Photocredit: Michael Anfang

Japan’s mountains are becoming increasingly dangerous. Encounters between humans and bears—both

Asiatic black bears on Honshu and brown bears in Hokkaido—are now at record levels. In 2023–2024, Japan

saw the highest number of bear attacks ever recorded, prompting warnings from wildlife experts and local

authorities.

According to Japan’s Environment Ministry, the country recorded 219 bear attacks and six deaths in the year

up to March 2024—the worst year since records began in 2006. Between April and November 2023 alone, 193

attacks injured over 210 people. Bear sightings have also skyrocketed, with rural areas reporting more than

1,400 bear encounters last year—roughly triple the average a decade ago.

Experts estimate Japan’s bear population has surged to around 44,000 Asiatic black bears on Honshu and

nearly 12,000 brown bears in Hokkaido. The population rebound is partly due to stricter hunting laws and rural

depopulation, which have allowed forests to expand unchecked.

Several overlapping factors explain the sharp rise in conflicts.

Food shortages: Poor acorn and nut harvests drive hungry bears into towns searching for food.

Changing hibernation patterns: Warmer winters and climate shifts delay hibernation, increasing encounters.

Abandoned farmland: As Japan’s rural population ages and shrinks, overgrown fields create “edge zones”

where bears and humans meet.

Fewer hunters: With hunting licenses declining and firearm rules tightening, bear numbers have grown

unchecked.

Loss of fear: Bears used to being near humans or fed at tourist spots become bolder and more dangerous.

The government is responding by loosening shooting restrictions in bear-prone regions and stepping up local

patrols, but prevention remains the most effective protection.

If you hike, camp, or live near Japan’s forests, take these steps seriously. This is exactly what I would do to

stay safe.

Make noise while walking. Use a bear bell or talk aloud to avoid surprising one.

Hike in groups—bears rarely approach multiple people.

Stay alert at dawn and dusk, when bears are most active.

Never leave food or garbage outdoors. Bears have excellent smell and learn quickly.

Avoid hiking during poor visibility or after dark.

If you see a bear: stay calm and back away slowly. Don’t run or make sudden moves. Make yourself look

larger, wave your arms, and speak firmly. If attacked defensively (for example, a mother with cubs), lie

face-down and protect your neck. If attacked predatively (rare), fight back with all force.

Local governments often issue bear-warning alerts, so check signage, websites, or community boards before

heading out.

Japan’s rising bear attacks are a result of deep environmental and social changes. While the trend is worrying,

understanding bear behavior and taking sensible precautions can help keep you safe. Respect their habitat,

stay alert, and remember: coexistence begins with awareness.

1. Why are bear attacks in Japan increasing?

2. What should you do if you meet a bear?

3. How has climate change affected bear behavior?

4. What can people do to prevent bears from coming near towns or villages?

Scroll down for answers

Answers:
1. Because there are more bears now, and they are coming closer to towns. Bears cannot find enough food in
the mountains, and there are fewer hunters, so the number of bears is growing.
2. Stay calm and do not run. Back away slowly, speak loudly, and make yourself look big. If it is a mother bear
protecting her cubs, lie face-down and protect your neck.
3. Warm weather makes bears wake up earlier and hibernate later, so they are active longer and meet people
more often.
4. People should not leave food or garbage outside, make noise when walking, and report bear sightings to
local authorities

Photo Credit: Oladimeji Ajegbile @Pexels.com

Adopting good study habits can be very helpful for students to become effective learners.

First, choose a suitable environment in which to study. Some people, like me, prefer to study in a place where there is background noise. One of my favorite places to study is in a café with low music and people chatting in the background. These sounds help me to stay awake while allowing me to focus on my work. Of course, some students prefer a very quiet place, such as a library or their own room. It is essential for students to try working in different environments to determine which one is best for them.

Second, have a regular study schedule. This schedule could be decided each day or each week, depending on factors such as class times, club activities, and part-time jobs. It is ideal to follow the study plan as closely as possible, although, of course, it may be necessary to stray from the schedule at times. Once a schedule becomes a habit, sticking to it is much easier.

Third, do not procrastinate. Rushing through assignments at the last minute will likely result in poor-quality work. Schedule your work and break your larger assignments into smaller parts. Do the assignments ahead of time and review them. It is essential for all students.

Lastly, try to be experimental. By this, I mean that students should take risks working on challenging assignments beyond their language or intellectual ability without fear of making mistakes. This may seem daunting at first; however, in the long run, it must be helpful for developing academic skills.

For students to enjoy university life and do well in their various classes, creating appropriate and personalized study habits should be a priority.

Glossary:

stray from: not follow a plan

stick to: follow a plan

procrastinate: put off doing something 

daunting: a bit scary

in the long run: in the end

Blog Quiz

Q1. Will all students benefit from each of the study habits mentioned in the reading?

A.  Yes. It is easy to do.

B.   No. Each student is unique, especially with regards to study location.

C.   Yes. If you believe it, you can do it.

Q2. Why should students avoid procrastination?

A.  It will decrease motivation.

B.   It will make other students laugh at you.

C.   It will result in rushed and poor-quality work.

Q3. Should students avoid taking risks and making mistakes when doing assignments?

A.  No. It will help them develop skills, learn content, and enjoy studying.

B.   Yes. Safety is best.

C.   Yes. Do what you did in high school.

Scroll ↓ down for answers.

Quiz Answers

Q1. C

Q2. C

Q3. A

People often tell me a burger & fries is their idea of traditional food in the US. It reminds me of how I thought every restaurant in Japan was a sushi shop before I arrived. On the contrary, American cuisine is a melting pot of influences, traditions, and innovation.

One of the most notable aspects of U.S. cuisine is its regionalism. In the South, for example, comfort food reigns supreme. Dishes like fried chicken, cornbread, and macaroni and cheese are beloved staples. But the South’s food culture is also defined by bold, smoky flavors. Barbecue, particularly in states like Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina, is a revered art form with each region boasting its own style of cooking meat over wood or charcoal, often with a signature sauce that reflects the area’s unique palate. Carolina barbecue, for instance, is known for its vinegar-based sauces, while Texas barbecue tends to focus on the meat itself, often beef brisket with minimal sauce.

Moving up north, the cuisine takes on different characteristics. The Northeast, particularly around New England, is renowned for its seafood, especially lobster. Lobster rolls, where sweet, tender lobster is served on a soft, buttery bun, have become a quintessential part of the region’s food culture. Clam chowder, both creamy and briny, is another dish synonymous with this area, often served in a bread bowl. The influence of early European settlers, especially the English and Dutch, is still felt here with hearty stews and baked goods remaining common.

On the West Coast, fresh, seasonal ingredients are at the forefront. The farm-to-table movement, which emphasizes locally sourced organic produce, has its roots here. California cuisine, which draws on a mix of international flavors—especially from Mexico and Asia—has produced iconic dishes such as avocado toast, fish tacos, and the California roll sushi. The influence of Asian cuisine is also prevalent in the Pacific Northwest, where dishes like salmon teriyaki and poke bowls reflect both local ingredients and cultural fusion. In the Bay Area, particularly San Francisco, sourdough bread is a signature product with the tangy, chewy loaves being a staple of local bakeries.

The Midwest, often called the "heartland" of the U.S., has a cuisine based on hearty, filling dishes that reflect the agricultural heritage of the region. Staples include casseroles, pot roast, and dishes like deep-dish pizza from Chicago, which has a loyal following. This pizza with its thick, buttery crust and layered fillings is far removed from the thin-crust styles seen in other parts of the country and is a point of local pride.

In addition to these regional specialties, the U.S. has a long history of borrowing and adapting international dishes to create something distinctly American. The hamburger, hot dog, and pizza—each originally imported from Europe—have evolved into beloved symbols of American cuisine. Similarly, Tex-Mex, a fusion of Texan and Mexican flavors, has become its own unique culinary identity with tacos, fajitas, and nachos enjoyed nationwide.

Photo Credit: Israel Albornoz @ Pexels.com

Blog Quiz

Q1. The word “revere” in paragraph 2 is most similar in meaning to:

A.  revenge

B.   adore 

C.   reverse

D.  daydream

Q2. Which best summarizes the writer's description of US cuisine?

A.  no competition among regional characteristics

B.   regional specialties based on foreign influences

C.   primarily derived from Mexican cuisine

Q3. True or False: US cuisine culture has a tendency to borrow and adapt from other countries.

A.  True

B.   False

Scroll ↓ down for answers

Quiz Answers

Q1. B

Q2. B

Q3. A (True)

Photo Credit: Kahori Kobayashi

I have a pet dog. She is a shiba-mix and I love her very much. Occasionally, my family likes to go on vacation, and we can’t take her with us. In Canada, where I grew up, there are many dog kennels in the countryside but still close to cities. They offer lots of outside space for dogs to run and play, heated dog cabins, onsite veterinarians, and 24-hour web cameras where you can check on your dog anytime. They are like resorts for dogs! In Japan, however, I haven’t seen any options beside dog hotels. Dog hotels sound nice, but they are generally not as nice as you’d think. They are in cities, which is convenient, but they are always very small. I’ve used a nice dog hotel that was very clean and had lots of staff, but it was very expensive. I’ve also used an inexpensive dog hotel that was pretty old and dirty, and my dog had to stay in a cage all the time except for her two walks each day. I felt very sad having to leave her there.

I think someone who could open a Canadian-style dog kennel in Japan could be very successful. Buying land on the outskirts of a big city such as Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto is not expensive, and you could charge more money than the existing dog hotels if you offered a better ‘resort’ experience for their dogs. I’m sure most Japanese pet owners would be happy to pay more if they knew their pets were being treated better. There would be no competition, as there are no other dog kennels like this in Japan. In addition, if you could offer services in other languages, you would surely get the business of any foreigners living in Japan who might have difficulties using Japanese and are already used to this kind of dog kennel.

Some dog kennel companies in sell franchises. Perhaps it would be possible to purchase the franchise rights for Japan, and then the company would help you set up your dog kennel. This would be an easier way to start your business, as you can just follow the formula they already used successfully. Once your first dog resort is booming, you can expand and open more locations near to other major cities in Japan. Then you could kick back and relax at a resort with your profits, because everyone (and every dog) deserves a resort vacation once in a while.


Blog Quiz

Q1. Where is the writer from?

1) Japan
2) Canada
3) Unknown


Q2. Which of the following is NOT a reason given that 'dog resorts' would be successful in Japan?

1) There is no competition
2) Land in the countryside is cheap.
3) Japanese people would prefer small dog hotels.


Q3. Who does not deserve a resort vacation once in a while?

1) Cats
2) Dogs
3) People



Scroll ↓ down for answers

















Quiz Answers

Q1. 2
Q2. 3
Q3. 1

Photo Credit: Dawn O’Day (author)

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

Sotoo, a graduate of the Kyoto City University of Arts, traveled to Europe in 1978, which was 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. Isn’t that amazing?

After arriving in Barcelona, he was so moved by what Gaudí communicated through his 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 (side) 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

Blog Quiz

Q1. What is one reason Etsuro Sotoo traveled to Barcelona?

a) To attend a university

b) To visit family

c) To study modern art

d) None of the above

Q2. Which famous work of Gaudí deeply influenced Etsuro Sotoo?

a) Park Güell

b) Casa Batlló

c) La Sagrada Família

d) Casa Milà

Q3. What motivated Etsuro Sotoo to stay in Barcelona after his arrival?

a) He wanted to pursue a degree in architecture.

b) He was inspired by Gaudí's work, particularly La Sagrada Família.

c) He had family living in the city.

d) He was invited to participate in an art exhibition.

Scroll↓down for answers

Quiz Answers

Q1. d

Q2. c

Q3. b

Photo Credit: Dawn O’Day (author)

“Each art speaks an idiom that conveys what cannot be said in another language and yet remains the same (Dewey, 1934).”

Certainly, there are many ways to communicate. For example, we can communicate with our voices, through writing, and through body language as well. I love to communicate through writing, but I also love to express myself using photography.

What do you think about language and art forms, such as photography? Do you want to learn more about them? Are you inspired to create great works of writing or art? What do you think that art and language have in common? Think about these questions; then I will attempt to answer the last question.

Just as language has a three-way relationship, so does art. According to the American pragmatist, John Dewey, the act of communicating language involves a speaker, words that are spoken, and a person to whom the words are spoken; therefore, if we think of an object of art as words that are being communicated, then we have an artist who is communicating, the object of art, and the person who is looking at the art (Dewey, 1934). As you can see, one thing that language has in common with art is that they are both expressive forms of communication.

There are countless artists throughout history who have used numerous forms of media to express themselves. (You can think of a medium as a language.) Antoni Gaudí, a famous Spanish architect, is one such artist who expressed himself while he created art using various media (e.g., stone, ceramic, iron, and glass).

Perhaps Gaudí is most famous for his design of La Sagrada Família, which, as you probably know, is in Barcelona. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, La Sagrada Família is a basilica that has been under construction for more than 140 years and will likely continue to be under construction for many years to come. (Please see the photo above for a view of the inside of the basilica.)

Please look forward to reading next week’s blog, Part Two: Language and Art.

Reference

Dewey, J. (1934). Art as experience. New York: Berkeley Publishing.

Blog Quiz

1. According to the reading, what is La Sagrada Familia?

a. A museum.

b. A park.

c. A basilica (a church).

2. According to the reading, what kind of media did Antoni Gaudi use when creating art?

a. Marble, ceramic, concrete, and glass.

b. Stone, ceramic, iron, and glass.

c. Stone, marble, wood, and steel.

3. According to the reading, what is one thing that language has in common with art?

a. They are both primarily used for scientific documentation.

b. They both require formal training in mathematics.

c. They are both expressive forms of communication

Scroll↓down for answers

Quiz Answers

Q1. C

Q2. B

Q3. C

Photo Credit: Gerd Altmann @Pexels.com

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

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

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

1. What specifically is the goal?

2. Why is it important to you?

3. What actions will you take to achieve it?

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

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

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

We can outline the goal as follows.

Long-term goal:

What: Traveling for one month in France

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

How: (Here you can create some smaller goals)

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

Short-term goal:

What: Learning to speak French at a daily conversational level

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

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

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

Blog Quiz

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

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

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

Scroll↓down for answers

Quiz Answers

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

Q2. You have more chances of success.

Q3. Before the end of next year.