[English/Japan] Things that surprised foreign students when they came to Japan. ～Fashion 2 Continuing from last week, this week I would like to introduce the fashion of Japanese people. Mysterious message written on a T-shirt One of the most famous Japanese fashion items that made foreign tourists and international students laugh was the English logo T-shirts. An English logo T-shirt is a T-shirt with English stylishly written on it. Most Japanese people who wear these T-shirts sometimes wear them just because they are "fashionable" or "cool" without thinking about the meaning of the English written on them. However, the content of the English written on them is often strange, and they are sometimes laughed at by English-speaking foreigners. One person told me that when she was standing in line at the checkout counter after shopping at a supermarket, the staff member a Japanese woman in her 50s or 60s was wearing a T-shirt with "born in L. A." written in large letters on it, and she had a hard time holding back her laughter. However, this is not only Japanese. Some Western tourists also wear T-shirts and tattoos with strange kanji characters. However, this is not the case with international students who are learning Kanji. Let's all study Japanese and try to read the kanji on the T-shirts properly. The More Natural the Makeup, the More Time Japanese Spend on It Many foreigners are surprised to see Japanese women applying makeup in the restroom or even on a shaky train. Compared to other countries, Japanese women are famous for wearing makeup more often. Japanese makeup is characterized by a heavy application of foundation and a focus on eye makeup. However, all of these are not flashy makeup the emphasis is on how to make it look natural. Also, since they started wearing masks due to the influence of Corona, more and more people have started to be particular about their eye makeup. Furthermore, cosmetics for men have recently been marketed and are very popular. It is now commonplace for high school boys to trim their eyebrows, which was rare a few years ago. Japanese makeup products are also popular overseas, and many people take them as souvenirs. I hope you will give them a try too. Regional differences in fashion I've written before about regional differences in the Japanese personality, but there are also regional differences in fashion. For example, even in Tokyo, Marunouchi is an office district, so many people wear stylish suits. Harajuku is also known as the fashion district, with people walking around in unique fashions such as Lolita and punk. In Osaka, many people like to wear very flashy patterns such as leopard print, and in Nagoya, it is said that many people wear brands. In areas where there are many people, fashion also varies. Of course, there are trends, but no matter what kind of fashion you wear, it is unlikely that people will look at you strangely. Please enjoy Japan in your own way and in the fashion you like. Have you learned a little about Japanese fashion? Our school holds an event to wear Yukata summer kimono before the summer vacation. I'm sure you'll love these yukata, so airy and with great patterns! What surprised international students when they came to Japan. ~Fashion2~ This week, continuing from last week, I would like to introduce the fashion of Japan people. Mysterious message written on the T-shirt One of the most famous fashion for Japan people who made foreign tourists and international students laugh is the English logo T-shirt. An English logo T-shirt is a T-shirt with English written stylishly on the T-shirt. Most Japan people who wear this T-shirt wear it only with the image of "fashionable" and "cool" without thinking about the meaning of the English written on it. However, many of the English contents written there are strange, and foreigners in English-speaking countries sometimes laugh at them. One person said that when he was shopping at a supermarket and was standing in line at the cash register, the cashier staff Japan women in their 50s ~ 60s was wearing a T-shirt with the words "born in L.A." written in large letters, and it was difficult to hold back her laughter. But this applies only to Japan people. Western tourists may also wear T-shirts tattoos, etc. with strange Chinese characters. However, this is not the case for international students who are learning kanji. Everyone, let's study Japanese and read the kanji on the T-shirt properly. People who spend as much time as natural makeup Japan Many foreigners are surprised to see Japan women fixing their makeup in the toilet and putting on makeup even on a swaying train. Japan women are notorious for wearing makeup more often than in other countries. Japan people's makeup is characterized by applying foundation well and sticking to eye makeup. However, these are all emphasized not on flashy makeup, but on how natural it looks. Also, since they started wearing masks due to the influence of Corona, it seems that the number of people who are particular about eye makeup has increased. More recently, men's cosmetics have also been on sale and are popular. It is now commonplace for high school boys to trim their eyebrows, which was rare a few years ago. Japan's makeup products are very popular overseas, and many people take them as souvenirs. Please give it a try. Regional differences in fashion I previously wrote in a column that there are regional differences in the personality of Japan people, but there are also regional differences in fashion. For example, even in Tokyo, Marunouchi is an office district, so there are many people wearing stylish suits. Harajuku is also said to be a fashion town, and there are people with unique fashions such as Lolita and punk walking around. It is said that many people in Osaka prefer to wear very flashy patterns such as leopard prints, and many people wear brands in Nagoya. In areas where there are many people, fashion also varies. Of course, there are trends, but in any fashion you are unlikely to be seen strangely by people. Please enjoy Japan in your own fashion and your favorite fashion. Did you get to know a little about Japan fashion? Our school holds an event to wear a yukata summer kimono before the summer vacation. I'm sure you'll love yukatas with good ventilation and nice patterns!

Early morning when autumn is cold Feel the change of seasons on the familiar walking path

Colorful autumn leaves fall in a small pond The reflection of the trees was 🍁 also beautiful Shooting location Okito Shrine Date taken on 2021.10.17

As if greeting the morning, I was attracted by the autumn wildflowers that stretched their backs against the blue sky.

[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.

Autumn of Japan

One photo at Rurikoin Temple, Kyoto, November 2020. The beautiful trees in the garden were reflected on the sutra desk, creating a fantastic world. In particular, the withered ginkgo trees and the maple trees with autumn leaves seemed to show the transience of the human world, and it was truly a superb view.

Autumn of Japan With buckwheat flowers The red bokeh in the back is Higanbana

Autumn of Japan In the sun On the passionate crimson bed of Higanbana Colorful persimmon leaves wrapped Color autumn

Nagano Prefecture, at Sujinmon on the way to Togakushi Shrine Okusha. I arrived at 6 a.m., the sun was starting to rise, and the sunlight was shining, which was very fantastic. We received a lot of pure and clear air with deep greenery in summer. I passed the person who had already visited the shrine, and when I turned around, I felt very nostalgic.

Nagano Prefecture, at Sujinmon on the way to Togakushi Shrine Okusha. I arrived at 6 a.m., the sun was starting to rise, and the sunlight was shining, which was very fantastic. We received a lot of pure and clear air with deep greenery in summer.

It is a sunflower field in Tono City, Iwate Prefecture. It blooms profusely with quite a few sunflower flowers. It was 👌🌻✨ a great spot

The riverbed in front of Kifune Shrine in Kyoto. In summer, you can eat somen noodles here. Surrounded by trees while listening to the sound of water, it was a place where you could feel the harmony.

Summer lights and colors color Kyoto. How eloquent of them.

In a corner of Yudanaka Onsen in Yamanouchi Town, Kita Shinshu Prefecture. I enjoyed the evening while watching the bamboo candles. The handmade bamboo candles were shimmering wonderfully, and I felt at ease as if they made me forget the heat of the day.

Turtle and hydrangea w Vertical composition

I stopped by a Japanese confectionery shop for a break. Here, I had cool Japanese sweets and matcha with ice. The transparent Japanese sweets were cool and it was an elegant summer break. I dared to edit it in monochrome. Imagine the color of Japanese sweets.

"Okayama Prefecture Kurashiki Bikan District Spring Night Lights" The first Spring Evening Light was held on a reduced scale due to the influence of Corona. Originally, there are many more Japanese umbrella lights spreading all over the street. If the corona subsides and we can hold it on a normal scale, it is a 🥰 sight that I would definitely like to see again.

In Shiga Prefecture, I went to see hydrangea on a rainy day! This year, the best time to see it is long and you can enjoy it.

This is a photo of a stone parent and child. I feel like we're really having a dialogue.

This photo was taken halfway up the mountain.

This is a photo I took when I went to Fukushima Prefecture. I am grateful that we have not lost Japan the Great East Earthquake and the corona vortex, and that they are still connecting people with nature.

Famous water ✨

Sensoji Temple is full of people. During the first visit, I casually looked back and pressed the button. I used to visit the shrine every year. I thought it was annoying because there were many people, but now I feel this crowd is beautiful. I would be happy if I could see this scenery again someday.

Japanese umbrella and autumn leaves Shorinji Temple became famous for its photogenic flower handwater. One of the towers of Tofukuji Temple, which is famous as a famous place for autumn leaves. Props reminiscent of demon slayer are placed throughout the precincts to entertain visitors.

Also in the season of bellflower blooming. ⛩️ Seimei Shrine Seimei Shrine is Kyoto's best power spot. In the precincts, "five-pointed stars" are displayed everywhere. Also known as the "Five-pointed Star", also known as "Seimei Kikyo", it is one of the prayer spells used in the Yin-Yang Path created by the Prince of Seimei.

It takes 20 minutes from the main hall to climb the mountain road to the inner temple. With prayers for the end of Corona. ⛩️ Yutoku Inari Shrine

Koedogawagoe Walk Japanese candle HAZE Be healed by candlelight It's not about things to give Lighting time Japanese candles bought as memories Seasonal Japanese candle "See you tomorrow" I want to visit again after corona Japanese candle HAZE "See you tomorrow." Instead of saying goodbye, the word "see you tomorrow" is a wish for a reunion. The time when all mankind communicates with each other True peace comes. “See you tomorrow” Not to mean “good-bye” but a word that looks forward to a “reunion.” When we exchange the words “See you tomorrow” between all mankind, this is when true peace comes.

Koedo Kawagoe Walk God of matchmaking, with sea bream fortune To Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine I want to visit in the summer after corona Wind chime season Beautiful shrine of fishing lanterns Ema Tunnel A large sacred tree with a power spot Healing world