Tha last topic in my discussion class was for the power of America and the possibility of alternative of another power in the world. It was a hard topic for just one hour discussion, but , I think, a good theme. This kind of discussion is becomig popular even in Japan.
Now, Japanese government's policy to America is very clear. They support America almost totally. The relationship between Japan and America looks strongest in history. Japan is the best follower of America now.
Indeed, America is the country we should follow. She is very strong and leading in the world. But, on the other hand, there are many countries which don't want to follow America for its too much strength. Iran and North Korea are such one. They are clearly the enemy of America.
Even in Japan, all people don't support America.
Actually I am an anti-America. (Notice! Not American.)
It doesn't mean I dislike America. I am just afraid of the monopoly of the power in the world. Like Microsoft, we have to weaken the too much strong power of America, for the progress of this world.
In my discussion class, most people supported the leadreship of America. It was a taugh work for me to crticize other's opinion. I know America is the only one leader of this world. But I am not sure whether America is the best as a leader or not. Even America could make a wrong decision and, I think, did it many times. Of course, whether the decision is wrong or right depends on each person's opinion. The decision some people prefer can be bad for others.
So, all I can say is this. In order to hedge the possibility of wrong decision and the risk, we should divide power into many countries.
"Empire" is now a popular keyward among intellectuals. Recently I sell a lot of books which have the old ward in the title. The meaning of the ward doesn't equal to America, but very close now. Although I don't know that the ward "Empire" is useful to analyze this world, we would need any catchy wards to think about a big issue. I think that American people will be surprised if the country they live in is typical Empire. Why do the people living in "Empire" have to work hard everyday?
The gap between a macro image (country) and a micro reality (people's life) is big ,and interesting.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Friday, April 21, 2006
VS Map
A isle is stoking tension between Japan and Korea.
Japan's ships are coming close to the isle for investigation, but Korea's are guarding it. Both countries claim to the ownership. Watching a map, the location is very confusing and controversial. Both countries have their own historical reason for claiming to their truth.
The tactics of Japanese government seems to make this land-ownership problem internatinally bigger. They want to bring this problem to International Court of Justice. However, Korea government is refusing it now. That's why both countries have to solve this problem by themselves.
I don't like to read or watch a map, because it is boring. But recently I found a good map on internet. This map is very very educational. We can know the distribution of resaurce in this world. The visual image is great.
Japan's ships are coming close to the isle for investigation, but Korea's are guarding it. Both countries claim to the ownership. Watching a map, the location is very confusing and controversial. Both countries have their own historical reason for claiming to their truth.
The tactics of Japanese government seems to make this land-ownership problem internatinally bigger. They want to bring this problem to International Court of Justice. However, Korea government is refusing it now. That's why both countries have to solve this problem by themselves.
I don't like to read or watch a map, because it is boring. But recently I found a good map on internet. This map is very very educational. We can know the distribution of resaurce in this world. The visual image is great.
Friday, April 14, 2006
VS A Cold
In spring, in Japan. My body has a difficulty of adjusting to the change of air temparature. Actually it changes very much in this season. A day is warm. Another day is cold. Daytime and nighttime is very different. That's why I caught a cold this week.
I know warming up my body is the best solution against a cold. I had a dayoff one day in this week, and went to a hot spring. I was warmed up in a large bath, sweated in a sauna and relaxed with a hot shower. It was so fantastic.
After the hot spring, a little bit of cooling dawn was needed. So, I ate a few piece of sushi, and drunk cold beer. Cold beer after hot spring. Cold after hot. This contrast is utterly beautiful. I knew it was not good at the time for my body with a cold. However, I couldn't lose the perfect timing for meeting real beauty.
Although my body condition became warmed and better once by the hot spring, the benefit would have been lost by the beer cooling dawn action. But I can say the action itself was the warming up for next action. I went to my favorite Hawaiian bar soon after the hot spring.
I ordered syochu with hot water there. In this stage, I couldn't order cold drinks. Warming up my body was the only one concept then. So, for foods, raw fish was not a choice. I ordered only hot foods like a baked beef. Hot beef gave me a energy very much.
I checked new menu in the bar, after a few cups of hot syochu. I found out the bar's original hamburger, which was one of new menu. In western countries, it is usual to eat a hamburger in a bar or a restaurant. But, in Japan, it is rare. In a hamburger shop, we can drink coffee, coke or something soft to drink here. So, I had requested for the bar master to give us a hamburger in the bar, for a long time. And, at last, he made his original hamburger.
Of courese, I ordered it soon. But, after the order, I realised I had a problem then. Japanese sake was not fitted to a humburger at all. I had to order another type of alchool.
When I have an big humburger on my left hand, what is good on my right hand?
Wine? No, it's too formal.
Whisky? Mmm, no. It's a mismatch.
Gin? No. The color is not interesting.
The best drink next to a humburger must be beer. I knew it from the first time. But, I had a cold at the time. So, I thought I had a problem then. Beer and Humburger. B and H. The yellow colored liquid with bubble and the colorful food tower.
Actually the food tower was very nice. The bread was a maffin. It was my favorite. And, there was inside a half-boiled egg, a thick sliced tomato and a hamburg baked with sauce. It was the best combination.
Facing the great meal, I ordered cold beer natually. "To hell with your health." I heard of the voice for God.
I know warming up my body is the best solution against a cold. I had a dayoff one day in this week, and went to a hot spring. I was warmed up in a large bath, sweated in a sauna and relaxed with a hot shower. It was so fantastic.
After the hot spring, a little bit of cooling dawn was needed. So, I ate a few piece of sushi, and drunk cold beer. Cold beer after hot spring. Cold after hot. This contrast is utterly beautiful. I knew it was not good at the time for my body with a cold. However, I couldn't lose the perfect timing for meeting real beauty.
Although my body condition became warmed and better once by the hot spring, the benefit would have been lost by the beer cooling dawn action. But I can say the action itself was the warming up for next action. I went to my favorite Hawaiian bar soon after the hot spring.
I ordered syochu with hot water there. In this stage, I couldn't order cold drinks. Warming up my body was the only one concept then. So, for foods, raw fish was not a choice. I ordered only hot foods like a baked beef. Hot beef gave me a energy very much.
I checked new menu in the bar, after a few cups of hot syochu. I found out the bar's original hamburger, which was one of new menu. In western countries, it is usual to eat a hamburger in a bar or a restaurant. But, in Japan, it is rare. In a hamburger shop, we can drink coffee, coke or something soft to drink here. So, I had requested for the bar master to give us a hamburger in the bar, for a long time. And, at last, he made his original hamburger.
Of courese, I ordered it soon. But, after the order, I realised I had a problem then. Japanese sake was not fitted to a humburger at all. I had to order another type of alchool.
When I have an big humburger on my left hand, what is good on my right hand?
Wine? No, it's too formal.
Whisky? Mmm, no. It's a mismatch.
Gin? No. The color is not interesting.
The best drink next to a humburger must be beer. I knew it from the first time. But, I had a cold at the time. So, I thought I had a problem then. Beer and Humburger. B and H. The yellow colored liquid with bubble and the colorful food tower.
Actually the food tower was very nice. The bread was a maffin. It was my favorite. And, there was inside a half-boiled egg, a thick sliced tomato and a hamburg baked with sauce. It was the best combination.
Facing the great meal, I ordered cold beer natually. "To hell with your health." I heard of the voice for God.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
VS Text Book
In Japan, April is the biggining of a new year also for school. This month is busy for book salesmen, because we have to sell a lot of textbooks to students.
Have you ever carried a large number of books? It's an awful work. Book is very heavy. Although I like a beautiful book with photo, such a book is much heavier. In this season, I can easily hate a colorful book.
Carring is one part of this job. Next, we have to sell the textbooks. Students usually buy them between classes. After one class finishes, the wave of students come to the place for selling textbooks. We have to correspond to the wave within a limited time. It's like a war. It's too busy. I sometimes miscount money students pay. "Sorry, how much did you pay now?" Most students tell it honestly. I am lucky.
I am selling textbooks to an international school in Yokohama.
The deal between me and this school has started since last spring. International school use unque textbooks in Japan. I can watch a lot of interesting books. That's why I like to sell books for this school.
At the end of this month, the international school will have a big festival, International Food Fair 2006. I joined it last year. It was so great. I could enjoyed many country's food and reported it in this blog. Of course, I can't miss this year's.
Have you ever carried a large number of books? It's an awful work. Book is very heavy. Although I like a beautiful book with photo, such a book is much heavier. In this season, I can easily hate a colorful book.
Carring is one part of this job. Next, we have to sell the textbooks. Students usually buy them between classes. After one class finishes, the wave of students come to the place for selling textbooks. We have to correspond to the wave within a limited time. It's like a war. It's too busy. I sometimes miscount money students pay. "Sorry, how much did you pay now?" Most students tell it honestly. I am lucky.
I am selling textbooks to an international school in Yokohama.
The deal between me and this school has started since last spring. International school use unque textbooks in Japan. I can watch a lot of interesting books. That's why I like to sell books for this school.
At the end of this month, the international school will have a big festival, International Food Fair 2006. I joined it last year. It was so great. I could enjoyed many country's food and reported it in this blog. Of course, I can't miss this year's.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
VS Shouwa
In April, new fiscal year starts for company, and new educational year stars for school. Today, my comapny had a celemony for freshmen and freshwomen. They starts a new social life.
I works in sales division. This was the division mainly for men before. No women wanted to work here. Because women wanted to work in a bookstore, and liked to be surrounded by many books. And, men thought it was natural for women to work in a bookstore, and not natural to go out to many customers. But, now it is opposite. Freshwomen working in sales division are more than men. I heard form the person in my company's human resource division that the female applier for my company is more aggressive to get a carrer. That's why my company thinks women are more fitted to a sales person.
It is 18th "Heisei" year. "Heisei" is a name of era of the present Japanese emperor. Japan has an unique year-counting system. When an emperopr replaced an previous emperor, we name the year a new eara name. Before "Heisei", the year name was "Shouwa". I was born in "Shouwa".
There is no "Heisei"-born people in my company now, but they will come soon. Maybe, it is a little shocking for many people including me. For "Shouwa" people, the image of "Heisei" is very new. There is a genareation valley in our brain. That's why we can possibly be shocked to see the generation in my office, of course a little.
Now, 30's "Shouwa" is a boom. One reason is that a Japanese movie describing 30's "Shouwa" became popular last year. It was the period after about five years of the end of the war. It was my parent's generation's periods. Japan was poor, but recovering then.
My company's visual works division made a new DVD, "Japan in 30's Shouwa: Life of Family".
I watched it. It was very funny.
The DVD is a collection of a kind of non-fiction movies. A work discribes a husband on a wife in a family. In the work, there is no conversation between the husband and the wife. They support together, but no communication. Their kids were unconfortable in the situation, but can't complain it.
In a dinner time, nobody talk in the family, and they focus on eating. Only the father drinks sake alone. Everbody looks sad. However, they accept the condition.
When I thought what would happen after that, the movie finished suddenly.
Maybe for all people, this movie is strange. I think so too. But I can understand it. This was a typical old Japanese family. Father was strong but lonely in a home. Mother just obeyed her husband. Kids couldn't complain anything to parents. Such a condition is unusual now, and not supported by anybody. But now for many people, the old life style is a nostalgic one.
The DVD seems to be sold very much after it was introduced in a newspaper. It is an interesting phenomina in Japan.
I works in sales division. This was the division mainly for men before. No women wanted to work here. Because women wanted to work in a bookstore, and liked to be surrounded by many books. And, men thought it was natural for women to work in a bookstore, and not natural to go out to many customers. But, now it is opposite. Freshwomen working in sales division are more than men. I heard form the person in my company's human resource division that the female applier for my company is more aggressive to get a carrer. That's why my company thinks women are more fitted to a sales person.
It is 18th "Heisei" year. "Heisei" is a name of era of the present Japanese emperor. Japan has an unique year-counting system. When an emperopr replaced an previous emperor, we name the year a new eara name. Before "Heisei", the year name was "Shouwa". I was born in "Shouwa".
There is no "Heisei"-born people in my company now, but they will come soon. Maybe, it is a little shocking for many people including me. For "Shouwa" people, the image of "Heisei" is very new. There is a genareation valley in our brain. That's why we can possibly be shocked to see the generation in my office, of course a little.
Now, 30's "Shouwa" is a boom. One reason is that a Japanese movie describing 30's "Shouwa" became popular last year. It was the period after about five years of the end of the war. It was my parent's generation's periods. Japan was poor, but recovering then.
My company's visual works division made a new DVD, "Japan in 30's Shouwa: Life of Family".
I watched it. It was very funny.
The DVD is a collection of a kind of non-fiction movies. A work discribes a husband on a wife in a family. In the work, there is no conversation between the husband and the wife. They support together, but no communication. Their kids were unconfortable in the situation, but can't complain it.
In a dinner time, nobody talk in the family, and they focus on eating. Only the father drinks sake alone. Everbody looks sad. However, they accept the condition.
When I thought what would happen after that, the movie finished suddenly.
Maybe for all people, this movie is strange. I think so too. But I can understand it. This was a typical old Japanese family. Father was strong but lonely in a home. Mother just obeyed her husband. Kids couldn't complain anything to parents. Such a condition is unusual now, and not supported by anybody. But now for many people, the old life style is a nostalgic one.
The DVD seems to be sold very much after it was introduced in a newspaper. It is an interesting phenomina in Japan.
Monday, March 27, 2006
VS Yasukuni
Cherry blossams season has come a little earlier in Japan. The season is short, a week. So, we have to rush to enjoy watching them. Hanami is a popular party now. We drink and eat under the tree of cherry blossams.
There are many good spots for Hanami in Tokyo. Yasukuni shrine is one of them. I and some friends went there yesterday. It was my first visit of the shrine.
We expected for a full of beautiful flowers, but 40% of flowers were growing when we watched them. Most street shops was under construction. Maybe, next week is better for Hanami.
We went into Yasukuni, and watched some statues and architectures.
My image of this shrine was big. However it was not . I know many bigger shrines in Kyoto, my home town. I was surprised at the gap between the image on TV and the real size.
Because we went late, we couldn't walk into a exciting museum in the shrine, which admires Japanese soldiers in WW2. We can watch a lot of weapons there.
Although the interest in Yasukuni shrine is increasing in the international politics, I heard that the donation to the shrine is decreasing. Because the generation experiencing the war is decreasing year by year. Yasukuni is not a general shrine. It is a special shrine for dead soldiers. So, it mught be difficult for Yasukuni to get normal religious supporters.
When I watched an advertisement of professional wrestling in Yasukuni, I was very surprised. ( We can watch it in a shrine! Gash! It is impossible in Kyoto.)
To eran money, this shrine have to have such an event.
We bought beer and snacks in a convenience store, and had a party in Yasukuni.
For Hanami, this place is very peaceful. Mr. President Koizumi should have Hanami party there.
There are many good spots for Hanami in Tokyo. Yasukuni shrine is one of them. I and some friends went there yesterday. It was my first visit of the shrine.
We expected for a full of beautiful flowers, but 40% of flowers were growing when we watched them. Most street shops was under construction. Maybe, next week is better for Hanami.
We went into Yasukuni, and watched some statues and architectures.
My image of this shrine was big. However it was not . I know many bigger shrines in Kyoto, my home town. I was surprised at the gap between the image on TV and the real size.
Because we went late, we couldn't walk into a exciting museum in the shrine, which admires Japanese soldiers in WW2. We can watch a lot of weapons there.
Although the interest in Yasukuni shrine is increasing in the international politics, I heard that the donation to the shrine is decreasing. Because the generation experiencing the war is decreasing year by year. Yasukuni is not a general shrine. It is a special shrine for dead soldiers. So, it mught be difficult for Yasukuni to get normal religious supporters.
When I watched an advertisement of professional wrestling in Yasukuni, I was very surprised. ( We can watch it in a shrine! Gash! It is impossible in Kyoto.)
To eran money, this shrine have to have such an event.
We bought beer and snacks in a convenience store, and had a party in Yasukuni.
For Hanami, this place is very peaceful. Mr. President Koizumi should have Hanami party there.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
VS WBC
March is the final month of a fiscal year in Japan. I have to finish many things in this month, and almost had done.
I went to a government office many times this month, because I was invited to some Bids. For new fiscal year, March is the bids month in Japan. Government calls us, and says "Come to the office for a bid at XX o'clock on XXth in March." Time and day are strict. We don't have a choce to change the schedule. That's why my schedule was very tight and busy in this month.
Today, Japanese baseball teams got championship in WBC, World Baseball Classic. I am proud of it. Compared with World Cup in soccer, the status of WBC is lower, but I hope this event become more popular in the future.
I can't understand why American team couldn't go to the final tournament. I heard that the team balance of American team was bad; too much homerun butters. On next WBC, America will change the team balance and revenge.
For Japanese, maybe most exciting game was VS Korea. I was very excited to watch it.
I watched the game in a rest room of Onsen, hot-spring, near my city.
I drunk a bottle of beer each inning. Total beer was nine. I was excited and drunk very much.
In this WBC, Japan won 1 game against Korea and lost 2. But, it got championship. I can guess this is a unsatifying result fof Korean people. They must hope for next WBC coming soon.
I think Japan vs Korea is very exciting for any sports. If I were a arranger of sports event, I use this exciting mutch every event. Japan and Korea has bad relationship on political level, but business is different from politics. We should use this "hostile" relationship for business.
Tomorrow, I have four bids. Too much! My free time is just in lunch time. I wish I can have a luch in Chinatown in Yokohama tomorrow.
I went to a government office many times this month, because I was invited to some Bids. For new fiscal year, March is the bids month in Japan. Government calls us, and says "Come to the office for a bid at XX o'clock on XXth in March." Time and day are strict. We don't have a choce to change the schedule. That's why my schedule was very tight and busy in this month.
Today, Japanese baseball teams got championship in WBC, World Baseball Classic. I am proud of it. Compared with World Cup in soccer, the status of WBC is lower, but I hope this event become more popular in the future.
I can't understand why American team couldn't go to the final tournament. I heard that the team balance of American team was bad; too much homerun butters. On next WBC, America will change the team balance and revenge.
For Japanese, maybe most exciting game was VS Korea. I was very excited to watch it.
I watched the game in a rest room of Onsen, hot-spring, near my city.
I drunk a bottle of beer each inning. Total beer was nine. I was excited and drunk very much.
In this WBC, Japan won 1 game against Korea and lost 2. But, it got championship. I can guess this is a unsatifying result fof Korean people. They must hope for next WBC coming soon.
I think Japan vs Korea is very exciting for any sports. If I were a arranger of sports event, I use this exciting mutch every event. Japan and Korea has bad relationship on political level, but business is different from politics. We should use this "hostile" relationship for business.
Tomorrow, I have four bids. Too much! My free time is just in lunch time. I wish I can have a luch in Chinatown in Yokohama tomorrow.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
VS DiSC
I took a psycological test recently.
The test name is DiSC.
This name comes from head letters of four words.
D is Dominance.
"i" is influence.
S is Steadiness.
C is Conscientiousness or Cautiousness.
I heard that we have all of four characters but the strongest one is different from each others.
I was gave a mark sheet and answered 24 questions.
It was an easy test, but we can know our potential character and our character that other people recognized.
I couldn't believe that such only 24 questions can judge our character, before the test. But, now I can believe it. Because I took the test with some my colleages and the test result was fitted with them very much.
I was categorized in "i".
The person who are in this character seems to be social, easy-going, passional and leading.
In addition, this person is dogmatic, undemocratic and fast to escape!
This is me? Hmm, I seem to rethink what I am.
The test name is DiSC.
This name comes from head letters of four words.
D is Dominance.
"i" is influence.
S is Steadiness.
C is Conscientiousness or Cautiousness.
I heard that we have all of four characters but the strongest one is different from each others.
I was gave a mark sheet and answered 24 questions.
It was an easy test, but we can know our potential character and our character that other people recognized.
I couldn't believe that such only 24 questions can judge our character, before the test. But, now I can believe it. Because I took the test with some my colleages and the test result was fitted with them very much.
I was categorized in "i".
The person who are in this character seems to be social, easy-going, passional and leading.
In addition, this person is dogmatic, undemocratic and fast to escape!
This is me? Hmm, I seem to rethink what I am.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
VS Livedoor
I am reading articles about Livedoor on a newspaper everyday. I can learn many things from the news about this IT company's illegal deals in a stock market and untrue accounting. I've never thought that the company's young president is a hero, but I was interested in him because his age was same as me. He has a same generation backgorud with me. That's why his opinion was easy to understand for me. For example, "Creativity is meaningless to earn money. Just follow the successor.", "We should know more about our own value in a market.", and the most famous phrase; there is nothing we can't buy with money.
He corrected his saying later a little, but he seemed to value the power of money more than humanity. Such an opinion is extreme. But he was a millionare. So, I think his style of thinking had a large infuluence on Japanese, especially young people.
I heard that Livedoor's value of stock is 10% now compared with the peak-value. After the president was arrested for his breaking a law. The price of the company's stock decreased rapidly. So, many people lost their money.
Not only individuals but also companies are getting damage by the decreasing. Fuji television Co.Ltd was tried to take over by Livedoor last year. This TV company decided to take an alliance with Livedoor after the battle in a stock market and a court. Now, we know the alliance was a bad choice. Fuji will lose more than ten billion yen. I am not sorry for their bad lack. If they were proud of their job, they didn't have to worry about Livedoor's challange. But, they couldn't have a confidence in their business. So, they escaped from the long fight against the young IT millionare.
The stock of Livedoor is going out of the market soon. It almost means we can't buy and sell the company's stock anywhere. That's why the value of the stock is zero for most people.
At this point, I realised that I can take over Livedoor!
Now the stock's value is zero.
If I say "I can buy your stock by 1 yen.", most people will sell it to me.
And, if I can buy 50% of all Livedoor stocks, my taking over is successful!
I thought this idea is great. And soon, I checked how many stocks of the company there are.
Gash! A billion of stocks!
To take over the company, I need half a billion yen. (= US$ 8.6 million, RNB 69 million, EUR 5 million) Can I save such a big money in my life?
I gave up this plan.
I heard that some Funds have already been thinking about this kind of attempt. Ok. Please buy it if you want. Window shopping is enough for me.
He corrected his saying later a little, but he seemed to value the power of money more than humanity. Such an opinion is extreme. But he was a millionare. So, I think his style of thinking had a large infuluence on Japanese, especially young people.
I heard that Livedoor's value of stock is 10% now compared with the peak-value. After the president was arrested for his breaking a law. The price of the company's stock decreased rapidly. So, many people lost their money.
Not only individuals but also companies are getting damage by the decreasing. Fuji television Co.Ltd was tried to take over by Livedoor last year. This TV company decided to take an alliance with Livedoor after the battle in a stock market and a court. Now, we know the alliance was a bad choice. Fuji will lose more than ten billion yen. I am not sorry for their bad lack. If they were proud of their job, they didn't have to worry about Livedoor's challange. But, they couldn't have a confidence in their business. So, they escaped from the long fight against the young IT millionare.
The stock of Livedoor is going out of the market soon. It almost means we can't buy and sell the company's stock anywhere. That's why the value of the stock is zero for most people.
At this point, I realised that I can take over Livedoor!
Now the stock's value is zero.
If I say "I can buy your stock by 1 yen.", most people will sell it to me.
And, if I can buy 50% of all Livedoor stocks, my taking over is successful!
I thought this idea is great. And soon, I checked how many stocks of the company there are.
Gash! A billion of stocks!
To take over the company, I need half a billion yen. (= US$ 8.6 million, RNB 69 million, EUR 5 million) Can I save such a big money in my life?
I gave up this plan.
I heard that some Funds have already been thinking about this kind of attempt. Ok. Please buy it if you want. Window shopping is enough for me.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
VS Don
Busy days. Non-stop busy days are continuing from the beginning of this year.
Although I can enjoy the situation, I could lose energy recently.
So, I became to want to eat beef suddenly.
Beef and Beer. The double B can make me powerful. I went to a Yakiniku restaurant, DON, which offers us great beef.
Now, Japanese can't eat American beef because of BSE problem. The importing of American beef is inhibitted.
Don gives us one of Japanese beefs, Hida beef. Hida is an area name, which is a mountain area in Japan. So, the cows living in the area must have not only a strong muscle but also great oil in it to protect their body from the coldness. So, the taste is great! It's very juicy.
When I worked in Ebina city before, I sometimes went to the restaurant with my co-workers.
But, now I am working in another city. Five years had passed since I went there last time.
An old woman who was an owner of the restaurant was working there before.
And, when I went there recently, she was still working there.
I didn't think she remembered me, but she actually remembered me. She said soon, "Long time no see! How are you? You looks more matured than before. Do you married?" Machine-gun asking. But it's ok. And, she talked a little about the last conversation between us. It was five years ago! Amazing. When I talked with her, I was surprised at her memory.
When I was eating the good beef there, I was a little nostalgic.
I have eaten Yakiniku many times. I can eat Yakiniku anywhere, anytime. But, the taste at the night was memorial. Maybe, our purpose of eating and drinking is to make a memory.
Although I can enjoy the situation, I could lose energy recently.
So, I became to want to eat beef suddenly.
Beef and Beer. The double B can make me powerful. I went to a Yakiniku restaurant, DON, which offers us great beef.
Now, Japanese can't eat American beef because of BSE problem. The importing of American beef is inhibitted.
Don gives us one of Japanese beefs, Hida beef. Hida is an area name, which is a mountain area in Japan. So, the cows living in the area must have not only a strong muscle but also great oil in it to protect their body from the coldness. So, the taste is great! It's very juicy.
When I worked in Ebina city before, I sometimes went to the restaurant with my co-workers.
But, now I am working in another city. Five years had passed since I went there last time.
An old woman who was an owner of the restaurant was working there before.
And, when I went there recently, she was still working there.
I didn't think she remembered me, but she actually remembered me. She said soon, "Long time no see! How are you? You looks more matured than before. Do you married?" Machine-gun asking. But it's ok. And, she talked a little about the last conversation between us. It was five years ago! Amazing. When I talked with her, I was surprised at her memory.
When I was eating the good beef there, I was a little nostalgic.
I have eaten Yakiniku many times. I can eat Yakiniku anywhere, anytime. But, the taste at the night was memorial. Maybe, our purpose of eating and drinking is to make a memory.
Monday, February 13, 2006
VS Computing Reviews
I had an business meeting with an American publisher, in Tokyo.
I always talk with foreign friends in English, but I don't have a business conversation in English so much. Thus, the meeting was very taugh for me.
"The pricing policy of this commodity should be...."
"This general agreement means....."
"I think the most useful advertisement is...."
Too serious.
It was very difficult for me to catch up with these themes in English!
Actually, I lost the points we discuss many times. I needed the help of translater in fact.
In addition, the publication was also the difficult one.
It was a journal for computer science. The title is Computing Reviews.
I heard the journal is very popular in America and some Asian countries.
(Of course, the readers are only scientists and engineers.)
The publisher came to Japan, to make the journal popular in Japan.
To be honest, it is a difficult thing to sell English computer books in Japan.
Because, a lot of Japanese computer books are published now. And, English books are translated into Japanese soon. So, nobody have to read difficult English computer books here.
However, the publisher was a nice guy. I heve to help his business.
After the meeting, we went for a drink.
His visit of Tokyo this time was second times, but he didn't know about Japan at all. So, I took him to a typical Japanese Izakaya, and ordered many foods unfamilier for him. Raw horse meat, Milt, Angler's liver and so on. And, of course, I ordered Japanese Sake a lot, for him, and for me. He seemed to be happier and happier during drinking.
His wife is Greek. I asked him why Greek? He said,"Greek is a cosmopolitan." I see, I see. Also is Turkey. They are the place where West and East meets. All romantist love Greek and Turkey. I thought our preference was very similar. My responsibility of helping him bacame bigger.
I think he had an appointment with a customer next early morning. But, we drunk a lot at the night.
I am not sure that he could get up the day. If he prefered sleepning more to getting up then, he could be a real romantist.
I always talk with foreign friends in English, but I don't have a business conversation in English so much. Thus, the meeting was very taugh for me.
"The pricing policy of this commodity should be...."
"This general agreement means....."
"I think the most useful advertisement is...."
Too serious.
It was very difficult for me to catch up with these themes in English!
Actually, I lost the points we discuss many times. I needed the help of translater in fact.
In addition, the publication was also the difficult one.
It was a journal for computer science. The title is Computing Reviews.
I heard the journal is very popular in America and some Asian countries.
(Of course, the readers are only scientists and engineers.)
The publisher came to Japan, to make the journal popular in Japan.
To be honest, it is a difficult thing to sell English computer books in Japan.
Because, a lot of Japanese computer books are published now. And, English books are translated into Japanese soon. So, nobody have to read difficult English computer books here.
However, the publisher was a nice guy. I heve to help his business.
After the meeting, we went for a drink.
His visit of Tokyo this time was second times, but he didn't know about Japan at all. So, I took him to a typical Japanese Izakaya, and ordered many foods unfamilier for him. Raw horse meat, Milt, Angler's liver and so on. And, of course, I ordered Japanese Sake a lot, for him, and for me. He seemed to be happier and happier during drinking.
His wife is Greek. I asked him why Greek? He said,"Greek is a cosmopolitan." I see, I see. Also is Turkey. They are the place where West and East meets. All romantist love Greek and Turkey. I thought our preference was very similar. My responsibility of helping him bacame bigger.
I think he had an appointment with a customer next early morning. But, we drunk a lot at the night.
I am not sure that he could get up the day. If he prefered sleepning more to getting up then, he could be a real romantist.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
VS British Bar
I went to a british style bar in Machida.
The name is Trafalgar. It is located on a basement on a narrow street.
I heard from the owner that the bar was open two yaers ago, but I didn't know it though I went to Machida everyday to go to my office.
The place was a Cajun food restaurant before. The restaurant was managed by an American owner and the food was so great, but it was closed a few years ago. So, I didn't go to the area where the British bar is located.
The bar offers us real ale. I enjoyed some beer which I've never tasted. One beer was very fruity. Another was very heavy. I saw that the Guiness in the bar was poured by a hand pomp. I heard that it is the authentic way to pour Guiness beer. It makes good creamy bubbles. But, most bar use a microwave to make bubbles.
I like good foods, so I don't eat typical bar food so much, for example Fish and Chips. But, I know TPO (Time, Place, Oppotunity) is important. In this kind of an authentic bar, we have the duty to eat authentic bar foods. So, of course I ordered oily Fish and Chips. Although water and oil can't mix together, beer and oil become a great mixture. It is amazing.
This bar gives us not only british beer but also Japanese local beer. Next time, I will try a beer made in Ngaano. The name is Yona Yona Ale. The meaning could be "the beer for every night". Sounds attractive.
The name is Trafalgar. It is located on a basement on a narrow street.
I heard from the owner that the bar was open two yaers ago, but I didn't know it though I went to Machida everyday to go to my office.
The place was a Cajun food restaurant before. The restaurant was managed by an American owner and the food was so great, but it was closed a few years ago. So, I didn't go to the area where the British bar is located.
The bar offers us real ale. I enjoyed some beer which I've never tasted. One beer was very fruity. Another was very heavy. I saw that the Guiness in the bar was poured by a hand pomp. I heard that it is the authentic way to pour Guiness beer. It makes good creamy bubbles. But, most bar use a microwave to make bubbles.
I like good foods, so I don't eat typical bar food so much, for example Fish and Chips. But, I know TPO (Time, Place, Oppotunity) is important. In this kind of an authentic bar, we have the duty to eat authentic bar foods. So, of course I ordered oily Fish and Chips. Although water and oil can't mix together, beer and oil become a great mixture. It is amazing.
This bar gives us not only british beer but also Japanese local beer. Next time, I will try a beer made in Ngaano. The name is Yona Yona Ale. The meaning could be "the beer for every night". Sounds attractive.
Friday, February 03, 2006
VS Calligraphy
When I was a child, I learned Calligraphy a little, just a day. It was too boring for me. I gave up learning it soon. I couldn't understand the interesting point of just writing letters. Actually, when I was an elementary school student, I used a pencil and a notebook, so I wrote something very much in a class. No more writing was my feeling. So, I couldn't have an interest in Calligraphy then. But, recently I don't use a pen or a pencil. I don't write with them so much. I use a computer and put keys to write something.
I become interested in hand-writing or Calligraphy recently. Maybe it is a reaction of using computer too much for writing. But, anyway, I become to like a beautiful hand-writing. So, I went to Tokyo national Museum, to watch Calligraphy exhibition.
I went to the museum before noon on Sunday. The exhibition shows us a lot of Chinese and Japanese Calligraphy. It was very interesting to compare Chinese writing style and Japanese. Both countries use Kanji character. But, Japanese simplified some of Kanji to make their own character; Hiragana. It looks very soft. So, Japanese Calligraphy looks softer than Chinese.
We can know the historical change of writing in the exhibition. I din't think there are many veriations of writing letters before watching the exhibition. But, Each written letters have an unique character.
To understand Calligraphy, we can't forget the name of Wang Xizhi.
He lived in 7c or 8c. He was a big name in Calligraphy, like Pere in soccer. He established the art of writing letters. Even now, many people study Calligraphy by watching his works.
In the exhibition, a lot of his works were exhibited.
One of my purpose of coming to the museum was to watch them, but too many people were there!
I didn't think so many people come there.
Before noon on Sunday! Why don't they sleep until noon? Which is better, just watching letters written by somebody or sleeping in a comfortable bed till noon? The answer is obvious.
But, many people came to the museum and they stopped in front of the works of Wang Xizhi for a long time. I pushed softly the people in front of me. I jumped among a lot of people. However, I couldn't watch his works enough. Too bad!
This exhibition will move from Tokyo to Shanghai this spring. I heard that the people in Shanghai are interested in these great works too.
I become interested in hand-writing or Calligraphy recently. Maybe it is a reaction of using computer too much for writing. But, anyway, I become to like a beautiful hand-writing. So, I went to Tokyo national Museum, to watch Calligraphy exhibition.
I went to the museum before noon on Sunday. The exhibition shows us a lot of Chinese and Japanese Calligraphy. It was very interesting to compare Chinese writing style and Japanese. Both countries use Kanji character. But, Japanese simplified some of Kanji to make their own character; Hiragana. It looks very soft. So, Japanese Calligraphy looks softer than Chinese.
We can know the historical change of writing in the exhibition. I din't think there are many veriations of writing letters before watching the exhibition. But, Each written letters have an unique character.
To understand Calligraphy, we can't forget the name of Wang Xizhi.
He lived in 7c or 8c. He was a big name in Calligraphy, like Pere in soccer. He established the art of writing letters. Even now, many people study Calligraphy by watching his works.
In the exhibition, a lot of his works were exhibited.
One of my purpose of coming to the museum was to watch them, but too many people were there!
I didn't think so many people come there.
Before noon on Sunday! Why don't they sleep until noon? Which is better, just watching letters written by somebody or sleeping in a comfortable bed till noon? The answer is obvious.
But, many people came to the museum and they stopped in front of the works of Wang Xizhi for a long time. I pushed softly the people in front of me. I jumped among a lot of people. However, I couldn't watch his works enough. Too bad!
This exhibition will move from Tokyo to Shanghai this spring. I heard that the people in Shanghai are interested in these great works too.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
VS Earthquake
My long trip to my home was finished. Tonight, Earthquake occured around Tokyo. Therefore all JR trains stopped for a long time tonight. When the earthquake occuerd, I was in my office and ate a conveinence store food for dinner alone. It was a shit dinner.
I didn't think the earthquake was big. But certainly, the shaking time might be long.
After finishing a long shit work, I went to a station and knew all train didn't work!
However, another train company didn't have any problem.
So, I changed my route. I used another line and I could go home fortunately.
But it took more time to go home.
Why is JR train so weak? I can't understand.
After I went home, I knew the magnitude was 4. It was a middle class earthquake.
I happened to see my friend in a station. He told me that JR was so safety that it could stop soon.
Tolerant mind is beautiful.
I didn't think the earthquake was big. But certainly, the shaking time might be long.
After finishing a long shit work, I went to a station and knew all train didn't work!
However, another train company didn't have any problem.
So, I changed my route. I used another line and I could go home fortunately.
But it took more time to go home.
Why is JR train so weak? I can't understand.
After I went home, I knew the magnitude was 4. It was a middle class earthquake.
I happened to see my friend in a station. He told me that JR was so safety that it could stop soon.
Tolerant mind is beautiful.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
VS Hostess
January is the baddest month for bars and restaurants in Japan.
Because most people used much money for drinking in December, we think January should be the cheaper month. So, we don't go for drinking so much.
But, if others pay money for drinking, we don't have the reason to avoid the oppotunity of drinking. Especially if our company pays money, drinking is the right an duty of labourer.
I went to drink with my customers recently. It must be a WORK. So, of course, I don't pay money at all.
We went to Yokohama. I didn't know a good drinking place there, but my customers knew very much. I followed them. In general, when drinking with customers, I should be a host. So, I have to arrange the time, place and everything for drinking. But, this time was opposite. It was a rare case.
We went to a new izakaya, and enjoyed good raw fish and a lot of Japanese Sake.
After a while, we became drunk.
One of my customer started to say " To be honest, your company's price is expensive!"
I was also drunk.
"No, you are getting good service."
Price or Service is a subjective matter. So, we can't reach complete conclusion at all.
Our argument was just a chat.
On 1st izakaya stage, my customers paid money. This was a rare and rare case.
I had to invite them to a next stage. But, as I wrote above, I didn't know a good place in Yokohama. So again, my customers took me another place.
The place was an old-style small bar. We call such a place "Snack", in Japan.
There were four hostesses there. They served us for drinking.
Their average age was perhaps over fifty. The head hostess must be over sixty. As you can imagine, the place was very classical and antique.
My cutomer had kept his own whisky bottole. We drunk his whisky. It meaned our drinking cost was almost zero. We enjoyed Karaoke in the Snack. I had to sing old Japanese songs, because the audiences were not young.
I could enjoy this drinking time, but this was also a WORK. So, I shouldn't be treated by my customers. Thus, I ordered another new whisky bottole for them. Of courese, I payed it. (Correctly, my company payed it.)
The price was 30,000 yen!
I knew the net price is under 3,000 yen. I was very suprised. However, I couldn't have cancel my order.
Maybe, most people might think why we drink in such an expensive place? I think so too, and I don't usually come to this kind of place.
This kind of place is a community for the people with power.
In fact, some customer I met in the Snack were company's presidents. They don't like a cheap and noisy drinking place for young people. I can understand matured hostesses are good for them.
I think this drinking was an impressive experience for me.
Now I can't forget the sixty-years-old head hostess with a sparkling red shirt.
Because most people used much money for drinking in December, we think January should be the cheaper month. So, we don't go for drinking so much.
But, if others pay money for drinking, we don't have the reason to avoid the oppotunity of drinking. Especially if our company pays money, drinking is the right an duty of labourer.
I went to drink with my customers recently. It must be a WORK. So, of course, I don't pay money at all.
We went to Yokohama. I didn't know a good drinking place there, but my customers knew very much. I followed them. In general, when drinking with customers, I should be a host. So, I have to arrange the time, place and everything for drinking. But, this time was opposite. It was a rare case.
We went to a new izakaya, and enjoyed good raw fish and a lot of Japanese Sake.
After a while, we became drunk.
One of my customer started to say " To be honest, your company's price is expensive!"
I was also drunk.
"No, you are getting good service."
Price or Service is a subjective matter. So, we can't reach complete conclusion at all.
Our argument was just a chat.
On 1st izakaya stage, my customers paid money. This was a rare and rare case.
I had to invite them to a next stage. But, as I wrote above, I didn't know a good place in Yokohama. So again, my customers took me another place.
The place was an old-style small bar. We call such a place "Snack", in Japan.
There were four hostesses there. They served us for drinking.
Their average age was perhaps over fifty. The head hostess must be over sixty. As you can imagine, the place was very classical and antique.
My cutomer had kept his own whisky bottole. We drunk his whisky. It meaned our drinking cost was almost zero. We enjoyed Karaoke in the Snack. I had to sing old Japanese songs, because the audiences were not young.
I could enjoy this drinking time, but this was also a WORK. So, I shouldn't be treated by my customers. Thus, I ordered another new whisky bottole for them. Of courese, I payed it. (Correctly, my company payed it.)
The price was 30,000 yen!
I knew the net price is under 3,000 yen. I was very suprised. However, I couldn't have cancel my order.
Maybe, most people might think why we drink in such an expensive place? I think so too, and I don't usually come to this kind of place.
This kind of place is a community for the people with power.
In fact, some customer I met in the Snack were company's presidents. They don't like a cheap and noisy drinking place for young people. I can understand matured hostesses are good for them.
I think this drinking was an impressive experience for me.
Now I can't forget the sixty-years-old head hostess with a sparkling red shirt.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
VS Laffy Taffy
Laffy Taffy is a famous American candy.
(See: http://www.hometownfavorites.com/laffy-taffy.htm)
I got it as a suvenier from America by Lance. Before his going back to America during his holidays, I requested him to buy typical American sweets, which is very very sweet.
Laffy Taffy is not strongly sweet. But, once I eat it, it is difficult to stop it. Today, I'm enjoying it with "Mt.Fuji" whisky, which is very strong, 50% degree.
Laffy Taffy has some tastes. I love Banana taste. It's fitted to whisky very much.
American feels nostalgic to eat it? I, Japanese, can't. But, The taste is enough to remind me of my childhood. Maybe, the sweets like Laffy Taffy are not healthy. However, children don't usually take care of their health. So, unhealthy foods are the symbol of youth. When I look at the sparkring yellow colour of Banana taste Laffy Taffy, I can go back to my childhood days.
Two jokes are written on the package of Laffy Taffy.
They are Q&A style.
Q:WHAT IS A CAT'S FAVORITE COLOR?
A:"PURR-PLE."
Q:WHAT IS A BUNNY'S MOTTO?
A:"DON'T FROWN. BE HOPPY"
Q:WHAT DID THE NOODLES SAY TO THE BUTTER?
A:"DON'T TRY AND BUTTER ME UP."
Q:WHAT DO YOU CALL TWIN BROTHERS?
A:"A SUNSET."
Mmm, I can't get laughing points. They are jokes for kids.
My English level might not reach kid's level. I have to study more.
(See: http://www.hometownfavorites.com/laffy-taffy.htm)
I got it as a suvenier from America by Lance. Before his going back to America during his holidays, I requested him to buy typical American sweets, which is very very sweet.
Laffy Taffy is not strongly sweet. But, once I eat it, it is difficult to stop it. Today, I'm enjoying it with "Mt.Fuji" whisky, which is very strong, 50% degree.
Laffy Taffy has some tastes. I love Banana taste. It's fitted to whisky very much.
American feels nostalgic to eat it? I, Japanese, can't. But, The taste is enough to remind me of my childhood. Maybe, the sweets like Laffy Taffy are not healthy. However, children don't usually take care of their health. So, unhealthy foods are the symbol of youth. When I look at the sparkring yellow colour of Banana taste Laffy Taffy, I can go back to my childhood days.
Two jokes are written on the package of Laffy Taffy.
They are Q&A style.
Q:WHAT IS A CAT'S FAVORITE COLOR?
A:"PURR-PLE."
Q:WHAT IS A BUNNY'S MOTTO?
A:"DON'T FROWN. BE HOPPY"
Q:WHAT DID THE NOODLES SAY TO THE BUTTER?
A:"DON'T TRY AND BUTTER ME UP."
Q:WHAT DO YOU CALL TWIN BROTHERS?
A:"A SUNSET."
Mmm, I can't get laughing points. They are jokes for kids.
My English level might not reach kid's level. I have to study more.
Monday, January 09, 2006
VS Mt.Fuji
I've ever climbed Mt.Fuji twice. It was too taugh work.
I don't know the reason, but Japanese loves Mt.Fuji.
My climbing was only in summer season. It is good for ameteur climbers. Because, when the bottom of the mountain is is summer, the top is in winter. The temperature of the top is under zero.
Thus, in winter season, only professional climber can climb the mountain.
Cimbing Mt.Fuji is not difficult. We don't need a special technique to climb it. It is like walking on a long slope. But, the slope is long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long and looooooooooong. Honestly I don't want to climb it more.
However, if you've never climbed Mt.Fuji, I recomend yu to climb it.
Maybe night time climbing is better, because you can watch the sun rise from the top of the mountain. It is very beautiful.
When I climbed it, fortunately everytime the weather was good and the view from the top was very clear. Even though I said "I don't want to climb it more.", I will challange to climb it again this year. Why? Mmm, I don't know.
Recently I am drinking a whisky, which name is "Mt.Fuji". It is 50% degree. It's too strong! But it becomes popular now in Japan.
In Japan, today is the holiday for the people becoming an adult, 20 years old. I want to recomend new adults to drink this top level alcohol. It is very bitter.
I don't know the reason, but Japanese loves Mt.Fuji.
My climbing was only in summer season. It is good for ameteur climbers. Because, when the bottom of the mountain is is summer, the top is in winter. The temperature of the top is under zero.
Thus, in winter season, only professional climber can climb the mountain.
Cimbing Mt.Fuji is not difficult. We don't need a special technique to climb it. It is like walking on a long slope. But, the slope is long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long and looooooooooong. Honestly I don't want to climb it more.
However, if you've never climbed Mt.Fuji, I recomend yu to climb it.
Maybe night time climbing is better, because you can watch the sun rise from the top of the mountain. It is very beautiful.
When I climbed it, fortunately everytime the weather was good and the view from the top was very clear. Even though I said "I don't want to climb it more.", I will challange to climb it again this year. Why? Mmm, I don't know.
Recently I am drinking a whisky, which name is "Mt.Fuji". It is 50% degree. It's too strong! But it becomes popular now in Japan.
In Japan, today is the holiday for the people becoming an adult, 20 years old. I want to recomend new adults to drink this top level alcohol. It is very bitter.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
VS Shrine
I spent my new year holidays in my home town, Kyoto.
As many Japanese people do so, I ate Ozouni, a kind of stew, on the first morning in this year.
After that, I went to a shrine with my friend.
Going to Shrine sometimes becomes controversy, but It is a traditional work for a new year in Japan. Actually, for most people including me, it has not strong religious meaning. It is just for enjoying a new year's atomosphere.
Fortunately for me, there are a lot of shrines in Kyoto. So, I can go to some shrines easily. I went to the closest shrine from my house. The place was very crowded. I and my friend tried to reach the shrine, but we gave up soon. If we were more religious men, we couldn't gave up reaching it.
However, I donated a small money for the shrine later. The money was very very small, but my friend couldn't understand why I donated money, because I am not religious. My aim was only for preserveing a historical heritage. So, I paid 10 yen for the shrine.
Near the shrine, we drunk Ama-Sake. It is an old-style hot Sake, which is mede of Sake, suger, ginger and water. I tried it then for the first time. To be honest, the taste was shit! I couldn't finish a glass at that time. But, Ama-Sake is very popular in the place like Shrine, and many people drink it. I hope I can get fortune by drinking it.
This year, I can get 10 days holidays because I've worked for my company for 10 years.
It's a long time. I am surprised at it. This year's biggest mission for me is to use the holidays effeciently.
As many Japanese people do so, I ate Ozouni, a kind of stew, on the first morning in this year.
After that, I went to a shrine with my friend.
Going to Shrine sometimes becomes controversy, but It is a traditional work for a new year in Japan. Actually, for most people including me, it has not strong religious meaning. It is just for enjoying a new year's atomosphere.
Fortunately for me, there are a lot of shrines in Kyoto. So, I can go to some shrines easily. I went to the closest shrine from my house. The place was very crowded. I and my friend tried to reach the shrine, but we gave up soon. If we were more religious men, we couldn't gave up reaching it.
However, I donated a small money for the shrine later. The money was very very small, but my friend couldn't understand why I donated money, because I am not religious. My aim was only for preserveing a historical heritage. So, I paid 10 yen for the shrine.
Near the shrine, we drunk Ama-Sake. It is an old-style hot Sake, which is mede of Sake, suger, ginger and water. I tried it then for the first time. To be honest, the taste was shit! I couldn't finish a glass at that time. But, Ama-Sake is very popular in the place like Shrine, and many people drink it. I hope I can get fortune by drinking it.
This year, I can get 10 days holidays because I've worked for my company for 10 years.
It's a long time. I am surprised at it. This year's biggest mission for me is to use the holidays effeciently.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
VS Immigration
This is my last post in this year, which is now on the last corner, going to the ending. We want to delay the speed of finishing, but it is theoretically impossible. Only we can do is to make our brain work slowly, for feeling the time passing speed becomes slow. So, we always have a lot of drinking party in this month. Alcohol sometimes stops our time. It's miracle. But, of course, after we get up, we realise that time was certainly going forward.
From this year, the birth rate will became smaller than the death rate in Japan. Japanese population will strat to decrease. Japan will be an aged country rapidly. Japanese government and companies think about this situation seriously, but they don't have good solutions, though the government knew this problem 30 years ago.
The government started to support the bringing children up. The parents with kids can get small money from the government. I think this policy is good for some parents, but I am not sure this policy can solve the problem of decreasing population. I think that the choice which to have a child or not, is mostly based on our life style, not our economical condition. Who bears a baby to get money, in Japan? Another policy is to support a working woman with children. For example, the government support women( and men) to have a day-off easily to bring their children up. This policy could be helpful for women. But, I don't think Japanese population increases again by this policy. It is bigger trend for people not to have children.
I can't understand why Japanese government think more seriously about an immigrant policy. If we want to more population, it is the easiest way to invite here the people who want to come to Japan. There are many countries which population is still incresing. We can IMPORT the people to Japan.
While the lack of interest in an immigrant policy, Japanese government is very interested in making a bigger economical community in Asia with China, Korea, India, Australia and ASEAN.
I like this idea, but, for the success of the idea, we should understand the freedom of movability and stability is needed. It means that immigration must be more free in the community. So, I think Japanese policy is not consistent.
I know an immigrant policy is difficult. I was surprised that the riot of immigrant occured this year in France. I heard that the immigrant policy in France was most successful. But even France has a difficult problem.
However, I think it's impossible to survive in the future, for the country closed to outer people.
So are each person. Although we tend to be satisfied with keeping touch with familiar people only, it sometimes equals the lack of skill to communicate with different people. We must be open. Our country must be open.
"Be open" might be a pressure phrase for some Japanese. But, we should know that the person closed to others is also closed by others.
What kind of different others can I meet next year? I'm looking forward.
From this year, the birth rate will became smaller than the death rate in Japan. Japanese population will strat to decrease. Japan will be an aged country rapidly. Japanese government and companies think about this situation seriously, but they don't have good solutions, though the government knew this problem 30 years ago.
The government started to support the bringing children up. The parents with kids can get small money from the government. I think this policy is good for some parents, but I am not sure this policy can solve the problem of decreasing population. I think that the choice which to have a child or not, is mostly based on our life style, not our economical condition. Who bears a baby to get money, in Japan? Another policy is to support a working woman with children. For example, the government support women( and men) to have a day-off easily to bring their children up. This policy could be helpful for women. But, I don't think Japanese population increases again by this policy. It is bigger trend for people not to have children.
I can't understand why Japanese government think more seriously about an immigrant policy. If we want to more population, it is the easiest way to invite here the people who want to come to Japan. There are many countries which population is still incresing. We can IMPORT the people to Japan.
While the lack of interest in an immigrant policy, Japanese government is very interested in making a bigger economical community in Asia with China, Korea, India, Australia and ASEAN.
I like this idea, but, for the success of the idea, we should understand the freedom of movability and stability is needed. It means that immigration must be more free in the community. So, I think Japanese policy is not consistent.
I know an immigrant policy is difficult. I was surprised that the riot of immigrant occured this year in France. I heard that the immigrant policy in France was most successful. But even France has a difficult problem.
However, I think it's impossible to survive in the future, for the country closed to outer people.
So are each person. Although we tend to be satisfied with keeping touch with familiar people only, it sometimes equals the lack of skill to communicate with different people. We must be open. Our country must be open.
"Be open" might be a pressure phrase for some Japanese. But, we should know that the person closed to others is also closed by others.
What kind of different others can I meet next year? I'm looking forward.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
VS Silent Night
Today is December 24th. Long long celebrating season is almost reaching the climax. From the beginning of this month, all cities were decorated and illuminated in Japan. We are very excited.
Maybe, this mood in this seson in Japan is different from another countries. For most western people, today is good for a silent and holy night. But, not for Japanese. We must not be still.
For some silent Japanese, this mood is sometimes a pressure. If we don't have any plan tonight, we are regarded as a sad person. So, everybody makes effrots to have SOMETHING TO DO; having a dinner with a girl or boy friend, arranging a party with our family, and so on.
Spending a time joyfully is good, but, of course, we can't forget our purpose.
We have this day in order to celebrate him.
When I was walking in a city today, I often heard of the phrase of calebration.
People call, "Mil Mascaras!"
Mil Mascaras.
He was a hero when I was a kid.
"Mil" means a thousand. He was a man with a thousand of face. Everytime we saw him, his face changed. He was not only strong but also beautiful. His CROSS CHOP was a deadly art. He used his hand like a scissors, to cut an enemy's neck. Of course, Mascaras was a gentleman. So, autually he didn't cut his enemy's neck. But if he used his power 100%, nobody can't escape from saying goodbye to our head.
FLYING BODY ATTACK was his finishing hold. When he jumped from a corner, nobody can't move. This situation was like a frog in front of a snake. And, at the next moment, his muscular body pressed an enemy. If Mascaras was a litte less kind, all the enemies would become a paper.
Now I am an adult, so I know his face is not real. It's a mask. But, I believed in the existece of Mil Mascaras when I was a child. The mask filled with a lot of gifts were children's dream, and is.
Maybe, this mood in this seson in Japan is different from another countries. For most western people, today is good for a silent and holy night. But, not for Japanese. We must not be still.
For some silent Japanese, this mood is sometimes a pressure. If we don't have any plan tonight, we are regarded as a sad person. So, everybody makes effrots to have SOMETHING TO DO; having a dinner with a girl or boy friend, arranging a party with our family, and so on.
Spending a time joyfully is good, but, of course, we can't forget our purpose.
We have this day in order to celebrate him.
When I was walking in a city today, I often heard of the phrase of calebration.
People call, "Mil Mascaras!"
Mil Mascaras.
He was a hero when I was a kid.
"Mil" means a thousand. He was a man with a thousand of face. Everytime we saw him, his face changed. He was not only strong but also beautiful. His CROSS CHOP was a deadly art. He used his hand like a scissors, to cut an enemy's neck. Of course, Mascaras was a gentleman. So, autually he didn't cut his enemy's neck. But if he used his power 100%, nobody can't escape from saying goodbye to our head.
FLYING BODY ATTACK was his finishing hold. When he jumped from a corner, nobody can't move. This situation was like a frog in front of a snake. And, at the next moment, his muscular body pressed an enemy. If Mascaras was a litte less kind, all the enemies would become a paper.
Now I am an adult, so I know his face is not real. It's a mask. But, I believed in the existece of Mil Mascaras when I was a child. The mask filled with a lot of gifts were children's dream, and is.
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