がんばれパンチくん：Punch-kun, Fighting!
Punch-kun is a bottle-raised baby Japanese macaque at a zoo in Ichikawa, Chiba after his mother stopped caring for him. He’s gone viral for cuddling an orangutan plush “Oran-mama” and clinging to his keepers, showing how much warmth and comfort matter as he grows.
友達：Farewell, My Friend
A heartfelt reflection on friendship – how a close friend can inspire you to live fully, even in difficult times. A dream farewell becomes a quiet source of comfort that lingers long after.
すみません、もう一度お願いします：Excuse me, can you say that again?
Not sure how to politely ask someone to repeat what they said in Japanese? Mayu sensei introduces several natural phrases and explains when each one is appropriate in this blog.
お土産：Souvenirs – Sweet Memories, Heavy Bags
Mayu-sensei shares her souvenir-shopping stories from a trip to Kanazawa, from choosing gifts for loved ones to struggling with too much luggage, and about the unexpected “souvenir” she brought home.
物語の自動販売機：Story vending machine – A drink for the Heart
In Japan, vending machines are everywhere, but a new “story vending machine” now offers short, location-themed stories at the press of a button.
作文添削と『ナミヤ雑貨店の奇蹟』：The Quiet Power of Words – When Editing Becomes Empathy
What if one carefully chosen sentence could reach someone’s future? In this blog, Ritsuko-sensei links essay editing to The Miracles of the Namiya General Store, exploring the quiet power of words written with care.
だれかのためのサポート：Support for Anyone – The Kindness We All Need
Do you know how to support someone with dementia? Here are practical, easy-to-use tips from a dementia supporter training, and a reminder that the same gentle approach matters for everyone.
東北のクラフトおすすめ：Introducing traditional crafts in Tohoku
A short introduction to traditional folk craft toys from Japan’s Tohoku region, highlighting a few iconic examples and the handmade culture behind them.
抹茶色のランドセル：A Matcha Green Randoseru – What A Choice Can Say
In Japan, elementary school students use a backpack called a “randoseru”, and its color can reflect identity, social expectations, and the surprising weight of a child’s “simple” choice.
レストランでごちそうさまと言いますか？：Do you say “Gochisousama” at the restaurant?
In Japan, people often say “Gochisousama deshita” after a meal to show appreciation. However, when dining out, choosing the right timing can be surprisingly difficult.
幸運のサイン：When Good Luck Sends a Sign
Ritsuko Sensei introduces Japanese symbols of luck and shares her dracaena’s bloom as a hopeful sign.
宇多田ヒカル：Utada Hikaru – An Iconic Japanese Singer
Sensei Mayu shares her thoughts about the interesting word-use of Utada Hikaru, and how her song“Hikari” can be felt in different ways.