2012年1月30日「モバイル英語学習]第138号(エッセイ): Active students

Notes:
nationalities: 国籍、民族;
reaction: 反応;
******************
I have a dream. I want all students in Japan to be more social and to bond more with one another. So in order to realize this dream, a senior student and I went to Tottori. In Koyama, Tottori, we met up with students from Tottori University. They belong to ‘Gakusei-jinzai-bank’ a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) which is active in the Tottori area. We discussed how students can become closer to one another and decided to build a new group which as yet remains unnamed.
The group’s mission is to improve the chances for students from abroad to meet other nationalities. In the not so far future I will approach students of Shimane University to see their reaction. Are you interested in this movement? 
(Written by student Mr. Y, edited by Prof. Simon Smith)
******************

2012年1月23日「モバイル英語学習]第136号(エッセイ): Wagashi

Notes:
confectioner: 菓子屋; 菓子製造人;
outlet: 小売店,特約店;
**************************
Kyoto and Kanazawa are well known for Wagashi, as is Matsue. Matsue has been known as a Wagashi-producing town since the late Edo period. Harusato Matsudaira (1751-1818), who was a lord of the Matsue domain, promoted the tea ceremony. Because of these two connections Wagashi is often served with ceremonial tea (matcha) and has gained popularity throughout Matsue and beyond.  Surprisingly to some, Wagashi confectioners of Matsue even sell Wagashi in New York City. First, they started to hold annual promotional events in 2004, after which Wagashi started appearing in supermarkets around 2009. Moreover, two new outlets started to sell Wagashi in October last year. I hope this project will be successful and that Wagashi continues to become more popular all over the world.  (written by student Mr. Harada, edited by Prof. Simon Smith)
**************************