Autumn in Japan is "autumn leaves". This photo was taken at "Nikuchi Pass" on the border of Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures.

Early autumn Okama. The surrounding area was slightly colored in autumn, and the green of the volcanic lake and the red of the trees complemented the scenery. The air was cool and I could feel the changing seasons.

[English/Japanese] Continuing from last week, I would like to introduce some of the behaviors and conversations that international students find strange when communicating with Japanese people. Shy Japanese? International students often tell me that many Japanese people are shy. When I ask them why, they say that many Japanese do not express their opinions clearly, do not make eye contact, and are shy about dancing or singing in public. Do you think that Japanese people are really shy? In Japan, modesty and mutual respect have long been regarded as virtues. For this reason, I think many Japanese people are careful to avoid doing anything that might draw attention to themselves. However, there is one situation where shy Japanese people can act boldly. One of them is hot springs. International students often say that it is strange that Japanese people are so shy that they show their nakedness to others and take a bath together. They also say the same thing about Japanese people who cosplay at anime events. When it comes to hot springs, the reason given is that it is a part of Japanese culture that they have grown accustomed to, so few Japanese question it. Also, cosplaying is a way to "be someone else," and many people are open to it. ✌ In your country, what kind of poses do you take when taking photos? When you take photos at your Japanese language school, you can discover the differences between countries. For example, male students from Nepal and Bangladesh "wear sunglasses and put their hands in their pockets and hold them at an angle," while female students from Asian countries who like Korean culture "make a heart with their index finger and thumb overlapping. And most Japanese teachers make the "peace sign". There are many theories as to why Japanese people make the peace sign. Some foreign students think that Japanese people are boring when it comes to posing for photos. However, for shy Japanese who feel embarrassed to be true, it may be a relief to have a standard pose. Different Personalities in Different Regions When people talk about the personality of the Japanese, they are often referring to the Japanese living in the Tokyo area. So, are Japanese people in other areas the same as in Tokyo? Osaka is famous for being different from the typical Japanese character. Osaka has prospered as a city of commerce and is home to many people who like to talk and make people laugh. For this reason, I often hear foreign students who have visited Osaka for the first time or who have talked with people from Osaka say that they do not feel like Japanese. Also, being located in the southernmost part of Japan, Okinawa has a large number of people who love to dance and sing. Just like the climate, the people in Okinawa are warm and cheerful. On the other hand, people in colder areas such as Tohoku are more humble and less talkative than those in Tokyo. Even in the same region of Japan, the atmosphere of the people differs depending on the region, so please try talking to Japanese people in different regions. Over the past two weeks, I have introduced the personality and behavior of Japanese people. International students who have just arrived in Japan often have misunderstandings about the behavior of Japanese people. In order to reduce such misunderstandings, Japanese language schools offer classes on Japanese culture as well as on the character of Japanese people. Please come and observe our classes. Continuing from last week, I would like to introduce the actions and conversations that international students thought "Japan people are strange" when communicating with Japan people. Shy Japan? International students often say that many Japan people are shy. When asked why, they say, "I don't express my opinion clearly," "I don't make eye contact," and "I am shy about dancing or singing in public." Do you think Japan people are really shy? It has long been a virtue for Japan to be humble and to give in. Therefore, I think there are many people who are careful not to do anything that attracts Japan attention of themselves. But why would such a shy Japan do such a thing? There are also situations where I have doubts. It is a hot spring. International students often tell me that it is strange to show others their nakedness and take a bath together, even though they are Japan shy. There are also similar opinions about Japan people who cosplay at anime events. When it comes to hot springs, the reason is that few people have doubts about them because they are familiar with Japan Japan culture. Also, cosplay is about "becoming a different you," and many people open up. ✌ What kind of pose do you take when taking photos in your country? Taking photos at Japanese schools allows you to discover differences between countries. Male students from Nepal and Bangladesh "put their hands in their pockets with sunglasses and hold them diagonally," while Asian female students who like Korean culture "put their index fingers and thumbs on top of each other to make a heart." And Japan teachers mostly make a "peace sign". There are theories as to why Japan people do pieces. Some international students find it boring to pose for photos of Japan people. However, for shy Japan who find photography embarrassing, it may be reassuring to have a standard pose. Personality varies by region When talking about the personality of Japan people, most of them are aimed at "Japan people living in the suburbs of Tokyo". So, are Japan people in other regions the same as in Tokyo? Osaka is famous for being different from the typical Japan personality. Osaka is a thriving city of business, and there are many people who like to talk and want to make people laugh. For this reason, I often hear from international students who visit Osaka for the first time or who have spoken with people from Osaka that they are not like Japan people. Also, Okinawa, which is located in the southernmost part of the Japan, has many people who love to dance and sing. Like the climate, the people are warm and cheerful people live here. On the other hand, there is an image that in cold regions such as Tohoku, there are even more humble people and fewer words than in Tokyo. Even in the same Japan, the atmosphere of people differs depending on the region, so please try talking to Japan people from various regions. Over the course of two weeks, we introduced the personalities and behaviors of Japan people. International students who have just arrived at Japan often misunderstand the behavior of Japan others. In Japanese schools, in order to reduce such misunderstandings, the Japan culture and the personality of the Japan person are also dealt with in class. Please come and observe the class.

First snow in late autumn in Tohoku

Sunset on Sado Island in autumn

Emerald green of Sado Island in autumn

Oguninuma in Fukushima Prefecture Shot from Kanazawa Pass LAOWA 15mm flare is interesting

Kitashiobara The autumn morning sun shone on the countryside as the sea of clouds began to clear and created a divine atmosphere.

The fresh green of the Oirase Gorge is also beautiful. Autumn leaves color the autumn hike. There are many autumn foliage spots here and there along the mountain stream! Please enjoy walking with the flow of pure water.

At Haguroyama Park, Miyagi Prefecture. 150,000 plants have been planted, and when the time comes, they are in full bloom and beautiful, so I want everyone to come and see them when the corona subsides ... It wasn't there when I went, but apparently there are some white red spider liliies inside. I wanted to see it, so I want to go again next year.

Autumn leaves and houses in the Tohoku region

The rural scenery ? of Tome City, Miyagi Prefecture, which was the setting for "Welcome Back Monet" This is the city where I was transferred for work in the past and lived for several years. Immediately after moving, I was strongly attracted to this city rich in nature, where you can feel the seasons with all five senses, and it is still my ✨ spiritual home. I love Tome City so much that even now that my car broke down, I rent a car and go ? for a drive. This photo is a treasure-like scenery that I encountered on such a driving day. On both sides, which are not shown in the photo, the beautiful countryside continues far ahead. Ears of rice spread all over the area like a golden sea and sway like waves when the wind blows. I was so impressed that I immediately parked my car in a wide area on the side of the road and took many pictures with enthusiasm. I will never forget the lush scent of rice ears when I got out of the car, and the beautiful contrast between the blue sky, green trees, and golden ears of rice. The scenery of Tome City is really beautiful, the food is very delicious, and the people are kind. I'm really glad ? I found such a wonderful city Now I am working hard to move to Tome again. By then, "Welcome Back Monet" will be long over, but... "Welcome Back Mocha" wants ?? to be warmly welcomed into this city. I hope ✨ that the charm of my favorite Tome City will be conveyed to everyone as much as possible.

This is the autumn foliage scenery of Koankyo in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture. This is a canyon formed by the deep erosion of both banks of the Minase River over many years. When you go down the stairs of the rocks, there is a promenade at the end of which there is a "large spout" where hot water and steam of 98°C are gushing out violently. Fresh green in spring, autumn leaves. And in winter, you can enjoy the large icicles "shigakko" that descend into the canyon. This photo was taken from Kawarayu Bridge overlooking the autumn foliage scenery of Koankyo.

The reason I started photography was because I saw a wonderful photo of Cosmos on the Internet. I wanted to take such wonderful photos myself. In a place that is not crowded now, the three brothers are in full bloom, about to bloom, and buds. This photo was taken in the autumn of the year of the Great Tohoku Earthquake, and the cosmos was blooming vigorously.

Tsutashinuma, Towada, Aomori

A photo I took of Tatsuko, the golden lady of the lake at Lake Tazawa in Semboku, Akita 4 years ago. I really love everything about Akita, there's so much natural beauty in the area, especially around this lake. I'd like to go back during the summer (this was taken in early fall) and try some kayaking on the lake. I'd also like to go cycling around the lake if possible, it'd be some good exercise at the very least. Anyways, for those unfamiliar with the legend of Tatsuko, from my understanding, she was a girl who wished for eternal beauty but was turned into a dragon, and so she drowned herself in the lake. It sounds kind of dark, but apparently she and another dragon fell in love with one another and together they keep the lake from freezing during winter. Considering how cold it gets during winter in Akita, or at least that year in Akita, that's a pretty impressive feat!

A famous place for autumn leaves "Jogakura Bridge". The congestion at peak times can be quite a bit, but it should be a sight worth seeing even if you go through that much effort. You can also stop at the parking lot at both ends of the bridge and walk across the bridge to overlook the Jogakura Gorge. There are many windy days, so if you are not good at high places, please come with caution.

This is the autumn foliage scenery of Koankyo in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture. This is a canyon formed by the deep erosion of both banks of the Minase River over many years. When you go down the stairs of the rocks, there is a promenade at the end of which there is a "large spout" where hot water and steam of 98°C are gushing out violently. Fresh green in spring, autumn leaves. And in winter, you can enjoy the large icicles "shigakko" that descend into the canyon. This photo was taken overlooking the autumn foliage scenery from Kawarayu Bridge.

This is the autumn foliage scenery of Koankyo in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture. This is a canyon formed by the deep erosion of both banks of the Minase River over many years. When you go down the stairs of the rocks, there is a promenade at the end of which there is a "large spout" where hot water and steam of 98°C are gushing out violently. Fresh green in spring, autumn leaves. And in winter, you can enjoy the large icicles "shigakko" that descend into the canyon. This photo was taken overlooking the autumn foliage scenery from Kawarayu Bridge.

This is the autumn foliage scenery of the Kinhana Valley in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture. Xiangbang Valley is one of the 100 Japan Scenic Spots, and is a valley of about 2 km that was formed by the erosion of limestone by the Sunatetsu River. Cliffs about 100 meters high stand on both banks, and the flow of the mountain stream is very quiet. On the boat descent, the boatman skillfully maneuvers the boat with a single rod and tells you "Geibi Oiwake". Of course, the autumn leaves are splendid, but when the wisteria flowers bloom in the season of fresh greenery, they are also quaint and emotional.

This is the autumn foliage scenery of the Kuzumaru River mountain stream in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. The upper reaches of the Kuzumaru River, which flows from the bosom of the Ou Mountains, are attractive spots with beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. This place also appears in Kenji Miyazawa's fairy tales, but it seems to have a nostalgic atmosphere somewhere. The splash of the waterfall is shining on the far left, but I like the fairy tale atmosphere, so I will post it.

This is the autumn foliage scenery of the Kuzumaru River mountain stream in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. The upper reaches of the Kuzumaru River, which flows from the bosom of the Ou Mountains, are attractive spots with beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. This place also appears in Kenji Miyazawa's fairy tales, but it seems to have a nostalgic atmosphere somewhere.

This is the autumn foliage scenery of Tsuta Akanuma in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture. Tsuta Akanuma is one of the seven Tsuta swamps in the Hakkoda area of Aomori Prefecture. It is a swamp with highly transparent water and beautiful surrounding scenery, and you can see Mt. Akakura of the Hakkoda mountain range. The first climb of the mountain trail is difficult, but the rest is relatively easy to walk.

One of the three mountains of Dewa, Yudonoyama. It is said to be a sacred place where yamabushi who train in the mountains are reborn. I feel the majesty of the large torii gate that assimilates into Nishiki Autumn. Mt. Yudono, one of the three mountains of Dewa, in Tohoku region. It is said to be a sacred place where Yamabushi (mountain priest), who practices in the mountains with the belief in reincarnation. Standing there alone, I felt the overwhelming majesty of the Otorii (the giant gate) that blends in the autumn colors.

This is the autumn foliage scenery of Komata Gorge in Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture. Komata Gorge is dotted with more than 100 waterfalls, holes and abysses of various sizes from the primeval forest of the Noro River at the eastern foot of Mt. Moriyoshi, and is designated as a natural monument of scenic beauty by the prefecture. As it is called "the last unexplored area of Akita Prefecture", you can enjoy the powerful scenery. It is common to get there by car to Taiping Lake and cross it by pleasure boat. After about 30 minutes on the Lake Taihei sightseeing boat, you will arrive at the Komata Gorge Pier, and from there, a 1.8 km mountain trail is maintained, and as you proceed along the mountain trail, you will gradually see Yokotaki Falls, Kumataki Falls, Gama Pool, Sankaku Falls, Anataki Falls, Kanotaki, Kanotaki, Kano Falls, Kano Weir, and Kanonanata Falls, and at the end of the road, a powerful "Sankai Falls" with a height of about 20 meters appears.

This is the autumn foliage scenery of Komata Gorge in Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture. Komata Gorge is dotted with more than 100 waterfalls, holes and abysses of various sizes from the primeval forest of the Noro River at the eastern foot of Mt. Moriyoshi, and is designated as a natural monument of scenic beauty by the prefecture. As it is called "the last unexplored area of Akita Prefecture", you can enjoy the powerful scenery. It is common to get there by car to Taiping Lake and cross it by pleasure boat. After about 30 minutes on the Lake Taihei sightseeing boat, you will arrive at the Komata Gorge Pier, and from there, a 1.8 km mountain trail is maintained, and as you proceed along the mountain trail, you will gradually see Yokotaki Falls, Kumataki Falls, Gama Pool, Sankaku Falls, Anataki Falls, Kanotaki, Kanotaki, Kano Falls, Kano Weir, and Kanonanata Falls, and at the end of the road, a powerful "Sankai Falls" with a height of about 20 meters appears.

This is the autumn foliage scenery of Komata Gorge in Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture. Komata Gorge is dotted with more than 100 waterfalls, holes and abysses of various sizes from the primeval forest of the Noro River at the eastern foot of Mt. Moriyoshi, and is designated as a natural monument of scenic beauty by the prefecture. As it is called "the last unexplored area of Akita Prefecture", you can enjoy the powerful scenery. It is common to get there by car to Taiping Lake and cross it by pleasure boat. After about 30 minutes on the Lake Taihei sightseeing boat, you will arrive at the Komata Gorge Pier, and from there, a 1.8 km mountain trail is maintained, and as you proceed along the mountain trail, you will gradually see Yokotaki Falls, Kumataki Falls, Gama Pool, Sankaku Falls, Anataki Falls, Kanotaki, Kanotaki, Kano Falls, Kano Weir, and Kanonanata Falls, and at the end of the road, a powerful "Sankai Falls" with a height of about 20 meters appears.

This is the autumn foliage scenery of Komata Gorge in Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture. Komata Gorge is dotted with more than 100 waterfalls, holes and abysses of various sizes from the primeval forest of the Noro River at the eastern foot of Mt. Moriyoshi, and is designated as a natural monument of scenic beauty by the prefecture. As it is called "the last unexplored area of Akita Prefecture", you can enjoy the powerful scenery. It is common to get there by car to Taiping Lake and cross it by pleasure boat. After about 30 minutes on the Lake Taihei sightseeing boat, you will arrive at the Komata Gorge Pier, and from there, a 1.8 km mountain trail is maintained, and as you proceed along the mountain trail, you will gradually see Yokotaki Falls, Kumataki Falls, Gama Pool, Sankaku Falls, Anataki Falls, Kanotaki, Kanotaki, Kano Falls, Kano Weir, and Kanonanata Falls, and at the end of the road, a powerful "Sankai Falls" with a height of about 20 meters appears.

This is the autumn foliage scenery of Komata Gorge in Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture. Komata Gorge is dotted with more than 100 waterfalls, holes and abysses of various sizes from the primeval forest of the Noro River at the eastern foot of Mt. Moriyoshi, and is designated as a natural monument of scenic beauty by the prefecture. As it is called "the last unexplored area of Akita Prefecture", you can enjoy the powerful scenery. It is common to get there by car to Taiping Lake and cross it by pleasure boat. After about 30 minutes on the Lake Taihei sightseeing boat, you will arrive at the Komata Gorge Pier, and from there, a 1.8 km mountain trail is maintained, and as you proceed along the mountain trail, you will gradually see Yokotaki Falls, Kumataki Falls, Gama Pool, Sankaku Falls, Anataki Falls, Kanotaki, Kanotaki, Kano Falls, Kano Weir, and Kanonanata Falls, and at the end of the road, a powerful "Sankai Falls" with a height of about 20 meters appears.