A Dormitory in Kochi (89/06/01)
Last year, Joji Morisaki, a 17-year-old high school senior of Kochi Prefecture, was killed when his motorcycle was hit by a truck. His parents received ¥30 million in compensation for their son's death. Although they could have kept the money for their own retirement, they decided to use it to build a dormitory for Asian students studying in Kochi. Joji's 51-year-old mother is a Christian who has been involved in international cooperation projects such as fund-raising for refugees and providing accommodation for a Chinese student for more than ten years. She and her husband, a carpenter, decided to spend the compensation money to provide accommodations for students from Asian countries who have problems paying rent and living expenses due to high prices in Japan. In this way, they want to make their son's death "socially meaningful". The dormitory will have individual rooms on the second floor for long-term students and a common room for short-term students on the first floor. Books in foreign languages will also be provided. The Morisakis hope the dormitory will be a place for international exchanges. Sato Morisaki said, "I'm sure my son supports the idea too. I try to think the dormitory is his and I just have more children." (2944)
Endeavour (89/06/02)
The American space shuttle, "Challenger" was destroyed in a terrible accident just after lift-off three years ago. A new space shuttle is now under construction. The name for this new and improved vehicle was recently announced by the U. S. space agency, NASA, following a national competition among school children from kindergarten through 12th grade. 6,100 teams, with an average of 12 students each, entered the competition to choose the name. Entries were limited to names of sea vessels used in research or exploration and each team had to prepare and submit research projects to justify the name submitted. The winning name was suggested by two teams, one composed of fifth-graders in Mississippi and the other of math students of a Georgia high school. It is "Endeavour", the name of the first vessel commanded by the British explorer, James Cook. During that ship's maiden voyage to the South Pacific in 1768 to observe the planet Venus, Cook's crew discovered New Zealand and mapped the eastern coast of Australia. The word "endeavour", meaning an earnest, continued effort, is a good word to have in one's vocabulary. To gain any worthwhile end, whether learning to speak English or living an honorable life, endeavour is an important element. (2945)
Buy Friends (89/06/03)
Recently, school officials in a California junior high school saw a 13-year old girl giving large amounts of money to other children. Upon investigation, it was found that she had stolen $25,000 dollars from her grandparents. At the present rate of exchange, that amounts to over ¥3,350,000. Over several days following her theft, this girl had given between $1000 and $4000 to nine students at her junior high school and various amounts of money to an unknown number of other students. She had also bought two $500 bicycles for two students and had treated others to free pizzas and soft drinks. According to the detective working on the case, the girl was simply trying to buy friends. She wanted to become popular. Although we may think this girl was foolish, in fact, many adults are trying to do the same thing in their own "adult" way. In the world of business, politics and society at large, many people try to buy the friendship of others with gifts or bribes of various kinds. In the Old Testament book of Proverbs, chapter 19, verse 4, it is written that "Rich people are always finding new friends, but the poor cannot keep the few they have." It is too bad that some people are so materialistic that they try to buy spiritual benefits with money and that some religions encourage this mentality. (2946)
A Living Sacrifice (89/06/04)
One of the most important books in the New Testament in regard to Christian doctrine is the Letter to the Romans. The first part of this letter teaches that all people are sinners and need to be delivered from sin. Then the Gospel, or Good News, that salvation from sin is gained through faith in Jesus Christ is presented. Chapter 12 begins a section on the kind of conduct which should characterize a Christian. Believers are urged to offer themselves as a living sacrifice to God. In all religions there is some kind of offering--whether an animal sacrifice, produce from the land, money or something else. In Christian thought, the kind of sacrifice to be offered in what is called "true worship" is our own selves. We should become a kind of instrument in God's hand by which he can accomplish his purpose in the world. So Paul writes that believers should not conform themselves to the standards of this world but they should be transformed by God. Japanese society emphasizes conformity with the ideas and standards of the community. But those who have been transformed by God have the courage to stand for what they believe is right despite the social pressure of those around them. Christians may be persecuted because they refuse to conform, but they find strength, joy, peace and hope through the transforming power of God which they have experienced. (2947)
Ruth Benedict (89/06/05)
One of the most influential books regarding Japanese people and their culture was written by an American scholar who was born 102 years ago today, on June 5, 1887. The author's name was Ruth Benedict and her famous book was The Chrysanthemum and the Sword. Ms. Benedict was interested in the peculiar stamp each nation puts upon its men, women and children. While living in California, she became interested in the Japanese and during the war, as a cultural anthropologist, she was employed by the U. S. government to help Americans understand Japan and the Japanese mentality. Her book contrasts the Japanese feeling of "shame" with the American feeling of "guilt" and the different kinds of behavior these feelings stimulate. "Shame", she wrote, "is a reaction to other people's criticism", but "guilt" is "an internalized conviction of sin." (2948)
Recruit/Reform (89/06/06)
There are many English words that begin with the prefix "re", meaning "again". Among them are a couple of words that have been appearing often in recent months in news articles related to the political situation in Japan: "recruit" and "reform". One meaning of "recruit", derived from a Latin word meaning "to grow again", is to seek to enroll or to supply with new members. Colleges recruit students and companies recruit employees, but the infamous Recruit Company has been recruiting influential politicians to make its business more successful. This has prompted the government and the general public to push for "reform". Literally meaning "form again", reform means to improve by correcting errors or removing defects. What are your thoughts about the Recruit scandal? Why did it develop? Who is to blame? Is there something wrong with the system or cultural practices that encouraged such a scandal? What can or should be done to reform politics or social customs to avoid such problems in the future? I will correct essays on this subject and print them in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. Writers should keep a copy of their manuscript and compare it with my corrected version. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463.(2949)
Josei Mondai (89/06/07)
There is an increasing sensitivity these days to words or expressions that contain a hint of discrimination. American women have pointed out examples of unfair or sexist language in English in recent years and now it is reported that some public bodies and organizations in Japan are replacing the word fujin with the word josei, which has a wider meaning. Thus, what was formerly considered a fujin mondai has now become a josei mondai. It is now common in the United States to refer to all women as "Ms." rather than distinguishing between an unmarried "Miss" and a married "Mrs." even as all men are called "Mr.", whether married or single. This raises the question of the difference between the words "female", "woman" and "lady". "Female", of course, is the opposite of "male" and since it may refer to animals as well as human beings, when used of a woman it often has a contemptuous implication. "Woman", meaning an adult female human being, is a dignified word that can be used without hesitation, but the word "lady" has the added implication of refinement. While it is common to make social distinctions, we should not treat people differently merely on the basis of gender or other external, physical characteristics. A basic respect should be shown to all people while greater respect is attracted by inner character. (2950)
Blue Chips (89/06/08)
Having little interest in financial matters, I seldom read the financial page of a newspaper, but an article on that page recently caught my attention and raised a question in my mind. The headline read: "Blue chips spurt 24 points in N.Y." Since to "spurt" means to show a sudden burst of energy or activity, obviously the word in this headline is used figuratively, for chips cannot, literally, spurt. But my question was related to the term "blue chips". What kind of chips are they and why are they "blue"? In England, the word "chips" signifies French-fried potatoes and potato chips are now sold in Japan also, but no one would buy them if they were blue. Needless to say, this headline is related to the stock market, not the supermarket. The counters or chips used in the gambling game of poker have different value according to their color and blue chips are the most valuable. Thus, in the stock market, those stocks that are most valuable are called "blue chip stocks". I suppose the fact that blue chips spurted 24 points in New York made stockholders happy, but I recall the words of Jesus in Matthew, chapter 6: "Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth .... Instead, store up riches ... in heaven .... For your heart will always be where your riches are." (2951)
John Howard Payne (89/06/09)
It is becoming quite common these days for Japanese to travel abroad. Traveling in foreign countries should help to broaden one's vision and deepen one's understanding of other people and their cultures. However, it is always enjoyable to return to one's homeland. You may be acquainted with the English song, "Home, Sweet Home". It begins with these words: "'Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, /Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home." This song was included in the opera, Clari, the Maid of Milan, which was first performed in London in 1823. It was written by the American songwriter, playwright and actor, John Howard Payne, who was born in New York City 198 years ago today, on June 9, 1791. Mr. Payne wrote a number of plays which were successful in both England and the United States. He also acted in some of the plays he wrote. After living abroad for many years, Payne returned to the United States in 1832. Ten years later, he was appointed the American consul at Tunis, the capital of Tunisia in North Africa. That was the place of his death ten years later, far away from his "home, sweet home". Christians consider heaven their "home, sweet home" for there we will enjoy fellowship with our heavenly Father.(2952)
Dear Grandchildren (89/06/10)
It is Saturday afternoon. My wife is downtown, so I was home alone until my son and his wife came over with their two children, whom they have left with me. I need to compose a telephone message but I find it hard to concentrate or to do research while I watch these dear grandchildren, so I will tell you about them instead. Leila is a little over 3 1/2 years old. She has dark hair and dark eyes, resembling her mother. She enjoys having her grandparents look at picture books with her, telling her the English names of the objects and also reading stories to her in English. Shannon is just 1 1/2 years old. She has reddish hair resembling her father. She is more extrovertive and daring than her older sister who tends to be a bit shy. Their mother always speaks Japanese to them and their father mixes Japanese and English, but we grandparents try to speak only in English and they seem to understand us even though Leila usually replies in Japanese. We are happy that they live close by so we are able to see them often. Since our own children were born and raised in Japan, they had little contact with their grandparents. We agree with the words of Psalm 127:3, "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a real blessing." (2953)
Boldness (89/06/11)
The small muscular sac located under the right lobe of the liver in the human body is called the "gall bladder" in English. In Japanese, it is called tan. It is interesting that the Chinese characters literally meaning "big gall bladder" are used to signify "boldness". In the New Testament book of the Acts of the Apostles, the "boldness" of the apostles is often noted. In the 4th chapter of that book is the story of two apostles, Peter and John, being arrested for preaching about Jesus Christ. The following day they were put on trial before the Jewish Council. The Council members were amazed at the boldness of these "ordinary men of no education" who were not cowed by threats and refused to stop their Christian preaching. The apostles considered it more important to obey God than to obey the order of this group of human beings. Following their release, they joined with other Christians in a prayer meeting. They did not pray to be delivered from persecution. They prayed for the boldness to continue proclaiming God's message--and their prayer was answered. While many people are unsure of themselves and are reluctant to express their personal opinions, the person with a firm conviction or a deep faith has a boldness that others lack. A certain kind of boldness may be considered a characteristic of Christians, but Christian boldness must be accompanied by love and humility.(2954)
Helsinki (89/06/12)
Have you ever heard of the city of Helsingfors? Helsingfors is a port city located in northern Europe on the Baltic Sea. With a population of over 480,000, it is the largest city in Finland. Many countries use the English pronunciation of this city's name: Helsinki. Today, June l2th, is celebrated as Helsinki Day in Finland, commemorating the city's founding in 1550, almost 340 years ago. Helsinki is located on a peninsula surrounded by islands. Geographically, it is at the southern extremity of the country, but since it became the capital city in 1812, it has become the country's intellectual, commercial and administrative center. Its distinctive modern buildings of native granite and its cleanliness have earned it the name White City of the North. Keeping a city clean is the responsibility of every citizen. (2955)
Isseki Nichō (89/06/13)
The English saying, "kill two birds with one stone", or isseki nichō in Japanese, means to obtain two good results from a single effort. Municipalities in six Kansai prefectures are planning to kill two birds with one stone. This area is suffering both from a shortage of land and tons of garbage being discarded by its affluent citizens. A barrier is now being constructed in Osaka Bay off the Port of Amagasaki. Into this dumping site, household garbage and industrial waste that has been processed at incineration plants will be deposited. Eventually, a new island with an area of 113 hectares will be created from over 16 million cubic meters of refuse. In this way, the Kansai area will be killing two birds with one stone. That is to say, it will solve the problem of garbage disposal and, at the same time, obtain more land. Listeners writing essays for the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes should send them to me by the end of next week, June 24th. If you wish to receive a written copy of next week's messages, send me a self-addressed envelope with a ¥62 stamp affixed plus ¥ 60 in stamps. This is "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (2956)
Flag Day (89/06/14)
Every country has its own flag. The patterns of some are very simple. Japan's flag, for example, is simply a large red ball, representing the sun, on a white background. Others are more complicated, such as the American flag with its thirteen stripes and fifty stars. It has seven red stripes and six white stripes, while in the upper, staff-side corner, there are five rows of six stars and four rows of five stars on a blue background. Today, June 14th, is observed as Flag Day in the United States, commemorating the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the national flag on this day in 1777. That flag had thirteen stripes and thirteen stars arranged in a circle, representing the original thirteen states. When two more states joined the Union, two more stripes and two more stars were added, but later it was decided to limit the number of stripes to thirteen and only to add stars for new states. The fiftieth star was added for the state of Hawaii in 1960. On Flag Day in 1915, President Wilson stated, "The things that the flag stands for were created by the experiences of a great people. The flag is the embodiment, not of sentiment, but of history." (2957)
Black Kites (89/06/15)
One kind of kite is a light frame covered with paper or cloth which is flown in the air attached to a string. It is called a tako in Japanese. Another kind of kite is a bird of the hawk family--a tobi, in Japanese. Shigeru and Mitsuko Tokieda have been making friends with black kites in the Kinkozan mountains outside of Okayama City. For the past thirteen years this 56-year-old man and his 40-year-old wife have been making regular trips to a pond in the mountains, a 40-minute drive from their city apartment. They now carry about five kilograms of raw chicken with them. As they walk along the narrow, steep trail leading to the pond, Mitsuko calls out pi-ko-, pi-ko- to summon the kites. Arriving at the pond, she orders the hundreds of birds to perch and refuses to feed them until they do so. Then the couple begin throwing small pieces of chicken into the air and the kites nosedive to catch them on the wing. Morsels not caught in flight are plucked off the surface of the water. This relationship with wild birds of prey is very rare. Mr. Tokieda began hiking in the mountains after a doctor advised him to exercise regularly to combat his diabetes. Now, he is both healthier and happier than before. (2958)
Street Children (89/06/16)
Charles Dickens' novel, David Copperfieid, depicts the struggles of a poor boy who grew up in the slums of London over a century ago. Said to be partly autobiographical, it was the favorite novel of its famous author. A recent conference held in Manila indicated that the world is still full of "David Copperfields" who are largely ignored by society at large. This conference on the so-called "street children" in Asia reported that about 100 million such children are trying to survive in this cruel world by prostitution, theft and begging. Although these unfortunate children are found on the streets of large cities in many countries, the highest number of street children in Southeast Asia is found in the Philippines, with about 1.2 million. There are up to 75,000 homeless children in Manila alone who roam the streets begging for coins, peddling cigarettes, newspapers and flowers and who offer their bodies to foreign tourists for money or a decent meal. Others turn to petty theft. Few of them ever attend school, which means that they will probably never escape from their life of poverty. What responsibility do those of us living comfortable lives and squandering money on unnecessary luxuries have toward these needy children? (2959)
Iceland (89/06/17)
What country do you think has the oldest active parliament in the world? It is the westernmost state in Europe with an area of less than half that of the Japanese island of Honshu and a population of about 200,000. It is one of the most volcanic regions in the world and its capital is Reykjavik. In case you haven't guessed its name yet, I will give one final hint. The language spoken there is Icelandic. Forty-five years ago today, on June 17, 1944, its general assembly, the Althing, proclaimed Iceland an independent republic, so today is a national holiday commemorating that event along with the birthday of the outstanding leader of its independence movement, Jon Sigurdsson, who was born on June 17, 1811. Previously, this island nation had been ruled by Norway and Denmark. Many of Iceland's 200 volcanoes are still active and many hot springs provide the inhabitants with inexpensive heating. As its name implies, the country has vast icefields or glaciers, making only about one fourth of the island habitable. Most of its settlements are along the seacoast and its major industry is fishing. Ice, of course, is simply frozen water, and in the poetic description of Job 37:10, it is "The breath of God [that] freezes the waters, and turns them to solid ice." (2960)
Father's Day (89/06/18)
This third Sunday of June is celebrated as Father's Day in many countries these days, so the sermons preached in many Christian churches today will include something about fathers. In the Bible, "Father" is the most common and meaningful designation used for God, but whether we call God a king, shepherd or father, there is no implication that God is of the male gender. Rather, these names are meant to suggest the character of God, which include power, wisdom and love. An Old Testament poet wrote in the 103rd Psalm, verse 13, "As kind as a father is to his children, so kind is the Lord to those who honour him." And in his Sermon on the Mount, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5, 6 and 7, Jesus repeatedly refers to God as our "Father in heaven", who loves us, knows our needs and gives us good things. The prayer that Jesus taught his disciples, which is repeated in Christian churches throughout the world, begins with the words, "Our father in heaven". At the heart of Jesus' teaching is the assuring assertion that the almighty Creator of the universe and Ruler of history is a God of love who cares for us as a father cares for his own children. On this Father's Day as we express our gratitude to our earthly fathers, let us also give thanks to our "Father in heaven". (2961)
Blaise Pascal (89/06/19)
Today, June 19th, is the birthday of two men I highly respect. One of them, my elder son, was born in Tokyo 36 years ago. The other, physicist, mathematician and philosopher, Blaise Pascal, was born in France 366 years ago and today's message is about him. Pascal was a genius. His experiments in physics led to the development of the hydraulic press, or suiatsu puresu. In mathematics, he founded the theory of probability, or kakuritsu, and contributed to the development of differential calculus, or bibungaku. However, my personal interest is related to his philosophical writings. Pascal combined rare scientific ability with a deep religious faith. Convinced that reason alone cannot solve the basic problems that confront human beings, he recognized the priority of faith, writing in his Pensées, that "the heart has reasons of which reason itself knows nothing." (2962)
West Virginia (89/06/20)
Ten of the fifty United States of America have two words in their names, including the smallest state, Rhode Island. Of the remaining nine, four begin with New and two each begin with North and South. The state whose name begins with West, also known as the Mountain State, is located in the eastern part of the country and its mountains do not compare with those in the west. The state of West Virginia was formerly a part of Virginia but this western part of the state differed from the eastern part in many ways--socially, politically, culturally, economically, religiously and geographically. These dissimilarities finally resulted in a separation when Virginia joined the southern Confederacy and seceded from the Union. The western part of the state, in effect, seceded from Virginia and formed a new state which remained loyal to the government of President Lincoln, who approved its admission as the 35th state 126 years ago today, on June 20, 1863. Tourism is a major industry in this mountainous state as many people go there to enjoy the beauty of God's creation. Viewing the scenery, tourists may recall the words of the 121st Psalm, "I look to the mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." (2963)
Kejime (89/06/21)
During the final days of the administration of the former prime minister and the winding down of the Recruit scandal investigation, the Japanese word, kejime, was often used in political statements and news reports. What is the meaning of kejime? How should it be translated into English? There is no Chinese character to help identify its meaning and I have a suspicion that its precise significance is not so clear even in Japanese. In Murasaki Shikibu's Tale of Genji, it signifies the traditional paper screen that divides two rooms in a Japanese house and now it implies a division, distinction, difference or discrimination of some kind. It may imply the figurative drawing of a line to mark a clear-cut distinction between two things. In the present political situation, it has been used to mark the end of one type of system and the beginning of a new political style. However, the man who was first urged to accept the position of party leader and prime minister refused because he insisted on a genuine kejime which his party was not ready to accept. I highly respect the decision of this rare Japanese politician with moral principles he was unwilling to compromise for personal, temporary glory. (2964)
Spelling Bee (89/06/22)
B is the second letter of the English alphabet. A verb with the same pronunciation, spelled b-e, means to exist, and a noun, pronounced the same but spelled b-e-e, signifies a small, winged insect that makes honey. It was probably because bees are known to busily work together for a common goal that this word acquired an additional meaning in the United States. A social gathering where people happily work together came to be called a bee. In the old days in American communities, women gathered together to sew or make quilts for some charitable purpose in sewing bees or quilting bees. Men gathered to husk corn in husking bees or to raise the frame of a new home in a raising bee. One kind of bee that has continued until now is the spelling bee, which is a contest in which competitors are eliminated when they fail to spell a given word correctly. Recently, the finals of the 62nd annual National Spelling Bee were held in Washington, D.C. This year, the winner was 14-year-old Scott Isaacs, an eighth-grader from Colorado who won the #1500 first prize by correctly spelling the word "spoliator". A spoliator is one who robs or plunders and it may be applied to those who despoil natural resources for personal profit. (2965)
Holland Village (89/06/23)
During the Tokugawa Era when Japan's doors were closed to foreign intercourse, trading with the Netherlands was permitted at the port of Nagasaki. Now, the "Nagasaki Holland Village", on the west side of Omura Bay, has become one of the most popular amusement parks in the nation. Last year, the village attracted over 1.7 million visitors and took in revenues of ¥8.7 billion. After a business trip to the Netherlands, where he was impressed with the landscape, 41-year-old Yoshikuni Kamichika quit his job in Tokyo to return to his native Nagasaki to create this Holland Village. Six years ago, the only attractions when the park opened were its windmills, but since then a bank considered the park a good investment and lent Mr. Kamichika ¥3.8 billion to develop it further. The Dutch government also offered its support, so now the park boasts a replica 17th-century boat, 100,000 tulips, a church, a museum, Dutch-style houses and a giant windmill at its entrance. Charles Colton, a 19th-century clergyman, used the windmill as an example of flexibility combined with singleness of purpose. He wrote: "A windmill is eternally at work to accomplish one end, although it shifts with every variation of the weathercock, and assumes ten different positions in a day." (2966)
Bannockburn Day (89/06/24)
Today, June 24th, is celebrated as Bannockburn Day in Scotland. Bannockburn is a town in central Scotland on the Bannock River. It is the site of a famous battle that took place 675 years ago today in the year 1314. In this battle, English troops were defeated and expelled from Scotland under the leadership of Robert the Bruce, also known as Scotland's King Robert I. In earlier battles, Robert had been defeated and had to flee for his life. During this time of withdrawal, it is said that he took refuge in a cave deep in a forest. He was discouraged. His soldiers had been killed, hurt or forced into hiding. He questioned whether he should give up or keep on trying to oppose the English forces. Then he spied a spider weaving its web between rocks in the cave. Hanging from one rock, the spider tried to swing across to other rocks but failed for seven times. Robert thought, "If you try once more and succeed, I, too, will fight again." On its next try, the spider reached its goal and Robert Bruce left the cave with the new resolve that finally brought him victory on the field of Bannockburn. "if at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again."(2967)
The Japanese verb yurusu can be written with a number of different Chinese characters. It also has a number of different meanings, including permit, allow, approve, tolerate or authorize. These are all very different from the meaning in the Bible when this word is used in relation to sin. When Christians say that kami wa tsumi o yurusu, they do not mean that God permits, allows, approves, tolerates or authorizes sin. They mean that God forgives sin, that is to say, that God pardons the sinner. In the biblical sense, all people are sinners because we have all disobeyed God's law to love God above all else and to love our neighbor as ourself. Therefore, we deserve to be punished by the holy and just Judge of all. But the biblical Good News, or Gospel, is that through faith in Jesus Christ our sins are forgiven and, instead of receiving the punishment we deserve, we are granted the gift of eternal life, or salvation. Those who have experienced the gracious forgiveness of God are expected to show forgiveness to others--not only to their neighbors, but even to their enemies. While suffering on the cross, Jesus prayed to God to forgive those who crucified him. Followers of Christ today should follow his teaching and his example of praying for, and forgiving, their enemies. (2968)
Pearl Buck (89/06/26)
In 1938, the Nobel Prize in literature was awarded to a former missionary to China, who was born 97 years ago today, on June 26, 1892. Pearl Sydenstricker was born in the United States but went to China with her missionary parents when she was a child. Her early education was acquired at home, but later she attended schools in Shanghai, Europe and the United States. After graduating from college she returned to China where she married a missionary, John Buck. Pearl Buck wrote a number of vivid, compassionate novels about life in China, the finest and most famous of which was The Good Earth, written in 1931. Her unorthodox views on Christian missions aroused a controversy and, as a result, she resigned her mission post in 1933. Pearl Buck has written that "The test of a civilization is in the way that it cares for its helpless members." (2969)
Oku no Hosomichi (89/06/27)
Three hundred years ago, in 1689, the Japanese poet, Matsuo Bashō, went on a journey to the interior of Japan. The haiku poems he wrote along the way are recorded in his Oku no Hosomichi. Tomoaki Natsumi, a university professor of literature from Hyogo Prefecture, is now on a journey retracing Bashō's steps. The 59-year-old professor started on his 3,300 kilometer walk from the city of Akashi on April 16. His aim is come to a deeper understanding of Bashō's poetry. Professor Natsumi is dressed in the traditional garb of a Zen priest, but he is wearing modern-day sneakers to make his "ensoku" easier along roads that are no longer so narrow, He has already passed through Sendai and is now heading for Niigata and Kanazawa before ending his journey in Ogaki, in Gifu Prefecture. Basho's most famous poem is about the sound made by a frog that jumped into an ancient pond, but another poem, written along the Oku no Hosomichi has a similar meaning: shizukasa ya/iwa ni shimiiru/semi no koe("How still it is! Stinging into the stones The locusts' trill"). Sometimes we need to be quiet, not only to hear the sounds of nature but also the voice of God. (2970)
Foreign Workers (89/06/28)
Have you ever heard of the "three R's"? The three R's are considered the fundamentals of elementary education. They are reading, writing and arithmetic (yomi-kaki-sanjutsu) spelled in a humorous way in which each word begins with an R [reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic]. I was reminded of this trio when I read a recent newspaper article about the trio of so-called ki jobs in Japan. Ki is the first syllable of adjectives that describe jobs that are dirty, kitanai, hard, kitsui, or dangerous, kiken. These are the kinds of jobs that more and more unskilled foreign workers are doing these days, because Japanese workers cannot be found to do them. Large companies may modernize their operations and eliminate such jobs, but smaller companies feel forced to hire illegal foreign workers in order to survive. Such workers are said to be more energetic and cheerful than Japanese employees, which means that they work harder and complain less. Although it is illegal, many small companies have become dependent upon these workers. A famous American Negro educator, Booker T. Washington, once said: "No race can prosper till it learns there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem." (2971)
Endeavour (89/06/02)
Buy Friends (89/06/03)
A Living Sacrifice (89/06/04)
Ruth Benedict (89/06/05)
Recruit/Reform (89/06/06)
Josei Mondai (89/06/07)
Blue Chips (89/06/08)
John Howard Payne (89/06/09)
Dear Grandchildren (89/06/10)
Boldness (89/06/11)
Helsinki (89/06/12)
Isseki Nichō (89/06/13)
Flag Day (89/06/14)
Black Kites (89/06/15)
Street Children (89/06/16)
Iceland (89/06/17)
Father's Day (89/06/18)
Blaise Pascal (89/06/19)
West Virginia (89/06/20)
Kejime" (89/06/21)
Spelling Bee (89/06/22)
Holland Village (89/06/23)
Bannockburn Day (89/06/24)
Forgiveness (89/06/25)
Pearl Buck (89/06/26)
Oku no Hosomichi (89/06/27)
Foreign Workers (89/06/28)
Cormorant Fishing (89/06/29)
Purification (89/06/30)
A Dormitory in Kochi (89/06/01)
Forgiveness (89/06/25)