Notes:
rice cakes お餅;
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Happy New Year!
By the way, did you receive or give any “otoshidama”? In Japan, we have a custom where adults give children money called “otoshidama” on New Year’s day. Unlike today, in the past we believed that everyone got a year older on New Year’s Day as opposed to on one’s own birthday. This was called “kazoe-doshi”. We offered rice cakes to God for our good health for the coming year. Originally “otoshidama” meant sharing rice cakes together rather than giving money. I rather think that it is a good idea because I like rice cakes. But you have to be careful not to eat too many rice cakes because they are a very high-calorie food!
(written by student Miss Ikeda, edited  by Prof. Simon Smith)
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Notes:
consist of: 構成される（～から成る）;
spectator: (スポーツ・ショーなどの)見物人，観客;
costume: 服装;
moreover: さらに;
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Shimadai held an International Party in he University Hall on the 10th of December. The party consisted of two events, a meeting and a party. I took part as a performer at the meeting, but because I felt very tense, I didn’t sing as well as I would have liked. As a spectator, though, I heard some great Japanese traditional music and saw some foreign traditional costumes (there was also a fashion show). Afterwards, we went to a dining room and had a buffet-style party which was a good opportunity to talk with Japanese and other foreigners, making new friends and having lots of fun. Moreover, it was totally free so if you missed it, make sure that you participate next year.
(written by student Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hung, edited by Prof. Simon Smith)
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