A-1 International English School Blog
New posts every Saturday and Wednesday
Real English. Real Conversation.
Every Saturday, I share practical English conversation tips, natural American expressions, and advice to help you speak confidently and fluently. Whether you’re a professional, a traveler, or simply looking to improve your everyday English, this blog is designed for you.
Every Wednesday, enjoy a light mid-week read with my bonus series, “English Through Antiques.” Each post features one vintage item from my online store, Tanuki Treasures, and teaches useful English words, phrases, or idioms inspired by it — a fun way to learn real English through culture, history, and conversation.
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— John Haines
Let’s Talk About Vintage Japan: The Beauty of the Chawan (Tea Bowl)English Through Antiques series | A-1 International English School & Tanuki Treasures
Discover the timeless beauty of the Japanese chawan — the traditional tea bowl used in Japan’s tea ceremony. In this week’s “English Through Antiques” post, we explore how these handcrafted treasures reflect wabi-sabi aesthetics, teach us meaningful English vocabulary, and open the door to rich cultural conversations about art, nature, and simplicity.