Notes
Winter Solstice 冬至;
Northern Hemisphere 北半球;
yuzu bath 柚子湯;
fragrant 香りのよい、芳しい;
southernmost 最南端の;
kabocha squash 南瓜);

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Today is the Winter Solstice , the shortest day and longest night of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, this day usually falls on December 21st or 22nd.

In Matsue City, Japan, the sun rises at 7:08 AM and sets at 4:54 PM, providing about 9 hours and 46 minutes of daylight. This happens because the sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky, marking the official start of winter.

Even with the long night, Japan’s traditions bring warmth and comfort to this day. Many people take a yuzu bath, adding fragrant yuzu citrus fruits to hot water. This tradition is believed to prevent colds and keep the body warm during the chilly season.

Another cherished custom is eating kabocha squash. This bright, hearty vegetable symbolizes health and good fortune. It’s also considered a source of strength for the cold winter months ahead.

These simple yet meaningful traditions bring families together. The Winter Solstice serves as a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and appreciate moments of warmth and togetherness.
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Notes:

motion sickness -　乗り物酔い ;
affordable　手頃な – 購入しやすい価格であること

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A French company, led by Hubert Jeannin, has created glasses to help with motion sickness. These glasses work by changing what the eyes see, helping the brain reset its balance. Scientists know that motion sickness happens when the inner ear and visual inputs send different signals. Jeannin spent over 20 years developing the glasses. At first, it was hard to convince people that they worked. Now, they are popular and even the French navy is interested in testing them for sailors who get seasick. The company has sold 50,000 glasses, with 70% sold in France and the rest in Spain, Italy, and the UK. They sell mainly through their website and Amazon. A new version for children is in development and should be ready by the end of the year. The glasses are affordable, priced between €69 and €89.
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(Image from https://boardingglasses.com/en)