英会話が上手になりたい。英検・TOEIC高得点取りたい。
希望の大学に英語で合格したい。英語上達の一番のキーはなんでしょう。

単語を覚える等、色々言われています。

 

一番は「モティベーション」です。

 

「とりたい」、「なりたい」、「したい」、その気持ちがあって、単語を覚え、英語を書き、聞き、読み、話してみることです。
これを続けること。

 

Consistency is the key to Success.

 

「継続は力なり」です。

There are many ways to use motivation, but for English study, it is an important driving force and tool for achieving your goals. Motivation pushes us to learn and overcome obstacles, leading to both personal growth and academic success.

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[QUIZE]
Match the English and the Japanese.

Question

(1) Instruct (2) Vanish (3) Destroy (4) Improve (5) Acceletion

(A) 加速 (B)指導する (C) 消える (D)破壊する (E)改善する

 

 

 

 

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[Answers]

(1)(B), (2)(C), (3)(D), (4)( E), (5) (A)

シンプルで伝わる英語は「S + V (+ O )

日本語は文脈の言語（言葉そのものだけでなく文化的背景、話されている状況、話し相手の関係などを考慮してコミュニケーションする）と言われ、英語は言葉のみでコミュニケーションする言語です。

 

それで、日本語で、アレコレ、文章に入れ込まないで、簡潔な言葉をS+V (+O)、主語、動詞（必要なら目的語を入れる）の文章でコミュニケーションすれば「通じる英語」が話せます。

 

これを目指して、中学、または、高校の英語の学び直しをしませんか。
その後、ネィティブとの英会話、英検やTOEIC、留学/上級英語と進めて行けば、英語を通して広い世界のことが学べ、英語で自信獲得です。

Start Over English Learning
Simple / Understandable English is S + V (+ O )

Japanese is considered a high-context language, where meaning depends heavily on situation, cultural background, and relationships between speakers. English, by contrast, is a low-context language, favoring direct and explicit communication. In high-context cultures like Japan, much is conveyed through unspoken context; in low-context cultures like those using English, meaning is stated clearly in words.

When expressing ideas in English, aim for simplicity. Choose short, clear statements over long, indirect ones. For example: Instead of “My job is an English teacher,” say “I teach English.”Similarly, instead of “I can be relaxed when I go traveling,” say “Traveling relaxes me.”
You can develop this skill by reviewing core English grammar and vocabulary, practicing with native speakers, taking tests like STEP or TOEIC, pursuing advanced study, or engaging in overseas programs. These experiences will broaden your perspective and increase your confidence. Start now, and open the door to new opportunities.

広島市への原爆投下は８０年前の8月6日、長崎は8月9日でした。

石破首相の長崎での平和祈念式典でのご挨拶の中に、「浦上天主堂の双塔の鐘楼の鐘」についてのお話があった。「アンジェラスの鐘が８０年前の昔と同じ音色を奏でた。長崎医科大学で被曝された永井隆博士の『長崎の鐘』という本の中で『願わくば、この浦上をして　世界最後の原子野たらしめたまえ』と謳われているが、このような惨禍は、二度と起こさないで、この長崎を最後となりますように」と、話されました。

鐘楼の鐘の一つが原爆投下によって、割れてしまって、1つの塔にだけ鐘が残っていた。

それを聞いて、アメリカのカトリック教会の多くの人々が寄金をされ、新しい鐘が今年鐘楼に取り付けられ、司式の時にアンジェラスの鐘として鳴らされたのでした。

永井博士が一番大事にされていた聖書の言葉は、「隣人を自分のように愛する」でした。浦上天主堂の鐘は、アメリカの人達の非戦と人への愛という大きな協力でできました。

Longer version
Prime Minister Ishiba mentioned in his speech at the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 9, as the bells of the twin towers of Urakami Cathedral rang in the same tone as they did 80 years ago, like “the Angelus bells.” Dr. Takashi Nagai, who wrote the book titled “The Bells of Nagasaki,” was remembered by the bells we heard today. Dr. Takashi Nagai helped many suffering people while he himself was exposed to radiation at Nagasaki Medical College, and he proclaimed, “May Urakami become the last atomic wasteland in the world.” Prime Minister Ishiba showed agreement with this wish, expressing hope that there would never be another such tragedy in the world.
Before the memorial ceremony, in July 2025, a new gold bell was installed as a replacement for the one destroyed, with representatives from both the United States and Japan participating in the donations to fund the new bell. Dr. Nagai valued most the teachings of Jesus, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The bell towers of Urakami Cathedral were rebuilt by the strong will for peace and the principle of loving others as you love yourself.

Shorter version
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki occurred 80 years ago, on August 6th and 9th, respectively. Prime Minister Ishiba spoke at the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony, mentioning the bells of Urakami Cathedral. He said, “The Angelus bells rang with the same tone as 80 years ago.” Dr. Takashi Nagai, exposed to radiation at Nagasaki Medical College, wrote in his book, “The Bells of Nagasaki,” that he hoped Urakami would become the world’s last atomic wasteland. Many members of the American Catholic Church donated funds to replace the shattered bell, and a new one was installed this year. The Bible verse Dr. Nagai held dear was, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The bell of Urakami Cathedral was made possible through the great cooperation of the American people, who supported non-war and love for humanity.

今年の広島•平和記念式典で、石破茂首相のあいさつがあり、「太き骨は先生ならむ（だと思われる）そのそばに　小さきあたまの骨あつまれり」と被爆歌人•正田篠枝氏(1910-1965)の短歌を引用されました。
それは、広島平和記念公園の中に「原爆犠牲国民学校教師と子供の碑」がありその銘板に書かれている歌です。

 

原爆にあい、教師の周りに集まってきた子供達、教え子を守りきれないまま命途絶えた。アッと言うまであったのか、無念と思いながら終えたのか、それはわからない。しかし、小さい骨が大きな骨の周りに集まっていたのはなんとも悲しいことです。

 

「これは80年前の広島での出来事」ではありますが、今のこの時代でも、「戦争」というばかりでなく、日々あるそれぞれの「苦しみ」に、一人一人与えられた「命」をだいじに生きてと思います。　

Longer version
At this year’s Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba quoted a tanka poem by Shoda Shinoe, a poet who survived the atomic bombing. The poem reads, “The thick bones are those of a teacher, and beside them are gathered the small bones of children.” This poem is inscribed on a monument in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park dedicated to the teacher and children who perished in the atomic bomb. The sight of the small bones gathered around the large bones is deeply sorrowful. Despite what happened 80 years ago, I believe we should cherish our lives, not only in times of war, but also in our daily struggles.

 

Shorter version
Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru referenced a poem that says, “Small head bones gathered around large head bones.” The poem suggests that a teacher may have tried to save her students, but ultimately could not. The verse is inscribed on a stone statue depicting a woman with a boy. However, the woman appears to be in despair, seemingly alone and almost devoid of the will to live.

宮崎駿原作•監督、音楽•久石譲氏のジブリ映画「となりのトトロ（My Neighbour Totoro）が、長くロンドンで公演を続けています。

 

2023年には英国演劇界で最高峰といわれる ローレンス・オリビエ賞の最多6部門受賞。

しかし、大戦後５年目の日本の田舎のお話がイギリスのRSC(ロイヤル•シェークスピア•カンパニー)劇場で大ブレークしている理由は何でしょう。

 

「自然が美しい」、「みんな優しい」、「複雑なテーマが描かれている」と言われています。その他に「トトロ」の話がイギリスの有名な「不思議の国のアリス」（ルイス•キャロル）と「ナルニア国物語」（C.S.ルイス）に似たところがあるからだとも言われています。

その上にイギリス公演では、トム•モートン＝スミス氏（シェークスピア作品、レ•ミゼラブル、オッペンハイマーなどの脚本で有名）や日本を含み英米亜の優れた方々によって演じられ、制作されています。そのインターナショナルな人々の考えと日本文化を大事にした舞台作り（例えばプラスティックを使わないで、杉や本物の葉を使う）など、世界共同体での作成が成功のポイントだと言われています。

 

トトロは日本だけの物語でなくなっています。

イギリス版の脚本を書かれたトム•モートン=スミスさんは「トトロ」の脚本を書いている時、奥様は女の子をみごもってられたけれど、時が来ても、お嬢様には会えなかったそうです。
それで、「トトロ」の舞台を多くの人が見にくれることが娘の供養と思って、脚本は、祈りを込めて書いたと話されていました。

又、宮崎駿さんはこの物語を書いたのは、子供の時「信じた事」「楽しかった事」「驚いた事」を忘れないため、それが喜びの元だからだと言われています。

多くの思いの詰まった「となりのトトロ」、英語で歌って元気になって下さい。

Summary 1:

The Ghibli film “My Neighbor Totoro,” written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, and composed by Joe Hisaishi, has been a hit at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) Theatre in London for years. It won six Laurence Olivier Awards in 2023. The story of rural Japan five years after World War II is popular due to its beautiful nature, kind people, and complex themes, similar to famous British stories like “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Chronicles of Narnia.” The UK production features a talented cast and crew from the UK, America, and Asia, including Tom Morton-Smith. Its success lies in its global community production, which respects international perspectives and Japanese culture, using real cedar and leaves. Totoro has transcended its Japanese origins.
Tom Morton-Smith, who wrote the British version of the screenplay, said that while he was writing the script for "Totoro," his wife was pregnant with a daughter, but when the time came, he was unable to meet her. He said that he wrote the script with a prayer in his heart, believing that having many people come to see the "Totoro" production would be a way to honor his daughter.
It is also said that Hayao Miyazaki wrote this story because he wants us to never forget the "things we believed," "things we enjoyed," and "things we were surprised by" as children, and that these are the source of our joy.
"My Neighbor Totoro" is filled with so much thought. Sing it in English to cheer yourself up!

Summary 2: Shorter version

The Ghibli classic My Neighbor Totoro, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki with music by Joe Hisaishi, has enjoyed years of success in London. In 2023, it won six Laurence Olivier Awards, British theater’s highest honor. Set in rural postwar Japan, the story’s appeal at the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre is often credited to its lush portrayal of nature, kindness, and layered themes, as well as its kinship with British favorites like Alice in Wonderland and The Chronicles of Narnia.
The UK production, led by Tom Morton-Smith—known for works on Shakespeare, Les Misérables, and Oppenheimer—brings together talent from the UK, US, and Asia. It honors both global perspectives and Japanese culture, using materials like cedar and real leaves on stage. Totoro has thus become a shared cultural treasure, not just a Japanese story.
Morton-Smith, who wrote the British screenplay while awaiting the birth of his daughter, dedicated the work to her as a heartfelt tribute. Miyazaki, for his part, created Totoro to remind us never to lose the beliefs, joys, and wonders of childhood—the true roots of happiness.
"My Neighbor Totoro" is a work of deep feeling—sing it in English if you need to lift your spirits.

「仮定法過去文」について考えていた時、丁度、可愛い子犬を抱いた少年兵の写真の表紙が目に止まり、本をめくってみると下の黒字の文章がありました。
次のように英語と日本語と両方で訳してみました。
何か、質問があれば、ご連絡ください。

 

（原文）
Had the world been kinder, he might have gone on to university, perhaps become a teacher, quietly shaping lives as others had shaped his. But history had other plans. By the time Yukio turned fifteen, Japan’s empire was shrinking, and the word kamikaze-divine wind- no longer belonged to ancient legends. It was a job description. In the end, Yukio’s background was much like his peers’: childhood filled with small joys, quiet ambitions, and lessons that turned dreams into duty. [Yasuda, S. (2025). Zen Book A-to-Z of Famous People: Yukio Araki. 27.]

(英語の要約)
If there was no war, his life might have been modest as a teacher. However, things were changed because of the war. So “Kamikaze was not just as “Wind-God”, but it became the pilot as a job. He entered the military after having the short time of enjoyments as a kid having hopes.

戦争がなければ、「神風」は神様が与えてくれた特別な「風」で、荒木幸雄は、大学に行って教師になり静かに生徒指導をしたかもしれない。そして彼も教師に指導してもらったかもしれない。

しかし、歴史には他の計画があった。
幸雄が15歳の時には戦争になり、「神風」という言葉は「軍のパイロット」言う「仕事」になってしまった。
最終的に彼の一生は友達と同じような子供の頃の小さな喜び、心に希望もあったが、ついには軍人になり義務を果たして終わった。