The Soviet Union not notifying about accident (86/05/01)
This first day of May, known as May Day in western countries, has long been associated with flowers and spring festivities and has become a day for demonstrations by labor organizations in many countries. "May Day" is also the term used in radio communications for a distress call, similar in meaning to S-O-S, the distress signal used by telegraph operators. S-O-S originated from the Morse Code signals for those letters: three dots three dashes, three dots. "May Day", on the other hand, comes from the French expression meaning "help me" and has nothing to do with this first day of May. Western countries have been criticizing the Soviet Union for not providing information earlier about the distressful accident at a nuclear power plant which caused effects in other countries as well. May Day is an important holiday in the Soviet Union, but this accident will change the atmosphere of its celebrations in more ways than one. Such an accident cannot be kept a secret, but how the news about it is reported points up crucial differences between a controlled society and the free world. Felix Frankfurter has written, "Freedom of the press is not an end in itself but a means to the end of a free society."
The 88th night (86/05/02)
You city people probably didn't notice the notation on the calendar that today is the "88th night", which is an important time for farmers. This 88th night from the end of the "Cold" season, called kan, marks the beginning of the rice-planting season. It also indicates that summer is drawing near. 88 is an interesting figure in Japanese thought. On the island of Shikoku, there are 88 temples connected with Kobo Daishi which devout Buddhists and other sightseers visit on pilgrimages. The number 88 is made up of the figures for 8, 10 and 8. When these figures are arranged in a certain way, they resemble the Chinese character for rice, so when a person reaches the age of 88 in Japan, a special "rice-age celebration" is held. This same Chinese character is used to refer to the United States. However, Beikoku was not chosen because America grows much rice. It is simply the abbreviation of a longer group of characters which referred to that country. Since this 88th day after the beginning of spring is also considered the best time for picking tea, drinking tea on this day is said to lengthen one's life, but, of course, everyday is a tea-drinking day in Japan.
Nicollo Machiavelli (86/05/03)
The Japanese proverb, uso mo hoben, indicates it is sometimes expedient to tell a lie and the English proverb that "the end justifies the means" implies that evil acts are permissible if the final aim is worthwhile. In political thought, the term, "machiavellian", refers to the doctrine that any means, however immoral, may be used by a ruler to maintain a strong central government. A number of dictators in the past and up to the present day have acted on this perverse principle. This unsavory adjective was coined from the name of Nicollo Machiavelli, an Italian statesman and author, who was born 517 years ago today, on May 3, 1469. His book, The Prince, which described the means by which one may gain and maintain power without concern for morality, is said to have influenced Mussolini and Hitler. In his Letter to the Romans, chapter 3, verse 8, the Apostle Paul rejects the idea of doing evil to bring about a good result. On this Constitution Day in Japan, Japanese people should be thankful for the moral outlook of their Constitution and renew their commitment to conscientiously follow it.
The summit of our lives (86/05/04)
The word "summit" refers to the highest or topmost part of something, and the meetings beginning today in Tokyo are called a summit because they include the topmost leaders of certain important countries of the free world. Although it is not always visible, mountain climbers always have the summit in their minds as they make their way up the mountain. In our life's journey also, we should always keep in our minds the ideal or summit toward which we are moving. The Bible text for my sermon today is found in the 4th chapter of II Corinthians, verses 16-18. There it is written that we do not become discouraged as our bodies become weaker or because of problems in our lives if we keep our minds focussed on the summit of eternal truth. The Apostle Paul wrote: "we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts for ever." As we read and hear about the Tokyo Summit meetings, it is well for us to reflect upon what is at the summit of our lives. What holds topmost importance for us material, physical things that can be seen, or the eternal truths that are invisible?
Cinco de Nayo (86/05/05)
Today is a holiday in Japan called Children's Day. In Mexico also, today is a holiday called Cinco de Nayo, which means "Fifth of May". On this day in 1862, outnumbered Mexican forces surprised the attacking troops of the French Emperor by withstanding their assault, driving them back and winning the Battle of Puebla. The French army eventually conquered Mexico, but this temporary victory in the face of unfavorable odds inspired the Mexicans to depose the French-backed ruler five years later. In Mexico, this Cinco de Mayo is a day of parades, speeches, dramatic reenactments of the famous battle and many other festivities. All patriotic citizens like to glory in the notable events of their nation's history, but in Jeremiah, chapter 9, we are told not to glory in wisdom, power or riches, but to glory in our knowledge of the Lord.
Juku (86/05/06)
To cram means to stuff or squeeze something into a small space. People cram things into suitcases before taking trips and subways are crammed with people during rush hours. In America, students who try to pack information into their minds just before an examination are said to be cramming. In Japan, such cramming by pupils in elementary and secondary schools continues all year long and there are many private schools throughout the country, called juku, which may be translated into English as "cram schools". Recently, there has been a rapid rise in the number of juku and in the number of pupils attending them. What do you think about this situation? Is it necessary for children to attend such schools beside their regular schools? Is it good for them? What does it indicate about the education system and the social structure in Japan? I would like to read your thoughts on the subject of Juku. If you send me a short essay on this theme, I will correct it and have it printed in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. According to the Old Testament book of Proverbs, chapter 1, verse 7, reverence for God is at the root of true knowledge. This is "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Coca-Cola (86/05/07)
In English, drinks that contain alcohol are referred to as "hard drinks", while nonalcoholic beverages are considered "soft drinks". A four-day celebration is now being held in the American city of Atlanta, Georgia, marking the hundredth anniversary of the world's most popular soft drink. Because its original ingredients included coca leaves and cola nuts, it was called "Coca-Cola". Dr. John Pemberton, the pharmacist who created this concoction of carbonated water and syrup in a brass kettle in his backyard, was trying to produce a medicine that tasted good. The first glass of this drink was sold for a nickel on May 8, 1886 in Atlanta. As a medicine, Coca-Cola was a failure, but it became a success as a liquid refreshment. Now, people ask for it in 80 different languages in 155 nations and Coca-Cola has become a symbol of America throughout the world. From May 7-10, theatrical shows, exhibitions and a parade through the streets of Atlanta will commemorate the centennial of the sale of that first glass of Coke. A soft drink may bring refreshment to one's body, but in John, chapter 4, Jesus speaks of the living water that will bring lasting refreshment to one's spirit.
The middle name of Harry S Truman (86/05/08)
Many Americans have two given names besides their surname. Often, one of these names is given to honor a relative. However, one grandfather may feel offended if a grandchild is named for the other grandfather. A unique solution to this problem was found by John and Martha Truman, whose first son was born in Missouri, U.S.A., 102 years ago today, on May 8,1884. The paternal grandfather's name was Shippe and the maternal grandfather's name was Solomon, so the baby boy was simply given a middle initial, "S", instead of a middle name. His name was Harry S Truman and he became America's 33rd president upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. 33 years ago this month, in a television interview, Mr. Truman said these words, which I think are being followed by many parents today: "I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it." Mr. Truman was being facetious, for parents have an important responsibility to train their children properly. According to the Old Testament book of Proverbs, chapter 22, verse 6, the moral training given a child will be remembered throughout its life.
"Sherpas" in the Tokyo Summit (86/05/09)
Most of the land of Japan is covered with mountains, but the capital city of Tokyo lies in the midst of the country's largest plain. Although there are no mountains in Tokyo, during the past week, our attention has been focussed on the Tokyo Summit. A summit is the top of a mountain and this meeting of topmost leaders of seven major nations and the European Community was called a "summit", even though it was held in a plain, spelled p-l-a-i-n. Actually, if the summit meetings were held in a plane, spelled p-l-a-n-e, the security measures to ensure their safety would have been less troublesome. Ascending a high summit is a dangerous undertaking. Mountain climbers of the world's highest peaks, the Himalayas, are always accompanied by guides, called Sherpas, who are natives of that mountainous region and skillful mountain climbers. Sherpas know the dangers that accompany a climb to the summit. The foreign policy specialists who worked out the details of the Tokyo Summit pronouncements were also called "Sherpas" by the press. Not only mountain climbers and national leaders need guidance. All of us need a trustworthy guide through the dangers of life. Christians consider Christ their Guide and seek to follow him as sheep follow their shepherd.
Goose (86/05/10)
A goose is a large, webfooted, swimming bird, closely related to the duck and the swan. The goose is smaller than a swan and has a shorter neck, but it is larger than a duck. Although goose is used as the general term for that bird, it is the particular term for the female, in contrast with the male, which is called a gander. The usual plural for goose is geese, but we may also refer to a silly person as a goose, so, you see, there are different kinds of gooses. Geese that have been domesticated are valued for their eggs, quills, feathers and flesh. Quills were used as writing instruments in the old days and feathers may be used for stuffing pillows. Goose is the traditional meat at Christmas time in England. "Goose egg" is a figurative term meaning zero or nothing and there have been too many goose eggs appearing on the scoreboard of Dragons' baseball games this year. Some wild geese spend the summer in the cold northern regions, where they raise their young, called goslings, and then migrate south when the colder weather arrives. The uncanny navigation ability of wild geese that migrate for thousands of kilometers is one of the wonders of nature.
The task of mothers (86/05/11)
In many countries of the world, this second Sunday in May is observed as Mother's Day, a day set apart to honor mothers and to express gratitude to them. My sermon text today is Isaiah, chapter 61, verses 1-3. This scripture passage has nothing to do with mothers directly. Rather, it indicates the mission of a prophet. However, Jesus quoted this prophecy in relation to his ministry and, in some ways, it applies to the mission of all Christians--and of Christian mothers in particular. It says that the Spirit of the Lord was given a person to accomplish the following tasks: bringing good news to others, binding up broken hearts and comforting those who are sad. An important task of mothers and of all people of good will is to encourage those who are despondent, sad or discouraged. It is easy for us to criticize others and to urge them to do better, but it is important to praise them and give them encouragement as well. God's message to us is basically good news rather than judgment and we should share this good news with others. Today, let us give thanks to or for our mothers and try to make them and others happier by our words of encouragement.
Prince Charles and Princess Diana visiting Japan (86/05/12)
In western countries there are many stories for children about a handsome prince and a beautiful princess. Many such stories are fantasies, but some of them are true. A true story of a real prince and princess is being told in Japanese newspapers these days as Prince Charles and Princess Diana of the United Kingdom are visiting Japan. The pretty princess seems more popular than the personable prince. In England, the wife of a king is a queen, but the husband of a queen remains a prince. Therefore, when Charles becomes king, Diana will become queen, but Philip, the father of Charles, will remain a prince all his life. In English, "prince" is also used to refer to an outstanding or genial gentleman and "princess" may refer to an outstanding or attractive young lady. Charles and Diana fit these definitions also. The national anthem of Great Britain is "God Save the King (or Queen)". We pray that he will save this Prince and Princess also.
Themes for listeners to write essays on (86/05/13)
Today is the 13th day of May and the seventh Tuesday since our last meeting of "Daily Word" listeners, which is held on the fifth Sundays of the month. On the previous six Tuesdays, I have suggested themes for listeners to write essays on. Essays sent to me are corrected and then printed in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes, which is distributed at the next listeners' meeting. The themes for the June 29th issue are: Easter or Springtime, Smoking, Human Organ Transplants, Suicide and Cram Schools, or Juku. Essays on these subjects must reach me by this Saturday. Every week on Thursday, I mail out copies of the messages for the week to those who request them by sending me a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥60 in stamps for each week of messages desired. By reading the messages, you may understand words that you did not catch when listening to them. To make progress in learning a foreign language, regular practice in hearing, reading, writing and speaking are all important. In fact, actual practice may be more important than learning from books. It is said that "practice makes perfect", but perseverance is also needed. This is "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan (86/05/14)
The famous flowers of Japan are the cherry blossoms in the spring and the chrysanthemums in the fall. In Holland, the famous flower is the tulip. 400 years ago, one tulip bulb was sent from Turkey to Holland, where the plant quickly became very popular. There are now said to be some 2,000 varieties of tulips and, recently, a new, black tulip was developed. In the United States, Dutch immigrants founded the city of Holland, Michigan, which is now the nation's largest center of Dutch culture. Today marks the beginning of a four-day Tulip Time Festival in that city. Thousands of colorful flowers fill Tulip Lanes which stretch for 13 kilometers along the city streets. Many residents will dress in traditional Dutch costumes. There will be folk dances, musical performances, art exhibits and tasty food, all with a particular Dutch flavor. Considering the beauty and variety of tulips and other flowers, of music and art and of people and cultures, pious people bow before God, the Creator, in wonder and praise. Beauty is not necessary in the world. It is a gift of God, but we should all do our part to make our world more beautiful--beginning with ourselves and our homes.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers (86/05/15)
In Japan, with its limited space, the bodies of the dead are usually cremated, so the ashes of many family members may be interred in the same grave. In America, it is common to bury the bodies of the dead in the ground, so much more land is needed for cemeteries. Although the remains of most American servicemen are interred in local cemeteries in their home area, those who so desire may be buried in the Arlington National Cemetery, just outside of Washington, D.C. There are now some 200,000 graves in that cemetery, including many famous Americans, such as former President John Kennedy and his brother, Robert. Over 4,700 of those graves are for unknown or unidentified dead. In the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are the remains of three men, one killed in the First World War, one in the Second World War and a third in the Korean War. On the tomb is this inscription, "Here lies in honored glory an American serviceman known but to God." Although Americans also visit the graves of departed loved ones, most of them do not worship there, for the worship of Christians, Muslims and Jews is directed only to God.
Little Germany in Missouri (86/05/16)
In the first decade of the first century A.D., German warriors, led by a man named Hermann, destroyed an invading Roman army. 150 years ago, a community established in the American state of Missouri by German immigrants was named after this German hero. This community was meant to be the beginning of a German "state" within the United States where the German language and customs would be kept intact and it became known as Little Germany. Over the years, the character of the community has changed, but it tries to preserve its heritage by an annual festival called Maifest, which is held during this third weekend of May. Hermann, Missouri now has a population of about 2,700, but over 40,000 visitors come to enjoy the festivities which include parades and German folk dances, concerts featuring German music, exhibits of German arts and crafts and tasty German food. The United States is made up of people with a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, some of which are still preserved in various ways today. Respect for one's roots is good, but pruning and grafting may help to produce yet better fruit.
Misunderstood advertisement honored (86/05/17)
Words are tricky. They may have different meanings and it's important that the meaning of the speaker or writer is the same one understood by the listener or reader. Do you know what bananas are? Of course you do. They are the long, yellow fruit produced in the tropics and sold very cheaply here in Japan. However, did you know that "bananas" is also used as a slang term for money? You probably didn't, and neither did I, and neither did some people who recently saw a TV commercial in Seattle, Washington. The advertisement stated that at a certain store, the price of a stereo was "299 bananas". After seeing the ad, 32 people came to the store to buy a stereo with real bananas. The store management decided to honor their misunderstood advertisement and exchanged stereos for about $50 worth of bananas. They ended up with some 11,000 bananas and got rid of many more stereos than they had expected. Since spoken and written words can be misunderstood, the eternal God finally spoke to human beings through a "living Word". In the Gospel of John, chapter 1, it is written that the Word who was with God from the very beginning became a human being and dwelt among us.
God is our Father (86/05/18)
In the Christian Church calendar, this 50th day after Easter is called Pentecost, from the Greek word for "fiftieth". It is one of the three main festivals of the church and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus' disciples. Since that time, Christians believe that the Spirit of God has been guiding the church and inspiring individual believers. The Bible text for my sermon today is found in Romans 8:14-17, where we are told that it is through the witness of God's Spirit that we recognize that we are God's children and that he is our Father. It is a great comfort to us in times of trouble or sadness, disappointment or danger to be reminded that the almighty God is our Father, who loves us even more than our earthly parents do. Although the New Testament was written in Greek, the spoken language of Jesus was Aramaic and abba, the Aramaic term for "father" which Jesus himself used, is given here to indicate the intimate relationship between God and the believer which the Holy Spirit inspires. I pray that you also will know the joy and peace that comes from knowing God as your Father and putting your life into his loving care.
Arabs (86/05/19)
When Japanese words are written in letters of the English alphabet, those letters are called romaji, or "Roman letters", because they were used in writing Latin. "Roman numerals", however, are not the common numbers used in English today. The most commonly used numbers are called "Arabic numerals" because they originated with the Arabs. Today, the term "Arab" is used in different ways. It may refer to people living on the Arabian peninsula, who are more properly called Arabians, but it is generally used to refer to anyone whose mother tongue is Arabic. Thus, citizens of such countries as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Lebanon and Libya may all be called Arabs. According to The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, verse 11, Arabians were among the crowd of foreigners who heard the apostles preach in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost.
Pyramid (86/05/20)
In geometry, a square is a rectangle with four equal sides. When six squares are joined to form the sides of a solid figure, the result is a cube. A triangle is a plane figure having three sides and three angles. The solid figure made up of triangular sides that meet at a common point is called a pyramid. One of the great wonders of the ancient world is the massive tomb built in this shape near the city of Cairo, Egypt over 4,500 years ago. Standing 146 meters high, it is said that 100,000 men were employed for 20 years to build it. Within this pyramid are two large rooms which may be entered through narrow passageways. Last week, an Egyptian archaeologist announced that three or four other rooms have just been discovered in this Great Pyramid, which were unknown until now. There is hope that entering and examining them will help unravel some of the mysteries relating to the construction of the pyramids and to the way of life forty-five centuries ago. New discoveries relating to ancient wisdom are possible today. Christians claim to have discovered a new kind of life through faith in God, who was revealed in Jesus Christ.
Araiguma (86/05/21)
A raccoon is a small bearlike animal with long brown fur, a pointed nose, black facial markings and a bushy, blackringed tail. This animal is native to America and its name comes from an American Indian word meaning "scraper" or "scratcher". In yesterday's newspaper, I read a story and saw a picture of a raccoon that had climbed some ten meters up a fir tree in Kani City in Gifu Prefecture. It looked something like a koala and seemed to be afraid to come down. Evidently, it had been chased up the tree by a dog while it was looking for food during the night. The Japanese word for "raccoon" is araiguma, but since it was written in katakana, I thought the Chinese characters would refer to a "wild" or "rough" bear. Checking the dictionary, however, I find that they refer to a "washing" bear. I suppose this name was given because of the interesting habit of raccoons to wash things they pick up and soaking food in water before eating it. The Gospel of Mark, chapter 7, mentions how the Jews of Jesus' day ritually washed themselves and many other articles, but Jesus taught that people need to purify their hearts.
Bob Wieland met President Reagan (86/05/22)
Last week, 40-year-old Bob Wieland arrived in Washington, D. C. and met President Reagan in the White House. Mr. Wieland was a medical corpsman in the Vietnam war and lost both of his legs while trying to aid a wounded soldier. After returning to America, he remembered the hungry people he had seen in Vietnam. Five years ago, he decided to make a legless walk across America to raise money for the world's hungry people. With his torso strapped into a thick leather seat, he "walks" by using his hands which are enclosed in pads he calls his "running shoes". After training for 18 months, he set out from California on September 8, 1981. At a rate of 5 to 8 kilometers a day, it took him 3 1/2 years to make the 4,480 kilometer trip through the states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Mr. Wieland said that the words found in Paul's Letter to the Romans, chapter 15, verse 1, were the inspiration for his venture: "We that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak."
Constitution Day in Germany (86/05/23)
Today is a national holiday in the Federal Republic of Germany. It is called Constitution Day, commemorating the adoption of its constitution on May 23, 1949. Following the First World War, Germany was a republic until Hitler came to power in 1933. In 1939, Hitler declared war on Poland, which marked the beginning of the Second World War. After the war ended in 1945, Germany was divided into four zones, occupied by British, French, American and Soviet armies. Since a different form of government was set up in the Soviet zone, eventually Germany became divided into a communist state in the east and a democratic republic in the west. I have visited both West Germany and East Germany and felt a marked difference in the atmosphere between them. I understand why East Germany had to build a wall to keep its citizens at home. Otto von Bismark, the first chancellor of the German Empire, stated in a speech to the German parliament in 1888, "We Germans fear God, but nothing else in the world." If only that were true, not only for Germans but for all people as well, this world would become the Kingdom of God!
Morse, inventor of the Morse code (86/05/24)
Samuel Morse, born in 1791, became a respected American artist. However, today he is not known for his paintings. Rather, he is known as the inventor of the first practical telegraph instrument. While on a ship, returning to the United States from art studies in Europe, he had a conversation about the newly developed electromagnet and thought it should be possible to send messages by means of an electromagnet telegraph. He immediately sketched plans and worked to develop such an apparatus. He also originated an alphabet of dots and dashes for use in telegraphy, which is known as the Morse code. On May 24, 1844, 142 years ago today, the world's first telegraph line was formally opened between Washington, D. C. and Baltimore, Maryland as Morse clicked out the historic message: "What hath God wrought!" Morse was the son of a clergyman, and this expression is found in the Bible, in Numbers 23:23, where the modern English translation is: "Look what God has done!" Despite our own efforts to develop some project, we should recognize as Mr. Morse did, that it is only through divine help that our work will succeed.
Spiritual gifts (86/05/25)
In Japanese society, gifts play an important part. They are given and received on many different occasions. Literally, a gift is anything given. It may be expensive or cheap, hand-made or purchased, large or small. There are many varieties of gifts; not all of them are material. There are also spiritual gifts and these are often more important than the material ones--gifts such as love, friendship and understanding. "Gift" may be used in a special sense of some talent or natural ability and a person with such a gift may be called a "gifted" person. Our natural abilities were given to us by God, so they are not something we should boast of, even though we should try to improve and make good use of them. In the 12th chapter of I Corinthians, Paul writes of spiritual gifts. People have different kinds of spiritual gifts, which should not be used selfishly for individual advancement. Rather, our various gifts should be considered as different parts of the same body, all of which work together in unity for the good of the whole. This sense of community is also a part of Japanese tradition, but it should not be based on simply following the crowd nor on fear but on genuine love for others. This was the point of my sermon today.
Memorial Day (86/05/26)
In most states of the U.S.A. this last Monday of May is a legal holiday called Memorial Day. This special day was first observed about 120 years ago in honor of soldiers who died during the Civil War. Later, those who died in subsequent wars were also remembered and now it has become a day to remember all who have died, whether or not they were servicemen. Many Americans will visit cemeteries on this day, but it is not customary to burn incense in front of a family grave as is done in Japan. Rather, there is usually a separate plot of ground with its own gravestone for each dead person and flowers may be deposited near the gravestone. Christians make a clear distinction between remembering the dead and worshipping God, their Creator and Savior. As Jesus said in Luke 4:8, "The scripture says, 'Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!'"
Amnesty International in Nagoya (86/05/27)
Amnesia and amnesty come from a Greek word, meaning not remembering or, in other words, forgetting. Amnesia refers to a loss of memory and amnesty refers to a general pardon for prisoners, especially for political prisoners. Amnesty International is a human rights organization which seeks to win the release of those who have been imprisoned in various countries for their religious or political beliefs. These people have not committed a crime nor used violence. They have been arrested because of their peaceful opposition to government policies on the basis of their convictions. They are referred to as Prisoners of Conscience. The members of Amnesty International write letters to government officials requesting the release of such prisoners as well as opposing torture and capital punishment. Tomorrow is the 25th anniversary of the founding of this organization in London by a British lawyer. The Nagoya Group of Amnesty International is holding a meeting, commemorating this anniversary, at the Chūō Kyōkai in Sakae, across the street from the prefectural art gallery, at 6:30 this evening. Reports will be made on eight prisoners of conscience from eight different countries and letters will be written to seek their release. You are invited to attend.
"Hands Across America" (86/05/28)
An interesting and unusual event took place last Sunday in the United States. As part of a campaign to raise money for the hungry and homeless people in that nation, organizers attempted to form a human chain across the country. Called "Hands Across America", the project was considered a success, even though there were gaps in the chain in some of the barren, desert regions. An estimated four million people took part, holding hands for fifteen minutes on Sunday afternoon in a zigzag chain that stretched over 6,600 kilometers from New York to California. It included toddlers in strollers, people in wheelchairs, prison inmates, President and Mrs. Reagan and millions of common people who each made a donation to the campaign and joined together in singing songs. The aim was to raise $50 million for the needy people of that rich country. This was another illustration of what can be done when people join together for a common purpose. The problem is that such efforts are only temporary and limited phenomena. We need to keep the poor and underprivileged constantly in mind and to join hands with those of other nations around the world.
Puppet show (86/05/29)
A puppet is a small figure of a person or animal which is made to move as though it were alive. There are various kinds of puppets. Some are manipulated by a hand hidden in the costume of the doll, while others are manipulated by strings. Japan has a unique type of puppet show called bunraku. Three men, dressed in black, control the movements of each puppet, which is about two-thirds life-size. The man who holds the doll controls the movements of its right hand, another takes care of the left hand and the third handles the legs. Spectators are expected to black out the black-robed men from their vision and to concentrate on the movements of the puppets themselves, but the stage becomes crowded when there are four or five puppets involved. Along with the puppeteers, a narrator tells the story with background music provided by a samisen. Interest in this traditional puppet theater is declining, and a recent survey has shown that most of the spectators are middle-aged women. They seem to be most appreciative of the folkart and the human emotions exhibited there. People as well as puppets can be manipulated by others, but in a truly democratic society, we should not be afraid to speak and act according to our own convictions.
The 88th night (86/05/02)
Nicollo Machiavelli (86/05/03)
The summit of our lives (86/05/04)
Cinco de Nayo (86/05/05)
Juku (86/05/06)
Coca-Cola (86/05/07)
The middle name of Harry S Truman (86/05/08)
"Sherpas" in the Tokyo Summit (86/05/09)
Goose (86/05/10)
The task of mothers (86/05/11)
Prince Charles and Princess Diana visiting Japan (86/05/12)
Themes for listeners to write essays on (86/05/13)
Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan (86/05/14)
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers (86/05/15)
Little Germany in Missouri (86/05/16)
Misunderstood advertisement honored (86/05/17)
God is our Father (86/05/18)
Arabs (86/05/19)
Pyramid (86/05/20)
Araiguma (86/05/21)
Bob Wieland met President Reagan (86/05/22)
Constitution Day in Germany (86/05/23)
Morse, inventor of the Morse code (86/05/24)
Spiritual gifts (86/05/25)
Memorial Day (86/05/26)
Amnesty International in Nagoya (86/05/27)
"Hands Across America" (86/05/28)
Puppet show (86/05/29)
Joan of Arc (86/05/30)
Walt Whitman (86/05/31)
The Soviet Union not notifying about accident (86/05/01)