Hi everyone,　皆さん、こんにちは。

My Japanese classes and lessons included the usual kinds of activities that aim to develop speaking, reading, listening, writing, constructing and performing dialoguesor speech apart from cultural, society-orientated and technology related aspects on Japan.

Apart from use of songs that included a few songs sung by late Kyuu Sakamoto, I informed the details of a few Japanese films shown at The Japanese Film Festivals (Sydney), such as “Postcard”, “The Floating Castle” and “The Terminal Trust”. All of them and many other films shown are national (and international award winning films). This year, 40 films were shown in Sydney and Melbourne for the 16^th Japanese yearly Film Festival. According to Nichigo Press’ report, 40 films are the 2^nd biggest number for this year’s festival around the world. All the movies have English subtitles.

The above 3 films, which I watched, were excellent and very meaningful. It was like having been to a Japanese teachers’ Refresher Course!  I spoke about the films to most of my classes.

In addition, as for cultural, technological and society related topics and news, I informed most of my classes the following. In particular, the articles on Smart House and Smart Community are inspiring and impressive contents to know.

 

From Daily Yomiuri Online:

An article of “Toyota Group to develop0 smart house complexes” (Oct. 6, 12)

“Toyota comes 10^th in global brand rankings” (Oct. 4, 12)

From Jiji Press:

“Honda’s hybrid car sales top 1 mil. Units” (Oct. 16. 12)

From Pike Research’s website:

“Japan’s Smart Community Program Spreads Globally” by Andy Bae (Dec. 11, 01)

“Smart House in Japan by Andy Bae (Feb. 10, 11)

 

MX Magazine:

An article about 81-year-old Hirokazu Kanazawa. He is one of the rare holders of the 10^thdan black belt, i.e. the highest honour in karate. (20.11.12)

The Japanese festival of “shichi-go-san” (3, 5 and 7 year-old-children’s yearly festival in November) and the beautiful photo of 3 children who are wearing gorgeous kimono for the celebration and visiting Meiji Jingu (famous shrine in Tokyo)

 

Japanese Teacher, Toshiko Jackson

5.12.12