Lesson 9: Crowded Places
We’re always packed like sardines on the train.

I can talk about crowded places.

INTRODUCE

You can talk about crowded places to help your foreign colleagues or friends know what places to avoid at certain times.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

I. Go over the expressions with your tutor.

    1. Use wall-to-wall something to say that something fills up an entire space.

     

    I don’t recommend jogging in Shibuya – it’s usually wall-to-wall shoppers!

     

     

    2. Use packed like sardines to describe people or things that are jammed together as closely as sardines in a can.

     

    We were packed like sardines at the concert!

     

     

    3. Use up-and-coming to say that a person, place, or thing is gaining popularity and will likely be successful.

     

    The harbor area is an up-and-coming neighborhood. No one wanted to live there before, but it’s becoming more and more popular with young professionals.

     

    II. How would you describe the places and things below? Use the expressions above.

    Shinjuku Station

    hot yoga

    Kiyomizu Temple

STEP B PRONUNCIATION

When a word ends in -ing, sometimes /g/ is dropped.
Phrase Example

up-and-coming

/ uhp-and-kuhm-in’ /

It’s in an / uhp-and-kuhm-in’ / area.

UNDERSTAND

SPEAKING

Charlie and Yuko are shopping in Osaka.

Charlie:

I’m surprised – Osaka isn’t really that crowded!

Yuko:

You really think so?

Charlie:

Well, I mean, not as crowded as I expected! In Tokyo, we’re usually packed like sardines on the train, and it’s always wall-to-wall people in Shibuya. Wherever we go, a hundred other people always seem to be there too! It doesn’t seem to be as bad here.

Yuko:

Well, we haven’t used the trains here at rush hour yet, and the place my parents live isn’t really an up-and-coming area. But really, you don’t think Osaka is that crowded? You’ve changed!

Charlie:

What do you mean?

Yuko:

When I first met you, you always complained about how crowded cities in Japan were. You used to joke about moving to a dying town in the countryside so you could live in peace.

Charlie:

Oh, yeah, I remember. (laughs) I honestly thought about moving to Nagano, but I couldn’t handle the commute to Tokyo every day. I guess I’ve gotten used to the crowds since then. I still prefer places that aren’t very crowded, though. They’re less hassle, plus I get to enjoy the place and the person I’m with. … Especially if that person is you.

Yuko:

Oh, you… (laughs)

TRIVIA

Many places in the Japanese countryside are facing the issue of kasoka (過疎化), which can be translated into English as population drain. It’s a situation where many people, especially the young, leave a place.  A similar issue is brain drain, a situation in which many educated people leave a place to look for work somewhere else.

PRACTICE

STEP A EXERCISE

Are the underlined expressions used correctly? Choose T for true and F for false.

  1. About 200 companies were invited to the event. The conference hall was wall-to-wall businesspeople. ( T / F )
  2. It’s an up-and-coming town. There used to be three elementary schools, but now there’s only one. ( T / F )
  3. There were only a few passengers on the train this morning. We were packed like sardines. ( T / F )
  4. Thousands attend the music festival every year. It’s always wall-to-wall people. ( T / F )
  5. Niseko has been one of the top places to go to for winter sports for decades. It’s an up-and-coming area for people interested in snowboarding or skiing. ( T / F )

STEP B EXERCISE

Rephrase the underlined sentences using the expressions in the box. The form of some expressions may need to be changed.

wall-to-wall something
packed like sardines
up-and-coming
Tutor:

Hey, I heard you moved!

Student:

Yeah, I just moved a few weeks ago. I love my new neighborhood. It’s in an area that’s getting more and more popular.

Tutor:

Is it very crowded?

Student:

No, not at all! I can sit on the train on my way to work now. On my old commute, we were all jammed closely together. I could barely move my arms!

Tutor:

(laughs) Yeah, I’ve experienced that.

Student:

My new neighborhood is getting more popular, but it’s still pretty quiet at night, thankfully. Remember my old place? Every Saturday and Sunday night the streets were full of loud drunk people!

Tutor:

I bet you sleep much better now!

Student:

I do!

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

You and your foreign friend just met at a train station because you have dinner plans. Your friend’s train was over 10 minutes late because of overcrowding at one station. Talk to your friend about his/her experience on the train.

Today's Expressions

  • wall-to-wall something
  • packed like sardines
  • up-and-coming

Challenge 2

Discuss your ideas.

If Time
Allows
1

CROWDED PLACES
2

UP-AND-COMING PEOPLE AND THINGS
3

PERSONAL SPACE
1

CROWDED PLACES

  1. What types of places in Japan are usually crowded (ex. train stations, convenience stores)?
  2. Why do you think these places are so crowded?
  3. Do you live in a crowded area?
  4. What are the pros and cons of living in a crowded area?

2UP-AND-COMING PEOPLE AND THINGS

  1. Do you know any up-and-coming singers/bands?
  2. Are you a fan of any up-and-coming actors?
  3. Do you know any up-and-coming shopping areas?
  4. Do you like to try up-and-coming restaurants?

3PERSONAL SPACE

  1. Is personal space important for Japanese people?
  2. How can you show respect for other people’s personal space?
  3. Where is your personal space usually invaded (ex. on a train, at a concert)?
  4. How do you react when someone invades your personal space?

FEEDBACK

I can talk about crowded places.

LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

  • 4
    Very Good

    Could complete the task with ease

  • 3
    Good

    Could complete the task with some clarifications

  • 2
    Fair

    Could complete the task with additional instructions

  • 1
    Poor

    Could somehow complete the task with difficulty

PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK