This week’s fact is about one of the most famous travel experiences in Japan. I once boarded the Shinkansen for the first time. I expected noise — announcements, chatter, phones ringing. Instead… it was quiet. Not silent, but calm. People sat neatly. Some were eating beautifully arranged 駅弁 (えきべん / ekiben) — train bento boxes. Others looked out the window, or rested. No loud phone calls. No music playing out loud. No one speaking across the aisle. Even when the train was full, it felt… peaceful. 🚄 The Unwritten Rules On the Shinkansen, there are a few important manners: 📱 Phone calls are avoided If you must take one, you step into the space between carriages. 🔇 Keep your voice low Conversations are quiet and respectful. 🍱 Eating is okay — even encouraged But it’s done neatly and without strong smells. 🧳 Be aware of space Luggage is placed carefully so others are comfortable. 🧠 Why This Matters This reflects something deeply Japanese: • awareness of others • shared responsibility for comfort • respect for public space Everyone helps create the atmosphere. That’s why even a high-speed train can feel so calm. 🧠 Language Lesson — On the Train 🚄 しずかにします。Shizuka ni shimasu. I will be quiet. 🚄 でんしゃでたべます。Densha de tabemasu. I eat on the train. 🚄 でんわをしません。Denwa o shimasen. I don’t make phone calls. 🫵 Your Turn What do you prefer on public transport? 🔇 quiet and calm🎶 lively and social And could you follow these rules easily? Answer in English or Japanese 😊 See you next Friday for another Japan Fact Friday

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lF_HFRpJ1Co

#JapaneseTopicTuesday What made you first interested in Japan/Japanese? In the photo, I'm the one between Batman and Robin. This is from kindergarten and I was wearing a Japanese happi from Edogawa and a kamikaze headband bought in Japan. I had a little sword too and thought I looked like a cool samurai. 😅 To be honest, I was borrowing them from my brother. He had been to Japan to play football (soccer) against Japanese high school boys his age. My brother got souvenirs and gifts from Japan and I thought they were so cool and fascinating. Everything from Japanese Coke bottles with cool writing on them and coins (with holes in them!), to toys like spinning tops and kendama. Then, we were lucky enough to host two Japanese boys from Japan as they visited Australia to play against my brother's team here. It was amazing to meet these kids from another country and culture. We couldn't speak much together not knowing each other's language, but we found a way to communicate and had so much fun, always laughing! That experience sparked my interest in Japan. It wasn't until university that I formally studied the language, but from meeting those Japanese boys and experiencing the generosity and kindness of their families too, I knew I always wanted to visit Japan. That was how I got interested in Japan and Japanese. How about you? Let me know in the comments!

Thank you again for taking the time to create those lessons, much appreciated 😊

After an incredible tournament filled with tough matchups and passionate votes… 👑 ひつまぶし (Hitsumabushi) is officially our Japanese Language Learners’ Favourite Japanese Food! 👑🍚 From the very beginning, hitsumabushi stood out with its rich flavour, unique eating style, and deep tradition—and in the end, it claimed the crown. 🥩 Huge respect to ジンギスカン (Jingisukan) for making it all the way to the final! Thank you to everyone who voted, debated, and shared their love of Japanese food 🙌