Blogs edited and submitted by Chiho Kamioka

Surviving Summer in Japan: Yamamoto Sensei's Expertise Unraveling the Japanese Season of 大暑 (たいしょ) is the topic of this week's blog by Yamamoto sensei. How do Japanese people bear the heat traditionally? Read on below to find out! 大暑Major heat season By YAMAMOTO Hiroshi   　今週は「大暑」を紹介します。 　1年の内で暑さが最も厳しくなる時期です。毎年7月23日頃から約2週間くらいです。 この時期、日本人は色々な方法で涼しさを感じる工夫をしてきました。 　例えば、目で感じる方法とし...

Unveiling the Quaint Japanese Tradition of Card Sending Card sending is a long held tradition in Japan. Some people send cards several times a year, but there are actually seasons and days for special card-giving. Read Yamamoto sensei's blog below to learn more about this quaint seasonal greeting method. 暑中見舞いSummer greeting cards By YAMAMOTO Hiroshi 　今週は「暑中見舞い」を紹介します。 　暑中見舞い...

skills for the JLPT tests By reading this blog, you can learn about a certain Japanese tradition and also practice your listening, reading, and vocabulary skills for the JLPT tests. 朝顔市Morning-Glory Market By YAMAMOTO Hiroshi 　今週は「朝顔市」を紹介します。 7月の初旬に朝顔という鉢植えの花を、露店で販売するイベントが各地で行われます。 　朝顔は、ツルを伸ばして、周りのものに絡みながら、赤・青・紫・白色などの大きな花をたくさん咲かせる花です。 朝早く5時頃から花を咲かせるので、この名前が付きました。 　朝顔市では職人が育てた...

The Tanabata Star Festival: A Beloved Cultural Celebration in Japan The Tanabata Star Festival is one of the most loved celebrations and cultural days in the Japanese calendar. The origin of the festival comes from a Chinese folk tale and there are many renditions of the story in Manga, Anime, and live-action films. Read this blog in Japanese to learn more vocabulary and prepare yourself for the...

Discovering Yamabiraki and Natural Beauty Yamamoto sensei's language learning blog provides an immersive introduction to a unique cultural event, exploring its historical significance of Yamabiraki and the awe-inspiring natural beauty that awaits climbers. 山開きJapan Mountain-climbing Season By YAMAMOTO Hiroshi 　今週は「山開き 」を紹介します。 　山開きとは、一般の人が登山を許される期間の最初の日のことです。 日本一高い山の富士山では7月1日頃...