Latest news with #MainichiShogakuseiShimbun


The Mainichi
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Easy Japanese news in translation: 'Berabo kite' exhibition held in Akita Prefecture
An exhibition of Noshiro's "berabo kites," known for their tongue-sticking-out face painting, is being held in an old building in the city of Noshiro, Akita Prefecture. The "male berabo" kite has Japanese banana leaves on its head, while the "female berabo" kite has tree peony flowers. These kites are familiar as charms to ward off evil. During the Edo period (1603-1867), they were widely known as toys for the New Year's season. Easy Japanese news is taken from the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun, a newspaper for children. This is perfect material for anyone studying Japanese who has learned hiragana and katakana. We encourage beginners to read the article in English followed by Japanese, or vice versa, to test their comprehension. A fresh set will be published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m., Japan time. Click/tap here for past installments. Intermediate learners who do not need English assistance can directly access the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun site here. Furigana (hiragana) is added to all kanji in the text.


The Mainichi
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Easy Japanese news in translation: Hydrangeas delight park visitors in Shizuoka Prefecture
The "54th Ajisai (Hydrangea) Festival" is being held at Shimoda Park in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture. The park is a famous hydrangea spot where over 3 million flowers bloom. The bright flowers in the colors of blue, red, white and purple delight the eyes of people. A visitor said with a smile, "The flowers and scenery are more beautiful than I imagined." The festival will continue until June 30. Easy Japanese news is taken from the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun, a newspaper for children. This is perfect material for anyone studying Japanese who has learned hiragana and katakana. We encourage beginners to read the article in English followed by Japanese, or vice versa, to test their comprehension. A fresh set will be published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m., Japan time. Click/tap here for past installments. Intermediate learners who do not need English assistance can directly access the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun site here. Furigana (hiragana) is added to all kanji in the text.


The Mainichi
5 days ago
- Science
- The Mainichi
Easy Japanese news in translation: Mudskippers jumping in tidal flats in Saga Prefecture
Mudskippers are jumping repeatedly in the tidal flats of the city of Ogi, Saga Prefecture, facing the Ariake Sea. It is the season when male mudskippers try to attract females. Once they form a pair, they enter a burrow and lay eggs. Tidal flats are areas where sand and mud mix, such as those formed where rivers flow into the sea, and are home to the mudskipper. They are considered at risk of extinction. Japanese original Easy Japanese news is taken from the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun, a newspaper for children. This is perfect material for anyone studying Japanese who has learned hiragana and katakana. We encourage beginners to read the article in English followed by Japanese, or vice versa, to test their comprehension. A fresh set will be published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m., Japan time. Click/tap here for past installments. Intermediate learners who do not need English assistance can directly access the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun site here. Furigana (hiragana) is added to all kanji in the text.


The Mainichi
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Easy Japanese news in translation: Air Festival held at shrine in Yamagata Prefecture
Kuki Shrine in the town of Asahi, Yamagata Prefecture, considers air a sacred object where gods reside. On June 7, the Air Festival was held at the shrine, and a dance by shrine maidens was offered to the gods. This shrine was built in 1990 as "the only shrine in the world to express gratitude for air." On a square mirror stage made of stainless steel, six local elementary school students performed a dance, praying for a good harvest of crops. The shrine will be lit up until the end of August. Easy Japanese news is taken from the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun, a newspaper for children. This is perfect material for anyone studying Japanese who has learned hiragana and katakana. We encourage beginners to read the article in English followed by Japanese, or vice versa, to test their comprehension. A fresh set will be published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m., Japan time. Click/tap here for past installments. Intermediate learners who do not need English assistance can directly access the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun site here. Furigana (hiragana) is added to all kanji in the text.


The Mainichi
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Easy Japanese news in translation: Yosakoi Soran Festival held in Sapporo
The Yosakoi Soran Festival, held in early summer in the city of Sapporo, Hokkaido, began on June 4. The festival features dances performed with "naruko" clappers used in the Yosakoi Festival in Kochi Prefecture, to music that incorporates part of the melody of "Soran Bushi," a folk song from Hokkaido that was once sung during herring fishing. Student teams and others danced energetically in colorful costumes. The festival was held until June 8. Easy Japanese news is taken from the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun, a newspaper for children. This is perfect material for anyone studying Japanese who has learned hiragana and katakana. We encourage beginners to read the article in English followed by Japanese, or vice versa, to test their comprehension. A fresh set will be published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m., Japan time. Click/tap here for past installments. Intermediate learners who do not need English assistance can directly access the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun site here. Furigana (hiragana) is added to all kanji in the text.