Now that the long hot summer has left us we all have more energy to do other things. How many of you have made new goals for your language learning? The English language teachers hope that you are reading and writing as well as speaking more in class, as this is the best way to improve your TOEIC scores.

In this edition, Sayaka Yoshida of The Career Corner, asks her fellow students to clarify their goals. This, she believes, will help them appreciate the unique learning environment at KIFL.

In the Travel section, you will find the results of a survey carried out by Ruri Hasako. Ruri has also introduced some things to do around Tokyo. Kumiko Fukahori has collected some personal experiences from students about the impact of another culture and Ryoko Konta has provided a very interesting interview with a teacher from the Conversation Lounge.

Many of you have written about topics or ideas for the KIFL Speech Contest but even if a speech seems too difficult, you can express your feelings in poetry. For many, autumn is a time of romance and inspiration. For others it is a time of passing tinged with a little sadness. How do you feel when you read Kotoe Funyu's words? What do you think she is saying?

It has been a wet few weeks with all the typhoons but some people really like the rain. It clears away the old and suddenly there is a new world waiting. Both Asami Ito and Mizuki Sato talk about the beauty to be found in rain.

We hope you enjoy this edition and please get in touch with the chief editor at ktimes@kifl.ac.jp if you would like to be part of the next edition.