いわいごと (iwaigoto)

 1. Today's Japanese words

## Basic Japanese Vocabulary about Celebration (Romaji):

**General words:**

* **いわいごと (iwaigoto)**: celebration, event

* **お祝い (oiwai)**: congratulation, celebration

* **おめでとう (omedetou)**: congratulations

* **祝う (iwau)**: to celebrate

* **楽しむ (tanoshimu)**: to enjoy

* **集まる (atsumaru)**: to gather

**Events:**

* **誕生日 (tanjōbi)**: birthday

* **結婚 (kekkon)**: marriage

* **卒業 (sotsugyō)**: graduation

* **入学 (nyūgaku)**: entrance

* **成人 (seijin)**: coming of age

* **祭り (matsuri)**: festival

* **花火 (hanabi)**: fireworks

* **花見 (hanami)**: flower viewing (cherry blossom or other)

**Food and drink:**

* **ケーキ (kēki)**: cake

* **シャンパン (shanpan)**: champagne

* **お酒 (sake)**: alcohol

* **乾杯 (kanpai)**: cheers

**Other words:**

* **プレゼント (purezento)**: present, gift

* **飾り (kazari)**: decoration

* **音楽 (ongaku)**: music

* **踊り (odori)**: dance

* **幸せ (shiawase)**: happiness

**Tips:**

* Remember to use **お (o)** or **ご (go)** before nouns to make them more polite, especially for strangers or elders.

* Use **さん (san)** after someone's name to show respect.

* You can combine words to make phrases, for example: 誕生日おめでとう (tanjōbi omedetou) - happy birthday.

2. Today's topic

Hinamatsuri, also known as Girls' Day or Doll Festival, is a beautiful annual celebration held in Japan on March 3rd of each year. It's a special day dedicated to wishing for the health, happiness, and prosperity of young girls. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

**Traditions:**

* **Hina Doll Display:** The centerpiece of Hinamatsuri is a multi-tiered display of ornamental dolls called "hina-ningyō". These dolls, dressed in elaborate Heian period court attire, represent the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians. The number of tiers can vary, with seven tiers being the most traditional and elaborate.

* **Festive Food:** Special food is prepared and enjoyed on this day. Some popular dishes include "chirashizushi" (scattered sushi), "hina-arare" (rice crackers), "shirozake" (sweet rice wine), and "hisamochi" (diamond-shaped mochi).

* **Prayers and Wishes:** Families gather to pray for the well-being of their daughters and all young girls. They offer prayers and wishes for their happiness, success, and good health.

**Significance:**

* **Celebrating Girls:** Hinamatsuri serves as a special day to appreciate and celebrate young girls. It's a time for families to gather, share stories, and show their love and support.

* **Seasonal Connection:** March 3rd marks the beginning of spring in Japan. The vibrant colors and themes associated with Hinamatsuri reflect the joy and renewal associated with the season.

* **Cultural Tradition:** Hinamatsuri is a deeply rooted cultural tradition in Japan, passed down through generations. It offers a glimpse into the values and customs of Japanese society.

**Additional Notes:**

* While traditionally celebrated in homes, Hinamatsuri displays can also be seen in public spaces like schools and community centers.

* The dolls are typically put away after the festival, with some families believing leaving them out could lead to a late marriage for the daughter.

* Although primarily focused on girls, Hinamatsuri is increasingly celebrated as a more general day of family togetherness and enjoyment.

3- Today’s news

Kishida, Yoon may see Ohtani debut during Seoul summit

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15166425

Corridor of 10,000 Girls’ Day dolls dazzles at Nagoya hotel

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15153811

The annual exhibition runs until March 3, the day of “Hinamatsuri” or “Girls’ Day,” a celebration featuring hina dolls.

The hanging Hina doll decorations, which date to the late Edo Period (1603-1867), wish for the healthy growth of baby girls and good fortune in their future marriages.