I remember that day one year ago. I didn't think how serious the earthquake was and influenced to our future in Japan and all of the world.
A lot of people in Tohoku have lived in temporary housings and children don't play outside for a long time in Fukushima. There has been many debris in devastated area for a year. Nuclear power plant problem is so serious even now and our anxiety for radioactive material continues for a long time.....
Sorrow of victims and anxiety for future don't disappear. Mental situation deteriorates.
As my personal opinion, we don't need nuclear power plant. The damage is inestimable. The present condition in Japan proves that it is huge. It is too risky for us. There is a problem of nuclear fuel waste We have to change to alternative energy and think about our daily life. Japanese think about energy after this earthquake. I try to not to use useless electricity every day.
It might take long time to reconstruct for all problems. However, we have to resolve it step by step.
Showing posts with label society. Show all posts
Showing posts with label society. Show all posts
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Saint Valentine's Day in Japan
14th in February is Saint Valentine's day. We can buy a lot chocolates for Valentine's day in department stores in Japan. Many women select chocolates for their boyfriend, co-workers and themselves. Valentine's day is special event in Japan.
I went to a famous department store in Tokyo this weekend. The store was crawling with so many women. And there are so many counters in the store. Belgian, Italian, Swiss, German, America, Japan, UAE...... I saw delicious chocolates of a lot of countries and could taste them. I was satisfied with some piece of them. All of them were so delicious.
Since Valentine's day in Japan is one of commercialism, I always haven't send chocolates to my friends for a long time. The chocolates are so expensive. I know they are famous maker's ones. When I went to Belgian, I ate delicious chocolates of Neuhaus or Pierre Marcolini. I love them. However, too expensive in Japan. The frenzy is strange for me.
However, I yielded to temptation this year and bought chocolates that made in Japan for my family and off course myself. The box and chocolate's shape is so cute. The price is not expensive. I especially liked the box. Also chocolates are so delicious!
Is Valentine's day special event in your countries ?
I went to a famous department store in Tokyo this weekend. The store was crawling with so many women. And there are so many counters in the store. Belgian, Italian, Swiss, German, America, Japan, UAE...... I saw delicious chocolates of a lot of countries and could taste them. I was satisfied with some piece of them. All of them were so delicious.
Since Valentine's day in Japan is one of commercialism, I always haven't send chocolates to my friends for a long time. The chocolates are so expensive. I know they are famous maker's ones. When I went to Belgian, I ate delicious chocolates of Neuhaus or Pierre Marcolini. I love them. However, too expensive in Japan. The frenzy is strange for me.
However, I yielded to temptation this year and bought chocolates that made in Japan for my family and off course myself. The box and chocolate's shape is so cute. The price is not expensive. I especially liked the box. Also chocolates are so delicious!
Is Valentine's day special event in your countries ?
Chocolate box is decorated with paper cherry blossom (Sakura)
Saturday, January 21, 2012
女子会 Joshikai and 草食系男子 soushokukei
We recently say or hear the word, "joshikai" 女子会. This means to gather with only women and have a party, lunch or dinner. "joshi" 女子 means female and "danshi" 男子 means male.
Joshikai is very fun for women. We can talk anything without feeling constraint. We especially say the talk in Joshikai "Girl's talk". (Is there the word in English?) There are a lot of talks that can't talk in front of men, or boyfriend. And women love chat and eating. "Joshikai" is one of relaxing.
Japanese women become more powerful than men. Nadeshiko Japan, women national football team, representative last year. Homare Sawa, the team captain of Nadeshiko and became popular, was awarded FIFA Women's World Player of the Year.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/10/sport/football/japan-women-football/index.html?iref=allsearch
We are proud to hear this news.
On the other hand, Japanese men, especially young boys tend to become passive and shy. Soushokukei danshi 草食系男子 is new Japanese word. Some young men don't use a lot of money. They don't want to buy car, go to a trip abroad, have a dinner at exclusive restaurant for a date with girlfriend.... Depression or social background might be one of reasons for these tendency.
It was good thing that in case of a couple, a woman walk behind a man a few decades ago. It was said in Japan that woman must be reserved and obedient. However, the initiative for our relationship between men and women might be changed.
Anyway, Japanese women become cool and attractive now.
Joshikai is very fun for women. We can talk anything without feeling constraint. We especially say the talk in Joshikai "Girl's talk". (Is there the word in English?) There are a lot of talks that can't talk in front of men, or boyfriend. And women love chat and eating. "Joshikai" is one of relaxing.
Japanese women become more powerful than men. Nadeshiko Japan, women national football team, representative last year. Homare Sawa, the team captain of Nadeshiko and became popular, was awarded FIFA Women's World Player of the Year.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/10/sport/football/japan-women-football/index.html?iref=allsearch
We are proud to hear this news.
On the other hand, Japanese men, especially young boys tend to become passive and shy. Soushokukei danshi 草食系男子 is new Japanese word. Some young men don't use a lot of money. They don't want to buy car, go to a trip abroad, have a dinner at exclusive restaurant for a date with girlfriend.... Depression or social background might be one of reasons for these tendency.
It was good thing that in case of a couple, a woman walk behind a man a few decades ago. It was said in Japan that woman must be reserved and obedient. However, the initiative for our relationship between men and women might be changed.
Anyway, Japanese women become cool and attractive now.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
GNH (Gross National Happiness)
King of Bhutan visited Japan with queen
as a state guest last week. Some news and episodes for his visit were reported.
He respects Japan and Japanese people in his speech at diet and public dinner.
The speeches are especially for victims of this earthquake and nuclear power
plants.
He visited the devastated area, Fukushima.
He met junior high school students there and cheered them with gently
words. He was calm and kind person, not haughty at all. And his wife is
beautiful and charming.
I didn’t know much about Kingdom of Bhutan.
I had known that It is very small country like Japan. The look of Bhutanese is
alike Japanese. So we might be feel kinship with Bhutanese. I checked this
country and it is pro-Japanese nation. The climate is like Japanese one, too.
Two are Buddhism countries.
And there is one of reasons why Bhutanese
like Japan. A Japanese man taught agriculture to them a few decades ago as
international development. He contributed to improvement of agriculture in Bhutan.
I knew about GNH by his visit. GNH is “gross
national happiness”. Percentage of GNH in Bhutan is the highest in the world.
What is happiness for us? We materially and economically might be happy.
However, are we mentally happy?
King’s
smile and sincere attitude gave us good impression for Bhutan.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Ambiguity 曖昧
Radioactive contamination of rice in Fukushima was announced in recent news. In not only Fukushima and neighboring
prefectures but almost other prefecture radioactive materials are measured. Eight
month has passed since nuclear power plant’s accident happened. We spend ordinary
life. However, we are afraid of invisible fear. We don’t know when radioactive
materials are influenced in our body.
Other countries people might not be able to
understand some ambiguous expression or attitude of Japanese. It is a one of
Japanese culture and ambiguity is sometimes a good way for our communication. A
candid expression sometimes stirs up discord in our society. Japanese
fortunately can suppose the real meaning of ambiguous attitude or
expression. It is difficult to explain why we can, but we imagine real meanings by the tone, the
look, or atmosphere. In case of friend, we often use these ambiguous expressions
on purpose to avoid quarrel between us.
However, the ambiguous expression or
attitude of government or TEPCO will bring distrust for us and in international
society. We suspect that TEPCO conceals the truth for us to avoid confusion. Everyone
is interested in this problem. This isn’t a problem for Japan. It is serious issue
for everyone who lives on earth. It isn’t too much to say that this fact influences
to our future.
Japan must unveil all of truth and data for
radioactive materials.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Tsure ga Utsu ni Narimasite ツレがうつになりまして
"Tsure ga Utsu ni Narimasite" ツレがうつになりまして is title of Japanese film. This means “my husband has got a depression”
Depression is a sickness that office workers especially tend to get and is increasing now in Japan.
Depression うつ病 (Utsubyo) is one of social problems. There are some reasons why office workers get sick. Off course, the personality is a reason of this sickness. Perfectionist or methodical person tends to be sick. However, I think Japanese people always work too much every day.
Also human relations in a company, crammed train (満員電車) in the morning and overtime work is stressful in Japan.
Being hardworking, accuracy for work or earnest originally regards as good thing in Japanese society. It is usual to be serious. However, the social environment is sometimes very uneasy for us. Responsibility and obligation for their work give pressure to us.
And crammed train every morning is also so stressful. It is not easy to have holiday and long vacation in Japan.
What do we do if a member of family gets a depression? This film expresses the bond of a couple, daily life and society in Japan. Japanese often say "Ganbatte！ " (keep up) がんばって！to cheer up someone. However, this is taboo word for a patient. The catchphrase of this film, "Ganbaranaizo" がんばらないぞ "I don't have to do my best. " is a phrase that the patient advises himself.
Masato Sakai and Aoi Miyazaki play a Japanese couple in the film. I like one of my favorite actors, Masato Sakai 堺 雅人 and his performance is excellent. His film "Golden Slumber " is very interesting film.
Depression うつ病 (Utsubyo) is one of social problems. There are some reasons why office workers get sick. Off course, the personality is a reason of this sickness. Perfectionist or methodical person tends to be sick. However, I think Japanese people always work too much every day.
Also human relations in a company, crammed train (満員電車) in the morning and overtime work is stressful in Japan.
Being hardworking, accuracy for work or earnest originally regards as good thing in Japanese society. It is usual to be serious. However, the social environment is sometimes very uneasy for us. Responsibility and obligation for their work give pressure to us.
And crammed train every morning is also so stressful. It is not easy to have holiday and long vacation in Japan.
What do we do if a member of family gets a depression? This film expresses the bond of a couple, daily life and society in Japan. Japanese often say "Ganbatte！ " (keep up) がんばって！to cheer up someone. However, this is taboo word for a patient. The catchphrase of this film, "Ganbaranaizo" がんばらないぞ "I don't have to do my best. " is a phrase that the patient advises himself.
Masato Sakai and Aoi Miyazaki play a Japanese couple in the film. I like one of my favorite actors, Masato Sakai 堺 雅人 and his performance is excellent. His film "Golden Slumber " is very interesting film.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
What is Convenience ?
I read a topic in today's newspaper. Prime minister, Naoto Kan requested Chubu power company to stop all power plants in Hamaoka, Shizuoka prefecture.
Our life have changed after this earthquake. I can say that our consciousness for our convenient life has changed. Actually when we knew that electricity might stop, we were confused and in a kind of panic. We bought up a lot of things in supermarket. The atmosphere was so strange. We recognized a fear of radioactivity. However, everyone got calm, stopped a corner and try to save electricity. It is same thing that our life gets inconvenient. Convenient was normal for us.
Illumination in Town, all of public space or buildings get darker. Some escalators and elevators in stations, office or supermarket stop. We put out a useless light at home or in office. I have to go up and down the steps to seventh floor in my office. At first, I was tired and got out of breath especially in the morning. However I think it is good for my body. We might forget a simple thing under the convenience. It is a walk, run, exercise and use our body.
Inconvenience was negative word until now. However, I think it will get positive word and usual for us in future. It might be time that we have to change our sense of value for our life style.
Our life have changed after this earthquake. I can say that our consciousness for our convenient life has changed. Actually when we knew that electricity might stop, we were confused and in a kind of panic. We bought up a lot of things in supermarket. The atmosphere was so strange. We recognized a fear of radioactivity. However, everyone got calm, stopped a corner and try to save electricity. It is same thing that our life gets inconvenient. Convenient was normal for us.
Illumination in Town, all of public space or buildings get darker. Some escalators and elevators in stations, office or supermarket stop. We put out a useless light at home or in office. I have to go up and down the steps to seventh floor in my office. At first, I was tired and got out of breath especially in the morning. However I think it is good for my body. We might forget a simple thing under the convenience. It is a walk, run, exercise and use our body.
Inconvenience was negative word until now. However, I think it will get positive word and usual for us in future. It might be time that we have to change our sense of value for our life style.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Panda Came To Tokyo
Two of giant panda came to Ueno zoo at Tokyo last week. We can't see them now. However, especially people who live in Tokyo are waiting for coming to Japan. Some giant panda had been kept in Ueno zoo, however, people couldn't have seen cute panda in Tokyo.
Giant panda was one of popular animals in Zoo. The motion of panda is very cute. It's like stuffed doll. I haven't gone to zoo for a long time. I want to see this panda at Ueno zoo.
But I was surprised at high lease cost. It's just Panda diplomacy. Also panda eat a lot of
There is a Japanese word about panda. It is kyakuyose panda. 客寄せパンダ This means person who is very popular and can get audience on show or performance.
And cute character, tarepanda たれぱんだ is famous and It became very popular about a decade ago.
The name isn't announced now. But we can see cute panda in near future. I'm looking forward to seeing them.
Giant panda was one of popular animals in Zoo. The motion of panda is very cute. It's like stuffed doll. I haven't gone to zoo for a long time. I want to see this panda at Ueno zoo.
But I was surprised at high lease cost. It's just Panda diplomacy. Also panda eat a lot of
There is a Japanese word about panda. It is kyakuyose panda. 客寄せパンダ This means person who is very popular and can get audience on show or performance.
And cute character, tarepanda たれぱんだ is famous and It became very popular about a decade ago.
The name isn't announced now. But we can see cute panda in near future. I'm looking forward to seeing them.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Nisoku no Waraji 二足の草鞋
I chatted with my friends at lunch recently. Our topic was about recent job. Economy deteriorates and finding a job is difficult for even students who will graduate this year. Paｙ of Japanese workers diminishes and people are fearful of sudden dismissal.
Japanese have worked at one company for our life. It is said permanent employment. However, this system becomes unstable. We don't know when we lose our job.
We talk about business card, too at lunch. One of my friends said it was good idea that office workers have two kinds of business card.
Japanese office worker has a custom to exchange their business card for introducing their name and company when we see first time at business. They have generally one kind of card. However, if they would have another type of original business card, it might be useful to negotiate with their client. For example, their interests, hobby or things that they learn and study is described on another card. If they exchange two different cards, we will have a lively conversation. They might be able to negotiate with client smoothly. As another merit, we can have various world except their job.
Especially Japanese office workers have worked hard from Monday to Friday for one company. It is normal to work overtime every day. They haven't had any time to spend for their hobby or interests and improve something. However, because it is no guarantee for permanent employment now, work style should be changed now. We might be able to find other ability and way or life if we can spend time for our interests.
There is a Japanese phrase. "Nisoku no waraji wo haku". ”二足の草鞋をはく” This direct meaning is that we wear two pair of Japanese traditional footwear "Waraji". The real meaning is having two works. We need "Nisoku no waraji" to survive adversity in present days. It is difficult to live with only one job.
Japanese have worked at one company for our life. It is said permanent employment. However, this system becomes unstable. We don't know when we lose our job.
We talk about business card, too at lunch. One of my friends said it was good idea that office workers have two kinds of business card.
Japanese office worker has a custom to exchange their business card for introducing their name and company when we see first time at business. They have generally one kind of card. However, if they would have another type of original business card, it might be useful to negotiate with their client. For example, their interests, hobby or things that they learn and study is described on another card. If they exchange two different cards, we will have a lively conversation. They might be able to negotiate with client smoothly. As another merit, we can have various world except their job.
Especially Japanese office workers have worked hard from Monday to Friday for one company. It is normal to work overtime every day. They haven't had any time to spend for their hobby or interests and improve something. However, because it is no guarantee for permanent employment now, work style should be changed now. We might be able to find other ability and way or life if we can spend time for our interests.
There is a Japanese phrase. "Nisoku no waraji wo haku". ”二足の草鞋をはく” This direct meaning is that we wear two pair of Japanese traditional footwear "Waraji". The real meaning is having two works. We need "Nisoku no waraji" to survive adversity in present days. It is difficult to live with only one job.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Bounenkai (忘年会) and Izakaya (居酒屋)
December is season of bounenkai in Japan. Bounenkai (忘年会) is year-end party. It is very big event in the end of the year for adults, especially businessmen. There are some purposes of bounenkai. Communication for co-workers or friends, eating delicious foods, and drinking...
It is very important to reserve restaurants for bounenkai. Reasonable restaurants is better for everyone because we eat and drink a lot after work. Izakaya (居酒屋) might be good choice.
Izakaya is essential place for our society. We can eat different type of foods and drink alcohol with reasonable price. Japanese homely foods, small hous d'oeuver of Japanese foods, pizza, sashimi (raw fish), nabemono, and so on. There are a lot of types of alcohol, too. Beer, cocktail, whiskey, Japanese sake, wine....
It is very important to reserve restaurants for bounenkai. Reasonable restaurants is better for everyone because we eat and drink a lot after work. Izakaya (居酒屋) might be good choice.
Izakaya is essential place for our society. We can eat different type of foods and drink alcohol with reasonable price. Japanese homely foods, small hous d'oeuver of Japanese foods, pizza, sashimi (raw fish), nabemono, and so on. There are a lot of types of alcohol, too. Beer, cocktail, whiskey, Japanese sake, wine....
(You can see next page clicking the right side above of menu.)
We can see some drunken person at cold night in December. They enjoy bounenkai after chatting about their work or their life. Depression has continued for this year. Everyone are worried about our future of next year. However, we will forget all anxious things and refresh at bounenkai.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Election
Tomorrow is the polling day of the House of Representatives. We have some political parties, however, one party, LDP (the Liberal Democratic Party) have almost held for a long time after World War 2. A poll has been always light and especially young people haven't been interested in politics.
We have a lot of social problems in Japan. Pension, employment, education, health insurance system, nursing care for old people, defence or diplomacy, etc. I think almost people want to change bad situation. So there is a forecast that another big party DPJ (the Democratic Party of Japan) won this election. It will probably won as my opinion. Because every people is disgusted and unsatisfied with present politics.
We are worry about our future. The provision for depression is big interest for us. I hope this election become one chance for our happier life.
We have a lot of social problems in Japan. Pension, employment, education, health insurance system, nursing care for old people, defence or diplomacy, etc. I think almost people want to change bad situation. So there is a forecast that another big party DPJ (the Democratic Party of Japan) won this election. It will probably won as my opinion. Because every people is disgusted and unsatisfied with present politics.
We are worry about our future. The provision for depression is big interest for us. I hope this election become one chance for our happier life.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
New Judicial System (裁判員制度)
New judicial system begun. The first lay judge trial yesterday was a big news.
This system has been a recent topic in our daily life. How do I feel if I would selected as one of the judge ? Some simulated TV program were produced as drama and I have seen it. A lot of anxiety comes in my mind. I wondered if it is possible for us who don't learn the law specially to decide the defendant's life. Almost my friends said that they were reluctant to become a judge. And they feel anxious about it.
Also there are some daily problems. In case of a normal office worker, is it possible to rest for a few days ?
I haven't heard real trial until now. I have thought it was the world in films or TV. I or other people understand we must participate justice. However, I think that they, including me, just get confused about this new system at this point.
I have ever seen an old American movie, "12 Angry men" and I like it. It is important if we could decide fair judgement as a man in the movie.
This system has been a recent topic in our daily life. How do I feel if I would selected as one of the judge ? Some simulated TV program were produced as drama and I have seen it. A lot of anxiety comes in my mind. I wondered if it is possible for us who don't learn the law specially to decide the defendant's life. Almost my friends said that they were reluctant to become a judge. And they feel anxious about it.
Also there are some daily problems. In case of a normal office worker, is it possible to rest for a few days ?
I haven't heard real trial until now. I have thought it was the world in films or TV. I or other people understand we must participate justice. However, I think that they, including me, just get confused about this new system at this point.
I have ever seen an old American movie, "12 Angry men" and I like it. It is important if we could decide fair judgement as a man in the movie.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Dear Doctor and Amalfi
I recently saw two Japanese films. They are different types of films. So I'd like to introduce them.
"Dear Doctor" was directed by Miwa Nisikawa. Now depopulation and lack of hospitals or doctors in rural area is social problem in Japan. And there is a great demand for doctors in these areas. This is a story of a middle-aged doctor and a young trainee of doctor comes from town in a small village. After disappearance of middle-aged doctor, some shocking facts come out.
People change their behavior or saying when they know the facts. It is interesting how people change. I can imagine that same situation like this film might happen in our daily life.
The protagonists are a famous comedian and comic storyteller, Tsurube Shoufukutei (middle aged doctor) and Eita, popular among young people now.
The story is very interesting and you can know about medical problems for us.
"Dear Doctor" was directed by Miwa Nisikawa. Now depopulation and lack of hospitals or doctors in rural area is social problem in Japan. And there is a great demand for doctors in these areas. This is a story of a middle-aged doctor and a young trainee of doctor comes from town in a small village. After disappearance of middle-aged doctor, some shocking facts come out.
People change their behavior or saying when they know the facts. It is interesting how people change. I can imagine that same situation like this film might happen in our daily life.
The protagonists are a famous comedian and comic storyteller, Tsurube Shoufukutei (middle aged doctor) and Eita, popular among young people now.
The story is very interesting and you can know about medical problems for us.
Italy is a country that is popular for us and many tourists visit every year. I also love Italian foods. There are a lot of Italian restaurants and shops of fashion brands in Tokyo.
The location of this film "Amalfi" is all Italian places in Xmas season. The leading part in it is a Japanese diplomat in Italy and he resolves a kidnap and terrorism in Italy. The protagonist is very popular and famous actor, Yuji Oda. He has been stared in some blockbusters. The story is very interesting as entertainment movie.
We can see some fascinate towns and beautiful piece of scenery in this film. They are one of attractions. I thought Amalfi coast is especially magnificent and beautiful. I have never been to Italy, however, it is a country that I want to visit.
Amalfi Trailer (last one is long version.)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
In Hospital
My acquaintance was operated on for cancer about one week ago. I went to the hospital to see him yesterday. He was fine. He said his nurses recommended him to walk next day of abdominal operation. I was surprised at this fact. Next day of the operation ? And he said he would leave the hospital this week.
I have thought a person who was operated should lead an inactive life for a few days. Medical technique or treatment is improving now. If you can find cancer earlier, you will recover from it by updated treatment.
Also I was surprise that the system in the hospital goes digital. He put the band on his arm with bar cord. It is probably for preventing medical mistakes. The patients name label at sickroom is digital.
I like to see documentaries for some excellent doctors. A Japanese doctor of brain surgery, Dr. Takanori Fukushima, is one of them. I have seen his documentary in TV several times. He is said he has god hands. He has performed many difficult operations and has cured a lot of patients. I admired his dexterous technique.
Being healthy is most important. My parents sometimes say that we can do everything if we are healthy. I want to live happily taking care of my body.
I have thought a person who was operated should lead an inactive life for a few days. Medical technique or treatment is improving now. If you can find cancer earlier, you will recover from it by updated treatment.
Also I was surprise that the system in the hospital goes digital. He put the band on his arm with bar cord. It is probably for preventing medical mistakes. The patients name label at sickroom is digital.
I like to see documentaries for some excellent doctors. A Japanese doctor of brain surgery, Dr. Takanori Fukushima, is one of them. I have seen his documentary in TV several times. He is said he has god hands. He has performed many difficult operations and has cured a lot of patients. I admired his dexterous technique.
Being healthy is most important. My parents sometimes say that we can do everything if we are healthy. I want to live happily taking care of my body.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Golden Week and 五月晴れ Sunny Day In May
It is calm and sunny today. Today's weather in Tokyo is like early summer. Sky is blue and clear green leaves are very beautiful. We call good weather in May like today "五月晴れ" (Satsuki bare). Satsuki is name of May for the lunar calendar. May is a month before rainy season (梅雨). I think that May in Japan is most comfortable month.
Golden week, long holidays, begins in Japan. We were looking forward to this week. A lot of people go to a trip. Traffic jam in highways, people in international airports or stations are topics in golden week. Probably you might see some Japanese people in your country in this week. Although swine flu spreads in the world in these days, many people who put on medical mask leaved Japan.
Golden week is a special holiday for Japanese people.
April 卯月(Uzuki) May 五月 or 皐月(Satsuki) June 水無月(Minazuki)
July 文月(Fumizuki) August 葉月(Hazuki) September 長月(Nagatuki)
October 神無月(Kaminazuki) November 霜月(Shimotuki)
December 師走(Shiwasu)
* We seldom use these names in daily life now.
Golden week, long holidays, begins in Japan. We were looking forward to this week. A lot of people go to a trip. Traffic jam in highways, people in international airports or stations are topics in golden week. Probably you might see some Japanese people in your country in this week. Although swine flu spreads in the world in these days, many people who put on medical mask leaved Japan.
Golden week is a special holiday for Japanese people.
Name of 12 months for the lunar calendar
January 睦月(Mutsuki) February 如月(Kisaragi) March 弥生 (Yayoi)April 卯月(Uzuki) May 五月 or 皐月(Satsuki) June 水無月(Minazuki)
July 文月(Fumizuki) August 葉月(Hazuki) September 長月(Nagatuki)
October 神無月(Kaminazuki) November 霜月(Shimotuki)
December 師走(Shiwasu)
* We seldom use these names in daily life now.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Salaried Workers' Lunch Box
I read a topics about lunch boxes in newspaper recently. Various lunch boxes for salaried workers are sold in shops now.
It has been usual for women to prepare lunch (Bento in Japanese). Mothers prepare for their children, women prepare for herself or wives prepare for their husband. Especially lunch that wives prepare is called "Aisai Bento". (愛妻弁当)
Salaried workers prepare for themselves now. As our custom, it was said Japanese man shouldn't cook in kitchen. Cooking has long been a work for women in domestic life. However, It is an advantage for Japanese men to be able to cook well nowadays. And single men that prepare lunch and bring the lunch box to their office increase. It is to save the money for lunch and overcome depression. Some of them introduce their original lunch in their blogs.
It is welcome for women that men who can cook well increase. It is good season to go out with lunch box and eat lunch in the air. Let's go for a picnic with new lunch box !
It has been usual for women to prepare lunch (Bento in Japanese). Mothers prepare for their children, women prepare for herself or wives prepare for their husband. Especially lunch that wives prepare is called "Aisai Bento". (愛妻弁当)
Salaried workers prepare for themselves now. As our custom, it was said Japanese man shouldn't cook in kitchen. Cooking has long been a work for women in domestic life. However, It is an advantage for Japanese men to be able to cook well nowadays. And single men that prepare lunch and bring the lunch box to their office increase. It is to save the money for lunch and overcome depression. Some of them introduce their original lunch in their blogs.
It is welcome for women that men who can cook well increase. It is good season to go out with lunch box and eat lunch in the air. Let's go for a picnic with new lunch box !
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Walking
February is coldest month. And the air is very dry. So many people tend to catch a cold, especially flu spreads in our country now.
Japanese people have a interest for health. Preventing disease is important. Exercises is one of way to maintaining our health.
Walking is simplest and most effective exercise. We need no tools. Just only shoes. I often see people who are walking faster than usual walking in weekend. Pedometer is good tool to continue walking. Japanese pedometers have a lot of variations now. There are pedometers with game or other functions.
When we are walking in fresh air and feeling nature, we can refresh and find various things that we can't find in the car or train in our view. Ume 梅 (Japanese apricot) are blooming at this season. They are very tiny, however, so cute flowers. I feel that spring is approaching.
What can you see in your countries now ?
Tiny and cute !!
Flower and small buds
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Around Forty (アラフォー)
アラフォー (Arafo) is a new Japanese word. It was familiarized last year and is a vogue-word. It is used for women who are around forty years old. I think that Japanese are concerned about actual age, especially for women age. For example, we often say that she looks very young or old as compared with her actual age. We regard being young as an advantage or privilege in our society.
However, アラフォー isn't negative word. Japanese women who is Arafo are very active in our society now. For example, a tennis player, Kimiko Date who is Arafo generation, came back as a pro tennis player now. She entered Australian open tournament this month. (She unfortunately lost.) Everyone was surprised at her comeback at first. However, she has won some tournaments in Japan and we praise for her powerful performance.
We tend to think that getting old is very negative thing. However, everyone gets old. Women should live actively anytime without being afraid of getting old. "アラフォー" is a word that encourages every women.
However, アラフォー isn't negative word. Japanese women who is Arafo are very active in our society now. For example, a tennis player, Kimiko Date who is Arafo generation, came back as a pro tennis player now. She entered Australian open tournament this month. (She unfortunately lost.) Everyone was surprised at her comeback at first. However, she has won some tournaments in Japan and we praise for her powerful performance.
We tend to think that getting old is very negative thing. However, everyone gets old. Women should live actively anytime without being afraid of getting old. "アラフォー" is a word that encourages every women.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Che Guevara
I saw a topic about Che Guevara in a TV news program yesterday. A film, "The Argentine" that directed by Steven Soderbergh is released and "Guerrilla" will be released next week in Japan.
I think Japanese aren't almost interested in South America or history because South Africa is very far from Japan. I knew Cuban revolution or Fidel Castro. I can't remember that we learned about the other history at school. And I knew Che Guevara when I saw a film "Diarios de motocicleta" that I like.
I can often see his face on the T-shirt that young people wear as a fashion recently. Also some books for him were published now.
The program was reported that Che Guevara came to Japan in 1959 as Cuban mission. Almost Japanese didn't know who he was at that time. He went to Hiroshima though there was no plan to go there during his stay. He visited memorial park and museum. And he said in his interview "Why did Japanese people blame American government for release of atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki ?" After he went back to Cuba, he diffused the history in Hiroshima to Cuba. Cuban have learned it in primary education.
I knew the fact for the first time.
I don't think a revolution by weapon and violence is right. However, everyone might need a revolution in chaotic world situation and a hero like Che Guevara. At least we, Japanese need new leader now.
I think Japanese aren't almost interested in South America or history because South Africa is very far from Japan. I knew Cuban revolution or Fidel Castro. I can't remember that we learned about the other history at school. And I knew Che Guevara when I saw a film "Diarios de motocicleta" that I like.
I can often see his face on the T-shirt that young people wear as a fashion recently. Also some books for him were published now.
The program was reported that Che Guevara came to Japan in 1959 as Cuban mission. Almost Japanese didn't know who he was at that time. He went to Hiroshima though there was no plan to go there during his stay. He visited memorial park and museum. And he said in his interview "Why did Japanese people blame American government for release of atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki ?" After he went back to Cuba, he diffused the history in Hiroshima to Cuba. Cuban have learned it in primary education.
I knew the fact for the first time.
I don't think a revolution by weapon and violence is right. However, everyone might need a revolution in chaotic world situation and a hero like Che Guevara. At least we, Japanese need new leader now.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Shiwasu 師走 - The end of this year
It is extremely windy and cold day, however, Sky in Tokyo is so blue and beautiful.
I can feel the end of the year because of this cold. Xmas season was over yesterday. We prepare new year. Western mood in town changes to Japanese mood.
We call December "Shiwasu" 師走. This is the name of the lunar calendar. (Each months have another name like this.)
This Chinese character (Kanji ) express very busy month. "師"means priests and "走" means run.
December is busy for everyone. Today is last day in this year at almost of Japanese offices. And from January 1 to 3 is holiday (Sanganichi) in Japan. January 4 and 5 next year are Saturday and Sunday. It is long holiday for us.
A lot of things, good or bad things, happens this year. Japanese economy declines suddenly. We are anxious about our life. However, we must have our hope.
Don't look back on the past, look toward the future. Be positive about our life.
I can feel the end of the year because of this cold. Xmas season was over yesterday. We prepare new year. Western mood in town changes to Japanese mood.
We call December "Shiwasu" 師走. This is the name of the lunar calendar. (Each months have another name like this.)
This Chinese character (Kanji ) express very busy month. "師"means priests and "走" means run.
December is busy for everyone. Today is last day in this year at almost of Japanese offices. And from January 1 to 3 is holiday (Sanganichi) in Japan. January 4 and 5 next year are Saturday and Sunday. It is long holiday for us.
A lot of things, good or bad things, happens this year. Japanese economy declines suddenly. We are anxious about our life. However, we must have our hope.
Don't look back on the past, look toward the future. Be positive about our life.
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