What's New at Kyoto NHK ESS?

Dear Kyoto NHK ESS members,

Hello, everyone.
This is the chairperson of next weekend, May 13, Kazumasa Yasuda.
My apologies for my late announcement.

Genre: Discussion
Title: What is a Maiko in japan?

A maiko is a girl whose job is to provide entertainment for banquets through dance, musical accompaniment and conversation in Kyoto’s kagai (leisure district). Maiko are apprentices in the training stage of becoming geiko (geisha). A geisha or geiko is a woman who entertains guests at banquets by performing dances, songs, and music
Maiko in Kyoto is a rich cultural heritage that reflects the beauty and elegance of traditional Japan. The rigorous training, dedication, and discipline required to become a maiko is a testament to the importance of preserving traditional arts and customs in Japan.

At first, please make some groups to have 4-6 members in each group.
Then I will ask some questions about Maiko or Geiko by quiz style, after that please enjoy the discussion about this culture.

I hope you will enjoy it! 　　See you.

Best wishes,
Kazumasa Yasuda

Firstly, we make some groups have 4-5 members each group as usual.
and assign the leader in each group.

【Genre: Mini Game and Talk】 The practice has two sections below.

Section 1【Mini Game : Quiz】 (10-15minutes)
1. There’s a paper-written quiz.
2. First, everyone please read a paper and answer the quizzes individually for about 5 minutes.
3. Next, each group leader shows the correct answer.
Please check and discuss the answer in each group.
4. Then a winner in each group, please raise your hand and show the number of correct answers. The person with the most correct answers is today's winner.
(In case of a tie, please play rock-paper-scissors to determine the winner.)

Section 2【Talk: About some short articles】 (30-40minutes )
1. Materials will be distributed.
2. Please select articles and read and talk about them in each group.

Lastly, we will summarize the group discussion for today’s talking and share it with everyone.
Could you each-group leader make a one-minute presentation about your story regarding the topics? (5 minutes)
I hope you’ll enjoy the practice.

By Yasuhiko Fujioka (the name of the person in charge)

Title: May: Let’s describe and discuss each monthly topic!

Please make some groups having 4-5 members in each group.
At first, please choose your own topic from the following list or create your own idea that has something to do with May. No overlap over the topics in your group, please.

List of Topics
children’s Day, carp streamers, kashiwa mochi, golden week,Aoi Festival, fresh green leaves, helmet, sweet-flag-batheighty-eight day from the beginning of spring, mother’s day,Skipjack tuna, may day, azalea, Cinco de Mayo, or Your Own Idea.
Part 1: Design and construction of your prompt speech for 5 min.
Part 2: Present your speech for 1 min.
Part 3: Share idea and opinion on the presented topic in the group for 10 min.
Repeat Part 2 and Part 3 after the first speaker in your group finishes the practice.

ESS Staffs
　　

Dear ESS members,
I'm in charge of the latter practice on June 3rd.
I'd like to send you the agenda of the day.

Genre: talk
Title: Are you a good Guide?

The number of foreign tourists coming to Japan (Inbound) for the first time in this three years is increasing.
According to the news, the tourists want to know more about Japanese culture and customs.
The interests of Inbound tourists are
for example,
①Japanese food ②Japanese shrine and temple ③Japanese anime and manga etc..

If the tourists asked you about those interests, would you be able to answer as a Japanese person?
Wouldn't it be great if we could be good advisers and guides for travelers?
Now discuss Inbound's questions and interests with members in your group!
Of course you can also bring pictures and materials for the reference.

☆Inbound's some Questions
①・I heard that convenience stores in Japan have very good foods. That's true?
・We are also interested in Japanese sake and whiskey. What kind of local sake in Kyoto is delicious? etc..

②・What is the difference between Shinto and Buddism? which is the major religion for Japanese people?
・Recently, I heard that many Japanese people collect goshuin at shrines and temples. Why? etc..

③・What do you think is the reason why Japanese anime is so popular in the world right now?
　・What was the most moving Japanese manga you've ever read? etc..

I hope you will enjoy this practice.
Best regards,
R. Tanaka