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I have just finished a conference in Fukuoka. I flew to Fukuoka on an LCC (a cheap airline), so it wasn’t as expensive as the Shinkansen. I was surprised that I could do everything online. I could choose my seat and even print out my ticket at home. Getting to Fukuoka was no problem, but getting a hotel was a big problem. There was an AKB election in Fukuoka on Saturday, and all the hotels were full of fans! One of the people who came to the conference had to stay two hours away by train! Next year we are going to make sure that we don’t have a conference in the same city as the AKB election! (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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Note:
souvenir 記念品，みやげ ;
Photograph (名)写真、(動詞)写真をとる;

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When you think of Japanese souvenirs, what comes to mind? I think of folding fans (“sensu”) and kimonos, so I was surprised to hear about a new trend. More and more foreign visitors are buying school bags as souvenirs. In Japan, “randoseru” are for children, but adults from other countries are buying them not only for children but for themselves. One American actress was photographed with a typical red one on her back. Why are they popular? First of all, they are well made. They have to last for six years on a child’s back. They also come in many different colors these days. (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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