Every Friday, we share a short, memorable story from Japanese history or culture. Today’s story is about an unexpected hero. 🥊 Antonio Inoki and a Real-Life Mission Antonio Inoki was not just a famous professional wrestler — he was also a politician known for taking bold action. In 1990, during the lead-up to the Gulf War, several Japanese citizens were being held in Iraq. Instead of waiting for official negotiations, Inoki travelled to Iraq himself. He organised a large cultural and sporting event called the “Sports and Peace Festival”, inviting Iraqi officials to attend. Using sport as a bridge, Inoki helped create goodwill — and as a result, Japanese hostages were released. 🧠 Why This Matters Inoki believed in “fighting for peace”, not just in the ring, but in real life. His actions showed: the power of culture and sport courage to act when others hesitate creative problem-solving in difficult situations 🍵🇯🇵 Bonus Fact It was considered lucky to be slapped in the dave by Antonio Inoki. Would you endure his enormous hand for some good fortune?

How to start Easter weekend! Accompanied by a soba boro from Ono city in Fukui prefecture 😋

There will be no Ocha & Chat this week due to Easter Sunday. Enjoy the break, and we’ll be back next week! 😊 🇯🇵 Easter in Japan Easter is not widely celebrated in Japan in a religious sense. However, in recent years it has become a seasonal event, especially in shops and theme parks. You might see: Easter eggs 🥚 cute decorations spring-themed sweets and desserts Places like Tokyo Disneyland often run Easter events with colourful parades and characters. 🧠 Easter Japanese イースター Īsutā Easter 春（はる） haru spring たまご tamago egg What are your plans for Easter? Enjoy your weekend and have a great Easter 🐣✨

Ocha & Chat is our weekly live call to ask Japanese questions, chat in Japanese and talk about Japanese culture. I’ve got a bit of a cold this week, so there likely won’t be a new Interactive Story. But we’ll still jump on and practise our Japanese speaking together 😊 🗣️ What We’ll Do practise simple Japanese conversation review things we already know ask and answer questions just hang out and chat in Japanese or about Japan No pressure — just come along and speak as much (or as little) as you like. 🏯 Community Topic We’ll also discuss our next Japanese Language Learners tournament: 👉 Places in Japan to Visit! Think: cities temples food spots nature anywhere you’d love to go in Japan 🫵 Before the Call Try thinking about: 日本でどこに行きたいですか。 Nihon de doko ni ikitai desu ka? Where do you want to go in Japan? Example: 京都に行きたいです。 Kyōto ni ikitai desu. Looking forward to chatting with you all ☕🇯🇵 If you were recommending places to visit in Japan, where would you suggest? (You don't have to have been there yourself!) 🎎🏯⛩️ Post below!! Can you join?

New sakura species bloom in Kumano. I am not sure if this is Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail? https://www.facebook.com/reel/1459868139136194/?fs=e&mibextid=wwXIfr&fs=e