Animal-Doubutsu

 

1. Today's Japanese words

 I'd be happy to provide some basic Japanese vocabulary about animals, with romaji for pronunciation! Here's a starting point:

**General:**

* 動物 (dōbutsu) - animal

* 飼う (kau) - to raise, keep (an animal)

* 好き (suki) - to like

* 嫌い (kirai) - to dislike

* かわいい (kawaii) - cute

* 危険 (kiken) - dangerous

**Common Animals:**

* 犬 (inu) - dog

* 猫 (neko) - cat

* 鳥 (tori) - bird

* 魚 (sakana) - fish

* 馬 (uma) - horse

* 牛 (ushi) - cow

* 豚 (buta) - pig

* 猿 (saru) - monkey

* ゾウ (zou) - elephant

* ライオン (raion) - lion

* トラ (tora) - tiger

* キリン (kirin) - giraffe

* ウサギ (usagi) - rabbit

* パンダ (panda) - panda

* カエル (kaeru) - frog

* ヘビ (hebi) - snake

* ハチ (hachi) - bee

* チョウ (chou) - butterfly

* カブトムシ (kabutomushi) - rhinoceros beetle

* セミ (semi) - cicada

**Actions:**

* 食べる (taberu) - to eat

* 遊ぶ (asobu) - to play

* 寝る (neru) - to sleep

* 走る (hasu) - to run

* 泳ぐ (oyogu) - to swim

* 飛ぶ (tobu) - to fly

**Sounds:**

* 鳴く (naku) - to make a sound (general animal sound)

* ほえる (hoeru) - to bark (dog)

* ニャー (nyā) - to meow (cat)

* ピヨピヨ (piyopiyo) - to chirp (bird)

**Phrases:**

* 犬を飼っています。(inu o katte imasu) - I have a dog.

* 猫が好きです。(neko ga suki desu) - I like cats.

* ライオンは危険です。(raion wa kiken desu) - Lions are dangerous.

* 鳥は空を飛びます。(tori wa sora o tobimasu) - Birds fly in the sky.

* 魚は水の中で泳ぎます。(sakana wa mizu no naka o oyogimasu) - Fish swim in the water.

**Additional Tips:**

* Use counters: Use specific counters depending on the animal when counting. For example, 一匹 (ippiki) for dogs and cats, 一羽 (ippen) for birds, and 一頭 (itō) for horses and cows.

2. Today's topic

Japan boasts a diverse range of wildlife, encompassing around 90,000 species! 

**Mammals:**

* **Endemic stars:** Japan is home to unique mammals like the Japanese macaque, known for its hot spring-loving ways, and the adorable Amami rabbit, found only on Amami Island.

* **Forest dwellers:** Dense woodlands harbor the elusive Japanese marten and the agile Japanese squirrel, while the mountainous regions are home to the majestic sika deer and the powerful brown bear (in Hokkaido).

* **Other notable mentions:** Keep an eye out for wild boars, raccoon dogs with their distinctive masks, and the endangered Iriomote cat, a solitary feline native to the Ryukyu Islands.

**Birds:**

* **Showy and colorful:** The vibrant Japanese pheasant and the elegant red-crowned crane are iconic sights, while the Okinawa woodpecker adds a splash of red to the southern islands.

* **Smaller charmers:** Look for the melodious Japanese wagtail, the industrious grey-capped pygmy woodpecker, and the adorable Japanese quail, a national bird.

* **Migratory marvels:** During winter, Hokkaido welcomes majestic birds like Steller's sea eagles and Blakiston's fish owls, while spring brings flocks of warblers and buntings.

**Reptiles and Amphibians:**

* **Island giants:** The Ryukyu Islands boast the impressive Ryukyu golden tree frog and the enormous Habu snake, both top predators in their ecosystems.

* **Endemic gems:** Japan has numerous endemic amphibians and reptiles, including the colorful Japanese fire belly newt and the smooth-skinned Yaeyama habu snake.

* **Underwater wonders:** Marine turtles like the loggerhead and green turtle grace Japan's waters, while the unique Ryukyu spiny turtle lives in freshwater habitats.

**Marine Life:**

* **Ocean giants:** Whales like the humpback and sperm whale migrate through Japanese waters, while dolphins and seals can be spotted along the coasts.

* **Colorful reefs:** Coral reefs teeming with fish, from the vibrantly colored clownfish to the regal Napoleon wrasse, are a highlight of the Ryukyu Islands.

* **Unique species:** The giant Pacific octopus, with its impressive intelligence, and the elusive Japanese giant salamander, the world's largest amphibian, add to the underwater marvels.

3- Today’s news

Officials lose sight of orcas trapped by drift ice off Hokkaido

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15153103

3 yrs after coup, Japan group strives to aid displaced Myanmar people

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240207/p2g/00m/0in/027000c