Blog #10: Learning Japanese

Learning from Elementary Japanese I

This semester, learning Japanese has been a fun and challenging experience. Although I have some previous experience in writing Japanese, I was still nervous about learning a new language holistically, especially one with a different pronunciation system. But little by little, I started to recognize hiragana and katakana, and now I can read and communicate using basic sentences! 

I enjoyed practicing greetings like「こんにちは」and introducing myself with「わたしは Su-san です」. It was also exciting to learn about Japanese culture through the language.

Although it was harder than I expected, I’m proud of what I’ve learned. I know I still have a long way to go, but this class gave me a good foundation. I hope I can use Japanese when I visit Japan someday. 

Blog #9: Spring Break and Christmas

 David's Spring Break and Christmas

春休みにメキシコのロスカボスに行きました。オールインクルーシブのリゾートに泊まりました。たくさんおいしい料理を食べたり、ビーチで泳いだりしました。そして、ホテルでのんびりして、とても楽しかったです。週末にはガールフレンドといっしょにカリフォルニアのヨセミテ国立公園に行きました。ハイキングをしたり、きれいな写真を撮ったりしました。少し寒かったですが、楽しい思い出になりました。

Blog #8: Shohei Ohtani's All-Star Game interview

 Shohei Ohtani's All-Star Game interview

Shohei is one of my favorite base players. I really admire Shohei Ohtani’s humility and positive attitude. Even though he didn’t win the Home Run Derby, he said he had fun and appreciated the experience. It was great to see how he talked about his fans and teammates with such gratitude. His ability to play both as a pitcher and hitter at the Major League level is truly legendary. I was also impressed by how friendly and down-to-earth he seemed when talking with other players.

Blog #7: わたしのしゅうまつ

 わたしのしゅうまつ

どようびに、わたしはごごにジムにいきました。バスケットボールをしました。たのしかったです。

それから、カフェでコーヒーをのみました。ゆっくりしました。

にちようびに、うちでアニメをみました。おもしろかったです。

でも、しゅくだいがたくさんありました。だから、よるにとしょかんでべんきょうしました。

Blog #6: Tokyo's Ramen Masters

 Kazumoto Ochiai is One of Tokyo's Ramen Masters

This video is such a cool look into Tokyo's ramen scene! Kazumoto Ochiai's story is really inspiring. He went from being a salaryman to becoming a ramen master just because of his love for food. You can tell he's super passionate about what he does, always tweaking his recipes and making sure every bowl is just right.

I love how he talks about the balance between soup, noodles, and toppings, and how important it is to taste the broth before adding anything. It really shows the level of detail and care that goes into making a perfect bowl of ramen. Plus, it’s interesting how ramen shops are such a big part of Tokyo's nightlife. People stopping by after a long night out just to grab a comforting bowl. 

Blog #5: 孤独のグルメ

 

孤独のグルメ

This video is a special conversation between Matsushige Yutaka, the lead actor of Kodoku no Gurume, and musician Kōmoto Hiroto, discussing the Kodoku no Gurume: The Movie. They reflect on their 40-year friendship, their early creative struggles, and how the film came to be. Kōmoto, who composed music for the movie, shares his excitement about collaborating with Matsushige again after decades, bringing a nostalgic and personal touch to the project.  

As a huge fan of Kodoku no Gurume and Matsushige Yutaka. He is one of my favorite Japanese actors. This conversation felt like a heartfelt reunion. Their talk about hunger, not just for food but for passion and creativity, really resonated with me. 

Blog #3: Introduction in Hiragana

 こんにちは！

わたしは Su です。

しゅっしんは ちゅうごくの ぺきん です。

ノートルダムだいがく の がくせい です。

にねんせい です。

せんこうは こくさいかんけい です。

よろしくおねがいします！