2026-10

“What’s ‘kuri’ in English?”Sometimes,you know a word,but it just doesn’tcome to mind.Then someone says it,and suddenly you think,“Oh, right!That’s the word!”A small everyday conversationbetween Sakura and Sumireabout a familiar autumn word.

“Today,I got stopped by the policewhile I was out with my bicycle.”Sakura immediately imaginesthat Sumire broke a rule.But as Sumire explainswhat really happened,the meaning of“got stopped by the police”starts to look very different.A light story abouta bicycle,a police officer,and one small misunderstanding.

In Japan, autumn is often called“the season of appetite.”There are many delicious seasonal foods,such as chestnuts, sweet potatoes,and pumpkin.But does “autumn appetite”really make a good excusefor eating too much?Sakura and Sumire talk aboutthis familiar autumn expressionin a lighthearted way.

Why is autumn calledthe season for reading?Books can be readin spring, summer, or winter too.But in Japan,autumn is often connected with reading,food, and sports.Sakura and Sumire talk aboutwhy autumn seems to haveso many different “seasons.”

Today is Sports Day in Japan.But Sakura suddenly remembers something.“Wasn’t it calledHealth and Sports Day before?”A familiar national holidaycan feel a little differentwhen its name changes.On their way to the school sports festival,Sakura and Sumire talk aboutthe old and new names of the holiday.