English

English is the most widely understood language in the world. According to a 2023 survey by the United Nations Population Fund, there are said to be over 1.5 billion English speakers globally. In addition to the large number of countries that use English as an official language, the fact that it is learned as a second language in many countries is another reason for the high number of speakers. As an international lingua franca, English is used across various fields such as business, science, tourism, and entertainment. English also tops the charts in terms of internet content, and people around the world use it for communication.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom’s official name is “The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.” This official name is very long and is among the longest of any country in the world. Although it is often shortened to “the UK” in international contexts, the full name distinctly reflects the nation’s history as a kingdom and its geographical composition. It is also used in international official documents, and its length sometimes becomes a topic of conversation.

the same thing

I can’t help suspecting there might be some difference, but in fact they’re the same thing. The official name is “Vienna sausage,” and it seems the only question is whether you call it one way or the other. It used to be that anything stuffed into a casing was called a Vienna sausage, but now the name changes depending on the thickness.

Japan

Didn’t you think slippers were a cultural import from the West? Surprisingly, the answer is Japan. It’s said they were made by Risaburo Tokuno, a Tokyo tailor, during the opening of the country in the 19th century.

China

China is the country with the highest beer consumption in the world. Because China has a very large population, its per capita consumption does not surpass that of some other countries, but the nation’s total beer consumption is overwhelming. China has many domestic beer manufacturers and regionally limited craft beers, and a beer culture is taking root, especially among younger generations. In particular, consumption tends to surge during the summer and at events, and the country maintains a world-leading level of beer consumption every year.

La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz, Bolivia is known as the highest capital city in the world, at an altitude of about 3,650 meters. Surrounded by the majestic Andes, it features a unique landscape and culture. The elevation varies greatly between the urban center and surrounding areas, so public transportation such as cable cars is well developed. When you go out, be mindful of altitude sickness and enjoy the magnificent mountains and cityscape.

the Nile River

The Nile River runs through the African continent and is said to be about 6,650 kilometers long, making it the longest river in the world. It has been historically significant, having nurtured many civilizations, including ancient Egyptian civilization. In Arabic, “Nile” means “river,” and its simplicity evokes a sense of history.

gold bar

Interestingly, the word “nugget,” popular in fast food and lunch boxes, also means a lump of gold or metal. It’s said the meaning comes from their golden-fried look and shape, reminiscent of gold nuggets. Taken literally, “chicken nugget” would mean something like a “natural gold nugget.”

Because it’s a color that excites people.

In bullfighting, cattle can only distinguish colors like white and black, and they simply react to the danger signaled by the fluttering movement of the cape; in reality, the cape can be any color. They say a red cape is used because humans imagine the color of blood, which excites them and makes them more aggressive.

manhole

The Mouth of Truth, a tourist attraction in Rome, Italy, and also a World Heritage site. It’s surprising to learn that the Mouth of Truth, which is 1.8 meters in diameter and weighs 1,300 kilograms, was actually a manhole, isn’t it? Just imagining such a huge manhole on the ground… it’s a bit scary.