N2レベルの一語：執着（しゅうちゃく）— obsessive attachment; clinging to something Example: 彼は過去に執着しすぎて、前に進めない。 (He clings too much to the past and can't move forward.) Can you write your own sentence using 執着？ Drop your answer below 👇 I'll reveal the answer in the comments at 20:00 Amsterdam time 🇯🇵

**Today's theme: Visiting Shrines & Temples — 神社とお寺のマナー (じんじゃとおてらのマナー)** ⛩️ Japan has tens of thousands of shrines (神社 / じんじゃ / jinja) and temples (お寺 / おてら / otera) — and visiting them is one of the most memorable parts of any trip to Japan. But there are specific customs to follow, and knowing them will deepen your experience (and earn you respectful nods from locals!). At a Shinto shrine, you'll usually find a water basin near the entrance called a 手水舎 (てみずや / temizuya). This is for ritual purification — you rinse your left hand, then right hand, then cup water in your left hand to rinse your mouth. Never drink directly from the ladle! After purifying yourself, approach the main hall, toss a coin into the offering box (賽銭箱 / さいせんばこ / saisen-bako), bow twice, clap twice, make your wish, then bow once more. This is called 二礼二拍手一礼 (にれいにはくしゅいちれい). At Buddhist temples, the approach is a bit different — no clapping. You might light incense (お香 / おこう / okou) and wave the smoke toward yourself as it's said to bring good health. Inside the main hall, a simple silent bow and prayer is appropriate. 🙏 **Key vocabulary:** - 神社 (じんじゃ) — Shinto shrine - - お寺 (おてら) — Buddhist temple - - 参拝 (さんぱい) — visiting/praying at a shrine or temple - - 御朱印 (ごしゅいん) — temple/shrine stamp (a popular collector's item!) - - 絵馬 (えま) — wooden wishing plaque Have you ever visited a shrine or temple in Japan? Did you know the two-bow-two-clap rule before today? Share your experiences below! 👇