水曜日のワークショップA bit of 文字起こし

***Can you please share memories of autumn leaf viewing?***

Participant 1

I walked through the ginkgo-lined avenue at Jingu Gaien two or three years ago. I love the golden ginkgo trees. It’s fun to step on the fallen leaves and hear the rustling sound. I struck up a conversation with a foreigner walking a big dog. There were lots of food stalls, and we tried some international dishes. This morning, I noticed leaves in my neighborhood gradually turning yellow, and I’m looking forward to the beautiful scenery when the autumn leaves reach their full golden color.

***Please share an interesting movie or drama you've watched recently***

Participant 2

Recently, I watched the movie *The Father of the Galactic Railroad*. It was really interesting. Koji Yakusho played Kenji Miyazawa’s father. In the movie, Kenji is portrayed as a kind of "foolish son" character, almost like Tora-san from *It’s Tough Being a Man*. Kenji’s father wanted him to take over the family store, but Kenji refused. The story is about Kenji living freely. He was very close to his smart younger sister, but sadly, she passed away from tuberculosis in her twenties. Kenji was deeply saddened by her death and wrote *Night on the Galactic Railroad* in her memory. The passengers on the galactic railroad represent those who have passed away.

Kenji says, “If even one person is unhappy, I can’t be happy.” However, Kenji’s father couldn’t feel pleased about Kenji’s way of thinking.

***The appeal of hot spring trips.***

Participant 3

I love hot springs and often visit them. Among them, Kusatsu Onsen is my favorite. One reason is that Kusatsu’s water is highly acidic, which gives me a deep sense of satisfaction after bathing. The highly acidic water warms my body thoroughly, making it very relaxing. Historically, people with Hansen’s disease also used to bathe in these acidic waters.

In any case, the water at Kusatsu is fantastic. I even took my children there, and they loved it. Now, they also visit Kusatsu with their own families.  

 ***Please share an autumn tourist spot you'd like to visit.***

Participant 4:

I’m going to Hakone next week. I have two main goals: to try the Chinese food and the onsen beef stew bread from Watanabe Bakery. I’d love to enjoy the autumn leaves, and if the weather is good, that would make it even better!

revised transcript by AI