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Lesson 69 　Take off shoes

Topic Question: Why do people take off their shoes inside the house in Japan?

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the reasons behind this Japanese custom. Consider its implications for cleanliness, tradition, and respect for the home.

▮ Sample Answer

“In Japan, people take off their shoes before entering a house as a sign of respect and to maintain cleanliness. This custom is deeply rooted in the tradition of preserving the purity of the indoor living space, preventing dirt and germs from outside from contaminating the home.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer

1. Custom (習慣): A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time.
2. Cleanliness (清潔さ): The state or quality of being clean and free from dirt.
3. Tradition (伝統): The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation.
4. Purity (純潔): The condition or quality of being pure; freedom from contaminants.
5. Contaminate (汚染する): To make something impure or unsuitable by contact or mixture with something unclean, bad, etc.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What is the main reason people in Japan take off their shoes before entering a house?
2. How does this custom affect the cleanliness of the home?
3. What does this tradition signify in terms of respect?

▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar

a person who… a thing that/which…

Who is for people (not things):

A thief is a person who steals things.
Do you know anybody who can play the piano?
The people who work in the office are very friendly

That is for things or people.
An airplane is a machine that flies.
Emma lives in a house that is 100 years old.
The people that work in the office are very friendly.

You can use that for people, but who is more common

Which is for things (not/ people):
An airplane is a machine which flies. (not a machine who…?)
Emma lives in a house which is 100 years old.

Do not use which for people
●Do you remember the woman who played the piano at the parry’
(not the woman which . ..)

3 Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar Practice:

1. A tatami is a type of flooring that requires you to remove your shoes to prevent damage.
2. The person who cleans the house appreciates this custom greatly.
3. Shoe cabinets, which are found in the genkan, store shoes neatly away from the living spaces.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 68 　People’s blood type

Topic Question: Why do Japanese people like to ask people’s blood type?

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the reasons behind this unique Japanese cultural practice. Consider how it relates to personality traits and compatibility in relationships and social interactions.

▮ Sample Answer

“In Japan, asking someone’s blood type is common because many believe it can predict personality traits and assess compatibility with others. This belief is similar to horoscopes in Western cultures. For example, Type A is thought to be diligent and kind, whereas Type O is seen as outgoing and sociable.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer

1. Cultural practice (文化的慣行): A habit or tradition that is part of the culture of a group of people.
2. Personality traits (性格特性): Characteristics that help to define how a person behaves, feels, and thinks.
3. Compatibility (相性): The ability of two things or people to exist or live together without problems or conflict.
4. Diligent (勤勉な): Showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties.
5. Sociable (社交的な): Willing to talk and engage in activities with other people; friendly.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What is the reason Japanese people ask about blood type?
2. What can blood type predict according to Japanese belief?
3. Give examples of personality traits associated with two blood types.

▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar

from … to 　　until 　since　 for

From… to…
● We lived in Japan from 1996 to 2005.
● I work from Monday to Friday.

You can also say from… until… :
● We lived in japan from 1996 until 2005.

Until…

●　They’re leaving town tomorrow.
　　They’ll be away until Friday.

●　I went to bed early, but I wasn’t tired.
I read a book until 3:00 a .m.

●　 Wait here until I come back.

You can also say till (= until):
● Wait here till I come back.

Compare:

● ‘How long will you be away)” “Until Monday.”
● “When are you coming back?” “On Monday.”

Since + a time in the past (to now)
We use since after the present perfect (have been/ have done, etc.):

●　Joe is in the hospital. He has been in the hospital since Monday.
(= from Monday to now)

● Sue and Dave have been married since 2002.
(= from 2002 to now)

● It has been raining since I arrived.

Compare:
● We lived in Japan from 1996 to 2005
　　We lived in Japan until 2005.
● Now we live in Denver. We came to Denver in 2005.
　　We have lived in Denver since 2005. (= from 2005 until now)

We use for (not/ since) + a period of time (three days / 10 years, ere.):
●　Joe has been in the hospital for three days. (not since three days)

For + a period of time

● Gary stayed with us for three days.
●　I’m going away for a few weeks.
●　They’ve been married for 10 years.

3 Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar practice:

1. Let’s find out our blood types and see if we are compatible.
2. Don’t rely only on blood type to understand someone’s personality.
3. We’ve been discussing the importance of blood types in Japanese culture since the beginning of our lesson.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 67　　Live longer

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider the various factors that contribute to the longevity of Japanese people, such as diet, healthcare system, lifestyle, and social cohesion.

▮ Sample Answer

“Japanese people live longer due to a combination of factors including a healthy diet rich in fish and vegetables, a robust healthcare system, regular physical activity, and strong community ties that contribute to lower stress levels.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer

1. Longevity (長寿): A long duration of life.
2. Diet (食生活): The kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats.
3. Healthcare system (医療制度): The organization of people, institutions, and resources to deliver health care services to meet the health needs of target populations.
4. Physical activity (身体活動): Any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure.
5. Community ties (地域社会との結びつき): The relationships and connections among individuals in a community.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. How does diet contribute to the longevity of Japanese people?
2. In what ways does the healthcare system in Japan support longer life spans?
3. Why are community ties important for reducing stress and promoting longevity?

▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar

the people we met
the hotel you stayed at (relative clauses)

You can say:
● The bag that he is carrying … or The bag he is carrying… (with or without that)
● …the money that Kate won? or … the money Kate won?

You do not need that/who/which when it is the object:

● Did you find the books you wanted'(or . .. the books that you wanted?)
● The people we met were very friendly. (or The people who we met. ..)
● Everything I said was true. (or Everything that I said …)

We say
● The movie we saw was very good. (110/ The movie we saw it was . . .)

Sometimes there is a preposition (to/in/at, etc.) after the verb:

We say:
. .. the books I told you about. (not the books I told you about them)

You can say (a place) where
● The hotel where we stayed was near the station. (= The hotel we stayed at…)

You must use who/that/which when it is the subject

● l met a woman who can speak six languages. (who is the subject)
● Jack was wearing a hat that was too big for him. (that is the subject)

Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar Practice:

1. The exercises they regularly engage in, which include walking and biking, contribute to their physical well-being.
2. The traditions they practice, which focus on mindfulness and gratitude, have a positive impact on their mental health.
3. The social support networks they have, which provide emotional and practical support, are vital for their overall happiness and longevity.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 66　　Election

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the factors that might influence the lack of interest among Japanese young people in elections, such as social, economic, and educational aspects.

▮ Sample Answer

“Japanese young people might not be interested in elections due to a feeling of disconnection from the political process, a perception that their vote does not make a difference, and the lack of political education that connects their daily lives to policy making.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer

1. Disconnection (切断): The feeling of not being connected or involved with something.
2. Perception (認識): The way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted.
3. Political process (政治過程): The steps and methods involved in making and implementing government policies and decisions.
4. Vote (投票): A formal indication of a choice between two or more candidates or courses of action.
5. Policy making (政策立案): The process of creating laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern a community or society.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What are some reasons Japanese young people might feel disconnected from elections?
2. How does the perception of the effectiveness of one’s vote influence interest in elections?
3. Why is the connection between daily life and policy making important for increasing interest in elections?

▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar

If I had… If we went…, etc.

You can say:

● If he had the money, he would buy a car.
　　or　　 He would buy a car if he had the money.

I’d/ she’d / they’d, etc. = I would / she would/ they would, etc.:

● I don’t know the answer. If I knew the answer, I’d tell you.
● It’s raining, so we’re not going out. We’d get wet if we went out.
● Jane lives in a city. She likes cities. She wouldn’t be happy if she lived in the country.
● If you didn’t have a job, what would you do? (but you have a job)
● I’m sorry I can’t help you. I’d help you if I could. (but I can’t)
● If we had a car, we could travel more. (but we don’t have a car, so we can’t travel much)

If (I) was/ were… I wouldn’t go out if I were you.

You can say if I/he/she/it was or if I/he/she/it were:
● It’s not a very nice place. I wouldn’t go there if I were you. (or… if I was you)
● It would be nice if the weather was better.(or… if the weather were better)
● What would Tom do if he were here? (or… if he was here)

Compare:

if I have / if it is, etc.
● I wane to go and see Helen.
　　If I have time, I w ill go today.
(= maybe I’ll have time, so maybe ‘ll go)

● I like that jacket.
　　I’ ll buy it if it isn’t too expensive.
(= maybe it will not be too expensive)

● I’ll help you if I can. ( = maybe I can help)

————————————————————-

if I had / if it was, etc.
● I want to go and see Helen .
If I had time, I would go today.
(= I don’t have time today, so I will not go)

● I like that jacket, but it’s very expensive.
I’d buy it if it wasn’t so expensive.
(= it is expensive, so I’m not going　to buy it )

● I’d help you if I could, but I can’t.

Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar Practice:

1. If the political process were more transparent, young people might feel a stronger connection to it.
2. Young individuals would likely participate more in elections if they understood how policies affected their futures.
3. If there were more initiatives to make voting easier and more accessible, we might see an increase in young voters.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 65 　　Seppuku

Topic Question ：　Why do samurai commit seppuku?

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider the cultural, historical, and personal reasons why a samurai would choose to commit seppuku.

▮ Sample Answer

“Samurai commit seppuku as a way to preserve their honor or take responsibility for their actions. It was seen as a method of dying with dignity rather than falling into the hands of enemies or living in disgrace.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer

1. Honor (名誉): A sense of ethical conduct and duty, highly valued by samurai.
2. Responsibility (責任): The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone.
3. Dignity (尊厳): The state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.
4. Disgrace (不名誉): Loss of reputation or respect as the result of a dishonorable action.
5. Enemy (敵): A person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What is the main reason samurai commit seppuku?
2. How does seppuku relate to a samurai’s honor?
3. What alternatives does seppuku present to living in disgrace or captivity?

▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar

If we go… If you see…, etc.

If can be at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle:

If at the beginning

If we take the bus, it will be cheaper.
If you don’t hurry, you’II miss the train.

                    if in the middle

It will be cheaper if we take the bus.
You’ll miss the train if you don’t hurry.

In conversation, we often use the if-part of the sentence alone:

●　Are you going to the concert?” “Yes, if I can get a ticket.

If you see Ann tomorrow…, etc.

After if, we use the present (not will). We say if you see… (not if you will see) ・
●　If you see Ann tomorrow, can you ask her to call me?
●　If I ‘m late tonight, don’t wait for me. (not if I will be)
●　What should we do if it rains? (not if it will rain)

If and when

If I go out = it is possible that I will go out, but I’ m not sure:
● A: 　Are you going out later?
　 B:　 Maybe. If I go out, I’ll close the windows.

When I go out= I’m going out (for sure):

● A: Are you going out later?
　 B: Yes, I am. When I go out, I’ll close the windows.

Compare when and if:

● When I get home tonight, I’m going to take a shower.
●　If I’m late tonight, don’t wait for me. (not　When I’m late)
● We’re going to play basketball if it doesn’t rain. (not when it doesn’t rain)

Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar practice:

1. If a samurai faced disgrace, he might consider seppuku to preserve his honor.
2. Don’t disrespect the complexity of samurai culture by oversimplifying their traditions.
3. Let’s research more about how the practice of seppuku evolved over time.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself: