Now Out: Essay 1995 on 熊 (bear), a Revision, and 5 New-Monics

The 289th essay has posted! Essay 1995 on 熊 (bear) is now available for purchase. Here's a preview:

See why the Japanese fear bears and how to prevent attacks. Find out why various bear names contain 月 (moon), 赤 (red), 白 (white), 灰色 (gray), 袋 (pouch), and 猫 (cat), while combining 熊 with 洗 (washing) or 穴 (hole) produces names of animals that aren’t even bears. Learn about Ainu rituals with bears, as well as the sacred Kumano region and an ancient people who may be mythical.

Using the accompanying game on the Character Home Page, you can practice the vocabulary in the essay after reading it. 

Also, a revision of essay 1164 on 峡 (ravine, gorge; strait) has posted. Check the link for details.

Finally, Ulrike has produced the following new-monics (which are free!):

東 (184: east)
投 (357: to throw)
練 (608: training)
陳 (1604: lining up)
凍 (1644: freezing)