. This fact, combined with the higher quality of materials used, is the reason many Japanese records that are 50-60 years old now can still be found in superb, sometimes ‘as new’ condition.

Blog Quiz:

Q1. What is an Obi called in English?

Q2. What type of vinyl did the electronics company, Toshiba pioneer?

Q3. A person who is passionate about high quality reproduction of sound is

 known as an:

Answers:

A1. A sash.

A2. Everclean vinyl.

A3. Audiophile.

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.

Photo Credit: Kseniya Budko@pexels.com

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.