The Japanese soccer star shows how a tiny error in grammar and pronunciation can become an embarrassing moment for English learners.
English-learning
Spend enough time teaching a foreign language, and eventually you’ll find yourself in a situation where you have to stop and ask yourself whether your job, which ordinarily involves correcting how your students speak, also includes correcting what they’re saying. For example, I once had a teen pupil declare that “Being good looking is the only thing that’s important.” After a moment of consideration, I decided that trying to fix that shallow philosophy was above my pay grade, so I told her, “OK, nice grammar” and left it at that.
Still, when working with kids, it’s nice to impart a useful life lesson when the opportunity to do so relatively gently presents itself, as it did for one expat in Japan who reminded his young English-learning student of the difference between anime and real life.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
Japan’s famous Suica Penguin JR train pass card mascot is “graduating”/being laid off
Experience the “Color of Water” from a 250-year-old Japanese confection maker!
Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Smallest hotel room in Tokyo? This cheap stay for two will turn friends into lovers
Weekly
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino- Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.- Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Never forget that Mister Donut’s super-simple ramen is actually very hard to beat- Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Monthly
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection- Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Experience the “Color of Water” from a 250-year-old Japanese confection maker!
Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Smallest hotel room in Tokyo? This cheap stay for two will turn friends into lovers
Little witch Kiki and Little Mermaid Bakery bake three special pastries, we eat them all
Daiso opens massive new 25,392-square foot Tokyo flagship store with its two sub-brands included
Maid street in Akihabara gets a new vending machine that’s sweeter than usual
Secret tourist stop in Japan has a lift car that whisks you away to a mystery mountain destination
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
-
