Page 150 - Easy Japanese - Learn to Speak Japanese Quickly! (TUTTLE)

syncretism—blending of religions—is often described as “Born Shinto, Marry
Christian, Die Buddhist”.
Most festivals (matsuri 祭り) are associated with local Shinto shrines and
follow local traditions. The two most significant holidays in Japan are New
Year’s Day, when people visit Shinto shrines (jinja 神社), and Obon, when
people visit Buddhist temples (otera お寺) and honor the spirit of family

ancestors.
Generally speaking, shrines can be identified by the entrance gate (tori’i 鳥
居), often painted red. As you enter through the gate, you will find a water
fountain where you wash your hands and rinse your mouth using water scooped

with a bamboo ladle. Approach the altar, ring the bell with the rope, throw a coin
into the offering box before the altar, clap three times, then clasp your hands
together to pray. At a temple, take off your shoes before entering the main
building and kneel on the tatami-floor before the altar and pray. Refrain from
clapping while inside.

PATTERN PRACTICE 3

Cue: Ikitai? Do you want to go?
Response: U’un, ikitaku nai. No, I don’t want to.
Cue: Nomitai? Do you want to drink?

Response: U’un, nomitaku nai. No, I don’t want to.

Repeat this drill with the following:
1. Tabetai?

2. Mitai?
3. Hatarakitai?
4. Kaitai?
5. Benkyō-shitai?

PATTERN PRACTICE 4

Cue: Umi de oyogu no?

So, you going to swim in the ocean, right?
Response: Un, hayaku umi de oyogitai nā.

Yes, I can’t wait.
Cue: Okinawa ni iku no?