Article:
English Language Only Bars Open in Tokyo and Osaka
In 2022, two new bars have opened in Japan that help customers improve their English conversation skills — by banning the Japanese language. The new bars opened on October 1, 2022, in Tokyo and Osaka, and are receiving very positive reviews.
The new bars are both called "Sick!" and are designed to have a fun atmosphere where people can practice speaking English while enjoying a few drinks. First-time visitors don't need to worry about their English ability, because the English-speaking bar staff will encourage them by chatting at their level.
However, customers at Sick! are only allowed to speak English. If they speak Japanese, they will be shown a yellow card. After that, if they continue to speak Japanese, they have to buy an extra drink as a punishment.
Both bars have an all-you-can-drink system where customers pay for the time they spend in the bar. The Tokyo branch costs 3,000 yen — or around $20 — for 30 minutes, and the Osaka branch costs 1,500 yen, or around $10.
Although this may look a little expensive for a few drinks, it does include English conversation practice that would cost as much or more at the average language school.
And the new bars' customers have been very happy. In a Google review of the Tokyo bar, one customer wrote that it was a fun place to speak English with friendly people.
And writing about the Osaka bar, another customer said they had not expected to have such a great time speaking English, and added that they can't wait to get drinks there again.
Questions:
What do you think of this article?
Would you be interested in trying these English bars?
Why are you studying English?
Do you have any favorite English expression?
Do you have any English expression currently you aren't good at using but you want to be good at using recently?
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