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Red Cross Japan - 6,216yen has been donated for the earthquake in Hokkaido 日本赤十字へ北海道胆振東部地震災害義援金6,216円を寄付

26/9/2018

The earthquake in Hokkaido occurred on 6th of September 2018 and the magnitude was 6.7 and 41 people were killed. Currently, houses and infrastructures are being reconstructing but it takes enormous amount of time and money. It also has damaged the economy especially for the tourism industry. The mental damage must be huge in the region as well.

Arai Academy of Japanese of Studies hosts intercultural communication events every month and receives donation for Japan from the members. This month, £41.31 has been donated to Red Cross Japan. Thank you very much for all your kind support. I really hope everything will be recovered as soon as possible.

今年9月6日に発生した北海道胆振東部を震源とした震度７の地震で既に41名が亡くなられました。現在は住宅やインフラの整備に時間と費用を要し、また、観光業といった経済にも大きな影響を及ぼしています。

新井アカデミーの毎月の異文化交流活動を通して皆さまに日本への支援金を募っておりますが、お陰様で今回は6216円を日本赤十字社に義援金を寄付させていただきました。精神的な面でも打撃が大きかったのではないかと思いますが、一刻も早い復興を心より祈っております。皆さまのご協力、どうもありがとうございました。

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Japanese Culture – 4 Habits You Need To Know!

17/9/2018

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When visiting the Far East, Japan is a must-see destination. Its combination of historic temples, beautiful National Parks, and bustling cities make it an attractive choice for both backpackers and luxury travellers.
However, the country also has a distinctive culture, with social quirks that may seem a little unusual to visitors. Here are 4 of the main differences you need to be aware of before you arrive!

Cleanliness
Having a clean and tidy home is considered a normal part of Japanese culture, and politeness and respect is expected by all visitors. Taking off your shoes and replacing them with house slippers before you enter is commonplace – simply walking indoors with outdoor shoes is viewed as a dirty habit!

Japanese people are also very careful and responsible when it comes to the spreading of germs. Hot towels will typically be used to cleanse hands after meals, while surgical masks are a usual sight – this is generally because the mask wearer has a cold, and they do not wish to spread their germs to others.

Bowing
It is likely that most visitors will be aware of the Japanese bowing custom before they arrive in the country, and this often makes people nervous in social situations as they are unsure of the appropriate way to act.
A good rule of thumb is to follow the lead of the person you are interacting with – if they bow to you, then simply return the compliment; the lower you bow, the more respect is shown.

Bowing is necessary in these situations:

Thanking somebody
When greeting another person
When apologising
Before you enter a home or office

If you are still unsure, try not to worry too much – shaking hands is an accepted alternative in most circumstances.

Eating
For Japanese people, food should be consumed either at home, in a cafe, restaurant, or in a designated food eating area such as a canteen. Western style 'eating on the go' is still frowned upon in Japanese society.
It is viewed as disrespectful to other people and unclean to eat while on buses and trains (unless it is a lengthy or overnight journey). Likewise, eating snacks while walking around a city or town is not a normal sight, and tends to be thought of as slobbish behaviour.

If you must eat outdoors, find a bench or a picnic area to consume your food, and be sure to dispose of any rubbish and packaging in a bin.

Tipping
Unlike the United States and many other countries, tipping a waiter or waitress is not expected and attempting to do so could result in an awkward situation. Tipping is actually viewed as an insult by some people!

Meals in restaurants always have the service charge included in the price, so there is no reason to give any extra cash. Even if the meal and service has been excellent, it is best practice to refrain from offering a tip – the employee will simply return your money and may become uncomfortable at being put in an embarrassing position.

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Green Tea Wedding cake for my student! 生徒のために作った抹茶のウェディングケーキ！

14/9/2018

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I was very happy to have had this opportunity to make this Japanese style wedding cake with green tea flavour for my student. It was my first time I made a wedding cake! It took two days and the origami cat couple (nekobina) was also my first time I made in my life! He is a big fan of my handmade cake, because I normally make cake for my academy's anniversary celebration and end of year party (bonenkai) with the members of Arai Academy of Japanese Studies. The cake was made of green tea (maccha) sponge and green tea cream with some white cream for the wedding theme. It was so lovely that everyone said the cake was the best! Anyway, I really felt happy that the married couple were absolutely happy with my hand made wedding cake!

今回生徒が日本人の相手と結婚することになり、抹茶のウェディングケーキを頼まれて作ってみました。新井アカデミーの2周年記念や忘年会などで私の手作りのケーキをふるまっていることもあって、この生徒は抹茶ケーキが忘れられなかったようです。人生初めての手作りのウェディングケーキです。抹茶のスポンジに抹茶のクリームで、結婚式らしく、少し白いクリームで飾ってみました。2日がかりで、特に折り紙で作った猫雛も初めてでしたが、何とかかわいく作れてよかったです。なによりも皆様にケーキが一番おいしかったと言われたこと、結婚した二人がとても喜んでくれたことが本当に嬉しいかったです。これからも末永くお幸せに！

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Red Cross Japan - 6,216yen has been donated for the earthquake in Hokkaido 日本赤十字へ北海道胆振東部地震災害義援金6,216円を寄付

Japanese Culture – 4 Habits You Need To Know!

Green Tea Wedding cake for my student! 生徒のために作った抹茶のウェディングケーキ！

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