Hello everybody!

 

I think everyone in Nagoya is a little tired of the rain by now. All of us at BRIDGE hope that you, your family, and your friends stayed safe during the flooding two weeks ago. While heavy rain can be dangerous, a gentle drizzle can also be very peaceful. Personally, I love taking a nap when I hear rain falling outside.

 

That brings us to today's topic: how your sleeping environment may affect your health.

 

 

Many people sleep with a light, television, or smartphone on. However, a new study from Tulane University suggests that even a very dim light at bedtime may affect heart health. Researchers studied more than 11,000 adults and measured the amount of light in their bedrooms while they slept.

 

Three years later, some participants received MRI scans of their hearts. The researchers found a link between sleeping with more light and changes in the heart's structure. Some people had thicker heart muscles, and their hearts were less able to pump blood and relax normally. This does not prove that light causes heart disease, but it does suggest there may be an important connection.

 

The researchers believe that reducing light while sleeping could be a simple way to improve heart health. They recommend turning off lights, televisions, and smartphones before bed. Blackout curtains and covering small LED lights on electronic devices may also help create a darker and healthier sleeping environment.

 

What do you think about this topic? Do you usually sleep with a light on, or do you prefer complete darkness? Let's discuss it together when you visit BRIDGE!

 

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Hello, everybody!

 

I hope all of you survived the torrential rain in Nagoya this week. It was scary, inconvenient, and exhausting, but thankfully the sunshine has returned. Let's enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts!

 

This week, we'd like to introduce a fascinating band from Los Angeles called SML. If you enjoy discovering new music or you're simply curious about jazz, this group is a great place to start.

 

 

Have you ever heard musicians make up music as they play? This is called improvising. To improvise means to create music in the moment instead of following a written song. Instead of performing the same way every night, musicians listen to one another and invent new ideas together. It's one of the most exciting parts of jazz.

 

SML is a five-member band made up of Anna Butterss on bass, Jeremiah Chiu on synthesizers, Josh Johnson on saxophone, Booker Stardrum on drums and percussion, and Gregory Uhlmann on guitar. Together, they mix jazz, electronic music, rock, and ambient sounds into something fresh, dreamy, and hypnotic.

 

Los Angeles has become one of the world's most creative cities for modern jazz. Many musicians work across different styles and often perform in several bands, creating a welcoming community where new ideas can grow. SML is one of the best examples of this exciting music scene, using improvisation to build long pieces that slowly change and develop.

 

The band's first album, Small Medium Large (2024), introduced listeners to their unique sound. Their second album, HOW YOU BEEN (2025), became even more popular and showed how powerful their live performances had become. Their newest release, Spontaneous Music Live (2026), features two long, completely unedited performances, allowing listeners to experience the feeling of the band improvising in real time.  Please feel free to follow the link below to watch a video from this concert.  

 

 

 

 

 

If you're interested in new music and want to share your favorites with someone, please come to BRIDGE and discuss the topic with us!  We will always have open ears for innovative, inspiring music.  Take care and enjoy your weekend.  

 

 

 

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Hello everybody!

 

Although it's still hot outside, summer is slowly starting to wind down. Are you looking forward to fall? I know I am! I love the beautiful autumn leaves and all the delicious seasonal food. Be sure to tell us about your fall plans when you come to BRIDGE for your next lesson.  As for today, we'd like to talk about the growing popularity of Japanese manga and anime around the world, and share some exciting news!

 

 

Millions of people across the globe love Japanese manga and anime. Popular series such as One Piece, Naruto, and Dragon Ball have fans in countless countries. Dragon Ball was created by Akira Toriyama, who was from Nagoya! He became one of Japan's most famous manga artists, and many people in our area are proud of his incredible legacy.

 

Now, this beloved series is inspiring a huge new theme park. Saudi Arabia and France are working together to build a Dragon Ball Z amusement park near Paris. The park is expected to cost about $7 billion, take several years to complete, and become one of the largest amusement parks in Europe.

 

The project is a collaboration between the two countries and is expected to benefit both of their economies. It will create around 22,000 jobs in France, attract millions of visitors, and include large green spaces designed to protect nature and support biodiversity. The leaders of both countries hope it will become a new global destination for Dragon Ball fans.

 

What do you think? Would you travel to France to visit a Dragon Ball theme park? We'd love to hear your opinion during your next lesson at BRIDGE. Have a wonderful rest of your summer!

 

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