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! 👇

If you ever travel within Japan — or come back from a trip abroad — you'll quickly discover that bringing back **お土産 (おみやげ / omiyage)** is practically a social obligation. Omiyage are souvenirs or gifts, but the concept goes far beyond a simple "I thought of you." Bringing something back for your colleagues, family, or friends shows consideration and gratitude for the relationships you value. Forgetting omiyage for your coworkers after a business trip? That's considered quite rude! 🍡 The most beloved omiyage are usually **地域限定 (ちいきげんてい / chiiki gentei)** — regional exclusives — especially sweets or snacks you can only buy in that area. Think matcha cookies from Kyoto or white chocolate from Hokkaido. The key unspoken rule is **気遣い (きづかい / kizukai)** — "consideration for others" — meaning you choose something practical, easy to share, and individually wrapped so your whole office can enjoy it. In Japanese work culture, omiyage are often left in a common area with a note saying **どうぞ (dōzo)** — "please help yourself." One phrase you'll use when presenting any gift is **つまらないものですが (tsumaranai mono desu ga)** — literally "it's a boring/insignificant thing, but..." — which is a humble way of offering something. It might sound strange to downplay your gift, but in Japanese culture, **謙遜 (けんそん / kenson)** — humility — is deeply valued, and this phrase is a classic expression of it. 💬 **Discussion question:** Is gift-giving a big part of the culture where you're from? How does it compare to the Japanese omiyage custom? Share your thoughts below!

**Today's theme: Onsen Culture — 温泉 (おんせん / onsen)** ♨️ One of Japan's most beloved traditions is visiting an **onsen** (温泉 / おんせん) — a natural hot spring bath. Whether you're in the snowy mountains of Hokkaido or the volcanic regions of Kyushu, onsens are everywhere, and they come with their own set of important customs. Before entering the bath, you must **wash thoroughly** at the washing stations provided. This is called **かけ湯 (かけゆ / kakeyu)** — pouring hot water over yourself to rinse off. You'll also leave your **タオル (taおる / taoru)** — towel — outside the water, usually folded on your head. Most onsens are **混浴禁止 (こんよくきんし / kon'yoku kinshi)** — meaning men and women bathe separately in different sections. Here are some key vocabulary words to know: **脱衣所 (だついじょ / datsuijo)** means the changing room where you undress before entering. **露天風呂 (ろてんぶろ / rotenburo)** refers to an outdoor bath, which is often considered the most scenic and relaxing type. **入浴料 (にゅうよくりょう / nyūyokuryō)** is the entry fee you pay. And if you see a sign saying **入浴禁止 (にゅうよくきんし / nyūyoku kinshi)**, it means bathing is prohibited — often for people with tattoos, which are still restricted in many traditional onsens. 💬 **Discussion question:** Have you ever been to an onsen, or is it something on your Japan bucket list? Would you feel comfortable following all the customs? Share your thoughts below!

**Today's theme: Newspaper & Media Language — 新聞・メディアの語彙 (しんぶん・メディアのごい)** 🗞️ Whether you're reading Japanese news online or trying to understand a TV broadcast, media vocabulary shows up constantly at N2-N1 level. These words also appear frequently in JLPT reading passages, so mastering them gives you a real edge! **📰 Today's Words** **1. 報道する (ほうどうする)** — to report (news), to cover a story 例: テレビ局はその事件を速報で報道した。(The TV station reported the incident as breaking news.) → Often paired with 取材 (しゅざい / on-site coverage). 報道陣 (ほうどうじん) means "press corps." **2. 世論 (よろん / せろん)** — public opinion 例: 政府の決定は世論の強い反発を受けた。(The government's decision faced strong public backlash.) → Both よろん and せろん are accepted readings — よろん is more common in spoken Japanese. **3. 掲載する (けいさいする)** — to publish, to carry (an article/photo) 例: その記事は朝刊の一面に掲載された。(The article was published on the front page of the morning edition.) **4. 見出し (みだし)** — headline 例: 衝撃的な見出しに思わず手が止まった。(The shocking headline made me stop in my tracks.) **5. 論評 (ろんぴょう)** — commentary, critical review 例: 専門家による論評が紙面を飾った。(Expert commentary graced the pages of the paper.) → More formal than コメント. Frequently used in newspapers and academic writing. **6. 配信する (はいしんする)** — to distribute/stream/deliver (news or content) 例: このニュースは世界中に配信された。(This news was distributed worldwide.) ✍️ **Practice prompt:** Try writing one sentence using any of today's words. Bonus points if you can combine two of them in a single sentence — drop it in the comments!