The Japanese Handbook A 90-Day Guide to Learning Japanese Maria Telincho and QuHarrison Terry

Open Physical Book Available on Amazon

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Open Japanese is Insanely Difficult

Warning: Japanese is Insanely Difficult

For English speakers, Japanese is one of the hardest languages to learn. It's more difficult than Lithuanian, Somali, Finnish, and Mongolian, and I bet you thought those were at the top of the list. Nope, it's Japanese. Japanese even has a little asterisk on the Wikipedia page Language Learning Difficulty for English Speakers that states:

 “Languages preceded by asterisks are typically somewhat more difficult for native English speakers to learn than other languages in the same category.” 

That means that of the most difficult languages in the world, Japanese is not only in the hardest category but arguably the hardest language of them all. 

So, why learn it? Do you want to travel to Japan? Do you need it for work? Trying to impress your Japanese girlfriend’s family? Everybody has their reasons, so, more importantly than anything else you learn in this book or anywhere else about Japanese, you need to find your “why.” Why learn Japanese? 

But before w

Open How To Use This Book

How To Use This Book

This book is your ticket to fast-paced, immersive learning as you accompany me (Maria for those of you who skipped the introduction. GO BACK) on my 90-day quest to master Japanese through travel and real-life experiences. This guide is not your typical language textbook; it's a narrative-driven immersion into the heart of Japanese culture and language. The best way to learn any language is through immersion, so the goal of this guide is to get as close to immersion in a book as possible. You will follow me, day by day, learning from my travel highs and lows, mistakes and triumphs, ghost stories and weird shit because Japan is full of some wild stuff (google Kanamara Matsuri now). 

The beauty of this book lies in its fun and practicality. By dedicating just a few minutes each day to a story and lesson, you'll gradually build a solid foundation in Japanese while getting insight into the culture. My firsthand experiences should be an inspiration, showing that language learning isn'

Open Hiragana

Hiragana and Katakana 

There are three writing systems in Japanese - hiragana, katakana, and kanji. Hiragana is a set of characters that each represent sounds and are used for native Japanese words. Katakana is similar, but this set of characters is used for loan words or foreign words into a uniquely Japanese word. Kanji is the Mt. Everest of Japanese, and it has tens of thousands of kanji characters that represent words and meanings. So, while Hiragana and Katakana handle the sounds in Japanese, Kanji adds that visual punch to the language and mastering it opens up a whole new world of understanding.

Hiragana and katakana, sometimes referred to as just “kana,” are the building blocks of the Japanese language and we will be focused on those two writing systems in this book. So, before you turn the anime subtitles off or try to video chat on iTalki, you should take some time to learn them both and a whole lot of vocabulary.

Hiragana is one of the first stepping stones you'll encounter on your pat

Open Katakana

The second writing system you will face is katakana. These characters are simpler and more angular compared to Hiragana. They originated from Chinese characters but have evolved into a distinct script used specifically for certain purposes. When you start learning Katakana, you'll notice that many characters resemble their Hiragana counterparts, just with straighter lines and sharper corners.

One of the main functions of Katakana is to represent words borrowed from other languages. This includes English, so if you're a native English speaker, you might find Katakana words easier to recognize.

Here are some examples:

1. レストラン (resutoran) - "restaurant"
2. カメラ (kamera) - "camera"
3. バナナ (banana) - "banana"
4. チョコレート (chokoreeto) - "chocolate"
5. サッカー (sakkaa) - "soccer"
6. エスプレッソ (esupuresso) - "espresso"
7. ビール (biiru) - "beer"

But Katakana isn't just about foreign words. It's also used for onomatopoeia, sound effects, and animal noises. These can add a lot of flavor to your Japanese conversa

Open Katakana

When you're learning katakana, it's a good idea to practice writing and recognizing each character. Repetition is key here. Write them out by hand, use flashcards, or find some worksheets online. The more you practice, the easier it'll become to read and write katakana fluently. As you progress in your Japanese studies, you'll encounter katakana everywhere—on signs, in advertisements, in manga, and even in everyday conversations. And remember, learning katakana opens up a whole new world of words and expressions, so have fun with it!

As you begin this long, somewhat daunting journey, remember that mastering Hiragana and Katakana will be your first milestone, so once you have them locked down, pat yourself on the back and go get yourself a little treat. You’ll deserve it.

Learning hiragana and katakana can take you a day or it might take you two to three weeks. My advice? Don't rush into memorization for the sake of speed. Take your time to really absorb these new systems and develop a deeper understandi

Open Romaji

Romaji isn't just for us English speakers, though. Japanese people learn romaji in elementary school and you can find it written alongside kanji or other Japanese words in some, albeit rare, circumstances. Think of it more like a math equation where “2 + 2 = 4” is hiragana and “two plus two equals four” is romaji. It gets the job done, but is it really the same thing?

Here are my romaji pros and cons:

Pros:

• Romaji can help bridge the gap between English letters and Japanese characters for new learners 

• It can help you learn pronunciation and build speaking confidence 

• Romaji can make the first steps less intimidating and help you learn at an accelerated pace

Cons:

• While learning Japanese, it will be very hard to find materials without kana, especially once you progress to the intermediate phase

• Even if you want to just be conversational, many grammar rules can't be translated with romaji, so there would be a big gap in understanding 

• There's no standard romaji, so th

Open LearnJapanese.com

LearnJapanese.com

As I said before, the best resource to kickstart your language-learning journey is LearnJapanese.com. It is a comprehensive Japanese language learning app designed for you to immerse in both the language and culture of Japan. Regardless of if you are just starting out or looking for advanced materials, this app provides a diverse range of resources that make mastering Japanese an engaging experience. Let's be honest, so much of what we find online about learning Japanese seems to be catered to cute culture and elementary school vocabulary. Who wants to show up for their first day of work in Tokyo speaking like a little kid or an anime character? LearnJapanese.com won't let you go out into the real world unprepared. 

They also offer an app called NIHON 123 that has an extensive library of videos covering everything about the Japanese language, from basic grammar and vocabulary to complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions. These videos are not only edu

Open Pro Tips

Pro Tips

Okay, so you have hiragana and katakana ingrained into your brain, you watched all the videos on LearnJapanese.com 3-4 times and you are still working through those worksheets, but that’s okay, it's time to move on and start using your new Japanese skills by setting up a Japanese keyboard on your phone. Let's be honest, most of our communication is digital, so knowing how to type in Japanese is just as important as anything else you learn. 

iOS (iPhone/iPad):

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Scroll down and tap on "General."
3. Scroll down again and tap on "Keyboard."
4. Tap on "Keyboards."
5. Tap on "Add New Keyboard."
6. Scroll down and select "Japanese."
7. Choose the type of Japanese keyboard you want to add (e.g., Kana or Romaji).
8. The Japanese keyboard is now added to your list of keyboards. You can switch between keyboards by tapping the globe or emoji icon on the keyboard.

Android:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Sc

Open Homework

Homework

Now that I’ve given you all the advice you need, It's time to roll up your sleeves, get down to business, and put the work into learning Japanese.  First up on the agenda? Mastering the basics of hiragana and katakana. These two Japanese scripts are the bread and butter of communication, so getting a solid grip on them is non-negotiable. Practice speaking and writing each character until they feel like second nature, and before you know it, you'll be speaking Japanese like a pro.

Next on the to-do list? Queue up those videos on LearnJapanese.com. Think of it as your personal Japanese language boot camp, right at your fingertips. From kana drills to grammar tutorials, these videos are packed with invaluable insights and tips to take your language skills to the next level. So, grab your popcorn and settle in for a binge-watching session that's as educational as it is entertaining. 

And last but certainly not least, it's time to get serious about memorizing vocabulary. A

Open Day 1: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

You will NOT believe what I stumbled upon today. So, there I was, scrolling through my feed, half a chocolate bar in, contemplating if I should start doing yoga (or let’s be real, rewatch “The Office” for the millionth time), when my friend Qu drops this bombshell on me: there’s an actual Cat Island in Japan. A whole island where cats are the reigning citizens, and humans are probably just their staff. It’s like my wildest dream and my allergy’s worst nightmare combined.

This feline utopia is called Aoshima Island. It’s nestled somewhere in the Ehime Prefecture - a remote, picturesque island, probably with secret cat societies and ancient feline rituals. I mean, why else would there be more cats than people?

Now, the origin story of this Cat Island is straight out of a Disney movie, minus the singing crabs. Originally, the cats were brought in as a mouse-catching dream team for fishermen’s boats. Fast forward to now, and they’ve basically staged a fluffy coup d’état. The mice are out, th

Open Day 1: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 猫 (ねこ, neko) - Cat
2. 島 (しま, shima) - Island
3. 漁師 (りょうし, ryōshi) - Fisherman
4. 船 (ふね, fune) - Boat
5. ネズミ (ねずみ, nezumi) - Mouse
6. 人口 (じんこう, jinkō) - Population
7. 観光客 (かんこうきゃく, kankōkyaku) - Tourist
8. 住民 (じゅうみん, jūmin) - Resident
9. お店 (おみせ, omise) - Shop
10. 薬 (くすり, kusuri) - Medicine
11. 冒険 (ぼうけん, bōken) - Adventure
12. 癒し (いやし, iyashi) - Healing/Comfort
13. 写真 (しゃしん, shashin) - Photo
14. 物語 (ものがたり, monogatari) - Story
15. 友達 (ともだち, tomodachi) - Friend

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences related to Maria's story about Aoshima Island.

Describing Cat Island

• 猫 (ねこ, neko)

この島にはたくさんの猫がいます。
(この しま に は たくさん の ねこ が います。)
Kono shima ni wa takusan no neko ga imasu. 
There are many cats on this island.

• 島 (しま, shima)

青島は猫の島です。
(あおしまはねこのしまです。)
Aoshima wa neko no shima desu.
Aoshima is Cat Island.

• 漁師 (りょうし, ryōshi)

漁師は猫を連れてきました。
(りょうし は ねこ を つれてきました。)
Ryōshi wa neko o tsuretekimashita.

Open Day 2: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Today is THE day. Cherry Blossom Day. The day a lot of people like me literally plan their entire Japan trip around. I’m a sucker for all things nature; I love flowers, gardens, tracking bird migrations, you know, just girly things. So, when I first learned about Japanese cherry blossoms in real life and not just at Bath and Body, it shot right to the top of my must-see-before-I-die list. And let me tell you, CBs don’t disappoint. 

First off, let's talk clothes. I had to plan my outfit strategically, you know? I wanted to blend in with the ethereal beauty of the cherry blossoms without looking like another branch on the tree. I chose a dress that's flowy and pink and screamed spontaneous photoshoot. And speaking of photoshoots, let's just say my camera roll is now bursting with pictures that could rival any Instagram influencer's feed. I may or may not have perfected my "casually gazing off into the distance while holding a cup of matcha" pose… 

Anyway, Cherry Blossoms are gorgeous. Thei

Open Day 2: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 桜 (さくら, sakura) - Cherry Blossom
2. 花 (はな, hana) - Flower
3. 木 (き, ki) - Tree
4. 季節 (きせつ, kisetsu) - Season
5. 春 (はる, haru) - Spring
6. 美しい (うつくしい, utsukushī) - Beautiful
7. 自然 (しぜん, shizen) - Nature
8. 見る (みる, miru) - To see/watch
9. 楽しむ (たのしむ, tanoshimu) - To enjoy
10. 写真 (しゃしん, shashin) - Photo
11. 花見 (はなみ, hanami) - Cherry Blossom Viewing
12. 風 (かぜ, kaze) - Wind/Breeze
13. 香り (かおり, kaori) - Fragrance
14. 短い (みじかい, mijikai) - Short
15. 感謝する (かんしゃする, kansha suru) - To be grateful

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's experience viewing cherry blossoms.

• 桜 (さくら, sakura)

  桜はとても美しいです。
  (さくらはとてもうつくしいです。)
  Sakura wa totemo utsukushī desu.
  Cherry blossoms are very beautiful.
  

• 花 (はな, hana)

  桜の花が満開です。
  (さくらのはながまんかいです。)
  Sakura no hana ga mankai desu.
  The cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
  

• 木 (き, ki)

  この公園にはたくさんの桜の木があります。
  (このこうえんにはたくさんのさくらのきがあります。)
  Kono kōen ni wa takusan no sakura n
  

Open Day 3: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Okay, so I’ll start by saying Japan is absolutely amazing. Seriously, the culture, the food, the fashion -I am living for it all. But today, I am in Aokigahara Forest and let me say, this place has layers. It's like the onion of forests, except way more mysterious. I was initially intrigued by the forest for two reasons: nature and ghosts. It's like Mother Nature went all out with the scenery then decided to throw in a dash of spine-tingling ambiance just for kicks.

Aokigahara Forest is a massive expanse of woods, caves and trails  with towering trees, lush greenery, and this blanket of silence that hangs in the air. Just standing a few feet from the trail could get you lost in the thick canopy and forget about hearing other hikers creeping up behind you - the mossy, lava-formed bedrock completely muffles any noise. Imagine it like a walking sensory deprivation tank. Aokigahara also has some pretty cool caves like the Saiko Bat Cave, Fugaku Wind Cave, and Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice Cave. I bet y

Open Day 3: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 森 (もり, mori) - Forest
2. 洞窟 (どうくつ, doukutsu) - Cave
3. 道 (みち, michi) - Trail/Path
4. 木 (き, ki) - Tree
5. 自然 (しぜん, shizen) - Nature
6. 静か (しずか, shizuka) - Quiet
7. 美しい (うつくしい, utsuku shii) - Beautiful
8. 冒険 (ぼうけん, bouken) - Adventure
9. 歩く (あるく, aruku) - To walk
10. 見つける (みつける, mitsukeru) - To find
11. 感じる (かんじる, kanjiru) - To feel
12. 太陽 (たいよう, taiyou) - Sun
13. 影 (かげ, kage) - Shadow
14. 思う (おもう, omou) - To think
15. 人生 (じんせい, jinsei) - Life

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 森 (もり, mori)

  私は青木ヶ原の森にいます。
  (I am in Aokigahara Forest.)
  

• 洞窟 (どうくつ, doukutsu)

  森の中にたくさんの洞窟があります。
  There are many caves in the forest.
  

• 道 (みち, michi)

  道を歩いて、自然を楽しみます。
  I walk the trail and enjoy nature.
  

• 木 (き, ki)

  森には大きな木がたくさんあります。
  There are many large trees in the forest.
  

• 自然 (しぜん, shizen)

  自然の中でリラックスします。
  I relax in nature.
  

• 静か (しずか, shizuka)

Open Day 4: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Here are the things I bought from a vending machine:

1. Okashi Gaku cake in a can

First off, let's talk about the packaging. It's like a work of art in itself. A sleek little can, like it's hiding some delicious secret inside. Which, spoiler alert, it totally is. Now, I'll admit, I was skeptical at first. Cake in a can? Is this some kind of weird Japanese prank? But one bite in, and I was a believer. I’m sort of a cake connoisseur, so, just trust. And the best part? I didn't even have to share. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about spreading the love, but when it comes to cake this good, you better believe I'm keeping it all for myself.

2. Yokai Express Ramen

This is a game changer in the world of munchies. I mean, a vending machine…FOR RAMEN. As soon as I laid eyes on that shiny, futuristic contraption, I knew I had to give it a whirl. Who wouldn't want instant access to piping hot noodles whenever the craving strikes? I scrolled through the options, trying to decide between

Open Day 4: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 自動販売機 (じどうはんばいき, jidouhanbaiki) - Vending machine
2. ケーキ (keeki) - Cake
3. ラーメン (raamen) - Ramen
4. だし (dashi) - Dashi (Japanese soup stock)
5. お金 (おかね, okane) - Money
6. 花 (はな, hana) - Flower
7. 商品 (しょうひん, shouhin) - Item/Product
8. 買う (かう, kau) - To buy
9. 押す (おす, osu) - To press
10. 選ぶ (えらぶ, erabu) - To choose
11. 飲む (のむ, nomu) - To drink
12. 食べる (たべる, taberu) - To eat
13. 開ける (あける, akeru) - To open
14. 驚く (おどろく, odoroku) - To be surprised
15. 美味しい (おいしい, oishii) - Delicious

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 自動販売機 (じどうはんばいき, jidouhanbaiki)

  自動販売機でケーキを買いました。
  I bought a cake from a vending machine.
  

• ケーキ (keeki)

  ケーキはとても美味しかったです。
  The cake was very delicious.
  

• ラーメン (raamen)

  ラーメンの自動販売機を見つけました。
  I found a ramen vending machine.
  

• だし (dashi)

  だしを飲みましたが、びっくりしました。
  I drank dashi, and I was surprised.
  

• お金 (おかね, okane)

  お金を入れて商品を買います。
  Inser
  

Open Day 5: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary,

Okay, so, today I went down this crazy rabbit hole on the internet. You know how it goes, one minute you're looking up the best places to get ramen in Tokyo, and the next you're knee-deep in a Wikipedia article about Japanese ghost trains. Not the spooky, Halloween kind of ghost train you see at amusement parks, but real trains that are supposedly haunted.

Apparently, in Japan, there are these urban legends about trains that run on tracks they're not supposed to, at times when they shouldn't be running, and they're filled with all sorts of supernatural stuff, like, passengers who vanish into thin air, or stations that appear out of nowhere and then disappear just as quickly. It's like the Twilight Zone, but on rails.

Some people even claim to have actually ridden these ghost trains. Can you imagine? I mean, I love a good thrill, but I draw the line at potentially encountering spirits on my commute home. No thanks, ghosts, I'll take an Uber.

Anyway, the stories about these ghost trains

Open Day 5: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 電車 (でんしゃ, densha) - Train
2. 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yuurei) - Ghost
3. 駅 (えき, eki) - Station
4. 線 (せん, sen) - Line (Train line)
5. 乗る (のる, noru) - To board
6. 時間 (じかん, jikan) - Time
7. 消える (きえる, kieru) - To disappear
8. 怖い (こわい, kowai) - Scary
9. 物語 (ものがたり, monogatari) - Story
10. 旅 (たび, tabi) - Journey
11. 都市伝説 (としでんせつ, toshi densetsu) - Urban legend
12. 真夜中 (まよなか, mayonaka) - Midnight
13. 現れる (あらわれる, arawareru) - To appear
14. 駅前 (えきまえ, ekimae) - In front of the station
15. 乗客 (じょうきゃく, joukyaku) - Passenger

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 電車 (でんしゃ, densha)

  幽霊電車は夜に走ります。
  Ghost trains run at night.
  

• 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yuurei)

  その電車には幽霊がいると言われています。
  It is said that there are ghosts on that train.
  

• 駅 (えき, eki)

  駅に幽霊電車が現れます。
  The ghost train appears at the station.
  

• 線 (せん, sen)

  仙山線は時を超えると言われています。
  The Senzan Line is said to travel through time.
  

• 乗る (のる, noru) `

Open Day 6: Maria's Diary

Maria: Hey Qu, I've heard a lot about Harajuku. Any recommendations on where to go?

Qu: Hey Maria! You're going to love Harajuku. It's such a vibrant place. First, you should definitely check out Takeshita Street. It's the heart of Harajuku fashion.

Maria: That sounds exciting! What's special about Takeshita Street?

Qu: Takeshita Street is filled with unique boutiques, vintage stores, and quirky shops. You can find all sorts of trendy and eccentric fashion items there. Plus, it's a great place to people-watch.

Maria: Awesome! I'll start there. Any specific stores I should visit?

Qu: Don't miss out on the store "WEGO." They have a lot of cool, affordable clothes. And you have to try some crepes from "Marion Crepes" or "Angel's Heart" while you're there.

Maria: Yum! I love crepes. What else should I do after Takeshita Street?

Qu: After Takeshita Street, head over to Cat Street. It's just a short walk away and offers a different vibe - more laid-back and artsy.

Maria: Cat Street? That sou

Open Day 6: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 原宿 (はらじゅく, Harajuku) - Harajuku
2. 通り (とおり, tōri) - Street
3. 店 (みせ, mise) - Shop
4. 古着屋 (ふるぎや, furugiya) - Vintage Store
5. クレープ (クレープ, kurēpu) - Crepe
6. 猫 (ねこ, neko) - Cat
7. 歩く (あるく, aruku) - To walk
8. 見る (みる, miru) - To see
9. 買う (かう, kau) - To buy
10. 食べる (たべる, taberu) - To eat
11. 面白い (おもしろい, omoshiroi) - Interesting
12. 楽しい (たのしい, tanoshii) - Fun
13. 人 (ひと, hito) - Person
14. 服 (ふく, fuku) - Clothes
15. 写真 (しゃしん, shashin) - Photo

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's experiences in Harajuku.

Exploring Harajuku

• 原宿 (はらじゅく, Harajuku)

  原宿に行きます。
  (はらじゅくにいきます。)
  Harajuku ni ikimasu.
  I am going to Harajuku.
  

• 通り (とおり, tōri)

  竹下通りを歩きます。
  (たけしたどおりをあるきます。)
  Takeshita-dōri o arukimasu.
  I walk on Takeshita Street.
  

• 店 (みせ, mise)

  店がたくさんあります。
  (みせがたくさんあります。)
  Mise ga takusan arimasu.
  There are many shops.
  

• 古着屋 (ふるぎや, furugiya)

  古着屋で服を買います。
  (ふるぎやでふくをかいます。)
  Furugi
  

Open Day 7: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

I would be lying to you if I said I didn't have any hesitations when coming to Japan. You know better than anyone, Diary, the tireless nights of tossing and turning, eyes catching glimpses of ghosts in the shadows, feelings of someone, or something, behind your back. I don’t mean to bring up some bad memories, but after watching The Ring and The Grudge, you remember I barely slept for almost a year. Don't even get me started about the fears of washing my hair in the shower…

But I learned these ghosts I’ve been scared of for most of my life were Japanese ghosts called onryō and those movies that terrorized my childhood are adaptations of the original Japanese films. Onryō are wrath-filled, vengeful spirits that seek revenge for the often violent nature of their deaths. You know, the kind of deaths that would make you haunt a video tape and crawl out of TV screens to act out that vengeance on completely random people. 

Unfortunately, there aren't many things you can do to deter these spiri

Open Day 7: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yūrei) - Ghost
2. 復讐 (ふくしゅう, fukushū) - Revenge
3. 死 (し, shi) - Death
4. 恐ろしい (おそろしい, osoroshii) - Terrifying
5. 暗い (くらい, kurai) - Dark
6. 感じる (かんじる, kanjiru) - To feel
7. 見る (みる, miru) - To see
8. 聞く (きく, kiku) - To hear
9. 叫ぶ (さけぶ, sakebu) - To scream
10. 恐怖 (きょうふ, kyōfu) - Fear
11. 影 (かげ, kage) - Shadow
12. 復活する (ふっかつする, fukkatsu suru) - To resurrect
13. テレビ (terebi) - Television
14. 井戸 (いど, ido) - Well
15. 手伝う (てつだう, tetsudau) - To help

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's story about Onryō.

• 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yūrei)

  映画には恐ろしい幽霊が出てきます。
  (えいがにはおそろしいゆうれいがでてきます。)
  Eiga ni wa osoroshii yūrei ga detekimasu.
  Terrifying ghosts appear in the movie.
  

• 復讐 (ふくしゅう, fukushū)

  Onryōは復讐を求めています。
  (Onryōはふくしゅうをもとめています。)
  Onryō wa fukushū o motometeimasu.
  Onryō seeks revenge.
  

• 死 (し, shi)

  彼女の死は非常に悲惨でした。
  (かのじょのしはひじょうにひさんでした。)
  Kanojo no shi wa hijō ni hisan deshita.
  Her death was extremel
  

Open Day 8: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Today I did the impossible - I left my phone at home. gasp. The skin on my hand has practically grown around my phone at this point, and the entire day I checked my pockets, my purse, my bra, with the same sudden drop in the pit of my stomach. OMG where is my phone! Of course as I stressed in the lobby of the hotel, the train, and wherever I needed to know the time or where the hell I was walking to, I told myself this is all part of the process. Don't get me wrong, I love nature, but spending the day outside without constant global contact created some anxiety. 

And I know what you’re going to say, um Maria, isn't that the point of forest bathing? Well, technically there are no rules, but the point is to boost your health with some one-on-one time with Mother Nature. Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku as they call it in Japan, is all about chilling in nature, soaking up those forest vibes, and letting Mother Nature work her magic on you. It's like a spa day for your soul, but without the cu

Open Day 8: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 自然 (しぜん, shizen) - Nature
2. 森 (もり, mori) - Forest
3. 心 (こころ, kokoro) - Mind/Heart
4. 健康 (けんこう, kenkou) - Health
5. 歩く (あるく, aruku) - To walk
6. 深呼吸する (しんこきゅうする, shinkokyuu suru) - To take a deep breath
7. 感じる (かんじる, kanjiru) - To feel
8. リラックスする (rirakkusu suru) - To relax
9. 忘れる (わすれる, wasureru) - To forget
10. 休む (やすむ, yasumu) - To rest
11. 治療 (ちりょう, chiryou) - Therapy
12. 効果 (こうか, kouka) - Effect/Benefit
13. 精神 (せいしん, seishin) - Mental/Spiritual
14. 血圧 (けつあつ, ketsuatsu) - Blood pressure
15. 幸せ (しあわせ, shiawase) - Happiness

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 自然 (しぜん, shizen)

  自然の中でリラックスします。
  (I relax in nature.)
  

• 森 (もり, mori)

  森を歩きながら、心が落ち着きます。
  (Walking in the forest calms my mind.)
  

• 心 (こころ, kokoro)

  森林浴は心に良いです。
  (Forest bathing is good for the mind.)
  

• 健康 (けんこう, kenkou)

  自然は健康に良いです。
  (Nature is good for health.)
  

• 歩く (あるく, aruku)

  私は森を
  

Open Day 9: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

I'm strolling down the bustling streets of Shibuya, totally lost in the neon-lit wonderland that is Tokyo. And then bam! There they are – these mesmerizing blue traffic lights, casting this ethereal glow over everything. It's like I've been transported to some sort of cyberpunk dreamland. I texted Qu and asked, “what's the deal with these blue lights?” Turns out, these captivating blue traffic lights aren't just there to make Tokyo look like it's from the future. Instead of distinguishing between green and blue as separate colors, Japanese speakers often used the term "aoi" to encompass what English speakers would consider both green and blue.

Now, I know what you're thinking - how on earth does that work? You see, in the wonderful world of Japanese language and culture, there is the ancient word "aoi," which encompasses not only what we Westerners would classify as shades of blue, but also certain shades of green. Japanese now use ‘midori’ specifically for green, but the old usage of ‘aoi’

Open Day 9: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 青い (あおい, aoi) - Blue/Green
2. 緑 (みどり, midori) - Green
3. 光 (ひかり, hikari) - Light
4. 道 (みち, michi) - Street/Road
5. 東京 (とうきょう, Tōkyō) - Tokyo
6. 日本語 (にほんご, Nihongo) - Japanese (language)
7. 文化 (ぶんか, bunka) - Culture
8. 驚く (おどろく, odoroku) - To be surprised
9. 歩く (あるく, aruku) - To walk
10. 見る (みる, miru) - To see
11. 質問する (しつもんする, shitsumon suru) - To ask a question
12. 好き (すき, suki) - Like/Favorite
13. 信号 (しんごう, shingō) - Traffic light
14. 素晴らしい (すばらしい, subarashii) - Wonderful
15. 感じる (かんじる, kanjiru) - To feel

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 青い (あおい, aoi)

  青い信号を見ました。
  (あおいしんごうをみました。
  Aoi shingō o mimashita.
  I saw a blue traffic light.
  

• 緑 (みどり, midori)

  緑の信号もあります。
  (みどりのしんごうもあります。)
  Midori no shingō mo arimasu.
  There are also green traffic lights.
  

• 光 (ひかり, hikari)

  青い光が綺麗です。
  (あおいひかりがきれいです。)
  Aoi hikari ga kirei desu.
  The blue light is beautiful.
  

• 道 (みち,

Open Day 10: Maria's Diary

Maria: Hey Qu, I’m at this tattoo studio in Tokyo right now. I’m thinking about getting a traditional tattoo, but I’m not sure what design to go for. Do you have any advice?

Qu: That sounds awesome, Maria! Japanese tattoos are full of culture and meaning. Do you have any ideas in mind?

Maria: I’m a bit lost, honestly. I love the traditional styles, but I want something that has personal significance too. What do you think would be a good choice?

Qu: Well, Japanese tattoos often tell a story. Think about what’s important to you. Do you value perseverance and overcoming challenges? A koi fish might be good since they symbolize strength and determination.

Maria: I like the sound of that. Koi fish are beautiful too. How about the style? Should I go all in for the traditional Tebori method?

Qu: Definitely consider it. Tebori is the traditional hand-poked technique. It’s more painful and takes longer, but the result is incredible and authentic. Plus, it’s a great way to experience the cultural herita

Open Day 10: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 刺青 (いれずみ, irezumi) - Tattoo
2. デザイン (デザイン, dezain) - Design
3. 鯉 (こい, koi) - Koi fish
4. 伝統的 (でんとうてき, dentōteki) - Traditional
5. 色 (いろ, iro) - Color
6. 場所 (ばしょ, basho) - Place/Location
7. 手彫り (てぼり, tebori) - Hand-poked (tattoo technique)
8. 方法 (ほうほう, hōhō) - Method
9. 痛い (いたい, itai) - Painful
10. 美しい (うつくしい, utsukushii) - Beautiful
11. 芸術 (げいじゅつ, geijutsu) - Art
12. 文化 (ぶんか, bunka) - Culture
13. 意味 (いみ, imi) - Meaning
14. 強さ (つよさ, tsuyosa) - Strength
15. 決心する (けっしんする, kesshin suru) - To decide

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria and Qu's conversation about Japanese tattoos.

• 刺青 (いれずみ, irezumi)

  伝統的な刺青を入れたいです。
  (でんとうてきないれずみをいれたいです。)
  Dentōteki na irezumi o iretai desu.
  I want to get a traditional tattoo.
  

• デザイン (デザイン, dezain)

  刺青のデザインを考えています。
  (いれずみのデザインをかんがえています。)
  Irezumi no dezain o kangaeteimasu.
  I'm thinking about the tattoo design.
  

• 鯉 (こい, koi)

  鯉の刺青は強さを象徴します。
  (こいのいれずみはつよさを
  

Open Day 11: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary,

Japan pretty much takes the cake when it comes to cute. Kawaii culture is deeply rooted in Japan and the cuteness overload isn't limited to Hello Kitty. There is an island called Ōkunoshima where a dark past meets fluffy cotton tails. Originally a site for chemical weapons production in WWII, the island soon after became a bunny production site, wink wink, after locals released rabbits onto the island. Now, think thousands of rabbits nibbling at your sneakers for a quick snack. 

Since I watched that youtube video about it, I've been scouring the internet, and every image I see just adds more fuel to the fire of my bunny fever. Rows upon rows of fluffy little bunnies hopping around like they own the place, munching on carrots, living their best lives amidst the scenic backdrop of the island paradise. It's like a scene straight out of a Studio Ghibli film, and I need to be a part of it.

I've already drafted my itinerary in my head. First stop, obviously, is to be swarmed by a mob of bunnies

Open Day 11: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 島 (しま, shima) - Island
2. ウサギ (うさぎ, usagi) - Rabbit
3. 緑 (みどり, midori) - Greenery
4. 写真 (しゃしん, shashin) - Photo
5. 歩く (あるく, aruku) - To walk
6. 見る (みる, miru) - To see
7. 可愛い (かわいい, kawaii) - Cute
8. 歴史 (れきし, rekishi) - History
9. 化学兵器 (かがくへいき, kagaku heiki) - Chemical weapons
10. 食べる (たべる, taberu) - To eat
11. 夢 (ゆめ, yume) - Dream
12. 景色 (けしき, keshiki) - Scenery
13. 写真を撮る (しゃしんをとる, shashin o toru) - To take a photo
14. 遊ぶ (あそぶ, asobu) - To play
15. 訪れる (おとずれる, otozureru) - To visit

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 島 (しま, shima)

  うさぎの島に行きたいです。
  (うさぎのしまにいきたいです。)
  Usagi no shima ni ikitai desu.
  I want to go to Rabbit Island.
  

• ウサギ (うさぎ, usagi)

  たくさんのウサギがいます。
  (たくさんのうさぎがいます。)
  Takusan no usagi ga imasu.
  There are many rabbits.
  

• 緑 (みどり, midori)

  緑が綺麗です。
  (みどりがきれいです。)
  Midori ga kirei desu.
  The greenery is beautiful.
  

• 写真 (しゃしん, shashin)

  写真をたくさん撮りました。
  

Open Day 12: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary,

At Kanamara Matsuri, size really does matter. Just ask all the ladies walking around with penis shaped lollipops in one hand and phallic daikon radishes in the other. Or take a look at the  giant phallic-shaped mikoshi (portable shrines) that are the celebrities of the penis parade. Carried by many men in drag, the pink, wooden, and steel erect statues are paraded through the streets of Kawasaki to massive crowds of locals and tourists alike. 

Now, before you start clutching your pearls, let me explain. Kanamara Matsuri, known as the Festival of the Steel Phallus, originates from the Kanayama Shrine, initially frequented by sex workers ​​to pray for fertility, safe childbirth, and protection against STDs. The shrine became a place for couples to visit and pray for those same things plus a happy marriage. Kanamara Matsuri is also known as a festival to fight against HIV and bring awareness LGBTQ+ communities in Japan. Each spring, crowds gather to celebrate with food, activities, and of cours

Open Day 12: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 祭り (まつり, matsuri) - Festival
2. 神社 (じんじゃ, jinja) - Shrine
3. 男性器 (だんせいき, danseiki) - Phallus
4. 食べ物 (たべもの, tabemono) - Food
5. 人 (ひと, hito) - Person/People
6. 行進 (こうしん, kōshin) - Parade
7. 春 (はる, haru) - Spring
8. 観光客 (かんこうきゃく, kankōkyaku) - Tourist
9. 夫 (おっと, otto) - Husband
10. 女性 (じょせい, josei) - Woman
11. 活動 (かつどう, katsudō) - Activity
12. 飴 (あめ, ame) - Candy
13. 守る (まもる, mamoru) - To protect
14. 楽しい (たのしい, tanoshii) - Fun
15. 食べる (たべる, taberu) - To eat

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 祭り (まつり, matsuri)

  春に祭りがあります。
  (はるにまつりがあります。)
  Haru ni matsuri ga arimasu.
  There is a festival in spring.
  

• 神社 (じんじゃ, jinja)

  神社を訪れます。
  (じんじゃをおとずれます。)
  Jinja o otozuremasu.
  I visit a shrine.
  

• 男性器 (だんせいき, danseiki)

  男性器の形をした飴があります。
  (だんせいきのかたちをしたあめがあります。)
  Danseiki no katachi o shita ame ga arimasu.
  There are candies shaped like phalluses.
  

• 食べ物 (たべもの, tabemono)

  おい
  

Open Day 13: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary,

Help. I’m writing to you from bed, tucked tightly under the covers and armed with just the flashlight on my phone and I guess this pen might work, but I swear outside my door I heard the noise. The teke-teke noise of THE Teke-Teke. I shouldn't read so many chat stories before bed, but here I am, listening for scraping and dragging in the middle of the night. 

Teke-Teke is a Japanese urban legend about a young girl who turned into a vengeful spirit after falling, or in some stories being pushed, down onto railroad tracks where she was then split in two by an oncoming train. Now, she uses her elbow and claw-like hands to scrape her upper body around town making the notorious teke-teke sounds. Lurking around the train station at night, Teke-Teke seeks revenge on anyone who crosses her path by slicing them in half with a scythe. Oh, and no matter what you do or how fast you run, nothing and no one can escape her wrath. If you thought doing it all in heels was bad, this girl does it all with no l

Open Day 13: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 都市伝説 (としでんせつ, toshi densetsu) - Urban legend
2. 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yūrei) - Ghost
3. 復讐 (ふくしゅう, fukushū) - Revenge
4. 少女 (しょうじょ, shōjo) - Young girl
5. 列車 (れっしゃ, ressha) - Train
6. 夜 (よる, yoru) - Night
7. 音 (おと, oto) - Sound
8. 怖い (こわい, kowai) - Scary
9. 速い (はやい, hayai) - Fast
10. 逃げる (にげる, nigeru) - To escape
11. 切る (きる, kiru) - To cut
12. 助ける (たすける, tasukeru) - To help
13. 廊下 (ろうか, rōka) - Hallway
14. 半分 (はんぶん, hanbun) - Half
15. 安全 (あんぜん, anzen) - Safety

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's story about Teke-Teke.

• 都市伝説 (としでんせつ, toshi densetsu)

  テケテケは日本の都市伝説です。
  (てけてけはにほんのとしでんせつです。)
  Teke-Teke wa Nihon no toshi densetsu desu.
  Teke-Teke is a Japanese urban legend.
  

• 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yūrei)

  テケテケは怖い幽霊です。
  (てけてけはこわいゆうれいです。)
  Teke-Teke wa kowai yūrei desu.
  Teke-Teke is a scary ghost.
  

• 復讐 (ふくしゅう, fukushū)

  彼女は復讐を求めています。
  (かのじょはふくしゅうをもとめています。)
  Kanojo wa fukushū o motometeimasu.
  She seeks revenge
  

Open Day 14: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Have you ever heard of the concept of wabi-sabi? I’ve been hearing this strange word all over Japan so I finally called Qu and asked what's the big deal about wabi-sabi? Well, believe me, it was pretty life changing. He said wabi-sabi is this Japanese aesthetic that celebrates imperfection and transience. It's all about finding beauty in the natural cycle of growth and decay, embracing the flawed, the worn-out, the weathered. 

I mean, think about it. In a world that's constantly bombarding us with images of perfection and Instagram filters, wabi-sabi is like a breath of fresh air. It's about appreciating the cracks in the sidewalk, the chipped teacup, the wrinkles on your grandma's face. It's about seeing the beauty in the raw and the real. And It's not just about physical imperfections. Wabi-sabi extends to our attitudes and outlook on life too. It's about embracing the ups and downs, the messy moments, the mistakes we make along the way. Because let's face it, life isn't perfect, and tryi

Open Day 14: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 美 (び, bi) - Beauty
2. 不完全 (ふかんぜん, fukanzen) - Imperfection
3. 一時的 (いちじてき, ichijiteki) - Transient
4. 自然 (しぜん, shizen) - Nature
5. 成長 (せいちょう, seichō) - Growth
6. 劣化 (れっか, rekka) - Decay
7. 古い (ふるい, furui) - Old
8. 新しい (あたらしい, atarashii) - New
9. 受け入れる (うけいれる, ukeireru) - To accept
10. 欠点 (けってん, ketten) - Flaw
11. 楽しい (たのしい, tanoshii) - Enjoyable
12. 考え方 (かんがえかた, kangaekata) - Way of thinking
13. 人生 (じんせい, jinsei) - Life
14. 欠ける (かける, kakeru) - To be chipped
15. 練習する (れんしゅうする, renshū suru) - To practice

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 美 (び, bi)

  自然の美を見つけます。
  (しぜんのびをみつけます。)
  Shizen no bi o mitsukemasu.
  I find beauty in nature.
  

• 不完全 (ふかんぜん, fukanzen)

  不完全な物が好きです。
  (ふかんぜんなものがすきです。)
  Fukanzen na mono ga suki desu.
  I like imperfect things.
  

• 一時的 (いちじてき, ichijiteki)

  一時的な美しさ。
  (いちじてきなうつくし
  

Open Day 15: Maria's Diary

Maria: I found more ruins to explore. 

Qu: Where?

Maria: Have you heard of the Nakagusuku Hotel Ruins

Qu: No, what are they? 

Maria: It's an abandoned, never finished hotel. Some guy in the 1970 bought the land to build this massive hotel, but local legend has it that the land was cursed - the site was near sacred burial grounds and an ancient castle. So, when workers reported strange accidents and ghost sightings, the owner, convinced he could complete the project, pressed on.

Qu: Did they ever finish the hotel?

Maria: No, they didn't. The owner even stayed in the unfinished hotel to prove it was safe, but even he couldn’t make it. Eventually, construction stopped, and the site was abandoned. Now, it's one of Japan's most haunted locations.

Qu: Wow, that's creepy. So, what was it like when you visited?

Maria: SCARY

Maria: But I went during the daytime so it was actually a little pretty. The ruins kind of look like temples, not a hotel. 

Qu: Did you experience anything unusual?

Open Day 15: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 遺跡 (いせき, iseki) - Ruins
2. ホテル (ほてる, hoteru) - Hotel
3. 建設 (けんせつ, kensetsu) - Construction
4. 呪われる (のろわれる, norowareru) - To be cursed
5. 墓地 (ぼち, bochi) - Burial ground
6. 城 (しろ, shiro) - Castle
7. 事故 (じこ, jiko) - Accident
8. 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yūrei) - Ghost
9. 所有者 (しょゆうしゃ, shoyūsha) - Owner
10. 昼間 (ひるま, hiruma) - Daytime
11. 夜 (よる, yoru) - Night
12. 恐い (こわい, kowai) - Scary
13. 美しい (うつくしい, utsukushii) - Beautiful
14. 体験する (たいけんする, taiken suru) - To experience
15. 見られる (みられる, mirareru) - To be seen

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria and Qu's conversation about the Nakagusuku Hotel Ruins.

• 遺跡 (いせき, iseki)

  中城ホテルの遺跡を探検しました。
  (なかぐすくほてるのいせきをたんけんしました。)
  Nakagusuku hoteru no iseki o tanken shimashita.
  I explored the Nakagusuku Hotel ruins.
  

• ホテル (ほてる, hoteru)

  そのホテルは完成しませんでした。
  (そのほてるはかんせいしませんでした。)
  Sono hoteru wa kansei shimasen deshita.
  The hotel was never finished.
  

• 建設 (けんせつ, kensetsu)

  ホテルの建
  

Open Day 16: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary,

Japan seems to have a ridiculous amount of festivals. I just heard about a festival called Gion Matsuri, or the festival of Yasaka Shrine, and it is one of the most popular festivals in Japan. It basically makes Coachella seem like a backyard barbeque. The whole city is alive with energy, with people dressed in traditional yukatas, dancing, singing, and just having the time of their lives. It's like the entire city is one big party, and everyone's invited!

So, apparently, this festival dates back over a thousand years, can you believe it? Back in the day, it all started as a religious ceremony to appease the gods during an epidemic. They paraded through the streets with sacred floats called "yamaboko" to pray for good health. These massive, ornate structures adorned with intricate designs and decorations are truly a sight to behold. Each one tells a different story and represents a different aspect of Japanese folklore and history. It's like watching art come to life right before your eyes.

Open Day 16: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 祭り (まつり, matsuri) - Festival
2. 神社 (じんじゃ, jinja) - Shrine
3. 人 (ひと, hito) - Person/People
4. 踊る (おどる, odoru) - To dance
5. 歌う (うたう, utau) - To sing
6. 浴衣 (ゆかた, yukata) - Yukata
7. 町 (まち, machi) - City/Town
8. 伝統 (でんとう, dentō) - Tradition
9. 山鉾 (やまぼこ, yamaboko) - Festival float
10. 歴史 (れきし, rekishi) - History
11. 健康 (けんこう, kenkō) - Health
12. 装飾 (そうしょく, sōshoku) - Decoration
13. 暑い (あつい, atsui) - Hot
14. 見る (みる, miru) - To see
15. 楽しむ (たのしむ, tanoshimu) - To enjoy

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 祭り (まつり, matsuri)

  祭りに行きます。
  (まつりにいきます。)
  Matsuri ni ikimasu.
  I go to the festival.
  

• 神社 (じんじゃ, jinja)

  神社を訪れます。
  (じんじゃをおとずれます。)
  Jinja o otozuremasu.
  I visit a shrine.
  

• 人 (ひと, hito)

  たくさんの人がいます。
  (たくさんのひとがいます。)
  Takusan no hito ga imasu.
  There are many people.
  

• 踊る (おどる, odoru)

  みんなで踊ります。
  (みんなでおどります。)
  Minna de odorimasu.
  Everyone dances together.
  

Open Day 17: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Today I learned about the art of Kintsugi. Let me show you how I learned: 

Step 1:

Accidentally drop your phone on the floor. Bend and snap right into the delicate, white vase at your friend’s parents house after they kindly invite you for dinner. 

Step 2:

Apologize profusely and help pick up the pieces. Bonus points if you don't cut your fingers. 

Step 3:

Offer them money or to replace the vase, but end up offending everyone. Repeat Step 2. 

Step 4:

Wait at the kitchen table while your friends parents’ set up an intricate looking repair kit. Don't touch the broken vase pieces, epoxy, small brushes, or gold powder until further instructed. 

Step 5:

Watch as your friend’s mom mixes a tiny bowl of gold powder and epoxy together while their dad organizes the pieces in a specific pattern that he will not share with you. 

Step 6:

Get ready to hold stuff for a long time. Your friend’s mom will quickly and precisely apply the thick, gold goop to t

Open Day 17: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 金継ぎ (きんつぎ, kintsugi) - Kintsugi (golden joinery)
2. 壊れる (こわれる, kowareru) - To break
3. 花瓶 (かびん, kabin) - Vase
4. 修理 (しゅうり, shūri) - Repair
5. 手伝う (てつだう, tetsudau) - To help
6. 金 (きん, kin) - Gold
7. 粉 (こな, kona) - Powder
8. 接着剤 (せっちゃくざい, secchakuzai) - Adhesive/Glue
9. 美しい (うつくしい, utsukushii) - Beautiful
10. 欠片 (かけら, kakera) - Fragment/Piece
11. 持つ (もつ, motsu) - To hold
12. 感謝する (かんしゃする, kansha suru) - To appreciate
13. 組み立てる (くみたてる, kumitateru) - To assemble
14. 待つ (まつ, matsu) - To wait
15. 壊す (こわす, kowasu) - To break (something)

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 金継ぎ (きんつぎ, kintsugi)

  金継ぎは美しい修理の技術です。
  (きんつぎはうつくしいしゅうりのぎじゅつです。)
  Kintsugi wa utsukushii shūri no gijutsu desu.
  Kintsugi is a beautiful repair technique.
  

• 壊れる (こわれる, kowareru)

  花瓶が壊れました。
  (かびんがこわれました。)
  Kabin ga kowaremashita.
  The vase broke.
  

• 花瓶 (かびん, kabin)

  花瓶を修理します。
  (かびんをしゅうりします。)
  Kabin o shūri sh
  

Open Day 18: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary,

What to do in case of Kuchisake-onna, or the Slit-Mouthed Woman

Step 1:

Carry a piece of fruit on you at all times. Trust me, you will need this later. A banana, an apple, a pear. Anything will do.

Step 2:

Live your life as normal, but watch out for women wearing surgical masks. You never know when Kuchisake-onna will strike, and she likes to blend in with the crowd. So many people wear masks to protect against illness, but our girl uses masks to hide some gruesome face wounds.

Step 3:

Okay, so Kuchisake-onna corners you on your commute home from work. Bummer. She couldn't do this before work? Well, this is not good, but you do have options. First, she is going to ask you if you think she is beautiful. Your options are:

a.) Yes 

b.) No

• Option a: So, you chose to say yes. Congrats you are spared for now.

• Option b: You said no? Would you tell her she looked bad in those jeans too? Anyway, she stabs you to death with a pair of scissors so, you

Open Day 18: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 果物 (くだもの, kudamono) - Fruit
2. 女 (おんな, onna) - Woman
3. マスク (ますく, masuku) - Mask
4. きれい (きれい, kirei) - Beautiful
5. はさみ (はさみ, hasami) - Scissors
6. 口 (くち, kuchi) - Mouth
7. 耳 (みみ, mimi) - Ear
8. 逃げる (にげる, nigeru) - To escape
9. 助ける (たすける, tasukeru) - To help
10. 怖い (こわい, kowai) - Scary
11. 混乱する (こんらんする, konran suru) - To confuse
12. 逃げる (にげる, nigeru) - To run away
13. 普通 (ふつう, futsū) - Average
14. 聞く (きく, kiku) - To ask
15. 答える (こたえる, kotaeru) - To answer

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's story about Kuchisake-onna.

• 果物 (くだもの, kudamono)

  果物を持って行ってください。
  (くだものをもっていってください。)
  Kudamono o motte itte kudasai.
  Please carry a piece of fruit with you.
  

• 女 (おんな, onna)

  口裂け女は怖い女です。
  (くちさけおんなはこわいおんなです。)
  Kuchisake-onna wa kowai onna desu.
  Kuchisake-onna is a scary woman.
  

• マスク (ますく, masuku)

  彼女はマスクを着けています。
  (かのじょはますくをつけています。)
  Kanojo wa masuku o tsuketeimasu.
  She is wearing a mask.
  

Open Day 19: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

When Qu told me about his stay at a Ryokan, or a traditional Japanese inn, I was so jealous. These somewhat elusive inns are like stepping into a time machine and traveling back to ancient Japan. He got the tatami floor with the futon bed, communal baths and hot springs, multi-course meals with seasonal delicacies, you know, the works. So, why wasn't I invited, Qu? 

Anyway, he sent me a list of the best ones, and I’m trying to narrow down which one to go to, but there seem to be some mixed reviews online. First I looked at a Ryokan near Mt Fuji - I figured go big or go home if I’m going to splurge on this experience. So when I started reading reviews to make sure to get the biggest bang for my buck, this was the first one I saw:

I highly recommend paying a little extra for a private bath in your room. This ryokan was beautiful, and they served traditional Japanese course meals. They have tons of amenities like free drinks, ramen, and popsicles. Best birthday I've ever had ❤️5/5

Gr

Open Day 19: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 旅館 (りょかん, ryokan) - Traditional Japanese inn
2. 畳 (たたみ, tatami) - Tatami (straw mat) floor
3. 布団 (ふとん, futon) - Futon bed
4. 温泉 (おんせん, onsen) - Hot spring
5. 料理 (りょうり, ryouri) - Cuisine, meal
6. 季節の (きせつの, kisetsu no) - Seasonal
7. お風呂 (おふろ, ofuro) - Bath
8. 部屋 (へや, heya) - Room
9. 美しい (うつくしい, utsukushii) - Beautiful
10. 古い (ふるい, furui) - Old
11. 高い (たかい, takai) - Expensive
12. サービス (さーびす, sa-bisu) - Service
13. おもてなし (おもてなし, omotenashi) - Hospitality
14. おすすめ (おすすめ, osusume) - Recommendation
15. 雰囲気 (ふんいき, fun'iki) - Atmosphere

Vocabulary in Context

• 旅館 (りょかん, ryokan)

  旅館に泊まりました。
  (りょかんに とまりました。 )
  Ryokan ni tomarimashita.
  I stayed at a ryokan.
  

• 畳 (たたみ, tatami)

  部屋には畳があります。
  (へやには たたみが あります。 )
  Heya ni wa tatami ga arimasu.
  The room has tatami.
  

• 布団 (ふとん, futon)

  布団で寝ました。
  (ふとんで ねました。 )
  Futon de nemashita.
  I slept on a futon.
  

• 温泉 (おんせん, onsen)

  温泉に入りました。
  (おんせんに はいりました。 )
  Onsen ni hairimashita.
  I entered the h
  

Open Day 20: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Today was a dream come true and so far my favorite day in Japan. I visited Shinjuku Gyoen, one of the best rated Japanese gardens in Tokyo. I spent the entire day slowly wandering, peacefully sitting, and quietly pondering. And I definitely would have stayed the night if that wasn’t considered “illegal.” Anyway, as a nature obsessive I had many things on my list to see: bonsai trees, cherry blossoms, koi ponds, water trickling over stones. I woke up and headed straight to the garden. 

 Bonsai trees are like the overachievers of the plant world. I mean, who knew you could make a whole tree fit in the palm of your hand? It's like they're saying, "Yeah, I could grow tall and majestic like my friends in the forest, but I'd rather just chill here and look cute." And you know what? I respect that.

Then there's the koi pond. Oh boy, those fish are living their best lives. It's like they have a VIP membership to the fanciest spa in town – swimming around like they own the place, flaunting their

Open Day 20: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 庭園 (ていえん, teien) - Garden
2. 盆栽 (ぼんさい, bonsai) - Bonsai Tree
3. 池 (いけ, ike) - Pond
4. 鯉 (こい, koi) - Koi Fish
5. 石 (いし, ishi) - Stone
6. 竹 (たけ, take) - Bamboo
7. 静か (しずか, shizuka) - Quiet/Peaceful
8. 座る (すわる, suwaru) - To sit
9. 歩く (あるく, aruku) - To walk
10. 見る (みる, miru) - To see/watch
11. 聴く (きく, kiku) - To listen
12. 感じる (かんじる, kanjiru) - To feel
13. 美しい (うつくしい, utsukushī) - Beautiful
14. 小さい (ちいさい, chiisai) - Small
15. 大きい (おおきい, ōkii) - Large

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's experience with Japanese gardens.

• 庭園 (ていえん, teien)

  日本の庭園はとても美しいです。
  (にほんのていえんはとてもうつくしいです。)
  Nihon no teien wa totemo utsukushī desu.
  Japanese gardens are very beautiful.
  

• 盆栽 (ぼんさい, bonsai)

  盆栽は小さい木です。
  (ぼんさいはちいさいきです。)
  Bonsai wa chiisai ki desu.
  Bonsai are small trees.
  

• 池 (いけ, ike)

  庭園に大きい池があります。
  (ていえんにおおきいいけがあります。)
  Teien ni ōkii ike ga arimasu.
  There is a large pond in the garden.
  

Open Day 21: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Sometimes you need a staycation on your vacation, you know what I mean? So I decided not to get out of bed today and have a TV/movie binge. As I flipped through the channels, belly full of mango mochi and rice crackers, I first stumbled on a reality show where these adorable toddlers ran errands for their parents. This episode, one kid went to the market for cabbage and brought home lettuce and honestly, it had more drama than Heather’s black eye on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City reunion. On to the next show, Gaki no Tsukai, a Japanese variety show that is basically the original Silent Library. Even in Japanese it was still funnier than SNL. For a while I even bopped to the music on Space Shower TV which was literally just MTV Japanese style. 

But what really got my eyes off the small screen in my hand and onto the big TV screen was this movie called, The Twilight Samurai. It's about this guy, Seibei, who is a terrible Samurai in the eyes of everyone around him - he doesn't dress wel

Open Day 21: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 侍 (さむらい, samurai) - Samurai
2. 刀 (かたな, katana) - Sword
3. 名誉 (めいよ, meiyo) - Honor
4. 義務 (ぎむ, gimu) - Duty
5. 家族 (かぞく, kazoku) - Family
6. 忠誠 (ちゅうせい, chūsei) - Loyalty
7. 戦う (たたかう, tatakau) - To fight
8. 守る (まもる, mamoru) - To protect
9. 生きる (いきる, ikiru) - To live
10. 働く (はたらく, hataraku) - To work
11. 着る (きる, kiru) - To wear
12. 強い (つよい, tsuyoi) - Strong
13. 弱い (よわい, yowai) - Weak
14. 重要 (じゅうよう, jūyō) - Important
15. 伝統 (でんとう, dentō) - Tradition

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's experience watching "The Twilight Samurai" and learning about samurai culture.

• 侍 (さむらい, samurai)

  侍は日本の歴史で重要な役割を果たしました。
  (さむらいはにほんのれきしでじゅうようなやくわりをはたしました。)
  Samurai wa Nihon no rekishi de jūyōna yakuwari o hatashimashita.
  Samurai played an important role in Japanese history.
  

• 刀 (かたな, katana)

  侍は鋼の刀を使います。
  (さむらいははがねのかたなをつかいます。)
  Samurai wa hagane no katana o tsukaimasu.
  Samurai use steel swords.
  

• 名誉 (めいよ, m

Open Day 22: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Okay, so today I experienced my first Japanese tea ceremony, and let me tell you, it was like stepping into a serene zen garden... until I almost knocked over the damn tea bowl. Yep, me, the queen of graceful composure, almost ruined centuries of tradition in one clumsy move. So instead of telling you all about the wonderful experience I had, I’m going to tell you what NOT to do at a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

First off: Do NOT waltz into a Japanese tea ceremony like you own the place. I mean, I'm all for confidence, but there's a fine line between confidence and straight-up wrecking ball behavior. So, when you enter, remember to bow politely, not strut like you're on the catwalk and looking around going, “wow this place is so nice!”

Secondly, don't even think about pulling out your phone to snap a selfie mid-ceremony. I know, I know, it's tempting to capture the moment for the 'gram, but seriously, nobody wants to see your duck face when they're trying to attain inner peace. Plu

Open Day 22: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 茶道 (さどう, sadō) - Tea ceremony
2. 抹茶 (まっちゃ, matcha) - Green tea (powdered)
3. 茶碗 (ちゃわん, chawan) - Tea bowl
4. 茶筅 (ちゃせん, chasen) - Tea whisk
5. 茶杓 (ちゃしゃく, chashaku) - Tea scoop
6. 畳 (たたみ, tatami) - Tatami mat
7. 礼 (れい, rei) - Bow (etiquette)
8. 飲む (のむ, nomu) - To drink
9. 座る (すわる, suwaru) - To sit
10. 立つ (たつ, tatsu) - To stand
11. 置く (おく, oku) - To place
12. 渡す (わたす, watasu) - To hand over
13. 静か (しずか, shizuka) - Quiet
14. 丁寧 (ていねい, teinei) - Polite
15. 美しい (うつくしい, utsukushii) - Beautiful

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's experience at the Japanese tea ceremony.

• 茶道 (さどう, sadō)

  茶道は日本の伝統的な文化です。
  (さどうはにほんのでんとうてきなぶんかです。)
  Sadō wa Nihon no dentōtekina bunka desu.
  The tea ceremony is a traditional Japanese culture.
  

• 抹茶 (まっちゃ, matcha)

  抹茶を飲みます。
  (まっちゃをのみます。)
  Matcha o nomimasu.
  I drink green tea.
  

• 茶碗 (ちゃわん, chawan)

  茶碗を丁寧に持ちます。
  (ちゃわんをていねいにもちます。)
  Chawan o teinei ni mochimasu.
  Ho
  

Open Day 23: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary,

5 Reasons Why the Utsuro-bune Legend is the Ultimate Japanese Mystery

1. The Mystery Girl

Legend has it that in the early 19th century, a peculiar vessel drifted onto the shores of Hitachi province. The boat was unlike anything the locals had ever seen. It was cylindrical, made of a strange material resembling red pine, and had small, round windows all around it. "Utsuro-bune" translates to "hollow ship.”

2. Fisherman's Tale or Alien Invasion?

Alright, buckle up because here comes the plot twist. Legend has it that inside this weird craft was a beautiful woman and she's described as having pale skin, red hair with white streaks, and donning unfamiliar clothes. This strange woman spoke an unfamiliar language and held onto a small box she guarded from anyone who tried to touch it. Some skeptics say it's just a tall tale concocted by bored fishermen. But come on, where's the fun in that?

3. The X-Files of Ancient Japan

Forget your typical murder mysteries, we've go

Open Day 23: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 船 (ふね, fune) - Boat/Ship
2. 伝説 (でんせつ, densetsu) - Legend
3. 女性 (じょせい, josei) - Woman
4. 髪 (かみ, kami) - Hair
5. 不思議 (ふしぎ, fushigi) - Mysterious/Strange
6. 言葉 (ことば, kotoba) - Language
7. 箱 (はこ, hako) - Box
8. 漁師 (りょうし, ryoushi) - Fisherman
9. 海 (うみ, umi) - Sea
10. 村人 (むらびと, murabito) - Villager
11. 来る (くる, kuru) - To come
12. 見る (みる, miru) - To see
13. 話す (はなす, hanasu) - To speak
14. 守る (まもる, mamoru) - To protect
15. 信じる (しんじる, shinjiru) - To believe

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 船 (ふね, fune)

  (その船は不思議な形をしていました。)
  The boat had a mysterious shape.
  

• 伝説 (でんせつ, densetsu)

  (これは日本の古い伝説です。)
  This is an old Japanese legend.
  

• 女性 (じょせい, josei)

  (船の中に不思議な女性がいました。)
  There was a mysterious woman in the boat.
  

• 髪 (かみ, kami)

  (彼女の髪は赤くて白い線がありました。)
  Her hair was red with white streaks.
  

• 不思議 (ふしぎ, fushigi)

  (その出来事はとても不思議です。)
  That event is very mysteriou
  

Open Day 24: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

I couldn’t help but dive deep into understanding the difference between Yurei and Yokai. Let’s break it down, shall we?

Let's start with Yurei. Ah, Yurei, the ghostly apparitions that have haunted the imaginations of the Japanese people for centuries. These ethereal beings are the stuff of legends, drifting through the mortal realm with their pale, translucent forms, haunting visages, and flowing white robes, they are the embodiment of sorrow, longing, and vengeance. They're usually bound to specific locations or objects, and they’re all about that unfinished business. You won’t find them roaming around causing mischief; they're more like the melancholy spirits haunting old houses, graveyards, or even the quiet corners of your mind. Think of them as the emo kids of the spirit world.

What sets Yurei apart from other supernatural entities is their deep-rooted connection to the living world. They linger in the shadows, haunting the places and people associated with their past lives, seeking

Open Day 24: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yūrei) - Yurei (Ghost)
2. 妖怪 (ようかい, yōkai) - Yokai (Supernatural creature)
3. 亡霊 (ぼうれい, bōrei) - Spirit
4. 悲しみ (かなしみ, kanashimi) - Sorrow
5. 復讐 (ふくしゅう, fukushū) - Revenge
6. 遊び (あそび, asobi) - Play/Mischief
7. 感情 (かんじょう, kanjō) - Emotion
8. 場所 (ばしょ, basho) - Place
9. 物語 (ものがたり, monogatari) - Story
10. 古い (ふるい, furui) - Old
11. 新しい (あたらしい, atarashii) - New
12. 人間 (にんげん, ningen) - Human
13. 姿 (すがた, sugata) - Form
14. 関係 (かんけい, kankei) - Relationship
15. 影響 (えいきょう, eikyō) - Influence

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yūrei)

  幽霊は古い家に住んでいます。
  (ゆうれいはふるいいえにすんでいます。)
  Yūrei wa furui ie ni sundeimasu.
  Yurei live in old houses.
  

• 妖怪 (ようかい, yōkai)

  妖怪は人々を怖がらせます。
  (ようかいはひとびとをこわがらせます。)
  Yōkai wa hitobito o kowagarasemasu.
  Yokai scare people.
  

• 亡霊 (ぼうれい, bōrei)

  幽霊は亡霊の一種です。
  (ゆうれいはぼうれいのいっしゅです。)
  Yūrei wa bōrei no isshu desu.
  Yurei are a type of spirit.
  

Open Day 25: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary,

I’m always looking for ways to be more creative and when I learned about Shodo, or Japanese calligraphy, I knew I needed to take a class and experience the real thing instead of doodling on the calligraphy sets in Barnes and Noble. Shodo is not just about dipping a brush in ink and going wild on a piece of paper. Oh no, it's a whole spiritual journey.

So there I was, sitting cross-legged in the studio, feeling like a character straight out of a Haruki Murakami novel. The instructor, a serene-looking sensei, showed us the basics of holding the brush and controlling our breathing. I'm pretty sure I looked like a baby giraffe trying to walk for the first time, but hey, I was determined.

As I dipped my brush into the ink, I felt this wave of calm wash over me. It was like all my worries and anxieties just disappeared, leaving only me and the paper in front of me. I tried to write my name in Japanese characters, I attempted the few kanji I knew, and let's just say it resembled more of a Picass

Open Day 25: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 書道 (しょどう, shodō) - Calligraphy
2. 筆 (ふで, fude) - Brush
3. 墨 (すみ, sumi) - Ink
4. 紙 (かみ, kami) - Paper
5. 文字 (もじ, moji) - Character
6. 漢字 (かんじ, kanji) - Kanji
7. 先生 (せんせい, sensei) - Teacher 8.書く (かく, kaku) - To write
8. 練習する (れんしゅうする, renshū suru) - To practice
9. 落ち着く (おちつく, ochitsuku) - To calm down
10. 呼吸する (こきゅうする, kokyū suru) - To breathe
11. 失敗する (しっぱいする, shippai suru) - To fail
12. 成功する (せいこうする, seikō suru) - To succeed
13. 楽しい (たのしい, tanoshii) - Fun
14. 芸術 (げいじゅつ, geijutsu) - Art

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's experience with Shodo.

• 書道 (しょどう, shodō)

  書道を習いました。
  (しょどうをならいました。)
  Shodō o naraimashita.
  I learned calligraphy.
  

• 筆 (ふで, fude)

  筆を使います。
  (ふでをつかいます。)
  Fude o tsukaimasu.
  Use a brush.
  

• 墨 (すみ, sumi)

  墨を紙に書きます。
  (すみをかみにかきます。)
  Sumi o kami ni kakimasu.
  Write on paper with ink.
  

• 紙 (かみ, kami)

  紙に文字を書きます。
  (かみにもじをかきます。)
  Kami ni moji o kakimasu.
  Wri
  

Open Day 26: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Have you heard of the legend of Yuki-onna? Yuki-onna is this mystical being from Japanese folklore, and get this, she’s like this enchanting snow spirit who’s both breathtakingly beautiful and absolutely chilling. She is unnaturally pale, has long black hair, wears a white kimono and seemingly blends in with the snow. Legend has it, Yuki-onna appears on snowy nights, gliding through the icy landscapes with an otherworldly grace that could rival any runway model. 

But here’s the twist - despite her frosty exterior, she’s got a heart, and she’s not afraid to fall in love. Yup, even snow spirits catch feelings. If she finds you especially good looking, like really-really-ridiculously-Blue-Steel type of good looking, then she will spare you, make you promise to keep your experience a secret and then watch you 24/7 to make sure you don’t spill. Oh, and if you do tell anyone your deepest secret, she instantly kills you. It's romantic in a psychotic kind of way.

And how does she kill you, you a

Open Day 26: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 雪女 (ゆきおんな, yuki-onna) - Snow Woman
2. 伝説 (でんせつ, densetsu) - Legend
3. 美しい (うつくしい, utsukushii) - Beautiful
4. 恐ろしい (おそろしい, osoroshii) - Terrifying
5. 雪 (ゆき, yuki) - Snow
6. 冬 (ふゆ, fuyu) - Winter
7. 髪 (かみ, kami) - Hair
8. 着物 (きもの, kimono) - Kimono
9. 約束 (やくそく, yakusoku) - Promise
10. 秘密 (ひみつ, himitsu) - Secret
11. 息 (いき, iki) - Breath
12. 殺す (ころす, korosu) - To kill
13. 凍る (こおる, kooru) - To freeze
14. 愛 (あい, ai) - Love
15. 女王 (じょおう, joō) - Queen

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's story about Yuki-onna.

• 雪女 (ゆきおんな, yuki-onna)

  雪女は美しいです。
  (ゆきおんなはうつくしいです。)
  Yuki-onna wa utsukushii desu.
  The Snow Woman is beautiful.
  

• 伝説 (でんせつ, densetsu)

  彼女は伝説の存在です。
  (かのじょはでんせつのそんざいです。)
  Kanojo wa densetsu no sonzai desu.
  She is a legendary being.
  

• 美しい (うつくしい, utsukushii)

  雪女は美しいけど、恐ろしいです。
  (ゆきおんなはうつくしいけど、おそろしいです。)
  Yuki-onna wa utsukushii kedo, osoroshii desu.
  The Snow Woman is beautiful but 
  

Open Day 27: Maria's Diary

Qu: Hey! I saw you went to Hashima Island. How was it?

Maria: Crazy! They call it Battleship Island because from afar, it looks like a warship stranded in the sea and it kind of felt like it too. 

Qu: How so? 

Maria: The island is surrounded by huge walls and it's not like a sandy beach resort, its surrounding walls are concrete right up against the open ocean. 

Qu: That sounds pretty cool, but if it's not a beach island what is it?

Maria: It used to be a mining town and thousands of people lived there and it was one of the most densely populated places on earth. But once the mines shut down the island was completely abandoned.

Qu: That’s eerie. What’s it like now?

Maria: Its like completely crumbling and rusted over. It really was like walking through a ghost town that was frozen in time. 

Qu: Did you see any ghosts?

Maria: Ha! No, unfortunately not. But it wasn’t all adventure. Its pretty scary to think about the loss. 

Qu: That sounds intense. Did you explore the whole island?

Open Day 27: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 島 (しま, shima) - Island
2. 鉱山 (こうざん, kōzan) - Mine
3. 町 (まち, machi) - Town
4. 人口 (じんこう, jinkō) - Population
5. 廃墟 (はいきょ, haikyo) - Ruins
6. 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yūrei) - Ghost
7. 壁 (かべ, kabe) - Wall
8. 建物 (たてもの, tatemono) - Building
9. 劇場 (げきじょう, gekijō) - Theater
10. 探検する (たんけんする, tanken suru) - To explore
11. 放棄する (ほうきする, hōki suru) - To abandon
12. 崩壊する (ほうかいする, hōkai suru) - To collapse
13. 冒険 (ぼうけん, bōken) - Adventure
14. 怖い (こわい, kowai) - Scary
15. 思い出 (おもいで, omoide) - Memory

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria and Qu's conversation about Hashima Island.

• 島 (しま, shima)

  端島はとても有名な島です。
  (はしまはとてもゆうめいなしまです。)
  Hashima wa totemo yūmei na shima desu.
  Hashima is a very famous island.
  

• 鉱山 (こうざん, kōzan)

  端島には昔、大きな鉱山がありました。
  (はしまにはむかし、おおきなこうざんがありました。)
  Hashima ni wa mukashi, ōkina kōzan ga arimashita.
  There used to be a big mine on Hashima.
  

• 町 (まち, machi)

  端島はかつてにぎやかな町でした。
  (はしまはかつてにぎやかなまちでした。)
  

Open Day 28: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary,

Okay, so I just finished watching "Spirited Away" for the umpteenth time, and can I just say, this faceless spirit or, Noppera-bō, is where it's at. The main character, Chihiro, or Sen, is wandering around this eerie, deserted bathhouse, right? And suddenly, she bumps into this totally creepy dude with a blank face. Like, how nightmare-inducing is that? But here's the kicker, he's not even trying to be scary. He's just chilling there, being all mysterious and enigmatic. And the way he just appears out of nowhere? Classic Noppera-bō move. Like, no warning, no heads-up (pun totally intended), just bam! He's there, and you're left questioning reality. Honestly, I'd probably drop my bath token and run for the hills if I ever encountered him in real life.

But you know what's wild? Despite his freaky appearance, there's this weird sense of calm around him. Like, yeah, he's unsettling as heck, but there's something oddly serene about his vibe. Maybe it's the whole "face your fears" thing that Miyaz

Open Day 28: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 顔 (かお, kao) - Face
2. 風呂屋 (ふろや, furoya) - Bathhouse
3. 霊 (れい, rei) - Spirit
4. 怖い (こわい, kowai) - Scary
5. 静か (しずか, shizuka) - Quiet/Serene
6. 現れる (あらわれる, arawareru) - To appear
7. 消える (きえる, kieru) - To disappear
8. 歩く (あるく, aruku) - To walk
9. 走る (はしる, hashiru) - To run
10. 守る (まもる, mamoru) - To protect
11. 神秘的 (しんぴてき, shinpiteki) - Mysterious
12. 失う (うしなう, ushinau) - To lose
13. 見る (みる, miru) - To see
14. 話す (はなす, hanasu) - To speak
15. 背後 (はいご, haigo) - Background

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's story about Noppera-bō.

• 顔 (かお, kao)

  Noppera-bōには顔がありません。
  (Noppera-bōにはかおがありません。)
  Noppera-bō ni wa kao ga arimasen.
  Noppera-bō does not have a face.
  

• 風呂屋 (ふろや, furoya)

  千尋は風呂屋で働いています。
  (ちひろはふろやではたらいています。)
  Chihiro wa furoya de hataraiteimasu.
  Chihiro works in the bathhouse.
  

• 霊 (れい, rei)

  Noppera-bōは霊の一種です。
  (Noppera-bōはれいのいっしゅです。)
  Noppera-bō wa rei no isshu desu.
  Noppera-bō
  

Open Day 29: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

I’m coming to you in a time of need; I finished my show and now I’m depressed. This happens to me often with book characters and movie franchises, but Aya from the show Tokyo Girl has completely stolen my heart. She's just a girl from Akita with big dreams of living her best life in Tokyo and what's more relatable than that? The show isn't exactly new, airing in 2018, but when I stumbled upon it, it felt timeless. 

Tokyo Girl follows Aya, a 23 year old woman from a small town who dreams of making it big in the city. When she moves to Tokyo and gets a job, she starts to wonder what type of life she wants to live. Does she want to be a career driven woman? Start a family? A mix of both? With only eleven episodes in the entire show, we get to see Aya struggle with life choices and how to find happiness when the world around you changes so fast while we, the viewer, get to struggle with less than 6 actual hours of content. One quick binge and it's all over. 

But Tokyo Girl isn't just about a

Open Day 29: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 東京 (とうきょう, Tōkyō) - Tokyo
2. 少女 (しょうじょ, shōjo) - Girl
3. 夢 (ゆめ, yume) - Dream
4. 仕事 (しごと, shigoto) - Job
5. 人生 (じんせい, jinsei) - Life
6. 選択 (せんたく, sentaku) - Choice
7. 幸せ (しあわせ, shiawase) - Happiness
8. 変わる (かわる, kawaru) - To change
9. 離婚 (りこん, rikon) - Divorce
10. 視聴 (しちょう, shichō) - Viewing
11. キャリア (きゃりあ, kyaria) - Career
12. 家族 (かぞく, kazoku) - Family
13. 成長 (せいちょう, seichō) - Growth
14. 時間 (じかん, jikan) - Time
15. 感動する (かんどうする, kandō suru) - To be moved/touched

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's experience with the show "Tokyo Girl."

• 東京 (とうきょう, Tōkyō)

  東京は大きな都市です。
  (とうきょうはおおきなとしです。)
  Tōkyō wa ōkina toshi desu.
  Tokyo is a big city.
  

• 少女 (しょうじょ, shōjo)

  主人公は秋田から来た少女です。
  (しゅじんこうはあきたからきたしょうじょです。)
  Shujinkō wa Akita kara kita shōjo desu.
  The main character is a girl from Akita.
  

• 夢 (ゆめ, yume)

  彼女の夢は東京で成功することです。
  (かのじょのゆめはとうきょうでせいこうすることです。)
  Kanojo no yume wa Tōkyō de seikō suru k
  

Open Day 30: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Today I was equally delighted and horrified to learn about a slightly more friendly Yokai, Tsukumogami. These spirits inhabit objects, specifically useful tools, once they reach 100 years old and the folklore serves as a lesson in both respecting your personal objects and incentive to clean out your closets. Trust me, you don't want to be a hoarder in Japan. 

There are two schools of thought on these spirits - they are either mischievous little pranksters, or just evil. Basically, when your typical cheese grater reaches 100 it will continue to grate your parm or the block of cheddar, but it might also hide all your spoons. So fun! I mean, I’m a little confused how people hold onto these objects for so long, but maybe that's my modern western lizard brain. But there are other people who believe these spirits might be a little more evil than the cute spoon game. The spirits trying to inhabit these objects are dangerous, so at 99 they throw the objects out or burn them. It really puts the pres

Open Day 30: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 妖怪 (ようかい, yōkai) - Spirit/Monster
2. 道具 (どうぐ, dōgu) - Tool
3. 百 (ひゃく, hyaku) - Hundred
4. 年 (ねん, nen) - Year
5. 物 (もの, mono) - Object
6. 家 (いえ, ie) - House
7. 捨てる (すてる, suteru) - To throw away
8. 燃やす (もやす, moyasu) - To burn
9. 掃除 (そうじ, sōji) - Cleaning
10. 怖い (こわい, kowai) - Scary
11. 楽しい (たのしい, tanoshii) - Fun
12. 古い (ふるい, furui) - Old
13. いたずら (いたずら, itazura) - Mischief
14. 危ない (あぶない, abunai) - Dangerous
15. グレーチャー (ぐれーちゃー, gurēchā) - Grater

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 妖怪 (ようかい, yōkai)

  妖怪の話を聞きました。
  (ようかいのはなしをききました。)
  Yōkai no hanashi o kikimashita.
  I heard a story about a spirit.
  

• 道具 (どうぐ, dōgu)

  古い道具を大切にします。
  (ふるいどうぐをたいせつにします。)
  Furui dōgu o taisetsu ni shimasu.
  I cherish old tools.
  

• 百 (ひゃく, hyaku)

  百年後に道具が妖怪になります。
  (ひゃくねんごにどうぐがようかいになります。)
  Hyaku nengo ni dōgu ga yōkai ni narimasu.
  After one hundred years, tools become spirits.
  

• 年 (ねん, nen

Open Day 31: Maria's Diary

Maria’s Top 5 Finds at Japan’s 7-Eleven

Alcohol and Hangover Relief

7-Eleven is typically the place I crawl into for gatorade after a night of drinking way too much alcohol. In Japan, I can do both. Selling both alcohol and hangover pills, why bother to go anywhere else? Yes, in Japan you can get alcohol from 7-Eleven and it even comes in a juice box. But don't worry, if you need to get up early the next day, they have hangover pills, drinks, powders, gels, and all kinds of over the counter cures. 

Breakfast on the go

Why bother with a hotel breakfast when you can grab a nutritious and delicious morning meal at 7-Eleven? Their selection includes fresh fruit, hot pancakes, freshly brewed coffee and lattes, yogurt, and more. It's like having a hotel buffet at your fingertips. 

Onigiri

Onigiri, those delightful little triangles of rice wrapped in seaweed and filled with tasty ingredients, are a must-try. They're the perfect snack, costing around $1 each, and you can even heat th

Open Day 31: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. コンビニ (こんびに, konbini) - Convenience store
2. お酒 (おさけ, osake) - Alcohol
3. 朝ご飯 (あさごはん, asagohan) - Breakfast
4. おにぎり (おにぎり, onigiri) - Rice ball
5. 弁当 (べんとう, bentō) - Bento box
6. お菓子 (おかし, okashi) - Sweets/snacks
7. ジュース (じゅーす, jūsu) - Juice
8. 果物 (くだもの, kudamono) - Fruit
9. パンケーキ (ぱんけーき, pankēki) - Pancake
10. コーヒー (こーひー, kōhī) - Coffee
11. ヨーグルト (よーぐると, yōguruto) - Yogurt
12. カレー (かれー, karē) - Curry
13. ラーメン (らーめん, rāmen) - Ramen
14. そば (そば, soba) - Soba (buckwheat noodles)
15. 卵 (たまご, tamago) - Egg

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences related to Maria's top 5 finds at 7-Eleven.

Discussing Convenience Store Finds

• コンビニ (こんびに, konbini)

  日本のコンビニはとても便利です。
  (にほん の こんびに は とても べんり です。)
  Nihon no konbini wa totemo benri desu.
  Convenience stores in Japan are very convenient.
  

• お酒 (おさけ, osake)

  7-イレブンでお酒を買えます。
  (7-いれぶん で おさけ を かえます。)
  Sebun-Irebun de osake o kaemasu.
  You can buy alcohol at 7-Eleven.
  

• 朝ご飯 (

Open Day 32: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary,

I hope you're not planning on taking us on any cruises or yacht tours, Diary, because after learning about the legend of the Umibozu, I will never set foot on a boat again. First of all, I don’t even like being out on the ocean to begin with - it's scary, there's fish and other strange creatures, and I don't want to be hanging off the edge of the yacht, green with seasickness. And the second most important thing - Umibozu, or sea priest, who haunts the depths of the sea. 

Umibozu isn't just some mindless monster wreaking havoc for the fun of it. Nah, it's got a whole backstory, complete with tragic origins and a hint of redemption. Legend has it that Umibozu used to be a wicked priest who got punished for his sins by being cast into the sea. Now he's out there, haunting sailors and causing mischief in the most dramatic way possible. Taking the form of a giant, black, featureless head, Umibozu sneaks up on sailing ships in the middle of the night and destroys them.

Like many other legends

Open Day 32: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 海 (うみ, umi) - Sea/Ocean
2. 船 (ふね, fune) - Boat/Ship
3. 怖い (こわい, kowai) - Scary
4. 伝説 (でんせつ, densetsu) - Legend
5. 怪物 (かいぶつ, kaibutsu) - Monster
6. 坊主 (ぼうず, bōzu) - Priest/Monk
7. 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yūrei) - Ghost
8. 夜 (よる, yoru) - Night
9. 黒い (くろい, kuroi) - Black
10. 頭 (あたま, atama) - Head 11.頼む (たのむ, tanomu) - To ask
11. 樽 (たる, taru) - Barrel
12. 逃げる (にげる, nigeru) - To escape
13. 船酔い (ふなよい, funayoi) - Seasickness
14. 安全 (あんぜん, anzen) - Safe

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 海 (うみ, umi)

  海は怖いです。
  (うみはこわいです。)
  Umi wa kowai desu.
  The sea is scary.
  

• 船 (ふね, fune)

  船に乗りたくないです。
  (ふねにのりたくないです。)
  Fune ni noritakunai desu.
  I don't want to ride a boat.
  

• 怖い (こわい, kowai)

  怪物は怖いです。
  (かいぶつはこわいです。)
  Kaibutsu wa kowai desu.
  The monster is scary.
  

• 伝説 (でんせつ, densetsu)

  伝説の幽霊を聞きました。
  (でんせつのゆうれいをききました。)
  Densetsu no yūrei o kikimashita.
  I heard about the legendary ghost.
  `
  

Open Day 33: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Its moments like this one, snuggled in the hotel bed after a long day of exploring Tokyo and chasing adventures that I truly consider if it's worth getting on a plane and flying home. How hard could it be to move to this magical, robotic land? 

I was so exhausted from walking around all day, I came back to the hotel, crashed into a 2 hour nap, then woke up hungry and lazy. I could have walked out the door and gotten ramen from the vending machines, but my gut was telling me I needed to stay in a horizontal position.

Naturally, I  went on UberEats and ordered enough food to get three sets of chopsticks included. It's for leftovers, I swear. In bed, I watched the delivery progress on my phone when suddenly, an alert let me know the delivery was at my door. I threw on some acceptable clothes, opened the door, and was greeted by a tiny green robot on wheels.

“Did you take the elevator?” I asked. It didn't respond, but prompted me to open the compartment on the top and take my food. I wasn

Open Day 33: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. ホテル (ほてる, hoteru) - Hotel
2. 配達 (はいたつ, haitatsu) - Delivery
3. 注文 (ちゅうもん, chūmon) - Order
4. 料理 (りょうり, ryōri) - Food
5. ロボット (ろぼっと, robotto) - Robot
6. ベッド (べっど, beddo) - Bed
7. 電話 (でんわ, denwa) - Phone
8. エレベーター (えれべーたー, erebētā) - Elevator
9. 玄関 (げんかん, genkan) - Entrance
10. 袋 (ふくろ, fukuro) - Bag
11. 箸 (はし, hashi) - Chopsticks
12. 冷たい (つめたい, tsumetai) - Cold
13. 暖かい (あたたかい, atatakai) - Warm
14. 歩く (あるく, aruku) - To walk
15. 食べる (たべる, taberu) - To eat

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• ホテル (ほてる, hoteru)

  ホテルでUberEatsを注文しました。
  (ほてるでUberEatsをちゅうもんしました。)
  Hoteru de UberEats o chūmon shimashita.
  I ordered UberEats at the hotel.
  

• 配達 (はいたつ, haitatsu)

  ロボットが料理を配達しました。
  (ろぼっとがりょうりをはいたつしました。)
  Robotto ga ryōri o haitatsu shimashita.
  A robot delivered the food.
  

• 注文 (ちゅうもん, chūmon)

  たくさんの料理を注文しました。
  (たくさんのりょうりをちゅうもんしました。)
  Takusan no ryōri o chūmon shimashita.
  I ordered 
  

Open Day 34: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary,

Today, I went down a rabbit hole of Japanese folklore, and let me tell you, it was like falling into a magical world filled with foxes, mischief, and a whole lot of wisdom. So, here’s the tea on Kitsune – the foxy creatures of Japanese mythology. Imagine you are strolling through the serene Japanese countryside, and suddenly, out pops a fox with dazzling fur, staring at you with eyes that seem to hold secrets older than time itself. That’s the Kitsune for you, babe. These foxes are no ordinary critters; they’re shapeshifters, masters of illusion, and can morph into anything – from a beautiful woman to a creepy old man, all with just a flick of their fluffy tails.

But here’s where it gets juicy – Kitsune are known for being cunning tricksters. They love pulling pranks on unsuspecting humans, leading them on wild goose chases or causing mischief just for kicks. But don’t let their playful antics fool you; Kitsune are also steeped in wisdom. Legend has it that the older they get, the wiser they

Open Day 34: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 狐 (きつね, kitsune) - Fox
2. 日本 (にほん, Nihon) - Japan
3. 伝説 (でんせつ, densetsu) - Legend
4. 変身 (へんしん, henshin) - Transformation/Shape-shifting
5. 魔法 (まほう, mahō) - Magic
6. 尻尾 (しっぽ, shippo) - Tail
7. 古い (ふるい, furui) - Old 8.賢い (かしこい, kashikoi) - Wise
8. 遊ぶ (あそぶ, asobu) - To play
9. 恋 (こい, koi) - Love
10. 女性 (じょせい, josei) - Woman
11. 男性 (だんせい, dansei) - Man
12. 九 (きゅう, kyū) - Nine
13. 秘密 (ひみつ, himitsu) - Secret
14. 田舎 (いなか, inaka) - Countryside

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 狐 (きつね, kitsune)

  狐は日本の伝説です。
  (きつねはにほんのでんせつです。)
  Kitsune wa Nihon no densetsu desu.
  Foxes are legends in Japan.
  

• 日本 (にほん, Nihon)

  日本の田舎を歩きます。
  (にほんのいなかをあるきます。)
  Nihon no inaka o arukimasu.
  I walk in the Japanese countryside.
  

• 伝説 (でんせつ, densetsu)

  伝説の狐は変身します。
  (でんせつのきつねはへんしんします。)
  Densetsu no kitsune wa henshin shimasu.
  The legendary fox transforms.
  

• 変身 (へんしん, henshin)

  狐は女性に変身します
  

Open Day 35: Maria's Diary

Maria: Hey Qu, guess what? I just had the best experience!

Qu: What happened?

Maria: I finally rode a Shinkansen in Japan!

Qu: No way! How was it?

Maria: It was absolutely incredible, Qu. I mean, I've heard people rave about it, but experiencing it firsthand was something else entirely.

Qu: I told you! So, what was it like?

Maria: Just getting to the station was an adventure in itself. Tokyo Station is like a mini city, but once I found my way to the Shinkansen platforms, it was like stepping into the future.

Qu: I know, I wish they existed everywhere.

Maria: It was like something out of a sci-fi movie. And when I stepped inside, it was so spacious and clean. I felt like I was in first class on an airplane, but better.

Qu: Nice! What did you think of the speed? Did you feel like you were flying?

Maria: It was faster than I expected, Qu, but I barely even realized we were moving until I looked out the window and saw Tokyo zooming past. And it was quiet. Like, library quiet.

It

Open Day 35: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 新幹線 (しんかんせん, shinkansen) - Shinkansen (bullet train)
2. 駅 (えき, eki) - Station
3. 速い (はやい, hayai) - Fast
4. 静か (しずか, shizuka) - Quiet
5. 旅行 (りょこう, ryokō) - Trip
6. 車内 (しゃない, shanai) - Inside the train
7. 乗る (のる, noru) - To ride
8. 景色 (けしき, keshiki) - Scenery
9. 快適 (かいてき, kaiteki) - Comfortable
10. 切符 (きっぷ, kippu) - Ticket
11. 座席 (ざせき, zaseki) - Seat
12. 到着する (とうちゃくする, tōchaku suru) - To arrive
13. 出発する (しゅっぱつする, shuppatsu suru) - To depart
14. お菓子 (おかし, okashi) - Sweets/snacks
15. 駅弁 (えきべん, ekiben) - Station lunch box

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's Shinkansen experience.

• 新幹線 (しんかんせん, shinkansen)

  新幹線に乗りました。
  (しんかんせんにのりました。)
  Shinkansen ni norimashita.
  I rode the Shinkansen.
  

• 駅 (えき, eki)

  東京駅はとても大きいです。
  (とうきょうえきはとてもおおきいです。)
  Tōkyō-eki wa totemo ōkii desu.
  Tokyo Station is very large.
  

• 速い (はやい, hayai)

  新幹線はとても速いです。
  (しんかんせんはとてもはやいです。)
  Shinkansen wa totemo hayai desu.
  The
  

Open Day 36: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Sometimes Japanese yokai like Yamauba, or the mountain witch, just seem misunderstood. Yamauba is probably a sweet old woman deep down who just wants to take care of the children and live alone in the woods. What's so wrong with that? I mean, sure she might occasionally eat someone or lure lost travelers to their deaths, but after living alone for so long, maybe she just needs a friend. 

The origins of Yamauba are a tale as old as time: exile. These spirits were once women who were either exiled from society for committing crimes, or fleeing that society for “wicked deeds.” I would love to know what some of those deeds were, but I’d have to ask the mountain witch. Anyway, after living off the grid for so long, these women became corrupted and turned into Yamauba spirits that continue to haunt the mountains. She appears as a small, old woman with long white hair and a dirty kimono. She can shapeshift too, into a more aesthetically pleasing woman shape, but once she has tricked you into her t

Open Day 36: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 山姥 (やまうば, yamauba) - Mountain witch
2. 山 (やま, yama) - Mountain
3. 魔女 (まじょ, majo) - Witch
4. 女 (おんな, onna) - Woman
5. 孤独 (こどく, kodoku) - Loneliness
6. 変身 (へんしん, henshin) - Transformation/Shape-shifting
7. 髪 (かみ, kami) - Hair
8. 白い (しろい, shiroi) - White
9. 着物 (きもの, kimono) - Kimono
10. 子供 (こども, kodomo) - Child
11. 助ける (たすける, tasukeru) - To help
12. 怖い (こわい, kowai) - Scary
13. 悪い (わるい, warui) - Bad
14. 昔話 (むかしばなし, mukashibanashi) - Folktale
15. 森 (もり, mori) - Forest

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 山姥 (やまうば, yamauba)

  山姥は山に住んでいます。
  (やまうばはやまにすんでいます。)
  Yamauba wa yama ni sundeimasu.
  The mountain witch lives in the mountains.
  

• 山 (やま, yama)

  山に登ります。
  (やまにのぼります。)
  Yama ni noborimasu.
  I climb the mountain.
  

• 魔女 (まじょ, majo)

  彼女は魔女です。
  (かのじょはまじょです。)
  Kanojo wa majo desu.
  She is a witch.
  

• 女 (おんな, onna)

  その女は山姥です。
  (そのおんなはやまうばです。)
  Sono onna wa yamauba desu.
  

Open Day 37: Maria's Diary

5 Reasons Shirakawa-go is the cutests town in Japan

1. Cultural Preservation

Shirakawa-go is renowned for its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. The village's traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses are carefully maintained to ensure their authenticity. These traditional farmhouses, with steeply sloped thatched roofs resembling praying hands, are the hallmark of Shirakawa-go's charm. The village is home to around 100 of these unique structures, some of which are over 250 years old. This dedication to cultural preservation has earned Shirakawa-go recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and allows you to step back in time and experience rural life as it was centuries ago.

2. Shirakawa-go Light-Up Festival

The Shirakawa-go Light-Up festival is one of the most magical and highly anticipated events in the village, attracting visitors from around the world, and one-upping every Christmas village out there. Sorry Germany, the torch has been passed. Held during select weekends in

Open Day 37: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 村 (むら, mura) - Village
2. 文化 (ぶんか, bunka) - Culture
3. 祭り (まつり, matsuri) - Festival
4. 家 (いえ, ie) - House
5. 保存する (ほぞんする, hozon suru) - To preserve
6. 屋根 (やね, yane) - Roof
7. 雪 (ゆき, yuki) - Snow
8. 季節 (きせつ, kisetsu) - Season
9. 美しい (うつくしい, utsukushii) - Beautiful
10. 観光客 (かんこうきゃく, kankōkyaku) - Tourist
11. 工芸品 (こうげいひん, kōgeihin) - Crafts
12. 写真 (しゃしん, shashin) - Photo
13. 桜 (さくら, sakura) - Cherry Blossom
14. 手作り (てづくり, tedzukuri) - Handmade
15. 山 (やま, yama) - Mountain

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's experience in Shirakawa-go.

• 村 (むら, mura)

  白川郷は美しい村です。
  (しらかわごうはうつくしいむらです。)
  Shirakawa-go wa utsukushii mura desu.
  Shirakawa-go is a beautiful village.
  

• 文化 (ぶんか, bunka)

  この村は伝統的な文化を保存しています。
  (このむらはでんとうてきなぶんかをほぞんしています。)
  Kono mura wa dentō-teki na bunka o hozon shiteimasu.
  This village preserves traditional culture.
  

• 祭り (まつり, matsuri)

  白川郷には有名な祭りがあります。
  (しらかわごうにはゆうめいなまつりがあります。)
  

Open Day 38: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

You know what almost never pops up in Western folklore? Whales. So, when I heard about Bake-kujira I knew I had to dig deeper into the story. Bake-kujira isn't just any old whale. Legend has it that this spectral cetacean glides silently through the night waters covered in seaweed and barnacles. The whale is followed by dying fish and strange, diseased birds. But the twist? Bake-kujira takes the form of a skeleton that glows an eerie yellowed white in the moonlight and haunts the seas like a phantom.

But wait, it gets even more intriguing. This ghostly whale isn't just out for a midnight swim to freak out some sailors. It's said to bring with it a curse or bad luck to the communities it appears before. Imagine waking up to see this majestic, yet terrifying creature emerging from the misty sea, knowing it might be a harbinger of doom. Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it! 

Although the origins of this story are vague, sailors who have survived Bake-kujira attacks report rowing out t

Open Day 38: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 化鯨 (ばけくじら, bake-kujira) - Bake-kujira (Ghost whale)
2. 鯨 (くじら, kujira) - Whale
3. 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yūrei) - Ghost
4. 海 (うみ, umi) - Sea/Ocean
5. 夜 (よる, yoru) - Night
6. 魚 (さかな, sakana) - Fish
7. 鳥 (とり, tori) - Bird
8. 呪い (のろい, noroi) - Curse
9. 悪運 (あくうん, akuun) - Bad luck
10. 骨 (ほね, hone) - Bone/Skeleton 11.光る (ひかる, hikaru) - To shine
11. 病気 (びょうき, byōki) - Disease
12. 恐ろしい (おそろしい, osoroshii) - Terrifying
13. 漁師 (りょうし, ryōshi) - Fisherman
14. 守る (まもる, mamoru) - To protect

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 化鯨 (ばけくじら, bake-kujira)

  化鯨は夜の海に現れます。
  (ばけくじらはよるのうみにあらわれます。)
  Bake-kujira wa yoru no umi ni arawaremasu.
  Bake-kujira appears in the night sea.
  

• 鯨 (くじら, kujira)

  大きな鯨を見ました。
  (おおきなくじらをみました。)
  Ōkina kujira o mimashita.
  I saw a big whale.
  

• 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yūrei)

  幽霊の話を聞きました。
  (ゆうれいのはなしをききました。)
  Yūrei no hanashi o kikimashita.
  I heard a ghost story.
  

• 海 (うみ, umi)

Open Day 39: Maria's Diary

Dear Qu, 

Please receive this postcard as a formal notice to stop sending me chat stories before bed. How many chat stories are too many? The limit does not exist. apparently. If I have to become a Ikiryo, leave my body, and have my spirit travel to you to slap the phone out of your hands, I will. 

ScaredInJapan, 

Maria

Open Day 39: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 生霊 (いきりょう, ikiryō) - Ikiryō (Living spirit)
2. 体 (からだ, karada) - Body
3. 霊 (れい, rei) - Spirit
4. 旅する (たびする, tabi suru) - To travel
5. 怖い (こわい, kowai) - Scary
6. 友達 (ともだち, tomodachi) - Friend
7. 電話 (でんわ, denwa) - Phone
8. 話 (はなし, hanashi) - Story
9. 寝る (ねる, neru) - To sleep
10. 送る (おくる, okuru) - To send
11. 止める (やめる, yameru) - To stop
12. 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yūrei) - Ghost
13. 手 (て, te) - Hand
14. 叩く (たたく, tataku) - To slap
15. 日本 (にほん, Nihon) - Japan

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's postcard entry.

• 生霊 (いきりょう, ikiryō)

  生霊は体を離れます。
  (いきりょうはからだをはなれます。)
  Ikiryō wa karada o hanaremasu.
  The living spirit leaves the body.
  

• 体 (からだ, karada)

  体が疲れています。
  (からだがつかれています。)
  Karada ga tsukareteimasu.
  My body is tired.
  

• 霊 (れい, rei)

  霊が怖いです。
  (れいがこわいです。)
  Rei ga kowai desu.
  Spirits are scary.
  

• 旅する (たびする, tabi suru)

  私の霊が友達に旅します。
  (わたしのれいがともだちにたびします。)
  Watashi no rei ga tomodachi ni tab
  

Open Day 40: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Since landing in Japan I’ve been on a quest to find as many Kit Kat flavors as I can. And I get two of them - one to tear into before leaving the store and the other to save until I get home. Yes, I may need to check another bag (which I will also have to buy) with all the stuff I plan to take home, but Kit Kits are precious cargo and I plan to collect them all, or at least the seasonal varieties available now. 

Anyway, I learned that Kit Kats came to Japan in the 1970s from Nestle, of course, and by the 2000s were gaining a huge amount of attention and popularity. By 2014 they were the number one most bought confection in Japan. Kit Kats. But, it's not just the boring chocolate wafers we all know and love in the rest of the world. In Japan, Kit Kats have over 300 flavors and with their limited edition marketing tactics, they continue to be consumed in mass and appeal to the collectors of the world - me included. And at the time of their growing popularity, one of the most sold flavors was,

Open Day 40: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 味 (あじ, aji) - Flavor
2. お菓子 (おかし, okashi) - Confection/Sweets
3. 種類 (しゅるい, shurui) - Variety/Type
4. 苺 (いちご, ichigo) - Strawberry
5. 抹茶 (まっちゃ, matcha) - Green tea
6. 醤油 (しょうゆ, shōyu) - Soy sauce
7. 買う (かう, kau) - To buy
8. 食べる (たべる, taberu) - To eat
9. 集める (あつめる, atsumeru) - To collect
10. 美味しい (おいしい, oishii) - Delicious
11. 珍しい (めずらしい, mezurashii) - Rare
12. 種類 (しゅるい, shurui) - Type/Variety
13. 季節限定 (きせつげんてい, kisetsu gentei) - Seasonal limited
14. お土産 (おみやげ, omiyage) - Souvenir
15. 味わう (あじわう, ajiwau) - To taste

Vocabulary in Context=

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 味 (あじ, aji)

  キットカットの新しい味を見つけました。
  (きっとかっとのあたらしいあじをみつけました。)
  Kitto Katto no atarashii aji o mitsukemashita.
  I found a new Kit Kat flavor.
  

• お菓子 (おかし, okashi)

  日本のお菓子はとても美味しいです。
  (にほんのおかしはとてもおいしいです。)
  Nihon no okashi wa totemo oishii desu.
  Japanese sweets are very delicious.
  

• 種類 (しゅるい, shurui)

  キットカットにはたくさんの種類があります。
  (きっ
  

Open Day 41: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

We have all pretended to be mermaids before, whether in a pool, a bathtub, or just in our imaginations. When I heard about the Ningyo in Japanese folktales I immediately pictured bright red hair, singing crabs, and a deal with the devil, but that's not exactly what this story is all about, unfortunately. 

A Ningyo is like the lovechild of a fish and a human, with an eerily beautiful face that's a total head-turner. But don’t let its looks deceive you; this aquatic beauty is far from the Little Mermaid and is about 80/20 fish to human. Legends say that consuming its flesh can grant immortality, but it comes with a catch (because when doesn't it?). Anybody who dares to take a bite will be cursed with eternal suffering. Yikes! Talk about a high-stakes sushi roll.

Now, what I find utterly captivating about this tale is the cultural layers and the cautionary essence behind it. Ningyo stories have been circulating in Japan for centuries, warning people about the dangers of greed and the conseq

Open Day 41: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 人魚 (にんぎょ, ningyo) - Ningyo (Mermaid)
2. 魚 (さかな, sakana) - Fish
3. 人間 (にんげん, ningen) - Human
4. 顔 (かお, kao) - Face
5. 不死 (ふし, fushi) - Immortality
6. 苦しみ (くるしみ, kurushimi) - Suffering
7. 食べる (たべる, taberu) - To eat
8. 自然 (しぜん, shizen) - Nature
9. メッセージ (めっせーじ, messēji) - Message
10. 若さ (わかさ, wakasa) - Youth
11. 永遠 (えいえん, eien) - Eternity
12. 欲望 (よくぼう, yokubō) - Desire
13. 警告 (けいこく, keikoku) - Warning
14. 神話 (しんわ, shinwa) - Myth
15. 文化 (ぶんか, bunka) - Culture

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 人魚 (にんぎょ, ningyo)

  日本には人魚の伝説があります。
  (にほんにはにんぎょのでんせつがあります。)
  Nihon ni wa ningyo no densetsu ga arimasu.
  In Japan, there is a legend of mermaids.
  

• 魚 (さかな, sakana)

  人魚は魚と人間の間の存在です。
  (にんぎょはさかなとにんげんのあいだのそんざいです。)
  Ningyo wa sakana to ningen no aida no sonzai desu.
  A mermaid is a being between a fish and a human.
  

• 人間 (にんげん, ningen)

  彼女は美しい人間の顔をしています。
  (かのじょはうつくしいにんげんのかおをしています。)
  Kan
  

Open Day 42: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

5 Reasons why the Tanuki are the best yokai

1. Wait, these are real? 

Yep, Tanuki are a real species of canine often called, racoon dogs. They do look similar to raccoons, but are closer related to dogs. These cute and super fluffy furballs are native to wild Japan and are notoriously shy in real life, unlike their yokai counterparts, who are notoriously charming and mischievous.

2. More famous than Kitsune - almost

The ancient depictions of Tanuki are quite different from their modern depictions in pretty much every way. The ancient canines are drawn to look close to the real animal, but wearing clothes and acting in human-like ways. They were actually pretty close to the Kitsune, or shape-shifting foxes, and had mean, malicious intentions to trick and hurt people. What about modern Tanuki? This guy is a cute, chubby, little creature that you could find outside any shop or restaurant in tons of places in Japan. Slapping its big belly and carring a bottles of alcohol, Tanuk

Open Day 42: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 狸 (たぬき, tanuki) - Tanuki (Raccoon dog)
2. 動物 (どうぶつ, dōbutsu) - Animal
3. 犬 (いぬ, inu) - Dog
4. 伝説 (でんせつ, densetsu) - Legend
5. 変身 (へんしん, henshin) - Transformation/Shape-shifting
6. 腹 (はら, hara) - Belly
7. 精霊 (せいれい, seirei) - Spirit
8. いたずら (いたずら, itazura) - Prank
9. 金 (きん, kin) - Gold
10. 店 (みせ, mise) - Shop
11. 有名 (ゆうめい, yūmei) - Famous
12. かわいい (かわいい, kawaii) - Cute
13. 飲む (のむ, nomu) - To drink
14. 食べる (たべる, taberu) - To eat
15. 楽しむ (たのしむ, tanoshimu) - To enjoy

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 狸 (たぬき, tanuki)

  狸は日本の伝説に登場します。
  (たぬきはにほんのでんせつにとうじょうします。)
  Tanuki wa Nihon no densetsu ni tōjō shimasu.
  Tanuki appear in Japanese legends.
  

• 動物 (どうぶつ, dōbutsu)

  狸は可愛い動物です。
  (たぬきはかわいいどうぶつです。)
  Tanuki wa kawaii dōbutsu desu.
  Tanuki are cute animals.
  

• 犬 (いぬ, inu)

  狸は犬に似ています。
  (たぬきはいぬににています。)
  Tanuki wa inu ni niteimasu.
  Tanuki resemble dogs.
  

• 伝説 (でんせつ, densetsu)

Open Day 43: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Forget everything you know about robots from sci-fi movies where they take over the world. Instead, picture robots as your best friend, your helper, and sometimes even your cute little grandma’s guardian angel. That's Japan for you. Robots are widely integrated into everyday life in Japan, serving many purposes like industrial applications to personal assistance and entertainment.

First of all, let’s talk about the elderly care robots. If my grandma was in Japan, she’d probably have her very own robot butler by now. They remind older folks to take their meds, help them get around, and even keep them company. It's not just practical; it's super heartwarming. I mean, who wouldn’t want a personal robot that’s always got your back, and never gets tired or cranky?

Then there are the companion robots. You know how sometimes you just want to binge-watch a show but also feel kind of lonely? Enter robots like Aibo, the robotic dog. It’s like having a pet but without any of the mess. They’re progr

Open Day 43: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. ロボット (ろぼっと, robotto) - Robot
2. 介護 (かいご, kaigo) - Care, nursing
3. 年寄り (としより, toshiyori) - Elderly person
4. 助ける (たすける, tasukeru) - To help
5. 友達 (ともだち, tomodachi) - Friend
6. 犬 (いぬ, inu) - Dog
7. コーヒー (こーひー, kōhī) - Coffee
8. 注文する (ちゅうもんする, chūmon suru) - To order
9. 配達する (はいたつする, haitatsu suru) - To deliver
10. アパート (あぱーと, apāto) - Apartment
11. 習慣 (しゅうかん, shūkan) - Habit
12. 適応する (てきおうする, tekiō suru) - To adapt
13. おもてなし (おもてなし, omotenashi) - Hospitality
14. 将来 (しょうらい, shōrai) - Future
15. 便利 (べんり, benri) - Convenient

Vocabulary in Context

• ロボット (ろぼっと, robotto)

  ロボットが家事を手伝います。
  (ろぼっとが かじを てつだいます。) 
  Robotto ga kaji o tetsudaimasu.
  A robot helps with household chores.
  

• 介護 (かいご, kaigo)

  介護ロボットはお年寄りを助けます。
  (かいごろぼっとは おとしよりを たすけます。)
  Kaigo robotto wa toshiyori o tasukemasu.
  Care robots help the elderly.
  

• 年寄り (としより, toshiyori)

  年寄りのためのロボットがいます。
  (としよりの ための ろぼっとが います。)
  Toshiyori no tame no robotto ga imasu.
  There are robots 
  

Open Day 44: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

I know I’ve obsessed over ghosts enough on this trip, so I thought I would switch up my somewhat problematic folklore frenzy. 

Oni are towering figures with bulging muscles, skin that's either fiery red, deep blue, or sometimes even a sickly green. Oh, and let's not forget the horns – some have one, others have two, and a few are adorned with multiple horns that could put a reindeer to shame. Their hair is wild, like they've just walked out of a windstorm, and their eyes? Well, some legends say they have multiple eyes or extra fingers. If they were to step onto a modern runway, they'd be avant-garde couture personified. 

Now, personality-wise, Oni are a whole mood. Picture them as the mischievous troublemakers of the spirit world. They love a good prank, whether it's terrifying unsuspecting villagers or causing havoc just for the fun of it. But don't mistake their antics for mere malice; there's depth to these ogres. Some tales depict them as the guardians of hell, tasked with keeping th

Open Day 44: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 鬼 (おに, oni) - Oni (Ogre/Demon)
2. 角 (つの, tsuno) - Horn
3. 肌 (はだ, hada) - Skin
4. 目 (め, me) - Eye
5. 指 (ゆび, yubi) - Finger
6. 赤い (あかい, akai) - Red
7. 青い (あおい, aoi) - Blue
8. 緑 (みどり, midori) - Green
9. 強い (つよい, tsuyoi) - Strong
10. 守る (まもる, mamoru) - To protect
11. 恐ろしい (おそろしい, osoroshii) - Fearsome/Terrifying
12. いたずら (いたずら, itazura) - Prank/Mischief
13. 祭り (まつり, matsuri) - Festival
14. 豆 (まめ, mame) - Bean
15. 幸運 (こううん, kōun) - Good luck

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 鬼 (おに, oni)

  鬼は日本の伝説に登場します。
  (おにはにほんのでんせつにとうじょうします。)
  Oni wa Nihon no densetsu ni tōjō shimasu.
  Oni appear in Japanese legends.
  

• 角 (つの, tsuno)

  鬼は大きな角を持っています。
  (おにはおおきなつのをもっています。)
  Oni wa ōkina tsuno o motteimasu.
  Oni have big horns.
  

• 肌 (はだ, hada)

  鬼の肌は赤いです。
  (おにのはだはあかいです。)
  Oni no hada wa akai desu.
  The Oni's skin is red.
  

• 目 (め, me)

  鬼は三つ目があります。
  (おにはみっつめがあります。)
  Oni wa mittsu m
  

Open Day 45: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Please remind me never to use the bathroom again, okay? Japan might be one of the safest places in the world, but not in the ghost world. You can't even use the bathroom in Japan without the fear of an evil yokai at every corner. Or in this story, in the last stall. Aka Manto, also known as Red Cape, is a Japanese urban legend about a cloaked figure appearing at your most vulnerable - on the toilet with no toilet paper. Yes, this spirit is that petty. And to make matters worse, there's no way out of this one. You can try to confuse this spirit, but once you are trapped in that stall, it's game over.

The story goes like this: you are desperate to find a bathroom and all of the stalls are either clearly clogged or the doors are locked. The only option left is the last stall and you are desperate, so you go in. But then you come to the sudden realization that you have no toilet paper and should have just stayed home today. That's when Aka Manto strikes. The ghost is scary, dressed in all red w

Open Day 45: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 赤マント (あかまんと, Aka Manto) - Aka Manto (Red Cape)
2. トイレ (といれ, toire) - Toilet
3. 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yūrei) - Ghost
4. 紙 (かみ, kami) - Paper
5. 赤い (あかい, akai) - Red
6. 青い (あおい, aoi) - Blue
7. 怖い (こわい, kowai) - Scary
8. 助ける (たすける, tasukeru) - To help
9. 選ぶ (えらぶ, erabu) - To choose
10. 切る (きる, kiru) - To cut
11. 苦しい (くるしい, kurushii) - Painful
12. 最後 (さいご, saigo) - Last
13. 姿 (すがた, sugata) - Figure/Appearance
14. 表情 (ひょうじょう, hyōjō) - Expression
15. 逃げる (にげる, nigeru) - To escape

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 赤マント (あかまんと, Aka Manto)

  赤マントはトイレに現れます。
  (あかまんとはといれにあらわれます。)
  Aka Manto wa toire ni arawaremasu.
  Aka Manto appears in the toilet.
  

• トイレ (といれ, toire)

  トイレで赤マントに会いました。
  (といれであかまんとにあいました。)
  Toire de Aka Manto ni aimashita.
  I met Aka Manto in the toilet.
  

• 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yūrei)

  赤マントは恐ろしい幽霊です。
  (あかまんとはおそろしいゆうれいです。)
  Aka Manto wa osoroshii yūrei desu.
  Aka Manto is a terrifying gh
  

Open Day 46: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

When Qu told me about Inunaki Village, at first I thought, oh how cute a new place for a day trip. Wrong. Inunaki Village is a Japanese urban legend about a hidden town that transports you to a lawless, slightly paranormal world. And worst of all, your phone won’t work. The legend is based on a true crime story that happened in the 1980’s where a group of teenagers killed a man and stole his car. Ever since it is said anyone who passes into this town won't be walking out alive. 

This village isn’t just any old abandoned place; it’s like the Bermuda Triangle of Japan. People have been talking about it for years, and the stories just keep getting weirder and weirder. Apparently, the name "Inunaki" itself is kind of creepy—it translates to "howling" in Japanese. Like, what does that even mean? Are there ghost dogs? Are they howling because they’re ghosts? I have so many questions!

Legend has it that the village was cursed or haunted because of some unspeakable tragedy that happened there. S

Open Day 46: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 犬鳴村 (いぬなきむら, Inunaki-mura) - Inunaki Village
2. 伝説 (でんせつ, densetsu) - Legend
3. 村 (むら, mura) - Village
4. 犯罪 (はんざい, hanzai) - Crime
5. 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yūrei) - Ghost
6. 携帯電話 (けいたいでんわ, keitai denwa) - Cell phone
7. 声 (こえ, koe) - Voice
8. 光 (ひかり, hikari) - Light
9. 存在 (そんざい, sonzai) - Presence
10. 犬 (いぬ, inu) - Dog
11. 恐ろしい (おそろしい, osoroshii) - Frightening
12. 探検 (たんけん, tanken) - Exploration
13. 聞く (きく, kiku) - To hear
14. 見る (みる, miru) - To see
15. 逃げる (にげる, nigeru) - To escape

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 犬鳴村 (いぬなきむら, Inunaki-mura)

  犬鳴村は日本の伝説です。
  (いぬなきむらはにほんのでんせつです。)
  Inunaki-mura wa Nihon no densetsu desu.
  Inunaki Village is a Japanese legend.
  

• 伝説 (でんせつ, densetsu)

  犬鳴村の伝説を知っていますか？
  (いぬなきむらのでんせつをしっていますか？)
  Inunaki-mura no densetsu o shitteimasu ka?
  Do you know the legend of Inunaki Village?
  

• 村 (むら, mura)

  この村は恐ろしいです。
  (このむらはおそろしいです。)
  Kono mura wa osoros
  

Open Day 47: Maria's Diary

Here are the best Japanese candies I ate…so far:

1. Dagashi

Think of Dagashi as the Japanese version of penny candies. These super cheap, small, and often strange candies are a nostalgic part of Japanese life. They come in a variety of shapes and flavors like Shimi Choco corn, Botan Rice candy and an international hit - candy cigarettes. With rainbow wrappers, prizes and mascots, its almost too easy to spend more than a few pennies. 

2. Konpeito

Konpeito are the closest you will get to a REAL Everlasting Gobstopper as you can probably get and with their colorful, bumpy, sugar crusted clusters. They actually look like they might be made of plastic at first, but these sugar bombs are nothing new to Japan. Native Japanese people have been eating Konpeito since the 16th century and even today it is the official  “welcome gift” of the Japanese Imperial Family. 

3. Kasugai gummy candy

Kasugai gummies are the Rolls Royce of gummy candy. Let me gush: first, they smell so good. As

Open Day 47: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 飴 (あめ, ame) - Candy
2. 種類 (しゅるい, shurui) - Variety/Type
3. 安い (やすい, yasui) - Cheap
4. 味 (あじ, aji) - Flavor
5. 甘い (あまい, amai) - Sweet
6. すっぱい (すっぱい, suppai) - Sour
7. しょっぱい (しょっぱい, shoppai) - Salty
8. 古い (ふるい, furui) - Old
9. 色 (いろ, iro) - Color
10. 匂い (におい, nioi) - Smell
11. 果物 (くだもの, kudamono) - Fruit
12. 干す (ほす, hosu) - To dry
13. 食べる (たべる, taberu) - To eat
14. 試す (ためす, tamesu) - To try
15. プレゼント (ぷれぜんと, purezento) - Gift

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 飴 (あめ, ame)

  日本の飴はとても美味しいです。
  (にほんのあめはとてもおいしいです。)
  Nihon no ame wa totemo oishii desu.
  Japanese candy is very delicious.
  

• 種類 (しゅるい, shurui)

  この店にはたくさんの種類の飴があります。
  (このみせにはたくさんのしゅるいのあめがあります。)
  Kono mise ni wa takusan no shurui no ame ga arimasu.
  This store has many varieties of candy.
  

• 安い (やすい, yasui)

  ダガシは安いお菓子です。
  (だがしはやすいおかしです。)
  Dagashi wa yasui okashi desu.
  Dagashi is cheap candy.
  

• 味 (あじ, aji

Open Day 48: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Sometimes something as simple as paper can have an enormous effect on you. I can be a sap when someone gives me a really good, thoughtful gift, but when I learned about Mizuhiki, I saw how things could get a lot more gushy. Mizuhiki is the art of hand tied paper cords that can be symbolic of the gift giver's feelings towards the gift receiver, or as a symbol of good fortune. I can only imagine the tears that would fall if someone handed me a gift and the intricate knot was a symbol of our love. While I wipe the tears away, let me tell you more about it. 

Each Mizuhiki is like a tiny piece of art made of delicate loops and twists, forming intricate patterns that seem to dance across the surface of the paper. Some designs resemble elegant flowers, with petals unfurling in a burst of color. Others mimic the graceful curves of traditional Japanese motifs, like waves or cherry blossoms swaying in the breeze. All of this is done, of course, with nothing but the paper cords themselves. No glue, st

Open Day 48: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 水引 (みずひき, mizuhiki) - Paper cords
2. 贈り物 (おくりもの, okurimono) - Gift
3. 紙 (かみ, kami) - Paper
4. 結び (むすび, musubi) - Knot
5. 色 (いろ, iro) - Color
6. 赤 (あか, aka) - Red
7. 白 (しろ, shiro) - White
8. 金 (きん, kin) - Gold
9. 銀 (ぎん, gin) - Silver
10. 意味 (いみ, imi) - Meaning
11. 喜び (よろこび, yorokobi) - Joy
12. 純粋 (じゅんすい, junsui) - Purity
13. 繁栄 (はんえい, han'ei) - Prosperity
14. 長寿 (ちょうじゅ, chōju) - Longevity
15. 作る (つくる, tsukuru) - To make

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 水引 (みずひき, mizuhiki)

  水引は美しい日本の伝統です。
  (みずひきはうつくしいにほんのでんとうです。)
  Mizuhiki wa utsukushii Nihon no dentō desu.
  Mizuhiki is a beautiful Japanese tradition.
  

• 贈り物 (おくりもの, okurimono)

  友達に贈り物をあげました。
  (ともだちにおくりものをあげました。)
  Tomodachi ni okurimono o agemashita.
  I gave a gift to my friend.
  

• 紙 (かみ, kami)

  水引は紙で作られています。
  (みずひきはかみでつくられています。)
  Mizuhiki wa kami de tsukurareteimasu.
  Mizuhiki is made of paper.
  

• 結び (むすび, mu

Open Day 49: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Okay, so here's the deal: I just experienced the ultimate test of my spatial awareness in Tokyo. Yep, you guessed it—I stayed in a capsule hotel. And let me tell you, it was like sleeping in a cozy little space pod, which is simultaneously cool and slightly claustrophobic.

First off, let's talk aesthetics. The capsule hotel lobby felt like stepping into a futuristic movie set. Everything was sleek and modern, with neon lights guiding the way. It was like I was about to embark on a journey to the stars, except my destination was a snug little capsule.

Now, stepping into my capsule felt like entering a tiny, minimalist sanctuary. Sure, it was snug, but there was something comforting about it. It was like my own little cocoon in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Plus, the capsule had all the essentials—comfy mattress, soft pillow, and a cozy blanket that made me feel like I was wrapped in a warm hug.

But, if I’m being honest, it wasn't all hugs and dreams of butterflies. The space was co

Open Day 49: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. カプセルホテル (かぷせるほてる, kapuseru hoteru) - Capsule hotel
2. 東京 (とうきょう, Tōkyō) - Tokyo
3. 狭い (せまい, semai) - Narrow/Small
4. 部屋 (へや, heya) - Room
5. 布団 (ふとん, futon) - Futon/Bedding
6. 枕 (まくら, makura) - Pillow
7. 毛布 (もうふ, mōfu) - Blanket
8. 宿泊 (しゅくはく, shukuhaku) - Accommodation
9. 快適 (かいてき, kaiteki) - Comfortable
10. 未来的 (みらいてき, miraiteki) - Futuristic
11. 共有 (きょうゆう, kyōyū) - Shared/Common
12. 冒険 (ぼうけん, bōken) - Adventure
13. 最小限 (さいしょうげん, saishōgen) - Minimal
14. 体験 (たいけん, taiken) - Experience
15. 寝る (ねる, neru) - To sleep

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• カプセルホテル (かぷせるほてる, kapuseru hoteru)

  カプセルホテルに泊まりました。
  (かぷせるほてるにとまりました。)
  Kapuseru hoteru ni tomarimashita.
  I stayed in a capsule hotel.
  

• 東京 (とうきょう, Tōkyō)

  東京でカプセルホテルに泊まりました。
  (とうきょうでかぷせるほてるにとまりました。)
  Tōkyō de kapuseru hoteru ni tomarimashita.
  I stayed in a capsule hotel in Tokyo.
  

• 狭い (せまい, semai)

  部屋はとても狭いです。
  (へや
  

Open Day 50: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

I’m a bit of a martial artist back home. I’ve been practicing jiu jitsu for a few years, I've thrown in some Judo practices, a few Muay Thai classes, and some impromptu wrestling from other students. After having dabbled a little with these arts, I knew when I came to Japan, I had to experience something I couldn't get at home: Sumo; and luckily I am here during one of the three tournaments hosted in Ryogoku each year. Ryogoku is the ultimate sumo obsessed town. So much so they built a stadium that can seat over 10,000 people just for sumo tournaments and a museum dedicated to the origins of sumo and how it has grown is literally inside the stadium itself. 

So, I knew I had to get tickets, and boy, was it worth it. Stepping into the stadium was like stepping through time, but was I stepping into the past or the future? The first thing I heard were the beating drums and immediately my heart started to pace with it. The crowd was electric, filled with so much energy it was like entering a bee

Open Day 50: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 相撲 (すもう, sumō) - Sumo
2. 両国国技館 (りょうごくこくぎかん, Ryōgoku Kokugikan) - Sumo stadium
3. 力士 (りきし, rikishi) - Sumo wrestler
4. 試合 (しあい, shiai) - Match
5. 土俵 (どひょう, dohyo) - Sumo ring
6. 観客 (かんきゃく, kankyaku) - Audience
7. 太鼓 (たいこ, taiko) - Drum
8. 伝統 (でんとう, dentō) - Tradition
9. 着物 (きもの, kimono) - Kimono
10. 浴衣 (ゆかた, yukata) - Summer kimono
11. 応援 (おうえん, ōen) - Support/Cheer
12. 準備する (じゅんびする, junbi suru) - To prepare
13. 戦う (たたかう, tatakau) - To fight
14. 勝つ (かつ, katsu) - To win
15. 負ける (まける, makeru) - To lose

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 相撲 (すもう, sumō)

  日本で相撲を見ました。
  (にほんですもうをみました。)
  Nihon de sumō o mimashita.
  I watched sumo in Japan.
  

• 両国国技館 (りょうごくこくぎかん, Ryōgoku Kokugikan)

  両国国技館に行きました。
  (りょうごくこくぎかんにいきました。)
  Ryōgoku Kokugikan ni ikimashita.
  I went to Ryogoku Kokugikan.
  

• 力士 (りきし, rikishi)

  力士は強いです。
  (りきしはつよいです。)
  Rikishi wa tsuyoi desu.
  Sumo wrestlers are strong.
  

Open Day 51: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

I think a lot of us girlies can relate to Futakuchi-onna and her two mouths. I know when I get hangry things can get a little ugly, but at least I only have one mouth to talk back with. Futakuchi-onna? She has two. Twice the hunger, twice the attitude. But it's not her fault, really, because she is technically just a normal girl who has been mysteriously cursed for unknown reasons. Despite the unknown origins of this second mouth, Futakuchi-onna is just like us. 

So what exactly does this mouth do, you ask? Well, at first you would never even notice her second mouth since it is hidden on the back of her head beneath thick locks of black hair, but the mouth is enormous, splitting her skull in two when it opens wide. It bears jagged teeth and a long, agile tongue. Her OG mouth never eats, but the second mouth eats like a teenage boy. She's basically the type of girl who doesn't want anything when you order, but steals half your fries. And if that second mouth isn't satisfied, it gets hangry a

Open Day 51: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 二口女 (ふたくちおんな, futakuchi-onna) - Woman with two mouths
2. 口 (くち, kuchi) - Mouth
3. 頭 (あたま, atama) - Head
4. 髪 (かみ, kami) - Hair
5. 歯 (は, ha) - Teeth
6. 舌 (した, shita) - Tongue
7. 女性 (じょせい, josei) - Woman
8. 腹ペコ (はらぺこ, harapeko) - Hungry
9. 叫ぶ (さけぶ, sakebu) - To scream
10. 食べる (たべる, taberu) - To eat
11. 男 (おとこ, otoko) - Man
12. 裕福 (ゆうふく, yūfuku) - Wealthy
13. ケチ (けち, kechi) - Stingy
14. 妻 (つま, tsuma) - Wife
15. 不思議 (ふしぎ, fushigi) - Mysterious

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 二口女 (ふたくちおんな, futakuchi-onna)

  二口女は二つの口を持っています。
  (ふたくちおんなはふたつのくちをもっています。)
  Futakuchi-onna wa futatsu no kuchi o motteimasu.
  Futakuchi-onna has two mouths.
  

• 口 (くち, kuchi)

  彼女の後ろの口は大きいです。
  (かのじょのうしろのくちはおおきいです。)
  Kanojo no ushiro no kuchi wa ōkii desu.
  The mouth on the back of her head is big.
  

• 頭 (あたま, atama)

  彼女の頭には秘密があります。
  (かのじょのあたまにはひみつがあります。)
  Kanojo no atama ni wa himitsu ga arimasu.
  

Open Day 52: Maria's Diary

Did you know the 5 oldest companies in the world are in Japan?

1. Kongō Gumi 

Established in 578 AD, Kongō Gumi is widely considered the oldest continuously operating company in the world. While the rest of the world was probably still figuring out how to start a fire, Kongō Gumi was already slinging hammers and building temples in Japan. They were the OGs of construction, specializing in temples that even today make modern architects jealous. Unfortunately, they were "acquired" in 2006, but hey, they had a good run of over 1,400 years. 

2. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan 

Founded in 705 AD, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest hotel in the world still in operation. You'd probably expect ghostly concierges and beds made of ancient oak, but Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is like the Yoda of hotels, quietly soaking in hot springs and hosting guests for over twelve centuries. Maybe they've got a secret stash of "ancient spa water" that keeps people coming

Open Day 52: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 会社 (かいしゃ, kaisha) - Company
2. 古い (ふるい, furui) - Old
3. 歴史 (れきし, rekishi) - History
4. 建設 (けんせつ, kensetsu) - Construction
5. 温泉 (おんせん, onsen) - Hot spring
6. ホテル (ほてる, hoteru) - Hotel
7. 布 旅館 (りょかん, ryokan) - Traditional inn
8. 家(ぬの, nuno) - Fabric
9. 族 (かぞく, kazoku) - Family
10. 伝統 (でんとう, dentō) - Tradition
11. 創立する (そうりつする, sōritsu suru) - To found/Establish
12. 続く (つづく, tsuzuku) - To continue
13. 建てる (たてる, tateru) - To build
14. 作る (つくる, tsukuru) - To make
15. 生き残る (いきのこる, ikinokoru) - To survive

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 会社 (かいしゃ, kaisha)

  古い会社について知っていますか？
  (ふるいかいしゃについてしっていますか？
  Furui kaisha ni tsuite shitteimasu ka?
  Do you know about old companies?
  

• 古い (ふるい, furui)

  日本には古い会社がたくさんあります。
  (にほんにはふるいかいしゃがたくさんあります。)
  Nihon ni wa furui kaisha ga takusan arimasu.
  There are many old companies in Japan.
  

• 歴史 (れきし, rekishi)

  その会社の歴史はとても長いです。
  (そのかいしゃのれきしはとて
  

Open Day 53: Maria's Diary

How to take Purikura photos in Japan

Step 1:

Find an arcade and look for the big, pink, and insanely cutesy photo booth.  If you don't want to go full, big eyed kawaii, then find a machine that looks dull. It probably won't have as many mandatory filters. 

Step 2: 

Take a friend into the booth. In some cases a green screen might suddenly drop down behind you. Remember not to wear green. 

Step 3:

Be. Quick. You will have about 2 seconds to read a bunch of japanese instructions before it begins to take pictures. I suggest you practice your poses before entering because the suggested poses are middle school cringe. 

Step 4:

Smize. 

Step 5:

This is where things get really fun. Go to the editing station attached to the photo booth and customize the background, draw cat ears on your friends, write in the date or add a cat on top of your head. 

Step 6:

Now here is the thing, Purikura have a tendency to make your eyes giant alien-like orbs. It's part of t

Open Day 53: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. プリクラ (ぷりくら, purikura) - Purikura (photo booth)
2. 友達 (ともだち, tomodachi) - Friend
3. 写真 (しゃしん, shashin) - Photo
4. ポーズ (ぽーず, pōzu) - Pose
5. 背景 (はいけい, haikei) - Background
6. 編集 (へんしゅう, henshū) - Editing
7. スタンプ (すたんぷ, sutanpu) - Stamp
8. 日付 (ひづけ, hizuke) - Date
9. 目 (め, me) - Eye
10. 化粧 (けしょう, keshō) - Makeup
11. 口紅 (くちべに, kuchibeni) - Lipstick
12. 画面 (がめん, gamen) - Screen
13. 色 (いろ, iro) - Color
14. 描く (えがく, egaku) - To draw
15. 印刷する (いんさつする, insatsu suru) - To print

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• プリクラ (ぷりくら, purikura)

  プリクラを撮りました。
  (ぷりくらをとりました。)
  Purikura o torimashita.
  I took Purikura photos.
  

• 友達 (ともだち, tomodachi)

  友達と一緒にプリクラを撮りました。
  (ともだちといっしょにぷりくらをとりました。)
  Tomodachi to issho ni purikura o torimashita.
  I took Purikura photos with my friend.
  

• 写真 (しゃしん, shashin)

  写真を編集しました。
  (しゃしんをへんしゅうしました。)
  Shashin o henshū shimashita.
  I edited the photos.
  

Open Day 54: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Brace yourself, because today I discovered something straight out of a whimsical fairy tale, and I'm still trying to process it all. If there's one thing Japan knows how to do, it's turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. And let me tell you, the doll village I stumbled upon today was a whole new level of enchanting. Imagine, a tiny village nestled in the heart of Japan, not inhabited by humans, but by dolls. 

I stumbled upon this unique place by accident during my latest adventure through Japan. As I wandered through the winding streets of a quaint little town, I noticed a sign pointing towards an inconspicuous path. I, of course, followed it, chasing down the spirit of adventure, definitely not because I was lost or anything. 

Now, I know what you're thinking: Maria, are we in some sort of twisted horror movie? But hold your horses, because this doll village is actually a charming gem tucked away in the picturesque mountains of Nagoro. And let me tell you, it's more quirky than cr

Open Day 54: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 村 (むら, mura) - Village
2. 人形 (にんぎょう, ningyō) - Doll
3. 山 (やま, yama) - Mountain
4. 家 (いえ, ie) - House
5. 住民 (じゅうみん, jūmin) - Resident
6. 作る (つくる, tsukuru) - To make
7. 店 (みせ, mise) - Shop
8. 茶 (ちゃ, cha) - Tea
9. 市 (いち, ichi) - Market
10. 冒険 (ぼうけん, bōken) - Adventure
11. 魅力的 (みりょくてき, miryokuteki) - Charming
12. 静か (しずか, shizuka) - Quiet
13. 不思議 (ふしぎ, fushigi) - Mysterious
14. 景色 (けしき, keshiki) - Scenery
15. 昔 (むかし, mukashi) - Long ago

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences related to Maria's adventure in the doll village.

Discussing the Doll Village

• 村 (むら, mura)

  この村には人間がほとんど住んでいません。
  (この むら に は にんげん が ほとんど すんで いません。)
  Kono mura ni wa ningen ga hotondo sunde imasen.
  There are hardly any humans living in this village.
  

• 人形 (にんぎょう, ningyō)

  村にはたくさんの人形があります。
  (むら に は たくさん の にんぎょう が あります。)
  Mura ni wa takusan no ningyō ga arimasu.
  There are many dolls in the village.)
  

• 山 (やま, yama)

  村は美しい山の中にあります。
  (むら
  

Open Day 55: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary,

When I got to Japan I wanted to live like a local, and to me that meant eating, drinking, shopping, and listening to Japanese music. When I stumbled on SMAP I was immediately transported back to my childhood bedroom, listening to the Backstreet Boys and screaming into pillows like the fangirl I am at heart. 

But SMAP isn't just a boy band; they're a cultural phenomenon and are literally the Japanese version of NSYNC before JT even joined the band. They popped up on TV screens, ruling the airwaves, and gracing billboards like it's nobody's business since the late 1980s. From drama series to commercials, these guys were everywhere. Masahiro, Takuya, Goro, Tsuyoshi, and Shingo – each one bringing their own flavor to the mix and breaking teenage hearts like only a boy band can. 

And can we talk about their breakup? The whole nation was shook when SMAP called it quits in 2016. It was like the end of an era – hearts were broken, tears were shed, and fans were left wondering what to do with thei

Open Day 55: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. バンド (ばんど, bando) - Band
2. 音楽 (おんがく, ongaku) - Music
3. 歌 (うた, uta) - Song
4. メンバー (めんばー, menbā) - Member
5. ファン (ふぁん, fan) - Fan
6. コンサート (こんさーと, konsāto) - Concert
7. アルバム (あるばむ, arubamu) - Album
8. テレビ (てれび, terebi) - TV
9. ドラマ (どらま, dorama) - Drama
10. 解散 (かいさん, kaisan) - Breakup
11. 思い出 (おもいで, omoide) - Memory
12. 有名 (ゆうめい, yūmei) - Famous
13. 懐かしい (なつかしい, natsukashii) - Nostalgic
14. 歌う (うたう, utau) - To sing
15. 聞く (きく, kiku) - To listen

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• バンド (ばんど, bando)

  SMAPは日本の有名なバンドです。
  (すまっぷはにほんのゆうめいなばんどです。)
  SMAP wa Nihon no yūmei na bando desu.
  SMAP is a famous band in Japan.
  

• 音楽 (おんがく, ongaku)

  日本の音楽を聞くのが好きです。
  (にほんのおんがくをきくのがすきです。)
  Nihon no ongaku o kiku no ga suki desu.
  I like listening to Japanese music.
  

• 歌 (うた, uta)

  この歌はとても懐かしいです。
  (このうたはとてもなつかしいです。)
  Kono uta wa totemo natsukashii desu.
  This song is very nostalgic.
  

Open Day 56: Maria's Diary

Maria:Hey Qu, I've been hearing some weird stories about these tree spirits. What are they?

Qu: Depending on where you live in Japan, they've got all sorts of names. But kodama is the most popular one.

Maria: Kodama? Sounds like something ancient.

Qu: Kodama is such an old belief that the word was spoken way before Japan even had a written language. And guess what? Over the centuries, they've used three different kanji to write it.

Maria: So, what are they exactly? Little tree gods?

Qu: Well, that's changed a lot over time. They've been everything from nature gods to goblin-like spirits. Some folks believed kodama weren't stuck in one tree. They could zip around the forest, moving from tree to tree like little green ninjas.

Maria: Tree-hopping ninjas? That's hilarious. But I've also heard they're not always friendly?

Qu: Oh, you don't want to mess with a kodama! Their curse was something to be feared. And if you hear a tree crash in the woods, some say that's actually the kodama's sad wai

Open Day 56: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 木霊 (こだま, kodama) - Kodama (tree spirit)
2. 木 (き, ki) - Tree
3. 精霊 (せいれい, seirei) - Spirit
4. 森 (もり, mori) - Forest
5. 神様 (かみさま, kamisama) - God
6. 名前 (なまえ, namae) - Name
7. 呪い (のろい, noroi) - Curse
8. 祈る (いのる, inoru) - To pray
9. 守る (まもる, mamoru) - To protect
10. 助ける (たすける, tasukeru) - To help
11. 古い (ふるい, furui) - Ancient
12. 聞く (きく, kiku) - To hear
13. 見る (みる, miru) - To see
14. 村 (むら, mura) - Village
15. 祭り (まつり, matsuri) - Festival

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria and Qu's conversation about kodama.

• 木霊 (こだま, kodama)

  木霊は木の精霊です。
  (こだまはきのせいれいです。)
  Kodama wa ki no seirei desu.
  Kodama are tree spirits.
  

• 木 (き, ki)

  森の木に木霊が住んでいます。
  (もりのきにこだまがすんでいます。)
  Mori no ki ni kodama ga sundeimasu.
  Kodama live in the trees of the forest.
  

• 精霊 (せいれい, seirei)

  木霊は古い精霊です。
  (こだまはふるいせいれいです。)
  Kodama wa furui seirei desu.
  Kodama are ancient spirits.
  

• 森 (もり, mori)

  森には多くの木霊がいます。
  

Open Day 57: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Today, I stumbled upon the most enthralling tale of Japanese folklore – the legend of the Jorogumo spiders. Jorogumo, for those who aren't as obsessed with creepy folklore as I am now, is a mythical creature from Japanese legends. The word "Jorogumo" literally translates to "binding bride," which already sounds like the title of a suspenseful novel or a horror movie I'd totally watch. These spiders are said to be able to transform into beautiful women, which, okay, on the surface sounds kind of like a superhero power, but wait for it—it's not all glam and girl power.

Legend has it that Jorogumo spiders lure unsuspecting victims by taking on the appearance of a lovely lady in distress or sometimes as a seductive beauty. Imagine you're walking through a serene forest in Japan, and you stumble upon a beautiful woman who seems lost or in trouble. You might want to help, right? Wrong move! Because if you do, you might just find yourself wrapped up in her web, both literally and metaphorically.

Open Day 57: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 絡新婦 (じょろうぐも, jorōgumo) - Jorogumo (Binding bride)
2. 蜘蛛 (くも, kumo) - Spider
3. 美しい (うつくしい, utsukushii) - Beautiful
4. 女性 (じょせい, josei) - Woman
5. 森 (もり, mori) - Forest
6. 伝説 (でんせつ, densetsu) - Legend
7. 変身 (へんしん, henshin) - Transformation/Shape-shifting
8. 罠 (わな, wana) - Trap
9. 犠牲者 (ぎせいしゃ, giseisha) - Victim
10. 魅力的 (みりょくてき, miryokuteki) - Captivating
11. 危険 (きけん, kiken) - Danger
12. 愛 (あい, ai) - Love
13. 誘惑 (ゆうわく, yūwaku) - Seduction
14. 命 (いのち, inochi) - Life
15. 注意する (ちゅういする, chūi suru) - To be careful

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 絡新婦 (じょろうぐも, jorōgumo)

  絡新婦は美しい女性に変身します。
  (じょろうぐもはうつくしいじょせいにへんしんします。)
  Jorōgumo wa utsukushii josei ni henshin shimasu.
  Jorogumo transforms into a beautiful woman.
  

• 蜘蛛 (くも, kumo)

  大きい蜘蛛が怖いです。
  (おおきいくもがこわいです。)
  Ōkii kumo ga kowai desu.
  Big spiders are scary.
  

• 美しい (うつくしい, utsukushii)

  その女性は美しいです。
  (そのじょせいはうつくしいです。)
  Sono jo
  

Open Day 58: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

I know everyone has at the very least heard of origami and most of us have probably attempted to make a frog or a crane in elementary school art class, but when I came to Japan I wanted to learn about all these other artforms that use paper. I started my day with a cup of green tea and a quick scroll through Pinterest (because, let's be real, where else does one find inspiration these days?). And there it was, a pin that led me down the rabbit hole of Washi wonders. Origami animals, kirigami pop-up cards, chigiri-e collages - I knew I had to find a way to learn how to do it. 

I found a workshop in Tokyo on Washi Paper Crafts, and let me tell you, it was like stepping into a wonderland of creativity. Picture this: a room filled with vibrant rolls of Washi tape, delicate sheets of paper just waiting to be transformed, and a group of enthusiastic crafters ready to unleash their inner artists. Origami? Check. Kirigami? Double check. Chigiri-e? Don’t joke. We delved into all of it, folding, cutt

Open Day 58: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 和紙 (わし, washi) - Washi paper
2. 折り紙 (おりがみ, origami) - Origami
3. 切り紙 (きりがみ, kirigami) - Kirigami
4. ちぎり絵 (ちぎりえ, chigiri-e) - Chigiri-e
5. 紙 (かみ, kami) - Paper
6. はさみ (hasami) - Scissors
7. のり (nori) - Glue
8. 色 (いろ, iro) - Color
9. 工芸 (こうげい, kōgei) - Craft
10. 作る (つくる, tsukuru) - To make
11. 折る (おる, oru) - To fold
12. 切る (きる, kiru) - To cut
13. 貼る (はる, haru) - To paste
14. 集める (あつめる, atsumeru) - To gather
15. 創造的 (そうぞうてき, sōzōteki) - Creative

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 和紙 (わし, washi)

  和紙を使って工芸をしました。
  (わしをつかってこうげいをしました。)
  Washi o tsukatte kōgei o shimashita.
  I did crafts using Washi paper.
  

• 折り紙 (おりがみ, origami)

  折り紙で鶴を作りました。
  (おりがみでつるをつくりました。)
  Origami de tsuru o tsukurimashita.
  I made a crane with origami.
  

• 切り紙 (きりがみ, kirigami)

  切り紙で花を作りました。
  (きりがみではなをつくりました。)
  Kirigami de hana o tsukurimashita.
  I made a flower with kirigami.
  

• ちぎり絵 (ちぎりえ, chi

Open Day 59: Maria's Diary

Qu: Hey Maria, what adventures are you planning today?

Maria: I’m going shopping, meeting a friend for lunch, and checking out Toyama Park.

Qu: I hope you are going to Toyama Park during the daytime?

Maria: Why? 

Qu: It's said to be the most haunted park in Tokyo. There's quite a dark history behind it.

Maria: Really? What's the story?

Qu: Well, during World War II, the area was designed as a biological and chemical weapons development site, but there have been reports of human experimentation and mass graves. Lots of people believe the spirits of these victims still linger there.

Maria: That sounds terrifying. Have there been any ghost sightings?

Qu: Oh, yeah. One of the most famous ones is the sighting of a ghostly samurai. People have reported seeing him wandering around the park late at night, looking lost and solemn.

Maria: A samurai? That's intense. Any other sightings?

Qu: There's also a woman in a white kimono who appears near the park’s pond. She’s often seen weeping qui

Open Day 59: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 公園 (こうえん, kōen) - Park
2. 歴史 (れきし, rekishi) - History
3. 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yūrei) - Ghost
4. 第二次世界大戦 (だいにじせかいたいせん, dainiji sekai taisen) - World War II
5. 実験 (じっけん, jikken) - Experiment
6. 墓 (はか, haka) - Grave
7. 犠牲者 (ぎせいしゃ, giseisha) - Victim
8. 侍 (さむらい, samurai) - Samurai
9. 女性 (じょせい, josei) - Woman
10. 着物 (きもの, kimono) - Kimono
11. 池 (いけ, ike) - Pond
12. 泣く (なく, naku) - To cry
13. 現れる (あらわれる, arawareru) - To appear
14. 不気味 (ぶきみ, bukimi) - Eerie
15. 昼 (ひる, hiru) - Daytime

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria and Qu's conversation about Toyama Park and its haunted history.

• 公園 (こうえん, kōen)ト

  ヤマ公園は東京にあります。
  (とやまこうえんはとうきょうにあります。)
  Toyama kōen wa Tōkyō ni arimasu.
  Toyama Park is in Tokyo.
  

• 歴史 (れきし, rekishi)

  トヤマ公園には暗い歴史があります。
  (とやまこうえんにはくらいれきしがあります。)
  Toyama kōen ni wa kurai rekishi ga arimasu.
  Toyama Park has a dark history.
  

• 幽霊 (ゆうれい, yūrei)

  夜には幽霊が現れると言われています。
  (よるにはゆうれいがあらわれるといわれてい
  

Open Day 60: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

I’m a girl who likes to eat. And cook, but with the end goal of eating something extra delicious. I don't shy away from cooking a finicky cream sauce or a braised meat. I don't follow recipes, I add ingredients and seasoning until it feels right in my soul. Japan may be a candyland for a foodie like me, but I had my heart set on a brand new knife. Not just any knife, but a sleek, carbon steel, traditionally made, Japanese knife. Let's just hope TSA doesn't snatch it.

Let me tell you more about these knives. Gleaming like polished gems on the countertop, these knives are next-level gorgeous. Picture sleek, slender blades that could cut through the toughest of veggies with the grace of a ballerina. Think about cutting through a butternut squash like it's a tomato.

But it's not just about looks; it's about that craftsmanship. These knives are handcrafted to perfection, each curve and angle meticulously honed to culinary nirvana. I swear, it's like holding a piece of culinary history in your

Open Day 60: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 包丁 (ほうちょう, hōchō) - Knife
2. 料理 (りょうり, ryōri) - Cooking
3. 切る (きる, kiru) - To cut
4. 刃 (は, ha) - Blade
5. 鋼 (はがね, hagane) - Steel
6. 伝統 (でんとう, dentō) - Tradition
7. 職人 (しょくにん, shokunin) - Craftsman
8. 野菜 (やさい, yasai) - Vegetables
9. 精度 (せいど, seido) - Precision
10. 手作り (てづくり, tezukuri) - Handmade
11. 台所 (だいどころ, daidokoro) - Kitchen
12. 使う (つかう, tsukau) - To use
13. 買う (かう, kau) - To buy
14. 磨く (みがく, migaku) - To sharpen
15. 調理 (ちょうり, chōri) - Cooking (noun)

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 包丁 (ほうちょう, hōchō)

  日本の包丁を買いました。
  (にほんのほうちょうをかいました。)
  Nihon no hōchō o kaimashita.
  I bought a Japanese knife.
  

• 料理 (りょうり, ryōri)

  料理が大好きです。
  (りょうりがだいすきです。)
  Ryōri ga daisuki desu.
  I love cooking.
  

• 切る (きる, kiru)

  包丁で野菜を切ります。
  (ほうちょうでやさいをきります。)
  Hōchō de yasai o kirimasu.
  I cut vegetables with a knife.
  

• 刃 (は, ha)

  この包丁の刃は鋭いです。
  (このほうちょうのははするどいです。)
  Kono hōchō no
  

Open Day 61: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

Today I went to Jigokudani to see the famous snow monkeys, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. The journey there was like something out of a movie. The winding roads, the lush greenery, it was all so picturesque. I almost felt like I was in a Monet painting and when I finally arrived at the hot springs where these little monkeys hang out, I was just blown away. They were everywhere, just chilling and living their best lives. Some were soaking in the warm water, others were grooming each other like they were at a day spa. Honestly, they had the whole relaxation thing down pat.

But here’s the kicker: they’re not just cute, they’re also total divas. Like, they know they’re the stars of the show, and they work it. I swear, I saw one monkey strike a pose that would put Gigi Hadid to shame. And let's not forget about the babies! Oh my goodness, the babies. They're just bundles of fluff and curiosity, bouncing around and stealing everyone's hearts. I swear, if there's one thing that can

Open Day 61: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 猿 (さる, saru) - Monkey
2. 雪 (ゆき, yuki) - Snow
3. 温泉 (おんせん, onsen) - Hot spring
4. 写真 (しゃしん, shashin) - Photo
5. 赤ちゃん (あかちゃん, akachan) - Baby
6. 自然 (しぜん, shizen) - Nature
7. 旅 (たび, tabi) - Trip
8. 緑 (みどり, midori) - Greenery
9. 景色 (けしき, keshiki) - Scenery
10. リラックスする (りらっくすする, rirakkusu suru) - To relax
11. 見る (みる, miru) - To see
12. 撮る (とる, toru) - To take (a photo)
13. 行く (いく, iku) - To go
14. 遊ぶ (あそぶ, asobu) - To play
15. かわいい (kawaii) - Cute

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 猿 (さる, saru)

  温泉でたくさんの猿を見ました。
  (おんせんでたくさんのさるをみました。)
  Onsen de takusan no saru o mimashita.
  I saw many monkeys at the hot spring.
  

• 雪 (ゆき, yuki)

  雪の中で猿が温泉に入っています。
  (ゆきのなかでさるがおんせんにはいっています。)
  Yuki no naka de saru ga onsen ni haitteimasu.
  The monkeys are in the hot spring in the snow.
  

• 温泉 (おんせん, onsen)

  猿たちは温泉でリラックスしています。
  (さるたちはおんせんでりらっくすしています。)
  Saru-tachi wa onsen de rirakkusu shiteimasu
  

Open Day 62: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

I like to think of myself as a student of life. I hate sitting still in a chair for eight hours or reading dry textbooks out of context. I think the best way to learn is through touch and experience and there's no better way to do this than by visiting museums. Weeks before I hopped on the plane to Tokyo, I came up with a list of all the museums I wanted to visit in the city and all around the country. I still have a few on my list, but the two that spoke to me the most were the clash of old and new: The National Museum of Modern Art,Tokyo and The Tokyo National Museum.

Let's start with the old. The Tokyo National Museum is the oldest and largest museum in Japan with seriously stunning architecture and has six different buildings that could have easily been museums themselves, especially given they were each dedicated to certain themes like Buddist statues or highlights from other Asian countries and their influence on Japan. The main collection is Japanese art and artifacts, spanning thous

Open Day 62: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 美術館 (びじゅつかん, bijutsukan) - Art museum
2. 博物館 (はくぶつかん, hakubutsukan) - Museum
3. 展覧会 (てんらんかい, tenrankai) - Exhibition
4. 現代 (げんだい, gendai) - Modern
5. 歴史 (れきし, rekishi) - History
6. 芸術 (げいじゅつ, geijutsu) - Art
7. 絵画 (かいが, kaiga) - Painting
8. 彫刻 (ちょうこく, chōkoku) - Sculpture
9. 陶器 (とうき, tōki) - Ceramics
10. 武士 (ぶし, bushi) - Samurai
11. 鎧 (よろい, yoroi) - Armor
12. 訪れる (おとずれる, otozureru) - To visit
13. 見る (みる, miru) - To see
14. 学ぶ (まなぶ, manabu) - To learn
15. 楽しむ (たのしむ, tanoshimu) - To enjoy

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 美術館 (びじゅつかん, bijutsukan)

  私は東京の美術館を訪れました。
  (わたしはとうきょうのびじゅつかんをおとずれました。)
  Watashi wa Tōkyō no bijutsukan o otozuremashita.
  I visited the art museum in Tokyo.
  

• 博物館 (はくぶつかん, hakubutsukan)

  東京国立博物館は大きいです。
  (とうきょうこくりつはくぶつかんはおおきいです。)
  Tōkyō Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan wa ōkii desu.
  The Tokyo National Museum is big.
  

• 展覧会 (てんらんかい, tenrankai)

  新しい展覧会を見ました
  

Open Day 63: Maria's Diary

Okay, so let’s talk about Tengu – the OG bird-men of Japanese folklore. Seriously, they're like the Benedict Cumberbatch of mythical creatures – mysterious, enigmatic, and just a tad bit intimidating. Today, I dove into the rabbit hole of Tengu lore, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride.

Tengu are creatures with the body of a human, but the head of a bird, usually a crow or a hawk. I mean, talk about a fashion statement, right? They’re not your average winged beings; these guys have a penchant for martial arts and some serious magical powers. Think Jedi knights crossed with mischievous tricksters. Legend has it that they dwell deep in the mountains, honing their skills and plotting who knows what. They are also associated with the Shugendo tradition, a blend of Shinto, Taoism, and Buddhism. Some say they’re protectors of the forests, while others believe they’re more into stirring up trouble for unsuspecting travelers. Personally, I like to think they’re just misunderstood, with a flair for drama.

But

Open Day 63: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 天狗 (てんぐ, tengu) - Tengu
2. 鳥 (とり, tori) - Bird
3. 山 (やま, yama) - Mountain
4. 魔法 (まほう, mahō) - Magic
5. 武術 (ぶじゅつ, bujutsu) - Martial arts
6. 守る (まもる, mamoru) - To protect
7. 戦う (たたかう, tatakau) - To fight
8. 挑戦 (ちょうせん, chōsen) - Challenge
9. 修行 (しゅぎょう, shugyō) - Training/practice
10. 伝説 (でんせつ, densetsu) - Legend
11. 山伏 (やまぶし, yamabushi) - Mountain monk
12. 変わる (かわる, kawaru) - To change
13. 不思議 (ふしぎ, fushigi) - Mysterious
14. 助ける (たすける, tasukeru) - To help
15. 悪戯 (いたずら, itazura) - Mischief

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's story about Tengu.

• 天狗 (てんぐ, tengu)

  天狗は山に住んでいます。
  (てんぐはやまにすんでいます。)
  Tengu wa yama ni sundeimasu.
  Tengu live in the mountains.
  

• 鳥 (とり, tori)

  天狗は鳥の頭を持っています。
  (てんぐはとりのあたまをもっています。)
  Tengu wa tori no atama o motteimasu.
  Tengu have the head of a bird.
  

• 山 (やま, yama)

  天狗は山の中で修行します。
  (てんぐはやまのなかでしゅぎょうします。)
  Tengu wa yama no naka de shugyō shimasu.
  Tengu train in
  

Open Day 64: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

I can't even begin to tell you how much fun I had soaking up all the sun on this quaint little island off the coast of Kanagawa. Enoshima is like this magical escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

I hop on the Enoden train from Kamakura and, boom, before I know it, I'm strolling along this charming little bridge, with the salty sea breeze tickling my face. The first thing that catches my eye is the Enoshima Sea Candle, this sleek lighthouse towering over the island. And let me tell you, the view from up there? Totally Insta-worthy. I mean, it's like a panorama of all things gorgeous - the ocean stretching out endlessly, the cityscape in the distance, and of course, Enoshima's lush greenery.

But wait, it gets even better. I make my way down to the main island, and it's like stepping into a whole other world. There are these adorable little shops selling everything from souvenirs to freshly caught seafood. And speaking of seafood, don't even get me started on the seafood market – it'

Open Day 64: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 海 (うみ, umi) - Sea
2. 島 (しま, shima) - Island
3. 灯台 (とうだい, tōdai) - Lighthouse
4. 神社 (じんじゃ, jinja) - Shrine
5. 電車 (でんしゃ, densha) - Train
6. 海鮮 (かいせん, kaisen) - Seafood
7. 景色 (けしき, keshiki) - Scenery
8. 橋 (はし, hashi) - Bridge
9. お店 (おみせ, omise) - Shop
10. 庭園 (ていえん, teien) - Garden
11. 海岸 (かいがん, kaigan) - Coast, beach
12. 歩く (あるく, aruku) - To walk
13. 見る (みる, miru) - To see
14. 楽しむ (たのしむ, tanoshimu) - To enjoy
15. 食べる (たべる, taberu) - To eat

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 海 (うみ, umi)

  美しい海を見ました。
  (うつくしいうみをみました。)
  Utsukushii umi o mimashita.
  I saw the beautiful sea.
  

• 島 (しま, shima)

  江の島は素晴らしい島です。
  (えのしまはすばらしいしまです。)
  Enoshima wa subarashii shima desu.
  Enoshima is a wonderful island.
  

• 灯台 (とうだい, tōdai)

  灯台から景色を楽しみました。
  (とうだいからけしきをたのしみました。)
  Tōdai kara keshiki o tanoshimimashita.
  I enjoyed the view from the lighthouse.
  

• 神社 (じんじゃ, jinja)

  神社でお祈りしました。
  

Open Day 65: Maria's Diary

Dear Diary, 

I finally found what I know we all have been searching for - a family friendly acid trip. Really, it's all of the fun and none of the potential risk of psychosis. I expected to be amazed when I bought tickets to TeamLab Borderless and as a museum fanatic I expected to see something new. I was completely blown away by the whole trippy experience and couldn't wait to spill the details. 

The museum was a maze of different rooms and hallways, connecting in strange ways, or maybe I just kept getting lost in the dark. Thats what was so exciting about it though, mazes of darkness and then suddenly a giant eye of red and white spirals open up in the middle of the room, or turning a corner and completely losing sight of yourself in a sea of silver floating lanterns. I entered what can only be described as a disco ball on steroids. Mirrored surfaces everywhere, with digital patterns swirling and twirling like a psychedelic fever dream. I felt like I was trapped in a giant kaleidoscope, and I couldn't

Open Day 65: Vocab

Vocabulary List

1. 美術館 (びじゅつかん, bijutsukan) - Art museum
2. 展示 (てんじ, tenji) - Exhibit
3. 光 (ひかり, hikari) - Light
4. 部屋 (へや, heya) - Room
5. 迷路 (めいろ, meiro) - Maze
6. 鏡 (かがみ, kagami) - Mirror
7. ランタン (らんたん, rantan) - Lantern
8. 蝶 (ちょう, chō) - Butterfly
9. 草 (くさ, kusa) - Grass
10. 芸術 (げいじゅつ, geijutsu) - Art
11. 動く (うごく, ugoku) - To move
12. 見る (みる, miru) - To see
13. 触る (さわる, sawaru) - To touch
14. 変わる (かわる, kawaru) - To change
15. 楽しむ (たのしむ, tanoshimu) - To enjoy

Vocabulary in Context

Let's use the vocabulary in sentences that relate to Maria's diary entry.

• 美術館 (びじゅつかん, bijutsukan)

  TeamLab Borderless 美術館に行きました。
  (TeamLab Borderless びじゅつかんにいきました。)
  TeamLab Borderless bijutsukan ni ikimashita.
  I went to the TeamLab Borderless art museum.
  

• 展示 (てんじ, tenji)

  素晴らしい展示を見ました。
  (すばらしいてんじをみました。)
  Subarashii tenji o mimashita.
  I saw amazing exhibits.
  

• 光 (ひかり, hikari)

  部屋は光でいっぱいでした。
  (へやはひかりでいっぱいでした。)
  Heya wa hikari de ippai deshita.
  The room was fil