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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blog Quiz

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

a) It adds a decorative element to the ceremony.

b) It prevents spillage.

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

d) It follows a specific dance routine.

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

a) To show disrespect to the guests.

b) To hide the water container.

c) To demonstrate efficiency.

d) To maintain purity in the water container.

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

a) Cleaning due to dirt.

b) Aesthetic decoration.

c) Symbolic purification.

d) Expressing efficiency.

Scroll down to see the answers below.

Answers:

1.         C

2.         B

3.         C

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

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: Designecologist@pexels.com

The origin of fireworks in Japan can be traced back to the Edo period (1603-1867), when a water god festival (Sui-Jin-Sai) was held on the Sumida River in 1733. At that time, famine and epidemics caused many deaths in the Kansai and Edo areas. The first fireworks display was held to commemorate the dead and a prayer to drive out the plague. 　

Later, many fireworks makers started setting off a lot of fireworks as if they were competing with each other. The two most famous makers, "Tamaya" and "Kagiya"emerged and became well known as a call that spectators shout as they are moved when looking up at the fireworks. This was accepted by the common people of Edo, who preferred the spectacular, and the launching of fireworks took root as a standard event for river-opening ceremonies.

The hot and humid climate of Japan also made fireworks displays more deeply rooted in the evening cool-down culture of watching fireworks while enjoying the night breeze. Thus, in Japan, fireworks displays are loved by many people as a summer tradition.

Here are two of my favorite fireworks displays:

1. Lake Biwa Grand Fireworks Festival (Biwako-Dai-Hanabitaikai)

This festival is a summer tradition at Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. About 10,000 fireworks light up the night sky, attracting 300,000 to 400,000 people each year. The fireworks are launched very close to each other, creating an impressive show.

2. Atami Marine Fireworks Festival (Atami-Kaijo-Hanabitaikai)

It is held in my hometown of Shizuoka Prefecture, and this festival takes place in Atami Bay. The bay is praised by fireworks companies for its excellent location. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the bay's shape amplifies the sound of the fireworks, creating an effect similar to a large stadium. When you watch near the sea, you can feel the sound of the fireworks through your body. The best way to experience this is to lie down on the beach. This unique marine fireworks show makes the most of its venue.

I hope you look forward to your summer vacation and enjoy these fantastic displays.

Blog Quiz

Q1. Which fireworks makers are mentioned as having started setting off fireworks competitively?

A) Tamaya and Kagiya

B) Atami and Sumida

C) Kansai and Edo

Q2. Why did fireworks displays become a part of the evening cool-down culture in Japan?

A) Because of the hot and humid climate

B) Because of the clear night skies

C) Because of the long summer days

Q3. What is unique about the Atami Bay location for fireworks displays?

A) It is shaped like a "mortar" and surrounded by mountains on three sides.

B) It has a large stadium for viewing.

C) It is located in the Kansai area.

Scroll down to see the answers below.

Answers:

1.         A

2.         A

3.         A

Photo Credit: Marcus Ireland@pexels.com

What do you think of when you hear the word “opera”? What is opera? Opera is a stage play where the actors sing rather than speak their lines. Opera incorporates drama, orchestral music, singing, dancing, costumes, and set design among others. Opera started more than 400 years ago and continues to remain popular. There are two types of opera: opera seria, which is a tragedy, and opera buffa, which is a comedy. The person who writes the music is called the composer while the person who writes the words is called the librettist. The librettist writes the libretto, which means a little book in Italian. The libretto is the script, which contains all the words.

Librettists are unjustly forgotten. Seldom—if ever—is the librettist’s name included when referring to or advertising the opera production. However, everything starts with the words. While a composer and lyricist for a musical might work together as the songs are created, an opera composer never starts until the words are more or less set. Some composers demand changes to the words as the music is composed, other composers do not. Still, most people come to listen to the beautiful music so understanding the words is not as important. While many opera houses have displays that run translations of the words as they are sung, it is best to know the story before going.

What is the difference between operas and musicals? While operas are sung from beginning to end, musicals, traditionally, are not. Even though there are some modern musicals that are also sung from beginning to end, they are not operas. The difference lies in the complexity of the music and the ability of the singers. While singers in musicals use microphones to amplify their voices, opera singers receive no such assistance; they must project their voices to the top seats in the highest balcony. Furthermore, operas are not only about powerful voices, but also about voice control and range. In other words, they are about the quality and ability of the singers. The songs in operas are not easy to sing and only the best trained and talented singers can hit the right notes.

The followings are the recommended operas for first timers:

The Barber of Seville: Composer—Gioachino Rossini/Librettist—Cesar Sterbini. This is a comic opera about a servant, Figaro, who tries to get the beautiful Rosina away from her perverted guardian and into the arms of the man she loves.

Hansel and Gretel: Composer—Englebert Humperdinck/Librettist—Adelheid Wette. This is a short opera about two abandoned children who come upon a witch’s cottage in the woods.

Carmen: Composer—Georges Bizet/Librettists—Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halevy. This opera is about a soldier, Don Jose, who falls in love with a gypsy woman, Carmen, who ultimately betrays and rejects Don Jose.

The Kansai region has many opera companies, so if you love beautiful music and live theater, I would recommend going to an opera.

Blog Quiz:

Q1. Who writes the words for opera?

a. The lyricist.

b. The librettist.

c. The composer.

Q2. What is comic opera called?

a. opera buffa.

b. opera seria.

c. soap opera.

Q3. Why do many believe opera to be the perfect art form?

a. Because it has great singers.

b. Because the music is beautiful.

c. Because it incorporates many other arts.

Scroll down to see the answers below.

Answers:

1. b—the librettist.

2. a—opera buffa.

3. c—Because it incorporates many other arts.

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.

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.