From NHK News Easy: https://share.google/OzwcSXIqDYwft5HT5 Australia has introduced a new law that began on December 10: ➡️ Children under 16 are not allowed to use social media (SNS). This includes major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X — a total of 10 services. The government says the goal is to protect children from harmful content, such as inappropriate images, videos, and dangerous online behaviour. SNS companies are responsible for blocking access for under-16 users. If a company fails to follow the law, it could face a fine of up to: 💰 49.5 million AUD (about 5 billion yen) Parents and children will not be fined — the responsibility is on the companies. --- 🈶 Useful Vocabulary Japanese Romaji English 法律（ほうりつ） hōritsu law 利用（りよう） riyō use 危険（きけん） kiken danger 守る（まもる） mamoru to protect 違反（いはん） ihan violation 罰金（ばっきん） bakkin fine / penalty SNS（エスエヌエス） SNS social media --- 🧠 Key Phrase (Beginner Friendly) 〜てはいけません = “must not / not allowed to” Examples: 子どもはSNSを使ってはいけません。 → Children must not use SNS. ここで写真をとってはいけません。 → You must not take photos here. --- 🗣️ Simple Japanese Reading (N5–N4) オーストラリアでは、16さいいないの子どもは SNSを使ってはいけません。 かいしゃは、子どもがSNSをりようできないようにします。 これは、子どもを危険（きけん）から守るための法律です。 --- 🫵 Your Turn — Easy Question Do you think this law is a good idea? Why or why not? (English or Japanese — both OK!) You can answer in simple Japanese: いいと思います。こどもをまもることが大切です。 むずかしいと思います。SNSはべんりです。 日本でもひつようだと思いますか？ Write your thoughts below — I’ll reply to each comment! 📱🇦🇺✨

Right now I’m reading a book called くま クマ 熊 ベアー and I finally arrived and the second half! When I first started reading it I had to look up lots of words and grammar but now I can read it way faster and actually enjoy reading it. For anyone who has a hard time now, don’t give up you will reach a level where learning Japanese becomes fun.

A strong earthquake (震度6強) hit Aomori Prefecture last night. Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi reported that 30 people have been injured and one house fire has been confirmed so far. Because of the ongoing risk, the government and Japan Meteorological Agency have issued a caution notice: 「北海道・三陸沖後発地震注意情報」 A warning that a follow-up major quake might occur. The Prime Minister asked people in affected areas to be ready to evacuate immediately if they feel shaking, and to stay alert for at least one week. 🈶 Key Japanese Phrases 地震（じしん）jishin earthquake 避難する（ひなんする）hinan suru evacuate 揺れ（ゆれ）yureshaking / tremor 防災（ぼうさい）bōsai disaster preparedness 命を守る（いのちをまもる）inochi o mamoru protect your life 注意情報（ちゅういじょうほう）chūi jōhōcaution notice / alert 🧠 Key Phrase: 揺れを感じたら、すぐに避難してください。 yure o kanjitara, sugu ni hinan shite kudasai. If you feel shaking, evacuate immediately. This line is being repeated on Japanese news broadcasts right now. 🫵 Your Turn Answer this simple question (English or Japanese OK): If an earthquake happened where you live, do you know a safe place to go? Or write it in Japanese: - 地震の時、安全な場所はどこですか？ Feel free to share: - evacuation routes - safe spots at home (table, doorway, open area) - supplies you keep ready (water, torch, battery pack, etc.) Let’s learn language and safety awareness together 🌏🙏

✏️ Goal: Write a diary entry in Japanese every week 🗒️ Level: N5 → N4 → N3 --- 🗣️ Mini Lesson: 「今日」「さっき」 今日（きょう）kyou today さっき sakki a little while ago / earlier today. 📝 Examples 今日はとても忙しいです。 Kyou wa totemo isogashii desu. → I am busy today. さっき本を読みました。 Sakki hon o yomimashita. → I read a book a little while ago. --- ✅ N5 / Beginner + romaji 今日、仕事でつかれました。 Kyou, shigoto de tsukaremashita. Today, work was stressful. ストレスがありましたから、さっき、本を読みました。 Sutoresu ga arimashita kara, saki, hon o yomimashita. I was stressed, so just before I was reading a book. 読むと、気もちが楽になりました。 Yomu to, kimochi ga raku ni narimashita. I read and I became at ease. リラックスできてよかったです。 Rirakkusu dekite yokatta desu. It's good I was able to relax. --- ✅ N4 今日は仕事が多くて、とてもつかれました。 ストレスがあったので、本を読んで気分を落ち着かせました。 少し読むだけでリラックスできました。 --- ✅ N3 さっきまで仕事が忙しく、少しストレスを感じていました。 そこで、本を読む時間を取って、気持ちを落ち着かせました。 静かな読書の時間は、いいリセットになります。 --- 💬 Vocabulary Japanese English さっき a little while ago / earlier 疲れる（つかれる） to get tired 落ち着く（おちつく） to calm / settle 気分（きぶん） mood / feeling 余裕（よゆう） mental space / breathing room 締め切り（しめきり） deadline --- 🫵 Your Turn さっき、＿＿＿しました。 Sakki, ______ shimashita. 今日、＿＿＿をしました。 Kyou, ____ o shimashita. ✍️ Post your diary entry below, and I’ll correct it and help you improve 📚✨ Or just let us know what you do to relax? 🍵⛱️ I can translate your post into Japanese, if you like.

Share your favourite food or restaurant! It's time for our next community call-out! Last time we shared our favourite Japanese songs and now let's talk about something delicious: Japanese Food Culture! 💬 Tell Us Your Food Story! Have you ever tried making sushi, slurpable ramen or maybe some classic onigiri? We want to hear about your favourite Japanese dish, snack or restaurant experience! What is your absolute favourite Japanese food? (e.g., Ramen, Takoyaki, Curry Rice, etc.) Do you have a favourite restaurant in your area that serves authentic Japanese food? Have you tried making a Japanese dish yourself? What was it, and how did it turn out? (Photos welcome!) 📝 You Can Use Some Japanese! If you're feeling brave, try to answer using some of the Japanese words you know! 私の好きな食べ物は [Your Food] です。 Watashi no suki na tabemono wa ____ desu. (A food I like is...) [Your Food] が一番好きです。 ________ ga ichiban suki desu. ([Your Food] is my favorite/number one.) {美味しい！} (Oishii! - Delicious!) Let's share our gastronomic adventures! Post your answer below! 👇