The day for change of clothes (87/06/01)
In the eyes of Westerners living in Japan, this country is a land of many rules, whether written or not, and of a people who respect tradition, whether it is reasonable or not. Some rules are kept long after the original reason has lost its validity, but it is difficult for individuals in this society to disobey the rules of a group. Someone has made the cynical remark that "Rules are for when brains run out." Thomas Jefferson once wrote: "State a moral case to a ploughman and a professor. The former will decide it as well, and often better than the latter, because he has not been led astray by artificial rules." In Japan, regardless of the weather, there is a set time when heat is turned on in public buildings and when school uniforms are changed from heavy to light. Today is the day for the change of clothes and I'm sure this makes uniform-wearers happy.
My trip to the U.S. (87/06/02)
At the "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting last Sunday afternoon, my wife and I were happy to meet both new and old listeners and to hear their reactions to this telephone service. Since we will be returning to the U. S. this month for a visit and I will be making a report, I would like to have written essays from many listeners on how this service has been helpful to them. Such essays will help me to make an effective report in the hope that the service will be continued. As I noted at the listeners' meeting, this service began seven years ago and today's message is #2294. I have already pre-recorded the messages to be transmitted during the two months I will be gone. They are messages that were originally given five years ago. During my absence, the weekly copy of messages will not be mailed out nor will "Daily Word" Echoes be published. I hope to continue those services following my return. We do plan to have another meeting of listeners on the 5th Sunday afternoon of August. If you wish to receive a copy of the current issue of "Daily Word" Echoes, please send me ¥450 in stamps to cover the cost plus postage. A good word for today is found in I Thessalonians 5:18: "Be thankful in all circumstances." This is "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Jefferson Davis (87/06/03)
As far as dictionary definitions go, there is little difference between a confederacy of states and a union of states, but in United States history, there was a crucial difference between the Confederacy and the Union during the Civil War. The Union referred to the northern states which opposed slavery and were loyal to President Abraham Lincoln. The Confederacy referred to the southern states which approved of slavery and seceded from the Union. The president of the Confederacy was Jefferson Davis and either today or the first Monday of June is observed as a state holiday in nine of those eleven states in honor of his birth on this day in 1808. Less than a year later, about 150 kilometers away from his birthplace, Abraham Lincoln was born in the same state of Kentucky. However, Davis' family moved south to the state of Mississippi while Lincoln's family moved to the northern state of Indiana. For the four years of the War between the states, Jefferson Davis served as president of the Confederacy with his capital in Richmond Virginia and his name continues to be respected in southern states today. Jefferson Davis once said, "Truthfulness is a corner-stone in character, and if it be not firmly laid in youth, there will ever after be a weak spot in the foundation."
Yasukuni Jinja (87/06/04)
108 years ago today, on June 4, 1879, a shrine in Tokyo was given a new name. It was one of many "spirit-inviting shrines", or shokonsha, dedicated to the spirits of those who died for their country. The name of this Tokyo Shōkonsha was changed to "Peaceful Country Shrine", or Yasukuni Jinja. It became the major shrine for the veneration of the spirits of the war dead and an emotional focal point of militant Japanese national feeling during the Pacific War. Some years ago, the spirits of leading Japanese militarists who were executed as war criminals were surreptitiously enshrined there. Since the end of the war there has been an ongoing effort made by right wing groups in particular to use government funds to support this religious shrine. Many religious groups are opposed to this effort because they consider it an unhealthy reversion to the previous state-religion alliance which is prohibited by the present Constitution. When Prime Minister Nakasone made an official visit to the Yasukuni Shrine two years ago, he was criticized by foreign countries as well for they feared it indicated another dangerous step in the wrong direction--toward a revived militancy. One does not nurture a peaceful country by glorifying military heroes.
Native speakers of English welcomed (87/06/05)
So-called "Japan-bashing" is popular in certain countries these days. To bash is to strike with a heavy, crushing blow and some people feel the need to strike such a blow at Japan to force a change in policies that have resulted in a great trade deficit. However, a so-called "Japan-boom" also seems to be continuing. A boom is a deep, resonant sound such as the sound of cannons in ancient wars, or of a bass drum in a symphony orchestra. When some activity is developing rapidly, we may say that it is booming. In this case, boom means a time of prosperity or popularity. A recent article about the Japan-boom noted that when the Japanese government aimed to recruit 729 native speakers of English from four countries to teach in Japanese schools, it was deluged with 4495 applicants, six times the number needed. In Australia, over 13 times the quota from that country applied, while in New Zealand, the United States and England, about five times the targeted number applied. A salary of over ¥300,000 per month plus housing and other benefits made a very attractive offer. I hope the employment of these foreign teachers will promote true international understanding so that booming Japan will suffer less undeserved bashing.
Pushkin (87/06/06)
188 years ago today, the man who is considered the greatest of Russian poets and who has been called "the founder of modern Russian literature" was born. Do you know his name? He was born in Moscow on June 6, 1799. One of his great-grandfathers was Hannibal, the Negro general of Peter the Great. His name was Aleksandr Sergeyevich Pushkin. Pushkin showed great promise as a poet while still a student but he was exiled to South Russia when he was 21 years old because he wrote An Ode to Liberty and other revolutionary poetry. The influence of the exotic natural beauty of that region, which includes the Crimea and the Caucasus Mountains is seen in his subsequent poems. But Pushkin did not limit himself to poetry. He also wrote dramas, folk tales, short stories and novelettes. Pushkin's life came to an end when he was only 37 years old as the result of a duel which he fought in defense of his wife's honor. I presume his wife, relatives and friends were proud of him at the time, but personally I doubt that duelling is the best way to defend the honor of one's self or of another. I think that pride is a factor in all duels and, according to Proverbs 18:12, "humility goes before honor".
Pentecost (87/06/07)
The Greek word for "five" is pente and there are a number of words in English that begin with this prefix. In poetry, a pentameter is a line of verse that contains five measures. In sports, a pentathlon is an athletic contest which includes five events. In geometry, a pentagon is a five-sided figure. Because of its shape, the building in Washington D. C. which houses the U. S. military establishment is also called the Pentagon. The first five books of the Old Testament are referred to as the Pentateuch and today, which is the fiftieth day after Easter, is called Pentecost in the church calendar. On this day Christians commemorate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the church. It may be considered the birthday of the Christian Church. Jesus gave his disciples many commands which seem impossible to obey, such as "Love your neighbor as you love yourself" [Matthew 22:39], "Love your enemies" [5:44], and "You must be perfect--just as your Father in heaven is perfect" [5:48]. Humanly speaking, it is impossible to obey such commands. It is only with the help of the divine Spirit of God, which is also the Spirit of Christ, that we can approach that high goal. Today, Christians remember that God not only gives commands to his children; he also gives them the power to follow them if they are willing to accept it.
Gambling (87/06/08)
There are two words in English pronounced gambul. The word spelled g-a-m-b-o-l means to leap about playfully, to frolic. The word spelled g-a-m-b-l-e means to bet money on the outcome of some event or to play a game of chance with the hope of winning a valuable prize. Unfortunately, such gambling is often done by people who cannot afford to waste the little money they have. In the United States, there are said to be more women gamblers than men gamblers. A recent report indicated that, in Japan, sales from publicly run gambling in the 1986 fiscal year was 6.7 per cent higher than in the previous year. Those events showing a large increase were auto races, bicycle races, horse races and boat races. Mark Twain once wrote, "There are two times in a man's life when he should not speculate: when he can't afford it, and when he can."
Home, Sweet Home (87/06/09)
You may have heard the saying, "Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home." Do you know the source of this quotation? It comes from the song "Home Sweet Home" which was written by John Howard Payne who was born in New York 196 years ago today. Mr. Payne made his debut as an actor in New York City in 1809 and continued acting for 30 years, during which time he also wrote a number of plays. He wrote "Home Sweet Home" for the play called Clari, which was produced as an opera in London in 1823. Later, Mr. Payne became the American consul in Tunis, where he died in 1852. Having lived abroad for many years, he knew from personal experience the natural longing for home. The German poet, Goethe, has written, "He is the happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home." And Henry van Dyke, an American author and clergyman, has stated, "Every house where love abides and friendship is a guest, is surely home, and home, sweet home, for there the heart can rest." Christians consider their home to be where God, their heavenly Father abides, so they may speak of their "heavenly home" and may say of a person who has died that he or she has gone home to be with the Lord. I hope your home is a happy one and it will be if it is filled with the love of God.
Jellyfish (87/06/10)
While reading a newspaper article which noted that some 300 bathers were stung by jellyfish Sunday while swimming at Shonan beaches, I decided to make a message about that strange marine animal which resembles jelly. The Japanese word for this particular kind of jellyfish is katsuo-no-eboshi, which is also an interesting word. Katsuo, of course, is a kind of fish, called bonito in English. There are a number of compound Japanese words beginning with katsuo, including katsuo-mushi, an insect known as a museum beetle, katsuo-dori, a bird called a booby gannet, and katsuo-no-eboshi. As you know, an eboshi is an old-fashioned headgear worn by nobles in court, but the dictionary translation for katsuo-no-eboshi is Portuguese man-of-war. Usually, man-of-war refers to a warship, but a Portuguese man-of-war, for some reason, is the name given to this particular kind of jellyfish that has tentacles carrying poison, with which it stings its prey. In English, we may call an indecisive or weak person who has no strong convictions and no moral backbone a jellyfish. From my point of view, a morally healthy person must have some basic convictions to undergird his or her entire life.
Rickshaws improved (87/06/11)
Last week I changed my residence to the Omori area of Moriyama Ward, but I continue to use my bicycle for transportation within the city, often riding to Sakae or Nagoya Station. Sometimes I speak of my bicycle as a jinrikisha, for the wheels on a jitensha do not move automatically like those on a jidosha. Rather, a bicycle is actually a man-powered-vehicle, literally, a jinrikisha. In modern Japan, rickshaws are used only for tourists in sightseeing areas but they continue to be more widely used in other Asian countries. Technology for the People, an organization based in Geneva helps transfer technology to developing countries. This organization has made improvements in the design of the rickshaw that should make it more pleasant to use--for both drivers and passengers. The improved version has a two-speed, hand-controlled gearbox (one gear for starting, the other for coasting), making the vehicle easier to pull. Disc brakes have been added and the traditional wooden seat has been lowered and replaced with fiber glass, making it safer and lighter. Man-powered tools and machines may be used for many tasks, but the world needs God-powered people to work for a more just society.
Anne Frank (87/06/12)
57 years ago today, on June 12, 1929, a baby girl was born into a Jewish family in Germany. As a child, she enjoyed life along with other girls her age, but under the Nazi regime the fate of Jews became increasingly difficult and dangerous. When she was 13, she fled with her family to Holland and for two years remained in an attic on the third floor of an old house in Amsterdam. There she spent her early adolescent years which she recorded with sensitivity in her diary. When her hiding place was discovered, she and her family were sent to concentration camps where they died. When her diary was later published, Anne Frank's name became known throughout the world. It was Anne's custom to pray every night before going to sleep and, in spite of her dismal circumstances, she would thank God for all that is good and lovely and beautiful. The world is richer as a result of the simple, yet profound, diary of that talented young lady whose life was cruelly ended before her 16th birthday. Remembering Anne Frank should inspire us to oppose the senseless prejudice against people of other races or nationalities and to be aware of the anti-Semitism which seems to be growing here in Japan as seen in the popularity of some recent publications.
William Butler Yeats (87/06/13)
122 years ago today, on June 13, 1865, one of the great poets of Ireland was born. His name was William Butler Yeats and he was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature in 1923. Yeats' father was a painter and he also studied painting as a boy, but he came to realize that poetry was to be his art. He was also an accomplished playwright. Fascinated by the folklore and legends of Ireland, he became involved in the occult. Yeats was an Irish nationalist and one of the founders of the Irish Literary Theater in Dublin. His poetry and dramas indicate that he continued to change as he grew older, which is the mark of an honest man. He followed his own advice to "Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people." Regarding the aging process, William Butler Yeats had this to say: "The years like great black oxen tread the world, And God the herdsman goads them on behind, And I am broken by their passing feet." As the days go by, all of us are getting older, but the person with a healthy faith need not feel broken as time goes by. If we are willing to seriously consider new truth and willing to change our lives in accordance with it, life will never be the uninteresting existence of the narrow-minded.
God chose Israel (87/06/14)
Last week, important elections were held in both Spain and Great Britain. In Spain, the ruling Socialists suffered a setback, while in Britain, Conservative Mrs. Thatcher became the first prime minister in this century to serve three consecutive terms. In democratic societies, elections are held to select leaders or representatives of the people, but in Christian theology, "election" has the meaning of God's choosing a people or an individual for a particular mission. My sermon today is based on Deuteronomy 7:6-11, where it is written that God chose Israel to be a special people. The election of this people was not due to any merit of theirs. It was based solely on God's love and sovereign will. Many people consider their particular religion, race or nation to be special and superior in some way. However, Israel was chosen to be a servant and an example to demonstrate the character of God to the world. This was also a part of the mission of Christ, and Christians today believe God has chosen them to proclaim and manifest his purpose in the world. Unfortunately, at times we forget that we were not chosen to rule over others nor to force our faith upon them but, in the spirit of Christ, to be humble servants and to demonstrate Christ's selfless love.
Arkansas (87/06/15)
Students of Japanese find it difficult to remember the many Chinese characters with their varied pronunciations while students of English are confused by the many irregular pronunciations of English words. One of the midwestern states in the U. S. A. is Kansas. When the letters A-r are added to the beginning of that name, the name of a southern state is formed, but the pronunciation is changed to Arkansas. It was 151 years ago today that Arkansas was admitted to the union as the 25th state. The Arkansas River runs across this state from west to east and the state's largest city and state capital is located on this river in the center of the state. It is called Little Rock. In the Old Testament, God is sometimes called a Rock to symbolize his eternal trustworthiness. But he is not a "Little Rock". He is the Great Rock upon which the whole universe depends.
Records (87/06/16)
There are various meanings of the word "record", so "to break a record" does not necessarily mean that a disk used for playing music on a phonograph has been damaged. It may mean that the greatest recorded achievement in a certain area has been surpassed. In recent years, Japan has been breaking records, not only in the economic field, but on the baseball field as well. Ten years ago, Sadaharu Oh, of the Yomiuri Giants, broke the record of homeruns hit by a major league baseball player in the United States. Four years ago, Yutaka Fukumoto, of the Hankyū Braves, set a new record of stolen bases. And last week, Sachio Kinugasa, of the Hiroshima Carp surpassed the record of consecutive games played. The old record, set by Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees in 1939, took 15 years to achieve. Because of Japan's shorter baseball season, it took 40-year-old Mr. Kinugasa 17 years to play his 2131st straight game. Known as the "Iron Man" because of his stamina, he has provided an outstanding example of perseverance. Mr. Kinugasa has stated, "For me, baseball is my life. Baseball is everything." Such whole-hearted commitment is admired by many people who would call a person who made a similar statement about religion a "fanatic".
Methodists (87/06/17)
A person who follows a regular, systematic order in doing things may be called methodical and one who emphasizes systematic methods may be called a methodist. When "Methodist" is spelled with a capital M, however, it refers to a particular Protestant denomination which follows the teachings of John Wesley, who was born in England 284 years ago today. John and his brother, Charles, joined a group at Oxford whose members resolved to conduct their lives and religious study by "rule and method" and thus were called "Methodists". Although ministers of the Church of England, they became dissatisfied with the established church and emphasized a vital, personal religious experience and social responsibility. The Wesley brothers were influential leaders of a religion's revival in North America in the 18th century, which made Methodists a dominant influence in the United States. John Wesley emphasized doing good works. He said, "Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, in every place you can, at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, as long as ever you can." He also encouraged continual development, saying, "Reading Christians are growing Christians. When Christians cease to read, they cease to grow."
Trip to the U.S. (87/06/18)
On Monday morning of next week, my wife and I are scheduled to leave for a two month trip to the United States. Our last visit there was during the summer three years ago. To take advantage of the economical fares offered by a particular airline, we will go and return by way of Seoul, Korea. We plan to visit my wife's mother and brother and his family in California and then visit our elder son and his wife in New Mexico. We expect to see my brother and three of my four sisters and their families, who will gather at the home of the sister who continues to live in our hometown in northern Illinois, over the 4th of July weekend. An elder sister, who is a missionary in Zaire, will be unable to be there. Of course, the 4th of July, or Independence Day, is a major holiday in the United States. While I am gone, telephone messages originally composed five years ago will be transmitted, but the weekly copies of messages will not be mailed out. I plan to recontinue that service following my return the latter part of August. We have scheduled another meeting of listeners for the fifth Sunday of August when my wife and I hope to see you and hear what you did this summer as we share some so-called "souvenir stories" from America. We also hope you will continue to call "Daily Word" during our absence.
My trip to the U.S. (87/06/02)
Jefferson Davis (87/06/03)
Yasukuni Jinja (87/06/04)
Native speakers of English welcomed (87/06/05)
Pushkin (87/06/06)
Pentecost (87/06/07)
Gambling (87/06/08)
Home, Sweet Home (87/06/09)
Jellyfish (87/06/10)
Rickshaws improved (87/06/11)
Anne Frank (87/06/12)
William Butler Yeats (87/06/13)
God chose Israel (87/06/14)
Arkansas (87/06/15)
Records (87/06/16)
Methodists (87/06/17)
Trip to the U.S. (87/06/18)
A family of hams (87/06/19)
Madonna (87/06/20)
The day for change of clothes (87/06/01)