Summary of the Transcript

The conversation covers a range of light-hearted topics, including the use of pencil sharpeners, the start of the week, and cultural habits. Here's the summary:

Pencil Sharpeners:

Participants discuss whether they own or use pencil sharpeners, highlighting preferences between electronic and manual options.

Y shares nostalgic stories of using tools like small knives ("kogatana") for sharpening pencils during her school days, which she still keeps and uses after decades.

Start of the Week:

The group debates whether the week starts on Sunday or Monday, reflecting personal preferences and cultural influences.

In Japan, Monday is commonly considered the start of the week due to the workweek beginning then. However, they acknowledge that Sunday is traditionally the first day in many Western contexts, linked to religious practices like attending church.

Cultural and Sentimental Attachments:

Nostalgia is a recurring theme, with participants sharing fond memories of old tools, stationery, and habits from their younger days.

Y mentions keeping items for years, like toys and tools, and reminisces about their sentimental value.

Summary of the Transcript

This conversation revolves around TV models, organization habits, and criteria for discarding clothes, with participants sharing personal preferences and anecdotes.

Television Models:

Participants discuss whether they have older or newer television models.

M mentions her older TV that requires an antenna, while others talk about modern TVs with larger screens, some over 100 inches, resembling home theaters.

H shares that his 55-inch TV, bought 5–6 years ago, does not support 4K programming without additional equipment.

Throwing Out Clothes:

Participants talk about their criteria for discarding clothes:

H: Throws out clothes with visible damage, like holes in socks.

Y: Discards clothes that lose their color or appear shabby, often repurposing them into cleaning cloths instead of wasting them.

The conversation highlights a balance between practicality and sentimentality in deciding what to keep or discard.

この会話では、鉛筆削りや一週間の始まり、文化的な習慣、そしてテレビモデルや洋服の処分基準について、リラックスした雰囲気で話されています。以下、ポイントをまとめました！

---

 **鉛筆削りについて**

- 鉛筆削りを持っているか、使っているかについて話題に。電動派と手動派で意見が分かれます。

- Yさんは学生時代に小刀（こがたな）を使って鉛筆を削っていた懐かしい思い出をシェア。なんと今でもその道具を愛用しているそうです！

---

 **一週間の始まりって？**

- 日曜日が始まりか、それとも月曜日か、参加者たちの意見が分かれます。

- 日本では「仕事が始まる月曜日」がスタートという感覚が強いですが、西洋では日曜日が始まりの日という文化的背景があることも認識されました（教会に行く習慣など）。

---

 **懐かしいものへの愛着**

- 会話の中で「懐かしさ」が何度も話題に。古い文房具や道具を長く持ち続けている話が盛り上がります。

- Yさんは昔の玩具やツールを何十年も大切に保管していて、その思い出について語ります。

---

 **別の会話サマリー：テレビと洋服の整理術**

---

**テレビについて**

- 古いテレビか最新モデルかについてトーク。

- Mさんはアンテナが必要な古いテレビを使っているそう。一方で、Hさんは55インチのテレビを5〜6年前に購入したものの、4K対応には追加機器が必要と嘆いています。

- 最近の100インチ級のテレビの話題には「まるで映画館！」と驚きの声が上がりました。

---

 **洋服の処分基準**

- 服を捨てるタイミングについての話題では、実用性と感傷のバランスをみんなで考えます。

- **Hさん**：穴が開いた服は即処分。

- **Yさん**：色褪せた服は着なくなるけれど、クロスや雑巾としてリサイクルするとのこと。「私はケチだから！」という言葉が印象的。

というわけで、

全体を通して、日常の中で見過ごしがちな物へのこだわりや思い出を共有する、Bashoのワークショップの特徴である和やかな雰囲気でした。😀

昔のおもちゃ　木製ピンボールの超ざっくりイラスト↑

I read it! Kanae Minato's *Confessions*. Apparently, it was written in 2008. 

It left me with a mix of emotions—fear, intrigue, sympathy—all tangled together, making me feel a bit dazed.

But I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting. 

As a piece of literature, it was fascinating. 

However, personally, there were moments where I couldn’t tell whether it was reality or something surreal. It made me think that the emotions everyone carries and the way they express them are really complex. 

It’s not so much about not trusting anyone, but rather about how even among family or close relationships, the way people interpret or understand each other can drift apart—and that’s perfectly normal. But in a story like this, where every character is so intricately twisted, in the end, you can’t tell who the worst person is. You can’t even tell who’s a good person. 

That’s the kind of novel it was. 

I heard it’s been made into a movie, so I think I’ll try to find it.

読みました！ 湊かなえさんの「告白」. 2008年に書かれたものらしい。 怖いのと面白いのと同情とたくさんの感情混ざって、ぼわ〜〜んとした気持ちです。でも、一気に読みました。読み物としては面白い。でも、個人的には、現実なのか非現実なのかわからなくなるような場面もあったりして、誰もが持っている感情とその感情の吐き出し方なんだろうなぁと思うんです。誰も信じられないというよりは、家族であっても近しい人であっても受け取り方や理解がずれていくってことは普通にあることです。でも、この小説のように登場人物全員が複雑怪奇だと結局は誰が一番悪いやつなのかわからない。いい人もわからない。　そういう小説でした。これも映画になっているそうなので、探してみようかな。

ご飯が見えないほど具が多いところがウリです　ヒヒ🤭
Its selling point is that it has so many toppings you can barely see the rice.

### **42:08 - 45:45**

**Question:** What’s one thing you’ve noticed is getting more expensive?

**Model Answer:** - Gasoline prices have risen significantly. - I often drive to my daughter’s house, and I’ve noticed that gas prices in some areas, like Ibaraki, are higher than in Kashiwa. - I hope gas prices decrease to make traveling easier.

### **45:56 - 49:32**

**Question:** Have you ever tried ChocoZap or a men’s gym like Men’s Curves? **Model

Answer:** - Last November, I visited a Men’s Curves gym in M City. A staff member checked my blood vessel age and suggested I continue training. - Since then, I’ve been going to Men’s Curves twice a week. - After less than a month, my weight has decreased by about 1 kilogram, and my health is in good condition. - I plan to continue this routine.

### **49:48 - 51:14** **Question:** Have you noticed price increases in vegetables, like Chinese cabbage? **

**Model Answer:** - The price of Chinese cabbage has become much higher, around 1,000 yen per head, according to the news. - Vegetables like cabbage are also becoming more expensive, with prices doubling compared to the normal season.

今回は、上記のサマリーからイディオムをピックアップしました。

"Gasoline prices have risen significantly"

Idiom/Expression: "have risen significantly"

Meaning: This phrase indicates a noticeable or considerable increase in something. It’s useful when talking about changes or trends.

"I hope gas prices decrease to make traveling easier"

Idiom/Expression: "make (something) easier"

Meaning: To simplify or improve a situation. Commonly used when expressing a wish or goal.

"My weight has decreased by about 1 kilogram"

Idiom/Expression: "has decreased by (amount)"

Meaning: Describes a reduction in size, amount, or number. Useful when discussing health or numerical changes.

"My health is in good condition"

Idiom/Expression: "in good condition"

Meaning: Describes being in a healthy or satisfactory state. Can apply to people, objects, or situations.

"Vegetables like cabbage are also becoming more expensive"

Idiom/Expression: "becoming more expensive"

Meaning: Indicates a gradual increase in price or cost over time.

東野圭吾のエッセイ「あの頃僕らはアホでした」を読み終わりました。

とても東野さんが身近に感じて楽しかったです。

これを読むまでは、東野圭吾さんのイメージは加賀恭一郎だったのですが、

全然違った（全然かどうかはわからないけど）

極、普通の人でした。

その普通の人がこんなすごいミステリー作家さんになるなんてすごいなぁ。

私も長い間活字嫌いだったけど、この偉大なる作家さんが活字嫌いだったなんて信じられない。

私の歳ではあきらめずに・・・自分にあった職業を見つけるなんていう未来もないけど、

若い人達、あきらめちゃいけないわ。

しかし、昔の運動部は無茶してたわねぇ。

圭吾さんたちの新人歓迎コンパ、今だったら部長も幹部も捕まるよ。

私の入っていたクラブは運動部の中でも超新人に優しかったんだなぁと思う。

兎跳び、水飲むなは、ものすごく当たり前のように言われていたしねぇ。

懐かしい。

ウルトラQ懐かしい。あるサンダルを履いている人は宇宙人だと示唆するラストを鮮明に覚えている。今でも似たようなサンダルを見ると、あ、宇宙人！　と思うし、

靴屋さんに並んでたら、絶対買う。（下のサンダルの画像は、Image generator に作ってもらたんだけど、だいぶ本物とは異なります。残念）

怪獣では、海底原人ラゴン大好きだった。

ギャオスの眠るシーン・・・覚えてない

I just finished reading Keigo Higashino's essay *"Ano Koro Bokura wa Aho Deshita"* (*Back Then, We Were Fools*).

It was such an enjoyable read that made me feel closer to Higashino-san as a person.

Before reading this, my image of Keigo Higashino was entirely shaped by his famous character, Kyoichiro Kaga. But after finishing this essay, I realized he’s completely different (well, maybe not *completely*).

He’s just an ordinary person.

And yet, this “ordinary person” became such an extraordinary mystery writer—what an incredible journey.

I’ve disliked reading for a long time myself, so I find it unbelievable that such a legendary writer once disliked reading too.

At my age, I don’t have the luxury of looking for a career that truly fits me without giving up, but for young people, this book is a reminder: *don’t give up.*

Still, sports clubs in the old days sure were reckless!

The initiation parties for new members in Higashino-san’s club—if they were held today, the captains and senior members would definitely get arrested.

The club I joined must have been unusually kind to newcomers, even for a sports club.

Things like bunny hops and being told *"Don’t drink water!"* were said like it was completely normal back then.

It’s so nostalgic.

Speaking of nostalgia, *Ultra Q*! I vividly remember the ending of an episode where it was hinted that a person wearing a certain pair of sandals was an alien. To this day, whenever I see sandals like that, I think, *Oh, an alien!*

If I ever saw them in a shoe store, I’d absolutely buy them.

(The image of the sandals below was generated by an image generator, but unfortunately, it’s quite different from the real ones.)

As for kaiju, I loved the Undersea Humanoid Ragon.

But the scene where Gyaos falls asleep…I don’t remember that one.  

Today, I took care of administrative tasks, uploaded a podcast, and watched four or five episodes of the *Galileo* series on Netflix, which originally aired around 1998. Muro Tsuyoshi made a small appearance in one episode. Everyone looked so young, and it was the era of flip phones instead of smartphones. Even a black rotary phone made an appearance. Kitamura Kazuki, who played Detective Kusanagi, might have been busy with musicals or other projects at the time because the comedy duo Shinagawa Shoji partnered with Utsumi instead. Episode six, I heard, wasn’t aired due to the arrest of someone involved. Time really brings so many changes, doesn’t it?

今日は、事務処理とポッドキャストのアップロード、そして、ネットフリックスで1998年くらいに放送されたガリレオシリーズのエピソードを４つか５つ見た。ムロツヨシさんがちょい役で出ていました。みなさん、お若くてスマートフォンでなく折りたたむ携帯の時代。黒電話も出てきました。草薙刑事役の北村一輝さんはミュージカルとかでお忙しかったのかしら、品川庄司さんが内海とコンビを組んでいました。第六話は逮捕者が出たとかで放送されないとか。月日が流れると色々ありますね。

I met up with my husband at Sanseido in Yurakucho, but his errand took longer than expected, so I ended up standing for a while and got tired. I bought the special 500th anniversary February issue of *Hon no Zasshi*, which featured Mina Miyajima's essay "Books Bought from the Bookstore Award," along with some stationery items. I also skimmed through a book titled *My Melody's Analects*. It made me realize that I should visit bookstores more often. For dinner, my husband had fried oysters, and I had teriyaki yellowtail. Both were delicious. I'm glad we have the day off tomorrow.

夫と有楽町の三省堂で待ち合わせしたんだけど、夫の用事が長引いて、本屋で立ちっぱなしは疲れた。でも宮島未奈さんのエッセイの「本屋大賞で買った本」の載っている本の雑誌500号記念号（２月号）とステーショナリーをいくつか買った。マイメロディの論語という本も立ち読み。本屋さんの本も時々覗かないとダメだなぁと感じた。今日の夕食は夫が牡蠣フライ、私はブリの照り焼き。美味しかった。明日が休みでよかった。

Favorite Part of New Year Celebrations

S　shared his fondness for exchanging New Year’s greeting cards (年賀状) but mentioned his family now uses social media due to the rising cost of postcards. He misses the tradition of physical cards.

New Year's Tradition Idea

A　proposed creating a tradition of attending theaters during New Year’s to enjoy traditional Japanese comedy, such as 落語 or 漫才. 

Laughter as Therapy

YM mentioned a memory of laughter therapy led by an elderly figure, associating laughter with health and happiness.

Perspective on New Year's Resolutions

For 2025, MN plans to allocate her free time better to balance studying English, reading books, and pursuing other activities.

Favorite New Year's Dish or Tradition

YK mentioned the typical Japanese custom of giving Otoshidama (money envelopes) to children, which he called a "terrible event" due to its financial burden.

The conversation included lighthearted discussions about English phrases, including translations for "微妙" (ambiguous or gray area) and "イッテコイ" (breaking even).

Small but Meaningful Changes

IM shared two personal changes she’s proud of:

Adapting to Cold Weather: Despite disliking the cold, she joined her husband and friends in Nagano, surprising herself by staying outside and taking photos. This experience gave her a positive mindset about gradually adapting to winter.

Building Friendships: She developed a friendship with two Sri Lankan friends who taught her traditional recipes. This connection brought joy to her and her husband, as she prepared dishes that he appreciated.

む〜〜〜〜

サクセスストーリーとして面白いけど、官能的過ぎて、さっそく東野圭吾さんの本で口直し中

このシリーズ、あと３冊をサクサクと読めるかどうか自信がない。

ドラマチックだし、司馬先生の書き方が興味深く個性を感じるので、あそこまで官能的な描写は、必要ないのでは？と思いながら読みました。

Mmm…

It’s an intriguing success story, but it’s overly sensual. To refresh my mind, I’ve already started reading a book by Higashino Keigo.

I'm not confident I can get through the remaining three books of the Kunitori Monogatari series.

The story is dramatic, and I find Shiba-sensei’s writing style fascinating and unique, but I can’t help feeling that such explicit sensual descriptions might not be necessary. That thought lingered as I read through the pages.

英語を使ってみるBashoの中上級レベル：

Vivid Conversationsのワークショップスケジュールです

＊水曜日・金曜日のワークショップは初級・中級の方向きです

＊英語を使ってみるBashoはオンラインで行っております

Q:What is your favorite way to eat mochi?

Participant 1

At the beginning of this year, I ate ozoni. It’s traditional Japanese food. There are

differences in the type of ozoni between Kansai and Kanto. In Kansai, especially in

the Chugoku region, we eat round mochi, not square.

In Kanto, it’s usual to eat square mochi inozoni.

Facilitator

So, ozoni is your favorite way to eat mochi?

1:58: Participant 1

Yes, that’s right.

 Facilitator

Me too. This year, I tried Kansai-style ozoni for the first time because we visited Kyoto. The restaurant served white misobased ozoni, which was really good. I also had Karasumi for the first time. Have you ever tried it? It was my first time, and I really enjoyed it.

I was satisfied with Kansai-style ozoni. Thank you,S-san. In Yamaguchi, what

shape of mochi is used in ozoni? Is it round or square?

Participant 1

We eat round mochi.

Facilitator

I see. How about the soup? Is it misobased or soy sauce-based?

Participant 1

It’s a clear, soy-based soup.

 Q:If you could do kakizome, what would you write and why?

 Participant 3

I don’t like doing it.When I was a school teacher, on January 8th or 9th, all the students in the same grade would gather in the gym to do kakizome.

Yes, but it was troublesome because some students spilled ink on the floor. So we teachers prepared zokin: cleaning rag and buckets.Some students were excellent, but others struggled. For those who struggled, we gave advice and encouragement.They all tried 書き初め enthusiastically.

Some students went on to participate in contests in Chiba Prefecture.

Q:What is the most exciting or disappointing thing you’ve ever found in a fukubukuro?

Participant1

I’ve never bought a fukubukuro until now.I don’t like buying fukubukuro because I don’t know what’s inside. If possible, I prefer to buy something necessary for me or something I specifically want.As you know, we don’t know the contents of a fukubukuro. It’s kind of a surprise, but I don’t like that. Maybe I’ll try it in the future.

28:51:FacilitatorIn the future? Are you sure?I don’t want to buy fukubukuro either. A long time ago, I bought one out of obligation, but it was a failure.Nothing I liked was inside, so I never bought one again. These days, we have gift card systems where you pay 10,000 yen and can choose items from a booklet or digital screen. I think that’s better.But it’s not exciting—less excitement, I think. Things have changed, and as for physical 福袋:lucky bag, it feels ridiculous if it ends in disappointment.

Q:What is your opinion on the decreasing use of New Year’s decorations in Japan?

Participant 1

It’s part of a trend of changing traditions. The number of family members is decreasing year by year. In the past, it was common to have large families, including grandparents or even great-grandparents, who helped maintain these traditions.

But now, with smaller families, younger generations aren’t as familiar with Japanese traditions. It’s also harder to find time to maintain decorations during the busy New Year’s season.

和気藹々と楽しく英語でお話ししてます。今年こそは英語を使いたと思う方、ぜひ遊びにいらしてください。

＊金曜日   11:00AM-12:00PM 

＊土曜日　7:30-8:30PM (Vivid Conversations)