Date； 2008.08.19(Tue)
“Atsuhime”
Here are the briefs that will help you to better understand the development of Japanese history that relays the history of “Atsushime”.
The TV drama tells the history of Atsuhime who is from Kagoshima and is the legitimate wife of the 13th Tokugawa Shogun, Tokugawa Iesada.
The lord of the Kagoshima Han (domain) sent her as the legitimate wife of the 13th Shogun but he was physically weak, especially because suffering from beriberi, and died of heart failure at the age of 35. The couple had no child, which meant that the 13th Shogun, Iesada had no successor thus the absence of a successor was a very serious matter for the Tokugawa Family and therefore two powers fought for the successor post. Finally the lord of the Hikone Han Iinaosuke (“eenaosuke”) won over the Mito power. Atsuhime belonged to the Mito group and recommended Yoshinobu, who eventually became the 15th and last Shogun.
Is important to keep in mind that in those days Hikone clan which was situated near to what nowadays is Biwako Lake and of which remains a beautiful castle was a progressive group in favor of opening-up Japan to overseas commercialization, contrary to Mito’s clan which refuses to such ideas because of its character of conservatism.
At this stage Tokuwaga Iemochi became the 14th Shogun who was from Kishuu (Wakayama). However, he was only 13 years old, and immature to function as Shogun. Atsuko had to be a guardian for the young Shogun. It’s also important to mention that when her husband died, Astuhime became a female priest, named “Tenshoin”.
In those days another serious problem had arisen by having U.S. fleet headed by Admiral Matthew Perry suddenly appearing at Uraga Port in Yokosuka, Kanagawa. Perry urged the Tokugawa Shogun to open the Japanese ports. Not only the Tokugawa but also all the people of Japan were surprised and feared. This incident caused the national opinion to divide into two; that is, pro-opening group and anti-opening group. The pro-opening group was headed by Iinaosuke, and the anti-opening group was headed by Mito Nariaki. Iinaosuke won over the anti-opening group. What was worse, Iinaosuke captures and executed more that 100 opponents. The period of execution was called “Hell of Ansei (Ansei was the name of that period)”. The anti-opening group sided with the Emperor of Kyoto, and tried to restore the ruling authority from the Tokugawa to the Emperor. In this way the whole land of Japan came into a great tumult. Iinaosuke was hated as an “unti-humanistic killer”or “oni”. Atsuhime also hated Iinaosuke. Still now, most of the Japanese people have a hatred for Iinaosuke as an unti-humanistic person.
However, the episode broadcast on August 10 intended to clear up this misunderstanding. In the scene Iinaosuke told Atsuhime that the anti-opening group was a great obstacle to the modernization of Japan. Nobody of the anti-opening group listened to him. He had no choice but to capture and kill them. Otherwise, Japan would not survive in the world. Finally he was assassinated by the Mito group but he had been aware of his own fate. He himself expected that his assassination would be unavoidable. That was why he refused to increase the number of guards. The people of Hikone (Shiga) respect him as the father of modern Japan. The last episode of the NHK drama suggests that Atsuhime (Tenshoin at that time) began to understand him with a sympathetic feeling.
The TV drama tells the history of Atsuhime who is from Kagoshima and is the legitimate wife of the 13th Tokugawa Shogun, Tokugawa Iesada.
The lord of the Kagoshima Han (domain) sent her as the legitimate wife of the 13th Shogun but he was physically weak, especially because suffering from beriberi, and died of heart failure at the age of 35. The couple had no child, which meant that the 13th Shogun, Iesada had no successor thus the absence of a successor was a very serious matter for the Tokugawa Family and therefore two powers fought for the successor post. Finally the lord of the Hikone Han Iinaosuke (“eenaosuke”) won over the Mito power. Atsuhime belonged to the Mito group and recommended Yoshinobu, who eventually became the 15th and last Shogun.
Is important to keep in mind that in those days Hikone clan which was situated near to what nowadays is Biwako Lake and of which remains a beautiful castle was a progressive group in favor of opening-up Japan to overseas commercialization, contrary to Mito’s clan which refuses to such ideas because of its character of conservatism.
At this stage Tokuwaga Iemochi became the 14th Shogun who was from Kishuu (Wakayama). However, he was only 13 years old, and immature to function as Shogun. Atsuko had to be a guardian for the young Shogun. It’s also important to mention that when her husband died, Astuhime became a female priest, named “Tenshoin”.
In those days another serious problem had arisen by having U.S. fleet headed by Admiral Matthew Perry suddenly appearing at Uraga Port in Yokosuka, Kanagawa. Perry urged the Tokugawa Shogun to open the Japanese ports. Not only the Tokugawa but also all the people of Japan were surprised and feared. This incident caused the national opinion to divide into two; that is, pro-opening group and anti-opening group. The pro-opening group was headed by Iinaosuke, and the anti-opening group was headed by Mito Nariaki. Iinaosuke won over the anti-opening group. What was worse, Iinaosuke captures and executed more that 100 opponents. The period of execution was called “Hell of Ansei (Ansei was the name of that period)”. The anti-opening group sided with the Emperor of Kyoto, and tried to restore the ruling authority from the Tokugawa to the Emperor. In this way the whole land of Japan came into a great tumult. Iinaosuke was hated as an “unti-humanistic killer”or “oni”. Atsuhime also hated Iinaosuke. Still now, most of the Japanese people have a hatred for Iinaosuke as an unti-humanistic person.
However, the episode broadcast on August 10 intended to clear up this misunderstanding. In the scene Iinaosuke told Atsuhime that the anti-opening group was a great obstacle to the modernization of Japan. Nobody of the anti-opening group listened to him. He had no choice but to capture and kill them. Otherwise, Japan would not survive in the world. Finally he was assassinated by the Mito group but he had been aware of his own fate. He himself expected that his assassination would be unavoidable. That was why he refused to increase the number of guards. The people of Hikone (Shiga) respect him as the father of modern Japan. The last episode of the NHK drama suggests that Atsuhime (Tenshoin at that time) began to understand him with a sympathetic feeling.
Date； 2008.08.14(Thu)
Why Japanese history is important for us
As we foreigners keep living in Japan our interest about this peculiar society increase day by day, as for me who has deeply experienced three different societies, not counting the many countries I visited getting a brief taste of them, Japanese society is for much the most different among them, of course all societies are different but there’s always something in common that is very difficult to find in the Japanese society. The Japanese society itself is an amazing mix of tradition and modernity, not just in the technology and the items that we use every day but in their people as well, even nowadays this results for many of us uncomprehendingly bizarre, but precisely because of this, it becomes more interesting and curious in a way that for the sake of it we want to know why.
Mainly for the reasons I explained above the history of Japan is of great importance so that we can understand better this society, but if Japanese language result difficult, just imagine about Japanese history, even the natives find it difficult and in times boring. However it seems that as in many other fields the Japanese people has found a very good method of teaching history to their people, and we foreigners living in Japan must make the most of it. I’m talking of a very popular TV program of NHK called “Atsuhime” to which I was introduced by one of my students, and who kindly explain me in English the turn out of it.
In the next article, I with the help of my student will introduce you briefly through this drama and will give you the guidelines of history so that you can better understand it. That’s all for today friends, see you here soon. Bye!
Mainly for the reasons I explained above the history of Japan is of great importance so that we can understand better this society, but if Japanese language result difficult, just imagine about Japanese history, even the natives find it difficult and in times boring. However it seems that as in many other fields the Japanese people has found a very good method of teaching history to their people, and we foreigners living in Japan must make the most of it. I’m talking of a very popular TV program of NHK called “Atsuhime” to which I was introduced by one of my students, and who kindly explain me in English the turn out of it.
In the next article, I with the help of my student will introduce you briefly through this drama and will give you the guidelines of history so that you can better understand it. That’s all for today friends, see you here soon. Bye!
Date； 2007.11.06(Tue)
Men pay less
In cafes and restaurants, ever notice how same-sex groups do this polite little dance in front of the cash register, each insisting on picking up the tab? Well, the same goes for male/female groups, and more often now women will end up paying more, especially if they're single professionals over 30. Men assume they have more income at their disposal (which is true), but have little idea that these women long for the coveted “Onanoko adzukai” (to be treated like a girl), where a night out means a romantic dinner, a drink at a nice bar afterward, And then ocutte moray (be taken home) in a cab all paid for by the man.
My friend Motoko (32) says with a huff: "Dating? I don't even know the meaning of the term. "Motoko, who, like so many other Japanese women is enmeshed in the ties of an
(Illicit) relationship with a married man, says any meals she has out now are with kaisha no hitotachi (people from the office) or, more rarely, with her otoko tomodachi (guy friends).
Either way, the tab is strictly warikan (split equally). Sure, her boyfriend comes over once a week and they may order out for a pizza or sushi, but he has only a few hours before making it home on the shuden (last train). Motoko says they've already taken on the semblance of an old married couple: They complain about work (shigoto no guchi o iiau) while eating together in front of the TV and drink beer out of cans until it's time for him to go home. Who pays for the beer? Etiquette prevented me from asking.
My friend Motoko (32) says with a huff: "Dating? I don't even know the meaning of the term. "Motoko, who, like so many other Japanese women is enmeshed in the ties of an
(Illicit) relationship with a married man, says any meals she has out now are with kaisha no hitotachi (people from the office) or, more rarely, with her otoko tomodachi (guy friends).
Either way, the tab is strictly warikan (split equally). Sure, her boyfriend comes over once a week and they may order out for a pizza or sushi, but he has only a few hours before making it home on the shuden (last train). Motoko says they've already taken on the semblance of an old married couple: They complain about work (shigoto no guchi o iiau) while eating together in front of the TV and drink beer out of cans until it's time for him to go home. Who pays for the beer? Etiquette prevented me from asking.
Date； 2007.11.04(Sun)
Men pay less
Men pay less
In cafes and restaurants, ever notice how same-sex groups do this polite little dance in front of the cash register, each insisting on picking up the tab? Well, the same goes for male/female groups, and more often now women will end up paying more, especially if they're single professionals over 30. Men assume they have more income at their disposal (which is true), but have little idea that these women long for the coveted “Onanoko adzukai” (to be treated like a girl), where a night out means a romantic dinner, a drink at a nice bar afterward, And then ocutte moray (be taken home) in a cab all paid for by the man.
My friend Motoko (32) says with a huff: "Dating? I don't even know the meaning of the term. "Motoko, who, like so many other Japanese women is enmeshed in the ties of an
(Illicit) relationship with a married man, says any meals she has out now are with kaisha no hitotachi (people from the office) or, more rarely, with her otoko tomodachi (guy friends).
Either way, the tab is strictly warikan (split equally). Sure, her boyfriend comes over once a week and they may order out for a pizza or sushi, but he has only a few hours before making it home on the shuden (last train). Motoko says they've already taken on the semblance of an old married couple: They complain about work (shigoto no guchi o iiau) while eating together in front of the TV and drink beer out of cans until it's time for him to go home. Who pays for the beer? Etiquette prevented me from asking.
In cafes and restaurants, ever notice how same-sex groups do this polite little dance in front of the cash register, each insisting on picking up the tab? Well, the same goes for male/female groups, and more often now women will end up paying more, especially if they're single professionals over 30. Men assume they have more income at their disposal (which is true), but have little idea that these women long for the coveted “Onanoko adzukai” (to be treated like a girl), where a night out means a romantic dinner, a drink at a nice bar afterward, And then ocutte moray (be taken home) in a cab all paid for by the man.
My friend Motoko (32) says with a huff: "Dating? I don't even know the meaning of the term. "Motoko, who, like so many other Japanese women is enmeshed in the ties of an
(Illicit) relationship with a married man, says any meals she has out now are with kaisha no hitotachi (people from the office) or, more rarely, with her otoko tomodachi (guy friends).
Either way, the tab is strictly warikan (split equally). Sure, her boyfriend comes over once a week and they may order out for a pizza or sushi, but he has only a few hours before making it home on the shuden (last train). Motoko says they've already taken on the semblance of an old married couple: They complain about work (shigoto no guchi o iiau) while eating together in front of the TV and drink beer out of cans until it's time for him to go home. Who pays for the beer? Etiquette prevented me from asking.
Date； 2007.11.01(Thu)
Expensive French dinners
Today, things are much more kashuaru (casual) but at the same time loaded with social subtexts. "Gochi ni naru no wa ii-kedo, ato ga mendokusai kara iya (It's OK for the guy to pay for me, but I may not like the stuff that comes later)," says my friend Ryoko (30), who is famed for gulping down expensive French dinners then smilingly saying good night to her benefactors, usually older single men with cash to bum. But not all women are so fortunate. A guy friend Daisuke (28) says he'll never pay unless absolutely necessary, in other words, "doshitemo sono onna to yaritai toki (when I'm desperate to sleep with the woman)."
Daisuke is rarely desperate, dinner invitations are extended to him by any number of young women who offer to pay for the privilege of enjoying his company. Daisuke makes it a point to okaeshi o sum (give something in return) at a later date, such as sending gifts of cheap chocolates or perhaps some flowers, but really he finds the whole dating game ridiculous, tiring and financially disastrous.
His latest mantra is "hayaku ke kon shitai (I wanna get married real quick)," if only to step outside the confines of dating and paying protocol and get on with his life. Not surprisingly, Daisuke hates gift-giving national holidays, the foremost being White Day (on March 14) when men are expected to give presents that cost two to three times the price of what had been proffered to them a month earlier on Valentine's Day. Daisuke avoids this fiasco by conveniently getting sick or going off on a little trip, returning to Osaka after the dreaded day is over. Indeed, although analysts keep saying the recession is officially over, little of the economic boon seems to have rubbed off on dating/paying schematics.
Daisuke is rarely desperate, dinner invitations are extended to him by any number of young women who offer to pay for the privilege of enjoying his company. Daisuke makes it a point to okaeshi o sum (give something in return) at a later date, such as sending gifts of cheap chocolates or perhaps some flowers, but really he finds the whole dating game ridiculous, tiring and financially disastrous.
His latest mantra is "hayaku ke kon shitai (I wanna get married real quick)," if only to step outside the confines of dating and paying protocol and get on with his life. Not surprisingly, Daisuke hates gift-giving national holidays, the foremost being White Day (on March 14) when men are expected to give presents that cost two to three times the price of what had been proffered to them a month earlier on Valentine's Day. Daisuke avoids this fiasco by conveniently getting sick or going off on a little trip, returning to Osaka after the dreaded day is over. Indeed, although analysts keep saying the recession is officially over, little of the economic boon seems to have rubbed off on dating/paying schematics.
Date； 2007.09.02(Sun)
Here is the authentic cuisine of Mexico
Undiluted in flavor and diversity, full of zest and vigor. With sharp, sizzling and Spicy taste sensations, the recipes range from southern Mexican specialties to the familiar Tex - Mex food.
First come the important corn dishes , including tortillas, tacos and enchiladas, followed by soups, then vegetables and Salads such as refried Beans and Chayote Salad The Fish and Shellfish section contains distinctive recipes such as Fish in Parsley Sauce and Salt Cod in Mild Chili Sauce, while the Poultry and Meat bursting with appetizing dishes like Chicken in Green Almond Sauce and the much - loved Mole Poblano de Guajolote 一turkey cooked in a piquant Sauce flavored with bitter Chocolate . The desserts and drinks of Mexico are not forgotten, and the Pumpkin in Brown Sugar or Caramel Custard will finish off your Mexican meal perfectly.
To introduction I’ll give you more detailed information.
There are no hard - and - fast rules about planning a Mexican meal, other than to ensure that everyone has a good time. Mexicans' enjoyment of life extends to their love of good food, drink and excellent company. With those ingredients, you simply can’t go wrong.
Mexicans traditionally eat four meals a day, although this pattern is changing.
Breakfast is usually substantial, with fruit and sweet breads or tortillas accompanied by coffee or chocolate. It is not unusual for meat or eggs to be served at this time.
The main meal of the day , la comida , is a long late lunch which starts at around l pm ・Modern Mexicans eat relatively sparingly ( and may even adopt the Western practice of eating dinner at night ) , but their forebears really made a feast of it . Their idea of a decent lunch was a hearty soup followed by a chicken, game or fish dish served with salads. That was just for starters? After that came the main course, which consisted of beef, lamb or pork with an array of vegetables? Just in case the diners were still not satisfied, a small dish of beans (usually red kidney or pinto) would be served, either solo or with a generous topping of cheese. Dessert today is usually fresh fruit, but in the past a baked pudding or custard was also offered. It is not difficult to see why a siesta came to be considered absolutely essential!
“Merienda” is an early evening meal, designed to revitalize working men and women on their return home. Traditionally it consisted of atole - corn gruel? Served with tamales, cakes, biscuits or sweet breads. This used to be followed by a sizeable late night supper, served at around 10 pm, but the practice has dwindled, except on formal occasions.
Altering their pattern of eating doesn't necessarily mean that Mexican seat less. Snacks are hugely popular, and street vendors do a brisk trade in tamales, tacos, sandwiches and little Cakes.
If you are planning to serve a Mexican meal, much will depend on the nature of the occasion. Teenagers tramping home after a football match would enjoy Quesadillas, Chilaquiles or Red Enchiladas , perhaps served with a simple Chayote salad, An after theatre supper could consist of Prawns in Red Sauce on a bed of rice , followed by Caramel Custard ( flan ), If you want to serve a truly authentic , formal Mexican lunch , you could start with caldo Tlalpeño - style Soup, then offer small portions of Seviche with Green Bean and Sweet Red Pepper Salad . After a main course Such as Mole Poblano de Guajolote (served with rice, tortillas and guacamole) you may wish to forgot the traditional dish of beans and offer a fairly light dessert, such as Coconut Custard, or simply Almond Biscuits with coffee.
Mexican restaurants are springing up all over the world, and Mexican ingredients like chilies, tortillas and refried beans are hot favorites, available in many markets and even small grocery stores.
Much of what most of us think of as Mexican cooking is actually Tex - Mex. Texas was once part of Mexico, and Texans retain a love of the spicy flavors of Mexico.
First come the important corn dishes , including tortillas, tacos and enchiladas, followed by soups, then vegetables and Salads such as refried Beans and Chayote Salad The Fish and Shellfish section contains distinctive recipes such as Fish in Parsley Sauce and Salt Cod in Mild Chili Sauce, while the Poultry and Meat bursting with appetizing dishes like Chicken in Green Almond Sauce and the much - loved Mole Poblano de Guajolote 一turkey cooked in a piquant Sauce flavored with bitter Chocolate . The desserts and drinks of Mexico are not forgotten, and the Pumpkin in Brown Sugar or Caramel Custard will finish off your Mexican meal perfectly.
To introduction I’ll give you more detailed information.
There are no hard - and - fast rules about planning a Mexican meal, other than to ensure that everyone has a good time. Mexicans' enjoyment of life extends to their love of good food, drink and excellent company. With those ingredients, you simply can’t go wrong.
Mexicans traditionally eat four meals a day, although this pattern is changing.
Breakfast is usually substantial, with fruit and sweet breads or tortillas accompanied by coffee or chocolate. It is not unusual for meat or eggs to be served at this time.
The main meal of the day , la comida , is a long late lunch which starts at around l pm ・Modern Mexicans eat relatively sparingly ( and may even adopt the Western practice of eating dinner at night ) , but their forebears really made a feast of it . Their idea of a decent lunch was a hearty soup followed by a chicken, game or fish dish served with salads. That was just for starters? After that came the main course, which consisted of beef, lamb or pork with an array of vegetables? Just in case the diners were still not satisfied, a small dish of beans (usually red kidney or pinto) would be served, either solo or with a generous topping of cheese. Dessert today is usually fresh fruit, but in the past a baked pudding or custard was also offered. It is not difficult to see why a siesta came to be considered absolutely essential!
“Merienda” is an early evening meal, designed to revitalize working men and women on their return home. Traditionally it consisted of atole - corn gruel? Served with tamales, cakes, biscuits or sweet breads. This used to be followed by a sizeable late night supper, served at around 10 pm, but the practice has dwindled, except on formal occasions.
Altering their pattern of eating doesn't necessarily mean that Mexican seat less. Snacks are hugely popular, and street vendors do a brisk trade in tamales, tacos, sandwiches and little Cakes.
If you are planning to serve a Mexican meal, much will depend on the nature of the occasion. Teenagers tramping home after a football match would enjoy Quesadillas, Chilaquiles or Red Enchiladas , perhaps served with a simple Chayote salad, An after theatre supper could consist of Prawns in Red Sauce on a bed of rice , followed by Caramel Custard ( flan ), If you want to serve a truly authentic , formal Mexican lunch , you could start with caldo Tlalpeño - style Soup, then offer small portions of Seviche with Green Bean and Sweet Red Pepper Salad . After a main course Such as Mole Poblano de Guajolote (served with rice, tortillas and guacamole) you may wish to forgot the traditional dish of beans and offer a fairly light dessert, such as Coconut Custard, or simply Almond Biscuits with coffee.
Mexican restaurants are springing up all over the world, and Mexican ingredients like chilies, tortillas and refried beans are hot favorites, available in many markets and even small grocery stores.
Much of what most of us think of as Mexican cooking is actually Tex - Mex. Texas was once part of Mexico, and Texans retain a love of the spicy flavors of Mexico.
Date； 2007.07.19(Thu)
Natsubate (summer fatigue)
Imagine being in a sauna for a few hours. Then imagine getting out of it and walking straight into a giant freezer for another few hours. Do these several times a day and continue the routine for a couple of months and you’ll see why some people say that's what spending summer in Japan is like.
Japan's summer months are notoriously hot and muggy, which can lead to a range of health problems. Natsubate (summer fatigue) leaves people feeling tired, lethargic and/or sleep-deprived. Many people lose their appetite and become irritated, while others suffer digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation and/or giddiness. Originally referring to a condition brought on by prolonged exposure to the sweltering summer heat, these days natsubate starts early even in late June for some people, because of sudden changes in the weather and freezers like air conditioning in trains, buses and buildings.
Now a day is well known for Doctors that natsubate call it in English summer fatigue is primarily caused by perspiration problems. Body temperature rises in hot weather, and the air conditioning, some office workers nowadays bring to their offices a yutampo (hot-water bottle), which many Japanese traditionally use to make their futon warm in the winter. You can buy yutampo at a drug store for a few thousand yen a piece. Another tip is to ask your office to turn their air conditioning down (which conserves energy, too.) Get enough sleep: It might sound elementary, but sleep is indeed essential to avoid and recover from natsubate. If you have problems going to sleep because of the heat, place a bag of ice on your pillow for a few minutes, or turn on an air-conditioner with a timer, making sure that it switches off after several hours. Turning air conditioning on throughout the night is often a cause of natsubate. Work out regularly: People who can sweat effectively are less likely to suffer from natsubate because their bodies are better conditioned to accommodate temperature changes. Regular exercise can prepare people for that. I hope these few tips help you to beat natsubate they have also helped me to survive the summer every year in Japan. See you next time. Bye!
Japan's summer months are notoriously hot and muggy, which can lead to a range of health problems. Natsubate (summer fatigue) leaves people feeling tired, lethargic and/or sleep-deprived. Many people lose their appetite and become irritated, while others suffer digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation and/or giddiness. Originally referring to a condition brought on by prolonged exposure to the sweltering summer heat, these days natsubate starts early even in late June for some people, because of sudden changes in the weather and freezers like air conditioning in trains, buses and buildings.
Now a day is well known for Doctors that natsubate call it in English summer fatigue is primarily caused by perspiration problems. Body temperature rises in hot weather, and the air conditioning, some office workers nowadays bring to their offices a yutampo (hot-water bottle), which many Japanese traditionally use to make their futon warm in the winter. You can buy yutampo at a drug store for a few thousand yen a piece. Another tip is to ask your office to turn their air conditioning down (which conserves energy, too.) Get enough sleep: It might sound elementary, but sleep is indeed essential to avoid and recover from natsubate. If you have problems going to sleep because of the heat, place a bag of ice on your pillow for a few minutes, or turn on an air-conditioner with a timer, making sure that it switches off after several hours. Turning air conditioning on throughout the night is often a cause of natsubate. Work out regularly: People who can sweat effectively are less likely to suffer from natsubate because their bodies are better conditioned to accommodate temperature changes. Regular exercise can prepare people for that. I hope these few tips help you to beat natsubate they have also helped me to survive the summer every year in Japan. See you next time. Bye!
Date； 2007.07.10(Tue)
Contracts for foreigner teachers
Contracts are another source of dispute between teachers and "employers”. In most cases the teachers are given one-year contracts which may be renewed depending on the needs of the company and the teacher's performance over the course of the year. By doing this, schools are able to categorize teachers as temporary employees, regardless of how long they actually stay with the company. As a result, teachers don't receive the benefits that they would be eligible for as permanent employees. The companies claim that this is done because they can't offer permanent contracts to employees who may only have one year visas, but teachers feel that this isn't the case. In their view, these contracts make it easier for the company to get rid of people if there is a dispute, or if they simply become too expensive to keep on.
Date； 2007.07.02(Mon)
English Schools in Japan
Schools are particularly adept at writing contracts which protect themselves. Despite the titles which some companies adopt "language/culture school," "academy," "institute," "college" ultimately they are businesses whose main objective is to make a profit. This is true regardless of the size of the company and the good intentions outlined in its mission statement or the proclamations of educational excellence on its Web site. As one experienced TEFL professional wisely said, "most places ... are run by businessmen not language administrators or teachers. The teachers viewed the big schools in a similar light to other major companies in the service industry. "Faceless" is probably the most commonly used adjective in comments, and more than one person spoke of being little part more of the machine.
Date； 2007.06.20(Wed)
Foreigner teachers dealing with work
Exact figures are unavailable, but it is fair to assume that a large number of foreigners who work in Japan will spend at least some of their time teaching in a language school. But after that if we want to stay longer in Japan we must decide if we lose ourselves in the facelessness of a large company, or take a job on our own in what may be something like a family-run operation where I am the only teacher.
Full-time teachers can expect to earn between \200,000 and \240,000, while part-timers will be looking at an hourly wage of between \2,000 and \4,000 yen. So if money isn't the key, what is? An article in the newspaper says that the secretary of the National Union of General Workers receives around 600 complaints annually relating to conversation schools, divided equally between large and small companies. Very few aren’t about the level of pay. Instead, most of the problems are with job and income security, contracts and evaluations. "The bigger conversation schools are generally better places to work in terms of job and income security," because although the wage levels might not differ between small and large schools, your chances of getting paid might.
Date； 2007.06.12(Tue)
The language school competition
The competition among smaller schools is even fiercer than between the big four, meaning they are more likely to have financial problems which may ultimately lead to them going out of business. Bankruptcy is not the only potential pitfall of working on your own. Teachers get in trouble when the teaching hours are not longer financially viable to keep on. This is very unlikely to happen at one of the large language schools. Individual branches may close due to a lack of profitability, but the teachers will simply be transferred to another school, which might result that the teachers of big schools don’t do care much about doing well their Job because anyhow they won’t lose It, but those who works on their own have to be at a 100% every lesson so that we don’t lose our students and that really worth for anyone who wants to learn a foreign language.
See you. Bye!
Date； 2007.06.05(Tue)
Big or small language conversation school, which is better?
Smaller schools are generally categorized as having something akin to a family or community atmosphere. In a small school the teacher plays a bigger role ... He gets more say in things like choosing textbooks, deciding what to teach and deciding the most convenient schedule for both teachers and students. In the big school the management staff will decide what to do regardless the opinion of the teacher and the student. In the small school there are fewer students so the teachers know all of them very well. It would seem that small schools are more convivial places in which to work you are appreciated, teacher opinion carries more weight and has a much larger degree of control over what and how you teach. But there is a downside. Teachers who worked in small schools often spoke of feeling under more pressure there than in big schools. If a tiny cog in a huge machine breaks down, it's unlikely the whole thing will come to a shuddering halt. That's not the case when the teacher is the machine. Another common sentiment was the difficulty in leaving work behind in a small school. Teachers spoke of receiving e-mails and telephone calls from their bosses (students) at unsociable hours and on days off. This rarely happen at large schools unless you are in a management position. "There are many good places to find English-language teaching work in Japan, but unfortunately they seem to be becoming fewer in number. That’s all folks see you next time. Bye!
Date； 2007.05.06(Sun)
Neither embarrassment nor pride but just an everyday thing
Whatever the reasons for the start-and-stop attitude to learning, the typically self-effacing attitude of most Japanese is little help in the competitive world of tourism, business and communications, speaking another language must become a cause for neither embarrassment nor pride but just an everyday thing.
Long known for importing a multitude of ideas and technologies from other countries, Japan's innovation and creativity have only rarely been applied to language study. People around the world know they need language skills to perform their increasingly communication-based, international-oriented jobs. For most Japanese, though, using English at work or in life remains a romantic daydream, too tough to make real.
Japan's future standing in the world rests in large part on its ability to speak other languages. Too much really can be lost in translation. People with the best language ability will prosper most into everyday life.
Regardless of how different Japanese may be linguistically from other languages, waiting for some magic computer translation program to solve all the problems is sheer fantasy, don’t you think so?
See you next time. Bye!
Long known for importing a multitude of ideas and technologies from other countries, Japan's innovation and creativity have only rarely been applied to language study. People around the world know they need language skills to perform their increasingly communication-based, international-oriented jobs. For most Japanese, though, using English at work or in life remains a romantic daydream, too tough to make real.
Japan's future standing in the world rests in large part on its ability to speak other languages. Too much really can be lost in translation. People with the best language ability will prosper most into everyday life.
Regardless of how different Japanese may be linguistically from other languages, waiting for some magic computer translation program to solve all the problems is sheer fantasy, don’t you think so?
See you next time. Bye!
Date； 2007.04.24(Tue)
Japanese identity develops through contact with other languages and cultures.
That fear of losing some Japanese identity is at the root of most critics of early English education, and Japanese culture can arguably be considered more closely tied to language than others. Yet, many studies have found that a stronger sense of Japanese identity develops through contact with other languages and cultures. Awareness of one's cultural identity comes as much from comparison as from knowing oneself.
Japan must learn other languages, then, not only to understand other ways of thinking and feeling, but also to understand itself. Japan has too long remained an island linguistically. Geography is no longer an adequate excuse. Nowadays, language is what leaps borders with the greatest force and speed, and
Come back, whether via the Internet, trade policies or popular films. So let’s together reinforce the strength of Japan, I’m sure there’re many foreigners like me who are willing to help. That’s all friends. See you. Bye!
Japan must learn other languages, then, not only to understand other ways of thinking and feeling, but also to understand itself. Japan has too long remained an island linguistically. Geography is no longer an adequate excuse. Nowadays, language is what leaps borders with the greatest force and speed, and
Come back, whether via the Internet, trade policies or popular films. So let’s together reinforce the strength of Japan, I’m sure there’re many foreigners like me who are willing to help. That’s all friends. See you. Bye!
Date； 2007.04.06(Fri)
Japanese’s ambivalent English
The recent story about problems at an English school in Tokyo reveals perhaps more about Japanese attitudes to studying a foreign language than about the business practices of language schools.
In Japan, signing up with enthusiasm too often leads to giving up in frustration. For many, learning to chat a bit or get ready for a trip might seem just another consumer option, but the nation's level of foreign language ability deeply connects to its future.
Many countries around the world have already benefited from knowing English and foreign languages. India, long one of the most fluent in English, (even when its pronunciation is not always clear) has built an entire industry in computer services, all in English.
While the grip of American influence worldwide may yet loosen, the reality of English as the most commonly used language will continue. No other lingua franca has yet to emerge. Around the world, everyone from account executives to restaurant staff shows a comfort with English that, like it or not, is the clearest evidence of a willingness to interact with the world, but in this global conversation, Japan all too often blushes and stammers, so make up your mind and do not hesitate when taking what you think was the right decision. That’s all folks, see you next time!
In Japan, signing up with enthusiasm too often leads to giving up in frustration. For many, learning to chat a bit or get ready for a trip might seem just another consumer option, but the nation's level of foreign language ability deeply connects to its future.
Many countries around the world have already benefited from knowing English and foreign languages. India, long one of the most fluent in English, (even when its pronunciation is not always clear) has built an entire industry in computer services, all in English.
While the grip of American influence worldwide may yet loosen, the reality of English as the most commonly used language will continue. No other lingua franca has yet to emerge. Around the world, everyone from account executives to restaurant staff shows a comfort with English that, like it or not, is the clearest evidence of a willingness to interact with the world, but in this global conversation, Japan all too often blushes and stammers, so make up your mind and do not hesitate when taking what you think was the right decision. That’s all folks, see you next time!
Date； 2007.03.26(Mon)
The fear of speaking English
The fear of speaking English less than perfectly is a peculiarly Japanese one.
Most of the world speaks English less than perfectly, yet they struggle on regardless of grammar mistakes and bad pronunciation. The myth that native speakers speak always perfectly is also under scrutiny. The very definition of a native speaker is slowly collapsing amid international marriages, bilingual education and increasing chances to travel work and live in other countries.
If anything, the luxury of speaking only one language will bean increasing rarity in the future. Only the poorest, or ironically, the wealthiest countries, will live monolingually. The poorest countries have trouble accessing the world through other languages, while the wealthiest too confidently assume others will. Learn their language. Dropping this monolingual myth is the first best step to truly make a change.
Japan surely ranks first in the world in sheer numbers of grammar books and electronic dictionaries, not to mention English lessons, yet how often do these help to better understand how to live in the world? The diversity of languages is a testament to the beauty and ingenuity of the human species.
But the future is likely to rest on humankind's ability to create an international culture of communication.
The age of the tower of Babel, where humanity was punished for its pride by being split into different languages, may just be coming to an end. No one can afford to relish its uniqueness at the expense of working with others in a common language. That’s all folks. See you next time. Bye!
Most of the world speaks English less than perfectly, yet they struggle on regardless of grammar mistakes and bad pronunciation. The myth that native speakers speak always perfectly is also under scrutiny. The very definition of a native speaker is slowly collapsing amid international marriages, bilingual education and increasing chances to travel work and live in other countries.
If anything, the luxury of speaking only one language will bean increasing rarity in the future. Only the poorest, or ironically, the wealthiest countries, will live monolingually. The poorest countries have trouble accessing the world through other languages, while the wealthiest too confidently assume others will. Learn their language. Dropping this monolingual myth is the first best step to truly make a change.
Japan surely ranks first in the world in sheer numbers of grammar books and electronic dictionaries, not to mention English lessons, yet how often do these help to better understand how to live in the world? The diversity of languages is a testament to the beauty and ingenuity of the human species.
But the future is likely to rest on humankind's ability to create an international culture of communication.
The age of the tower of Babel, where humanity was punished for its pride by being split into different languages, may just be coming to an end. No one can afford to relish its uniqueness at the expense of working with others in a common language. That’s all folks. See you next time. Bye!
Date； 2006.11.05(Sun)
New flexibility of cell phones
The much-awaited portable-number service for cell phones has started in Japan, enabling users to change carriers without having to change phone numbers. This is a new convenience for customers, but for the cell-phone carriers -- NTT DoCoMo Inc., KDDI Corp. and Softbank Mobile Corp. -- it heralds the start of a new war. The ease with which users can change carriers is expected to cause fierce competition. It is hoped that the competition will lead to lower fees, better services and more user options. Good! More work for them, more benefit for us.
Under the earlier system, switching carriers was cumbersome because users' phone numbers had to be changed, too. Users had to notify all their friends and acquaintances of the new numbers, often worrying that they might have forgotten somebody. With the new system, these worries are over. Phone numbers of users' friends and acquaintances, registered in the old handsets, will also be transferred to new handsets.
But users will have to change their e-mail addresses, since they are not transferable. Points earned with previous carriers as well as music, game content and other data stored in the old handsets will also be lost.
Nevertheless, users should not have to worry much about notifying friends and acquaintances about their new e-mail addresses, as the carriers they switch to will automatically inform users' friends and acquaintances -- if these phone numbers are already registered in the old handsets -- of the new e-mail addresses.
Besides the loss of old e-mail addresses and downloaded data, another drawback that may give users second thoughts about changing carriers. Paperwork fees for canceling the old subscription and subscribing to the new will cost about 5,000 yen.
Therefore, Softbank Mobile Corp.'s announcement Oct. 23, one day before the number-portability service started, may increase defection from its two rival carriers: If users subscribe to Softbank Mobile's Vodafone service by Jan. 15, they can call or send short e-mail messages to other Vodafone users as much as they want for a flat rate of 2,880 yen a month, with some conditions.
Moreover, just one handset button will link users to the mobile site of Yahoo Japan, enabling them to enjoy Yahoo contents for free, except for the transmission fee. (Calls from Vodafone handsets to NTT DoCoMo and KDDI au handsets, however, will cost more than calls among users of NTT DoCoMo or KDDI au handsets.)
The two rivals have different approaches. KDDI, for example, aims to improve handset designs as well as strengthen music and download functions.
Currently, about 94 million cell-phone handsets are in use in Japan, indicating nearly one handset for every resident. NTT DoCoMo enjoys a 56 percent market share while KDDI holds a 28 percent share; Softbank Mobile has 16 percent.
Up to 10 million users are expected to defect. Competition among the three carriers, not only in pricing and services but also in handset design and functions, may alter their division of the market pie. To prepare for the start of the number-portability service, the carriers have developed new types of handsets, pricing systems and networks. The days in which mobile phones were intended only for placing and receiving telephone calls, and sending and receiving e-mail messages, are gone.
The performance of handsets are now diversified to meet various user demands. Some not only have camera, TV or music functions but also function like personal computers, proving quite powerful in retrieving information from the Internet. Others are specially designed for easy use by elderly people. Still others include credit or prepaid card functions.
Thus an array of choices is offered in terms of services and functions. As users decide which carrier to use according to pricing and preferred services and functions, competition among carriers will increase. It is a challenging time for the carriers. They must attract picky longtime users as well newcomers.
More comfort and convenience has just start. Isn’t great to live in the world’s top technology country! That’s all friends, see you next time. Bye.
Date； 2006.08.27(Sun)
Sleep
Sleep is an important part of life. Some people spend a third of their lives in bed. I don’t think I sleep that much. Let’s take a look at one of the processes involved with sleep. We all sleep so this is something we should talk about.
Let’s start at the beginning. You are sleeping. You are asleep. These two sentences have exactly the same meaning. “Asleep” is an adjective that means “sleeping.” Then something wakes you up. It could be anything: your alarm clock, your wife, or maybe you just had enough sleep. Anyway, you wake up, your eyes are open. After you wake up, you get up. Some times people say “get out of bed” instead of “get up,” but they have the same meaning. After you get up, you are up. I got up at 8:30 this morning. Its 1:30in the afternoon now, so I’ve been up for five hours. I’ve been awake for six hours. I’ll probably be up until midnight.
Sometimes “wakeup” and “get up” can be used interchangeably. You could ask someone, “What time do you usually get up (wake)?” In this sense, they have the same meaning. But strictly speaking, they are a little different. Here’s a little story. Last Monday I was sleeping soundly when the phone rang very early in the morning. I look at the clock; it said 5:30, the phone is next to my futon. I though, “who is calling me at 5:30 in the morning?” I answer it. It was wrong number. Nobody I know would call me that early. I woke up, the phone call woke me up, but I didn’t get up. It was too early. I went back to sleep.
Not to change the subject, but “wake up” is a separable phrasal verb. I visited some friend who just had a baby. The baby was asleep when I got there. We had to speak softly. They didn’t want to wake the baby up or wake her up, but not wake up her. The pronoun can only separate the two words, not come after them.
One more thing with “wake up.” If you are staying in a hotel overseas, don’t ask for a morning call, that’s Japanese English. Tell the clerk, “I’d like a wake-up call at 8:00am.”
Please dial the phone carefully early in the morning. We all need our sleep. See you next time. Bye!
Let’s start at the beginning. You are sleeping. You are asleep. These two sentences have exactly the same meaning. “Asleep” is an adjective that means “sleeping.” Then something wakes you up. It could be anything: your alarm clock, your wife, or maybe you just had enough sleep. Anyway, you wake up, your eyes are open. After you wake up, you get up. Some times people say “get out of bed” instead of “get up,” but they have the same meaning. After you get up, you are up. I got up at 8:30 this morning. Its 1:30in the afternoon now, so I’ve been up for five hours. I’ve been awake for six hours. I’ll probably be up until midnight.
Sometimes “wakeup” and “get up” can be used interchangeably. You could ask someone, “What time do you usually get up (wake)?” In this sense, they have the same meaning. But strictly speaking, they are a little different. Here’s a little story. Last Monday I was sleeping soundly when the phone rang very early in the morning. I look at the clock; it said 5:30, the phone is next to my futon. I though, “who is calling me at 5:30 in the morning?” I answer it. It was wrong number. Nobody I know would call me that early. I woke up, the phone call woke me up, but I didn’t get up. It was too early. I went back to sleep.
Not to change the subject, but “wake up” is a separable phrasal verb. I visited some friend who just had a baby. The baby was asleep when I got there. We had to speak softly. They didn’t want to wake the baby up or wake her up, but not wake up her. The pronoun can only separate the two words, not come after them.
One more thing with “wake up.” If you are staying in a hotel overseas, don’t ask for a morning call, that’s Japanese English. Tell the clerk, “I’d like a wake-up call at 8:00am.”
Please dial the phone carefully early in the morning. We all need our sleep. See you next time. Bye!
Date； 2006.08.27(Sun)
Tequila!
Forget the salt and lime you’ll need mint to enjoy this tequila.
Producer tequila announced on July Saturday 22dn of this year that it has sold a bottle of México’s best-know beverage in a gold and platinum casting for a whopping $225,000 American dollars, in what it claims is the most expensive spirit sale on record.
This really unique bottle of tequila was sold to a U.S based client, collector of fine wines and Spirits.
Tequila, made from agave, a blue cactus-like plant native to western México, sells for as little $10 U.S dollars bottle and was traditionally the drink of farmers and laborers but in recent years it’s has risen dramatically and has gained fans on all corners of the globe. Earlier this month, UNESCO added the blue agave-growing region to the World Heritage list.
I know many Japanese have never tasted but never is too late. This hot summer could be a good pretext to the special occasion. Try it! See you next time. Bye!
Producer tequila announced on July Saturday 22dn of this year that it has sold a bottle of México’s best-know beverage in a gold and platinum casting for a whopping $225,000 American dollars, in what it claims is the most expensive spirit sale on record.
This really unique bottle of tequila was sold to a U.S based client, collector of fine wines and Spirits.
Tequila, made from agave, a blue cactus-like plant native to western México, sells for as little $10 U.S dollars bottle and was traditionally the drink of farmers and laborers but in recent years it’s has risen dramatically and has gained fans on all corners of the globe. Earlier this month, UNESCO added the blue agave-growing region to the World Heritage list.
I know many Japanese have never tasted but never is too late. This hot summer could be a good pretext to the special occasion. Try it! See you next time. Bye!
Date； 2006.08.27(Sun)
The Pros of evaluating all the opinions
Americans in particular love brainstorming. A creative free for all ideas, brainstorming gives participants the opportunity to throw out any idea, with out censoring the crazier ones.
The idea is that during the period in which the brainstorm is conducted, every one withholds their judgment in order to preserve the positive atmosphere. This means that even when some one makes a suggestion that is obviously unworkable or even plenty absurd, it should be added to the list just as the others ones ere.
However at some point the group has to narrow down its options but this doesn’t that once the brainstorming is over you are free to be negative. Negatively is never attractive, and it does not contribute to good results.
If you star shooting down other people’s ideas with comments like “that’s silly”, “that won’t work”, or “why can you think of anything better” then it will chill the other ideas and consequently bad results.
The best to go about weeding-out is to let the other have a chance to do it. Here’s a list of alternatives to create a good tone.
・ Everyone has come up with a good idea, so many, in fact that we have to narrow down the list. We will star by the most unrealistic ones.
・ Thank you for working hard to create such of rich list of options. Unfortunately we can’t work up all these good ideas, so let’s take off those which are less workable.
・ The other option is to simply eliminate items by using terms like “high priority”, “medium priority” and “low priority”. Or “most attractive” and less attractive”.
・ Another effective method is by looking at the pros and cons of every idea so that we can eliminate the less convenient.
By sorting these options is simply to narrow the list and focus to the best and most important ideas. And remember the most important thing is to be accessible and take a look to any kind of idea no matter how creasy it could be. That’s all for now, se you around Bye.
The idea is that during the period in which the brainstorm is conducted, every one withholds their judgment in order to preserve the positive atmosphere. This means that even when some one makes a suggestion that is obviously unworkable or even plenty absurd, it should be added to the list just as the others ones ere.
However at some point the group has to narrow down its options but this doesn’t that once the brainstorming is over you are free to be negative. Negatively is never attractive, and it does not contribute to good results.
If you star shooting down other people’s ideas with comments like “that’s silly”, “that won’t work”, or “why can you think of anything better” then it will chill the other ideas and consequently bad results.
The best to go about weeding-out is to let the other have a chance to do it. Here’s a list of alternatives to create a good tone.
・ Everyone has come up with a good idea, so many, in fact that we have to narrow down the list. We will star by the most unrealistic ones.
・ Thank you for working hard to create such of rich list of options. Unfortunately we can’t work up all these good ideas, so let’s take off those which are less workable.
・ The other option is to simply eliminate items by using terms like “high priority”, “medium priority” and “low priority”. Or “most attractive” and less attractive”.
・ Another effective method is by looking at the pros and cons of every idea so that we can eliminate the less convenient.
By sorting these options is simply to narrow the list and focus to the best and most important ideas. And remember the most important thing is to be accessible and take a look to any kind of idea no matter how creasy it could be. That’s all for now, se you around Bye.