In December 2024, UNESCO added Japan's traditional techniques for making sake, shochu and awamori to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Alcoholic drinks have long played a vital role in Japanese culture, such as in Shinto rituals and festivals. Join us as we review the story, learn about the essential ingredient that is koji and study terms like "mukee bunka isan" (intangible cultural heritage) and expressions like "ganbatte kudasai" (do your best).

In August 2024, Japan Meteorological Agency issued what it calls Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information, which is a bulletin about the possibility of a major quake occurring in the Nankai Trough. An NHK survey showed that even in areas expected to suffer significant damage, only a fraction of respondents took new steps to prepare. Experts called on the public to review safety measures. Join us as we review the story and study expressions such as "fudan" (usually) and "itsumo" (always).