The meeting covered a range of personal topics including daily habits, routines, and preferences, as well as experiences with learning English and effective communication techniques. Participants shared their thoughts on various subjects such as comfort foods, to-do lists, and public speaking, while also discussing personal health issues and experiences. The conversation ended with discussions on positive thinking, the importance of back channeling, and the use of idioms in language learning.

今日のワークショップでは、毎日の習慣や日課、嗜好、英語学習の経験や効果的なコミュニケーション・テクニックなど、多岐に渡りました。参加者は、定番の食べ物、ToDoリスト、人前で話すことなど、さまざまなテーマについて意見をシェアし、また個人的な健康問題や経験についても触れました。慣用句にも慣れるためのトピックもありました。

Question:What’s the first thing you do in the morning to start your day well?

Response:

The first thing I do is go to the toilet. I check my blood pressure.

In winter, my blood pressure tends to go up. My doctor told me to change my medication.

After that, my blood pressure went down.

Question: Would you say you are more street-smart or book-smart?

Response:

My answer depends on the situation. But if I want to learn something new, I prefer to go out and experience it firsthand. Trial and error is a great approach, I think.

Question: Are you a hands-on learner?

Response:

At first, I studied English grammar. As we know, the Japanese English education system has focused a lot on grammar. I’m not sure how it is now, but in the past, it was very grammar-focused. I first learned how to arrange English words and phrases.

 Before speaking English, I always thought about grammar rules in my head, wondering where to place each word. Because of that, at first, I couldn’t speak naturally.

Now, I’m getting used to speaking more fluently.

 So, regarding the question of whether I am a hands-on learner or not—

I think being a hands-on learner is better than just studying theories.

Facilitator: I can tell you’ve become more comfortable speaking on the spot.

Today, I Made Rice Bread

I've been making rice bread for about two years now. I used to bake regular bread in a home bakery machine, but since it wasn’t gluten-free compatible, I had to go through a lot of trial and error to get to where I am today.

Lately, I haven’t been failing as much, but my bread always felt like it was *almost* there but not quite. Honestly, I often found myself thinking that the *yukone* bread from the local supermarket was better.

But today, I made rice bread in a frying pan, and it might just be better than the store-bought *yukone* bread!

Sharing these little moments in English has become part of my daily routine—it’s my *lifework*, in a way. In my workshop, "英語を使ってみる Basho," we practice speaking English *without a script.*

But I’ve noticed that this approach doesn’t always sit well with Japanese learners who grew up with the traditional *Showa-style* English education. Even though I know for a fact that this method helps build real skills!

Honestly, instead of reading *how-to* books, practicing casual conversations and discussing everyday topics in English is far more effective. But many people shy away from it, which I find a bit disappointing.

I’m not looking for people who are already fluent. This workshop is for those who want to become comfortable making small talk in English. Still, so many people say, *"I don’t think I can do it."*

Simply reading a script or writing a journal and then reading it aloud doesn’t really help with natural conversation.

So if you’re even a little bit curious, why not give it a try? Come join us—I’d love to have you!

「今日は、米パンを作った。

気づけば、米パン作りももう2年になる。

もともと普通の食パンはホームベーカリーで作っていたけれど、そのマシーンはグルテンフリー対応ではなく、試行錯誤を重ねながらここまできた。

最近は失敗することもなくなったが、『帯に短し襷に長し』な部分があり、やっぱり近所のスーパーの湯こねパンのほうが美味しいと感じることが多かった。

でも、今日フライパンで焼いた米パンは、もしかするとプロの湯こねパンを超えたかもしれない！」

とまぁ、こんなふうに、日々のちょっとした出来事を英語で発信するのが、今の私の日課。ライフワークと言ってもいいかもしれない。

私が主宰する【英語を使ってみるBasho】ワークショップでは、台本なしで英語を話す練習をしている。

しかし、この方法は日本の昭和スタイルの英語学習に慣れた人には、なかなか受け入れられにくいようだ。

とはいえ、このやり方こそが、実践的な英語力を伸ばす一番の近道だと私は確信している。

どんな *how-to* 本を読むよりも、日常会話や身近な話題について英語で話す練習をしたほうが、はるかに効果的。にもかかわらず、苦手意識を持つ人が多いのが残念だ。

ワークショップでは、すでに英語がペラペラな人を募集しているわけではない。

これから『英語で世間話ができるようになりたい』という人たちが参加するところ、気軽に練習できるBashoだ。

それでも、「私には無理」と感じてしまう人が多いのが現実。

テキストを読んで暗記したり、ジャーナルを書いて発表したりするだけでは、自然な会話力はなかなか身につかない。

でも、もし「そんなに言うなら、ちょっと試してみようかな」と思ったなら、ぜひ気軽に遊びに来てほしい。（ちょっと成瀬っぽい　笑）

Today, I watched the movie *The Crimes That Bind* (*Inori no Maku ga Oriru Toki*). It was absolutely amazing.

The words left behind by Kyoichiro Kaga's father touched my heart:

*"I'm happy that I can always watch over him from the sky... The physical body is nothing but a burden."*

Those words were filled with love and warmth, and they brought tears to my eyes.

Personally, I believe that my parents are always watching over me as well. That's why I love looking at the sky. Thinking that I, too, will be able to watch over my family when I pass on makes me feel less afraid of death.

While Keigo Higashino's original novel is brilliant, the film truly shines thanks to the direction of Katsuo Fukuzawa and the screenplay by Jeong-mi Lee. A huge round of applause to them!

今日、映画「祈りの幕が下りる時」を観た。とても感動した。加賀恭一郎のお父さんの残した言葉、「空からあいつの姿をいつでも見ていられるのが嬉しい…。肉体なんて邪魔なだけだ。。」が愛に溢れていて温かい。そして泣ける。個人的には、私の両親もずっと見てくれていると思っている。だから空を見るのが好きだ。　私もあちらに行ったら、家族をみていられるのだと思えば死が怖くなくなりそう。東野圭吾さんの原作も素晴らしいけど、 福澤克雄さんの演出、 李正美さんの脚本も輝いた映画になっている。大拍手！

昨日の金曜日も相槌でスタートする即興スピーチを楽しんだ。

Statement:

The weather is nice today.

Response:

Yes, I think so.But it's a little too cold for me. I'm wearing a turtleneck Heat Tech from Uniqlo. My Uniqlo Heat Tech underwear is very convenient.It helps prevent the cold. I prefer fine weather over rainy or bad weather. If possible, I would like to go somewhere today, but unfortunately, I have to work.I start working this afternoon. Thank you.

Statement:

Coffee smells great in the morning.

Response:

For sure. I like to drink coffee every day.I drink several cups of tea and coffee. This morning, I had two cups of coffee.

Drinking coffee is my routine.

My daily habit. If I don’t drink coffee, I feel sleepy.

The coffee aroma is fabulous.

Statement:

Flowers brighten up a room.

Response:

If I buy flowers, I usually get three to five pieces because they are costly. Ideally, I’d love to have a big bouquet of roses.Honestly, I want to have them in my room, but I can’t.

Statement:

Valentine's Day is a wonderful time to cherish the love and memories we've shared over the years.

Response:

To be honest, I’m not very familiar with Valentine's Day.In my memory, I haven’t received chocolates for Valentine’s Day, not even from my wife.

 I got married through an arranged marriage. So, I don’t have much experience with Valentine's Day. In the past, I have given gifts to close friends, but the results weren’t always great. So Valentine's Day doesn’t mean much to me.

Statement:

Books are windows to the world.

Response:

Reading books takes time. When I was young, I didn’t read much, but now I do. Recently, I started a new book. Every night, I set aside time for reading. It’s a wonderful habit.

Reading definitely…windows to the world!

なんだかんだ言いながら、道三の後半は、面白く読みました。

前半も司馬遼太郎の書き方が面白いなぁとは思っていたけれど、後編は、さらに筆者としての雑談などが入って面白い。

この時の司馬遼太郎は４２〜3歳であることもわかった。ちょうどその時の道三と同じくらいの歳だということで、なるほどぉと思ったりした。

また、50歳になった道三のフィジカルの弱り方とまだ子供の織田信長の登場の仕方が面白くて、これは、国盗り物語（三）を読みたくなるわ。

東野さんの本も近々届くと思うので、早いとこ(三）と(四）を読んでしまいたい。

Finished Reading Kunitori Monogatari (2)

Despite my complaints, I ended up enjoying the latter half of Dōsan’s story.I found Shiba Ryotaro’s writing style interesting in the first half as well, but the second half was even more engaging, with the author adding more of his own commentary and anecdotes.

I also learned that Shiba Ryotaro was around 42 or 43 years old when he wrote this, which happens to be about the same age as Dōsan at that point in the story. That realization made me think, Ah, that makes sense.

I was also intrigued by how Dōsan, now in his 50s, was portrayed as physically weakening, while Oda Nobunaga, still a child, made his entrance into the story.

This really makes me want to read Kunitori Monogatari (3).

Higashino’s book should be arriving soon, so I’d like to finish volumes (3) and (4) quickly before that!

今日は、あるステイトメントに対し、英語で相槌をうってから即興スピーチを始めるという練習でした。

ちょっと大変かなと思ったけれど、実は、意外と簡単だったかな？というのが、私の感想　💯

Today, we tried an activity where participants first gave a backchannel response in English to my statement and then delivered an impromptu speech.

It seemed a bit challenging at first, but surprisingly, it turned out to be easier than expected—at least, that was my impression.

Statement：

"Watching movies at home is more comfortable than going to the theater.”

Response:

Exactly. My opinion is that watching movies at home is very comfortable. We can easily move around for a drink or a bathroom break, and we don’t have to worry about phone calls. So, I like watching movies at home. But these days, I watch more TV dramas than movies.

One good point is that we can pause the movie whenever we need to.

Statement:

Listening to music can really change my mood.

Response:

 Of course!

When I have trouble, I listen to music, and it helps me relax. I love music. But recently, I don’t understand new music. I prefer old songs.

For example, I like Enka. And I like listening in the bath tub.

But I don’t want my wife to hear it. So I keep the volume low. I enjoy listening to music on the radio, TV, and while driving. Music is good for me. It helps me relax. That’s all.

Statement:

It’s nice to have a small daily routine, like drinking tea at the same time every day.

Response:

Totally! I have a lot of routines. Waking up, checking my blood pressure, eating breakfast—same routine every day. It’s comfortable.

Summary of "Vivid Conversations with G" (February 8, 2025)

Key Themes of the Conversation:

Reunion and Introductions

The participants reconnected after many years, with G expressing excitement about seeing old friends.

G humorously referred to himself as "G the Peg."

M, originally from Sri Lanka, introduced herself and shared her experiences living in Japan.

G’s Background & Work

G currently works as a child and adolescent mental health clinician (a therapist).

He studied in the USA and Australia and now resides in Australia.

He joked about wanting to retire and relax on a beach.

Memories of Japan & Matsudo

G reminisced about living in Matsudo, Japan, in the 1990s, before the era of smartphones and Zoom.

They discussed local places, including Kashiwa Station, Matsudo’s food culture, and restaurants like White Gyoza.

Greg humorously claimed he once ate 100 dumplings in a day in his twenties.

Food & Cultural Exchange

Japanese dining traditions, including counter-seat restaurants and sashimi preparation, were discussed.

They talked about fugu (pufferfish) and the meticulous preparation required to remove its poison.

M and G discussed Sri Lankan cuisine, which G found intriguing.

Jokes, Humor & Language Differences

G shared Australian humor, including a dark joke about a koala falling from a tree.

The group laughed about British humor being difficult for some Japanese people to understand.

They discussed how nicknames are commonly given in Australia but must be assigned by others, not self-created.

Current Affairs & Global Issues

They briefly touched on political situations in Sri Lanka and the USA.

G shared concerns about Donald Trump and his impact on democracy.

The weak Japanese yen and high living costs in Australia were mentioned.

Movies & Media

They discussed murder mystery books and films, with G recommending “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” as a must-watch.

The Shogun TV series was also brought up, with concerns about needing a Disney+ subscription to continue watching.

Future Plans & Travel

Y expressed a desire for G to visit Japan again, especially since the yen is weak.

G mentioned his daughter, B, who has Japanese heritage from Hiroshima and might visit Japan.

Ending Remarks

G joked about becoming a voice dubber for movies.

The session ended with laughter and promises to meet again in the future.

Conclusion

The conversation was a fun and lively reunion filled with memories, jokes, and cultural exchanges. The participants shared personal updates, discussed Japanese and Sri Lankan culture, and had friendly banter about politics, food, and travel. G’s humor and storytelling added a light-hearted atmosphere to the discussion.

今日のお題は、絵本“The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse”から選びました

 “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse”

Topic:It’s good to be home again.

A few days ago, my son had a baby. I went to his house.

I brought dinner every night. From Tuesday to Friday.

I went there for three days in a row. I had dinner with my son, his partner, and their baby.

 They were very tired since it's their first baby. I wanted to help them. 

Last night, I had dinner at my house. I felt good having dinner at my place. I could eat simple dishes like NATTO, so I thought it was nice.

Topic:Clock

I have many digital clocks at home and the office, but they don’t function as alarms. I use my smartphone as an alarm clock.

Also, my smartphone is essential for managing my schedule. When I travel, I always enter my plans into my smartphone in advance.

Topic:Cow

That reminds me of the Yukijirushi Megmilk logo.

I drink milk every day. Even as an adult, I think it's important for my health. I usually put milk in my coffee.

I like coffee. I drink two or three cups every morning with milk, like a café latte.

 In Japanese "コーヒー牛乳" I enjoy drinking milk in my coffee.

This week's Vivid Conversations is a one-hour chat where we enjoy talking with a guest from Australia.

今週のVivid Conversationsはオーストラリアからのゲストを迎えておしゃべりを楽しむ1時間です。

Question: So many men, so many minds（十人十色）

I go to men's Curves.

I can find ‘so many men, so many minds’.

A young man trains very hard. He was sweating a lot. I didn't train as much as

he does. So my heart wasn't beating fast.

But many men were training together, so it was a good experience.

So many men get together with so many mind in the training gym.

Question: Seeing is believing　(百聞は一見にしかず）

like this proverb.

I always want to see and try things for myself because just hearing about something

isn’t enough.

I’m enjoying walking the Tokaido Gojusan-tsugi route. I’ve made friends along the way,

and the guides explain everything clearly, making it even more enjoyable.

Question:He that wil lie wil steal

嘘つきは泥棒の始まり

This phrase reminds me of when I got married.

At the time, I told my wife that my company does a lot of international business, so I

might have opportunities to go abroad.

But in reality, I’ve never had a single overseas assignment or business trip.

Even now, she still complains about it.

I read Kanae Minato's *Confession* last year, and today I watched the movie adaptation. Even though I already knew the entire story, it was still terrifying, and I ended up feeling tense. There was nothing I could do about the lingering unease I felt after watching it, so I decided to watch the next episode of *Futekisetsu ni mo Hodo ga Aru* to calm my mind. Thinking that Sadao Abe was my junior at the same middle school made me feel proud that such a talented person came from the same place. Not that we have any actual connection, though.

湊かなえの「告白」を昨年読んで、今日、映画を観たけど、肩こりました。全て内容を知っていても怖かった。そして鑑賞後のあのモヤモヤした気持ちはどうすることもできず、「不適切にもほどがある」のエピソード続きを見て、心が整いました。阿部サダヲさん、私の中学の後輩だと思うと、卒業生の中にこんなに才能がある方がいると、誇らしい気持ちにもなった。なんの繋がりもないんだけどね。

Question:

Have you ever arrived late to an event only to find it had already started?

Response:

Yes, I was late for a reunion party for a former executive at my workplace. He had been kind to me, so I wanted to attend. However, I left home late and arrived after the event had already started.

When I entered, he was already giving a speech. I had to quietly take a seat, which felt a little

awkward.

Question:

Have you ever started doing something only to find out someone else had already finished it?

Response1:

I’ve had a similar experience in IT. Whenever I decide to learn a new tech skill, I realize that many people have already started before me. Sometimes, I feel like I’m too late, but I believe it’s important to keep trying new things no matter when you start.

Response 2:

I bought my first computer when I was 26. That was... just 10 years ago! (Just kidding.) But back then, I was ahead in technology. Now, I feel like I’m falling behind because technology is evolving so fast!

Question:

Have you ever been in a situation where you should have made a different decision?

Response:

I sometimes feel that way about my husband. Like many Japanese men, he doesn’t openly express

his thoughts. He stays silent instead of saying what’s on his mind. At times, I’ve thought, “Maybe I shouldn’t have married him.” But of course, I don’t feel that way most of the time!