Japanese who don't know about Japan

When I was in Canada, I had many chances to appeal Japan. However, I couldn't talk about Japan although I am Japanese. Other countries people often wanted to know details. For example, I asked about "samurai" and "ninja". Of course I know them, but I couldn't explain them including historical problems. Even if I know it, I don't have enough skill and vocabularies to tell it. Sometimes, I asked my opinion, not knowledge, like "What do you think about Ainu?"

I feel Japanese people don't know about Japan. We try to study about other countries because of "internationalization" which is really important polity nowadays. What is "internationalization"? If we just can speak English very well, can we be an international person? I don't think so. Of course, it is important to know other countries and bring them in to our business. However, we might lose our identities as Japanese if we don't see ourselves at all. Japan also has great cultures and technologies which we have to keep in the future. In fact, one of great minority group and their culture, Ainu, is losing now. However, we don't have any education about them in the school at all. Maybe most people don't know what is happening to them at all. I doubt that it is good.

I think we have to learn about Japan more, to keep our cultures and identities and to let other countries people know about Japan more.

Common Points

In Monday class, we discussed common points among the group member. It was really hard for me because any points such as hometown, age, major are different. I noticed I have not thought about "common points" so much. I've had chance to think about different points or different culture in the class because I am learning about anthropology, cross cultural communication, and so on in my department. however it is new for me to think about common points. It is so easy to notice the differences, especially when I am in the different culture. I felt everything was new and interesting, but when I think back, I just didn't notice because there are so many differences in visible culture, custom, manner and so on.
However, we have many common points in invisible part such as feeling, for intense, we smile when we are happy, we cried when we sad. Today, I went to speech contest for exchange students, and there were many points that I can agree with them. I think it is because we have same feeling. Also, I could know some cultures which is similar to our culture through their speech. It makes me want to know about other cultures more.
To understand different points is so important but at the same time, it is also important to notice same points to make good relationship with other countries' people. There are soooo many things that I don't know yet. The more knowledge I have, the more things I can know. Then I'll be able to share the ideas with other people, and make communication easily. Therefore, I will focus on not only difference but also same points from now.

Minamata disease

Minamata disease, which is called also Chisso-Minamata disease, discovered in 1956. It is neurological syndrome caused by mercury poisoning. The first patient was a girl who is five years old. The Chisso corporation's chemical factory had released methyl-mercury from 1932 to 1968. It made Shiranui Sea and the Minamata Bay pollute, and the fish and selfish that people eat in daily life suffer from it. People who have a symptoms feel tiredness, have headache, get damage to hearing and speaking. In the worst case, death follow within weeks of the onset of symptoms. The people who lived around Minamata had to fight not only the disease but also harmful rumor and discrimination. Even now, some people suffer from the disease because heredity. The most congenital patients are now in their forties and fifties and their health is deteriorating. Some victims have tried to tied themselves in their house , and isolated from the local society.

This pollution problem is caused by industrial waste and hurt so many people. It tells us how important the sea and the food are, and we must not throw away the wastes that can pollute the nature.

Current issues in Japan

We discussed about current issue in Japan in the class. First we talked about information that the government should announce. Some people think the government should announce all the information, but I doubt it is really good for the people. If the information has possibility to cause panic among the people, the government should not tell them. Not all the people can calm down in this situation that some people lost everything. Releasing of information that can make people panic will second or third damage those people. Therefore, it is sometimes better for the government to withhold the information.
However, people should know what is happening with a stoic attitude. Even if it is the bad information for use, we should accept it and do something we can.

Life in Halifax!!

It has passed about 3weeks since I came to Halifax! I had many experiences here and all of them is so new for me.

At first, I visited many places in Halifax. I'll talk about it. At first, I went to Peggy's cove with two people, one is a person who was my English teacher before and the other is his girl friend. I saw beautiful sea at Peggy's cove. There is a light tower that is a symbol of Halifax. I also visited memorial place of plane accident. It was a place where plane of Swiss airline crushed and many people died. There is a part of the airplane wall, and it realised how the accident is terrible.

Second, I went to Mic Mac shopping mall with them!! It was really exciting place because many shops and goods was sold!!! What is most interesting is the shop we can make plushie by ourselves. That means we can make puppets that is only one in the world. Some sample of them were really cute. I'll make it for my sister when I go back to Japan. We could enjoy soooo much.

Traveling is important in Canadian life, but I can't enjoy only it because I have classes in Canada. It was so difficult for me. I take only three classes now, but I have many things to do. All of classes have exam once in a month, and I need to read textbook and something extra references before the class. Besides students tell their opinion during the class with rising hand, and it goes too fast to follow. For the first time, I wanted to cry, but now I am using to listening English a little bit and many friends always help me. Maybe I can do it if I study hard and keep trying.

I'm really busy since I came here, but I can enjoy this life now. Since now, I will study harder and harder and get credit for the class, and want to go many places in the vacation.

Hi, I'm in Halifax, Canadaaaa

Looooong time no write!! I forget this blog for a long time, but I will start writing again:) The reason why I think so, I start my Halifax life! I've just arrived here on Sep.3rd. At first I stayed at my friend's house, but now I'm in the Rice residence. I have to cook myself~~~ I'm afraid of it so much.

There are soooooo many problems when I come into residence, and my English is sooo bad.
I mean it took many times to solve the problems. They still leave now... but I'm maybe OK.

I don't know how I can live here, take the classes, make friends, and so on, but I'll do my best.
I just keep going!!!

Ｉ ｈａｖｅ ｓｏｏｏｏ bad condition...

My condition is so bad. I can't stop cough, have a headache, run nose, and so on. But I have to go to the classes of course...

In this semester, I took ten subjects. There are some English class, such as business English, Mass Media English, Honor's seminer English. I will go to Canada to study, so I have to be using to speaking these words. I chose the some classes whose teacher is native speaker, so I hope my listening skill is improved, The class that I especially like is translation class. I have not translate, and don't know about it well. However, translation is one of general job for our department. This is why I took this class. This week, I have a assginment in this class, but it was the first translation for me. It wasn't easy, but I could really enjoy it during the class.

This semester is not easy for me, because I have to improve my skill until I go to Canada. I have not enough. I will do my best!!

My Research - 1 " Introduction of Thailand"

Thailand is one of the Southest Asia country, and borders on Cambodia in the east, Laos in the North, Myammar in the west, and Malaysia in the South. Official name is "ราชอาณาจักรไทย" , it means "Kingdom of Thailand". Landform can be separated into 4 parts. The Thailand of north is mountain lands. There is "Doi Inthanonthe" , the highest mountain in Thailand. Khorat Plateau is in the northeast side. This plateau is 155 thousands square meters in area. This area rain not so much, so it is difficult to grow food. The center of Thailand is called Chao Phraya Delta. This is a rich flat land, so it is great rice crop place. Bangkok, the capital in Thailand, is included here. The Thailand of south is a part of Malay Peninsula. There are some rubber field, besides tin used to be minded.

The population of Thailand is about 65 milions. Most of them is native Thai people. It occupies 75% . 14 % of the population is Thai Chainese. Others are Malay, Indian, Mon, Karen, and so on. Most of them speak Thai language.

Spring semester started!!

I have not written this blog for a long time, but now I've just start again!! At first, I will tell about my spring vacation, and then I will tell about this semester.

In the spring vacation, I had a great time. I tried snow boading for the first time, met a friend who have not seen each other for a long time, went aquarium, and went Tailand!! All of them were really excited, especially Tailand was fantastic!! I saw many things I had never seen, ate delicious food, and met Jessy, who was an exchage student at my university. We went around Bankok city and her university together. I didn't want to go back to Japan. Jassy told to me to stay at her home when I go Tailand next time, I was really happy, and I will do.

Finally, spring semester started. I will take many classes. Of course, seminer is really important for me. I have to research one country that I have interested in. I have not yet desided what country I research, but I will do my best and keep trying.

Spring Vacation

Now, I am in a spring vacation!! I finished all of my tests in January. After the school tests, I took TOEIC test. It was not so hard I thought. Anyway, I am really in the spring vacation.

In this spring vacation, I will go to Fukuoka, Marin World, with my friend. She and I have known for more than ten years. However, I have not seen her for a long time. We have kept in touch by letter and e-mail. I'm really looking forward to seeing her.

And then, I will take TOEFL test. So, I mustn't just hunging out. I have to study of course. Iwant to get 525 points next time.

Teeeeeest

Tes week is strated!! I have ten subjects for test... Some subjects are really difficult, so I'm nervous now. In test season, everyone is so busy you know. I hope I can do them well, and spring vacation come soon!! However, I have TOEIC test in February, and TOEFL in March. I have to keep trying!!

Coming of Age Day

Yesterday, I went to coming age ceremony in Kumamoto city. Yes, I have belonged to adult since yesterday!! I can't feet that, but I have to behave as an adult since now.

Iwent to the city gym with my friends. Of course, I wore Furisode. You know, we seldom to wear it in our life, right? So, I was happy. Everyone look so nice in Furisode. After the ceremony, I took many pictures with my friends. There are friends who I have not met for a long time. I was glad to see them because I had a lot of things to talk to them, and I could hear many friends' story. Of course, I met university friends and exchange students!! Exchange students also wore Hakama and Kimono. and they looked cool!

After that, I went alumnae meeting, Junior high school's, and see many old friends. Some of them lived in other city, so we can't see them so often. However, I was confused whether I go or not at the first time, because I had been to that school for only one year. I thought most of people didn't know me. But a few people who I know recommend to go there, so I made my mind. It was right decision!! I had a great time there. Of course there were many people who I didn't know, but they became my new friends!! I ate, drunk and chatted a lot.

I have to feel gratitude of my parents. I had a graert time yesterday because of them. It they didn't raise me, I couldn't be twenty. I have to repay for them in my life!!

Free writing ~ New Year's goal ~

Now is already new years, you know. How have you been?? I decided new yaer's goal!! I want to tell you this time.

First, I will keep trying. I have to get higher score for TOEFL in order to go abroad. IMy score got lower, but I must not give up, I know. I will do my best, and I hape I can get more 525 points for TOEFL. And then, I am interested in flower arrengement. I want to teach it in the future. I can't fdo it well like my teacher, but I want to get quolification, 3 grade, in this year. I have to practice more.

Second, I will do more actively. I always afraid of failure. However, I wantto charrenge many things in this year, I will go to Canada since this summer. Itf I do nothing there, I can't get any skills and experience. I must not be afraid my mistake. Therefore, I will be more active, and charrenge many things.

Finally, I want to grow up myself. I am twenty year's old. But I often depends on many people, such as my parents, friends, and so on. I have to live my own life!! If I go to Canada, I am alone. I have to make dinner by myself, and there are no friends, I have to make friends!!

[229 words]

Free writing ~ Future event ~

I write about future events. There are many events in the future. First, I had a party with my high school friends on Saturday. I have not seen them for a long time. I have many things that I want to tell to them, and I want to know how are they doing. We can drink now, so I think we will had a good time.

Second, I had coming age ceremony next Monday. I can't believe I am twenty years old. I thought twenty year's old person is adult more than me!! I have to be greater adult. I will keep trying and grow up myself as a adult.

Third, I will go snow boarding to Hiroshima in spring vacation with my friend. I have never done it, so I hope I can good at doing it. One o my friend do snow boarding very well, so she taught me how to do it. I like trip, so I am looking forward going there.

[166 words]

New Year!!

A happy new year!! How have you been. I was very busy... but had a great time in new years day. Today, I will talk about it!!

On December 31, I invited two exchange students to my house. They had never experienced Japanese New Year life, so I thought it would be great time for them and me. I took them at dometory, and went my house by train. One of exchange student rode train for the first time in Japan. I taought how to buy the ticket, and got on the train. After we arrived my home, we went supermarcket near my house, and bought some foods for dinner. My mother already had cookced some food, but they cooked food that was tradition in thier country. There were many foods on the table, and we could enjoyed many kinds of countrys' food. They were delicious!!

After that, we watched TV, Kouhaku, and enjoyed Japanese songs. They knew some Japanese singer, and liked them. Before the midnight, we ate toshikoshi-soba. Other counrty doesn't have this culture. It is only Japanese habits!! They were interested in the soba, and we stay together at night and did count down!!

In New Years day, we ate Osechi, and watched TV. I explained some foods, and they liked them. After that, we went to Youme-town and bought some Good Luck Bag. There were many good clothes. We sutisfyed and went dometory.

I had to prepared for the two days. It was so busy. However, teo exchange students liked Japanese style, and I had a great time, so I was so happy. I could learn other country's culture and food, besides I could learn our own culture. It was difficult to explain, but good practice for me!!

[296 words]

Commercial Reduction

Nowadays, we watch many sponsor massages in the TV program for toddles. These sponsor massages introduce high-fat food. According to Susan Conner’s study, high-fat foods account for 82 percent of sponsor on PBS, and 36 percent on Disney’s show for toddles. Besides, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission found child watches two to four hours of television per day. It is same that the child watch about toddles and these high-fat food ads can become the cause of childhood obesity. And then, the ads are said violated viewers’ trust. Therefore, Lea Sloan, PBS spokeswoman, decided to assign a limit that the messages don’t run longer than two minutes, 17 seconds per hour. Besides, the ads can’t do price information, product comparisons, and so on. Meanwhile, other companies also reduced food ads.

[138 words]

Merry Christmas

We have a Christmas Party last night. We made a cake, chicken and kimuti-nave. It was so great time!! We started at 7:00, so we drunk, eat, chat a lot. At first, no one came to dometory but me, so I made Kimuchi-nabe with one exchange student. It was so delicious. And then, we made a cake, and some meal for the party.

It was so fun!!

[70 words]

Fly Away Home ~ BR 2-18~

I read the book whose tilt was "Fly Away Home". I chose this book because the book cover was so beautiful picture. This was a story of a girl, Amy, and her geese.

Amy was a girl. She lost her mother, and she had to leave her hometown and live with only her father. She really liked her mother, but she wasn't anymore. She was really sad. She didn't like her father because he was a kind of crazy. He tried to fly!!

One day, she found sixteen eaggs of geese. However, there is no adult geese around them. She could understood they lost their parent. She felt sympathy them. She brought the eggs to her home, and started to warm them. After a few days later, the geese were born. She liked them. When she tried to make their nest, her father found what she was doing, but he didn't stpo it. He also liked geese. they started raise them. The geese Amy was their mother, so they always followed Amy.

However, winter would come soon. The geese had to leave the place, but they coldn't because Amy would not leave. They couldn't live the cold place, so Amy dcided to train them to fly. She was sad because she had to separate her geeses. However, she understood the situation. At first, her father tried to make the geeses follow him, but he was not their mother. They follow only Amy. Therefore, Amy had to ride on Aeroplane, made by her father. Then she flew by it, the geeses follow her by flying!! One of the gesses had a problem with his legs, but he practiced with Amy, and he could fly well. After some training, Amy took them to the south. The gesses followed their mother.

It was so tearful story. The relationships between humans and geeses were so wonderful. It might be the movis, so I want to watch it. It may show beautiful view. I can imagine the view only by reading. I want to see it on my own eyes.

[350 words]

O. Henry ~ BR 2-17~

I read the famous book, "O. Henry Three Short Stories". I love this book because it is easy to read and there are three heart warming stories. I love the first one the best. It was the story of the Christmas.

There are a couple in the town. Their name were Jim and Dera. They are so poor, but they are happy. However, the Christmas would come soon. Dera wanted to give something great to Jim, but she had not enough money. She has only her long beatiful hair. She charished her hair, but her husband, Jim, was the most important in her life, so she decided to sell her hair. After she cut her hair she felt sad, but she felt proud. She could bought clock chain. Jim had good watch, and she thought it was much with the watch.

She was happy when she went home because she could buy great present. She cooked dinner, it is more gorgeous a little bit than usual. Then, her husband came home. When he looked Dera, he was so surprised because Dera's hair was so short. She explained her situation and gave the present to him. Jim understood everything and laughed. He received the chain from her, but he couldn't put it on to his watch. He didn't have it because he sold it in order to but the present to Dera. He gave her comb!! He liked her long hair. That mean they sold their important things and bought the presents for the others each other. They felt so happy.

It was so great story isn't it? I felt consideration of others is so important. We couldn't lose our important things so easily for others. However, if I can meet the person who I want to do like Dera and Jim, it would be so happy.

[311 words]

STUART LITTLE ~BR 2-16~

I read the book whose title was "STUART LITTLE". Manybe, you know or have ever heard the name. It is famous book!! I found the book, and was interested in the book. Therefore, I read this book.

IStuart was a mouse name. He was funny and enjoy his life with one human family and a cat. Usually, mice and dats have a really bad relationships, but in the case of Stuart and the cat, whose name was Snowbell, are good friends. One day, the family went out, so there were only a mouse and a cat in the house. They wanted to enjoy, so they decided to play the "hide-and-seek" game!! They started the game. Stuart would hide and Snowbell waited until he could hide. However, Snowbell slept during waiting Stuart!!

Stuart hide in a one long vase. he clime the higher place and jumped int the vase. He thought it was good place, but he noticed he couldn't get out of it!! He was so comfused. Onthe other hands, Snowbell waked up, but he forgot what did he do. He wanted go out suddenly, so he went out from the house. Stuart tried to get out of the vase, but he couldn't. He moved around in the vase, and the vase fall down and strated to roll around!! It was on the shelf, so it was so densiorous if it dropped form it!! At that time the cat came home. Snowbell noticed he was hungry, so he wanted to eat something before he went out. And then, he heard Stuart's voice. He looked up the shelf, he found Stuart in the vase and he almost drapped with the vase!! Snowbell could catch it before it dropped. Stuart was saved!! After that, they become good friends more than before.

[304 words]