水曜日Workshop ちょこっとシェア

**1:08: F**

When you see this picture, what comes to mind?

**1:34: P1**

The rice has sold out in supermarkets, and people are struggling to get it.

For Japanese people, rice is a staple, and I was surprised to hear that. In my case, I like to eat rice, but this summer, I didn’t eat much. I tried to eat more noodles and bread instead.

I don’t feel like eating warm rice in the summer; I prefer something cold. But next month, with autumn coming, I plan to enjoy delicious 新米 (new rice).

**5:13: F**

This photo was taken about 55 years ago. It’s my late father. He ran in the father’s race at my elementary school’s sports day. This is the playground at my elementary school. When you see this picture, what do you think, or what thoughts come to your mind?

**6:07: P2**

Uh, I think it was a long time ago. Nowadays, field day usually takes place in spring, but long ago, sports day was held on October 10th, 体育の日 (Sports Day). The Tokyo Olympics were also held in October.

It’s too hot in summer, and in winter, children have entrance exams, so autumn was more suitable for field day. This photo shows it was held in autumn. Their workout clothes are not shorts but long training pants.

My father used to be a KENDO master, and they had training camps in summer. So, what kind of thoughts come to your mind?

**9:51: P1**

Uh, uh, um, um, now I remember, I used to be a soccer team coach, and we had a soccer training camp in Tochigi and Ibaraki—a few nights trip. It was so fun for me because we could enjoy conversations and share our private life stories. Although we usually played on the elementary school ground on weekends, those were cherished memories. Thank you.

**12:10: F**

We had lots of 書道 (calligraphy) exhibitions in my younger days. What comes to your mind when you see this picture?

**13:15: P2**

My father was good at 書道 as well, but I’m not good at it. I like the smell and color of black ink. I saw some street art calligraphy in China.

**16:20: F**

I saw a 水筆ペン (water brush pen) before. You only need water.

**18:10: Yoko Mori**

So, now in Japan, Typhoon Shanshan is approaching, and authorities are emphasizing the importance of preparedness and early evacuation. How can communities in typhoon-prone areas best prepare for and respond to such natural disasters to minimize damage and ensure safety?

**19:26: Noboru**

My friend lives in Kumamoto Prefecture, and he sent me an email. He was trying to prepare for the typhoon at the supermarket, but almost everything was sold out. He said he was too late to buy products. But I live in Chiba Prefecture, and I don’t usually prepare for typhoons.

**20:38: Noboru**

Actually, I like typhoons. I like to see the strong winds and heavy rain. I like to watch nature’s power. Thank you.

**22:17: Yoko Mori**

Since Typhoon Shanshan is coming, even in an apartment building, it can flood. So I cleaned the gutters and drains on the balcony, and I ended up getting splattered with mud several times. I had more laundry to do!

We probably won’t be affected much, but others may worry about it, I think.

**23:22: Noboru**

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

**23:22: Yoko Mori**

Okay. So next question for you. Chinese TV dramas have gained popularity worldwide. What do you think contributes to their international appeal, and how do they reflect Chinese culture?

**24:41: iPadYasuko**

Because the actors and actresses are beautiful. The fact that the furniture and decor resemble those in Japan might also be a reason for their popularity. Could it also be because the way Chinese people conduct business negotiations is very instructive? There are many ethnic groups within China, and I believe that 'negotiation skills' are naturally developed as a result.

**31:08: F**

Insects are often overlooked, yet they play vital roles in ecosystems. If you could choose one insect to be the symbol of environmental conservation, which one would it be and why?

**32:28: P1**

I love insects, but I don’t have many opportunities to think about the environment. I heard on the news that insect-based foods are increasing in popularity. Japanese people eat INAGO (locusts), but I don’t want to eat them. I like to keep and raise insects like butterflies and beetles. I think bees are important because they visit flowers for nectar, which helps produce strawberries and other fruits.

But my grandson is scared of them.

**37:17: F**

Next question. I love Vivaldi’s "Summer." Do you have any favorite music for the summer season?

**37:37: P2**

Uh, I like Vivaldi’s "Summer," but I prefer "Winter."

**37:50: F**

How about any other summer songs or music?

**37:53: P2**

When it comes to summer, I think of Tube.

When it comes to summer music, drum sounds come to mind.

**40:07: F*

So the question is, what is your favorite summer destination?

**42:24:F1**

The best destination in summer is Nagoya because I always go there to see my university friend.

In the summer, they use a weed trimmer to cut the weeds in their yard. I enjoy helping with that. It gives me a sense of being in the countryside, and I love the rural atmosphere. I don’t have my own 田舎 (countryside home).

I like 味噌カツ (miso cutlets), 味噌煮込みうどん (miso stew udon), and きしめん (flat noodles). I don’t eat ひつまぶし (grilled eel over rice) because it’s so expensive—6,000 yen.

**49:39: F**

What’s your favorite food?

**49:58: P2**

My favorite vegetable is goya, and I like shaved ice.

One of my relatives sends us そうめん noodles every year. I create several toppings with vegetables for them. The toppings include julienned carrots, eggs, cucumbers, and so on.