After a short rain, a big rainbow stretched over the pond, and the animals walked across it.
On Saturday afternoon, a soft rain fell on Enchanted Forest. When the rain stopped, a big rainbow appeared over the pond. It looked like a bridge from one side of the water to the other.
Pip, the little hedgehog, was the first to see it. "Look!" he shouted. "Come and see!" Rabbits, fox cubs, and birds ran to the shore of the pond.
Owl flew down and looked at the rainbow carefully. "This bridge is safe," he said. "But we must say the name of each color before we walk on it."
One by one, the animals walked up the rainbow. "Red!" said a rabbit. "Orange!" said a fox cub. At the top of the bridge, Pip said, "Yellow!" Then came green, blue, and purple.
On the other side, everyone cheered. "Let's do it again!" said Pip. Owl smiled and looked at the sky. "The bridge will stay until the sun goes down," he said. So the animals crossed the rainbow again and again, all afternoon.
This story is fiction.
Scientists have found 38 new species of sea animals in the deep sea near Japan. The team shared the news in March 2026. The project is called the Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census.
In June 2025, the scientists traveled on a Japanese research ship. They also used a small submarine that carries people. They explored deep places called the Nankai Trough and the Shichiyo Seamount Chain. They collected 528 samples from the sea.
The new animals include worms that live inside glass sponges. A glass sponge has a hard, clear body, so the worms live in a kind of "glass castle." The team also found five new squat lobsters. They think 28 more animals may be new, too.
The Ocean Census began in 2023. Its goal is to find at least 100,000 new sea species in ten years. The scientists say that each discovery helps people understand and protect the ocean.
Source: Bolsamania (Ocean Census press release), Astrobiology.com
Sunday will be cloudy in all four cities. Rain is expected in Fukuoka around noon, and in Osaka and Sapporo later in the day.
This issue is dated Saturday, October 3, but it was made on Sunday, October 4. The weather is the forecast for Sunday, October 4. High = today's high. Low = tomorrow morning's low.
Take an umbrella in Fukuoka and Osaka. In Sapporo, rain is expected in the evening, so go home early.
Forecast by: Japan Meteorological Agency, forecast issued October 4, 2026, 5:00 a.m.
In Japan, October 3 is Mountain Climbing Day. The Japanese words for ten (to) and three (zan) sound like "tozan," which means climbing a mountain. It is a good day to enjoy nature and to think about safe climbing.
On October 3, 1990, East Germany and West Germany became one country again. Today, October 3 is a national holiday in Germany. It is called the Day of German Unity.
Source: Netlab: October 3, German Federal Government: Day of German Unity
On October 3, 1203, a ceremony was held for two huge guardian statues at Todai-ji Temple in Nara. The statues stand at the Great South Gate, and each one is more than eight meters tall. A team led by Unkei and Kaikei finished them in about 70 days.
Horoscopes are just for fun. Signs are listed by today's luck.
Overall A happy surprise is waiting for you after school.
Money A coin you find may bring you good luck.
Love A small gift will make a friend smile.
Lucky color Pink
Lucky item A small mirror
Overall New ideas come to you easily, so write them down.
Money Saving a little each day is a smart plan.
Love A kind word makes your friend happy.
Lucky color Purple
Lucky item A blue pen
Overall It is a good day to enjoy quiet time.
Money Think carefully before you buy a new thing.
Love You will share a nice laugh with your family.
Lucky color Sea green
Lucky item A water bottle
Overall Your bright smile helps everyone around you.
Money You can find something nice at a low price.
Love Someone wants to talk with you, so say hello.
Lucky color Gold
Lucky item A sunny hat
Overall Slow and steady work gives you good results.
Money Do not spend all your money today.
Love Spend time with a person you trust.
Lucky color Cream
Lucky item A soft towel
Overall Your day starts slowly, but it gets better.
Money A friend may help you find a good deal.
Love You can make up with someone after a small fight.
Lucky color Light blue
Lucky item A pretty umbrella
Overall Try something new, and you will enjoy it.
Money Keep your receipt for something important.
Love A friendly message arrives in the evening.
Lucky color Red
Lucky item A red ribbon
Overall Music or a good book makes you feel calm.
Money A small plan helps you save money.
Love You learn something new about a friend.
Lucky color Silver
Lucky item A music player
Overall You are busy today, so take short breaks.
Money Check the price twice before you buy.
Love Listen well, and you will understand your friend.
Lucky color Yellow
Lucky item A sticky note
Overall Keep your desk clean, and your mind will feel clear.
Money Be careful with small things like coins.
Love A quiet day is good for your heart.
Lucky color White
Lucky item A clean handkerchief
Overall Take your time, and do not hurry today.
Money Do not lend money to anyone today.
Love Be patient if a friend is late.
Lucky color Dark red
Lucky item A bookmark
Overall Small mistakes may happen, but you can fix them.
Money Wait a few days before a big purchase.
Love Say thank you to someone close to you.
Lucky color Brown
Lucky item A warm sweater
We have two ways to talk about now. Let's see when to use each one.
is shining. ("Look!" tells us that it is happening now.)
On Tuesday morning, Lyn walked to the hotel with a small box in her bag. Inside was a piece of the persimmon cake. The sky was clear, and the air was cool.
"Good morning, team!" she said to the staff at the front desk. She put on her name tag and smiled. "Today is going to be a good day."
At ten o'clock, John came down from his room. He was carrying a camera. "Good morning, Lyn," he said. "How are you today?"
"I'm great," said Lyn. She opened the box a little. "Linda and I made a persimmon cake last night. Please try it. It is the taste of autumn in Nara."
John took a small bite. His eyes opened wide. "It's soft and sweet," he said. "It tastes like sunshine!"
Lyn laughed. "That's what we said, too!"
John ate the cake slowly, and he enjoyed every bite. "Please thank Linda for me," he said. "I will remember this taste."
John looked at his camera. "I like taking pictures of nature," he said. "I have two free days. Where should I go to see autumn in Nara?"
Lyn thought for a moment. "You can walk in Nara Park," she said. "The air is fresh, and you can see the deer. And there is a hill near my house with pink and white cosmos flowers."
"Cosmos flowers?" John smiled. "That sounds beautiful. Could you show me?"
"They are very pretty in October," said Lyn. "The hill is quiet, and the wind makes the flowers dance."
"Let me ask Linda," said Lyn. "Star will be very happy to meet you. But Pinkysan may hide!"
That evening, Lyn told the news at home. Star wagged her curly tail. Pinkysan ran under the sofa. "Don't worry, Pinkysan," said Linda. "It's only one visitor."
(To be continued)