Photo Credit Karola G @ pexels.com

Let’s be honest—most of us spend a lot of time looking at screens. Phones, tablets, computers, and TVs. They’re everywhere and are central to our lives. We use them to chat with friends, play games, watch videos, and, of course, do work. While technology is really useful (and fun), too much of it can make us feel tired, stressed, or even a little bit down.

That’s why taking a break from screens every now and then is essential. No, you don’t need to throw your phone in the sea! Just taking a short break each day can help your mind and body feel better.

Why Should I Take a Break?

Have you ever looked up from your phone and realized an hour has passed? Or noticed your eyes hurt or your neck aches? That’s what happens when we use screens too much. Taking breaks from these devices helps your brain relax. It can also help you sleep better, focus more, and feel calmer.

How Can I Take a Break from Technology?

Here are some easy ways to take a little time away from screens:

*No Screens in the Morning or Before Bed: Try starting your day or ending it without looking at your phone. You could read a book, eat breakfast slowly, draw something, or just relax. It might feel strange at first, but it can help you feel more relaxed and ready for the day (or ready for sleep).

*Take a 1-Hour Tech Break Each Day: Pick one hour in your day to stay off all screens. Go outside, talk with your family, play with a pet, or listen to music without looking at a screen. You might be surprised how fast the time goes.

*Suggest to Your Friends that you ALL Try a Phone-Break: Try spending time with friends without looking at your phones all the time. When you’re with other people, you could suggest that you all put your phones away for 30 minutes or so. Make a game of it. Who can survive the longest without checking their phone!

*Try a “No-Tech Afternoon” Once a Week: Pick one day (or just a few hours) each week where you don’t use social media or video games. Think of it like a mini-vacation for your brain.

Remember…

Technology is great—but your brain needs a break sometimes. Taking time away from screens can help you feel more focused, more creative, and more connected to the real world. Give it a try! You don’t have to give up your phone forever—just for a little while. You will feel the benefit.

Comprehension Questions

1. Why is it a good idea to take breaks from screens?

A. So you can save your phone battery

B. So you can spend more money on books

C. Because breaks help your brain relax and help you feel better

D. Because screens are no longer useful

2. What is one suggestion given for reducing screen time?

A. Watch videos with your eyes closed

B. Take a 1-hour tech break each day

C. Check your phone every 5 minutes

D. Use your computer and your phone at the same time

3. What is the main message of this blog post?

A. Technology should be avoided completely

B. Using more screens will make you smarter

C. Taking short breaks from technology can help you feel more calm and focused

D. You should throw your phone in the sea

Scroll down for the answers.

1. C. Because breaks help your brain relax and help you feel better

2. B. Take a 1-hour tech break each day

3. C. Taking short breaks from technology can help you feel more calm and focused

Rare Earths: The New Gold 

Photo Credit: Peggy Greb

When people hear the word “gold,” they often think of jewelry, money, or treasure. But in today’s world, another group of materials is just as valuable — the rare earth elements. These are a group of 17 special metals found deep in the earth. They have strange names like neodymium, yttrium, and dysprosium, but they are everywhere around us — inside smartphones, electric cars, wind turbines, and even headphones. 

Rare earths are called “rare,” but they are not actually very rare. The problem is that they are difficult and expensive to separate from the rocks where they are found. Most of the world’s rare earths come from China, which produces about 60–70% of the global supply. This gives China a lot of power in the technology world, because modern devices cannot be made without these elements. 

Japan, like many other countries, is trying to find new sources. Scientists have discovered large rare-earth deposits on the ocean floor near Japan’s coast. However, it is still very costly to mine them under deep water. Recycling old electronics is another way to recover these valuable materials. In fact, Japan is a leader in “urban mining” — collecting metals from discarded devices. 

So why are rare earths sometimes called “the new gold”? 

Because, just like gold, they are essential, valuable, and limited. But instead of symbolizing beauty or wealth, they represent technology and the future. Without rare earths, we could not have green energy, high-performance computers, or advanced electric cars. 

However, there are challenges. Mining rare earths can damage the environment, and recycling technology is still developing. Governments are now trying to balance economic growth with environmental protection, so that the world can use these materials responsibly. 

As we move toward a cleaner, more high-tech world, rare earths will play a key role. They may not shine like gold, but in the 21st century, they are every bit as precious. 

Vocabulary List 

Rare earths  レアアース（金属） 

Element 元素（げんそ） 

Valuable 価値のある（かちのある） 

Technology 技術（ぎじゅつ） 

Supply 供給（きょうきゅう） 

Recycle 再利用する（さいりようする）

Deposit 鉱床（こうしょう）／埋蔵量（まいぞうりょう） 

Environment 環境（かんきょう）

Pollution 汚染（おせん） 

Precious貴重な（きちょうな） 

Comprehension Questions 

1.     What are rare earth elements used for in modern life? 
 

2.     Why are they called “rare” if they are not truly rare? 
 

3.     Which country produces most of the world’s rare earths? 
 

4.     How is Japan trying to get more rare earths? 
 

5.     Why are rare earths compared to gold in the article? 

Scroll down for answers 

They are used in many modern technologies, such as smartphones, electric cars, and wind turbines. 
 

Because they are hard and expensive to separate from the rocks they are found in. 
 

China, which controls around 60–70% of global production. 
 

By exploring deep-sea deposits and recycling old electronics through “urban mining.” 
 

Because they are valuable and essential, just like gold, but important for technology and the future instead of jewelry or money. 

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