Yayoi (82/03/01)
Today is the beginning of a new month, the third month of the year. In English, this month is called March, from the name of the Roman god of war, known as Mars. In ancient Rome, many temples were built for this god and in this month that bears his name many festivals were held, at which horses, bulls and rams were sacrificed to him. Mars is also the name of the planet closest to the earth, which has a reddish color. The traditional Japanese name for this month is Yayoi. It originally referred to the new growth of vegetation that reappears after the cold winter. Yayoi is also the name given to an ancient era in Japan. It was named after a certain type of pottery that was first discovered in Yayoi Cho in Tokyo. There is a saying in English that if March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb, but if it comes in like a lamb, it will go out like a lion. In this case, lion and lamb refer to severe and mild weather. The Old Testament prophet wrote of a future, ideal age when the lion and lamb would live peacefully together. In such a time, all people in the world would also be at peace with one another. Let us do our part to make this ideal a reality.
Texas Independence Day (82/03/02)
The largest of the fifty states in the U.S.A. is Alaska. Do you know which is the second largest state? It is Texas, a state with a peculiar history. Its name comes from an Indian word meaning "friend" and it was first settled by Spanish explorers searching for gold. Later, it was claimed by the French. After Mexico revolted against Spain, Texas became Mexican territory. But on March 2nd, 1836, 146 years ago today, it made a declaration of independence from Mexico and although it lost the battle of the Alamo, it did gain its independence. For the next ten years, Texas existed as an independent republic with its own Lone Star flag. It was admitted to the United States in 1845 as the 28th state. During the Civil War, however, it joined the Confederacy, so through the years, Texans have lived under six different national flags. In commemoration of its declaration of independence from Mexico, March 2nd is a state holiday known as Texas Independence Day. The state motto of Texas is: "Friendship". In his essay on "Friendship", Emerson wrote: "The only way to have a friend is to be one".
The Doll Festival (82/03/03)
The English word "revolution" may refer to a sudden, drastic change. However, Japanese find it difficult to pronounce the English "r" sound. If we take the "r" off of "revolution", the result is evolution", which is not only easier to pronounce, it is also more characteristic of Japanese culture and history, which tends to change slowly. One example of the evolution of Japanese tradition is the modern celebration of the Doll Festival on this chōsan, or "double third" day. Nowadays, this third day of the third month is a girls' festival, when beautiful dolls are displayed on a seven-tiered stand. However, this celebration is rooted in old purification rites using figures of clay or straw. After symbolically transferring one's impurities on to these dolls, they were then thrown into a river or the sea and the person was purified. Quite different from the celebrations of today! According to the Bible, true purification is the work of God's Holy Spirit. It cannot be accomplished merely by ceremonial rites. It requires true repentance, a change of heart--whether by revolution or evolution--and a sincere faith in the Savior.
Owls (82/03/04)
A Chinese newspaper, The People's Daily, has reported an influx of owls into the central China city of Shangqui in Henan Province. Evidently, the owls were attracted by the rats and mice that have been flourishing in that city. During the day, these hundreds of owls sleep in the trees, but at night they hunt and kill rodents. Some residents consider the owls a sign of coming disaster. Others try to catch them and sell them, for it is believed that a peculiar Chinese medicine made from owls can cure dizziness and headaches. The large eyes of owls make it possible for them to see well at night when they are active. In English, a person who is especially active at night may also be called an owl. The peculiar sound made by the owl is not a howl but a hoot. Hoot may also refer to an expression of scorn or disapproval, so we may hear hooting both in the baseball stadium and in the Diet. However, in sports, politics or daily life, insofar as possible, rooting is better than hooting.
coin (82/03/05)
A coin are a piece of metal with a distinctive stamp and of a fixed value and weight, used for money. As a verb, coin may mean to make coins or to invent something new, as in the expression "to coin a phrase". Sir Winston Churchill coined a phrase 36 years ago today which has continued as a popular metaphor throughout the years. In a speech at Fulton, Missouri in the U.S.A. on March 5, 1946, he said that "an iron curtain has descended across the continent" of Europe, separating the Soviet sphere from the rest of the Western world. A curtain may be used either as a divider or to shut out the light. In the phrase Churchill coined, both meanings are pertinent. "Iron" added the connotation of something cold, grim and menacing, which accurately described the situation of that day. Unfortunately, some societies feel the need to shut themselves off from the surrounding world and to impose barriers of secrecy that are hard to penetrate. The Bible teaches that human sin created a barrier between God and man, but that curtain was torn open by Jesus' death on the cross, which opened up a new way for fellowship with our heavenly Father.
Michelangelo (82/03/06)
Today, March 6th, is the birthday of one of the outstanding artists of all time. On this day in the year 1475, Michelangelo Buonarroti was born in the small, Italian village of Caprese. At thirteen years of age, he began his apprenticeship as a painter. However, it was as a sculptor that he first became well-known. Later, he was called upon to paint pictures on the walls and ceilings of various churches and other buildings. He later proved his genius as an architect, and his artistic ability is also evident in the poetry he composed. Thus, as a sculptor, painter, architect and poet, Michelangelo occupies a unique place in the cultural history of the world. He had a peculiar gift of combining sublimity with simplicity. Through his art, he was able to communicate profound spiritual truth to the hearts of common people. True communication, especially in the field of religion, requires more than words to reach the heart as well as the mind. For, as Pascal wrote, "the heart has its reasons which reason does not know".
Marathon (82/03/07)
Today is the day or the Chunichi-Nagoya Speed Marathon. Runners from seven foreign countries have been invited to participate. The 130 men will be running for 30 kilometers through a central area of the city while some 40 women run a shorter 20 kilometer course. In the more specific sense of the word, a marathon is a foot race of 26 miles, 385 yards. That was the distance between the Greek village of Marathon and the capital city of Athens which the first marathon runner ran in 490 B.C. It is said that after this runner reported the news of the Athenian victory over the Persians, he dropped dead. In a more general sense, a marathon may refer to any long distance or endurance contest. The longest marathon ever run was a 5500 kilometer race from Los Angeles to New York in 1928. The winner, 19 year old Andy Payne, received a $25,000 prize after running for eleven weeks. The Bible speaks of our life as a race which we should run according to the rules, with our eyes fixed on the goal and giving it our best.
Faithful dog Hachiko (82/03/08)
In America, it is common to remember a person's birthday, even after the person has died. In Japan, however, it seems more important to remember the date of a person's death. It is interesting that, in Japanese, the word referring to the date of one's death, meinichi, literally means "life day". If you can tell me why this term is used, please write me a letter of explanation. Today, March the 8th, is the meinichi of Japan's most famous dog, whose statue stands in front of Shibuya Station in Tokyo. Hachiko was born in Akita Prefecture in 1923. As a puppy, he was presented to Dr. Ueno, a well-known professor of agriculture, who lived a few minutes' walk from Shibuya Station. For over a year, Hachiko regularly went with his master to the station in the morning and went back to the station in the evening to meet him. Even after Dr. Ueno died, the dog continued to go daily to the station for the next ten years in hopes of greeting him again. We can learn something from this faithful dog. According to the New Testament book of I Corinthians; chapter 4, "the one thing required of a servant is that he be faithful to his master" and the Christian is a servant of Christ!
Venus (82/03/09)
The English term "heavenly body" does not refer to the body of a person--whether on this earth or in heaven. Rather, it refers to an object in the sky--such as the sun, the moon, stars or planets. In contrast with the so-called "fixed stars", planets revolve around the sun or other stars. From our viewpoint here on earth, the brightest object in the sky, other than the sun or moon, is the planet Venus. In Japanese, Venus is called kinsei, gold star. Last week, a couple of Soviet machines landed on Venus and are now taking pictures, analyzing the soil and performing other exploratory functions. Venus is the name of an ancient Roman goddess of spring, bloom and beauty, and she was later identified with the Greek goddess of love. There are many statues of Venus. The most famous one, carved in marble in the 1st century B.C., was found on the island of Melos and is called Venus of Milo. In the New Testament book of Revelation, chapter 22, Jesus refers to himself as the "bright morning star", Venus, and the Apostle Peter wrote of that morning star shining into our darkened hearts. (II Peter 1:19) For the Christian, Jesus Christ is the Source of both beauty and light.
Names of planets (82/03/10)
Today, March 10, 1982, is a rare day for astronomers. Tonight, all nine planets that revolve around the sun will be congregated within the same general area. It is the first time that has occurred for over 1000 years. The next time it will happen will be over 500 years in the future--supposing that the solar system will still be in existence in 2492. The English names of the planets, starting from the one nearest the sun, are: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. All of these are the names of ancient Roman gods (not including the Earth), except for Uranus, Which is the name of a Greek god. In Japanese, the names of the five planets closest to the sun, other than the earth, are named from the traditional five natural elements of water, metal, fire, wood and earth. The names of the more distant three planets are the Japanese equivalents of the English names for the gods ruling the heaven, the sea and the underworld. The amazing order of planetary movements is another indication of the work of a purposeful Creator, who not only rules the stars, but all of creation, including our lives as well.
A bridge with a katakana name (82/03/11)
Since last summer, a bridge has been under construction over the wide Sakura Dori, north of the TV tower in Nagoya. This suspension bridge for pedestrians will link the north and south areas of the Hisaya Park. It is now nearing completion and is expected to be opened for use on April 10th. The bridge is 83.5 meters long and 7.2 meters wide. It is suspended from a 21.8 meter high A-frame tower on the north side. From the last part of January, people were asked to send in suggested names for the new bridge. 4086 entries were received. On March the 8th, city officials decided on the name after considering the various suggestions. The name chosen is not very imaginative. The only outstanding thing about it is that it is written in katakana, making this the first bridge in Nagoya with a katakana name. I suppose this reflects Nagoya's hope to present a more international image. The name is "sentoraruburijji". The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the "central bridge" between God and man. In the Gospel according to John, chapter 14, verse 6, Jesus said: "I am the way; no one goes to the Father except by me".
omizutori (82/03/12)
The city of Nara was the first permanent capital of Japan. It was the capital from 710 to 784. During that period, the Tōdaiji Temple was built and it is on the grounds of this temple that the huge statue of Buddha was erected. A little to the east of the Daibutsuden is a temple known as Nigatsudō, or 2nd month temple, for it is in the 2nd month, according to the lunar calendar, that an important religious ceremony is held there. It is called omizutori, or "water drawing", and it is being held today. During this ceremony, there is a spectacular torchlight procession and water is drawn from a well. In the Gospel according to John, chapter 4, is the story of Jesus asking a Samaritan woman to draw water from a well and give him a drink. Then Jesus told her of the spiritual water that he gives to those who ask him for it. Jesus said to her: "Whoever drinks the water that I will give him will never thirst again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring which will give him eternal life." On Sunday afternoon, March 28th, we hold another "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting at the Nagoya YWCA. The topic for discussion will be "Spring". Mark the date on your calendar and join us if you can.
Nonsense in various English words (02/03/13)
If a person disagrees with the argument presented by another, there are various ways to indicate one's feeling. The word "nonsense", meaning without sense or meaning, is used both in English and Japanese, but there are a number of more colorful expressions often used by Americans. American humorist, Will Rogers, stated: "I tell you folks, all Politics is Apple Sauce." Literally, applesauce is a simple dessert made of apples which have been cut up, sweetened and cooked. However, in Will Rogers' phrase it meant nonsense. Alfred E. Smith, an American politician, said in a speech: "No matter how thin you slice it, it's still boloney." Actually, bologna is a kind of sausage, but in Al Smith's speech it also meant nonsense. Rubbish, malarkey, poppycock, balderdash are other colorful words meaning nonsense. Sometimes, what at first seems to be nonsense is later seen to be the truth. In I Corinthians, chapter 1, the Apostle Paul writes that the Christian Gospel, which is considered to be nonsense by some, is actually God's truth, by which people are saved. He wrote that "God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom".
Negotiation by a bus (82/03/14)
At the time I began this "Daily Word" telephone service, I opened a post office box at the Moriyama Post Office to receive mail related to it. Therefore, I go daily to the post office to pick up the mail. It takes about seven minutes to go there from my home by bicycle. A couple of days ago it took longer than usual, for along the way I had to wait for a large, chartered bus to negotiate a sharp turn at the intersection of two narrow streets. (In this case, "negotiate" means to successfully accomplish a difficult driving task.) The bus would go forward a meter, turn its wheels and back up a meter, turn the wheels and again go forward. This same process was repeated many times to the accompaniment of the guide girl's whistle. While watching, I thought that verbal negotiations between people often must follow the same process. Negotiations between individuals or countries sometimes may seem to go backwards as well as forwards, but if the desired end is accomplished, the frustrating struggle is worth it. If you have questions, comments or opinions to give regarding these "Daily Word" messages, please write to me. My address is: "Daily Word", P.O. Box 30, Moriyama P.O. 463.
Julius Caesar (82/03/15)
In the ancient Roman calendar, the 15th day of March, May, July or October and the 13th day of other months were called "ides". That makes today the ides of March. In the first act of Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar, the soothsayer warns Caesar to "beware the ides of March". This warning has become a well-known saying in English, for it was on the ides of March in the year 44 B.C. that Julius Caesar was stabbed and killed by his erstwhile friends. This Roman statesman and general is one of the most controversial characters in history. Both during his life and after his death, he has been highly admired by some and severely condemned by others. Famous people always stimulate both admiration and vilification, but some stimulate stronger reactions than others. Following Julius Caesar, the name Caesar was used as a title for the Roman emperor. It is also seen in the titles of German and Russian rulers, who were called kaiser and czar. The Japanese title for their emperor is mikado or tenno. One of the basic choices human beings face is whom they will choose to be the ruler of their lives. Our whole manner of life is determined by whose loyal servants we are. The Christian is one who recognizes Jesus Christ as Lord. Who is lord of your life?
Beginning of the Second World War (82/03/16)
The National Socialist German Workers' Party was founded in 1919, following the First World War. "National Socialist" became abbreviated to "Nazi" and, under Adolf Hitler, this party came to power in Germany in 1933. Two years later, on March 16, 1935, 47 years ago today, compulsory military service and a rearmament program was begun. This was one of the early steps which led to the catastrophe of the Second World War. Now, there is increasing pressure upon Japan to rearm. However, past experience shows the dangers which accompany a rearmament program. If Japan would boldly and unselfishly commit even one or two per cent of its Gross National Product for various projects to further the cause of world peace--without concern for narrow-minded national profit, it would be a much wiser and finally more profitable use of money. Jesus warned that "All who take the sword die by the sword" (Matthew 26 :52). On Sunday afternoon, March 28th at 2 o'clock at the Nagoya YWCA, we will hold another "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting. I hope to see you and many other listeners there.
St. Patrick's Day (82/03/17)
Not counting the continent of Australia, the world's largest island is called Greenland. However, this island is not really very green. In fact, only about 10% of the island is not covered with ice. It was purposely named Greenland in 986 to attract settlers to its barren shores. To most Americans, the color green brings to mind another island in the Atlantic Ocean. Green is the national color of Ireland and today Irishmen and their descendents will all be wearing something green--for today is St. Patrick's Day. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. It was largely due to his dedicated efforts that Ireland became, at least nominally, Christianized. In recent years, many people living on that island, of both the Roman Catholic and Protestant streams of Christianity, have not been acting much like Christians, however. Green also symbolizes immaturity. It is not only the Christians of Ireland that are spiritually green. All of us who call ourselves Christians need to recognize that we have more growing to do before becoming spiritually mature, for the Christian life is a lifelong process of growth.
Blue Monday (82/03/18)
As I mentioned in yesterday's message, green may refer to something immature, but blue refers to a gloomy, depressing feeling. The term "Blue Monday" was originally used by Christian ministers, referring to the day following their busy day of the week. However, it is now used by lay men and women in reference to the beginning of a dreary week of work following the pleasures of the weekend. Monday of this week was an especially blue Monday for Rinpei Deguchi, the blue collar engineer who rammed an engine into a blue train in Nagoya Station early that day. It seems that he had been drinking and was asleep at the controls. I'm sure he must be feeling blue now. In my hometown, north of Chicago, there are still so-called blue laws in effect that prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages. The 42nd and 43rd Psalms were written by a poet who felt blue, but this is the refrain of that poem: "Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my Saviour and my God." On Sunday afternoon, March the 28th at 2 o'clock, we will hold another "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting at the YWCA. Come if you can!
Meaning of higan (82/03/19)
This is the higan season in Japan. Although many Japanese consider the higan customs to be Buddhistic, actually, remembering dead relatives at this season of the year is peculiar to Japan rather than characteristic of Buddhism. The word higan means "the other shore" in contrast to shigan, which means "this shore". Some Japanese, however, pronounce both words the same. The concept of the other shore referring to the spirit world, the place of the dead or paradise, is also found in American Negro spiritual songs--in which the Jordan River is considered the dividing line between this world of suffering and the Promised Land. In one of Jesus' parables, found in the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 16, he tells of a poor man named Lazarus who used to beg food from a rich man's table in this life. After their deaths, Lazarus was taken to heaven to be with Abraham while the rich man suffered in Hades. A great chasm separated them. The aim of this story, however, was not to give details about the afterlife. It was to encourage people to recognize and faithfully follow the guidance God gives them while they are still living in this world.
Questionnaire to Japanese and American women (82/03/20)
The Japanese word anke-to does not come from English, but from French. In English, we use the word "questionnaire", which also comes from French. Recently, the interesting results of an anke-to or questionnaire, sponsored by Aji no Moto/General Foods, were made public. This questionnaire was submitted to 3000 Japanese and 1000 American women to discover their differences in outlook. The results indicate that 85% of Japanese women will reveal their age without hesitation, but less than 20% of American women will do so. Almost 70% of the Japanese women preferred to express their feelings by letter, while 47% of the Americans preferred the telephone. In contrast with the 66% of American women who answered that they were satisfied with themselves, only 27% of the Japanese women did so. And in regard to what they consider to be their strong points, American women chose such virtues as an indomitable spirit and honesty, while Japanese women chose a bright, cheerful spirit and compassion. Obviously, women and men of different cultures and countries are different. Each have their particular strong and weak points. Learning from each other is one of the benefits of international contact.
Spring (82/03/21)
According to the Western method of reckoning, today is the beginning or spring. In English, it is called the vernal or spring equinox. Equinox comes from two Latin words meaning "equal night", for daytime and nighttime are equal today. Spring is a season of hope and new beginnings. Tennyson wrote that "in the spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love", but a more modern description of spring was written in Changing Times as follows: "the season when husbands wander out into the yard, feel the stir of things growing, breathe deep of the fresh air and have an irresistible urge to get inside and watch the baseball game on TV". There are different meanings of "spring". Jesus said that those who drink of the spiritual water he gives will never thirst again, but will have within them an eternal spring of living water that is constantly springing up and overflowing. "Spring" is the topic for discussion at the "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting next Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Nagoya YWCA on Nishiki Dōri, east of Sakae. I hope to see you and many other listeners there to hear your comments about these messages and your thoughts about spring.
Balls in sports (82/03/22)
Spring means different things to different people. What does it mean to you? Spring will be the topic for discussion at the "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting next Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the YWCA. Please come and share your thoughts with us if you can. To some people, spring means the beginning of the baseball season. There are a number of sports that make us of balls of different sizes and shapes. Golf, tennis, soccer, rugby, cricket and polo do not have the word "ball" in their name, but in others, "ball" is included in the English name. In baseball, players run around bases. In basketball, the ball is tossed through a basket. The aim in volleyball is to keep the ball volleying in the air without touching the ground. In football, the ball is kicked with the foot, but the term "hand ball" has a different meaning in Japan than in America, where the game is played in a room in which a small, rubber ball is batted against the walls with the hand. If a racket is used, it is called racketball. Gate ball, a game that is becoming popular among senior citizens in Japan, is called croquet in English. The only reference to a ball in the Bible is found in Isaiah 22:18. What do you think it says?
"Give me liberty or give me death" (82/03/23)
Last week, some people celebrated St. Patrick's Day. In American history, there is another famous man by the name of Patrick, who made a famous speech on this day, March 23rd, in the year 1775. His name was Patrick Henry and he was speaking before the Virginia provincial convention, denouncing the injustice of British policies, when he cried out, "Give me liberty or give me death". This saying immediately became a by-word among American revolutionaries. America was born out of a strong desire for liberty. Many were willing to sacrifice their lives to attain it. However, it must be emphasized that the mere possession of liberty does not solve the problems of a nation or an individual. Liberty also means responsibility and some people are not ready for the burdens of responsibility that accompany liberty. For the Christian, true liberty means freedom from the bondage of sin and guilt which comes through faith in God's grace. Next Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, we will have another meeting of "Daily Word" listeners at the Nagoya YWCA on Nishiki Dōri, east of Sakae. The topic for discussion is "Spring" Please come if you can.
The popular name Elizabeth (82/03/24)
Elizabeth is a common girl's name in English speaking countries. From this name are derived other names or nicknames such as Beth, Bess, Bessie, Betsy, Betty, Elsie, Libby and Lizzie. Elizabeth has been a common name among European royalty also. It has been the names of empresses or queens of Austria, Hungary, Russia, Belgium, Bohemia, Romania and England. The present queen of England is called Queen Elizabeth II. The first Queen Elizabeth reigned for 45 years during one of the greatest periods of England's history. It was during her reign that the style of art, architecture and literature was developed that is now called Elizabethan. The greatest poet and dramatist during the Elizabethan age was William Shakespeare. Queen Elizabeth died at the age of 69, 379 years ago today, on March 24th, 1603. The reason the name Elizabeth is so popular is because it was the name of the mother of John the Baptist. Her story is found in the New Testament in the first chapter of the Gospel according to Luke. It was this Elisabeth who said to Jesus' mother, Mary, "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Join us if you can at the Nagoya YWCA next Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock for another "Daily Word" Listeners Meeting. The subject for discussion is "Spring".
The name Mary (82/03/25)
Yesterday's message centered on the name Elizabeth, but the most popular feminine name in English is Mary. Needless to say, this is because Mary was the name of the mother of Jesus. In the New Testament, there are six other women who are also named Mary. Mary is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Miriam. In the Old Testament, Miriam was the sister of Moses. There are different interpretations of the meaning of this name. If the root is Hebrew, it means "plump one". If the root is Arabic, it may mean "the wished-for child", while if it is traced to an Egyptian root, the meaning is "the beloved". One of the original 13 states of the United States is called Maryland. It was named after the English queen consort of King Charles I who granted the charter for that colony in 1633. Today, March 25th, is a state holiday in that state called Maryland Day. I hope today is a merry day for you. I also hope that you will be able to attend our "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting next Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Nagoya YWCA. The topic for discussion is "Spring".
Columbia and Colombia (82/03/26)
The American space ship, "Columbia", is now flying around the earth. The name of this ship is pronounced the same as the name of a country in South America. However, the spelling is different. In the name of one, the central vowel is "o". In the name of the other, the central vowel is "u". Do you know which is which? There are many cities, towns or counties in the United States named Columbia, in honor of Christopher Columbus, who made his first trip to the so-called new world in 1492. The voyages of Columbus brought him to various islands in the Caribbean Sea. Another Italian born navigator, Amerigo Vespucci, was the first European explorer of the American continent that was named after him, but his explorations were limited to South America. Using ships on the sea or ships in space, new lands or new facts may be discovered. However, all human discovery is only uncovering more of the truth that God has hidden in the universe. Whether in the physical or spiritual realms, new discoveries are exciting and our minds should always be open to new truths.
A pianist to speak about atom bomb (82/03/27)
62 year old Fumiko Miyamoto of Shiga Prefecture will leave next week for the United States. It will be the first visit to the land of her birth in over 50 years. Mrs. Miyamoto was born in Sacramento, California, where her father was located with a trading company. She lived in the U. S. until she was ten years old and learned to play the piano well. She was living with her husband and two sons in Hiroshima when the atom bomb was dropped on that city. Her husband died five days later from the burns he received. Mrs. Miyamoto is a professional beautician, but she is going to the U. S. on a 3 week tour as a pianist. She will give recitals in New York, Boston and Washington, playing original pieces she has composed. Following her recitals, she plans to tell of her experiences in Hiroshima during and after the bombing to assist in the movement opposing nuclear weapons and supporting arms reduction. I hope she has a successful tour, for the Bible teaches that we should pursue the things that make for peace and that build up one another (Romans 14:19). I also hope you can attend our "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Nagoya YWCA on Nishiki Dōri, east of Sakae, for I'd like to meet you there.
Kanzō Uchimura (82/03/28)
52 years ago today, on March 28, 1930, one of the most influential persons in Japanese Christian history passed away. His name was Kanzō Uchimura. He became a Christian while studying at Sapporo Agricultural School and chose the name Jonathan as his Christian name. Becoming greatly disillusioned with the rivalries between missionaries and different denominations, he helped establish an independent church and became the father of the mukyōkai, or non-church movement, in Japan. He was proud of his Japanese heritage and one of the well-known sayings of this Jonathan was: "I love two J's and no third; one is Jesus, and the other is Japan. I do not know which I love more, Jesus or Japan. I am hated by my countrymen for Jesus' sake and I am disliked by foreign missionaries for Japan's sake. No matter; I may lose all my friends, but I cannot lose Jesus and Japan". He asked for the following words to be inscribed on his gravestone: "I for Japan, Japan for the world, The world for Christ, And all for God". Although he was a controversial figure, Kanzō Uchimura was a great Japanese Christian.
Coca-Cola (82/03/29)
If France is famous for its wines and Germany for its beers, if Scotland is famous for its whisky and Japan for its sake, for what drink is America famous? Probably, for its colas, which are carbonated soft drinks. The term "cola" comes from the famous original cola whose brand name is "Coca-Cola". This drink is flavored with extracts from coca leaves and kola nuts along with other substances. It is also from the coca plant that the drug called cocaine is derived. The first batch of Coca-Cola was brewed over a wood fire in the backyard of a graduate chemist named John S. Pemberton on this day, March 29th, in the year 1886. It was originally considered an "Esteemed Brain Tonic and Intellectual Beverage", and recommended for headaches, hangovers and as a general stimulant. Hard drinks or soft drinks are stimulating, but a healthier stimulation is found through a healthy faith in a holy God of love, which stimulates the highest and most humane elements of one's personality. Jesus said: "Love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34), and he gave us the stimulation of a perfect example.
Texas Independence Day (82/03/02)
The Doll Festival (82/03/03)
Owls (82/03/04)
coin (82/03/05)
Michelangelo (82/03/06)
Marathon (82/03/07)
Faithful dog Hachiko (82/03/08)
Venus (82/03/09)
Names of planets (82/03/10)
A bridge with a katakana name (82/03/11)
omizutori (82/03/12)
Nonsense in various English words (02/03/13)
Negotiation by a bus (82/03/14)
Julius Caesar (82/03/15)
Beginning of the Second World War (82/03/16)
St. Patrick's Day (82/03/17)
Blue Monday (82/03/18)
Meaning of higan (82/03/19)
Questionnaire to Japanese and American women (82/03/20)
Spring (82/03/21)
Balls in sports (82/03/22)
"Give me liberty or give me death" (82/03/23)
The popular name Elizabeth (82/03/24)
The name Mary (82/03/25)
Columbia and Colombia (82/03/26)
A pianist to speak about atom bomb (82/03/27)
Kanzō Uchimura (82/03/28)
Coca-Cola (82/03/29)
Alaska (82/03/30)
Rene Descartes (82/03/31)
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