新年（ジーアン先生）

It’s the new year, and many people are hopeful and optimistic. The year 2020 was challenging, with many unexpected things happening around the world. Hopefully, this year will be marked by successful innovation and solutions. Since the pandemic is still around, it’s important to keep safe and to refrain from going out unless if it’s for important errands. I have found that it’s a good time to brush up on my reading. I’m currently reading “The Book of Tokyo: A City in Short Fiction,” an anthology of short stories from different writers about the strange and beautiful faces of Japan’s capital city. I think that this year, we’ll see more people starting new hobbies and developing new skills. I’m also excited to start the online classes this month! When there are things we can’t control, it’s helpful to focus on the things that we can. And every day is the perfect day for learning something new!

冬休み （キャロル先生）

During winter vacation, I stayed in and made sure to speak with friends and family back home. The time difference makes it difficult sometimes, as there is a nine-hour time difference between Japan and Ireland. This can be tricky and usually means I can only speak with them during the night-time. My family sent me a box called the ‘Paddy Box’ full of Irish snacks and goodies for Christmas, which I have been nibbling on throughout the winter break. It’s full of all types of chocolates and crisps I have been missing and helped me to feel a little bit Christmassy this year. Winter break was also a good time for me to catch up on sleep and get cozy with an interesting book. I usually read thrillers or true crime books but I’m a pretty slow reader. This means I have a stack of books sitting in the corner of my room, waiting for me to read them. As long as the weather stays cold, I know I’ll slowly get through them. They’ll keep me company during the long winter days. What book are you reading to get you through the winter?

ウインタータイム（キャロル先生)

Winter in Tokyo is always a lovely time. Different parts of Tokyo are illuminated with Christmas lights that create a picturesque wonderland. I love walking around and taking it all in, which is easy to do in the mild winter weather. The winter in Ireland is harsher and it rains a lot, which doesn’t make it very appealing to go outside. I recently bought some new books, which I’m very excited to read during the month of December. Staying inside and getting cozy with a book and a nice hot drink is one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s good to enjoy the simple things in life.

まもなくクリスマス（ジーアン先生）

It’s just a few weeks till Christmas! In the Philippines, Christmas is a huge celebration. Most people in the Philippines start preparing for Christmas as early as September! There are many lights and colorful lanterns on the streets, and people prepare a huge feast on Christmas Eve called “Noche Buena.” This year, I’m going to be staying in Japan for Christmas, and although I will miss celebrating it with my family, I’m looking forward to all the Christmas decorations and activities in Tokyo. I’m excited to see the illumination displays all over the city. This time is also the last term for the third year high school students. They’re a very friendly and energetic bunch. I’m going to miss them when they graduate. There are so many things to look forward to in December!

日本の紅葉（キャロル先生）

The Changing of the Leaves in Japan This year it will be my third year to witness the changing colors of the leaves in Japan. Each year they have been wonderful to see. I’ve made sure to make the most of my time here in Japan. This year, I won’t be able to travel too far to see the changing leaves but I’m lucky to live and work in such a beautiful part of Tokyo where there are many parks I can walk and jog in. This is my favorite time of year. The weather is perfect; it’s not too cold or too hot. Back in Ireland, this time of year is very difficult for many people. The weather is windy and cold and it rains a lot. The days are long and dark and people tend to stay inside a lot. It is dark when you wake up and dark when you leave work. People need to stay optimistic during the winter months. In Tokyo, I love strolling through the parks with a nice hot coffee, taking in the pretty scenery. Sometimes I have to pinch myself and remember where exactly I am. I’m very lucky to be where I am and I try to not take this for granted. Life is always changing and you just have to move along with it.

今年のハロウィン （ジーアン先生）

At the end of October, Japan celebrated Halloween. But this year, celebrations were pared down and made simple. Most people stayed at home, and I spent my Halloween weekend watching horror movies on Netflix. A friend of mine recently got a new camera so went to nearby Saitama to take pictures of the forest, Tokorozawa Sakura Town, and the LED manholes with anime covers that light up at night. It doesn’t rain much, and there are many days with a lot of sun, but the days are getting shorter and colder. The leaves of the trees are also starting to turn red and orange. I’m looking forward to autumn in Tokyo, but I’m not a fan of the cold weather!

秋冬への準備（ジーアン先生）

September 23, 2020 Summertime is almost up! Autumn is taking over, and it’s gradually becoming colder by the day. Since I come from a tropical country, I’m not used to the cold. Last year, I experienced my first winter in Japan, and it was freezing! I had to wrap myself in several layers just to stay warm. This year, I’m more than ready to welcome autumn and winter. In fact, there are many things I’m looking forward to in the coming months. I can’t wait to see the changing colors of the foliage, from vibrant green to rich reds and oranges. I can already imagine people in the park cycling under the hail of falling leaves. I also can’t wait for Halloween! I noticed last year that Halloween-themed parties and parades were popular in Tokyo, but I think this year, it would be better to stay home and read books or watch horror movies. In fact, I’m already planning my own horror movie marathon for Halloween! One thing’s for sure—the cold weather is a good time to indulge in hot and spicy meals!