Rabbit and the Hare

In English there are some similar animals with different names. Often in Japanese they have the same name.

For example the rabbit and the hare. The hare is usually larger and has very powerful back legs. Also, the hare’s ears are usually larger than the rabbit’s ears.

Turtle and tortoise are another example. Generally, a tortoise lives only on land and a turtle lives in and near lakes and streams. Often the tortoise lives in a desert and their shell is very round. Turtle shells are usually flatter so they can move fast in the water.

Also crocodiles and alligators are very similar. The crocodile is usually larger, but the alligator has a very strong, square jaw.

Have you ever seen a rabbit? How about a hare? Have you seen a turtle? How about a tortoise? Have you seen alligators or crocodiles?

Harpsichord versus Piano

I enjoy many kinds of music. Sometimes I listen to rock. Sometimes I like country. Sometimes the pleasantness of Eastern European folk music is good. Some kinds of jazz are very fun. Often I enjoy classical music.

Recently a friend said he didn’t like the harpsichord very much. He prefers the piano. Of course I like the piano very much, too; however, I really like the harpsichord.

A harpsichord looks similar to a piano, but the inside is a little different. A piano strikes wires with small wooden hammers. A harpsichord plucks wires with small picks. I really like the plucking sound. Perhaps I find it light and fun, like a banjo or the Okinawan sanshin.

Have you ever heard a harpsichord? Which do you prefer: the piano or the harpsichord?

School Opening Ceremony

For students, today is the first day of school this year. We had a ceremony in the gymnasium. It was very cold. The ceremony was very short so we could go back to the office and warm up.

We sang the school song and listened to the Principal talk about the importance of making a good plan for the year.

The students had meetings about the new term. After that, they went home early.

There is no school lunch today. Unfortunately I forgot to bring a box lunch, so I’m a little sad.

Do you have a good plan for the year?

Coming of Age

Today we celebrate Coming of Age day in Japan. The term “Coming of Age” represents a change from childhood to adulthood. In Japan we celebrate this change at 20 years old. When someone turns 20 they can vote. Also they can drink and smoke.

In America we consider people adults at 18 years of age, but it is very complicated. We consider people under 21 years old to be minors. Americans can vote and smoke when they turn 18, but they can’t drink until they turn 21 years old.

Ancient Jewish tradition celebrates coming of age at 13 years old.

Many Latin American families celebrate a woman’s coming of age at 15 years old.

Different cultures have different ideas about passing into adulthood. When do you think children become adults?

Seven Grass Porridge

Yesterday my wife made a traditional porridge. On the Seventh of January, some people make nanakusagayu which is a rice porridge with seven kinds of wild greens. Many children do not like it because it has a strong grassy flavor.

I like many different flavors, so I enjoyed the porridge. This morning we ate the leftover porridge and added Japanese plum.

Japan is a country with many, many traditions. Some of these traditions are disappearing. I think nanakusagayu is a disappearing tradition.

What do you think? Do you eat it every year?

New Car

In March I scrapped my car. I was sad to get rid of it but, it was very old. I decided to buy a newer and safer car. It has taken a long time, but finally I ordered a car. About the end of January, I hope to get it.

The car is a yellow Honda Fit. I want a color that is easy to find in a parking lot. White or black cars are very common, but yellow is rare.

Soon, I will have a car. The Fit is very efficient. It will be cheap to drive. Also, it will be nice on rainy days and cold days.

What kind of car do you drive?

Kids are Great

In December I went on winter break, then in January I taught at a special school. This week I returned to my normal schedule. Since mid-December some of my students have been researching about Japanese New Year’s traditions. This morning they gave me a presentation with their findings.

When the presentation ended, they gave me all of their pictures. I learned a lot today and I can study more because I have their information. It was a nice welcome back to the school.