04/08/2026 JPBT Day 17 : Ganbarimashou

You will soon know as much Japanese as me, because I plan to share the bits and pieces I like from the language with you. It helps that this is all I know - bits and pieces.

Today’s word is “ましょう” - which roughly means “let’s do…”

For example, instead of a sign in English saying “Stop” you get “Yuriai mashou” (Let’s yield to each other)

Or maybe “Kōtsū rūru o mamorimashou” (Let’s obey traffic rules).

We go through construction sites daily, the guys bow to us, and we do our best to bow back, which is a bit of a challenge when you’re piloting à two person Jitensha! 🚲

It’s a Short story today, but hopefully it’s a pleasant one to reflect on. Janet and I are busy in our tent tonight - trying to plan an indoor stay for a ~3 inch rain storm starting tomorrow.