Meet our teacher: Nagano-sensei (Friend's Questionnaire #1)

Dear Students,

How well do you really know your teachers? Every day, they dedicate three hours to teaching you Japanese, sharing the beauty of Japanese culture, and guiding you through the intricacies of life in Japan. The school staff has supported you through challenges, offered advice on adapting to a new country, helped you land your first job, and continues to be by your side every step of the way until you graduate from the academy.　But how much do you know about them?

When I was a child, a popular trend at school was the "Friend's Questionnaire." It was a diary where the owner asked friends to fill in fun details about themselves—like their favorite food or movie. Inspired by this, I asked our teachers to fill out similar questionnaires. This way, you can discover more about their personalities and the culture they call home.

So, let’s start! Meet the first teacher to share their favorite things about Japan with us:

Nagano-sensei 　永野　先生 永野　淑子

ナガノ　ヨシコ

Here is the original friend's questionnaire, in Japanese called 友達アンケート（Tomodachi Anketo）.

Let's go through the questionnaire together with pictures, links, and explanations!

Favorite food　好きな日本料理　

天ぷら (tempura)　

Favorite festival (any recommendations?)　大好きな祭り（おすすめの祭りは？）

札幌 雪祭り　ー　私も行ったことがないので是非一度行ってみたい。 Sapporo Snow Festival - I have never been there and would love to visit.

The Sapporo Snow Festival (札幌 雪祭り,さっぽろ　ゆきまつり) is one of Japan's most famous winter events, held annually in Sapporo, Hokkaido. It features incredible snow and ice sculptures, attracting visitors from around the world. The festival usually takes place in February and lasts for several days. Visitors can enjoy a magical winter landscape with large sculptures, art displays, and performances. It's an iconic event that represents Japan's snowy winter culture.

Favorite Drama (Made in Japan) 大好きなドラマ（日本製）

岸辺（きしべ）のアルバム

Kishibe no Arubamu

This is a Japanese drama that seems to be one of the sensei's favorites. Kishibe no Arubamu (岸辺のアルバム), which translates to "Album of the Shore", is a family drama that aired in the 1970s, based on a novel. The story revolves around the themes of family, memories, and the passage of time. It's a great example of Japan's emotional, heartwarming storytelling style in drama series.

Favorite anime 　大好きなアニメ

トトロ

Studio Ghibli's famous animation film "My Neighbor Totoro" (となりのトトロ). Released in 1988, the movie follows two young sisters and their adventures with magical creatures in rural Japan. Totoro, the large, friendly forest spirit, has become a symbol of Ghibli and Japanese animation. It’s a classic film that captures the charm of rural Japan and childhood wonder.

Favorite Songs　大好きな歌 　

• 「切手のないおくりもの」

• レミオロメン「南風」

You can find these songs in our Spotify Playlist [Sensei Jam].

Favorite novel 　大好きな小説

「少年と犬」 The Boy and the Dog This novel is written by Genzaburo Yoshino and is a classic in Japanese literature. It tells the story of a boy and his dog, exploring themes of companionship, loyalty, and adventure. It's an example of how literature often highlights the strong emotional bond between humans and animals in Japanese culture.

絵本で「漁師犬タロウ」

(りょうしいぬ　たろう)

Taro the fisherman dog

This is a children's picture book that tells the story of a dog named Tarō, who helps a fisherman. The book is cherished for its emotional depth and beautiful portrayal of animals in Japanese literature. It’s also an example of how Japanese children's books often combine stories of nature and animals with moral lessons.

Favorite and famous place in Japan　日本で大好きな有名な所　

沖縄　ー　自然、海（温泉がないのが残念）

Okinawa(沖縄) is a famous island in the southernmost part of Japan, known for its unique culture, beautiful beaches, and distinct food and language. It is particularly famous for its tropical climate and the Okinawan way of life, which is different from the mainland Japan. Despite the lack of traditional hot springs (温泉), Okinawa's natural beauty and historical significance make it a popular tourist destination.

What anime/dramas/novels do you recommend for students? 学生におすすめの　アニメ・ドラマ・小説は？

ミステリー小説　赤川次郎　ー　日常会話程度が読める分かる人なら大丈夫。　読めると思います。 "Mystery Novels by Akagawa Jiro - If you can read and understand everyday conversation, you can read it. I think you can read it."

Akagawa Jiro is a popular Japanese author known for his mystery novels. He started writing in the 1970s and became famous for creating easy-to-read detective stories that are fun and engaging. His books often feature ordinary people involved in mysterious situations, with plots that keep readers guessing until the end. Akagawa's writing is light and clear, making his novels great for language learners who want to practice Japanese while enjoying an exciting story. Some of his most famous books include "The Vengeful Sword" and "Jikenbo".

What do you recommend for students to study Japanese?　学生におすすめの　　日本語の勉強方法は？

日本人と話す、テレビ（ニュースは難しいので、先ず天気予報から）

Talking with Japanese people, watching TV (news is difficult, so start with the weather forecast)

Places you definitely want people to visit when they are in Japan? 日本にいる時、絶対行ってほしい所は？　

温泉（日本ではないと経験できない。一度は是非）

Onsen (You have to be in Japan to experience this. You must try it at least once)

Onsen refers to hot springs in Japan, which are a significant part of Japanese culture. Bathing in onsen is a traditional activity that is said to have health benefits. There are thousands of onsen across Japan, and they are often located in scenic areas surrounded by nature. It's an experience that is unique to Japan. 🔗 Guide on how to use onsen

What are some places you definitely want me to visit in Yamanashi? 山梨にいる時、絶対行ってほしい所は？　

南アルプスの伊奈が湖（天の上にある人造湖です） みなみアルプスの　いながこ（てんの　うえに　ある　じんぞうこです)

Lake Inagako (伊奈が湖), a man-made lake with fish and swans, located in the Southern Alps of Japan.

Things you liked to do as a child (e.g., hobbies and games)

子どもの頃、好きだったこと（例えば、趣味や遊び）

父と遊んだバドミントン Badminton played with my dad.

What do you like best about Japanese culture? 日本文化で一番好きなところは？

お風呂の文化

(おふろのぶんか, ofuro no bunka) refers to Japan’s bath culture, which is a deeply rooted tradition in Japanese society. It involves not only physical cleansing but also mental relaxation and social bonding

Key Features of Japanese Bath Culture

1. Public Baths (銭湯, せんとう, sentō): Public bathhouses are common in Japan. They are places where people, especially in urban areas, gather to bathe. It’s not just about cleaning the body but also about unwinding and socializing.

2. Hot Springs (温泉, おんせん, onsen): Japan has thousands of hot springs, and bathing in them is a cherished tradition. Onsen are often found in scenic areas, and the water is believed to have healing properties due to its mineral content.

3. The Bathing Process: Before soaking in the bath, it’s important to clean oneself thoroughly by sitting on a small stool and washing with soap and water. Only after that do people enter the shared bath to soak in the hot water. This ritual is meant to relax and refresh the body and mind.

4. Private Baths: Many homes in Japan have furo (風呂), a private bath where families can relax after a long day. The water temperature is often kept high, and the bath is a place for relaxation rather than just hygiene.

A word to students! 学生たちに一言！　

人に会う機会、行く機会を沢山つくって一つ一つを大切に記憶に。

"Create many opportunities to meet people and visit places, and cherish each one as a memory"

Thank you so much, Nagano-sensei for sharing with us! Nice to get to know your sensei from a different perspective and also - so much information we can use to understand and enjoy Japan, and its culture.