Blog#14: Hawaiian Atmosphere

Erika Okada

Hello!  I'll tell you about a Hawaiian restaurant which I recently visited.

One Wednesday, my friend and I got off the train at Omiya station in Saitama City in order to enjoy chatting and having dinner.  However, we hadn't decided which restauarnt we should choose, so we strolled in LUMINE, and finally chose "Lanai Hawaiian Natural Dishes".  Hawaiian music and appetizing smell attracted us.

We ordered a Loco Moco, non-alcoholic cocktails, and a Hawaiian pancake.  The pancake was extremely delicious ;-)  I really regret that I forgot to take pictures of it :(  It was not just a pancake.  Maybe tapioca was the key ingredient, I think.



Non-alcoholic cocktails

 
Hawaiian foods were delicious.  Music relaxed us.  Wooden fans were running slowly on the ceiling.  The lights were mild yellow.  Waiters were very kind.  We satisfied with all of them and agreed with each other that we would visit there again.



There was a Christmas tree decorated with Hawaiian lei.


If you have a chance to go Omiya, I'll recommend you to visit Lanai!!

Bye :)

Blog#13: Polar Bears

Erika Okada

Hi!  I learned about polar bears a little in other class.  I was surprised at polar bears' lives, so I'll introduce to you the situation they are now on.

In the North Pole, polar bears which have pure white fur and cute eyes are there.  Sadly, however, the polar bear is a kind of endangered species.  Global warming and environmental pollution make them be on a harsh situation to live.

Polar bears spend almost all of their lives on the ice.  Their bodies are covered with thick subcutaneous fat so that they can survive in a land of severe cold.  They eat seals, walruses, and belugas in order to increase their fat.

Do you know the fact that polar bears have to go on a fast which is up to 8 months?  Global warming causes a shortage of their food.  Rising temperature brings an increase in the amount of rainfall.  Rainfall breaks lairs made of ice and snow.  In other words, seals and other animals preyed on by polar bears lose their houses.  It causes a decrease in the number of seals and other animals.  As a result, polar bears cannot get enough food and are forced to starve.

Another cause making polar bears face a crisis of extinction is environmental pollution.  Toxic substaces such as dioxin and agricultural chemicals are gathering in the North Pole from many parts of the world.  Those toxic substances melt into seawater.  Plankton eat them, and small fish eat plankton.  Going through a food chain, toxic substances get concentrations and are delivered from small creatures to big animals.  Finally, polar bears are affected by high concentrate pollutants.

More and more global warming and environmental  pollution advance, more and more polar bears become endangered.  Of course, other animals in the North Pole also face a crisis of extinction.

Under this situation, polar bears live as strenuous as they can.  We are supposed to think over the problem.

Blog#12 Japanese museums

Kazusa

     Are you interested  in visiting museums? I like museums and I'm learning about it to get a qualification of curator. I have to visit museums as often as I can, but I have a problem. Japanese museums cost too much. The entrance fee of one adult is about 1,000 yen!! Though I find many attractive advertisment of museums, I can't go because of the price : (

     Do you know there are so many museums that do not charge for admission in other countries? I was surprised when I visit the British Museum last year. It was too large to see whole areas. I could see the Book of the Dead, sphinx and moai. There are also many historical scalpturs, but visiters don't have to pay any money!

     I know that they are confronting many hardships of management, but I hope Japanese museums lower the fare. I want more and more people to visit museums : ) Bye!

Blog#9 My tunbler collection

Chizuki Anzai

Hi everyone!

I'm sorry for late posting.

Do you use tumblers when you go to cafe such as starbucks?

One of by hobby is to collect tumblers.

Here is the picture of my collections.  (Sorry, I couldn't turn this sideways:( )

They are cute isn't it?  I have more than 20 tumblers. 

When you buy one, a free drink ticket comes with it.  You can have one drink free with the tumbler once in any size and any drink. 

 In addition to the ticket, there is another advantage with the tumbler.  you can buy drink by 20 yen off if you bring your own tumbler and have clerk make drink in the tumbler any time! 

so tumbler is economical, practical and also so cute.  There are various designes of tumbler so I am sure that you like some.  It is enjoyable for to see and bring them.  Why don't you have one? 

Blog#9: My Favorite Shop

Erika Okada

Have you ever heard "LUSH"?  It is a world wide company that sells handmade cosmetics.  It was founded in 1995 in the county of Dorset, UK.  LUSH came to Japan in 1999, and there are more than 140 shops all over Japan so far.  They sell bath bombs, soap, body butters, and the like.  They select raw materials which don't need tests on animals.

I often visit its shops on my way home after school, even though I don't need buy any items.  Because of its colorful and fragrant items, I am always attracted.

This is my recommendable item. 

It is a face scrub named "The Birth of Venus".  Their unique way to name items is one of noticeable points of LUSH.  It contains seasalt crushed into small grains.  Grains remove dirt from pores and supply minerals to our skin.  Its fragrance of lime and grapefruit makes me feel relax.

All of their items are labeled the portrait and the name of a person who made the item like this.

This labels make customers feel an attachment to each item.

LUSH always makes an effort to give pleasure and amusement to customers.  I recommend you to visit their shops when you have free-time.

Bye :-)

Blog#10: Halloween in Disneyland

Saki Arai

Hi! Have you been to Disneyland during Halloween season? Halloween of Disneyland is so exciting! I went to Disneyland with my friends in October 26. We went in a weekday but there were a lot of people! There were many people who dressed like a Disney character. They were very prettyJ I enjoyed seeing them. Decorations of Halloween were also cute. I recommend you to try Haunted Mansion because it was changed lovely by Halloween decorations. Also, Halloween food is the one of the way to enjoy Halloween in Disneyland! I like pumpkin soft ice cream the best!J It is so good! Disney Halloween is so fun! If you have a time, I recommend you to go ;-)

Bye!

Blog#8: First-aid treatment

Erika Okada

This summer, I attended a driving school.  During the period, I could learn a thing which was more important than driving.

There was a lesson of "first-aid treatment".  Its purpose was that we would acquire how to give first aid in case of traffic accident.  Actually, I didn't know how to do it at all before I attend the class.

Have you ever seen this?

It is called "Qmask".  It protects you from any deseases when you try mouth-to-mouth respiration on a severely injured person.  Everybody attended the class received one at the end of the class.  I always have it when I go out.  So if you want to see it, please let me know.

Now that I can give first aid, I'll actively do it when it is needed.  I hope many people learn the way to give first aid and try when someone needs it.

blog#8:Sand art

Chizuki Anzai

Hello everyone!

Do you know sand art?  I know this yesterday when I was watching TV and found it very inthersting so I want to let you know.  This is drawn only with sand.  There is a story that a man working in a office fell asleep and see a dream that he goes to paradice.  I was absorbed in the story.  I hope you enjoy this too. 


Bye!

Blog#9 My Favorite Gadget

Kazusa Iwao

Hello.  Today I'm going to tell you about my mp3 player.
My parents gave it to me on my 14th birthday, so I've used it for more than 6 years!
It's a walkman stick produced by SONY.  New versions of walkman have already been sold, but I prefer using old one to by new one.

Two years ago, my walkman was out of order and it didn' sound at all.  I brought it to the customer center of YAMADA and asked to fix it.  Fortunately it was possible to repair and it sounded again. 

I was very happy but I was also very surprised because it cost me about 8,000yen!

Recently I don't find anyone who uses the same walkman of mine, but I'll keep using it as long as I can!

Bye :-) 

Blog#8 World Heritage

Kazusa Iwao

Good afternoon everyone!  This summer, I went Iwate prefecture to meet my grandparents.  I visited them with my sister and it had been 3 years since we visited them last time.  They live in the country, so my sister and I just take a rest to forget our hard, busy days in Tokyo.

While we were staying in Iwate, we visited Hiraizumi.  Have you ever been there? 
Hiraizumi is one of the world cultural heritages which was registered just 3months ago.  It is composed of many temples such as Chusonji Temple, Moutuji Temple and so on.

This is the outward appearance of Konjikido of Chusonji-Temple.  Konjikidou means golden-colored hall.  Maybe you think that it looks very simple and lacks dignity to call it golden. 

But!  Contrary to its outside, inside of this temple is very gorgeous!!!  Look at this picture.  Isn't it fabulous? 

After visiting therer, I become interested in world heritage.  I'm going to find some other heritages in Japan and visit during next winter or spring vacations.

I'm sure that they will take your breath away.  Why don't you visit the world heritage of Japan?

Bye ;-)



Blog#9: My Favorite Gadget

Saki Arai

   Hi! This time, I introduce my favorite gadget :-)

Do you know a bag-hanger? I like this gadget very much! I often see people using a bag-hanger in Gakushuin. This is a very cute and useful gadget!

When you don't have any space to put your bag, you can use it like this!

 I bring my bag-hanger every day and I use it at a cafe, a restaurant and a classroom.

I think it is not only useful but also cute! This bag-hanger is my friend' present :-) Its design is pretty.

You can buy it at PLAZA. I think PLAZA has many cute bag-hangers!

If you find a pretty bag-hanger, please let me know!

Bye ;-)

Blog#7 Happy Halloween

Kazusa Iwao

Halloween is just around the corner!  Are you going to dress in a costume and go trick or treating?
The bakery I work part-time started selling special halloween pie.  Hear is the photo of it.  Isn't it cute?
 

If you like pumpkin, I recomend you to buy this pie.  Inside of this pie is pumpkin.  It tastes really good and I like it!

In Japan, few people celebrate Halloween.  It is only an event especially for the mercantile agencies.  Snack makers produce  limited version flavor snacks, householdgoods stores display jack-o'-lanterns and stuffed black cats and amusement park like Tokyo Disney Land assumed a different appearance.

I don't like using a lot of money to these things because it seems that I'm brainwashed into, but I am attracted by the smiling face of this pie : )  

 Bye.

Blog#7:Trip to Kyoto

Chizuki Anzai

This summer vacation I went to Kyoto with my friends.  I had been there when I was junior high school student and this was the second time.  On seond day we went to Kiyomizu Temple.  There is a shrine profitable for love in the temple.  We went there and pray.
Now take a look at this stone.   

This stone is called Love-fortune telling stone.  If you walk safety from this stone to the other with your eyes closed for once, your wish will be granted soon.  If you can't, it will be long beforeyour love is realized.  And it is said taking advice requires you to have someone who will help you achieve your love.
That's interesting isn't it?

If you have a opportunity to visit Kyoto, try once ;)

Blog#6 iPhone5

Kazusa Iwao

Hello!  Have you heard the news that iPhone5 will be sold by au?  As you know, iPhone4 was sold by softbank.  I'm a user of au, so if it is true, I'm very happy.  This is just a rumor and we can't have the correct informations until Apple hold an event which is scheduled in October 5.

 Actually, I don't have anything produced by Apple.  I've thought that "Made in Japan" was the best and I had an idea that I should bought music players produced by Japanese companys like SONY.  But now I have a different opinion and I think Apple is not so bad.  Also, many of my friends have iPhone4 and I just really envy them : )
If you are iPhone user, please tell me your opinion about it ☆ Bye!

Blog#6：Soy Milk

Chizuki　Anzai

Hello everyone!

These days I make it a rule to drink soy milk everyday.  Now I introduce three good points of soy milk.

     First of all, soy milk is low-calorie.  Compared with cow's milk, the calorie of soy milk is about 2/3 of cow's milk.  So we can go on a diet by using soy milk instead of cow's milk when you cook meal.
     Second, soy milk has a lot of isoflavones.  Isofrabone does the same work as famale hormone.  So we can prevent diseases which caused by lack of famale formone. 
     Third, there are alot of flavors of soy milk.  Soy milk smells little bit strong.  I don't like the smell very much.  But no problem!  There are many dericious fravors such as strawberry, banana and milk tea.  I think you can enjoy drinking them.

Like this, soy milk is not only healthy but delicious.  Why don't you try them?

Blog #8: My trip

Saki Arai

Hi! This time, I introduce my trip.　In this summer vacation, I went to Los Angeles! It was very fun. I had a lovely time in California. I stay at Los Angeles only 4 days. It was too short, but I went to many places, such as Hollywood, Disney land, union station and Santa Monica beach.

California is very large! I was surprised! I think people in Los Angeles are very kind. I asked many people and they answered kindly. I like Los Angeles! Someday, I want to go there again!

Blog #7: Happy Set

Erika Okada

Can you guess where I bought it?  A small logo mark shows a hint.

The answer is McDonald's.  A "Happy Set" included this stuffed toy.
I love Hello Kitty, so I bought it though Happy Set is mainly for children.

In Japan, McDonald's Happy Set has been popular among children for more than 20 years.  It contains a hamburger, fried potatoes, a cold drink and a toy.  McDonald's original toys attract children.

Those toys are replaced every 3 weeks, and most of them are modeled on characters which are popular among children.  McDonald's often collaborates with animation teams, and they create new ones.  Those toys are sold only at McDonald's, so some adults (like me) who love specific characters buy a Happy Set and get a limited toy.

One Happy Set costs you around 300 yen.  I think it is too cheap despite it contains even a toy, isn't it?

Maybe McDonald's expects profits from families, because small children are always accompanied by their parents.  Happy Set makes them (not only children, also McDonald's own) happy.

Do you know any other companies which adopt this type of sales strategy?

Blog #7: Aquarium

Saki Arai

Hello!

This time, I introduce my favorite aquarium. I like going to an aquarium. I think sea animals are cute and they make us relax.

Do you know SKY AQUARIUM in Roppongi hills? This aquarium is in a top of a high-rise building. I think it is unique that the concept is a collaboration of sea and sky.

There are many devices used illuminations and pictures. Illuminations are so beautiful!! This aquarium is very stylish and artistic ;)

If you are tired, I recommend you to go this aquarium. You will feel refresh!

Bye!

Blog #6: A Light Meal

Erika Okada

When you don't have enough time to eat lunch, what kind of foods do you eat?

Rice balls?  Only a cup of coffee?

I' ll recommend a sandwich named "Lunchpack" for your light meal.

Almost all the convenience stores sell Lunchpack, so you must have seen it at least once.  Lunchpack has been sold by Yamazaki Bakery since 1984.  This sandwich succeeded in getting popularlity among young people because of its low price and large varieties of fillings.  It costs you about 150 yen.  They invent more than 50 new fillings a year.

The great difference between Lunchpack and other sandwiches is the edge of sliced breads.  Lunchpack's edge is closed by putting pressure.  We can eat it without worrying about soiling our hands and tables.

One of the fillings I like is Peanut Butter!
It has sold since 1984, it is one of the first series.

When you drop into convenience stores, please look for some Lunchpack :-)
Why don't you take it into one of your choices?

Blog #6: My Club Activity

Saki Arai

Hi!

Today, I introduce my club activity.

I belong to swimming club. I am helper of this team so I support teammates. I don't like going swimming very much but I like watching swimming. I think swimming is beautiful :-)

On August 15th, we had a match with Musashi University, Seikei University and Seijyo University. It is called "Yondai-Sen(四大戦）" 

It was very exciting. Gakushuin swimming team won!

I was glad of this result ;-)

Next month, we have a match with Gakushuin high school.

I'm looking forward to this match.

Bye!

Emoticon advice

Hey everyone, Can I give you a tip for making emoticons?

When you want to write a happy face, it should like like this             :-)

A sad face is            :-(

A winking face looks like this     ;-)

And always make sure to leave one space between the word before the emoticon and the emoticon symbol, like this :-)

All set? Happy Tanabata! ✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰

Ms. MacGregor

Blog #5: A Local Character

Erika Okada

Rice-ball-shaped face, round eyes, and with a flat paper fan...
This time I'll introduce a local character of my hometown whose name is Unako-chan!

She was born in Urawa (in Saitama City) in 2005 in order to spread the fact that Urawa had been a good place to eat grilled eels since more than 200 years ago.  Actually I didn't know the fact until she appeared, though I had lived near Urawa for 14 years.  Today there are about 30 restaurants mainly serving Unaju (grilled eel on rice, served in a lacquered box) in Urawa.  Unako-chan was designed by Takashi Yanase who also created Anpanman!

You can see her at the west entrance of Urawa station.  The bronze statue of her figure is a kind of landmark like Hachiko in Shibuya.

These days, local characters such as Sento-kun (from Nara Prefecture) and Hikonyan (from Hikone City) are becoming well-known, and they succeed in attracting visitors.  I hope Unako-chan also becomes popular someday :-)

Are there any local characters in your hometown?  Please let me know.

Blog #4: IKE-MEN desune

Kazusa Iwao

Good evening!

I want to tell you about a Korean drama, "IKE-MEN desune".
Have you ever seen or heard about this drama?  I really recomend this because the story is interesting.  Also you can see many handsome acters in this drana.

This is a story about one idle band composed by 4 men.  Actually one of the member is a girl.  She pretend as her twin brother.  Her brother changed his face before he make his debut, but there was miss and he could not apper in front the fan untill his face totally recover! She have to live with the band member, so she try hard not to be noticed her secret, but by accident all of the member know that she is a girl.

Here is the photo and song of the drama.  If you like it, please let me know.  Let's talk about IKE-MEN : )

Bye!

Blog #3: no3b

Chizuki

Hi everyone!
I apporogize you all for late posting.  I'm sorry X(

Today I introduce you no3b (it is read 'no sleeves').
Do you know no3b?

It is a idol group established from AKB48. The members are Takahashi Minami, Kojima Haruna and Minegishi Minami. I think they are cute and especially like Minigishi Minami (she is called Mi-chan). In addition to cuteness, I think they are also good singers. So I want you to watch and listen to their songs.
This is one of my favorite songs. Please try! (The girl with small hat on the hair is Mi-chan.)

How do you like? If you like this, I'll lend you the CD so let me know!

Bye bye^^.

Blog #2: My pet cat

Saki Arai

Hi!
This time, I introduce my pet! I have a cat whose name is Coco. Coco is male. His name means cocoa because his fur is brown, it is like cocoa!  He is Somali. Somali is like Abyssinian. He has long fur, straight ears and almond-eyes. Coco is very pretty, but he likes a mischief. For example, he tore my curtain and bit my head or arm when I slept! He lives in my room so I am always troubled by his mischief. He is naughty cat, but I love him, because he is very pretty!! Do you have a pet? If you have a pet, please let me know:)
Bye;)

Blog #1: My favorite food

Saki Arai

Hello.
I introduce my favorite food! I like Italian very much, especially I love spaghetti. Lately, I often try to cook. This Picture is spaghetti of tomato source I cooked last week. It needs tomato source, a scallop, a long green onion and garlic. It is very easy, so I recommend this recipe :)
If you have easy recipe of spaghetti, please let me know!
Bye ;)

Blog#1 Colorful YAKIDO!!

Erika Okada

Good evening!  I’m Erika.

Have you ever eaten doughnuts of Mister Donut?

Mister Donut has sold delicious doughnuts for 40 years.  This spring, they created a new type of doughnuts; it is called “yakido” (baked doughnuts).

My family and I love their doughnuts, so we bought new ones.

Those were colorful because they contained various vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes.  Taste were good and rich in flavor :)  Since those are healthier than fried doughnuts, I recommend baked doughnuts!

You can find shops of Mister Donut here and there.  Why don’t you try eating?


Do you know any delicious sweets?  Please let me know :-)


Erika

Blog#1 My favorit cafe

Kazusa Iwao

Good afternoon!
   I'm going to tell you about my favorit cafe, Milky Way. Milky Way is famous for its parfets. There are 13 varieties of parfets on the menu. Each one has a name of constellations: Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Opniuchus, Sagittarius, Capricon and Aquarius.
   Last time I ate "Aries". It contains fruit, ice cream, cookies, cream, chocolate sause and so on. It cost more than 800 yen, so you think it is little expensive, but they are really big!!! It was hard for me to eat a whole parfet!
   You can eat not only parfets but sandwiches and french fries here. Also you can enjoy a lot of kinds of drinks. Milky Way is in Ikebukuro. It's on the Sunshine street. You can see it soon on the second floor of a building on your right.
   If you want to go, please let me know. Let's go together! :)

Blog #1: my favorite restaurant

Good evening!

Today I'd like to introduce my favorite restaurant.
Do you know Sizzler?
This is a grill and salad bar restaurant.  I sometimes go there with my family.  My father and brother like steak, but my sister and I perfer vegetable to meat.  Then if we go to this restaurant, I can enjoy various fresh vegetables as much as I want!!
There are also soup, bread, ice cream, and of course, drink bar too.  I like salad and ice cream so I like this restaurant very much. 

This is one of the dishes I ate when we went there the other day.  I ate at least two more dishes and some ice cream everytime I go there. 
If you have never go to Sizzler, I recommend you go with your family!

See u :)★
Chizuki

Good shops and restaurants in Mejiro

I don't usually shop or eat in Mejiro, so I don't really know any good places. But the other day, I had a chance to eat at an Italian restaurant called Osteria Hada. I really enjoyed it. The ingredients were fresh and the flavours were mild and tasty. It is a small shop and the atmosphere is like being in someone's home. I went for dinner, but next time, I think I'll go for lunch, probably some Friday. If you would like to join me, please let me know!

This is not a very good photo, but it shows one of their pasta dishes. 

It was al dente and good!

Please introduce a good shop, restaurant, or place in Mejiro!