You have a foreign friend who recently moved to Japan.

Explain a unique aspect of Japanese pop culture to your friend.

IN THIS LESSON, YOU WILL

1. Listen to an ad about an event featuring Japanese mascots.
2. Explain the idea behind Japanese mascots.
3. Talk with your friend about mascot goods.

PRACTICE

STEP A EXERCISE

Describe the pictures using the expressions in the box. The form of some expressions may need to be changed.

adorable
the mecca for something/someone
get on someone's nerves
sing/dance/cry one’s heart out
can’t get enough of something

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

STEP B EXERCISE

Complete the conversation. Follow the instructions in parentheses using the expressions in the box.

so cute/stupid/ugly it hurts
be obsessed with something
long-running
steal the show
Tutor:

Hey! Do you know the show Spectacular Sundays?

Student:

Of course! (Say that the show has been around for a long time.)

Tutor:

You know, I’ve never seen it! The contestants are all kids, right? I heard they’re really good performers.

Student:

That’s right. (Say that the host is really funny, but the kids always catch the audience’s attention with their awesome talents.)

Tutor:

It sounds like you really enjoy watching the show.

Student:

Yeah! (Say that you love it and never miss an episode.)

Tutor:

Why do you like it so much?

Student:

(Say that it’s because the young contestants are extremely adorable.)

Tutor:

Interesting. I’ll check it out!

MISSION

Challenge 1

You’re watching TV with a foreign friend who recently moved to Japan. Listen to a commercial for an upcoming event.

Remember?

  • be obsessed with something
  • adorable
  • steal the show
  • can’t get enough of something
  • sing/dance/cry one’s heart out

Challenge 2

Your friend is really excited about the commercial you just saw. Answer his/her questions about the event and Japanese mascots in general.

Remember?

  • adorable
  • the mecca for something/someone
  • so cute/stupid/ugly it hurts
  • long-running
  • get on someone’s nerves

Challenge 3

Now it’s Saturday. You and your friend are at the Yurukyara Superfest. Answer his/her questions about mascot goods.

Remember?

  • the mecca for something/someone
  • can’t get enough of something
  • be obsessed with something
  • steal the show
  • sing/dance/cry one’s heart out
  • go wild

FEEDBACK

Explain a unique aspect of Japanese pop culture to your friend.

MISSION 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