EY Y01 L31 Nara

  1. How long have you lived in Nara? Why did you, your parents or your ancestors settle here?
  2. Tell me about one thing that is famous in Nara (a landmark, tradition, drink, food, company or product).
  3. Tell me about a famous or infamous person who is from Nara. Do you like this person? Why?
  4. Nara is famous both for its natural beauty and historical landmarks. What is the most beautiful or interesting place you have been to in Nara?
  5. Around Japan, people see Osaka as a busy place where people are friendly but blunt and Kyoto as a more relaxed place where people are artistic but aloof. In your opinion, how do people around Japan see Nara?
  6. Are you glad you live in Nara? Why?

Question 1

I don't live in Nara. I live in Yao, in Osaka prefecture. I've lived there for about three, maybe three-and-a-half years.

Question 2

This is probably going to be the same answer as most other people: Todai-ji Temple. The temple houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. It also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism. Todai-ji is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara". Not to mention it's one of my favourite temples.

Question 3

Ayaka Takahashi. She is a badminton player who won a gold medal at the Olympics. Not only is she from Nara, she's apparently from Kashihara. I neither like nor dislike her as I don't really know anything else about her. I just did a quick Google search to be able to answer this question!

Question 4

As I said above in my response to Question 2, I like Todai-ji Temple. It feels very "old world Japan" to me and I find the size of the place very impressive. I also enjoy the walk through Nara Park to get there. The deer can be a bit pushy at times though.

Question 5

I have no idea.

Question 6

I don't live in Nara.

Tough Vocabulary

- English - - Japanese -
houss the world's largest bronze statue 世界最大のブロンズ像を収容
serve as the headquarters 本部として機能
World Heritage Site 世界遺産
not to mention 言うまでもなく
the deer can be a bit pushy 鹿は少し強引な