Car Accidents

elderly drivers

There have been quite a few car accidents caused by elderly drivers lately.

It's very concerning.

quite a few　かなりの数の

quite  adv)かなり･ずいぶん

a few いくつかの･少しの･少量の･少数の

～の危険を冒して、～を犠牲にして、～する危険にさらされる

at (the) risk of...

We have been at the risk of catching it.

But we cannot keep staying home forever.

...だと聞こえるかもしれないが（前置き文）

at the risk of sounding weird... 

変なことをいう奴だと思うかもしれないが

At the risk of sounding stupid, how does it work? 

馬鹿のように聞こえるけど、どうやって使うの？

ridiculous ﾘデｨｷｭﾗｽ adj)ばかげた

arrogant　アﾛｶﾞﾝﾄ adj)横柄な

大都市のインフラ

Hey Z, why are you looking so serious? Is there something in that article?

Good timing, Kohei. I'm reading something terrifying about the expressways in Japan.

Really? I thought that roads and railways in Japan are built well and properly maintained.

It's not always the case. Most were built during the period of high economic growth, about 50 years ago.

That long ago? I wouldn't be surprised if they were starting to decay and fall apart!

That's just it! People are at risk of getting injured due to its infrastructure.

Oh, on! If something like the Metropolitan Expressway was to collapse, it could end up being fatal.

That would be frightening! I appreciate that many workers are out at night rebuilding our infrastructure.

I agree. You've made me realize that the hard work of there people is keeping our lives safe.

properly　ﾌﾟロﾊﾟｰﾘｰ  adv)適切に

decay　ﾃﾞｨケｲ　v)徐々に腐敗する、虫歯になる　n)腐敗、虫歯

fall apart  バラバラになる

fall　フｫ-ﾙ　v)落ちる　fall-fell-fallen

apart  ｱパｧ-ﾄ　adv)離れて、ばらばらに、個々に

end up　結局最後には...になる  How did you end up in Japan?

fatal　フェｲﾀﾙ adj)命にかかわる、致命的な

I've been eating way too much junk food recently.

You are at risk of getting seriously ill if you don't watch your diet.

I know. I need to cook healthy dishes from now on.

eat way 食べ歩く、どんどん食べる

watch one's diet 食事に気をつける

I'm not sure if we can park here, but I'm in such a rush.

You'll at risk of causing accidents if you don't follow the rules.

That's true. I'll double-check the sign just to make sure.

in such a rush 大急ぎで

 

make it back

｟Vaccinations and Quarantine｠ July 2021

I see that the vaccination rete is increasing quickly! Have vaccinations started smoothly in Japan?

At first, many seniors felt the booking process was confusing, but it's going well now.

I see. My friend tested positive for COVID-19 last month.

Really? Are they okay now? I don't know anyone who's been infected yet.

He's fine now but, he had to stay home for two weeks. His family had to be in quarantine as well.

I heard that those who self-isolated at home were sent care packages.

Right. He said it happen him focus on getting better. He had an extreme fever and a cough.

senior シ-ﾆｱ　adj)年上の･高齢の

We accommodate elderly first.

We accommodate elderly with vaccine first.

accommodate  ｱ コ ﾓ ﾃﾞｲﾄ  v)収容する、用立てる、供給する　語源:～に適させる

Do you wanna get vaccine? 

I wanna try and return to normal life ASAP.

On the other hand, I especially doubt if the vaccine make it back to the normal life before the pandemic.

I'll see how it goes.様子をみる

I'll wait and see.

Let me wait and see, for vaccination.

I'm going to wait and see.

I'm taking a wait-and-see attitude. 

I wanna going to events, cinema and restaurant and so on.

I wanna get all the back again.

make it back 戻ってくる

She made it back alive.

He didn't make it back home

They made it back from the moon.

I managed to make it back home.

make it  たどり着く、間に合う

She made it to the train.　電車に間に合った。

We finally made it to the station. やっと駅にたどり着いた。

おむつ

diaper ダｲ ﾊﾟｰ n)おむつ（米） a disposable diaper, change diapers

nappy ナ ﾋﾟｰ　n)おむつ（英）

 

Rainy Season in Japan, JUNE 2021

Wow! it's raining buckets today. I'm glad I wore my rain boots.

Yeah, the rainy season has come earlier/later than usual this year.

It's so wet and humid in Japan this time of year.

If we're not careful, the humidity can cause molding.

I try to ventilate my apartment as much as possible. The dehumidifier setting on the air conditioner also helps.

Good idea! I bought some cooling spray to prepare for the upcoming summer.

Oh! Cooling spray sounds like a great idea, too! I'm gonna pick some up.

bucket　n)バケツ、多量の雨

wear-wore-worn

humid ヒｭ-ﾐｯﾄﾞ adj)湿った

humidity ﾋｭｰミﾃﾞｨﾃｨ n)湿度･湿気

mold モｳﾙﾄﾞ n)カビ　v)カビさせる

ventilate ヴェﾝﾃﾚｲﾄ v)換気する

humidifier ﾋｭｰミﾃﾞｨﾌｧｲｱｰ n)加湿器　dehumidifier

upcoming アｯﾌﾟｶﾐﾝｸﾞ adj)やって来る･近づく･今度の

Cold Weather, Feb/2021

It's so cold these days! How do you stay warm in Winter, Z?  最近すごく寒いですね！冬にどうやって暖かく過ごしますか、Z。

One thing I do is that I always make sure to dress in layers.　私がしていることの1つは、いつも必ず重ね着をすることです。

Yeah, I wear a lot of clothing. And I often have warm food and beverages.　そうですね。私も着込んで、よく温かい食べ物や飲み物を食べたり飲んだりします。

I also like to exercise to keep my body warm. I stretch every morning.　私は身体を温めるために、運動をするのも好きです。毎朝ストレッチをしていますよ。

Maybe I should do that! I like to sit in front of my heater and warm my hands.　私もそうしてみるべきかもしれませんね！わたしはヒーターの前に座って、手を温めるのが好きなんです。

I do, too. But, I have very dry hands from washing my hands often this winter.　私もですよ。でも、この冬はよく手洗いをすることで手がすごく乾燥するんです。

It's important to moisturize after washing your hands. Using hand cream helps a lot!　手を洗った後は保湿をすることが大切ですよ。ハンドクリームはすごく役に立ちますよ！

Black History Month, Feb/2021

Hey Z, did you know February is Black History Month?  ねえZ、2月は黒人歴史月間だってしっていましたか。

I haven't heard of it, and I don't think it's celebrated much in Japan. What is it?　聞いたことがありません。日本ではあまり祝われないと思います。何のことなんですか。

It's the month to learn and celebrate the history and culture of Black people in America.　アメリカの黒人の歴史と文化について学び、お祝いをするための月なんです。

It's great that the new US president has selected such a diverse cabinet, then.　それなら、新しいアメリカの大統領がとても多様な閣僚を選んだ事は素晴らしいですね。

I agree. Every year in February, I read books written by Black authors like Toni Morrison.　そうですね。私は毎年2月に黒人作家によって書かれた本を読むんです。トニ・モリスンのような。

Oh, is that right? Please give me some recommendations on books! What will you do, Steven?　ああ、そうなんですか。本のおすすめを教えて下さい！あなたは何をするんですか、スティーブン。

Well, I'm going to learn about the leaders of the civil rights movement.　ええと。私は公民権運動の指導者について学ぶつもりですよ。

That also sounds like a good idea. I think I will listen to Black American music!　それもいい考えですね。私はアメリカの黒人音楽を聴こうと思います！

Record-breaking Snowfall, Feb/2021

I saw snow for the first time yesterday! Unfortunately, it melted soon after touching the ground.  昨日、初めて雪を見たんだ！残念ながら、地面に触れたらすくに溶けてしまったけど。

Big cities like Tokyo and Osaka rarely get heavy snow. But, there's been heavy snow in many places this year.　東京や大阪のような大都市では大雪が降ることはめったにないよ。だけど、今年は多くのところで大雪が降っているんだ。

It snows a lot in Alaska. I loved making snowman when I was younger.　アラスカではたくさん雪が降るの。小さい頃は雪だるまを作るのが大好きだったわ。

I loved making them, too! Did you hear that Madrid had its first snow in 50 years?　僕も雪だるまを作るのは大好きだったよ！マドリードで50年ぶりに雪が降ったって聞いた？

Yeah, and they had a big snowball fight! It looked like so much fun.　うん、それで大規模な雪合戦をしていたよね！すごく楽しそうだったよ。

You should visit Hokkaido next year. You can try various snow activities there.　来年、北海道に行ってみるべきだよ。あそこはいろんな雪遊びができるよ。

That sounds like a good idea! I want to go, too! I miss the snow.　いい考えね！私も行きたいわ！雪が恋しくて。

Valentine’s Day, Feb/2021

Valentine's Day is around the corner! We should figure out ways to enjoy it indoors this year.  もうすぐバレンタインの日ね！今年は屋内での楽しみ方を考えないと。

Instead of going out to restaurants, we could cook dinner together at home. Maybe make desserts, too!　レストランに行くかわりに、家で一緒に料理できるんじゃないかな。デザートも作ったり！

Watching romantic movies is also a good idea. It would be a nice, relaxing time.　ロマンチックな映画を見るのもいい案だね。素敵なリラックスできる時間になるよ。

Did you know travel agencies offer virtual tours online? I think it's a great getaway.　旅行代理店がオンラインでバーチャルツアーを提供しているって知ってた？すごくいい休暇になると思うよ。

I've tried that! I enjoyed seeing the auroras in Canada.　私、試してみたわよ！カナダでオーロラを見るのを楽しんだの。

I'd love to see Paris or a beautiful beach on a tropical island.　パリや熱帯の島の美しいビーチを見てみたいなあ。

That would be so romantic. I'd like to travel somewhere I've never been!　すごくロマンチックだろうね。僕は行ったことのないところに旅行してみたいなあ！

New Coronavirus Variants、Feb/2021

I'm worried about my family in South Africa. COVID-19 is spreading very quickly over there.

I read they found a new variant. Is your family all right?

Yes, they are okay, but several people I know have tested positive. What is the situation like in Japan?

Japan is experiencing an increase now. The borders are shut to international travelers again.

I heard that new variants are more contagious. We need to be careful.

Yeah. We should try to stay home as much as possible to stop the spread.

Feb 2021

New Year's Resolutions, Jan/2021

Happy new year, Z! Thanks for bringing us to the shrine! It's so beautiful.

My pleasure! Do you have any New Year's resolutions?

This year. I want to learn Japanese so that I can watch anime and read comics.

My goal is to improve my English speaking ability. I'll also exercise more to stay healthy.

I also want to be more active. I'm going to learn some healthy recipes too.

Good luck. I hope we can all achieve our goals this year.

We can do it! Let's share our progress and keep each other motivated.

COVID-19 and the Medical Crisis, Jan/2021

Z, I'm really worried! My nurse friend is overworked in this pandemic.

How awful. It is becoming difficult for hospitals to provide beds for patients.

Yeah. Even thought medical workers are working hard, some will receive reduced bonuses.

That's terrible. I think everyone is feeling more stressed these days.

True. In Japan, more people died from suicide than COVID-19 in October.

We need to look after our mental health and remember to check on our friends and family.

Legal Drinking and Driving Age, Jan/2021

Hey, Z. Can you explain what Coming of Age Day is? 　成人の日

It's a holiday about becoming an adult. We celebrate it at 20.

That's interesting. What is the legal drinking age in Japan? It's 21 in most states in the US.

We can drink when we turn 20. What is the legal driving age in the US?

It's 16. My parents bought me my first car when I got my license.

Really? The minimum driving age in Japan is 18. That's when we finish high school.

Yeah, I never realized that age requirements are different in the US and Japan.

Famous Japanese Culture, Jan/2021

I can't wait to see that popular demon movie! I heard it's just as good as the comics.

It's a record-breaking movie. It made over 10 billion yen in ten days!

Apparently, the anime can be streamed in more than 100 countries, in eight languages.

Wow! Speaking of Japanese films, Akira kurosawa is my favorite director. His films are still popular today!

His movies have inspired many famous directors from around the world.

I enjoy Japanese literature like Haruki Murakami. His characters are unique and attractive.

I'm happy to hear that people who live overseas enjoy Japanese culture, too.

Hay fever

Ugh! I feel terrible these days. My nose is runny, mu eyes are itchy, and I can't stop sneezing.

 On no, it sounds like you have hey fever! It's common at this time of year.

Hay fever? What's that?

 During spring, there's a lot of pollen in the air. This can cause allergies.

I see! I heard there'll be more pollen than last year. What can I do to fight it?

 Well, many people wear masks and glasses or take medication to control symptoms.

Let me write that down. I'm going to go to the drugstore later.

pollen ポ-ﾚﾝ n)花粉

symptom シｨﾝﾌﾟﾀﾑ n)病気などの症状

keen on

KZ, guess what Korea is running out of right now?　KZ、韓国で今どんなものが品薄になっていると思う？

Hmm... I know they had heavy snowfall recently. I don't know, rain boots? ん～、最近、大雪が降ったのは聞いたけど。わからないなあ、長靴？

Nope, it’s snow sledges. ブー、そりだよ。

Really? I didn't know Koreans were keen on sledging. そうなの？韓国人がそり好きだって知らなかった。

According to this article, most ski resorts closed in recent weeks because of the pandemic, so... この記事によると、スキーリゾートの多くはコロナ対策のためにここ数週間で閉まっちゃったんだ。だから、、、

Oh, I get it. Instead of going to ski resorts, they're enjoying snow slopes nearby. そうか、スキーリゾートに行く代わりに近所の坂で楽しんでいるんだね。

Yup. They've got heavy snow, but the resorts are closed,　そう。雪はあるけど、リゾートは閉鎖、

and since they've only their families to spend time with anyway because of COVID, they've taken to sledging.　でコロナのせいでどうぜ家族ぐらいとしか一緒にいられないから、ってわけ。

Nice!　いいね。

And listen to this, because major retailers ran out of their stock plastic sledges, one family said they brought picnic mats for their kids to slide on. そのくだりを聞いて、大手の小売店でプラスティック製のそりが売り切れてたから、ある家族は子供が滑って遊べるようにそり代わりにレジャーシートを持って行ったって。

That's the way. We need flexible minds to find ways to enjoy life. ナイスアイディア。柔軟に考えて人生楽しまなきゃね。

Plus, it helps to avoid the "Three Cs": closed space, crowding, and close contact. しかも、３密も避けられる。

Some ski resorts are open, but I'm sure a lot of people will continue enjoying sledging in their neighborhood. リゾートはいくつか再開したけど、そのままそりで楽しむ人も多いと思うよ。

For sure. I admire their positive mindset even in such challenging circumstances. 間違いないね。こういう難しい状況下でも前向きに考えている彼らを尊敬するよ。

run out of...  ...を切らす

snowfall　　　heavy snowfall 大雪

boots

sledge  そり  snow sledge

keen on 夢中になっている、心待ちにしている

in recent weeks

take to  ...を好きになる

retailer

picnic mat

slide on

flexible minds

mindset　考え方

challenging 困難だがやりがいのある

Autumn Leaves

Look at the leaves! They've started changing colors.

 Awesome! I love the warm colors of the autumn leaves. They let me forget about the cold temperature.

I check the autumn foliage forecast on my phone. It shows us the best time for viewing leaves nationwide.

 Next weekend I'm going to visit some of the local parks famous for their colored leaves.

I recommend the illumination events in the botanical gardens. The illuminated maple leaves are beautiful.

 Thanks for the recommendation. I think ginkgo trees are also stunning in autumn.

I agree! You should also check out the gorgeous ginkgo avenue near out office, too!

change colors　色付く

autumn foliage　紅葉　foliage　フｫｳﾘｯｼﾞ n)草木の全部の葉

nationwide　全国的に

maple メｲﾌﾟﾙ n)モミジ　

ginkgo　ギﾝｺｳ　n)イチョウ

stunning ｽタﾆﾝｸﾞadj)素晴らしい、見事な

avenue 並木道

Corona Vaccination, Jan/2021

Hey Z, have you heard the news about the vaccines for COVID-19?

 Yes. In some countries, it became available to elderly people and medical workers.

I'm not sure if it's safe to get vaccinated.

 I see. People are worried about the side effects since it's a new vaccine.

I heard that two companies said their vaccines are 95% effective.

 Let's see how it goes. I hope that it will slow the spread of the virus.

I hope so. too. However, it's still good news that there is a vaccine.

vaccine ｳﾞｧｸシーﾝ n)ワクチン

vaccinate ヴァｸｼﾈｲﾄ v)予防接種をする、ワクチン注射をする

コロナ禍と医療危機

I'm really worried! My nurse friend is overworked in this pandemic.

 How awful. It is becoming difficult for hospitals to provide beds for patients.

Yeah. Even though medical workers are working hard, some will receive reduced bonuses.

 That's terrible. I think everyone is feeling more stressed these days.

True. In Japan, more people died from suicide than COVID-19 in October.

 We need to look after our mental health and remember to check on our friends and family.

 

Keep Your Guard Up

let one's guard down 気を緩める

second wave 第2波

controversial 議論を引き起こす

insist 主張する

effectiveness 効果

decrease 減らす

transmission 伝染

significantly かなり

That's why... そんなわけで...だ

Security Guard

Hey, Ashley. Did you hear that some cities in the world have gone back into lockdown?

I did. The number of positive COVID-19 cases appeared to go down, but it started to increase again.

We shouldn't let our guard down. The impact of the second wave is said to be greater than the first.

In the U.S., masks have become controversial. Some insist that they have the right not to wear one.

Some people seem to doubt their effectiveness, but some studies show that masks decrease transmission significantly.

I didn't know they were so effective! I sometimes forget mine when I go out.

I do, too. That's why I always carry a few extra ones in my bag!

Good thinking! We all need to try and stop the spread.

Extreme Weather

devastate デｳﾞｧｽﾃｲﾄ v)荒廃させる、受身)がっかりさせられた、ひどく落ち込んだ

torrential rain 集中豪雨

extreme weather 異常気象

global warming 地球温暖化

record-breaking 記録的な

heatwave 猛暑

natural disaster 自然災害

I was devastated to see the news about the torrential rain that hit Kyushu recently.

It was scary. Extreme weather, like heavy rain causing floods, often occurs in Japan.

I think it's getting worse lately. Maybe because of global warming?

You might be right. The other day, I saw that even Siberia experienced a record-breaking heatwave.

We need to be prepared for natural disasters. This year, I've added extra masks to my emergency kit.

Local governments have hazard maps online. They show which areas are likely to flood.

Is that right? I'll check it out and prepare an emergency kit with masks.