Idioms of the week:

Kit and caboodle

Wing it
Lessons April 2026 Week 3

Takako Yoshino broke the world record for the largest collection of obis. 

Takako's collection of 4,516 obis easily broke the previous record of 1,111 obis.

Takako's collection of kimono sashes is from the late Edo period to more modern styles.

She was told to choose obi carefully so that it matches you, the kimono, and the occasion.

Nagoya obis are shorter and the Saga Nishiki obis from the Meiji era were made of canvas.

She wants her students to be able to feel the differences between obis.

April 15 is Rubber Eraser Day.

Before rubber erasers, rough stones or pumice were used to remove errors from paper.

The rubber eraser was invented in 1770.

During the Meiji Era, crustless bread was used as an eraser.

A Tokyo student said that they would eat the erasers when they were hungry.

It is said that Sakura foam erasers are the best in the world.

“What’s up” means “what is happening.”

Hey Bob, what’s up?

“Not what it’s cracked up to be” means “not as good as people say it is.”

That new restaurant is not what it’s cracked up to be.