Japan has an ageing population and faces a crisis of demographics which could impact its economy. There are not enough working aged people to meet the demands of Japan's domestic economy. Therefore, the rate of foreign workers has increased and is at the highest rate ever. Do you think that could adversely affect Japan's culture? Do you think it is necessary for Japan to survive? Have a look at the video and learn some phrases and feel free to let us know what you think, respectfully!! Joe Sensei.

Ohayou gozaimasu. Good morning. Sumimasen, kyou Ocha and chat dekimasen. Sorry, I can't do Ocha and Chat this morning. I'm not feeling well. Mata raishuu! See you next week! Joe Sensei.

✏️ Goal: Write a short diary entry in Japanese 🧠 Mini Lesson: 〜たい (want to do) This week’s theme: Plans & Things I Want to Do 🧠 Mini Lesson: 〜たい Use 〜たい to say what you want to do. How to make it: 👉 Verb (ます-form) → drop ます → add たい Drop masu → add tai 見ます → 見たい mitai (want to see) 作ります → 作りたい tsukuritai (want to make) You can end politely with です: 見たいです。 作りたいです。 ✏️ Weekly Diary (Example) 今週、妻と相撲を見たいです。 Konshū, tsuma to sumō o mitai desu. This week, I want to watch Sumo with my wife. 家の家具を組み立てたいです。 Ie no kagu o kumitatetai desu. I want to assemble furniture for our home. 時間があったら、漫画を読みたいです。 Jikan ga attara, manga o yomitai desu. If I have time, I want to read manga. 📘 Useful Vocabulary 今週 konshū this week 妻 tsuma wife 相撲 sumō sumo 家具 kagu furniture 作る tsukuru to make 見る miru to watch 時間 jikan time 🫵 Your Turn! Write 2–3 sentences using 〜たいです. You can start with: 今週、＿＿＿をしたいです。 Konshuu, _____ o shitai desu. ＿＿＿と＿＿＿を見たいです。 _______ to ______ o mitai desu. Example: 今週、映画を見たいです。 Konshuu, eiga o mitai desu. Short is okay! 😃 Post below and I’ll give feedback!

This week’s fact is about something simple that carries deep meaning in Japan: chopstick etiquette. At first glance, chopstick manners might look just like “rules”… But in Japan, they’re really about respect, memory and relationships. 🥢 Japan Fact Friday — Chopsticks & Meaning Chopsticks (箸・はし) are everyday tools in Japan, but how you use them matters just as much as what you eat. Here are a few common manners — and what they truly mean: ❌ Sticking chopsticks upright in rice This is only done at funerals as an offering to the dead. Doing this at the table reminds people of death — so it’s deeply uncomfortable. ❌ Passing food from chopsticks to chopsticks This mirrors a funeral ritual where bones are passed after cremation. Even if the intention is kind, the association is very strong. ❌ Pointing with chopsticks This can feel aggressive or rude — like pointing a finger at someone. ❌ Digging through dishes to “search” for foodCalled saguri-bashi, it suggests impatience or selfishness. ✅ Placing chopsticks neatly when not eatingThis shows care, calmness, and consideration for others. 🧠 The Deeper Meaning These manners aren’t about being strict or formal — they reflect core Japanese values: • respect for others• awareness of shared space• remembering ancestors and tradition• harmony at the table Even small actions communicate who you are. ✨ Why This Matters for Learners Understanding manners helps you understand the culture — not just the language. And honestly? Japanese people don’t expect perfection… they appreciate awareness. 🫵 Your Turn Which chopstick rule surprised you the most? Have you ever worried about making a chopstick mistake in Japan? Can you use chopsticks? Answer in English or Japanese 😊

Aonishiki, the Ukranian sumo wrestler (rikishi) has won another tournament! It is his 2nd tournament victory and his first as Ozeki (the second highest rank in sumo). In the video I read the article in Japanese and translate it. Please watch and let me know what you think!