Topic Question:Can you tell me about the traditional Japanese clothing, such as kimono and yukata?
No 1.
First, try answering the question yourself. – The instructor will provide advice on vocabulary, grammar, and expression corrections.
Sample Answer – Let’s read aloud – The instructor will check your pronunciation and accent.
Traditional Japanese clothing, notably the kimono and yukata, plays a significant role in Japan’s cultural identity. The kimono, which means “thing to wear,” is a full-length robe known for its long sleeves and wrap-around design. It’s made from various fabrics like silk, and its patterns can signify the wearer’s status, age, and season. Kimonos are usually worn on special occasions like weddings, tea ceremonies, and festivals. On the other hand, the yukata is a more casual version of the kimono, made from cotton and primarily worn during the summer, especially at festivals and fireworks displays. Both garments are worn with an obi, a belt that ties around the waist. The art of wearing a kimono or yukata involves meticulous attention to detail, from choosing the right fabric to the precise manner of folding and tying.
No. 2 5 Words to Learn and Their Meanings – Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly
1. Cultural identity (文化的アイデンティティ): The identity or feeling of belonging to a group based on culture. Folk music is an important part of our cultural identity.
2. Wrap-around (巻きつける): Something designed to be wrapped around the body and tied. She wore a beautiful wrap-around skirt that she bought from the market.
3. Casual (カジュアルな): Relaxed and unconcerned; not formal. The company has a casual dress code, so jeans are allowed.
4. Obi (帯): A wide belt used in traditional Japanese dress. Choosing the right obi can completely change the look of a kimono.
5. Meticulous (細心の): Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. Her meticulous nature is evident in the way she organizes her desk.
No. 3 Key Expressions and Example Sentences – Pronounce the Example Sentences of Key Expressions Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Key Expressions Instantly
1. Plays a significant role (重要な役割を果たす) Education plays a significant role in personal development.
2. Signify (意味する) The color of one’s kimono can signify many aspects of their status and personality.
3. Involves meticulous attention to detail (細部にわたる注意を要する) Crafting traditional pottery involves meticulous attention to detail to ensure each piece is perfect.
No. 4 Discussion and Exchange of Opinions on the Sample Answer Instructor: How do you perceive the significance of traditional clothing like kimono and yukata in modern society? Do you think such traditions are still relevant today?
Student: [Opinions of students]
No. 5 Free Discussion on the topic Let’s discuss the globalization of traditional attire. Have you seen traditional Japanese clothing being worn or adapted in other cultures? How do you feel about the fusion of traditional and modern fashion elements?
Topic Question:How do Japanese people celebrate New Year’s Day?
No. 1
First, try answering the question yourself. – The instructor will provide advice on vocabulary, grammar, and expression corrections.
Sample Answer – Let’s read aloud – The instructor will check your pronunciation and accent.
New Year’s Day, or “Shogatsu,” is one of the most important holidays in Japan, celebrated with various traditions and customs. Japanese people typically start the celebrations by eating “toshikoshi soba” on New Year’s Eve, symbolizing the crossing over from the old year into the new and hoping for a long life. On New Year’s Day, many visit shrines or temples to pray for good fortune in the coming year, a practice known as “hatsumode.” Families gather to enjoy “osechi-ryori,” special dishes prepared for the New Year, each with symbolic meanings for health, happiness, and prosperity. Homes are decorated with “kadomatsu” and “shimekazari” to welcome spirits of ancestors and bring good luck. The New Year is also a time for giving “otoshidama,” money gifts to children, enveloped in special decorative pouches.
No. 2
5 Words to Learn and Their Meanings – Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly
1. Traditions (伝統): The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation. We uphold our family traditions every Christmas by baking cookies and singing carols together.
2. Fortune (運命): Chance or luck as an external, arbitrary force affecting human affairs. Many people wear lucky charms in hopes of improving their fortune.
3. Prosperity (繁栄): The state of being prosperous; wealth or success. The country’s economy was booming, leading to greater prosperity for its citizens.
4. Ancestors (先祖): A person, typically one more remote than a grandparent, from whom one is descended. I often wonder about the lives of my ancestors and the challenges they faced.
5. Pouches (袋): Small bags or sacks for carrying small objects. I keep all my coins in a small leather pouch.
No. 3 Key Expressions and Example Sentences – Pronounce the Example Sentences of Key Expressions Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Key Expressions Instantly
1. Crossing over (越える) The bridge represents crossing over from hardship to a place of safety and comfort.
2. Pray for good fortune (幸運を祈る) At the beginning of each year, I pray for good fortune for my family and friends.
3. Symbolic meanings (象徴的な意味) The ring is often seen as having symbolic meanings of unity and eternity in marriage ceremonies.
No. 4 Discussion and Exchange of Opinions on the Sample Answer Instructor: Do you have a particular tradition that resonates with you?
Student: [Opinions of students]
No. 5
Free Discussion on the topic Let’s talk about the importance of New Year celebrations around the world. How do different cultures reflect their values and hopes for the new year through their traditions? What unique New Year customs have you experienced or heard about that you find interesting or meaningful?
Topic Question: What is the historical background of the samurai?
No.1 First, try answering the question yourself. – The instructor will provide advice on vocabulary, grammar, and expression corrections.
Sample Answer – Let’s read aloud – The instructor will check your pronunciation and accent.
The samurai were the military nobility and officer caste of medieval and early-modern Japan. From the late 12th century, they became the highest-ranking social caste under the Japanese Emperor and the Shogunate. Originally, samurai were archers who fought on horseback, their role expanded over time to include leading battles and governing regions. They lived by the “Bushido” code, which emphasized virtues such as loyalty, honor, and discipline. The era of the samurai effectively ended during the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century when the samurai class was abolished in favor of a modern, conscripted army. However, the legacy and influence of samurai culture continue to be felt in Japan and around the world.
No.2 5 Words to Learn and Their Meanings – Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly
Nobility (貴族): The group of people belonging to the noble class in a country, especially those with a hereditary or honorary title.
In medieval Europe, the nobility owned vast amounts of land and had significant political power.
Archers (弓兵): People who use a bow and arrows. The archers took their positions on the castle walls as the enemy approached.
3. Bushido (武士道): The code of honor and morals developed by the Japanese samurai. Bushido influenced the samurai’s conduct in both warfare and in peacetime.
4. Meiji Restoration (明治維新): The period in the late 19th century when Japan underwent rapid modernization and industrialization. The Meiji Restoration transformed Japan from a feudal society into a world power.
5. Legacy (遺産): Something left or handed down by a predecessor. The legacy of ancient civilizations can be seen in their art, laws, and structures.
No.3 Key Expressions and Example Sentences – Pronounce the Example Sentences of Key Expressions Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Key Expressions Instantly
Military nobility (軍事貴族) The military nobility played a crucial role in the governance and defense of the realm.
Leading battles (戦いを導く) Famous generals from history are celebrated for leading battles that changed the course of their nations.
Abolished (廃止される) The practice was eventually abolished after widespread criticism and calls for reform.
No.4 Discussion and Exchange of Opinions on the Sample Answer Instructor: How do you think the values of Bushido have influenced modern Japanese society? Are there aspects of samurai culture that are still relevant today?
Student: [Opinions of students]
No.5 Free Discussion on the topic Let’s explore how the image of the samurai has been romanticized in films and literature. Do you think these portrayals accurately reflect historical reality? How do samurai movies or books impact your perception of Japanese culture?
Topic Question:Can you explain the significance of the tea ceremony in Japanese culture?
No.1 First, try answering the question yourself. – The instructor will provide advice on vocabulary, grammar, and expression corrections.
▮ Sample Answer – Let’s read aloud – The instructor will check your pronunciation and accent. The Japanese tea ceremony, also known as “Chanoyu” or “Sado,” is more than just drinking tea. It is a spiritual and philosophical ritual that embodies harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Originating in the 15th century, it reflects the Zen Buddhist principles and emphasizes the beauty of simple and transient things. The ceremony is meticulously planned and performed, involving specific utensils, attire, and procedures. Each element, from the preparation to the serving of matcha (powdered green tea), is symbolic, aiming to create a moment of harmony between the host and guests. It celebrates the art of hospitality and mindfulness, making it a profound cultural tradition in Japan.
No.2 5 Words to Learn and Their Meanings – Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly
Spiritual (精神的な): Relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul. Meditation is a spiritual practice that helps me find inner peace.
Philosophical (哲学的な): Relating to the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. We had a philosophical discussion about the meaning of life.
Meticulously (細心の注意を払って): Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. She meticulously planned her trip to ensure everything went smoothly.
Symbolic (象徴的な): Serving as a symbol of something. The olive branch is symbolic of peace.
Mindfulness (マインドフルネス): The quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. Practicing mindfulness can greatly reduce stress and anxiety.
No.3 Key Expressions and Example Sentences – Pronounce the Example Sentences of Key Expressions Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Key Expressions Instantly
1. Embodies (を体現する) This painting embodies the artist’s emotions during a difficult time in his life.
2. Zen Buddhist principles (禅仏教の原則) The concept of simplicity in Zen Buddhist principles has influenced my lifestyle.
3. Art of hospitality (おもてなしの芸術) Japanese culture is renowned for its art of hospitality and meticulous attention to guests’ needs.
No.4 Discussion and Exchange of Opinions on the Sample Answer Instructor: What do you think about the philosophical aspects of the tea ceremony?
Do you see any value in incorporating such traditions into modern life?
Student: [Opinions of students]
No.5 Free Discussion on the topic Let’s discuss how traditional rituals like the tea ceremony can play a role in today’s fast-paced society. Can adopting aspects of such ceremonies help improve our quality of life or mindfulness in the modern world?
Directions: Write ONE sentence base on the picture. Use the TWO words or phrases under the picture. You may change the forms, or the words and you may use them in any order.
Practice: (Apart from the actual test mentioned above, please create three sentences.)
＜TIPS＞
● Write one grammatically correct sentence.
● Use the given two words (phrases).
● The sentence should match the photo.
(There’s no need to write a long sentence.
● When describing objects, the present tense is fine, but when it comes to people or animals, since it’s an action happening right now, please write in the present continuous tense
Directions: Write ONE sentence base on the picture. Use the TWO words or phrases under the picture. You may change the forms, or the words and you may use them in any order.
Practice: (Apart from the actual test mentioned above, please create three sentences.)
Directions: Write ONE sentence base on the picture. Use the TWO words or phrases under the picture. You may change the forms, or the words and you may use them in any order.
Practice: (Apart from the actual test mentioned above, please create three sentences.)
Directions: Write ONE sentence base on the picture. Use the TWO words or phrases under the picture. You may change the forms, or the words and you may use them in any order.
Practice: (Apart from the actual test mentioned above, please create three sentences.)
Directions: Write ONE sentence base on the picture. Use the TWO words or phrases under the picture. You may change the forms, or the words and you may use them in any order.
Practice: (Apart from the actual test mentioned above, please create three sentences.)
