What happened on the first of September (82/09/01)
In Japan, this first day of September is known as Disaster Prevention Day. Throughout the country, disaster prevention drills are being carried out. In this Tokai District, earthquake drills are being emphasized because a major earthquake is expected to occur in this area in the not far distant future. It was on this day 59 years ago that the great Tokyo earthquake occurred--followed by a series of fires and landslides. More than 100,000 lives were lost in the Tokyo-Yokohama area as a result of that earthquake that shook the city just before noon. In the hours and days that followed, there were incidents of courage, of cowardice and of horror. One of the saddest events was the senseless massacre of hundreds of helpless Koreans who were accused of starting fires, polluting wells and trying to overthrow the government. People do strange things in extreme circumstances and sudden emergencies. The Bible teaches that people are more important than possessions and that we should be willing to give our lives for the sake of others, but in an emergency I wonder how many of us would be willing to do so? It is in times of tragedy that one's true character is seen. How will we act at such a time?
Hornets (82/09/02)
The Japanese word hachi can refer to the number eight, to a bowl or pot, or to a bee. A suzumebachi, or sparrow bee, refers to a hornet or wasp, and a kiirosuzumebachi refers to a yellow hornet, one of the largest, most violent and most poisonous bees in Japan. The area around the Gozaisho Ropeway in Mie Prefecture is troubled with an increasing number of these yellow jackets, as they are called in English. Since August 20th, an average of one tourist a day has been stung and the ropeway company is taking measures to get rid of the hornets. They have decided that discarded juice cans with some of the sweet liquid remaining is the main attraction for these yellow jackets. An English proverb states that "A spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a gallon of vinegar". A sweet disposition is much more attractive than a bitter attitude. The New Testament teaches that the Christian should rid himself of all bitterness and show a loving attitude toward others--even toward his enemies. True attractiveness is not based on physical beauty, clothes or make-up. It is found in a warm and loving spirit.
The treaty between Japan and the Soviet Union (82/09/03)
The French capital of Paris or its environs has been the site of the signing of many peace treaties that officially ended wars between many different countries, so there are a number of important treaties called the Treaty of Paris. For Americans, the most important such treaty was signed 199 years ago today on September 3, 1783. With the signing of that treaty, Great Britain formally acknowledged the independence of the United States of America. The American Revolutionary War, which began some 8 years previously and which had come to a close 2 years earlier, was officially ended by this Treaty of Paris. 37 years have now passed since the end of World War II, but no peace treaty has been signed between Japan and the Soviet Union, officially bringing that war to a close. It is easier to stop fighting than to establish genuine peace. True peace between nations, between groups or between individuals requires an inner sense of spiritual security and well-being. The mission of Jesus Christ was to bring peace between sinful men and a holy God, to break down barriers of hostility between people and to grant inner spiritual tranquility. His work is still going on.
Los Angeles (82/09/04)
Today in Nagoya's Sister City of Los Angeles, I presume some special ceremonies or commemorative events are being held, for today marks the 201st anniversary of the formal founding of that city. Originally it was given a long Spanish name which meant, "Our Lady, Queen of the Angels of the Porciuncula". "Our Lady, Queen of the Angels" refers to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. Porciuncula was the name of a little chapel in central Italy, associated with St. Francis of Assisi. The name was later shortened to Los Angeles, which means "the Angels" in Spanish. An American League professional baseball team whose home ground is in the Los Angeles area is called the California Angels. However, needless to say, the team members do not always act like angels. The English word "angel" comes from the Greek word angelos, which means "messenger". We refer to a supernatural messenger of God as an angel, but, in a wider sense, all believers in God should act as his messengers in the world-- communicating his love and goodness. You also might be an angel to someone today.
Riots resulting in The Treaty of Portsmouth (82/09/05)
In the county of Hampshire in England is found the chief naval base of Great Britain at Portsmouth. In the American state of New Hampshire, there is also a seaport city called Portsmouth, and on an island off of this city is a U.S. naval base. It was here, on September 5th, 1905, 78 years ago today, that the Treaty of Portsmouth was signed. Have you ever heard of this treaty? It was the peace treaty that ended the Russo-Japanese War. Through the mediation of President Theodore Roosevelt, representatives of Russia and Japan were brought together at this naval base where the peace treaty was signed. Although this treaty recognized Japanese rights in Manchuria, Korea and other places, dissatisfaction with the terms resulted in riots in Tokyo. Probably no peace treaty is completely satisfactory to all parties. This will always be so. Still, we must continue to work for peace and seek to bring about the kind of mutual understanding that will result in peace. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans (chapter 12, verse 8): "Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody."
Mayflower (82/09/06)
Various plants that flower in the month of May are referred to as Mayflowers. Mayflower was also the name of the ship that set sail from Plymouth, England for the American colonies on September 6, 1620, 362 years ago today. Aboard the ship were 102 passengers, including 34 children, who were seeking a new beginning in the so-called New World. A group of these passengers were known as Pilgrims. They were travelling to the New World to escape from the restrictive rules and religious persecution they had experienced in England and Holland. They were also known as Puritans and as Separatists. A pilgrim usually refers to a person who travels to a sacred place out of religious motives. These pilgrims on the Mayflower were also making their trip for a religious purpose, hoping to gain religious freedom. As Puritans, they sought to purify the church by simplifying its creed and ceremonies and by advocating strict religious discipline. Separatists refer to those who separated from the state church to form their separate religious groups. Religious freedom is an important part of the American heritage which we feel is important to preserve.
Brazil (82/09/07)
It was on September 7, 1822 that Brazil's independence from Portugal was proclaimed, so today is the 160th anniversary of that largest country in South America and the fifth largest country in the world. Previously, this country was called the United States of Brazil, but in 1967, its official name was changed to the Federative Republic of Brazil. Brazil is the world's largest grower of coffee, which brings me to the suggested subject for this week's essays. What do you think about coffee? Do you enjoy drinking it? How would you compare it with Japanese tea? Which do you prefer and why? I think that Japanese tea and Brazilian coffee not only have a different taste. They also produce a different atmosphere among drinkers. What do you think? (Personally, I prefer Japanese tea.) If you send your essays, whether on this subject or on another of your own choosing, to "Daily Word, Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463" I will correct them before printing them in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. Jesus referred to the spiritual refreshment he offered to those who were spiritually thirsty as living water that would give them eternal life.
Do, Due and Dew (82/09/08)
There are three short words in English pronounced "doo", but each one is spelled differently and has a different meaning. The verb "do", spelled d-o, means to perform some action. In the New Testament book of Galatians, chapter 6, verse 10, it is written that, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone. The adjective "due", spelled d-u-e, refers to something owed to another, like a debt. In Romans 13:7, we are told to pay our dues to all people: taxes to whom taxes are due, respect to whom respect is due, and honor to whom honor is due. The noun "dew", spelled d-e-w, refers to the atmospheric moisture that appears as little drops on cool surfaces in the early morning. In the Old Testament, dew was considered a symbol of God's refreshing blessing from heaven and in Hosea 14:5, the Lord said that he would be like dew to Israel, providing the moisture which would cause it to bring forth both flowers and fruit. According to the Japanese almanac, today, September 8th, is known as hakuro or shiratsuyu, literally meaning "white dew". As we see the dew on the grass and leaves, let us remember God's blessing to us, to pay to him and others their due and to do good to everyone.
Bulgaria's Liberation Day (82/09/09)
The People's Republic of Bulgaria celebrates September 9th as Liberation Day. It was on September 8th, 1946, that the Bulgarian monarchy was abolished and a week later the country was proclaimed a People's Republic. This followed the Soviet occupation after the close of the Second World War. During that occupation, thousands of both major and minor figures of the old regime were purged. In this case, "purge" means completely eliminated, that is, killed. The first Bulgarian empire was founded in the year 681 A.D., so last year the nation celebrated its 1300th anniversary with a series of cultural events. From my visit to Bulgaria some years ago, I remember the Church of St. Sophia in the capital city of Sofia and the mausoleum of Georgi Dimitrov, an early revolutionary and the Soviet-backed leader of the new Communist government, in front of which a military guard was always posted. I also remember the beautiful roses entwined in fences along the roads. Even in a drab country, natural beauty may be impressive. With people also, inner beauty will be noticed regardless of the drabness of the clothes one wears.
The adjective "Dutch" (82/09/10)
A Dutchman refers to a man from Holland, also known as the Netherlands. In the 17th century, there was an intense rivalry in trade along with a combination of jealousy and fear relating to naval power between the English and the Dutch. As a result, many expressions entered the English language which use the adjective "Dutch" in a negative or demeaning way. For example, Dutch courage is the courage that comes from getting drunk, Dutch consolation is the assurance that things might have been worse, a Dutch bargain is a promise that is not likely to be kept and a Dutch treat is not a treat at all for everyone pays for what he gets. To get in Dutch refers to getting into trouble and a Dutch uncle is a person who bluntly scolds or lectures someone else. From my own experience, Dutch people are as noble and as virtuous as any other nationality. We should not simply categorize people on the basis of their national origin. We should consider each person as a unique individual to be respected. The more we get to know people of different backgrounds, the more we realize that all people are basically the same.
The teaching in Islam (82/09/11)
Monotheism refers to the teaching that there is only one God. There are three major monotheistic religions in the world that originated in western Asia among Semitic people which share a number of common characteristics. They are Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The holy book of the Jews was written in Hebrew and is called the Old Testament in the Christian Bible, the New Testament of which was written in Greek. Islam's holy book, called the Koran, was written in Arabic. The Christian holy day is Sunday, that of the Jews is Saturday and that of the Muslims is Friday. Yesterday, on Friday, I attended the Muslim worship service at the Tokyo Mosque. There must have been about a hundred men (and no women) participating in that weekly worship. However, almost all of them were non-Japanese. Since Muslims believe that the Arabic words of the Koran are the very words of God, translations into other languages are considered inferior. Thus, Arabic must be used for the heart of Islamic worship and for the basic Islamic confession of faith. The Christian does not believe that God is partial to any particular language. The Bible teaches that the one, living God of all people hears every heartfelt cry regardless of the language used.
Grandparent's Day (82/09/12)
It is quite well-known that Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. It is less well-known that Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. However, very few people know that since 1979 in the U.S. the first Sunday after Labor Day has been designated Grandparent's Day. Since Labor Day is the first Monday of September, Grandparent's Day usually falls on the second Sunday of the month, which is today. Grand refers to something large, great or imposing. Although all grandparents do not literally fit that description, it is well for us to give special recognition to these parents of our parents. The word referring to a grandparent is found only once in the Bible. It is in Paul's second letter to Timothy, chapter 1, where he writes: "I remember the sincere faith you have, the kind of faith that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice also had. I am sure that you have it also." It is true that the faith of parents is often reflected in the lives of their descendants. I wonder what kind of faith we are or will be transmitting to our children and grandchildren.
A repentant sinner (82/09/13)
One morning a few days ago, a storekeeper in Toyokawa City received an unexpected telephone call. He heard a young man's voice saying, "I'm the fellow who stole your merchandise. Now I regret having done it and I've returned the stolen goods to the front door of your house. Please forgive me, for I'll never do it again." Following this strange phone call, the storekeeper went to his front door and found a paper bag in which were the wrist watches, rings, cigarette lighters, etc. with a value of some ¥487,000 which had been stolen from his store two nights before. In fact, an extra ¥30,000 in cash was also included as an expression of apology. This unusual story indicates the effect of one's conscience. I suppose that all of us have experienced pangs of conscience after doing something wrong. However, sometimes we ignore the voice of conscience rather than obeying it. If we have done something wrong that has caused material loss or spiritual pain to another, we should not only feel sorry within ourselves; we should try to make amends for the trouble we have caused and restore what was lost. True repentance is seen in practical action. The Bible teaches that God will forgive the truly repentant sinner.
Generation gap in a family (82/09/14)
The day before yesterday was Grandparent's Day in the United States. Tomorrow is Respect for the Aged Day in Japan. Today, Tuesday, is the day I suggest a subject for listeners to think about and, for those who wish to do so, to express their opinions by writing an essay which I will correct before having printed in "Daily Word" Echoes, which will be distributed at our next meeting on Sunday afternoon, October 31st. In Japan, it has been customary for parents to continue living with one of their children. This means that, in many homes, the family consists of three generations: the elderly grandparents, the younger parents and their children. What do you think about this traditional pattern? What are its advantages and disadvantages? Should it be continued in the future? Although there will always be a generation gap between grandparents and grandchildren, and even between parents and children, such gaps can be bridged by true respect and love for one another. Both respect and love for both the older and younger members of the family--as well as between husband and wife--are essential for genuine domestic harmony.
The hoary head (82/09/15)
On this Japanese holiday, called Respect for the Aged Day, I will quote an Old Testament passage in Leviticus, chapter 19, verse 32, in three different English translations. In the King James Version, published in 1611, it reads, "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man." Hoar, spelled h-o-a-r, is an old English word meaning white or gray. The term hoarfrost refers to the white, frozen dew on the ground in cold weather. Hoary refers to something white or grayish--especially something or someone old. The New English Bible, published in 1976, translates this verse, "You shall rise in the presence of grey hairs, give honour to the aged." The Good News Bible, published in 1976, gives the meaning as "Show respect for old people and honour them." Today is the day to honor the elderly, but when does a person become old? That is still a problem. I am getting a hoary head, but I don't feel old--at least most of the time. I am encouraged by the verse in Proverbs 16:31 that "grey hair is a crown of glory". Don't be saddened by your gray hairs. Rather, thank God for his blessings over the past years when you discover them.
Studying Spanish (82/09/16)
Today, September 16th, is the Mexican Independence Day. On this day in 1810, the drive for Mexican independence from Spain began under the leadership of a Mexican priest. However, it took 11 years for independence to finally be achieved. Indian civilizations developed in Mexico more than 2000 years ago and archaeologists continue to study the attainments of the Maya Indians, which include a written language, a calendar, astronomy and construction arts. Although recently Mexico has begun to utilize its newly discovered oil resources; it is presently undergoing financial strains. One-third of the Mexican people still depend on agriculture for their living and about one-third of the population cannot read and write. After studying Spanish for two years in high school and one year in university, I attended summer school at the University of Mexico, living with a Mexican family and speaking Spanish every day. However, since I have made no use of Spanish over the past 35 years, I have almost completely forgotten it. If you don't continue to make use of an acquired language, you may soon forget it. Jesus taught, in one of his parables, that talents not used would be forfeited.
A counterfeiter (82/09/17)
The word "counter" may refer to a person or machine that counts. It may refer to a small piece of wood or metal used in a game to keep score or even to a long table in a store, behind which the clerk stands and on which money is counted. As a prefix, however, counter has the meaning of opposite or contrary to--as in such terms as counterclockwise, counterattack and counterculture. The word "counterfeit" refers to making something in opposition to the genuine article. It denotes an imitation which will deceive the unwary. A counterfeiter of ¥5000 bills was arrested this week in Oita Prefecture. He admitted printing the bogus money in order to keep his printing shop from going bankrupt. However, he found out that "Crime doesn't pay". It is common for things of genuine value to be imitated for selfish motives. This is also true in the field of religion. There are counterfeit religions that are deceptive imitations of the real thing. Jesus warned against false prophets. He taught that such deceivers would be recognized by the lives they live. We must be careful whom we follow as our teacher or guide. The true teacher provides a good example as well as fine instruction.
Iron Lady (82/09/18)
The British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her husband Denis are now visiting Japan. This is only the second time in history that a British prime minister has visited this country on a bilateral basis. Mrs. Thatcher is the first woman prime minister of the United Kingdom and has been given the nickname of "Iron Lady". It seems that this nickname originated on the other side of the iron curtain as the Soviet Union viewed with dismay her iron will to carry out her convictions. The world today needs people with firm convictions and some may consider it ironic that a lady in the traditionally male territory of politics has become a symbol of constancy and resoluteness. In Jeremiah, chapter 1, the Lord promised to make the prophet an iron pillar to be able to withstand the attacks of his disbelieving countrymen. However, an iron determination need not imply either an iron heart nor an iron hand and the prophet Jeremiah is considered one of the most compassionate of the Old Testament prophets. Firm convictions and straight talk can be expressed in a spirit of understanding and love. Even an iron lady may have a heart of gold.
Balloon (82/09/19)
A balloon is a large bag which will rise and float above the earth when filled with hot air or a gas lighter than air. Two brothers, Joseph and Jacques Montgolfier, are credited with inventing the first practical balloon. On September 19th, 1783, 199 years ago today, they demonstrated their new invention before the French court at the Palace of Versailles. The hot air, made by burning straw under the bag, caused the balloon to rise to a height of 520 meters. It carried its animal passengers, consisting of a sheep, a duck and a rooster, some 3 kilometers before landing them safely after the 8 minute trip. It was hot air that caused the balloon to rise. "Hot air" is also used as a slang expression referring to empty or pretentious talk which has no substance. Thus, it is a bit surprising how some parliament buildings remain on the ground since they are so often filled with so much hot air. The Bible teaches that it is not beautiful words that God desires, but practical deeds of justice, love and mercy. You may receive a weekly copy of these daily messages by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥100 in stamps to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Hong Kong (82/09/20)
A British colony directly under the control of the home government is known as a crown colony. Hong Kong is a crown colony, located in southeastern China. It consists of 3 parts: Hong Kong Island, on which the capital, Victoria, is located, the mainland peninsula of Kowloon and the extensive area between Kowloon and China called the New Territories. Hong Kong Island was granted to Britain in 1842. Kowloon became part of the colony in 1860, and in 1898 China leased the New Territories to Britain for 99 years. This means that Britain is obligated to return this large area to China in 1997, just 15 years from now. Thus, there is a feeling of uncertainty among Hong Kong businessmen and residents regarding the future of the colony. Although the present status of Hong Kong seems to be advantageous for both Britain and China, the present Chinese government will probably insist on changes to indicate its ultimate sovereignty over this area. The problem of what government is the rightful owner of many places in the world today is a tricky one. Many islands, especially, are claimed by 2 or more nations. The Bible teaches that the whole world belongs to God and people are merely stewards of his property and accountable to him.
Higan customs (82/09/21)
This is the higan season in Japan. During this season, characteristic Japanese Buddhist customs are followed by many people. The word higan literally means "that shore" in contrast with "this shore". It refers to the other world beyond the grave and at this season it is customary to pay respect to the memory of departed loved ones. Traditional Japanese practices during this week include visiting the cemetery and holding special memorial services at home before the family altar. Vegetables, fruits, noodles and other non-animal kinds of food are placed on the altar, along with a special kind of rice cake called ohagi or botamochi, incense is burned and a Buddhist priest chants sutras before the altar. What do you think of these traditional higan customs? I would be interested in knowing to what extent your family follows this tradition and what you think its significance is. Do the offerings of food, incense and sutras comfort the spirits of the dead or pacify the spirits of the living? If you send me an essay regarding this or some other subject, I will correct it and have it printed in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes.
Buck-passing in Nagoya (82/09/22)
Among the various meanings of "buck", spelled b-u-c-k, is a counter used in a poker game to remind a player that it is his turn to deal the cards next. To "pass to buck" means to evade responsibility or blame by passing it on to someone else. There seems to be some "buck-passing" going on these days between some Nagoya City officials and a special committee relating to a major blunder which occurred during the recent renovation of the Mizuho Stadium. This renovation, which was completed in June at a cost of 4 billion yen, was supposed to make this arena ready for the anticipated Nagoya Olympics. However, it has now been disclosed that the soccer field is only 100 meters long and, for international soccer matches, the regulation length is 105 meters. It is estimated that another 160 million yen would be required to lengthen the field that extra 5 meters. Who is responsible for such an elementary oversight? Someone didn't check the rule book. Someone wasn't properly informed. Someone didn't examine closely the blueprint specifications. People given responsibility need to take their responsibility seriously--whether in government, in business or at home.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (82/09/23)
Today is a national holiday in Japan known as shūbun no hi, the day of the autumnal equinox, one of the 2 days of the year when day and night are of equal length throughout the world. However, in Saudi Arabia, today is not merely a national holiday, it is the national holiday. Although Arab history dates back many centuries, the country known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came into existence on this day just 50 years ago in 1932. It was named after King Ibn Saud, who founded the present dynasty. This kingdom has no constitution and no parliament. The king rules this monarchy but also has a council of ministers. The Islamic religious code is the law of the land. Both the marriage of a Muslim woman to a non-Muslim man and for a Muslim to change his religion is prohibited. The holy city of Mecca, which all Muslims are required to visit at least once in their lifetime, is located in Saudi Arabia and every year millions of believers make a pilgrimage to that city. A pilgrim is a person on a journey and the Bible refers to God's people as pilgrims on the earth who are travelling to their true home in heaven.
Language changes (82/09/24)
In English, there are various contractions for certain verbs followed by "not". For example, "is not" becomes "isn't", "are not" becomes "aren't," "has not" and "have not" become "hasn't" and "haven't." However, due to the misuse of the contraction for "am not," most educated English speakers avoid the use of "ain't." Originally it meant "am not" and to say, "I ain't ready" was acceptable. However, because it was misused in place of the contractions noted before, resulting in such expressions as:"that ain't true, they ain't here, I ain't got it" and "he ain't got it," it has become an unacceptable word to most educators. In England, it is considered acceptable to say "aren't I", but when the Englishman's pronunciation of the "r" sound is considered, there is little difference in pronunciation between "aren't I" and "ain't I". A living language continues to change and what once was considered vulgar or irregular may later gain general acceptance. It is only dead languages, like dead people, that never change. As living individuals, we are constantly changing. The question is: are we changing for the better or for the worse? Are we developing and continuing to grow or are we deteriorating? Jesus warned that plants that do not grow and bear fruit will be destroyed.
William Faulkner's words (82/09/25)
The American novelist, William Faulkner, was born on this day 85 years ago, September 25th, 1897, in New Albany, Mississippi. Following his high school days, he joined the Canadian air force, after which he attended the University of Mississippi and then became a postmaster for two years. His first novel, Soldiers' Pay, published in 1926, was about his war experiences. Later novels and short stories, however, were often morbid tales of the Deep South, written in a highly subjective style. In 1950, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature. In a talk a few years before his death, he said, "What's wrong with this world is, it's not finished yet. It is not completed to that point where man can put his final signature to the job and say 'It is finished. We made it and it works.'" Obviously he was right. The world is not yet perfected, but from the standpoint of the Christian faith, God has a purpose in the world which he is still working out--in and through us people. It is when our lives are in tune with God's purpose in the world that we find our truest happiness. If you wish to receive a weekly copy of these daily messages, send your request to:"Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
The Prodigal Son (82/09/26)
In the Gospel According to Luke, chapter 15, we find three famous parables of Jesus. The first is about a lost sheep that the shepherd continued to hunt for until he found it. The second is about a lost coin for which a woman carefully searched her house until she found it. And the third is about a lost son who took his inheritance, left home and then wasted his money in reckless living. This last parable is usually called the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The word "prodigal" can mean exceedingly or recklessly wasteful. Or it can mean extremely generous. In this parable, since the son was very wasteful of his money, he may be called prodigal. However, since the story also teaches the abundance of the father's love after the son repented and returned home, we can also refer to him as a prodigal father because of his profuse generosity. All three of these parables teach us of God's earnest desire to seek and to find those who are lost and of his deep love and forgiveness shown to those who repent and return to him. Every Sunday afternoon at 4:00 o'clock, the Nagoya Union Church holds an English language worship service at the Kinjō Kyōkai just north of Tokiwa Jogakuin in Daikanchō, Higashi ku. You are invited to attend.
Tape cutting (82/09/27)
Last week the Aztec Civilization Exhibition opened at the Nagoya City Museum. This exhibition, which commemorates the fifth anniversary of the opening of the museum, is being held with the cooperation of the sister cities of Nagoya and Mexico City, I am sure that the 120 items on exhibit are of genuine historical interest, but what interested me most in the newspaper article and accompanying picture of the tape cutting (which took place the day before the opening of the exhibition to the public) was the number of tape cutters. I don't know if this sets a new tape cutting record or not, but there were nine people involved in that operation. I think this is another peculiar Japanese adaptation of a western custom. All the tape cuttings I have seen in the U.S. have been performed by one person at the time of the public opening. In Japan, it seems to be a problem to choose only one person, so the difficult decision is avoided by including many people, who must all be careful to cut in unison and to hold on to their little piece of tape. May there be a relationship between the many tape cutters and Japan's polytheistic religious tradition-- that is, many gods and many tape cutters?
The four seasons (82/09/28)
When used as a verb, the word "season" means to add a certain flavor to food. When used as a noun, it refers to a certain period of time. In some countries of the world, the year is divided into a wet season and a dry season, depending upon the precipitation. However, countries in the temperate zones, which lie between the tropics and the polar regions, have four distinct seasons of the year: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Japan lies in the North Temperate Zone and the Japanese people are very sensitive to seasonal changes. In Japanese art and literature, especially in poetry, the seasons are important. Many people consider fall to be the most enjoyable season in Japan. Are you one of them? What is your favorite season of the year and why? If you write an essay on this or some other subject, I will correct it and have it printed in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes, which will be distributed at our listeners' meeting on Sunday afternoon, October 31st. This will be the last topic I suggest for inclusion in that issue. In the Bible, the recurring seasons of seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter are considered a sign of God's mercy and faithfulness.
Hornets (82/09/02)
The treaty between Japan and the Soviet Union (82/09/03)
Los Angeles (82/09/04)
Riots resulting in The Treaty of Portsmouth (82/09/05)
Mayflower (82/09/06)
Brazil (82/09/07)
Do, Due and Dew (82/09/08)
Bulgaria's Liberation Day (82/09/09)
The adjective "Dutch" (82/09/10)
The teaching in Islam (82/09/11)
Grandparent's Day (82/09/12)
A repentant sinner (82/09/13)
Generation gap in a family (82/09/14)
The hoary head (82/09/15)
Studying Spanish (82/09/16)
A counterfeiter (82/09/17)
Iron Lady (82/09/18)
Balloon (82/09/19)
Hong Kong (82/09/20)
Higan customs (82/09/21)
Buck-passing in Nagoya (82/09/22)
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (82/09/23)
Language changes (82/09/24)
William Faulkner's words (82/09/25)
The Prodigal Son (82/09/26)
Tape cutting (82/09/27)
The four seasons (82/09/28)
"Guardman" (82/09/29)
A miracle at the Chunichi Stadium (82/09/30)
What happened on the first of September (82/09/01)