My hometown has a danjiri festival in May. Danjiri is a traditional wooden float in the shape of a shrine or temple. The taiko (drum) and kane (bell) are used to play the danjiri rhythm. Whenever I hear the sound, I get very excited. I was not able to see the festival for several years, and when I saw it and heard the rhythm again, I was almost in tears. It surprised me how much I missed it and was moved by it. I think many cultures have rhythm rooted in its country and people. My nephew and niece visited my parents place during the danjiri festival this year. They loved it and followed it through the town.

Japanese translation

After Golden Week (a succession of holidays) is over, a symptom called, "Gogatsu byou" occurs to some Japanese people. "Gogatsu" means "May" and "byou" means "sickness". It is a depression that affects some new students or employees during the first few months of their new life (the Japanese school year starts in April). It is not a medical term and is usually diagnosed as an adjustment disorder. Luckily, I never suffered from "Gogatsu byou" in Japan, but it is always hard to get back to a regular routine after a nice long vacation.

Japanese translation

Next Sunday is Mother's Day (Haha no hi). Although "Happy ~" can be translated as "~ omedetou," there is no Japanese equivalent of "Happy Mother's Day." Sending a Mother's Day card is not too common in Japan, but giving flowers (especially carnations) is a popular thing to do. I am very close with my mom. She is very open-minded and has been very supportive of whatever I have done. Since hugging parents (except by children) is not a common practice in Japan, I sometime wonder if words are enough to show love. Besides, I feel a little embarrassed to express my feelings in front of her, but I always appreciate her open mindedness.

Japanese translation

On March 12th, the Kyushu Shinkansen line, which connects Hakata to Kagoshima, fully opened. Since the massive earthquake and tsunami happened the day before, all the opening ceremonies were cancelled, and its celebratory commercial was immediately pulled off the air.

To celebrate the first run of the rainbow-colored Shinkansen, more than 15,000 people showed up along the route across Kyushu. The sight of happy faces waving and performing was filmed from inside the train. Now, one month after the disaster, it is airing again in and the 3-minute version has become a hit online. I love this commercial. It makes me smile and a little teary at the same time. You can watch it on Youtube.

Japanese translation