William S. Clark (82/02/01)
Today, February the 1st, is the birthday of a wellknown, good-looking American man. Can you guess who it is? I'll give you a hint. His name is Clark. Now, do you know? No, it's not me, even though I may fit that description too. Today is the birthday of Clark Gable, who was born in Cadiz, Ohio on this day in 1901. He began his career as a motion picture actor in 1930 and eventually became known as the King of Hollywood. Another American man named Clark has become well-known in Japan because of his expert knowledge and firm Christian conviction, seen during his time of service in this country. And who is he? He is William S. Clark, who spent less than one year in Japan (1876-1877), where he helped establish the Imperial College of Agriculture in Sapporo, which has now become Hokkaido University. Not only was this Dr. Clark a respected scientist and educator, he had also been a brigadier general in the Civil War. His farewell words to his students upon leaving Japan have become famous: "Boys, be ambitious!" Ambition refers to a strong desire to succeed. It is good to be ambitious--if the aim is unselfish, according to yet another man named Clark.
Ground hog Day (82/02/02)
At our 4th "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting last Sunday, I spoke about February customs and celebrations in the United States. In my talk, I explained about the folklore related to this day, which is called Ground hog Day in America. A ground hog, also called a woodchuck, is a stocky, furry rodent of the marmot family which hibernates during the winter. On February 2nd, the ground hog is said to come out of its hole. If it is a sunny day, it will see its shadow, become frightened and return to its burrow, and the cold winter weather will continue for another six weeks. However, if February the 2nd is cloudy and the ground hog does not see its shadow, it will leave its winter resting place and spring weather will begin. Thus, whether or not it is sunny on Ground hog Day is said to indicate an early or late spring. 170 years ago, Joseph Addison wrote in The Spectator that "a cloudy day, or a little sunshine, have as great an influence on many constitutions as the most real blessings or misfortunes." Let us bring a little sunshine into someone's life today.
Setsubun (82/02/03)
According to the traditional Japanese seasonal calendar, today is called setsubun, literally, season division. Originally, there were four setsubun, marking the end of each season and the beginning of the next but now, only the setsubun marking the end of winter and the "great cold" is observed. In the evening of this day, it is customary to throw dried beans in the various rooms of one's house while crying out, "In with good fortune; out with the demons", as a kind of ritual exorcism. The dried head of a sardine on a bunch of holly may also be left outside the door to scare the demons away. Some shrines and temples have bean throwing ceremonies for people born in the same symbolic sign as the present year. The casting out of evil and the welcoming in of good, however, cannot be accomplished so simply by merely throwing beans and crying aloud. To rid our lives, our homes and our society of evil and to enjoy true happiness requires a healthy faith in God accompanied by determined efforts to bring to pass his good purpose in the world. In the 37th Psalm, it is written: "Trust in the Lord and do good. Seek your happiness in the Lord and he will give you your heart's desire."
Japan's Peace Constitution (82/02/04)
At the "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting last Sunday afternoon, one of those who attended suggested that I not only give information in these messages but also express my own opinions at times. Today I will do so. I will quote from my letter to Newsweek magazine, which was printed in the January 25th issue. "If the Reagan administration is successful in its attempt to pressure Japan to rearm--forcing the Japanese to alter or ignore the very constitution they accepted under American pressure--there may be some immediate advantage for the United States. But the long-term effect will not be in the best interests of anyone--the United States, Japan or the world." My letter ended with a Bible quotation from Hosea, chapter 8, verse 7: "They sow the wind and they shall reap the whirlwind." Even now, I think Japan is not actually abiding by the spirit of its so-called "Peace Constitution" and I think it is unwise for the U. S. to press for further military expenditures. I would rather Japan set an example for the world of a truly peaceful nation. What do you think?
Twenty-six martyrs in Nagasaki (82/02/05)
In English, the word "martyr" refers to a person who is killed for his beliefs, a person who chooses to suffer or die rather than to give up his faith or principles. This word comes from the Greek word martus that literally means "witness". In a legal sense, witness refers to a person called to bear testimony at court. It may also be used in a historical sense of one who is a spectator of some event. Or, it may refer to one who shows by his whole life--or even by death--the genuineness of his faith. Japanese religions are not the kind to produce many martyrs, but 385 years ago today 26 men were crucified for their Christian faith in the city of Nagasaki upon the edict of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. 20 of them were Japanese and 6 were Spanish priests. One of the fearful characteristics of the foreign religion of Christianity was that it instilled an ultimate loyalty to God that superceded all other loyalties. Such teaching does not harmonize well with traditional Japanese thought, but the Bible confronts us with the question of whom or what we put first in life and teaches us that the Lord God must come first. Tomorrow, I plan to attend the hadaka matsuri. In Sunday's message, I'll share my reactions.
Frankfurters and Hamburgers (82/02/06)
If a person who lives in the German city of Berlin is called a Berliner, then it seems fitting to call a person living in the German city of Frankfurt a Frankfurter and a resident of the German city of Hamburg a Hamburger. However, in English, the words "frankfurter" and "hamburger" do not usually refer to people but to food. A frankfurter, originating in Frankfurt, is a smoked beef sausage enclosed in a membranous casing. A smaller pork and beef sausage, which was made in Vienna, was called a wienerwurst or Vienna sausage, and from this word we get the English word "wiener". In America, both frankfurters and wieners, when put in a soft roll, are referred to as "hot dogs"--which, hopefully, has no reference to the kind of meat used in them. Hot dogs were the most popular fast meat food in the U.S. until they were overtaken by hamburgers. A hamburger, originally made of ground beef, was developed in Hamburg and was previously called a hamburg steak. Now, the cooked meat by itself may be called a Salisbury steak, after the man who popularized it, but when placed in a bun it is called a hamburger. Some people enjoy eating meat and others don't, but, according to Romans, chapter 14, whether we eat or refrain from eating, we should give thanks to God.
Hadaka matsuri in Inazawa (82/02/07)
My continuing education in Japanese tradition, culture and religion was furthered yesterday by my visit to the Konomiya Shrine in Inazawa to see the hadaka matsuri, or Naked Festival. I rode there on my bicycle from my home in Moriyama Ku. Before I got to the shrine, I passed a number of groups of men wearing only a loincloth and weaving down the streets, carrying long bamboo with colored pieces of cloth attached. In the shrine itself, I saw the huge kagami mochi, weighing 5 tons, that was made by my fellow Moriyamans and transported there in a parade the day before. After carrying their offerings of bamboo and cloth flags to the shrine, 8000 shivering men awaited the appearance of the shin-otoko, or kami man, whom to touch was supposed to ensure a year without misfortune. My reaction to this traditional festival is that it may serve to stir up enthusiasm among the participants, but I do not believe it is effective in ensuring a year free from troubles. The 16th chapter of Leviticus describes a Jewish custom of transferring the sins of the people to a scapegoat which was then led into the wilderness, and the New Testament teaches that Jesus Christ took upon himself the sins of all people in order that those who believe in him might be saved.
The Confederacy and the Union (82/02/08)
It was 121 years ago today, on February 8, 1861, that the Confederate States of America was established and Jefferson Davis was elected president. This group of seven southern states withdrew from the so-called United States of America following the election of President Abraham Lincoln. The constitution of the Confederate States closely resembled that of the United States, but with greater emphasis upon states' rights. Slavery was also recognized and protected. It was two months later, that war broke out between the Confederacy and the Union. If we consider only the meaning of words, both Confederacy and Union or Confederate States and United States have basically the same meaning. However, the historical association and usage of particular words influences their connotations. Such words as "democracy" or "democratic" evidently have different meanings in Communist and non-Communist societies. And, even today, on many issues facing the citizens of the United States, there is an obvious lack of unity, for freedom of speech and the right to express disagreement is respected. Healthy debate between different viewpoints ensures better understanding and progress. But, we should carry on this debate with words rather than with weapons.
A Cat and the number Nine (82/02/09)
Today is February 9th and I'm not sure what to talk about on today's message. If you have suggestions regarding subjects for these messages, please write to me and share them with me. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. The number nine is used in the proverbial saying that "A cat has nine lives", referring to the nimbleness of a cat escaping from what seems like certain death. There is also an English idiom, "nine days' wonder", which refers to something that arouses great excitement and interest for only a short time and then is forgotten. A "cat-o'-nine-tails" may refer to a whip made of nine knotted cords attached to a handle, used for flogging, or to a tall plant that grows in marshes. And the game of ninepins is similar to our present bowling game, except that nine wooden pins are set up at the end of the alley instead of ten. According to the New Testament book of Acts, chapter 3, the ninth hour was an hour of prayer among the Jews. However, since the Jews began counting hours from 6 AM, the ninth hour would correspond to 3 PM in present time calculations. However, for those who know God as their Father, any time of day may become an hour of prayer, when we talk to him.
Two tragedies in Tokyo (82/02/10)
During the past two days, two different tragedies occurred in Tokyo, resulting in the loss of many lives, injuries to many more and great sorrow for the families and friends of the dead and wounded. On Monday morning, a hotel fire caused the death of over 30 persons, and on Tuesday morning, 24 were killed in a plane crash. At such times, it is natural for people to ask why such tragedies occur and why those particular individuals were killed or injured. Different kinds of answers will be given to such questions depending upon one's religious faith or view of life. Some will assert that it was due to the sins of those people--whether in this life or a former life--that caused them to meet such a fate. As a Christian, I will confess that I don't understand why certain people meet with such accidents or suffer, but, in keeping with Jesus' teaching in Luke, chapter 13, I don't believe that such people are greater sinners than the rest of us. However, such tragedies should cause us to reflect upon our own lives and remind us of the uncertainty of life and the need to always be prepared for death, whenever it may occur. The Christian believes his life is in the hands of his loving heavenly Father and thus can face death without fear.
National Foundation Day (82/02/11)
Today, February 11th, is a national holiday in Japan. It is called National Foundation Day, commemorating the nation's origin. The problem is, no one knows when the Japanese nation began. Some countries, including the United States, can point to a particular date as the beginning of a new nation. However, the historical origins of the Japanese nation are lost in the hazy myths of the ancient past. According to the Kojiki, Japan's first emperor, Jinmu Tenno, began his reign on what has been calculated as the 11th day of the 2nd month in the year 660 B.C. In 1872, the Japanese calendar was reformed with 660 B.C. as the base year, making 1945, the last year this calendar was in use, the year 2605. Formerly, February 11th was called kigensetsu and celebrated with great nationalistic emotion. It was also the day on which the Meiji Constitution was promulgated in 1839. There are groups in Japan today which are promoting a reversion to the political-religious nationalism of the past, but both historical and current examples of such clearly indicate the dangers to democratic freedoms they provoke. Vigilance is required for freedom to be maintained.
Abraham Lincoln's Birthday (82/02/12)
In the United States, legal holidays are established by the individual states rather than the national government. Consequently, in the literal sense of the word, there are no national holidays--although there are holidays celebrated in all states, and those in the District of Columbia are established by Congress. In 31 states, today is celebrated as Lincoln's Birthday. On February 12, 1809, 173 years ago today, Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin which is now encompassed by a larger building in the Abraham Lincoln National Park near Hodgenville, Kentucky. Although born of poor parents and attending school for less than one year throughout his life, at 51 years of age, he became the 16th president of the United States. Because of his strong attitude against slavery, 11 southern states seceded from the Union and, within 6 weeks of his inauguration, the Civil War began. A little over 4 years later, when he was 56 years old, this great man was killed by an assassin's bullet. It was Abraham Lincoln who said, "Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith let us to the end do our duty as we understand it."
Story of a contact lens found (82/02/13)
Among the many news articles that make us feel sad, mad or fearful, it is good to find some that make us feel good. Such an article appeared in the newspaper a couple of days ago. It was about a 15 year old high school student in Seto who was riding home from school on his bicycle one evening last week. It was raining and darkness was approaching when one of his new contact lenses fell to the road. He stopped and spent some ten minutes on his hands and knees searching for the tiny lens. He was about to give up and go home without it when a car stopped and a man and woman got out to help him search. The headlights of their car made the area brighter. Another car stopped and its driver also joined in the search. Within another ten minutes, Akio Kawamura had found his lens. The driver of the first car then washed it in battery fluid to make sure it was not scratched. Then Akio happily continued on his way home with an inner warmth and brightness that could not be dampened nor darkened by the weather. These kind people were following the Golden Rule written in Matthew, chapter 7, verse 12: "Whatever you would have others do to you, do just the same to them."
St. Valentine's Day (82/02/14)
In the Roman Catholic Church there are certain people considered especially holy who have been designated "saints". A certain day of the year is also appointed as a feast day for each of these saints. The feast day for St. Valentine, a Roman priest who was martyred around the year 270, is February 14th. Thus, today is called St. Valentine's Day. Probably because a pagan fesitval associated with love also occurred around this time, St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers and various customs related to people in love became associated with his feast day. In America, it is common for a boy or man to give a valentine card or gift of chocolates to his girl friend or loving wife. However, in Japan, where from the American point of view some things are done backwards, it is the girl who gives an expression of her love to the boy. In English, a valentine may refer to a greeting card with words expressing sentimental love, to some other gift given on Valentine's Day or to one's sweetheart herself. In the Bible, however, there is a basic difference between the romantic love of a man for a maid and the completely selfless, selfgiving love of God for all people. The nature of God 's love is seen in the life and death of Jesus Christ.
Susan B. Anthony Day (82/02/15)
Today, February 15th, is observed in some parts of the U.S. as Susan B. Anthony Day, for it was on this day in 1820 that this American reformer and leader of women's rights' movement was born. She was the daughter of a New England Quaker who was firmly opposed to the slavery practices of the South. From the time she began teaching in a rural New York school at the age of 17, she agitated for equal pay for women teachers, for coeducation and for college training for girls. She organized the first women's temperance association and throughout her life she wrote, lectured and demonstrated on behalf of women--seeking to raise their social, economic, political and educational level to one of equality with men. Her superior intellect and strong personality were combined with a singleness of purpose that made her very influential. 14 years after her death in 1906, the 19th amendment to the United States' Constitution granted women the right to vote. She was elected to the American Hall of Fame in 1950. The Christian view of humanity given in Galatians, chapter 3, verse 28, ignores racial, social and sexual distinctions on the basis of a more basic unity found through a common faith.
The Nichiren Buddhism (82/02/16)
Although the major streams of Japanese Buddhism were imported from China, there is one stream that originated in Japan. It is the stream of Nichiren Buddhism, which is named after its founder, Nichiren. And February 16th, in the year 1222 is regarded as his birthday. Nichiren, the son of a humble fisherman, became convinced that the culmination of Buddhist truth was found in the Lotus Sutra, the Hokekyō , and, in very un-Buddhistic, un-Japanese fashion, he bitterly denounced all other Buddhist Sects, insisting that his understanding of Buddhism was the only true one. He also severely criticised the government of his day and was persecuted for his faith. A number of present day Japanese religious movements, including the Sōka Gakkai and Risshō Koseikai, are rooted in Nichiren soil, all of which are characterized by the chanting of the Daimoku: "Namu-myōhō-renge-kyō." While it is good to be confident of the validity of our own religious faith, we should not deny others the same privilege. A healthy faith includes both a genuine commitment to the truth as we understand it and an attitude of genuine, loving understanding to those who believe differently.
Canoe (82/02/17)
Yesterday, we received a letter from our daughter, who works at the Japanese Consulate in Chicago. She mentioned making her way through the snow and ice the other day to attend a canoe meeting. She is a member of a canoe group that enjoys taking canoe trips down scenic rivers over some weekends or holidays. On this day, however, they looked at films of river trips and talked of future plans. Have you ever ridden in a canoe? "Canoe" is another strange English word that is pronounced differently than it is spelled. It is spelled c-a-n-o-e, and comes from the West Indian word for that kind of boat. It is a very light boat, which American Indians made, using bark from trees or the skins of animals. Since it is so light, it may he easily carried over land when necessary. While the canoe easily floats downstream with the current, it is propelled or directed by wooden paddles. The English expression "to paddle one's own canoe" means to be self-sufficient or independent. Although it is fun to paddle your own canoe, it is also fun to paddle rhythmically with another. And so it is in life also; if we are together in the same boat, we need to function in harmony as a team.
Reactions on newspaper reports (82/02/18)
What do you think of Seiji Katagiri, the 35 year old pilot of the plane that crashed before landing at Haneda Airport last week? Our thoughts about him and our attitudes regarding his actions are certainly influenced by the viewpoints of the news reports we have read or heard. I have found my own reactions changing from initial anger at his irrational acts and disgust at his irresponsibility in so complacently leaving the scene of the accident to a feeling of compassion for this sick man who must now forever live with a burdened heart. What we read in the newspapers or see on television can be presented in such a way as to easily sway our emotions and even mislead our thinking. That is why it is so important to have a free press and to seek for genuine objectivity in presenting news. As I think again of the circumstances surrounding that plane accident and the actions of its pilot, I understand why Jesus taught that we should not judge others, for only God, who knows all the circumstances, including the hearts of people, is able to judge justly. God's command in Zechariah 7:9 is: "You must see that justice is done, and must show kindness and mercy to one another." Justice and mercy, both are important!
Stormy weather in North America (82/02/19)
Our mild weather here in Japan makes it difficult for us to imagine the stormy, wintry weather that has been affecting North America in recent months. There were many deaths reported this week as a result of the raging storm in the North Atlantic Ocean. A giant oil rig, with a deck larger than a football field, anchored 320 kilometers east of Newfoundland, Canada, was overturned and all 84 workers on this rig were drowned. About 120 kilometers further east, a Soviet freighter also sank with a loss of 40 lives. According to the Japanese seasonal calendar, today begins the season of usui, literally, "rain water", during which the snow and ice are supposed to melt and the land becomes wetter. In the Gospel according to Mark, chapter 4, there is a story of a sudden storm on Lake Galilee while Jesus was in a boat with his disciples. Jesus calmed the storm and then scolded his disciples for being so frightened in the face of danger. Storms also occur in the lives of people, but a healthy faith in the living God will bring calmness and help us to endure until the storm passes.
Gift to the eyebank by a man who killed himself (82/02/20)
Last Wednesday morning, the anatomy department of Nagoya University Medical School received a phone call from 71 year old Gisaku Kuno of Tajimi City. Mr. Kuno was a member of the Furōkai, an association of people who have agreed to donate their bodies at death to a medical school to be used by medical students in their practical training. Furōkai members also agree to give their eyes to the eyebank for transplantation. For this purpose, the cornea of the eye must be removed within six hours of death. Mr. Kuno, who lives alone, called to tell the medical school to come right away to take his corneas. After making this phone call, he committed suicide by hanging himself with an electric cord from a closet hook. Mr. Kuno became ill last month and didn't want to be a burden to others, but he wanted to make sure his eyes were taken in time for them to be used for the benefit of those who needed them. His wishes were respected. My wife and I are also members of the Furōkai. However, although we admire the spirit of concern for others shown by Mr. Kuno, we do not agree with his action, for life is precious and killing is wrong--whether it be homicide or suicide. Only God, the giver of life, has the right to take it back.
Mass exodus from a school (82/02/21)
A private high school with a distinctive educational philosophy and method is located in the city of Ueno in Mie Prefecture. It's name is Nissei Gakuin, meaning School of Daily Growth. It was established 17 years ago as a boarding school with a Spartan education. Spartan refers to the people or culture of Sparta, that is, ancient Greece. In modern English, it especially refers to a highly disciplined, frugal, severe or stoical manner of life. At the Nissei School, the students are awakened at 4:30 every morning and assemble in the gymnasium at 5:00 for moral instruction. There, they listen to a lecture while sitting on the floor in formal Japanese fashion. A marathon is also a part of their daily regimen. However, during the past week, some one hundred of the 500 second year students slipped out of their dormitories in the middle of the night and left the school. The Spartan education seemed to be too much for them. According to the New Testament letter to Hebrews, chapter 12, verse 11, Discipline is never pleasant; at the time it seems painful, but in the end it yields for those who have been trained by it the peaceful harvest of an honest life."
George Washington (82/02/22)
One of the most common place names in the United States is "Washington". Not only is the national capital in the District of Columbia called Washington, but so are one state, counties in 31 other states and at least 23 cities or towns. The reason for the popularity of this name is the deep respect Americans hold for George Washington, who was born 250 years ago today on February 22, 1732. Washington began his career as a surveyor, but after entering the military service he rapidly rose to the top post of his state's militia. In the Revolutionary War, he was selected the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the united colonies. In 1789, he became the first president of the U.S. and was re-elected in 1793 and then refused to serve for a third term. His reputation for truthfulness is well-known and he once said: "I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an "Honest Man". Five days after his death in 1799, the U. S. Congress passed a resolution unanimously calling him "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen".
Fat Tuesday (82/02/23)
In my hometown in northern Illinois, it is customary to have a carnival on the 4th of July, Independence Day. Generally speaking, a carnival is an entertainment including various kinds of rides, games, refreshments and other attractions that last for more than one day. In the more specific sense, it refers to the period of feasting and revelry just before the Christian season of fasting and penitence called Lent. It comes from two Latin words referring to the removal of meat, for in olden days, during Lent, no meat was eaten. Thus, "carnival" may be said to mean, "Flesh, farewell". During these final days before Lent, famous, boisterous festivals are held in such places as Rio de Janerio, Brazil and New Orleans, Louisiana in the U. S. A. The New Orleans carnival is called Mardi Gras, meaning "fat Tuesday" in French and is held the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. Today is the so-called "fat Tuesday". Carnivals in the West like festivals in Japan may be very happy occasions. However, when rational and moral limits are ignored, when people become drunk and immoral, the end result is not happiness, but shame.
Lent (82/02/24)
In English, "lent" is the past tense of "lend". However, when it is spelled with a capital L, it refers to a season with special significance in the Church calendar. Lent is an old Anglo-Saxon word for spring, coming from lengthen, for in the springtime the days lengthen. In the Christian Church calendar, it refers to the period of 40 weekdays before Easter. In commemoration of Jesus' 40 days fasting in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry, this is a time of prayer, fasting, meditation and reflection for Christians as they consider the meaning of Jesus' suffering and death and as they prepare their hearts for the celebration of his resurrection on Easter Day. The first day of Lent, which is today this year, is called Ash Wednesday, for in some churches ashes are smeared on the believers' foreheads as a symbol of penitence. Adding the letter "e" will change "fasting" into "feasting" and adding the truth of Easter to the meaning of Jesus' crucifixion transformed Jesus' discouraged and sorrowful disciples into men of joy and hope. Times of quietness and reflection are needed in our lives, and, for the person with a healthy faith, they will be followed by an experience of deeper joy and confidence.
Japanese left in China (82/02/25)
Over 30 years ago, under very difficult circumstances, many young, Japanese children became separated from their parents in China and were subsequently raised in Chinese homes, speaking Chinese and following Chinese customs. However, they never forgot their Japanese lineage and now a group of them are visiting this land of their parents, seeking to find some blood relatives. We may also say that, seeking to find their own roots, they are seeking to find and establish themselves and their own peculiar place in history. This is an important quest even for those of us who know our own parents and have never been separated from our families. To live a satisfying, meaningful life, firm, spiritual roots, a sense of self-esteem and acceptance in a community are important elements. Undergirding the physical family ties, which are one's fate, the Christian gains still deeper, fuller strength and purpose through faith in God the Father and fellowship in the family of like-minded believers. In Isaiah 43 we read: "The Lord who created you says, 'Do not be afraid--I will save you. I have called you by name--you are mine.'"
Rebellion in Tokyo (82/02/26)
One of the many trouble spots of the world today is the Central American country of El Salvador. This Spanish name means "the Savior". In my Spanish Bible, in John, chapter 4, verse 42, I find the words, in reference to Jesus: "Este es el Salvador del mundo", meaning, "He is the Savior of the world". In El Salvador, a rebellion is taking place and the present United States government is siding with the establishment rather than with the rebels. In the present world situation, many Americans seem to forget that their own country achieved its independence through a rebellion against the established authority which was considered unjust some 200 years ago. It was 46 years ago today, on February 26, 1936, that a rebellious plot by a group of young, nationalistic army officers took place in Tokyo. A number of government officials were assassinated and the rebels held out for several days before surrendering. Thomas Jefferson once wrote that "A little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and is as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical". What do you think?
Ground hog Day (82/02/02)
Setsubun (82/02/03)
Japan's Peace Constitution (82/02/04)
Twenty-six martyrs in Nagasaki (82/02/05)
Frankfurters and Hamburgers (82/02/06)
Hadaka matsuri in Inazawa (82/02/07)
The Confederacy and the Union (82/02/08)
A Cat and the number Nine (82/02/09)
Two tragedies in Tokyo (82/02/10)
National Foundation Day (82/02/11)
Abraham Lincoln's Birthday (82/02/12)
Story of a contact lens found (82/02/13)
St. Valentine's Day (82/02/14)
Susan B. Anthony Day (82/02/15)
The Nichiren Buddhism (82/02/16)
Canoe (82/02/17)
Reactions on newspaper reports (82/02/18)
Stormy weather in North America (82/02/19)
Gift to the eyebank by a man who killed himself (82/02/20)
Mass exodus from a school (82/02/21)
George Washington (82/02/22)
Fat Tuesday (82/02/23)
Lent (82/02/24)
Japanese left in China (82/02/25)
Rebellion in Tokyo (82/02/26)
Jesuits and the Roman Catholic Church (82/02/27)
Baloon began friendship (82/02/28)
William S. Clark (82/02/01)