"If you can't fly, run; if you can't run, walk; if you can't walk, crawl; but by all means keep moving." — Martin Luther King Jr. Follow the link, watch the video and learn along. Complete the work sheet. Write your hiragana on some paper. Writing helps you distinguish the characters and get them into your long term memory. Post your work. Show off your skills, receive feedback and get motivation from us sharing together. https://www.skool.com/japanese/classroom/78718867?md=21770568599f415e9430b32ba774ed3e Please try your best (ganbatte kudasai)!!! Joe Sensei. @Leonardo Adoccimo @Ricardo Solomons @Kev Hear @Julia Stanley @Harry Lewis @Serdar San @Lydia Cox P.S. Bonus Challenge. Which of the hiragana we've learnt so far can you see in the attached image of a Japanese train station sign?

It's sakura season! 🌸 Let's be inspired by their beautiful blooms and their fleeting charm to master hiragana in just 10 days. The last time we did a hiragana challenge, students were able to jump-start their Japanese journey and develop a strong habit of studying while mastering the writing system. If you'd like to join the challenge, let me know in the comments. We'll start in a few days and you will be a master of hiragana before the last cherry blossom falls.

Yesterday’s winner was… 食パン (Shokupan)! 🍞🔥 The cloud-soft bakery favourite rises into the Final Four! Now we have a battle of bold flavours… 🔥 Japanese Food Tournament — Round 3 (Final 8) 🔥 🍗 Karaage vs 🥩 Jingisukan Crispy fried chicken versus smoky northern barbecue. Only one reaches the Final Four. 🍗 Karaage (唐揚げ) Juicy chicken marinated in soy sauce, garlic and ginger, then fried to crispy perfection — karaage is one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods. From bento boxes to izakaya plates to festival stalls, it’s the kind of dish people never get tired of. Why it’s strong this round: Crispy outside, juicy inside Bold savoury flavour Easy to snack on and share A universal crowd favourite This is addictive comfort food. 🥩 Jingisukan (ジンギスカン) A specialty of Hokkaidō, jingisukan is grilled lamb cooked on a distinctive dome-shaped metal plate. The meat cooks on top while vegetables below soak up the flavour, creating a smoky, communal barbecue experience. Why it’s a serious contender: Unique lamb flavour Social, interactive cooking Strong regional identity Perfect for gatherings This is northern Japan’s BBQ pride. 🗳️ Time to Vote! Which one reaches the Final Four? The crispy fried favourite karaage? Or the smoky Hokkaidō grill jingisukan? Cast your vote and defend your favourite! 🍗🥩 The Final Four is about to be decided… 🔥

Day 2 Highlights on NHK: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/sumo/tournament/202603/day2.html 🇯🇵 Sumo Fact: Yokozuna The highest rank in sumo is 横綱 (よこづな / Yokozuna). The word literally means “horizontal rope.” It refers to the large rope belt worn by Yokozuna during the ring entrance ceremony. Becoming a Yokozuna is extremely difficult. A wrestler must show not only strength and consistent victories, but also dignity and good character. Once promoted, a Yokozuna cannot be demoted — they usually retire if they can no longer perform at the highest level. Would you like to see a Yokozuna compete one day? 🇯🇵💪

Yesterday the Haru Basho (spring tournament) kicked off in Osaka. 🇯🇵 Sumo Fact The 土俵 (どひょう / dohyo) is the raised clay ring where sumo matches take place. Before the matches begin, wrestlers perform the 土俵入り (どひょういり / dohyo-iri) — literally “entering the ring.” This ceremony is important because the dohyo is considered sacred in Shinto tradition, and the ritual shows respect for the sport and its history. Have you ever watched a dohyo-iri ceremony before? Here is the link to the NHK site for the highlights and I've attached a YouTube version as well (although it may get taken down). https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/sumo/tournament/202603/day1.html