Such a short time to catch up with my Singaporean friends over Japanese dinner a few days ago. Actually, they’re now based in Australia and the United Kingdom but flew from South Korea as the New Zealand-born husband works there. …
Today a 4-year old girl in princess costume came to our school! She’s really so cute and it seems our school is the only place she can parade her new yellow gown. The very supportive parents and grandmother are creating …
I’ve seen a lot of calendars in different countries and weekends and holidays are in red marks. Only in Japan (OIJ) that holidays are called “aka karenda” (red calendar). When my students discuss dates, I often hear them say, “It’s a red calendar for …
blog.gaijinpot.com/new-elementary-school-english-curriculum-for-2020-rolling-out-in-japan
As we are celebrating International Women’s Day today, I’d like to express my deep respect and admiration to my host country’s women. I’m really fascinated by their strength and elegance and the way they carry themselves when they wear their traditional costume, kimono …
When I taught at Fujiya Company through the introduction of the YMCA, I was so impressed by how the employees were preparing for its 100th year anniversary. Actually, I was so surprised at how the company can stay that long. …
As I eat my late dinner tonight, I thought of the many OIJs that I have to write this month. To digest well what I’m eating, I munch and write and chew and type down the OIJs and they exceeded 31! So I …
Today marks the 8th year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. At 2:46 PM, the Japanese people stand up wherever they are and offer silent prayers for the victims of the natural disaster. It’s the time the …
What a joy and privilege to teach a 7-dan female karate instructor, who co-owns with her 8-dan master karate instructor-husband around 20 “dojo” (schools) in West Tokyo! I actually learned a lot about this OIJ (Original in Japan) sport in our classes for more …