This week’s fact is about one of Japan’s most famous footballers. ⚽ Yuto Nagatomo: The Player Who Never Gave Up When people think of Japanese football legends, one name always comes up: ⚽ Yuto Nagatomo Today, Nagatomo is known for representing Japan at multiple World Cups and playing for some of the biggest clubs in the world. But his journey almost never happened. 🏃 Not the Biggest. Not the Strongest. As a teenager, Nagatomo wasn't considered a future star. He was overlooked by many top schools and wasn't viewed as an elite prospect. Instead of giving up, he kept training. He focused on what he could control: • fitness • work ethic • determination Step by step, he improved. 🌍 From Japan to Europe Nagatomo eventually earned a move to Europe and joined Inter Milan, one of the world's most famous football clubs. For a Japanese player, this was a huge achievement. He became known for his incredible stamina and relentless energy. Fans nicknamed him the "endless runner." 🇯🇵 A World Cup Veteran Nagatomo went on to represent Japan National Football Team at four World Cups. Few players have had such a long international career. Even in his late 30s, he continued competing at the highest level. 🧠 Why This Matters Nagatomo's story reflects a value that is deeply respected in Japan: 努力 (どりょく / doryoku) — effort. He wasn't famous because he was the most naturally gifted. He became famous because he refused to stop improving. 🧠 Language Lesson ⚽ サッカーがすきです。 Sakkā ga suki desu. I like football. ⚽ れんしゅうします。 Renshū shimasu. I practise. ⚽ どりょくはたいせつです。 Doryoku wa taisetsu desu. Effort is important. 🫵 Your Turn What do you think matters more? ⚽ Talent 🔥 Hard work 🧠 Good coaching Answer in English or Japanese 😊 See you next Friday for another Japan Fact Friday 🇯🇵✨

✏️ Goal: Write a short diary entry in Japanese 🧠 Focus: Describing places ✅ Beginner / N5 (with romaji + English) 妻とアデレードに行きました。 Tsuma to Adereedo ni ikimashita. I went to Adelaide with my wife. とてもすてきなところでした。 Totemo suteki na tokoro deshita. It is a lovely place. おもしろい建物がありました。 Omoshiroi tatemono ga arimashita. It had interesting buildings. 食べ物はおいしかったです。 Tabemono wa oishikatta desu. The food was delicious. 町はきれいでした。 Machi wa kirei deshita. The town was clean. またいつか行きたいです！ Mata itsuka ikitai desu! I want to go again one day! ✅ N3 Version 妻とアデレードに行きました。 とてもすてきな町で、おもしろい建物やおいしい食べ物がたくさんありました。 町もきれいで、歩いていて気持ちよかったです。 またいつか行きたいと思っています！ 🫵 Your Turn Have you visited a nice place recently? 最近、どこかすてきな場所に行きましたか。 Saikin, doko ka suteki na basho ni ikimashita ka? Write 3–5 sentences 😊