Lake Biwa

In the past, there were only two ways to reach Kyoto: either cross Lake Biwa by boat or walk around it. This proverb arose from the teaching that, to avoid boats capsizing in the sudden gusts blowing down from Mount Hiei, it’s better to choose the longer but safer route.

principal

At school, the person responsible for eating the school lunch first is the principal. The principal samples the meal before the students begin eating to check that there are no problems with preparation or hygiene. This practice is a safety measure to prevent incidents such as food poisoning, and by taking the lead in tasting the meal, the principal provides reassurance to the children. It is one of the important roles in ensuring that school lunches are served safely.

Motto

We call the direction and values one cherishes in life a “motto.” It’s a word that is often used in Japanese as well, written in katakana.

Landolt ring

The symbol used in vision tests that looks like a C with a gap is called the Landolt ring. It was named after the French ophthalmologist Edouard Landolt, who devised it. Test subjects have their visual acuity measured by indicating the direction of the gap in the Landolt ring. In Japan, it is widely used in schools and health checkups, and is one of the standard methods for eye examinations.

lazy person

Loafer means “lazy person” in English. The shoe was named after its characteristic of being easy to slip on without tying laces.

so that you don’t cast a shadow with your own hand when writing notes

In Japan, because right-handed people are the majority, placing windows on the left side of classrooms lets natural light come in from the left, preventing the paper from being shaded by one’s own hand when writing. This helps keep the field of view bright and makes it easier to concentrate on learning. In the past, when lighting was not as bright as it is today, the placement of windows was an important design consideration.

desert

The “Sahara” in the Sahara Desert actually means “desert” in Arabic. In other words, a literal translation of “Sahara Desert” would be “Desert Desert,” making it a redundant expression. The Sahara Desert is one of the largest deserts in the world, spanning North Africa and covering about 9 million square kilometers.

French

The word “coupon” comes from French and means “to cut off” or “to detach.” It was originally used to refer to tickets or vouchers, but nowadays it has become established as a term for discount vouchers.

Osaka Prefecture

The tear-off daily calendar is said to have originated in Osaka Prefecture. During the Meiji era, a printing company in Osaka devised and put into practical use a calendar format in which you flip a page for each day. In Osaka, which had developed as a merchants’ city, managing daily schedules and transactions was crucial, so the daily tear-off format was highly valued. Today it has spread nationwide, and various types—such as versions featuring proverbs and famous quotes—are widely appreciated.

Because it's a color that doesn't strain the eyes.

The wavelength of visible light that appears green lies in the middle range, and it is said to be perceived without straining the eyes. This is a major reason why green is considered good for the eyes. Incidentally, in color psychology, green is believed to stabilize the mind and body and help ease tension. It’s also said that looking at greenery in the distance is beneficial for relieving eye fatigue.