Contents

Special Topic 1 - Upcoming Hinamatsuri

- Hinamatsuri: Girls' Day -

I'm sure all Japanese girls are looking forward to March 3rd. It's Hinamatsuri!! In English, it is called Doll Festival (or Girls' Day). On this day, girls lay out a set of ornamental dolls called Hina-ningyou (Hina Dolls). The dolls represent the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and so on. Since the size and the number of dolls in collections are diverse, Japanese girls (especially little girls) seem to secretly compete against each other. I think some of you may have a set of Hina-ningyou. Upload some pictures of it and let us have a look!

- Nagashi-bina at Shimogamo Shrine -

There's a local Hinamatsuri event at Shimogamo Shrine near Kyoto University: Nagashi-bina, the floating of dolls downriver. In Nagashi-bina, dolls are made of paper and represent a substitution for our misfortunes and disasters. After a priest and other traditionally dressed people demonstrate Nagashi-bina, you can also join and float your doll!(They sell Nagashi-bina dolls at the shrine.)

We have a topic about Hinamatsuri and the details of Nagashi-bina are also included. Check it out!

Hinamatsuri: http://langrid.org/tools/g30/modules/forum/?topicId=283

Special Topic 2 - Toward White Day

Hey guys, how much chocolate did you get on Valentine's Day? Or were only the Japanese boys worried whether they received chocolate? What about me? I got 1!! …… from Mom.

Anyways, do you know there's White Day in Japan? It's on March 14th and men given chocolate on Valentine's Day should give something back to girls who gave them chocolate. Is it unique to Japan? It sounds really commercial. However, as St. Ambrose said, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do," so let's make your White Day nice one! If you didn't get any chocolate, no matter at all! No one is angry to receive gifts!

We have a topic about White Day introducing nice shops selling chocolates, cakes, and so on. Handmade gifts are also pleasing! Tell us about cakes or cookies in your country. Of course you can boast about how many gifts you received on Valentine's Day.

Toward White Day: http://langrid.org/tools/g30/modules/forum/?topicId=288

Monthly Forum Update

Are you enjoying your spring vacation? We have some topics to support a nice vacation!

- Recycle Topic -

Spring is the season for moving. If you have some items you don't need any longer, call for a next owner on the topic! However, only nonpaying deals are permitted on the G30 Community Site.
Spring Recycle: http://langrid.org/tools/g30/modules/forum/?topicId=284

- The Ume Front -

Japan not only has cherry blossoms, but also the ume, known as the Japanese apricot or the plum blossom, is famous and beautiful! There are many spots to see beautiful ume in Kyoto. Report such spots on the topic!
The Ume Front: http://langrid.org/tools/g30/modules/forum/?topicId=285

- Vacation Trip -

Many of you may be planning trips during this vacation. Let's share trip information. Where and how do you go? What do you see or eat? How much does it cost?
Spring Vacation Trip: http://langrid.org/tools/g30/modules/forum/?topicId=286

From the Editorial Committee

How do you plan to spend your spring vacation? I decided to study English more and to apply the Student Exchange Program of Kyoto University. Some of you may also study English hard. We have a topic about studying English. Let's share good ways to study English! Foreign students are really welcomed to help us..

Why don't you talk in English?:

http://langrid.org/tools/g30/modules/forum/?topicId=287

My spring vacation will be a diligent one. Enjoy your vacation in your own way!! (Hiromichi Cho)