Tweet of 春日英語教室　

In the beginning of May, which was middle of the Golden Week Holidays in Japan, my friend asked me to help out English translation for an interview with Nick Lowe. To be honest, I didn't know about him. However, when I researched him, his music, I could hear familiar sound, which kind of reminded me of life in somewhere overseas, maybe London.  According to Wikipedia, he is a founder of Pub Rock, which ended up creating Punk Rock. I got too excited, which caused my mind to go blank! However, Nick was so sweet reading a manuspript of the interview which I translated into English and answered the questions to Mike who was an interviewer. The interviewer, Mike Koshitani whose English was fantastic! He described himself too modest, I mean, he learnt English through rough conversation with native English speakers. That is an ideal way because you can learn real English. His English sounds natural. Even he could be an English teacher in junior high schools, I'm sure. He wrote an ar...

I'm Japanese, who has lived almost entire of my life.  Never had I crossed prefectural borders since last October, this travel was exciting to me. I headed to Tokyo, it was because I would attend the social gathering of Bookshort. Book short is an organisation of short story movies. They organise several competitions for writers almost all year round. So we, writers join the competitions. As for the social gathering, they invited only all kinds of winners including the champions. For me, I Not reaching even the semi final, I could attend the gathering for my passing the first stage. I'll get back the story about what I hadn't travel anywhere. It is because I found an interesting contrast between Tokyo and Nagoya, where I live. In this time, my impression of Tokyo has more FREEDOM than Nagoya. Actually I have known it but I came to unconscious about it. Once you get used to living in Nagoya, it might be comfortable. You just follow their culture. In Nagoya, too CON...

When it comes to winter, yes! I want to do hibernate. Talking about hibernate, it reminds me of Moomin. In my country, Moomin, which we used to see on TV. However, it was something different from its original version. It's because Moomin's voice was dubbed by a famous actress whose voice was unique enough. And Snoke's was performed something funny with Japanese tastes...  I don't know how to describe.  If you are interested in, you could search it on Youtube.com. It's been very cold, freezing...  Considering it, actually it might be funny because we all shiver for only minus 2 or at most minus 4 in my city...  In Canada, where my friends live, it is minus more than 10 or more... By the way, I should said at the beginning of this blog, I started writing blog again, because my friend in Canada was wondering why I recently posted some comments on Facebook in only Japanese. There was nothing special meaning, but I just got used to this life in Japan, in which Engl...

Long time no see!  Haven't written an English blog for such a long time, I almost forgot how to write English... hahaha... Anyway, I am so happy to finish all of my hectic high school classes. It was really really tough for me to work at such a distracted school... Anyway, I am happy now. And I learnt a lot about such schools which I will never ever work anymore in my life. However, I now focus on my school, which I decide all of curriculum. I devote myself into local English education to promote the area and students.

春日英語教室では、今年度「小学校高学年（５・6年生）対象」のクラスを開講しています。人気の授業で、今、７名の児童が参加しています。 なぜ小学校高学年か？ 　　今の所、日本では英語を本格的に学習するのは、「中学校」からとなっています。が、私が十年近く中学校で中学生を見てきた中での経験からすると、もうそれでは遅いのです。せめて、アルファベットぐらいは書けるようになってから中学生になるといいですね。 　　中学で英語につまづいたり、遅れを取ってしまった場合、かわいそうですが、その後よほど本人が努力しない限り、大変なことになってしまいます。大げさに聞こえるかもしれませんが、その人の人生を大きく変えてしまいます。 そのまま大人になっても英語へ恨みや憎しみなんてある場合、その人の人生は暗いものとなってしまいます。 　　逆に、小学校から始めた場合、 英語はその後の人生にかなりプラスに働いています。 英語がこれほど人の人生に大きな影響を与えるとは！すごいです！ 今、この７名は、徐々に単語が読めるようになってきています。今日は、月曜日から日曜日までの出来事を学習しました。 play games, read books, watch TV, draw, sleep, などなど。それを曜日と一緒に覚えます。 また、フォニックスも後半に入り、ch, sh, phの発音を学習しました。３月までには曜日も英語で書けるようになるよというと、え〜！って驚いていましたが、これは本当です。 当教室のこれまでの実績、みんな中学に入ってから、英語には困っていません。 ということで、おそらく来年もこの地域での英語活動は続きそうです。 どうかよろしくお願い申し上げます。

Hello! It was a lovely day. 今日は晴天で、それほど暑くもなく、心地よい風が教室に入ってくるとっても良い日でした。 久しぶりに教室のソファーに座って、映画鑑賞をしました。映画といってもDVDですが・・・。ずいぶんDVD鑑賞もご無沙汰でした。 私が映画鑑賞するのは、やっぱり英語力キープあるいはUPのためでもあります。 今日見たのは、『Ted』（１も２も両方見ました）。残念ながら、この映画は公開中はあまり興味がなかったのでした。ぬいぐるみが出てるなんて、ファンタジー系かななんて勝手に思い込み、レビューも読まずして、封印してしまったのです。 が、昨夜、ふとしたことから、この映画を見ることにしました。というのは、以前、ニューヨークのGotham Writiers Workshopのライティングコースで映画スクリプトコースを受講した際にこの映画がサンプルとして取り上げられていたので、いつか見てみようと心のどこかで思っていたからです。 で、見た感想・・・。これはオススメ！すごく面白い！しかも、通常、最初のがヒットし、二番煎じとなると、面白くない、期待はずれと言う結果に陥りやすいのが、これは違う！パワーアップ！内容も濃く、キャストも充実！最高でした。私の好きな俳優さん、モーガン・フリーマンさんが超最高！もちろん、物語のカギを握る存在で登場し、もう満足です。 あと、英語という観点からすると、Tedの使う英語はかなりスラングが入っていて、逆に普通学習できない表現が盛り込まれ、勉強になりました。でも、初心者や若い世代にはお勧めできないなぁ・・・。もし、そういう人たちとみるとすれば、TEDは情もあり、人間？らしい、ただ口は悪いから真似してはいけないというアプローチで鑑賞するといいのかな。ちょっとこれは『クレヨンしんちゃん」的なノリだと思います。やっぱ大人だけで楽しむべき映画かな。 この映画でTedが使っていたフレーズに"Holy shit!"というのがありました。非常に悪表現だと思います。ある帰国子女の高校生がこの表現を学校の感想文に書いていました。本人は、現地で覚えた英語として悪気はないようでしたが、学校の感想文にはまずいですね。 今日のブログの締めくくりとして、やっぱり正しい英語、丁寧な表現を学習すると、その人の品位さえ向上します。春...

英作文はいろんな解答が考えられます。せっかく書いてもそれが合格点に達しているかどうかはわからないという方は多いのでは？ 当教室の「ライティング添削サービス」では、そのような疑問を解決します。添削するのは、英語を母国語とした経験豊富なプロのライティング専門講師。 またプロのライターでもあります。ですから、安心して添削をお任せできます。メールでのやり取りになりますが、細かい文法やエッセイのコツをお教えします。準１級や１級となると、日本人では対処できない文法や表現のニュアンスがあります。ネイティブ講師からそのノウハウを学び、合格獲得とへとつなげるサービスです。どうかよろしくお願い申し上げます。 サービス料金：3000円  まずは、 氏名および希望する級を添えてご連絡ください。 個人情報保護に関する法的・国が定める指針、その他の規範を厳守します。

英検の文法や長文問題は記号問題だから、答えは一つだけ。でも、英作文はいろんな解答が考えられます。 せっかく書いてもそれが合格点に達しているかどうかはわからないという方は多いのでは？ 当教室の「 ライティング添削サービス 」では、そのような疑問を解決します。添削するのは、 プロの英語講師 。 ですから、安心して添削をお任せできます。 １回分：５００円　＊別途送料がかかります。　 まずは、 氏名、住所、電話番号、年齢または学年、希望する級を添えて、 akanespringday@gmail.com （春日英語教室　英検添削サービス ） へご連絡ください。 添削させていただくのは、私立中学校にて「英検直前対策講座」担当の実績を持つ名古屋市内公立中学校、愛知県内高校の英語講師を経て、現在、英語教室主宰。ニューヨークに拠点を置くGotham Writing Workshopにてエッセイ、ニュース記事、映画スクリプトにおけるライティング講座受講修了。2014年度ブックアワード入賞。

After listening to his speech, all of a sudden, I spontaneously turned on the Internet radio, in which program was classical music. His English was simple enough to make non-native English speakers understand. It, however, felt unsatisfying. If his nations are satisfied with his English, I will wonder what they learn at school. Anyway, I wrote my comment instead of marching. As I was almost sick in bed yesterday, now I found some grammatical mistakes. But still it was approved by the newspaper and some people clicked "Recommend".   Please click it if you agree with me. 彼のスピーチを聞いた後、なぜか、私は急にクラシック音楽が聴きたくなった。 彼のシンプルな英語は英語を母国語としない人たちにも十分理解できる表現だった。けれど、どこかしら物足りない。彼の国の人たちはそれに満足しているのか、もしそうだとしたら、学校で何を学んできたのだろう。 昨日は世界中の女性たちがデモ行進をしていた。私はコメントを投稿した。風邪をひいてて頭が回らなかったせいもあり、今見ると、文法の間違いが少しある。でも、新聞社は投稿を掲載してくれて、数名ほどだけど、「Recommend (推薦)」をクリックしてくれている。もし、よろしければ、「Recommend (推薦)」をクリックお願いします。👧😉 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/21/world/donald-trump-reaction-france-germany-japan-brazil.html#...

月１度の読書会。 　今日のお題は『女のいない男たち』（村上春樹著）。 この本の構成は短編集で、タイトルの通り、女のいない（結局いなくなった）男たちのストーリーである。男性（村上春樹氏）の視点から描いた女性たちは、正直「したたか」だと思う。だけど、女性はそうなんだろうな。そういう女性たちについて、今、ちょっとつまみ食い読みしている『プライドと偏見』の エリザベスを除いた女性 たちや『リア王』に出てくる コーディリア以外 の姉たちを思い浮かべてしまう。 読書会でも話したけれど、今回の作品で、一番印象に残っている作品は、『独立器官』。ある独身のプレーボーイの整形外科医がある既婚女性に本気で恋をするけど、結局フラれてしまう。この外科医はアウシュビッツ収容所の話を読んでいたという。収容所では受刑者たちは、丸裸にされ、ろくに食料も与えられず、餓死してしまう者もいた。この外科医は本気で好きになった女性に裏切られる。彼女こそ、ヒットラーのように冷酷な人間だ。最終的には、外科医を人間扱いせず、虫けらのように捨てるのだ。外科医はまるでアウシュビッツの受刑者たちのよう。結果、外科医は生きる気力を失ったのだと思う。最終的には餓死してしまう。まさに悲劇の物語である。 私は、アウシュビッツ収容所の受刑者とこの外科医の共通性に考えさせられるものがあった。誰しも丸裸にされ、全てが禁じられると、いくら身分が高くても、ただの人になってしまう。他人の身勝手な力によって、自分がこれまで年月かけて築いてきたものが一気に木っ端微塵となるは、すごく恐ろしいことだと思う。 ブックレビューを見てみたけれど、あまりこの点には触れられていなかった。でも、本当はここが重要だったりして・・・。 なかなかうまく表現できないけど、この作品は後３回ぐらい読んでみたいと思う。

javascript:void(0) News! My comment about an article was approved by New York Times. The article is about Jizo. Jizo, which are statues for holding religious services, stand on streets or in temples in Japan. Walking around, you could see them quite often. In the article, a lady from the US wrote about her memory through Jizo, which could be regarded as Mizuko Jizo, in Japan. I could tell that through her writing. Anyway, the story was touching and beautiful. Many people posted their moving comments. Please check out my comment here,  http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/06/well/family/the-japanese-art-of-grieving-a-miscarriage.html Now, I am recalling my childhood.  Jizo, reminds me of a story called "Kasa Jizo. Kasa should be translated "Hat(s)". The story is like this, on the snowy day, Jizo, which are dedicated by an poor old man having them put kasa on their heads.  On the new year day, Jizo visited the man and his wife giving return to him and his wife on the new y...

Visiting the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, I had a different feeling from when I had visited the one of Hiroshima. In Hiroshima, the more closely I was getting to approach the exit, there more I was getting to feel hope, which we would have to build up better future not to repeat the same things. In Nagasaki, however, I got more sense of mission to tell people how awful nuclear was or nuclear must be abolished in this world. In Nagasaki, the atomic bomb was compounded plutonium. I am not keen on chemistry at all, however, I know it is extremely dangerous and powerful enough to destroy everything. I have read about how it badly effected on human bodies. Depends on its amount,  it is likely to have risk of cancer. In fact, there are people who were (have been) suffered from it. After visiting the museum, I also went to Nagasaki Peace Memorial Hall for Atomic Bomb Victims. It was dead silent. I, however, did not feel fear. Instead, it was more holy atmosphere surrounded in the hall...

"OMG! Already December!?" I exclaimed. It's been ten years since I started teaching simple English to my pupils. When they were primary pupils, I used to organise some events such as Halloween or Christmas parties. But this year, I stopped doing them. It's because the pupils grew up, the oldest one is 18 while the youngest ones are 12. They expected my presents. Instead, they enjoy with their friends. It's a bit sad but I am glad that they are getting independent of me.  Nevertheless, I feel something empty in my mind.  "OK! I'll set for travelling to somewhere."  This time, I chose Kyushu. I have some reasons for that.  Firstly, I have some friends who I met in London during my studying. As I hadn't seen them for ages, I grew to feel like seeing them. Moreover, they live in Kumamoto, where had massive earthquakes last May. It was good for me to see the place in my eyes. Secondly, Japanese history couldn't be described w...

Driving a small Daihatsu car, Ms. Kasuga is heading for her student's place. She has been visiting them for 8 years. A big sister and little sister are waiting for her. "One day, another my student's mom asked me if I could help her friend's daughters' English." As I wanted to expand my business, I said, "With pleasure." Luckily, their house was in my neighbourhood. So I started teaching them. The girls were 10 and 8 years old. We played games, sang songs or whatever. It was lovely time. My friend, who lived in Canada, helped their English through Skype as well. Ms. Kasuga, whose English has Japanese accents, has nothing problems with making people understood. However, she wanted her students to practice communication with a native English speaker. On every Thursday, Mr. Nishimura in Alberta, Canada,  joined them and enjoyed talking. However, time flies so quickly. The elder sister turned 18 years old and the younger one is 16 years old. They mus...

The following story is about 春日英語教室. She enrolled the English literature course, which was held in the evening. She did not mind attending the evening courses because her junior college was also an evening school. Moreover, she could slightly afford to go to university.  Just after graduating from high school, 18 year old girl whose jobs had been limited. She had worked at a small cafeteria in the college. 15 years later, however, she was a qualified junior high school teacher. So she worked during day time as a part time school teacher.   Nevertheless, it was quite hard for her to continue studying in the evening, which ended up making a living with scholarship (actually it was a student loan) and a three day a week part time job. "I wonder myself how to manage time or money at that time... " She looked back on the days.  Changing the trains twice, it took approximately one and half hours from her place to the university. On the train, it was time to read bo...

This is writing which I'm practicing "feature article (Press Release)" based on my business.  春日英語教室, of which scale is very small. If a wind blew it off, it would be gone away. Its advertisment, however, has been just issued in a famous nationwide magazine, "AERA Kids (see the image)" just came out last week. Wondering what makes an over 45 year old single lady, Ms. Kasuga keep doing this business, it has been a decades since she started. "It is because my students have followed me for such a long time. I think it is amazing.", she said. Looking back on 1999, which was before millennium, Ms. Kasuga was just 30 years old. A company where she worked merged with other company. It was not long before, she had to leave the company. Instead, the company paid retirement payment and whole year salary to the employees. "I was lucky enough to get a chance to learn English in overseas with that money.", she said remembering the days of London....

On borrowing "A Street Cat Named Bob" written by Jame Bowen from my hairstylist, I started reading. I did not stop reading it until over half pages of the book. It was not only interesting but also I found Jame' life has a similarity with my life. I am, however, amazed with James, who has been solving his matters by himself. Of course, he would not do it without Bob. But James attracted Bob, which ended up encouraging him to live or independent.  In my case, actually I do not have kind of Bob in my life. I'll tell you about myself first.  Brought up with 4 sisters, I could describe myself, which I am like Lizzy or Cordelia, who were more independent than other sisters. Yes, I can say that. I do not need properties, heritage or fortune without any efforts of my life. However, life is tough. Even though I tried to be like Lizzy or Cordelia, my life didn't work like them.  I was never strong physically and mentally.  I wanted to be strong. I had frie...

昨日はとんでもない日だった。が、ふとこの本を思い出した。あ〜先生もそうかぁ、「こんなワルは許せない！」なのね。しかし、ワルのことは実際その被害にあった者にしか分からないかも。私はこの本を読んだ時、そう思った。そしてワルについて怒る時間ももったいないし、価値がないかもしれない。しかし、昨日だけはこの本を読み、先生のお気持ちと共有させていただいた。要は今はすっかり忘れてしまっていたワルを数年ぶりに街で偶然見かけたのだった。確かに今は先生のおっしゃる通り「この怒りを半分だけ肯定してみよう」の意味がよくわかる。半分どころか１００％肯定しているかもしれない。ワルがいたから、怒りもあったけれど、それから自分は大きく成長し、何かこれだというものを確信したと思うから。あ〜そういえば、読めなかったニューヨークタームズだって読めて、知識を得、いっぱい他にも本と出会い、いい友達にも巡り合ってるし、仕事関係でも素敵な方と知り合ったし、旅行だって、カナダやアメリカ、カンボジア、台湾、ベルリン、ロンドンへも行った。よく考えたら、いいことがたくさんあった。多分、これからも。 先生、怒りは１００％肯定できるようになります。怒りがパワーとなり、楽園へと導いてくれたから。 https://www.amazon.co.jp/悪の力-集英社新書-姜尚中/dp/4087208036 ＊この本を買った時、サイン会もあり、先生とお話もできました❤️！

It's autumn now!  Long summer was over... It was, however, extremely hot this summer. My air conditioner finally broke down. I've got a new one. I spent a lot of money for that. Anyway, now it's autumn. The most comfortable season came to me. Numbers of people come down to tourism spots such as Kyoto or Kamakura.... But I'm staying at home because of my commitment. It felt boring... not get jealous though. On the way to the workplace, I opened my iBook of my iPad, started reading Jane Aye, in which shared me with her anxiety or concern in the ocean of her wedding with Mr. Rochester. Anyway, I am interested in the guy, Mr. Rochester, who is cool and attractive. Reading the book, as if I had been travelling to north England, only widespread heath can be seen while he wind blows grass, chilly and cold. Now I feel kind of satisfaction without actual traveling. Thank you for the great book!  Maybe next time, I'll read a story of which location is ...

It's autumn now!  Long summer was over... It was, however, extremely hot this summer. My air conditioner finally broke down. I've got a new one. I spent a lot of money for that. Anyway, now it's autumn. The most comfortable season came to me. Numbers of people come down to tourism spots such as Kyoto or Kamakura.... But I'm staying at home because of my commitment. It felt boring... not get jealous though. On the way to the workplace, I opened my iBook of my iPad, started reading Jane Aye, in which shared me with her anxiety or concern in the ocean of her wedding with Mr. Rochester. Anyway, I am interested in the guy, Mr. Rochester, who is cool and attractive. Reading the book, as if I had been travelling to north England, only widespread heath can be seen while he wind blows grass, chilly and cold. Now I feel kind of satisfaction without actual traveling. Thank you for the great book!  Maybe next time, I'll read a story of which location is ...