Photo credit: The author 

As an architect and a designer, Antoni Gaudí has spoken to countless people through his many creations, most of which can be seen in Barcelona. Do you know that one of the people to whom Gaudí’s work has spoken quite loudly and eloquently used to attend a university in Kyoto? It’s true. He is the Japanese stone cutter, Etsuro Sotoo. 

Sotoo, a graduate of the Kyoto City University of Arts, traveled to Europe in 1978, one year after he graduated. As you can see, he was not much older than most of the students at Ritsumeikan University when he did that. That’s amazing, isn’t it? 

After arriving in Barcelona, he was so moved by Gaudi’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Família, that Sotoo chose to stay and learn about him, his genius, and his work. He said “I just came to Europe to carve stone. I was looking for stone and stone introduced me to La Sagrada Família and La Sagrada Família introduced me to Gaudí” (National Geographic, 2013). 

Sotoo strove to understand Gaudí and honor him through his own stone cutting work. In so doing, he has, for more than 40 years, made significant contributions to the construction of La Sagrada Família. This includes the work Sotoo did on the east façade of the basilica. It is there, in the Nativity scene, that we can see fifteen statues of angels that Sotoo created. He even created a few of them with Asian faces. After all, according to Sotoo, angels from the east are needed, too (Public Relations Office, Government of Japan, 2012). (A photo of Sotoo’s angels can be seen above.) 

Sotoo’s passion for Gaudí’s work caused him to reconsider his values and to become Catholic. As you can see, art can be a very powerful language. Does it speak to you? If so, which medium (language) do you prefer to listen to, or with which one do you prefer to create? 

References  

National Geographic (2013, Dec. 14). Unorthodox sculpting. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MW5Us3E--0  

Public Relations Office, Government of Japan (2012, Dec.) Realizing Gaudi’s Unfulfilled Wishes: Etsuro Sotoo (Spain).

https://www.govonline.go.jp/eng/publicity/book/hlj/html/201212/201212_05.html

Questions:

Q1. When did Sotoo travel to Europe?

a. Straight after he graduated.

b. A little while after graduation.

c. A year before he graduated.

Q2. Where can you see many of Gaudi’s works?

a. Barcelona

b. Ritsumeikan University

c. In the Public relations Office of the Government of Japan

Q3. How did Sotoo show his passion for Gaudi’s work?

a. He introduced Gaudi to Japanese visitors.

b. He helped to build Gaudi’s greatest work.

c. He looked for stone to use for La Sagrada Família.

Scroll down ↓ for the answers 

Answers

A1: b

A2: a

A3: b

Photo Credit: Styves Exantus@pexels.com

Lacrosse, often hailed as Canada's national summer sport, has a rich history and has seen significant development over the years. Originating as a game played by Indigenous peoples, lacrosse has grown into a beloved sport across Canada and is now gaining popularity in countries like Japan.

Historical Roots and Evolution in Canada

Lacrosse has deep roots in Canadian history, tracing back to Indigenous tribes who played early versions of the game. These tribes, including the Iroquois and Algonquin, used lacrosse for more than just recreation; it was a spiritual and community activity, often referred to as "the Creator's Game." The game played an essential role in their culture, serving purposes from training warriors to settling disputes. European settlers in the 17th century observed these games and started to play lacrosse themselves. By the mid-19th century, lacrosse had evolved significantly, and in 1856, William George Beers, a Canadian dentist, founded the Montreal Lacrosse Club. Beers is often credited with modernizing the game by setting standard rules and equipment, which transformed lacrosse into an organized sport. Lacrosse gained immense popularity, becoming Canada's national game in 1867. The first national governing body, the National Lacrosse Association (now the Canadian Lacrosse Association), was established in 1867. Since then, the sport has continued to thrive, with various leagues and teams forming across the country. Canadian lacrosse now includes multiple forms, such as box lacrosse, field lacrosse, and women's lacrosse, each with its own unique rules and playing styles.

Lacrosse Today - A Global Perspective

While lacrosse remains a significant part of Canadian sports culture, it has also started to spread internationally. One of the surprising new hotbeds for lacrosse is Japan. Over the past few decades, the sport has seen a remarkable rise in popularity. Lacrosse was introduced to Japan in the 1980s by exchange students returning from North America. The first official lacrosse team was established at Keio University in 1986. Since then, the sport has grown rapidly, especially at the collegiate level. Today, Japan has a robust lacrosse community with numerous teams and leagues for both men and women. Japan’s national teams have also made impressive strides on the international stage. The men's team first competed in the World Lacrosse Championship in 1994, and since then, Japan has consistently been a strong competitor. The women's national team is also competitive, often ranking well in international tournaments.

The Future of Lacrosse

Lacrosse's development in Canada and its spread to countries like Japan highlight the sport's global appeal. With ongoing support and promotion, lacrosse continues to grow, fostering international camaraderie and competition. As the sport evolves, it remains a testament to its roots, celebrating both its Indigenous heritage and its modern incarnations around the world.

Blog Quiz

Q1. Who is credited with modernizing lacrosse in Canada?

 a) John A. Macdonald

 b) William George Beers

 c) James Naismith

Q2. When did lacrosse become Canada's national game?

a) 1867 

b) 1900

c) 1980

Q3. When was the first official lacrosse team established in Japan?

a) 1976

b) 1986

c) 1996

Scroll down to see the answers below.

Answers:

1.         b

2.         a

3.         b

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: Nobuaki Irie@pexels.com

On my 11th birthday, my cousin gave me a record of the popular singing duo, the Carpenters as a present. Of course, I didn't understand English at all back then. However, fascinated by the beautiful singing voice and melody, I wanted to know the meaning of the lyrics. That was my first encounter with English. At the age of twelve, I was impressed by the dynamic singing voice of The Three Degrees, a black trio who was as popular as the Carpenters in Japan, and that was how I became interested in Soul Music (R&B).

The following year, a group of five black brothers called Tavares caught my eye while watching TV. I instantly became a big fan of them and joined the Tavares fan club, which was backed up by a Japanese record company (Toshiba EMI) when I was in junior high school. Perhaps because I was very enthusiastic about the group, I ended up becoming the president of the fan club during my high school years. I often held Tavares record concerts and even went to radio stations to promote their songs. My dream was to go to a Tavares concert and meet them in America someday. So, I studied English hard to make that dream come true.

Tavares eventually disappeared from the music scene, not releasing records anymore in the late 1980s. When I was giving up my dream of meeting them, I heard the news that Tavares was coming to Japan to give concerts even in my home town of Osaka! Right after reading the news, I wrote to their record company even though I wasn’t sure if my letter would reach the group. I really wanted to thank them for their music that had enriched my life and given me a lot of joy and happiness. It is no exaggeration to say that they helped me become an English teacher. On the day of their concert in Osaka, my dreams finally came true. Not only was I able to hear their singing live but also allowed to meet them backstage. Tavares looked at me and said, "You are the one who wrote us." Yes, they had received my letter! The members were very happy to see me, and we took pictures together. The photos are still my lifelong treasures even to this day.

Just like this, through English, I was able to fulfill my dream. I hope that you too will meet many wonderful people and have valuable experiences by using English. Make your dreams come true with English!

Blog Quiz

Q1. How did the author encounter English?

Q2. What was the name of the group that the author became the president of the fan club for?

Q3. How did the author’s dream come true?

Scroll down to see the answers below.

Answers:

1.         The author’s cousin gave him a record of the Carpenters for his birthday.

2.         Tavares

3.         The author was able to see Tavares' concert in Osaka and meet them backstage.

Photo Credit: Tom Fisk@pexels.com

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

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

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

Blog Quiz

True or False?

Q1. Only Australian residents could apply for this job.

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

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

Scroll down to see the answers below.

Answers:

1.         F

2.         F

3.         T

Photo Credit: Charlotte May@pexels.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blog Quiz

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

a) It adds a decorative element to the ceremony.

b) It prevents spillage.

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

d) It follows a specific dance routine.

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

a) To show disrespect to the guests.

b) To hide the water container.

c) To demonstrate efficiency.

d) To maintain purity in the water container.

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

a) Cleaning due to dirt.

b) Aesthetic decoration.

c) Symbolic purification.

d) Expressing efficiency.

Scroll down to see the answers below.

Answers:

1.         C

2.         B

3.         C

Photo Credit: cottonbro studio@pexels.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blog Quiz

Q1. Why are TV programs shorter than movies?

Q2. Why are TV progams longer than movies?

Q3. What kind of experience are movies?

Q4. What kind of experience is television?

Scroll down to see the answers below.

Answers:

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

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

3.         Visual experiences

4.         Audio experiences

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

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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