Lei Day (89/05/01)
This first day of May, called May Day, has traditionally been associated with the new flowers of springtime in the West and, in Hawaii, it is known as Lei Day. Do you know what a lei is? This lei, spelled l-e-i, refers to a special kind of Hawaiian necklace made of such pretty flowers as carnations, jasmines or orchids. Leis, traditional Hawaiian signs of friendship, are often placed around the necks of tourists and other guests when they are welcomed to the islands. Although they are worn on many occasions throughout the year, people are encouraged to wear a lei especially on this Lei Day, along with such gaily colored Hawaiian clothes as muumuus and aloha shirts. Beautiful flowers are another sign of the character of the Creator who also desires human beings to express the beauty of divine love and new life in their daily lives. (2913)
Japanese Constitution (89/05/02)
Because we are in the middle of the so-called Golden Week in Japan, the number of telephone calls to "Daily Word" is probably fewer than usual, for Sundays and holidays always register the lowest number of calls. Tomorrow is another holiday, called Constitution Day. What are your plans for that day? Will you sleep later than usual? Will you go out for some entertainment? Will you relax at home? Or will it be just another ordinary day for you? Permit me to make a suggestion. Find a copy of the Japanese Constitution and read it. Then write a short essay in English about what you think is its basic or most important characteristic and whether the Constitution is being faithfully followed now, 42 years after it went into effect. If this is too difficult a theme to write on, you may write an essay on how you spent the holiday. If you send a copy of your essay to me, I will make corrections and maybe a few stylistic changes in it before printing it in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. If you keep a copy for yourself and compare it with the corrected version, it may help you to improve your English writing ability. A constitution is the fundamental law of a country and should be observed, not merely esteemed. This is "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (2914)
Constitution Day (89/05/03)
This third day of May is called Constitution Day in two quite different countries. Both are located in the eastern part of their respective continents. The East Asian country, of course, is Japan. Today is the 42nd anniversary of the enactment of its present constitution on May 3, 1947. The East European country is Poland, which gained a new constitution 198 years ago on this day in 1791. Japan has become a democratic country under its new constitution, but the character of its democracy has a peculiar Japanese flavor. Poland, on the other hand, experienced only a short period of independence after the constitution of 1791 was put into effect. As an island nation, Japan has found it comparatively easy to maintain its independence, but Poland was partitioned by its neighbors, Russia, Prussia and Austria. Japan's constitution has never been amended, while the United States Constitution now has 26 amendments. The last one, ratified in 1971, set the voting age at 18. A constitution should not be simply a so-called tatemae. As times change, it also may need to be changed, but it should be faithfully followed. (2915)
Patent Office (89/05/04)
A patent is a document issued by a government to an inventor granting the inventor the sole right to make, use and sell the patented invention for a certain period of time. The Japanese Patent Office now has a backlog of about 600,000 applications for patents waiting to be screened by its 853 examiners. This is about half the number of examiners in the United States Patent Office, so it is not surprising that, on the average, it takes over three years to examine an application in Japan while in the U. S. it takes less than half that long. The 341,000 applications received in Japan in 1987 is more than double the number received a decade earlier. To cope with this problem, the Patent Office is working on a 10-year plan called the Paperless Project. In June, it will move into a new high-tech building which will have four times the space of its former home and a telecommunications network of 1,500 computer terminals, making it easier for examiners to refer to previous patents. Japanese have been said to be lacking in creativity, but when given the freedom to follow untraditional paths without fear of social stigma, they are as creative as any other people. (2916)
Karl Marx (89/05/05)
This fifth day of May is Children's Day in Japan and Korea. It is Liberation Day in Denmark and the Netherlands, commemorating the end of Nazi occupation in 1945. It is a national holiday in Mexico, celebrating the Mexican defeat of French forces in 1867. In Thailand, it is Coronation Day, celebrating the crowning of King Bhumibol in 1950. It is also the birthday of the German social philosopher and revolutionary, Karl Marx, who was born on this day in 1818. In his monumental, 3-volume work, Das Kapital, Marx provided a new analysis of economic and social history that has provided the philosophical basis of Communism and may be considered the Communist Bible. Marx called religion "the opium of the people". By this, he meant that religion was a kind of mind-numbing pacifier to keep people from rebelling against the cruelty and injustice of their rulers, which, at times, it has been. Marxism itself became a kind of substitute religion for many people who believed it provided the answers to life's problems, but countries which tried to put his theories into practice are now changing their tunes. Although Christian thought also has changed over the centuries, it is still based on the changeless Rock of God's Truth. (2917)
Marriage Man Academy (89/05/06)
Do you know what a finishing school is? It is a private school for young ladies, providing training in cultural subjects to prepare them for life in society and for marriage. A new and unique finishing school for men was recently opened in Osaka. Called the Marriage Man Academy, its aim is to offer education for inexperienced or timid men who find it difficult to communicate with women. Many Japanese men have been well-prepared for their business or profession but are very awkward when it comes to social relationships--especially with women. This new academy, managed by a 30-year-old former kimono salesman, provides 90 minute lessons and a "sure-fire" 22-step formula to give a man "confidence in himself and an understanding of a woman's heart". The tuition fees range from ¥164,000 to ¥185,000 for 18 to 22 lessons. Matchmakers may introduce men to marriageable women, but this academy seeks to go further in helping to prepare for a happy marriage. Healthy human relationships are essential to a happy life and the advice given in the 2nd chapter of the New Testament book of Philippians is especially appropriate in this regard: "Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves." "And look out for one another's interests, not just for your own." (2918)
Providence (89/05/07)
In Japanese, the word ten literally means sky or heaven, but it may also be used as an impersonal reference to God. In English, when the word "providence" is spelled with a capital P, it likewise refers to God in an impersonal way. Providence, from the word "provide", comes from Latin words meaning to see before. According to the Bible, God, the Creator of all things, has perfect knowledge and knows the future. God is in control of the universe and provides for the needs of its creatures. Many times, we may question the reason for sad, unfortunate or cruel happenings in the world. We may not understand the reason for the disappointments and problems in our own lives. Yet, from the standpoint of the Bible, all events have some meaning in the overall plan of God who is seeking to work out a good purpose through them all. In the New Testament Letter to the Romans, chapter 8, verse 28, are words that comfort believers in times of trial, confusion and discouragement. There it is written: "We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose." Faith in the providence of a loving God inspires us with hope, strength and courage in the face of adversity. (2919)
Politician, Statesman (89/05/08)
Do you know the difference between a politician and a statesman? In England, both of these words may be used in a good sense for persons involved in government, but a statesman has greater influence and power. In the United States, "politician" has a negative connotation, often referring to one who seeks personal or partisan gain by cunning or dishonest means, while a "statesman" is a person of ability and foresight who seeks to promote the public good without concern for personal benefit. Harry Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, who was born 105 years ago today, on May 8, 1884, and who was regarded as an honest politician, made the following distinction: "A politician is a man who understands government, and it takes a politician to run a government. A statesman is a politician who's been dead 10 or 15 years." (2920)
Japanese characteristics (89/05/09)
Some listeners to this telephone message may remember an event that occurred 33 years ago today, on May 9, 1956, when a mountain climbing team, led by Aritsune Maki, reached the 8156-meter-high peak of Manaslu in the Himalayas for the first time in recorded history. According to Maki's report, it was a clear day with no wind. The team left camp at 8 a.m. with their climbing equipment and oxygen tanks. They arrived on the peak 4 1/2 hours later. It was a thrilling experience for those mountain climbers who reached their goal as a result of adequate preparation, discipline, cooperation and team spirit. These are important qualities which are characteristic of Japanese people. Partly due to such qualities, Japan has become an economic superpower in the four decades since it was crushed at the end of the Pacific War. I would be interested to read your comments and experiences related to any or all of these particular characteristics and their importance in Japanese life--both in the past and in the present. Will these characteristics continue to inspire Japanese to scale greater heights in the future? Essays on this subject sent to me will be corrected and printed in "Daily Word" Echoes, where others will enjoy reading them also. This is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463.(2921)
Internationalization (89/05/10)
"Internationalization" is a popular word these days. Many Japanese leaders recognize the need for Japan to have a more international outlook, but some of the same people who talk about internationalization manifest strong nationalistic tendencies. Is it only foreigners who have difficulty in distinguishing the tatemae and honne of such people? One serious obstacle to a genuine international spirit is the peculiar sense of uniqueness that has been firmly planted in the Japanese mentality. Of course, Japanese are unique, but so is every other nation as well. Geography, climate, culture and history are all influential in the development of national characteristics, but Japanese tend to have a deeper sense of their uniqueness which often becomes a hindrance to healthy international relations. Theories that Japanese intestines are longer than those of other people, that Japanese brains function differently and that Japanese soil and snow are peculiar so foreign contractors should not be used on certain construction projects and imported skills must meet stringent safety standards do not encourage internationalization. It is good to be proud of one's heritage and to seek to preserve that which is commendable, but as long as real or imagined differences are emphasized, a truly international spirit will be difficult to achieve. (2922)
Nannies (89/05/11)
Although a male cat may be called a tomcat, I have never heard of that kind of special name given to a female cat. In the case of goats, however, there are names for both the male and female. A male goat is called a billy goat and a female goat is a nanny goat. Nanny actually is a nickname for Anne, but it is also the word used in England to denote a children's nurse. An increasing number of couples on the East coast of the United States are now seeking nannies for their children while both parents work. To meet this need, representatives of placement agencies make periodic visits to rural communities in the Midwest looking for qualified young women who would be willing to move east and become nannies. And now, somewhat similar agencies in Tokyo are offering baby-sitting services for active couples. The 400 employees of the Japan Baby Sitting Service who look after young children are mostly former teachers of nursery schools or experienced mothers who have raised children of their own. Caring for others' children is a very old custom and in the 2nd chapter of the Old Testament book of Exodus is an interesting story of how a Hebrew mother was once employed as a nanny to care for her own child. (2923)
Hospital Day (89/05/12)
May the 12th is known as Hospital Day in the United States in honor of Florence Nightengale, who was born 169 years ago today and exerted a lasting influence on the medical profession. The earliest records related to the practice of medicine are found in the Code of Hammurabi, carved on a stone pillar over 2000 years before Christ. In the code of this Babylonian king, we find the stern rule that "If a doctor, in opening an abscess, shall kill the patient, his hands shall be cut off". However, if the patient was a slave, the doctor merely had to replace the slave with one of his own. Licensed physicians in ancient Egypt relied on incantations for treating disease but also employed such surgical procedures as bloodletting to reduce fevers and made use of herbal medicines. The man who is recognized as the father of modern medicine is Hippocrates, a Greek physician of the 4th century B. C. He separated medicine from superstition and placed it on a scientific basis. The so-called Hippocratic Oath, which is said to represent his ideals, continues to be administered to graduates of medical schools today, who promise to follow ethical principles in their medical practice. Would it not be well to require such an oath of politicians as well as of physicians? (2924)
Arthur Sullivan (89/05/13)
In Italian, the diminutive of a word may be formed by adding the suffix "etta". Thus an operetta is literally a small opera. An operetta is not only shorter than an opera, however, it is also lighter and contains spoken dialogue. A famous composer of English operettas was born 147 years ago today, on May 13, 1842. As a boy, Arthur Sullivan sang in a chapel choir. He later became an organist and then a composer. Although he considered his serious musical compositions his best works, he is more famous for the amusing operettas he produced in collaboration with W. S. Gilbert. For over 20 years, Gilbert, the librettist, and Sullivan, the composer, produced numerous operettas that have provided musical entertainment for both the performers and their audiences. As a child, I remember seeing my father, dressed in a sailor suit, singing in the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, H. M. S. Pinafore. One of their popular comic operas had a Japanese setting. It was called The Mikado. Arthur Sullivan also composed a serious opera, a number of oratorios, numerous songs and hymns. Many of the hymn tunes he composed are still found in hymnbooks today, including that for the hymn, "Onward, Christian Soldiers!" (2925)
Pentecost Sunday (89/05/14)
This second Sunday of May has been observed as Mother's Day in the United States for the past 80 years, but today is also the day of a Christian observance with a much longer history. It is the second most important festival in the church calendar. It does not always fall on the 14th of May nor on the second Sunday of this month. In fact, it does not always fall in May. Pentecost Sunday is observed on the 50th day after Easter, so when Easter Sunday is later than April 12th, Pentecost Sunday comes in June. According to the 2nd chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, it was on the Jewish feast of Pentecost, when the disciples of Jesus were gathered together in one place, that the Holy Spirit came upon them and they were filled with new life, power and courage. This day may be considered the birthday of the Christian Church. It is also called Whitsunday, a shortened form of White Sunday, because of the white robes worn by candidates for baptism. It is the custom of the church I serve in the city of Takahama to conduct a baptismal service on Pentecost Sunday. Baptism symbolizes purification and a new birth. I pray that the young lady, garbed in white, who will be baptized in that church today will experience the joy of new life through her faith in Christ. (2926)
Okinawa (89/05/15)
Southwest of Kyūshū are a string of islands extending toward Taiwan. These Ryukyu Islands now form the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa, literally meaning "offshore rope". On the island of Okinawa, the largest island in this archipelago, a major battle of the Pacific War was fought, in which the Japanese lost 103,000 men and U. S. casualties were 43,000. For 20 years after Japan regained its sovereignty, the United States continued to occupy Okinawa, but 17 years ago today, on May 15, 1972, Okinawa was returned to Japan. Nevertheless, the U. S. A. continues to maintain military bases there. Although Okinawa is now a part of Japan, it has a separate history, culture and language, and Okinawans often feel discriminated against by so-called mainland Japanese. All people should be respected as human beings regardless of their ethnic background. (2927)
Daily Word (89/05/16)
Approximately every three months, a month will have five Sundays. It is our custom to hold a meeting of listeners to these "Daily Word" messages in the afternoon of the fifth Sunday of a month. The 34th such meeting was held a couple of weeks ago. The theme of that meeting was "Green". Those who were present gave impressions, opinions and experiences related to that word and color. Some told how they spent Green Day. At these meetings, the current issue of "Daily Word" Echoes, consisting of essays contributed by listeners on themes suggested in my messages, which I have corrected, is on sale. I am now in the process of compiling the 28th issue of the Echoes and the theme suggested for this week is "Green". I would be happy to receive an essay on that theme both from those who attended the meeting and from others--including you. Incidentally, due to my convenience, the next meeting of listeners will be held on July 23rd, which is the 4th Sunday of that month. If you wish to receive a weekly copy of the daily messages before they are given on the telephone, please send me a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥60 in stamps for each week of messages desired. I would also like to receive comments or suggestions about this telephone service. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (2928)
Cayman Islands (89/05/17)
Today, May 17th, is a holiday in the Cayman Islands. Have you ever heard of them? "Cayman" is spelled C-a-y-ma-n. A common noun with the same spelling is the name of a certain kind of crocodile. Can you guess in what part of the world these islands are located? I will give you a hint by telling you that they were discovered by Christopher Columbus. In fact, that is the reason for the holiday today, called Discovery Day. May 17, 1503 was the day Columbus discovered them. The three islands in this little archipelago have a combined area of about 260 square kilometers and an estimated population of 23,000. They are located in the Caribbean Sea south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica and their main exports are turtles and turtle products. There are many different kinds of turtles in the world. Some live on land and are called tortoises. Others live in the sea or in fresh water lakes, but all have a hard, armorlike shell which protects their bodies. The green turtles exported by the Cayman Islanders are used for turtle soup and meat. If we considered everyday a Discovery Day in which to make a new discovery of some kind, it would make our lives more interesting.(2929)
Eye (89/05/18)
Homonyms are words that have the same pronunciation but entirely different meanings. There are three short homonyms in English pronounced "î". The shortest one, which is also the most common, is the pronoun which refers to the person speaking and is spelled with the one letter "I". Another "î" is spelled a-y or a-y-e and means "yes". In an election, it refers to an affirmative vote. The third "î" is spelled e-y-e and designates the organ of vision. There are a number of well-known sayings related to this eye. "The eye is bigger than the belly" is often used for children who see some tasty-looking food and expect to eat much of it but find out they cannot eat as much as they thought they could. "The eye is the mirror of the soul" or "The eye is the window of the soul" means that one can perceive the intent of the heart by looking into another's eye. "The apple of one's eye" refers to something or some one highly cherished. And the expression, "An eye for an eye" comes from the Old Testament and reflects a spirit of revenge or strict retaliation for evil, but in Matthew 5:38, Jesus quotes this saying and teaches it should be superseded by the spirit of love, even for enemies. (2930)
Kitarō Nishida (89/05/19)
A few months before I arrived in Japan in 1951, I had completed my studies in philosophy in the graduate school of New York University. The philosophy I studied was, basically, western philosophy, but in Japan, I was confronted with a completely different philosophical outlook which is quite difficult for a western-oriented thinker to understand. One of the key exponents of this eastern way of thinking, Kitarō Nishida, was born near Kanazawa 119 years ago today, on May 19,1870. His mother, whom he respected very highly, was a pious devotee of Jōdo Shinshu, the True Pure Land school of Buddhism. As a young student, Nishida received Confucianistic training, but his more mature thinking was influenced by Zen Buddhism, through which he felt he had achieved "pure experience" apart from any subjective thinking or reflection. He tried to elucidate his enlightenment through his writings on the "Philosophy of Nothingness" in which there is no distinction between subject and object. To me, Nishida's philosophy is a kind of mysticism which, like religious truth in general, must be experienced to be understood. It is not enough to understand Truth rationally. It must be experienced to be truly appreciated. (2931)
John Stuart Mill (89/05/20)
The only monetary unit in use in present-day Japan is the yen, but in former days, a sen was one-hundredth of a yen and a rin was one-tenth of a sen. In the United States, both dollars and cents are used today, but there was formerly a monetary unit equal to one-tenth of a cent called a mill. A mill is also a machine for grinding or crushing solid substances such as grain. Mill is also the surname of an influential British philosopher and economist who was born 183 years ago today, on May 20, 1806. John Stuart Mill was educated in the philosophy of utilitarianism, which teaches that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by the goodness or badness of its consequences, but he made it more humanitarian by advocating such political and social reforms as women's rights, labor unions and farm cooperatives. His most famous work, entitled On Liberty, contains many thoughts that are worth pondering today. Regarding one's evaluation of a particular nation, he wrote, "The worth of a State, in the long run, is the worth of the individuals composing it". And, emphasizing the need for understanding the views of others, he wrote, "He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that." (2932)
Spiritual truths (89/05/21)
Recently I gave a lecture to junior high school teachers and parents on: "A Foreigner's View of Japanese". In my speech, I said that, from my viewpoint, most Japanese do not think deeply about the meaning of life in general and of their own lives in particular. They are willing simply to follow the crowd or traditional customs without thoughtful consideration. Japanese tend to be primarily concerned about this-worldly matters. One of the emphases of the Bible is that we should lift up our eyes to see beyond the material world to more important spiritual truths and to seek happiness on a higher level. Jesus advised his disciples, in the Sermon on the Mount, to "store up riches ... in heaven" rather than on earth and to "be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and what he requires of you" [Matthew 6:19-20,31] The Apostle Paul wrote, in Colossians 3:2: "Keep your minds fixed on things there [in heaven], not on things here on earth." As human beings with physical bodies living in a community, we are naturally concerned with physical needs and social relationships, but if we neglect thinking about basic morality and the true meaning of life, finally, not only corrupt politicians and businessmen, but we ourselves and society as a whole will suffer the consequences. (2933)
Richard Wagner (89/05/22)
On this 22nd day of May in the year 1813 in the German city of Leipzig, Richard Wagner was born. Have you ever heard of him? He became a famous composer of operas. The Flying Dutchman, Lohengrin, Tristan and Isolde are the names of operas he composed. Like other forms of art, the effect operatic music has on others depends on their feeling, or sense of appreciation. Some critics complain that Wagner's compositions are too long, too repetitive and boring. Nietzsche, the German philosopher, called Wagner's art "diseased", while American humorist, Mark Twain, said that "Wagner's music is better than it sounds". I do not profess to understand Wagner's music, but I recall the words of American orchestra conductor Leopold Stokowski, who said, "It is not necessary to understand music; it is only necessary that one enjoy it." (2934)
Golf (89/05/23)
It seems to me that golf in Japan is a rich man's game. Although some people may play on the green to keep in the pink, it may also put them in the red. There are now 1588 golf courses in Japan. Another 200 are under construction and 700 more are in the planning stages. Do you think this is a reasonable use of land in these crowded islands? On Green Day last month, people from around the country met in Tokyo to oppose further golf course construction. They charge it not only destroys forests and fields, but that air, drinking water and rivers are polluted from chemicals used on the grass. Golf is considered a form of relaxation or entertainment for some; others consider it a means of conducting business and critics charge golf courses are "sources of bribery". Have you ever played golf? What is your impression of the game? What do you think of the increased construction of golf courses and their influence for good or ill in present and future Japan. Will the golfing fad last longer than the bowling fad of a few years ago? Essays on this subject sent to me will be corrected before they are published in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (2935)
A prankster (89/05/24)
Do you know what a prankster is? A prankster is a person who plays pranks on people. In case you don't know what a prank is, it is a mischievous trick or a kind of practical joke. In Japanese, it is called an itazura. When itazura is written in Chinese characters, the characters meaning "bad joke", or warui tawamure, are used. Putting salt in the sugar bowl or sugar in the salt shaker is the kind of prank that some children enjoy playing. Such prankish behavior is not limited to children, however. In the U. S. city of Aberdeen, South Dakota, a 26-year-old baker has been accused of doing that very thing. Following his last day of work at a certain bakery, customers began bringing back coffee cakes, doughnuts, muffins and other bakery goods they had purchased, complaining about the taste. Kenny Filler is accused of causing intentional damage estimated at $900 not only by putting salt into the sugar but by putting garlic powder into doughnut dough and muffin batter. He has pleaded innocent and has requested a jury trial. I don't know if Mr. Filler is guilty or not, but I do remember Jesus' words in Luke 12:2, that there will come a day when "whatever is covered up will be uncovered and every secret will be made known." (2936)
Jordan (89/05/25)
The official name of the country located east of Israel is The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. This country, with an area less than half that of the island of Honshu, has a population of about 3,700,000. Forty-three years ago, on May 25, 1946, it gained its independence from Great Britain, so today is Independence Day in Jordan. Hashim was the greatgrandfather of Muhammed, so a Hashemite is an Arab having a common ancestry with the founder of Islam. Before its independence, this country was called Transjordan, because it was located on the other side of the Jordan from Palestine. The Jordan is the main river mentioned in the Bible. Its main section connects the Sea of Galilee with the Dead Sea. These two bodies of water lie about 96 kilometers apart, but the river follows such a winding course that it stretches over 320 kilometers flowing from the one to the other. Over that distance, it descends some 200 meters to almost 400 meters below sea level. Thus its name, which means "descender" in Hebrew, is quite appropriate. After escaping from Egypt, the Israelites crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land of Canaan and in this river Jesus was baptized at the beginning of his ministry. (2937)
Japanese meanings (89/05/26)
Many words that have been assimilated into Japanese from English are used in special ways or have been given peculiar Japanese meanings. Sometimes one particular definition of a word in English is chosen as the only meaning in Japanese. For example, the word "smart" is most often used in English to mean intelligent, but in Japanese it is used to mean stylish. In English, "milk" is the whitish liquid produced by cows, but in Japanese, there is a difference in usage between gyūnyū and miruku. The English word "rice" signifies a certain kind of cereal plant or the seeds of that plant, whether raw or cooked. Thus, in Japanese, it may be translated ine, kome or gohan, but in Japan, raisu is eaten with a spoon or fork from a plate while gohan is eaten with chopsticks from a bowl. Japanese speakers of English must remember that the Japanized meanings of words are often somewhat different from the meanings in their original languages. My earliest recollection of eating rice was when I ate it from a small bowl with a spoon. It was covered with milk and sugar and served by my fat, but smart, mother as a dessert, Actually, I didn't like rice until I came to Japan, where I have learned to enjoy it. I still like milk, however, and I hope I'm getting smarter day by day. (2938)
Atomic Bomb Dome (89/05/27)
Forty-four years ago, the world's first atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Hiroshima. As a result, over 100,000 people lost their lives and 90 percent of the city was destroyed. The skeletal remains of a building almost directly under the exploding bomb is now a famous landmark of Hiroshima. This Atomic Bomb Dome has become a symbol of the cruel and destructive power of nuclear weapons. The dome, however, is deteriorating and must be reinforced if it is to remain standing. A fund-raising drive to gather ¥200 million required for the necessary repairs is now under way. Posters are being displayed throughout the country and appeals for funds are being sent to embassies and consulates during the campaign which will last until December 25. It may seem strange to solicit funds to repair a ruined building that has no practical use, but Hiroshima considers it important to maintain this symbolic dome as a reminder of the horror of nuclear war and of the world's longing for lasting peace. Japan has a peculiar responsibility, as the only country to suffer the terrible effects of atomic bombing, to raise its voice internationally for the elimination of atomic bombs and of the militaristic mentality which leads to their use. (2939)
The Good Samaritan (89/05/28)
These days, manga, or comic magazines, are quite popular because they are considered interesting and easy to understand. That was one reason for the popularity of the parables that Jesus told to the common people in his day. Jesus' parables, however, not only were interesting and understandable, they also had a deep meaning for discerning minds. The Bible teaches that we should love our neighbor as ourself, and when a legalist asked Jesus to define the term "neighbor", Jesus told the Parable of the Good Samaritan, found in chapter 10 of the Gospel of Luke. In this parable, a man taking a short trip was accosted by robbers who robbed and beat him and left him lying by the road. A priest and then another temple worker passed that way, saw the wounded man and did nothing, but a Samaritan showed extraordinary kindness to him. Samaritans of that day were despised by conservative, orthodox Jews because their lineage and religion were considered impure. This parable teaches that we should show kindness to all people who are in need regardless of their nationality or religion. In the global village of today, all nations and all people are our neighbors and we should manifest love to them all (2940)
Rhode Island (89/05/29)
Although I think it strange that there are many place names in Japan ending in shima even though they are not islands, there is also a state on the U. S. mainland that has Island in its name. Rhode Island, the smallest of the 50 states, was the last of the 13 British colonies to ratify the U. S. Constitution 199 years ago today, on May 29, 1790. This colony and state got its name from the name of the largest island in a bay in the eastern part of the state. This island, in turn, was probably named after the Isle of Rhodes, off the coast of Greece in the Aegean Sea. The capital city of Rhode Island is Providence and the state motto is the one word "Hope". The person who has faith in the providence of a loving and powerful God can always face the future with hope. In the 146th Psalm, we find these words, "Happy is he ... whose hope is in the Lord his God." (2941)
Japanese Constitution (89/05/02)
Constitution Day (89/05/03)
Patent Office (89/05/04)
Karl Marx (89/05/05)
Marriage Man Academy (89/05/06)
Providence (89/05/07)
Politician, Statesman (89/05/08)
Japanese characteristics (89/05/09)
Internationalization (89/05/10)
Nannies (89/05/11)
Hospital Day (89/05/12)
Arthur Sullivan (89/05/13)
Pentecost Sunday (89/05/14)
Okinawa (89/05/15)
Daily Word (89/05/16)
Cayman Islands (89/05/17)
Eye (89/05/18)
Kitarō Nishida (89/05/19)
John Stuart Mill (89/05/20)
Spiritual truths (89/05/21)
Richard Wagner (89/05/22)
Golf (89/05/23)
A prankster (89/05/24)
Jordan (89/05/25)
Japanese meanings (89/05/26)
Atomic Bomb Dome (89/05/27)
The Good Samaritan (89/05/28)
Rhode Island (89/05/29)
Lincoln Memorial (89/05/30)
A Mallard/In Chicago (89/05/31)
Lei Day (89/05/01)