At Tobu Zoo in the town of Miyashiro, Saitama Prefecture, an event started where people can take souvenir photos with a small horse to celebrate next year's zodiac sign of the horse. On November 22, "Komugi," a Falabella -- the world's smallest horse breed -- was featured in the event. Families and others posed for photos wearing horse-themed hats and holding a "2026" sign.

Japanese original

Easy Japanese news is taken from the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun, a newspaper for children. This is perfect material for anyone studying Japanese who has learned hiragana and katakana. We encourage beginners to read the article in English followed by Japanese, or vice versa, to test their comprehension.

A fresh set will be published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m., Japan time. Click/tap here for past installments.

Intermediate learners who do not need English assistance can directly access the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun site here. Furigana (hiragana) is added to all kanji in the text.