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

Yesterday’s winner was… ジンギスカン (Jingisukan)! 🥩🔥Hokkaidō’s grilling legend marches into the Final 8! And now… the competition gets serious. 🔥 Japanese Food Tournament — Round 3 (Final 8) 🔥 🍲 Sukiyaki vs 🍤 Tempura A legendary hot pot versus crispy culinary craftsmanship. Only one reaches the Final Four. 🍲 Sukiyaki (すき焼き) Rich, savoury and deeply comforting, sukiyaki is one of Japan’s most famous hot-pot dishes. Thin slices of beef simmer with tofu, vegetables and noodles in a sweet soy-based broth. Traditionally cooked and shared at the table, sukiyaki is as much about the experience as the flavour. Why it’s a powerhouse contender: - Deep, rich flavour - Social, shared dining experience - Classic celebratory meal - One of Japan’s most iconic dishes This is comfort and tradition in one pot. 🍤 Tempura (天ぷら) Golden, airy and perfectly crisp, tempura showcases the art of Japanese frying. Prawn, vegetables and seafood are coated in a delicate batter and fried quickly to preserve their natural flavour and texture. Why it’s dangerous this round: - Light yet incredibly crispy - Elegant simplicity - Loved around the world - A perfect balance of technique and taste This is culinary craftsmanship you can hear crunch. 🗳️ Time to Vote! Who makes the Final Four? - The rich communal comfort of sukiyaki? - Or the crispy perfection of tempura? Cast your vote and defend your favourite! 🍲🍤 The road to the championship is narrowing…