Photo credit: The author

 

 

Lapland, a mesmerizing winter wonderland in northern Europe, is perfect for those who crave the beauty of nature and unique experiences. Lapland spans four countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. I visited Finland. Visiting Lapland means exploring snowy landscapes, embarking on snowshoeing adventures, indulging in relaxing saunas, and hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

 

My trip to Lapland started with a flight from Osaka to Estonia, where I stayed for a few days before continuing to Finland. When I arrived in the small village where my adventure would begin, the ground was blanketed in pristine snow. The village was peaceful and picturesque, with cozy wooden houses and smoke rising from their chimneys. I sat on a massive throne made of ice and strolled around the village square while waiting for my tour company.

 

The tour company picked me up and took me to rent snow boots, a thick coat, and insulated pants. Properly outfitted for the cold, we headed to a cabin. Our first stop was a charming hut where we grilled hot dogs over an open fire and sipped hot-spiced wine. That night, we ventured out to see the Northern Lights, but the sky was obscured by heavy clouds.

 

The next day, we moved to another cabin deeper in the woods. I strapped on snowshoes and set off on a hike. Snowshoeing in Lapland felt like a true adventure. The untouched snow sparkled in the sunlight, and the crisp air was invigorating. As I walked, the crunch of snow under my feet created a rhythmic sound, and the stunning scenery made me feel like I was exploring a hidden, magical world.

 

In the evening, I experienced a traditional Finnish sauna, a key part of Lapland’s culture. The intense heat embraced me, soothing my muscles after the hike. After a while, I ran outside and rolled in the snow, the icy chill was a stark contrast to the sauna’s warmth. This ritual left me feeling invigorated. That night, despite our hopes, the Northern Lights remained hidden by clouds.

 

 

Questions:

1. Which four countries does Lapland span?

A) Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia

B) Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Russia

C) Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Russia

D) Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia

 

2. Where did the author stay for a few days before continuing to Finland?

A) Norway

B) Estonia

C) Russia

D) Sweden

 

3. What activity did the author do on the first night in Lapland?

A) Saw the Northern Lights

B) Went dog sledding

C) Visited a traditional Finnish sauna

D) Grilled hot dogs and sipped hot-spiced wine

 

 

Scroll down for answers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

1.     A) Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia

2.     B) Estonia

3.     D) Grilled hot dogs and sipped hot-spiced wine

Photo credit: Yan Krukau@pexels.com

 

 

Have you ever said, “I’m bored!” and felt like that was a bad thing? Many students think boredom is the enemy. When we feel bored, we quickly check our phones, turn on a video, or start scrolling through social media. Today, it is very easy to avoid boredom.

 

What if boredom isn’t actually a problem? What if being bored can be good for you? It may sound strange, but having nothing to do for a little while can help your brain in several ways.

 

Why Boredom Can Be Good

When you are always busy with screens, games, messages, and videos, your brain is constantly receiving information. It never really gets a break. Imagine listening to loud music all day. After a while, your ears would need some quiet time, right? Your brain is the same. When you have a quiet moment with nothing to do, your brain finally has time to relax. During these quiet moments, your mind starts to wander. You might think about ideas, memories, plans, or dreams. This is when creativity often appears. In fact, many great ideas happen when people are doing very simple things—walking, sitting, or even staring out of a train window.

 

Boredom Can Make You Creative

When there is no phone or screen to entertain you, your brain starts to look for something interesting. You might begin drawing, writing, planning your weekend, or thinking of a new idea. Think about children playing. When they get bored, they often invent games or imagine stories. Boredom pushes the brain to create something new. So, the next time you feel bored, your brain might actually be getting ready to do something creative. Let it create. You don’t always need to ‘feed’ it with more screen time. Doing nothing does not mean you must sit like a statue for hours. It simply means giving your brain some quiet time without constant entertainment.

 

Here are a few simple ways to try it:

 

1. Take a “Quiet Break”: Sit somewhere comfortable for five or ten minutes. Don’t use your phone. Just relax and look around. You might notice things you usually ignore.

 

2. Go for a Slow Walk: Take a short walk without music or podcasts. Pay attention to the world around you—trees, buildings, sounds, and people.

 

3. Let Your Mind Wander: Instead of quickly filling every free moment with your phone, allow yourself to simply think. Daydreaming is not a waste of time. It can help your brain connect ideas.

 

4. Be Comfortable with Boredom: At first, boredom may feel uncomfortable. That’s normal! But if you give it a chance, you may discover new thoughts, ideas, or hobbies.

 

Please remember - you don’t need to be busy every second of the day. Sometimes the best thing you can do is… nothing at all. A little boredom can help your brain relax, think more deeply, and become more creative. So, the next time you feel bored, just enjoy it! Your brain might just be getting ready for its next great idea.

 

 

Questions:

1. Why does the blog say boredom can be good for you?

A. Because it helps your phone battery last longer

B. Because it gives your brain time to relax and think

C. Because teachers want students to be bored

D. Because boredom makes time move faster

 

2. What can happen when people have quiet time without screens?

A. They forget how to use technology

B. They become tired immediately

C. Their brains may become more creative

D. They lose interest in hobbies

 

3. Which activity does the blog suggest as a way to practice “doing nothing”?

A. Playing video games for several hours

B. Watching many short videos online

C. Taking a slow walk without music

D. Sending messages to friends

 

Please scroll down for the answer key.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

1.     B

2.     C

3.     C

Photo Credit: the author

 

I was born and raised in Kyoto, and aside from spending four years in Canada during my twenties, I’ve always lived here. When I was younger, I did not fully appreciate the historical sites and the traditional atmosphere of the city. However, as I have grown older, I have come to cherish Kyoto more deeply. I especially find peace in its temples, which provide a refuge when the stress of daily life becomes overwhelming. After losing my mother four years ago, I began visiting quiet temples more frequently. These visits brought me solace and helped ease my grief.

 

Kyoto is home to an incredible number of temples—approximately 1,600. While the city is known for famous tourist attractions like Kiyomizu Temple and Kinkakuji Temple (the Golden Pavilion), there are countless others, less crowded yet equally remarkable. These hidden gems often have a unique charm that is worth exploring.

 

As I have wandered the city, I have discovered beautiful temples I had not even known existed. For instance, a taxi driver once introduced me to Unryu-in, a sub-temple of Sennyu-ji Temple in the Shichijo area. Despite being close to the busy Shichijo Street, this temple feels like a hidden oasis. After passing through the main gate, a long, tree-lined path leads to the temple. At the end of the path, stepping into the temple feels like escaping into another world. Unryu-in has a stunning garden, and visitors can enjoy matcha green tea while admiring the view. With only a few people around, it is a perfect spot to sit quietly and even meditate.

 

Another favorite of mine is Myoshin-ji Temple in the Hanazono area. This temple complex includes a main temple and as many as 46 sub-temples. Historically, in many large Japanese temples, sub-temples were created when respected monks passed away; their disciples built graves or memorial temples nearby. Over time, these small memorials evolved into independent sub-temples. Although not all sub-temples within Myoshin-ji are open to the public, several can be visited, offering unique experiences. The entire temple site feels like an old town, and walking through its grounds is like stepping back in time.

 

These lesser-known temples offer tranquility and beauty that are often missed in the city’s more famous spots. Exploring them has deepened my love and appreciation for Kyoto’s rich history and culture.

 

Questions:

1.     Why does the author visit temples?

2.     What can you enjoy at Unryu-in Temple?

3.     What is Myoshin-ji Temple known for?

 

Scroll down for the anwer key.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

1.     To find peace and ease stress or grief.

2.     A beautiful garden and matcha green tea.

3.     46 sub-temples that were created when famous monks passed away.

Photo Credit: Yan Krukau@pexels.com

 

 

Studying abroad can be a positive or negative experience depending on the person who will study abroad. There are so many types, lengths, and purposes to study abroad and it can be difficult to answer the question such as, “ is studying abroad good or bad?”

 

People will more likely have some difficulties the longer you stay in a foreign country, especially when the culture could be very different from your home country. Some people even say that studying abroad is like buying difficulties with a lot of money.

 

As far as learning a foreign language is concerned, one of the questions that I am often asked from the students who are interested in studying abroad is about a studying abroad period such as how long it takes to be able to speak the foreign language fluently. I have seen students who have studied abroad for just a few weeks and became highly motivated to keep learning a foreign language after they returned to their home countries. I also have met some people who have studied abroad for more than a few years but have less confidence to use the foreign language in public places such as ordering some food or drinks in a restaurant.

 

For me, I feel that I started to be able to catch what the local people were saying  without fully concentrating on the language comprehension, such as on the street or in the shopping mall after three months or so. Once you can catch what the local people say without focusing on the language, the life in a foreign country definitely gets easier.

 

However, it can also become more stressful when you catch on to what you do not want to catch such as bad words or foul language. To make a long story short, I would say studying abroad can be a battle of loneliness and pressure especially when you study abroad for a degree. The studying abroad period is so limited that people tend to put a lot of effort into their academic goals. Every day can be incredibly challenging, adjusting yourself to not only different cuisines and cultures but also different educational systems.

 

When it comes to language in academic use, you will be asked to use it at a  much higher level than the language proficiency test you take in your home country before you go to study abroad. By working on the assignments which are given one after another, I think I acquired more than a degree certificate such as important life skills and mindset through challenging myself with a lot of hard work while I was studying in the UK as an international student.

 

Studying abroad taught me to stuck it out to the end in everything, even with  loneliness and being under pressure.

 

Questions:

Q1: What do some people say about studying abroad?

Q2: How long did it take for the author to be able to catch what the local people say?

Q3: What skills did the author acquire during studying abroad?

 

 

 Scroll down for the answer key.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

 

A1: Buying difficulties with a lot of money.

A2: Three months or so.

A3: Important life skills and mindset.

Photo credit: the author

This past September, I had the opportunity to travel to Barcelona, Spain, for a business trip. While the main purpose of my journey was work, I made sure to carve out some time to visit one of the most famous architectural wonders in the world: the Sagrada Família.

 

Designed by the legendary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, construction began in 1882 and is still ongoing. One specific detail on the exterior left a lasting impression on me. On the doors of the Passion Façade, the text of "The Lord's Prayer" is engraved in multiple languages. As I looked closely, I was moved to find Japanese characters included in the design. The phrase "Warera no chichi yo" (Our Father) is clearly carved into the metal. Seeing these familiar words in such a distant place was a deeply moving experience.

 

Since entry is by reservation only, I booked my ticket right before my trip and barely managed to slip into an evening slot. However, this timing turned out to be perfect. When I stepped inside, I involuntarily gasped at the sight of the stained glass windows. While the east side shines with cool blues in the morning, the west side glows with burning reds and oranges in the evening. Thanks to my time slot, I was able to witness this intense, breathtaking display of light.

 

By the time I left the building, night had fallen. Seeing the Sagrada Família illuminated against the night sky was an exceptional sight, completely different from the daytime view.

 

Visiting this basilica reminded me that great things take time. In a world where we often rush, the Sagrada Família stands as a testament to patience. It is currently scheduled to be completed around 2026 – 100 years after Gaudi’s death. If you ever visit Barcelona, make sure to book in advance and enjoy this unforgettable experience.

 

 

 

Questions:

Q1: What did the writer find on the doors of the Passion Façade?

Q2: What time of day did the writer visit the Sagrada Família?

Q3: What was the writer's impression of the Sagrada Família at night?

 

 

Scroll down for the answer key.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

A1: "The Lord's Prayer" in many languages, including Japanese.

A2: In the evening.

A3: It was exceptional and completely different from the daytime view.

Photo credit: Travis Rupert@pexels.com

 

 

Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life: A Simple Summary

 

 

I recently read a book called 12 Rules for Life by a Canadian writer and psychologist, Dr. Jordan Peterson. In this book, he shares ideas about how to live a good, happy, and responsible life. Here is a simple summary of Dr. Peterson's practical advice on how to navigate life's challenges and achieve personal growth.

 

1. Stand up straight. Dr. Peterson says that good posture helps you feel stronger and more confident.

 

2. Help yourself like you help a friend. Many people give good advice to friends but forget to care for themselves. Treat yourself kindly.

 

3. Choose good friends. Spend time with people who support you and make you better, not people who bring you down.

 

4. Compare yourself with your past self, not with others. You should try to become better than you were yesterday, not better than other people.

 

5. Teach children to behave well. Children need clear rules to grow into responsible adults.

 

6. Clean your room. Before you try to fix the world, start by taking care of your own space and responsibilities.

 

7. Do things that are meaningful. Choose actions that help you grow and make life better, not just things that feel good for a short time.

 

8. Tell the truth. Being honest helps you build trust and live with less stress.

 

9. Listen to others. Everyone can teach you something. Try to understand other people before giving your opinion.

 

10. Be clear in your speech. Speak simply and directly so that others understand you well.

 

11. Don’t bother children when they are playing. Play is important for learning and creativity.

 

12. Be kind to animals. Treat pets and other living creatures with care and respect.

 

Dr. Peterson also explains why these rules matter. He says life can be difficult, and people sometimes feel confused, sad, or stressed. He believes that small actions can create big changes. Cleaning your room, telling the truth, or listening to others may seem simple, but these actions help you build good habits. Good habits make life more peaceful and organised.

 

He also talks about responsibility. This means doing the things you need to do, even when they are hard. Responsibility helps you feel proud of yourself. When you help your family, study well, or try your best at work, you grow as a person.

 

Another important idea is kindness. Being honest, choosing good friends, and listening carefully help you build strong relationships. When people trust you and support you, life becomes happier and safer.

 

Finally, Dr. Peterson says that everyone can improve. You do not need to be perfect. You only need to try to become a little better each day. His message is simple: small, daily actions can make life better for you and the people around you.

 

Source: Peterson, J. B. (2018). 12 rules for life: An antidote to chaos. Random House, Canada.

 

 

Questions:

1.    Why does Jordan Peterson say we should clean our room?

2.    What is one reason why choosing good friends is important?

3.    According to Jordan Peterson, how can small actions help us?

 

 

Scroll down for the answer key.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

1.     Because taking care of your own space and responsibilities helps you become more organised before trying to change bigger things.

2.   Good friends support you and help you become a better person.

3.   Small actions, like telling the truth or cleaning your room, help build good habits that can create big positive changes in your life.

Photo Credit: Author

 

On October 5th and October 6th, 2024, the International Symposium on Global Aging and Diversity – Counterhegemonic Narratives of Aging – Identity, Space, and Belonging at Ritsumeikan University welcomed 31 scholars from 13 different countries in person and also online through a hybrid format. If Covid-19 had any positive effects at all, it is allowing the expansion of online participation, giving opportunities for people from distant lands to join and be together through virtual space. The symposium attracted more than 150 interested audiences who registered from numerous countries throughout the world.

 

The connecting theme was a discussion about the many varieties and diversities of the aging experience. Throughout the world, in both industrialized and developing countries, low birth rate and aging populations is a shared reality. Naturally, as people are getting older and living longer, the theme of aging with autonomy, dignity, and well-being are crucial factors. Various cultures and traditions have their own methods, rituals, and styles, and exchanging ideas ignited new perspectives on mind, spirit, and body.

 

The two day symposium could not have been so successful and stimulating without the working together of our Ritsumeikan University students. It was a beautiful exchange of learning and giving. Organizing the symposium and making it happen from beginning to end, with a month long planning, was a perfect example of learning by doing and doing through learning.

 

From planning the minute by minute detail – assembling a large number of scholars scattered throughout the world under a organized and timely program, creating posters to advertise, contacting scholars to give information and directions, stage producing and directing, sound, lights, photos, and documentations, receiving important guests – the student assistants gave it all for the cause of brining an international event together. The students felt a sense of accomplishment, and I was grateful for their willingness to learn, do, and give. As we stood on the stage, holding up the poster that we brought together, after a long two-days of very hard work, the sense of celebration for a job well-done, TOGETHER, was and is truly memorable.

 

 

Questions:

1) What was the theme of the event?

2) Where did the event take place?

3) What is learning by doing?

 

Scroll down↓for answers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

1)    How different peoples and cultures were dealing with the aging population problem.

2)    At Ritsumeikan University and with people online from all over the world.

3)    Receiving experience and becoming better at a skill by practicing, and in this case, run a conference, to learn by having practical training.

Photo Credit: Rachel Xiao@pexels.com


On July 27, 2025, Ichiro Suzuki finally joined the most sacred circle of Major League Baseball: the National Baseball Hall of Fame. In a moment of grace at Cooperstown, he became the first Japanese-born position player to be enshrined, almost unanimously. The moment felt surreal to him, as Ichiro began his major league career with few expectations despite his brilliant achievements in Japan. In his speech, he expressed deep gratitude to everyone who believed in him and honored those who paved the way, including Hideo Nomo.

I never doubted his success in the Major League as a huge fan of his, but Ichiro’s path to Cooperstown was anything but typical. He joined the league at the age of twenty-seven, not exactly a young age for a rookie. Some people thought he might not succeed in the Major League because he was physically smaller than other players. However, he won both Rookie of the Year and MVP in his debut season. He collected 3,089 hits, a .311 batting average, and ten Gold Gloves over the 19 seasons he played in the U.S.

Ichiro did not just talk about his baseball career. He reflected upon the sense of belonging and the emotional weight of the life journey. One of the most compelling parts of his story is how he embraced life outside his comfort zone. Ichiro has visited the Hall of Fame Museum in Cooperstown multiple times over the years. He did not merely dream of his own induction but used the place as a sanctuary. He once said that Cooperstown was a place where he could go back to basics when self-doubt crept in.

The idea of leaving comfort was not limited to Ichiro’s baseball career. When Ichiro announced his retirement, he emphasized the importance of challenging himself and not staying in a familiar environment. In a retirement press conference, Ichiro said that becoming a foreigner made him think more deeply about other people. Those were the most striking words for me, as I could relate to the story as someone who spent several years in the U.S. as a foreigner.

Ichiro acknowledged that he often was lonely. However, he did not see that as a weakness but as growth. Rather than running away from pain, he argued, it was important to face it while he still had the energy and ambition. Ichiro said that that kind of growth has shaped him as a person.
For me, Ichiro’s Hall-of-Fame moment was not just about hits or awards. It was about pushing beyond where we feel safe. As an English teacher, I often recommend that my students go abroad because I hope they can have an opportunity to reflect and emphasize, just like Ichiro did. Ichiro’s anecdotes teach us that stepping into discomfort can help us grow in ways we never expected.



Questions
Q1. Why did Ichiro’s induction into the Hall of Fame feel surreal to him? 
A.    He had never visited Cooperstown before.
B.    He began his MLB career with modest expectations despite earlier success in Japan.
C.    He believed he would not be accepted by American fans.
D.    He was the youngest player ever inducted.

Q2. What does the passage suggest about Ichiro’s view on stepping out of one’s comfort zone?
A.    It is unnecessary if a person is already successful.
B.    It should only be done when someone faces failure.
C.    It leads to personal growth and deeper empathy.
D.    It is mainly useful for improving baseball skills.

Q3. Why does the writer relate personally to Ichiro’s reflections on being a foreigner?
A.    The writer also plays professional baseball.
B.    The writer lived in the U.S. for several years as a foreigner.
C.    The writer visited Cooperstown many times.
D.    The writer struggled to learn English as a child.


Scroll down for answers. ↓




















Answers
Q1. B
Q2. C
Q3. B