Japanese in the Relaxed Lane—Soaking Up the Sun and Tom Sawyer

摘要

Many people have the impression that the Japanese never take time to relax from work nor enjoy smelling the flowers. Nothing could be further from the truth. One only needs to visit a river outside Tokyo in the summer to see numerous people relaxedlylined up on the banks with their fishing rods reeling in a few fish. Not only that but there is a long tradition of Tom Sawyerism in Japanese folklore as well. Children get into all kinds of innocent mischief as they explore the boundaries of their world, making new adventures and discoveries. This month's column gives you a taste of the relaxed side of the Japanese character as well as other expressions to expand your language skills.