Learn Japanese from the News

Ig Nobel Prize Goes to "Butt-Breathing" Study

The Ig Nobel Prize is awarded to unique research that inspires laughter as well as reflection. This year, a research team led by Japanese professor Takebe Takanori received the physiology prize for discovering that pigs and other animals have the ability to absorb oxygen through the rectum. This is the 18th year in a row that a Japanese national has won an award. We review the story and learn expressions related to "iki" (breath), such as "iki ga au" (be on the same wavelength).