Japanese Language Learning - Unit 7 Notes

Setting the Scene: The conversation starts with an invitation to a summer festival in a neighboring town.
Recalling Memories: The speakers reminisce about a previous Japanese festival in America where Mary tried takoyaki and yakisoba for the first time.
Food Nostalgia: Mary expresses her desire to eat takoyaki again at the upcoming summer festival.

Akiko's Inquiry: Akiko asks if there's anything of particular interest regarding a trip to Hokkaido.
Connection to Hokkaido University: One speaker mentions that their alma mater has ties to Hokkaido University, making it a place they'd like to visit.
Travel Agency Context: They explain that many customers want to travel to Hokkaido, and they themselves have been there two or three times.

Initial Experience: The speakers discuss the first time experiencing a summer festival, particularly trying yakisoba and takoyaki at a street stall.
Taste Impression: Everything was delicious.

Soran Bushi Dance: They recall dancing the Soran Bushi and struggling to remember the steps, even making mistakes during the actual performance.
Japanese Class Difficulties: One speaker mentions their Japanese class being challenging, specifically struggling with hiragana and katakana.

Kanji Struggles: Kanji was difficult, but also interesting.
Contrasting Perspectives: While kanji was challenging, it was also enjoyable.

Festival Invitation: Reminder about the summer festival in the neighboring town.
Akiko's Interest: Akiko expresses interest in going, and someone wants to visit Hokkaido, wondering if Akiko has any specific interests there.
University Connection: The speaker wants to visit Hokkaido University because their university is related to it.
Travel Agency Business: The speaker mentions that many customers want to travel to Hokkaido, and they have been there a few times.

Inquiry about William Clark: The speakers ask if the other knows anything about a person named William Clark.
Familiarity but Lack of Recall: The response indicates having heard the name William Clark but not remembering who he is.

Recitation of the Phrase: The phrase "Shonen yo, taishi o idake" (Boys, be ambitious) is introduced and repeated.
Explanation of William Clark: William Clark is referred to as "hakase" (Dr. Clark).
Clark's Fame: Clark is famous for the phrase "Boys, be ambitious."
Inquiry about His Visit to Hokkaido: They ask about when Clark went to Hokkaido.
Lack of Memory: The other speaker doesn't remember.

Interest in Hokkaido University: Recurring interest in visiting Hokkaido University due to its connection with their alma mater.
Travel Agency Context: Mention of many customers wanting to travel to Hokkaido and personal experience of visiting a few times.
Acknowledgment of William Clark: Acknowledging having heard of William Clark but still not remembering who he is.
Confirmation of Fame: Confirming that Dr. Clark is famous, particularly for the quote "Boys, be ambitious!"
Dr. Clark's Time in Hokkaido: Questioning when Dr. Clark went to Hokkaido.
Inability to Recall: Expressing the inability to remember when he went there.

Phone Call from Wan Lee: Akiko mentions receiving a phone call from Wan Lee asking if she has already come to Japan.
Wan Lee's Arrival: Akiko confirmed that she had come the previous day. お
Past Visits to Coffee Shop: They mention having been to a certain coffee shop a few times.
Difficulty of Japanese Class: One speaker describes the Japanese classes as difficult.
Kanji vs. Hiragana/Katakana: While kanji was easy, hiragana and katakana were difficult.
Preference for Kanji: While Kanji was interesting, it was difficult.
Kanji Test Struggles: Despite Kanji being easier than hiragana, the Kanji tests were still difficult.

Trip Details: Recalling a trip to Hokkaido in January of the previous year and how interesting it was.