When I think of cactuses, I think of hot, dry weather. I think of the southwest U.S. and Mexico. That’s why I was surprised to find a cactus growing along the Shonai River in Nagoya. I talked to someone who grows cactuses as a hobby, and he told me that this kind of cactus is originally from Mexico. It can grow even in cold weather. Finding this cactus on the Shonai River is not so strange because the Shonai River goes through another city, Kasugai. Kasugai is known as “cactus town.” It produces more than 80% of the cactuses in Japan. Maybe some cactus seeds came down the river. By the way, you can eat cactus, too. Some restaurants in Kasugai have cactus dishes, and schools have it on their lunch menus.  (132 words) You can send me a comment or your own story at jaremaga@gmail.com

The Winter Olympics have begun! The opening ceremony was on Friday night, and it was full of color and music! It gave the world a taste of Italian culture. Classical statues started to move and dance. A beautiful actress walked along followed by paparazzi just like in the movie “La Dolce Vita.” Then, three big heads appeared. They were Verdi, Puccini, and Rossini, the three great composers of Italian opera. After that, the real stars of the Olympics came out. Athletes from over 90 different countries took part in parades at four sites around northern Italy. Everybody was excited. On Saturday, Japan got off to a great start with a gold and a silver medal in the men’s snowboard big air and a bronze medal in the women’s normal hill ski jumping.   (132 words) You can send me a comment or your own story at jaremaga@gmail.com

Today is “Setsubun.” In Japan, people believe that this is the last day of winter. For good luck in the coming year, you should open your door or window and throw beans outside while you say, “Demons out, fortune in!” You should also eat a big, long sushi roll while facing the lucky direction. This year the lucky direction is south-southeast. You shouldn’t cut the roll, and you should eat the whole roll without talking. The sushi roll is big, so you need to open your mouth wide. But don’t say that you need a “big mouth.” That has a different meaning in English. If you have a big mouth, you are talkative, and you can’t keep a secret.   (119 words) You can send me a comment or your own story at jaremaga@gmail.com