HT 277

7/30/2019 HT 277

1/48

21 10 20 20 25 27 7

11November

2009 No. 277

450

ISSN 1348-7906

Mottainai!(What a Waste!)

The Biggest City in Western Japan

Osaka
http://www.hiraganatimes.com/

7/30/2019 HT 277

2/48

Do you Choose a Travel AgencyBased Only on Their Prices?

www.no1-travel.com

SEOUL

SHANGHAI

BEIJING

HONGKONG

TAIPEI

BANGKOK

LONDON or ROME or MADRID RU RU

PARIS or Frankfurt RU

LOS ANGELES

NEW YORK

SYDNEY

HONOLULU

?

?

?

?

?

?

?

?

?

?

?

?

CITY PRICEDEP. DATE

Business Hours

Mon-Fri.: 10:00~18:30Sat.: 11:00~16:30Sun.& National HolidaysCLOSED

Business Hours


Business Hours


Business Hours


Business Hours


Business Hours


03-3205-6073 03-3986-4690 03-5467-1526

03-3340-1637 03-5951-2011 045-322-7525

One of the top suppliers of international tickets in

Japan

Multiple language services

Japanese, English, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese,

Malay, Sri Lankan, Hindi, Chinese and many more.

Last minute ticket on departure date

24 years of experience and trust

We offer you competitive low price

Registerd Travel Agency No. 724 approved by the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency. Member of Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)

No.1

N

o . 1 T

RAVEL

No.1 TRAVEL24
http://www.no1-travel.com/http://www.no1-travel.com/

7/30/2019 HT 277

3/48

The biggest anime event in Southeast Asia will be held in Singapore in

November. 46,000 people visited the event last year, and this year will be the sec-

ond time for the event to be held. A total of 110 companies from Singapore and

Japan will put on exhibits andanime

theme song concerts, and cosplay events arescheduled for the enjoyment of children and all ages.

2

46,000

110

Topics & Events

November Issue Contents 11

Topics & Events 3-5

Entertainment & Trends 6-7

Feature

8-11

Parody Talk 12-13

Business Spotlight 14-15

Hot Products 16

Insight into Japan

17-27

Close Up Japan, Cross-Cultural Barrier, Japan Watching, Japan in the

World, Japanese History Makers

Jobs in Japan for Non-Japanese

28-29

Visa Q&A Q&A 30

From the Editorial Desk

32

People in Japan

33-35

Cover Story 36-39

Japan on Foot

40-41

Takane s Menu

42-43

Masterpieces of Japanese Film & Animation

44-45Hiragana Times Art Gallery

46

Write the present name, your name, address, sex, age, nationality and the article(s) you enjoyed in this issue and send by post-card or e-mail. Competition closes November 5. Winners will be selected by lottery and receive presents directly.

E

1 1

5

Anime Festival Asia 2009

November 21~22

Suntec International Convention & Exhibition Centre

(Singapore)

Admission: TBA on website

2009

11

21

2 2

www.afa09.com/

The Largest Anime Event in Southeast Asia
http://www.afa09.com/http://www.afa09.com/

7/30/2019 HT 277

4/48

Topics & Events

WEB

No reservation or registration required.1,000

Also held in Osaka. Check our website for details!

22nd Year!

8 700 if you arrive before 8 pm.

Inquiries for the party

Inquiries for the party location

Present for couple (10 people)

10

11

1

3

U

KIYOE

2

28

800

Opening on November 1, 2009 in Asakusa (Taito Ward,

Tokyo) is the AMUSE MUSEUM, filled with Japanese cul-

tural experiences. Here, a collection of more than 30,000 items

including clothing and traditional folk handicrafts will be on

display. Traditional Japanese performing arts may be enjoyed

through stage shows and the UKIYOE Theater a digital

ukiyoe. A special exhibition, Nuno wo Aishita Hito-tachi no

Monogatari (Tales of the People who Cherished Textile), will

be on display until February 28. Admission (general): 800 yen.

www.amusemuseum.com

A New Tourist Attraction to Openin Asakusa

An Exhibition Conveying the Appeal ofIkebana (Japanese Flower Arrangement)

11

23

1

17

150

CG

1,200

From November 23 through January 17, Ikebana: A

Japanese Aesthetic through Time An Exploration of

Japanese Floral Art, will be held at the Edo Tokyo Museum

(Sumida Ward, Tokyo). This exhibition explores the history

of ikebana, which is believed to have originated from flow-

ers placed on graves. About 150 items such as Kadensho

(The Book of Flowery Tradition) and folding screens depict-

ing ikebana will be on display. The exhibition also features

reproductions of traditional styles and images reproduced

by computer graphics, as well as works by various schools.

Admission fee: Adult 1,200 yen.

www.ikebana2009.jp

Present for couple (10 people)

10

Admission fee for Tokyo parties will be 00 yen for party coupon holders.

00

HiraganaTimes

To kyoPartyAdmissionCoupon

00yen
http://www.amusemuseum.com/http://www.ikebana2009.jp/mailto:[email protected]://www.hiraganatimes.com/http://www.amusemuseum.com/http://www.ikebana2009.jp/

7/30/2019 HT 277

5/48

11

50

11

5

6

In November, the Tokyo American Club Womens Group

will hold their annual International Bazaar. The bazaar is the

Womens Groups biggest fundraiser of the year and will fea-

ture over 50 vendors, selling beautiful crafts and rare treasures

collected from around the globe. Proceeds to benefit local

charities. The event will be held on November 5 and 6 at the

Tokyo American Club (Minato Ward, Tokyo).

www.tacwg.org

International Bazaar

by Tokyo American Club

50

11

8

G

OOD D

ESIGNE

XHIBITION2009

80

10

30

11

3

3

G

OOD D

ESIGN S

TORE

The Good Design Awards is the only comprehensive pro-

gram in Japan established to evaluate and nurture design. With

a history of more than 50 years, many firms and designers

enroll in the program every year. Approximately 80 of the lat-

est award winning items can be seen on exhibit at the GOOD

DESIGN EXHIBITION 2009 taking place at the Tokyo

Midtown Design Hub (Roppongi, Tokyo) until November

8. Admission is free. Additionally, the latest award winning

items can be purchased at the GOOD DESIGN STORE,

which will be set up at the 3F of the Tokyo Midtown Galleria

from October 30 to November 3.

www.designhub.jp/

Good Design Award Exhibition

Non-Japanese willreceive a 15% discount.When making areservation, pleasemention Hiragana Times.
http://www.tacwg.org/http://www.designhub.jp/http://www.designhub.jp/http://www.tacwg.org/

7/30/2019 HT 277

6/48

Bordering the Sea of Japan, Niigata Prefecture is locat-

ed in the central region of mainland Japan. Known as

one of Japans rice production centers, the prefecture

is also the birthplace of a free magazine called Beautiful Girl

Pictorial Book. The fashion magazine, which can be picked up

at local beauty salons and cafes, has been dubbed the phan-

tom freebie since it is so popular that it goes out of stock less

than a week after being published.

The first issue appeared in November 2002. TEXFARM

Inc., with its head office in Niigata City, Niigata worked on

the publication. KONDO Daisuke, the president says: I want-

ed the local people to be proud of the city they live in and not

just look toward Tokyo. I wanted to create a magazine rooted

in the local city and have the readers feel their city is a cool

place, too.

2002

11

As the title implies, the magazine features a few dozen

female models. These ladies all live in the local area and were

selected through a public audition under the slogan: more

beautiful girls in our local town. Nonetheless, there are no

age restrictions and applications are widely open to various

age groups, from middle school students and career women,

moms raising children and more. Lynn, who moved to Niigata

when she got married, appears in the issue published this

June. I was told to stay natural and not be camera conscious.

It was very exciting, she says of her modeling experience.

Free Magazine about Locals,by Locals, for Locals

Text: MATSUURA Tsuneo

KONDO Daisuke

7/30/2019 HT 277

7/48

6

Well-known, local hair stylists and fashion coordinators

transform the girls to look like professional fashion models.

And then, local photographers, writers and designers come in

to create the magazine. These artists

are also the investors, who regard

the magazine as a place to introduce

their work. Additionally, all the

selected photo locations are places

locals would immediately recognize.

Many of the creative team members have

experience training in Tokyo. Beautiful Girl

Pictorial Book is the perfect place to show their skills in their

hometown. TAKIZAWA Fumio is one of these people who

apprenticed under a famous photographer then came back to

his hometown to take over his family photo studio business in

Niigata. I can work on my art and run my family business at

the same time. It is a dream-like project, he says.

Kondo explains the business secret behind his success: In

the magazines sold at bookstores, you read about your favorite

celebrity, but the bottom line is its just another occurrence inTokyo. To the local readers, it is a world that does not directly

affect them. Beautiful Girl Pictorial Book on the other hand

has fashion styles that can be made real in the local area.

Currently, the magazine is expanding into about 27 cities,although TEXFARM Inc. did not bring the project into these

cities. Design companies and other businesses in suburban

cities come to offer business tie-ups with the same hope of

reenergizing their local cities

(by producing the free maga-

zine). As a result, each city has

created its own Beautiful Girl

Pictorial Book. Over 50 cities

are planning to publish an edi-

tion by the end of this year. It

seems the fashion magazine

bus ines s is tak ing the lead

over the government in taking

the first big step toward the

decentralization of power to

local jurisdictions.

27

50

Bishoujo-Zukan

www.bishoujo-zukan.jp/

Lynn Panel exhibition

TAKIZAWA Fumio
http://www.bishoujo-zukan.jp/http://www.bishoujo-zukan.jp/

7/30/2019 HT 277

8/48

Earrings Made From Plastic Spoons

People usually throw away plastic ice cream spoons and empty face

lotion sample bottles after they use them. But KANO Kuniko, owner of

the accessories gallery Gala, has a way of turning them into nice ear-

rings.

It all started when I wanted big

earrings to go with my clothes but

couldnt find anything made of light

materials, Kano says. What caught

her eye were light plastic containers.

To her surprise, she could produce

fashionable earrings by adding glitter

nail polish and various decorations.

She says that when she travels over-

seas on business, flight attendantsoften ask her where she bought her

earrings, and that she always enjoys

letting them in on her secret.

Kenyan Dr. Wangari MAATHAI,

the first environmentalist to win

the Nobel Peace Prize, visited

Japan in 2005 and was impressed by

the term mottainai. Because it com-

bines the eco term 3R (Reduce, Reuse

and Recycle) plus Respect in one word,

Maathai advocated using mottainai as a

common term around the globe. In this

feature we will introduce some pieces

made out of useless things.

2005

3R R

educe

R

euse

R

ecycle

R

espect

M

OTTAINAI

Mottainai! (What a Waste!)

KANO Kuniko

7/30/2019 HT 277

9/48

Clothes Made Out ofKimono

Having originated in Japan, the kimono is an artistic piece

of dyed clothing. But it is worn only on ceremonial occasions

and at parties because in everyday life its much more con-

venient to wear regular clothes that are easy to move in and

wash. As a result, most people store kimono that have been

handed down from their grandparents or parents in a wardrobe

or closet at home.

MATSUSHIMA Kiyoko (left)

Its a shame to just keep yourkimono in a wardrobe, says

MATSUSHIMA Kiyoko, who remakes old kimono from the

Meiji and Taisho periods into modern clothes. She prefers to

use old kimono because she is fascinated by their subdued

shades and patterns not found in modern clothes, as well as

their silky texture that feels pleasant against the skin.

Her creations combining old cloth with other cloth that

she dyes herself are highly original. Matsushimas bold style

involves cutting cloth directly without the use of a dress pat-

tern.

Old Ties Turned Into Fashionable Pouches

Mens ties that have gone out of style or been stained may

appear to have no more use, but MARU Mitsuko, who runs

patchwork quilt-making classes, doesnt let them go to waste.

By reusing ties that her husband once wore, Marumi created a

pouch and a glasses case. With a fine combination of different

patchwork patterns, the pouch can also be used as a handbag

for special occasions.

7/30/2019 HT 277

10/4810

Recycled Art Works Made with Paulownia

Boxes

Packaging in Japan is often extravagant an exam-

ple is Paulownia wood being used for making boxes

for bottles of sake and shochu , and Japanese sweets.

Paulownia is a damp proof and antibacterial wood that

can also retain heat and is fireproof and resistant to rot.

In the past, wardrobes made

of Paulownia were especially

popular fur nitur e given to

daughters who were getting

married.

When you finish drinking or eating whats

inside, you get an empty Paulownia box. These

boxes are so beautiful that I saved them all thinking

they might come in handy, says artist IGUCHI Michitaro. He

MARU Mitsuko

IGUCHI Michitaro

Text: IKEDA Yukie

decided to create abstract paintings out of this material that he

had at hand.

While most panels are two cen-

timeters thick, one great advantage

of using a Paulownia box, which

is more than 10 centimeters thick,

is that the picture painted on it can

stand out rather than looking like

part of the wall on which the picture

is hung. The wood is an agreeable

base for acry lic pa in t, too. After

completing many pieces Iguchi

eventually opened a personal exhibi-

tion of his work. This exhibition of recycled

art provides him with good opportunities to

discuss environmental issues with visitors.

2 c m

10cm

7/30/2019 HT 277

11/4811

At panel discussion in Utsunomiya. left: Wangari MAATHAI, next KOIKE Yuriko

D

r. Maathai, mentioned earlier, had been concerned

about the environmental destruction of her home

country and started the Green Belt Movement,

which plants trees with poor women, in 1977. In spite of

oppression from the government, 100,000 people have partici-

pated in the movement and planted over 40 million nursery

trees. After that she advocated using the term mottainai as the

worlds common word to save the environment and promote

a lifestyle which will not be a burden to the earth. She is now

developing a worldwide activity to build a sustainable circula-

tory society.

1977

1 0

4,000

M

OTTAINAI

In Japan, the Mainichi Newspaper

and Itochu Corporation set up theMOTTAINAI Campaign office and

started many activities, including hosting flea markets in the

suburbs of Tokyo and garbage cleaning events at Mt. Fuji.

Also, they support tree planting in various ways, including

click fundraising at their official website, and contributing a

part of the sales of Mottainai Lifestyle products to Maathais

planting activities with the Green Belt Movement.

MOTTAINAI

MOTTAINAI

Local governments, which sympathized with the cam-

paign, also spread the movement. Utsunomiya City, Tochigi

Prefecture hosted a Mottainai National Meeting last year

with a panel discussion under the theme of Mottainai Saves

the Earth, attended by Dr. Maathai, the former Environment

Minister KOIKE Yuriko and others. This March the city set

up Utsunomiya Mottainai Movement Citizens Conference,

which consists of city groups, firms and other groups.

3

Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture

hosts events such as Cycle Festa

in Matsudo with the motto Townbu il di ng wh ich re spect s peop le ,

products and nature. Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture has

started to reduce garbage and posted the information on super-

markets and other places as an enlightening campaign. Thus,

the MOTTAINAI Campaign is expanding to many areas in

Japan.

I

N

MOTTAINAI

Cycle Festa in Matsudo

I

N

MOTTAINAI Campaign Expands to Japan

M

OTTAINAI

MOTTAINAI Campaign office website

MOTTINAI

mottainai.info/
http://mottainai.info/http://mottainai.info/http://mottainai.info/http://mottainai.info/http://mottainai.info/

7/30/2019 HT 277

12/4812

CIA: Professor, when does masaka occur?

Prof.: Masaka means something totally unexpected happens,

but it occurs eventually in the struggles for power. Mostly it is

caused by the ambition of leaders and has been proved in history.

CIA

CIA: For instance, what are the cases?

Prof.: Former Prime Minister Koizumi imitated ODA

Nobunaga, a ruler of the middle ages. Those in power are

ambitious and take leadership to realize their ambitions, while

trying to look as if they are some kind of savior for the people.

CIA

by Hiragana Times CIA

Former Prime Minister KOIZUMI Junichiro said,

There are three slopes in life. They are nobori-

zaka (upslope), kudari-zaka (downslope) and

masaka (unexpected slope / surprise happening).

In the last general election, the Democratic Party

of Japan won a landslide victory, while the Liberal

Democratic Party, which had gained a great vic-

tory four years ago, suffered a crushing defeat.

Who could have predicted this day four years ago?

Indeed, masaka occurred. Hiragana Times CIA

interviewed Professor SAKAMOTO Masamichi,

author of Masaka Equation for Power Struggles.

4

Hiragana Times CIA

Masaka Occurs Eventuallyin the Political World

Sea Guest House

Osaka City ApartmentsNo key money, No Guarantors,No Sales/Handling Fees3 Month minimum stay contractsBoth Furnished and Unfurnishedapartments

Bentencho, Osakako, Umeda Areas

www.flickr.com/photos/osakahousing for pictures and details

Alex 09037030314

Check

AB Housing Osaka

Yukky

Yukky
http://www.flickr.com/photos/osakahousinghttp://www.flickr.com/photos/osakahousinghttp://seahospitality.co.jp/seaguest/

7/30/2019 HT 277

13/4813

CIA: When Prime Minister Koizumi was elected, he enjoyed

the highest support rate.

Prof.: When HITLER came to power German people were

also enthusiastic, as if they had been hypnotized. People learn

later that they are the ones who suffer from the policies of the

leader.Masaka occurs when those disappointed in the leaders

policies take action. If it doesnt happen, a dictatorship is cre-

ated and a miserable life is waiting for the people. Nobunaga

lost his life just before Japans unification because of betrayal

by a subordinate.

CIA

CIA: It seems the HATOYAMA Yukio cabinet approval rate is

also very high.Prof.: Not only the Hatoyama cabinet, but any leader gets a

high approval rate with peoples expectation in the beginning,

including President OBAMA.

CIA

CIA: You want to say masaka occurs when expectations fall

apart, dont you?

Prof.: The approval rate of the two

Bush presidents shows that exactly. In the

beginning both had 90-something percent

but by the end were in the 10 to 20 percent

range.

CIA

90

10

20%

CIA: Is there any blame on the peoples side?

Prof.: Actually, the most dreadful thing is not leaders ambi-

tion, but peoples irresponsibility that carelessly creates

incompetent leaders who become monsters. And yet, the

people are also cruel. They toss up the leader, but nobody sup-ports him or her when they fall. The leader has to crash to the

ground.

CIA

One Comment from CIA

CIA

People are more irresponsible and cruel? Masaka. You should

remember asenryu: I was so stupid to call Koizumi Jun-

chan (my Junichiro). There are some people who regret to

have selected the wrong person. What about Hatoyama?

CIACynically Insulting Agency

M

akiko

HEALTH AND LIFE

INSURANCEREGISTERED BY THE GOVERNMENTfor foreigners living in Japan

For Security & Protection,VIVA VIDA!

www.vivavida.net

HEALTH AND LIFE

INSURANCE

0120-656-684 046-265-6685

100% of Coverage @9,500 yen x 6 (53,500 / year)

INQUIREN

OW!

Medical Life

VIVA VIDA MEDICAL LIFE CO., LTD.

0120-981-862

TOLL FREE

e-mail: [email protected]://www.econovovejapan.com
http://www.vivavida.net/http://www.econovovejapan.com/http://www.econovovejapan.com/http://www.vivavida.net/http://www.econovovejapan.com/mailto:[email protected]

7/30/2019 HT 277

14/48

The portrait of a deceased person is placed on top of

the family altar as the iei (last photograph) in Japan.

But it is often a photograph taken years or even over

a decade ago. Moreover, it is sometimes a close-up of the

persons face from a group photograph. This tends to be con-sidered a matter of course, but one photographer has long had

doubts about such practice.

10

1

That person is NOZU Kiyofusa, once a

top photographer in the advertising pho-

tography industry, winning a number of

awards at home and abroad. After working

as an assistant in the advertising photogra-

phy department at a major cosmetics com-

pany, he went independent. It was during

the following 40 years that he resolved to

take iei that let the bereaved family hear

loved ones voices. Last year, he opened

Sugaokan, a studio specializing in iei and

portraits, in Nakano Ward, Tokyo.

40

He still remembers the pain and

regret he felt 13 years ago. When my

father-in-law died, I realized there

was not a single photo of him alone,

although there were many photos of

him together with his family. Thats

when I decided to at least take portraits of my parents, says

Nozu. He did so eight years ago, and the photographs of the

smiling faces of his parents now hang on the wall of his stu-

dio. They are both in their 90sbut still in good health.

13

8

90

Iei, a portrait of a person taken while one is alive and placed on top of the family altar, is known in Japanese as the last

photograph of one s life.Note

14

NOZU Kiyofusa

Family Altar Photos Specialist

Sugaokan

7/30/2019 HT 277

15/4815

Nozu thinks that the iei will be a treasure for those left

behind. If a photograph of the smiling face of your loved one

stands on the altar at the funeral or on the family altar, when

you put your hands together to pray, you can hear their voice,

I think, he says. I always ask people to take their portraits

while they are well and do so periodically, like renewing their

passports, as their face gets more wrinkled in 5 or 10 years.

5

10

He always chats with customers for about half

an hour over a cup of tea before he takes their

photographs. He thinks getting to know each otherbeforehand helps the cus tomers relax in front

of the camera. But there is another

reason for this. He still faithfully

acts on the words of a photogra-

pher fo r wh om he wo rk ed as an

assistant when he was a student at

Tokyo Photography University (now

Tokyo Polytechnic University):

Photographs reflect the true colors

of those who take them.

30

His policy is to capture the person the way they really are.

One woman who takes photographs as a hobby poses with a

camera in one hand. One man who plays Hawaiian music ina band wears his favorite aloha shirt.

Everyone is captured in their everyday

clothes with a gentle look on their face.

Some customers are scheduled to

have major surgery or even have ter-

minal cancer, but they are all cheerful

and energetic, say Nozu, recalling the

time he has spent with each one of his

customers.

When you hear a portrait of a deceased person, you may

feel like avoiding it thinking its bad luck, but fortunately,

the service has been well received, says Nozu. That is evi-denced by the fact that some customers come all the way from

Hokkaido or Kyushu to have their photographs taken and that

the studio has a large number of appoint-

ments for its on-site photo-taking service at

homes, hospitals and care facilities. Nozus

greatest treasure is the thank-you letters he

receives from his customers almost daily.

Im grateful enough that they let me take

their portraits, but it makes me even hap-

pier to have them thank me like this, he

says.

Over the past year, he hasbecome more confident about

what he does and now he urges

photo studios nationwide to take

customers last photographs. He

hands out fliers to local photo

studios to spread his ideas and

gives lectures. He is also plan-

ning to hold an exhibition to

display the photographs he has

taken over the years. I want to devote the rest of my career

as a photographer to taking iei. Im 60 now, but Im going to

keep taking iei until Im 80, he says with a smile.

1

60

80

Sugaokan

sugaokan.com/

http://sugaokan.com/http://sugaokan.com/

7/30/2019 HT 277

16/4816

Containers and Dish Cloths with Silver Ion Effect

This is a book ofkobanashi (short tales) written in both English and

Japanese. These stories with artful puns are told at the beginning of a

rakugo (traditional comic storytelling). The author, OSHIMA Kimie, is

the leading figure in English rakugo. The book contains 30 of her most

appraised tales, including traditional, original and foreign stories, which

she has performed around the world. The book includes famous jokes

such as the hunter joke and Holmes joke. CD included.

30

CD

These food preserving containers and dish cloths have

been developed with an idea taken from historically val-

ued silver tableware. The antimicrobial function continues

throughout the repeated use of the products since silver

ions semi-permanently seep from the material. It is also

harmless to humans. The Hiragana Times editorial team

experimented with small-cut long green onions (negi). In

a conventional container, the onions became soggy in five

days, but in the mju-func. product they stayed fresh for

over 10 days. The kitchen towel did not have any bad odor

after being left wet for a long time.

5

1

0

Hot Products

mjufunc. kitchen towels: small (33 45cm/500 yen),

large (33 70cm/600 yen)

mjufunc. ware: 11 styles/sizes from 310ml to 16L/ 500 to 7,200 yen

33 45cm 500

33 70cm 600

11

310ml 16L 500 7,200

mjufunc. Products, Co. Ltd.

www.mju-func.com/

Filled with Conversational Laughter

Present for 3 people.

3

1,575

Eigo de Kobanashi!: English Performance Jissen Kyohon

Kobanashi in English: Hands-on English Performance (translated for reference)

OSHIMA Kimie

Published by Kenkyusha Co., Ltd., 1,575 yen
http://www.mju-func.com/http://www.mju-func.com/

7/30/2019 HT 277

17/4817

(1) In the August general election, the Democratic Party of Japan increased their number of seats from 115

(24%) to 308 (64%), allowing HATOYAMA Yukios cabinet to take control of government. (2) The driving force

behind this advancement was created by female DPJ candidates. (3) Most of them were new comers, who con-

fronted big name politicians of the rival coalition party, including members of the cabinet and the party leaders.

Forty were elected.

(1) ... . . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . . ..

(2) . . . . . . . .

(3) . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . ..

Female Diet Members Increasing but Still Few

Multi-level HiraganaText

No. 044

. Particles which are not translated into English are combined with the previous or following word and shown in italic.

When it is easier to combine two words together to learn them, is placed between the two words.(the) desk Words in parentheses are not translated into Japanese.

[in fact] Words in square brackets are not translated into English.

go When English translation is different to the Japanese, the original Japanese is placed in < > after the English.

and When a sentence is continuing in Japanese, the conjunction is shown in Italic.

[Hiragana Times Method] Explanations

Examples

/

the Democratic Party of Japan (the) August general election in hundred fifteen twenty four

percent from three hundred eight sixty four percent to (their) number of seats increased [and]

Hatoyama Yukios cabinet government of to take control allowing

(this) advancement behind (the) driving force DPJ female candidates by

was created most of them new comers were who members of the cabinet and (the) party leaders including

(the) rival coalition party of big name politicians confronted

[and] forty [people] were elected

8 115 24

308 64

40

7/30/2019 HT 277

18/4818

(4) They were elected as a result of a strategy planned by the present secretary general of the DPJ, OZAWA

Ichiro. (5) Because of that, they are often called Ozawas girls. (6) At the general election held four years ago,

Liberal Democratic Party leader KOIZUMI Junichiro, then prime minister, supported many first-time candi-

dates and many of them were elected. (7) Those LDP members were called Koizumis children.

(4) . . . . . . . .

. . .. (5) . .

(6) . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .. .. .

. ..(7) . . . . .

.

(8) Fifty-four female candidates were elected at this general election, which represents 11.3% of the total seats

and the highest ever ratio. (9) It shows that female advancement to the political world has started in Japan.

(10) However, Japans ratio ranks only 120th among 187 nations.

(8) . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

. .. (9) . . . . . .

. .(10).. .. . .

. . .

(11) In this regard, the US has a ratio of 16.8%, China 21.3% and Korea 13.8%. (12) Higher ratio countries like

Sweden (47%) and Germany (32.2%) place male and female candidates in alternate order in the proportional

representation list of parties. (13) Many countries adopt a quota system that allocates a certain ratio to female can-

didates, like the number one ranking country, Rwanda (56.3%).

(11) . .. .. .

. . . . . . .

A trial audio file of this section is available at www.hiraganatimes.com/hp/magazine/about/about-E.html

prefix meaning

general

counter used for

ranking

this general election at fifty-four [people] female candidates

were elected (the) total seats of eleven point three percent and ever the highest

ratio (which) represents Japan in female advancement to the political world

has started that it shows however Japans ratio hundred eighty seven

nations among hundred twentieth (ranks) only

they Ozawa Ichiro (the) present the DPJ secretary general (of) planned by

(a) strategy of as a result were elected because of that Ozawas girls often (they) are called

four years ago held (the) general election at then prime minister Koizumi

Junichiro Liberal Democratic Party leader first-time candidates many supportedand

many (of them) were elected those LDP members Koizumis children

were called

in this regard the US sixteen point eight percent (has a) ratio (of) China

twenty one point three percent andKorea thirteen point eight percent

54

11.3

187

120

4

16.8

21.3 % 13.8

7/30/2019 HT 277

19/4819

(12) . . . .

. . . . .

.. ... .. .. (13) .

. . . . .

. . . . . . .

. . .

(14) However, some people claim that a quota system is a form of discrimination and a breach of the constitution.

(15) In Japan, the New Japan Party chose to set a 20% female quota among their party officers in 1992, but it has

not extended to the other parties.

(14) . . .

. (15) . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . .

(16) A DPJ member of the House of the Councilors, MADOKA Yoriko, with others launched the Political School

for Women in 1993. (17) To date 600 women have finished the course, but only four have been elected to the Diet

so far in this time. (18) It seems womens advance to the Diet is still hard in Japan.

(16) . . . . . .

. . . . .

. . . (17) . . . .

... .. (18) .

. . . . . . .

prefix meaninghigh

www.hiraganatimes.com/hp/magazine/about/about-J.html

/however (a) quota system [opposite] discrimination and(a) breach of (the) constitution of is (a) form that

some people claim Japan in nineteen ninety two [year] in

the New Japan Party (their) party officers among (a) twenty percent female quota

chose to set but (the) other parties to it has not extended

Madoka Yoriko (a) DPJ member of the House of the Councilors with others

nineteen ninety three [year] in (the) Political School for Women

launched to date six hundred women have finished (the course) but so far in this time

four [people] only the Diet [member] to have been elected Japan in still

womens the Diet to advance it seems ~ is hard

Sweden forty seven percent and Germany thirty two

percent like higher ratio countries parties of (the) proportional representation list in

male and female candidates in alternate order place ranking the number one

country Rwanda fifty six point three percent like a certain

ratio female candidates to (that) allocates (a) quota system

adopt countries [also] many

1992

2

1993

600

4

47 32.2

%

1

56.3 %

7/30/2019 HT 277

20/4820

(1) Why do Japanese rarely call me Smith-san, but instead use Mr. John? (2) Or they call me John-san, when they

should be polite and use my family name. (3) It feels to me like they dont show any respect because I am a for-

eigner.

(1)... . . .

(2) . . . . .

. . . . (3) .

. . . . . .

Call meSan!

Cross-C

ulturalBarrier

Multi-levelHiraganaText

Non-Japanese View . . . . .

Japanese View . . . . .

(4) I understand how you feel, but Im sure nobody is being intentionally rude. (5) Many Japanese try to show

they understand the West when they meet Westerners, but make mistakes because they dont. (6) Also, some-

times I dont know which the family name is! (7) Maybe I should be safe and say John Smith-san.

(4) . . . . . . .

. (5) ... . . .. .

.. .. . .

. . (6) . .

(7) . .

Study MoreYou canlearn thevocabularyand kanjiused inthis articleat http://smart.fm/series/3335

Mr.Jo

hn

Japanese why Smith-san rarely call me but instead Mr.

John do ~ use ? or my family name politeand

use (they) should be when John-san (they) call (me) it I

(am a) foreigner because (any) respect (they) dont show like me to feels

non-Japanese view

Japanese view

how you feel (I) understand but intentionally rude nobody is

being [that] Im sure Westerners (they) meet when many Japanese

the West (they) understand [that] try to show but (they) dont [know] because

make mistakes also which (the) family name is (I) dont know [that]

sometimes John Smith-san I should be (safe and) say maybe
http://smart.fm/series/3335http://smart.fm/series/3335http://smart.fm/series/3335http://smart.fm/series/3335http://smart.fm/series/3335

7/30/2019 HT 277

21/4821

(1) In Japanese there are many words that have the same pronunciation, but different meanings. (2) For instance,

kousei can mean proofreading, structure, fairness, offence, future generation, revival, and more. (3) Those meanings

become clear when you see the kanji. (4) Even in conversation or when reading hiragana sentences, you will under-

stand the meaning because of the context.

(1) . . . . . . .. . ..

(2) . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . (3) . . . . .

(4) . . . .

. . . . .

(5) Because of that, in Japan puns are popular using these Japanese characteristics. (6) For example, The novels

kousei (structure) is good, but there are many kousei (proofreading) errors, (7) or the trial was kousei (fair) and

it will earn reputation in kousei (later years).

(5) . . . . . . .

.. . (6) .. . . .

. . . (7) . . . .

.

American who LovesJapanese Puns

by Hiragana Times editor-in-chief

Multi-levelHiraganaText

Study MoreYou canlearn thevocabularyand kanjiused inthis articleat http://smart.fm/series/3335

abbreviation for

mistake

suffix to makethe wordnegative

Japanese in (the) same pronunciation (that) have but meanings different words

many there are for instance kousei proofreading

structure fairness offence

future generation revival

and more can mean those meanings (the) kanji when you see

become clear conversation in or hiragana sentences reading (even) when

(the) context because of (the) meaning you will understand

because of that Japan in these Japanese characteristics using

puns are popular for example (the) novels structure is good but

proof reading errors (there are) many or (the) trial fair was and later years in

reputation (it) will earn
http://smart.fm/series/3335http://smart.fm/series/3335http://smart.fm/series/3335http://smart.fm/series/3335http://smart.fm/series/3335

7/30/2019 HT 277

22/4822

(8) In rakugo, a form of Japanese traditional comic storytelling, these puns are used very often. (9) There are also

some websites specializing in puns. (10) Some puns even use a mixture of English and Japanese. (11) For example:

Ushi-o kau (cow). (raise a cow).

(8) . . . . . . . .

. . . (9) . .

(10) .. . .. (11)

.

(12) One day I travelled home with Tom, an American friend who lives on the same train line and likes puns.

(13) We sat in the middle seat of the train and he made me laugh with his many puns on the way.

(12) . . . . . . ..

. . . . . (13) . .

. . . . .

. .


(pun)

Ushi-o kau

one day (the) same train line on (who) lives and puns likes (an ) American

friend Tom with (I) travelled home we [inside] (the) train of

(the) middle seat in sat and on the way he many (his) puns with

me made ~ laugh

Japanese traditional comic storytelling of (a) form rakugo in these

puns very often are used puns specializing in (some) websites also there are

puns some English and Japanese of (a) mixture even use for example

(a) cow raise

7/30/2019 HT 277

23/4823

(14) When the train was approaching Toms station, he murmured, Well, where is my pass? (15) Then he looked

inside his bag, but couldnt find it. (16) I said Probably in your pockets? (17) He searched his pockets and said I

found it. (18) Then he continued, poketto shite-imashita. (I had lost my mind). (19) It seemed Tom was pretend-

ing as he just wanted to make a pun.

(14)

. . . . . . . .

(15) . . .

(16) . . . . (17) . .

. . (18) . .

(19) . . . .

(20) At that moment the train arrived at his station. (21) I shouted Hurry, otherwise the door will be closed! (22) He

rushed to the door, but the door closed just before he could get off the train. (23) He came back to my seat and

murmured with a look of triumph, Shimatta! (It closed / I failed).

(20) . . . . (21) . .

. . . (22) . . .

.. . . . . .(23) . .

. . .


used foremphasis

Toms [getting off] station (the train) was approaching when he well (my) pass where is ~ ?

murmured then (his) bag inside (he) looked but couldnt find (it)

I probably (your) pockets in [it is] ? said he (his) pockets

searchedand (I) found it said then (I) had lost my mind (he) continued

Tom (he just) wanted to make (a) pun as was pretending it seemed

at that moment (the) train (his) station at arrived I hurry otherwise

(the) door will be closed shouted he (the) door to rushed but

(the) train (he) could get off just before (the) door closed he my

[sitting] seat to came back and (a) look of triumph with murmured it closed / (I) failed

7/30/2019 HT 277

24/4824

(1) According to the survey Views of countries influence, which was carried out this February by the BBC

(British Broadcasting Corporation) in 21 countries, people in 16 of the countries polled said Japan is having a

mostly positive influence on the world. (2) 57% of respondents gave Japan a positive rating, ranking Japan 4th.

(3) The highest positive rating was Germany with 61%, followed by Canada and Britain.

(1). . .. . ...

. . . . . . .

. . . .

. . . . . .

.. . . (2) . . .

. . . . . . . . . .

(3) . . . . . . . .

(4) Iran was rated most negatively for its influence on the world, with 58% of respondents giving a negative rat-

ing, followed by Pakistan and North Korea. (5) 20% gave Japan a negative rating. (6) The ratings for the three

great military powers (US, China and Russia) were more negative than positive.

(4). .. .. ... .

. . . . .

. . (5) . .. .

.. . (6) . . . .

. . . .

JapanintheWorld


57% of People View Japans

Influence on the World as Positive57

Germany

Canada

UKJapan

China

US

Russia

Israel

N. KoreaPakistan

Iran

=of

connectingword meaningof usedbetweennumbers andplaces

Positive rating

Negative rating

this February [in] the BBC British Broadcasting Corporation by

twenty one countries in (which) was carried out countries influence

of views (the) survey according to polled sixteen

of (the) countries in people Japan the world on (a) mostly positive

influence is having [that] said respondents of fifty seven

percent (a) positive rating gave (Japan) Japan fourth ranking (Japan)

positive rating the highest (was) Germany with sixty one percent followed by

Canada andBritain

Iran respondents of fifty eight percent (a) negative rating giving with

the world on most negatively (its) influence for was rated

followed by Pakistan and North Korea twenty percent Japan (a) negative

rating gave (the) three of military great nations (the rating for) US China

and Russia positive than negative were more

2 B B C

21

16

57

61

58

20 %

7/30/2019 HT 277

25/4825

(1) The Meiji Restoration was the great turning point in Japans transition to a modern nation. (2) Scotsman

Thomas Blake GLOVER came to Japan around the time. (3) He accomplished great achievements for Japans

industrialization, including setting up the former Kirin brewery company, a leading beer company in Japan.

(4) As a result, he was granted an exceptionally honorable decoration for a non-Japanese from the Japanese

Emperor. (5) On the other hand, some people say that Glover was the man who controlled SAKAMOTO Ryoma,

the hero of the restoration.

(1) . . . . . . . . . .

. (2) . . .

. . . (3) . . .

. .. . . . . . . .

.. . (4) . . . . . .

. . . . . . . (5) . . . .

. . . . . . . .

Merchant of Deathwho Contributed to the

Modernization of Japan

Thomas Blake GLOVER


1838 1911

the Meiji Restoration Japans (a) modern nation to transition in (the) great

turning point was Scotsman (are from Scotland) Thomas Blake Glover

around the time Japan to came Japan in (a) leading beer company Kirin

brewery company (the) former setting up including Japans industrialization for great

achievements (he) accomplished as a result (the Japanese) Emperor from (a) non-Japanese for

(an) exceptionally honorable decoration (he) was granted on the other hand Glover

(the) restoration of the hero Sakamoto Ryoma (who) controlled the man

was some people say (that)

7/30/2019 HT 277

26/4826

(6) Glover was born as the fifth child of eight siblings in Fraserburgh, Scotland, to a father who was an officer

in the Royal Navy. (7) Around 1856, Glover voyaged to Shanghai and was employed at the tea merchant Jardine

Matheson & Co, which also dealt weapons and profited from the Opium war.

(6) . . .

. . . ...

. (7) . . . . . .

. . . . .

. . . . . ..

(8) Some years later, Glover moved to Nagasaki, a newly opened Japanese port, and worked initially for Jardine

Matheson as a buyer of Japanese green tea. (9) Then he formed his own firm, Glover Trading Company. (10) At

that time he was only in his early 20s. (11) He became independent from Jardine Matheson through exporting tea

and refuse processing.

(8) . . . . . . . .

. . . . .

. (9) . . . .

. . (10) . .

(11) . . . ... .

. . .

(12) In addition Glover used credit loans to import ships. (13) At the time the shogunate and opposi-

tion group were in conflict in Japan and both sides wanted ships. (14) Glover sold not only ships, but also

weapons and gunpowder to both sides. (15) Thats why he is sometimes called a merchant of death.

(12) . . . .. .. (13) .

. . . . . . . .


means brother.Japaneselanguage doesnot have a wordequivalent tosiblings. (sister=)

prefix meaningbig

Glover Scotland Fraserburgh in (the) Royal Navy in

(an) officer who was (a) father to eight siblings of the fifth child as

was born eighteen fifty six [year] around Glover Shanghai

to voyaged and (the) tea merchant Jardine Matheson & Co at

was employed which weapons also dealtand the Opium war from profited

some years later (a) newly opened Japanese port Nagasaki to Glover movedand

initially Jardine Matheson for Japanese green tea of (a) buyer as

worked then (his) own firm Glover Trading Company

(he) formed at that time he only (in his) twenties early was

he tea exporting and refuse processing through

Jardine Matheson from became independent

in addition Glover used credit loans ships to import at the time

Japan in the shogunate and opposition group were in conflict and both sides

20

8 5

1856

7/30/2019 HT 277

27/4827

.. .. (14) . . .

. . . (15) .

. .

(16) Glover, who became a millionaire, launched the first passenger-riding steam locomotive in Japan in 1865.

(17) Then he expanded his business into such areas as setting up a tea manufacturing company, coal mine devel-

opment and shipyard construction. (18) However, as the demand for weapons decreased and fiefdoms were

unable to repay their debts to him, Glover Trading Company went bankrupt. (19) Nevertheless, he had no diffi-

culties as he became an advisor to the Mitsubishi conglomerate and others.

(16) . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

(17) . . .. . . . . .

. . . .. (18) . . .

. .. . . .

. . . . (19) . . .

. . . . .

(20) Glover lived together with a Japanese woman named Tsuru and they had one boy and one girl. (21) It is

rumored that Tsuru was the inspiration for Puccinis opera Madam Butterfly, which is set in Nagasaki. (22) The

former Glovers residence in Nagasaki is now open to the public in Glover Garden and attracts nearly one mil-lion visitors each year.

(20) . . . . . . . . .

.. (21) . .. . .

. . . (22) .

. . . . . .

. . . .


/

Glover (a) Japanese woman (named) Tsuru with lived togetherand one boy

andone girl (they) had Tsuru Nagasaki which is set in Puccinis opera

Madam Butterfly for (was the) inspiration that it is rumored Nagasaki in (the) former

Glovers residence now Glover Garden in is open to the publicand

each year one million visitors nearly attracts

(who) became a millionaire Glover (in) eighteen sixty five [year]

Japan in the first (a) passenger-riding steam locomotive launched

then (a) tea manufacturing company setting up coal mine development andshipyard

construction such areas as into (his) business (he) expanded however weapons for (the) demand

decreased and fiefdoms him to (their) debts were unable to repay as

Glover Trading Company went bankrupt nevertheless the Mitsubishi conglomerate

(an) advisor to (he) became (working) and others as [his living] [in] (he) had no difficulties

ships wanted Glover ships not also ~ but weapons and

gunpowder also both sides to sold thats why he

(a) merchant of death is called sometimes

1865

7/30/2019 HT 277

28/4828

Finding Work

Most teachers at English conversation schools teach a com-

bination of adult and kids classes. For some, the kids classes

are the worst part of the job; for others they are the highlight.

Fortunately for anyone that enjoys working with kids, you

can find jobs where thats all you will have to do. By far the

best places to look are the popular job sites for non-Japanese,

as many of them cover predominantly teaching jobs and typi-

cally have lots of kids classes-only roles available.

Key Skills

In most cases you wont need any special teaching qualifi-

cations, just a little teaching experience (eikaiwa experience

is ok). What you will need is bags of energy and enthusiasm

and a genuine love of working with kids. How about Japanese

skills? While you will probably be expected to use only

English in class, knowledge of Japanese will come in very

helpful for understanding your students and communicating

with parents.

The Pay

Unfortunately, the pay isnt always attractive. Most schools

will start new teachers on a monthly salary of about 250,000

yen for a 5-day week of anywhere from 30 to 40 hours work,

Kids English Teacher
http://www.sakura-house.com/

7/30/2019 HT 277

29/4829

on top of which you should get a travel allowance and annual

(but small) pay increases. Holidays vary too, with some teach-

ers expected to work on national holidays and with small flex-

ible holiday allotments, which can be as low as 10 days a year.

5

30 40

25

1

1

0

Tips from a Kids Teacher

1. Be patient. Kids are great to work with, but they need time

to learn.2. Focus on making your class fun (and structured) and they

will learn in their own time.

2

Japan Online School Corporation - Since 2004TEL: 0467-58-8710 MAIL: [email protected]

You will find the reason whyso many people from more than 25

countries choose J-OS.
mailto:[email protected]://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/http://www.sakura-hotel-ikebukuro.com/http://www.sakura-hotel.co.jp/http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/mailto:[email protected]://www.jp-lesson.jp/http://www.jp-lesson.jp/http://www.japonin.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.j-os.com/

7/30/2019 HT 277

30/4830

What will my Visa be After Divorce?

As you know, if a foreigner gets married to

a Japanese and is having a stable life, he or

she can obtain a Spouse or Child of Japanese

National visa and then, three years after mar-

riage, there will be a possibility to apply for a

Permanent Residence visa.

However, as well as there being an increase in the number

of international marriages, there is also an increase in thenumber of international divorces. There will be no problem

for those who have a qualification with which to obtain a

working visa, but for those who are not qualified for a work-

ing visa, in the worst case scenario they must return to their

home country.

ImmigrationProcedure

Takeuchi Office

Address: 1-59-4 Yamatocho, Nakanoku,

Tokyo 165-0034 Japan

(near JR Kouenji Station)

TEL: 03-5356-9980Mobile: 080-6507-7832E-mail: [email protected]

Since they cannot hold a Spouse or Child of Japanese

National visa after divorce, they have to change their visa

status. However, for a foreigner like you who has a child

with Japanese nationality, you can apply for a Long Term

Resident visa.

Although you are required to report to the Immigration

Office certain changes in your life, including whether you

have a job and a guarantor, many single-mothers are granted a

Long Term Resident visa and live continuously in Japan.

I have been married to my Japanese husband for two years

and have a child with Japanese nationality. However, my hus-

band and I are having quarrels everyday, so I want to get a

divorce from him. Is it possible for me to continue to stay in

Japan after divorce?

1

Immigration Lawyer

Office: 4F DOT, 1-7-20, Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

1-7-20 DOT4

TEL: 03-3443-5112 FAX: 03-3443-5119

E-mail: [email protected]

URL: niitsu-law.jp

NIITSU Kyohei

Tateda office1544-2 Koshi, Nakano-shi, Nagano

E-mail: [email protected]: http://naturalization.jp/

Application for PermanentResidency/Long-term

Residency& Naturalization

Nagano, Niigata, Yamanashi, Saitama

Free consultation over the phone(In Japanese only)

Mobile for naturalization application

TEL: 0269-22-3518
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://niitsu-law.jp/mailto:[email protected]://naturalization.jp/mailto:[email protected]://www.sakura-iloe.com/http://naturalization.jp/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.niitsu-law.jp/http://niitsu-law.jp/mailto:[email protected]

7/30/2019 HT 277

31/4831

E-mail [email protected] 0797-35-5467

TEL 090-5976-2226

Are you looking for an apartmentin the Kobe area?We can introduce you toa lot of excellent spots.Please contact us by phone oremail any time!

InternationalCorp.InternationalCorp.InternationalCorp.PLUS KPLUS KPLUS K

Guesthouse,apartments,shops&offices

contactus

http://plus-k-int.comhttp://plus-k-int.comhttp://plus-k-int.com

EN FLAT TOKYO03-3288-2355 [email protected] www.mmtl.jpNo key money, guarantor, agent fee required.

Utility expenses included in most rooms.

Fully furnished and internet access.

Yotsuya (easy access to Shinjuku and Tokyo.

Waseda House (near Waseda university and Shinjuku )

Waseda Residence (near Mejiro sta. high grade apt.)

Yoga apartment (11min from Shibuya to yoga sta.)

We are an apartment and guesthouse agency,

providing accommodation the center of Tokyo since 2003.

Apartment: 115,000month

Guesthouse:59,000month

Green Forest HightsWarabi Stn. (JR keihin Tohoku)

http://www.guesthouse.cc

Weekly pay

Monthly pay

-

7/30/2019 HT 277

32/4832

You can order by

TEL: 03-3341-8989 FAX: 03-3341-8987 [email protected] www.hiraganatimes.com

Postage included

SAL (Surface Air Lifted) SAL

Payment Method

1) Credit Card Visa, MasterCard, American Express,

JCB or Diners Club.

2) Cash on delivery (Only in Japan. Please pay when you receive the first

delivery)

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO HIRAGANA TIMES

The unauthorized reproduction, photocopying or copying of articles or photographs appearing in this magazine is strictly prohibited.Please keep in mind that articles printed in Hiragana Times may be published without notice in PDF Version,

on the Hiragana Times website, in other media related to Hiragana Times and possibly by third party media approved by Hiragana Times. PDF Web Hiragana Times Hiragana Times

Publisher & Editor: HASEGAWA Katsuyuki Assistant Editors: Rob GOSS, TANAKA Kuniko Illustrations: YOSHIDA Shinko DTP: NAKADA Natsuko



Over 50 readers have registered as

volunteer Japanese coaches for JACS

(Japanese Assisting Coach System),

which started this September. Thanks to

them, foreign learners from over 10 coun-

tries, including diplomats, business people,students and housewives, have already par-

ticipated in free JACS classes. As we would like to extend this

system to other countries, we welcome the participation of

readers who are learning Japanese overseas.

9

J

ACSJ

apanese A

ssisting C

oach

S

ystem

50

10

Hiragana Times has long hosted international parties and is

now planning to host some international events in addition. As

the first event, we are planning a Kansai After Party, which

involves a night bus to Kansai and accommodation, directly

after one of the parties in Tokyo. The participants will be

introduced to each other at the parties held before the event,

so they can get to know each other before departure.

K

ansai A

fter P

arty

On pages 14 and 15 there is an article about iei. Japanese

will not have a feeling of wrongness when the word is trans-

lated as photo of the departed or the last photo. Our

English editor pointed out that in English this would be mis-

understood to mean the photo was of a dead body or taken just

Editorial Note

(K.H.)

before dying. I felt the difference between cultures.

P14 15

The photo for departedThe last photo

We introduced Thomas Blake GLOVER in the Japanese

History Makers section in this issue. He is famous here in

Japan, but he is not well-known in his home country of UK,

while William ADAMS introduced in September issue seems

more well-known as he was the inspiration for the movie

Shogun.

9

President OBAMA, who advocates a world without

nuclear weapons, will visit Japan in the near future. Do you

know that Japan has three nuclear principles?

Not possessing, not producing and not permitting the

introduction of nuclear weapons into Japan

Details forJapanese Assisting Coach System and Kansai after party,

Japanese Assisting Coach SystemKansai After Party

www.hiraganatimes.com
mailto:[email protected]://www.hiraganatimes.com/http://www.hiraganatimes.com/mailto:[email protected]://www.hiraganatimes.com/http://www.hiraganatimes.com/

7/30/2019 HT 277

33/4833

TANAKA Ken showed up, smartly dressed in shorts

and carrying a big backpack on his tanned shoulders.

He spends 200 days a year doing such activities as

camping, trekking and canoeing in and outside Japan, as a

researcher of comfortable living. This title contains his firm

belief based on his own experience that people can live more

comfortably by incorporating outdoor activities in their lives.

200

With this belief in mind, Tanaka founded Daddys Opinion

in 2000. I came up with this company name when I became

a father at the age of 25 and wanted to pass some message on

to my child as a parent. Now, it also contains my message for

younger generations, Tanaka says.

2000

25

Through appearing on TV and in magazines as well as writ-

ing, Tanaka tries to convey the appeal of the outdoors while

planning and holding var ious outdoor events . Im often

TANAKA Ken

Researcher of comfortable living

and president of Daddy s Opinion

People in Japan

People in Japan

Incorporating Outdoor ActivitiesMakes Life More Comfortable

7/30/2019 HT 277

34/48

called a master of the outdoors, but its not like that at all.

Japanese peoples involvement in outdoor activities tends to

be academic, but I just relax and have fun, he laughs.

Tanaka was first introduced to the charm of the great out-

doors by his German father. About 40 years ago, his father

often went to a U.S. military base for work, and hed bring

home equipment for the outdoors that was still unfamiliar to

most Japanese people. Using the equip-

ment, Tanaka had barbecues in the garden

of his house, and his father took him

camping and mountain climbing. Before

he knew it, he was hooked on outdoor

activities.

40

Gradually, however, he lost interest in the outdoors as he

became absorbed in playing soccer in middle and high school.

After he started working as a fashion model, he continued to

lead an urban lifestyle. At night I went drinking and dancing

at discos. But one day I went camping, having been invited by

an older model. What awaited me was a stylish setting, com-

pletely different from what I had imagined, says Tanaka.

An outdoor table and chairs were laid out a sight all too

familiar now but not back then and a Western-style dinner

and bottles of wine and champagne like the ones served at

restaurants were arranged on the table. Sitting around a fire,he talked with his fellow campers into the night. Once again,

he was completely fascinated by the outdoors. He wished to

spread this stylish outdoor life to the world. I tried to sell the

idea to a magazine where I knew someone, but in those days

nobody understood me, he says, recalling his frustration.

After that, Tanaka went on pursuing a path

as an advocate of stylish and comfortable out-

door life, while continuing his modeling work.

Then he had an opportunity to become the first

Japanese to participate in the overseas adven-

ture race, the Raid Gauloises. From that time

on, he gradually started receiving offers of

work related to the outdoors. At last, the timeshad caught up with his sense of values.

Last year, Tanaka opened a campground called outside

BASE in Kitakaruizawa, Gunma Prefecture. With a plot ofland the size of three Tokyo Domes, the campground houses a

dog run and a trail. It also features a spacious campsite that is

34

Peo le in a an

Peo le in a an


The campground, outside BASE, managed by Tanaka

o

utside B

ASE

When he was modeling

Enjoying river kayaking

7/30/2019 HT 277

35/48

available to 25 groups a day and 14 cottages that even outdoor

beginners can enjoy. Various activities are held here, such as

trekking, rock climbing, snowshoeing (walking through snow

wearing snow shoes), and outdoor cooking. Tanaka spends

one third of his year in this campground as its manager and

instructor for the activities.

o

utside B

ASE

3

1

25

14

3

1

One of the companys other impor-

tant endeavors is the voluntary cleanup activity

that it has been participating in every year since

its foundation. Through its blog and other media,

the company informs people of the event and

asks them to get together and pick up litter. This

cleanup activity is held on the Tokai Nature Trail,

which spans over 1,600 kilometers, connecting the

Meiji Memorial Forest Takao Quasi-National Parkin Hachioji City, Tokyo and the Meiji Memorial

Forest Minoh Quasi-National Park in Minoh City,

Osaka. Since the activity started from Tokyo 10

years ago, it has covered about 250 kilometers of

the way.

1,600km

10

250km

Its a large scale cleanup activity, but a relaxed and optimis-

tic Tanaka says: I just want to give back to nature in return

for allowing me to both play and work. If more people partici-

pate, it should generate a great force to protect nature. Id be

happy if local chapters were set up in each of the 11 prefec-

tures covered by the Tokai Nature Trail and participants from

different chapters started interacting with each other.

1

2

8

I would like to establish a camp-

ground that uses a timeshare systemlike the ones introduced in resort

hotels, says Tanaka, showing his

intention to explore new outdoor

business possibilities. My job is to

sell dreams and convey messages.

I dont want outdoor and volunteer

activities to end up being fads. I

would like more people to know how

wonderful nature is, because I really

think it would be a shame if they

didnt experience the pleasure of the

outdoors, he says with a smile.

Above: Climbing a rock face, outside ROCKBelow: Cleaning climb

at the Tokai Nature Trail

o

utside R

OCK

Daddy s Opinion www.daddyopi.com/

Tanaka Ken s Outside Cooking:

Dynamic yet Easy Outdoor Meals

Published by Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha. 1,260 yen

1,260

Cleaning climb at the Tokai Nature Trail

The campgound, outside BASE, managed by Tanaka

o

utside B

ASE
http://www.daddyopi.com/http://www.daddyopi.com/

7/30/2019 HT 277

36/48

Tokyo

Osaka

Tokyo

Osaka

The Biggest City in Western Japan

Osaka

7/30/2019 HT 277

37/48

7/30/2019 HT 277

38/4838

1

15

4,300

1,200

Osaka Castle was built by military

commander TOYOTOMI Hideyoshi.

Inside is a history museum displaying

historical materials about the castle and

the great commander. From the obser-

vation deck about 50 meters above the

ground, you can enjoy a 360-degree

view of the entire city with the rivers

meandering through it, making it easy to see why Osaka wascalled a water city. On weekends, street performers entertain

visitors in the square below the castle. You can also enjoy

views of the castle while riding on the Road Train, a tram thatruns through the park.

50m

360

O s a k a s b u s i e s t s t r e e t i s

Dotonbori. At night, it is illumi-

nated by colorful neon signs. A

giant moving crab and candy maker

Glicos neon billboard (of a run-

ner crossing the finish line) often

appear on TV and in magazines as

Osakas symbolic displays.

Text: SAKEMI Kana

Osaka Castle

Road Train

Enjoying the view from Osaka Castle

7/30/2019 HT 277

39/4839

Walking south from Dotonbori will take you to an area

known as Den Den Town, where there are many electrical

appliance stores. Further down south is a big entertainmentarea called Shinsekai (New World). The area boasts a

few theaters and a large spa facility as well as many restau-

rants and game halls. Tennoji Zoo and the Osaka Municipal

Museum of Art are located adjacent to the area.

Standing in the center of Shinsekai is

the 103-meter observation tower called

Tsutenkaku. From the fifth floor observa-

tion deck, you can enjoy a splendid view of

the southern part of Osaka. A statue of the

Billiken, a god of luck that originates from

America, sits on a pedestal on the deck. The

Billiken is characterized by its pointed head

and slanted eyes, and legend has it that if you

rub the soles of its feet, you will receive good

luck.

103

5

Below the tower the re i s a

monument in the shape of a shogi

( Japanese chess) p iece ca l ledOshohi. It was built to honorshog i player SAKATA

Sankichi. Osho, a pop song about Sakata became a huge hit.

Universal Studios

Japan is another place of interest in Osaka. As a Hollywood

movie-themed theme park, Universal

Studios Japan is filled with attractions

featuring the virtual worlds of famousmovies. Other attractions include the illu-

minated night parade Magical Starlight

Parade and shows by popular characters,

which captivate children and grown-ups

alike.

Next to Universal Studios Japan is Universal Citywalk

Osaka, a facility consisting of many restaurants, a shop-

ping mall, and hotels. It is also home to Osaka Takoyaki

Museum, which features takoyaki (dumplings with octopus

in them), one of Osakas most popular delicacies.

Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

www.osaka-info.jp

Dotonbori

Above: Magical Starlight Parade, Universal Studios Japan

UFS 1976, 2009 SANRIO CO., LTD.

Tsutenkaku

Billiken
http://www.osaka-info.jp/http://www.osaka-info.jp/

7/30/2019 HT 277

40/4840

T h e h i k e b e g i n s a t

Otomeguchi bus stop. The start

of the trail is just behind a jizo

(stone statue), just a few minutes

back from the stop. The steep

slope continues to Otometoge.

The first part of the trail goes

through an artificially forested zone of cypress. Before long,

the second part, which is in a zone of deciduous trees mixed

with Japanese beeches, becomes a steep, 40-minute ascent to

Otometoge. A breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji opens out before

your eyes.

40

The trail heading for Kintokiyama follows the ridge north-

east. It is not easy to climb on the slippery trail of red earth

in spite of the artificially made steps. Violets and five leaf

azaleas are found here in spring, and gentians and thistles

bloom in autumn. A 20-minute climb from the pass leads to

Nagaoyama. Following the undulating ridge, the trail gets to a

point where Kintokiyamas sharp summit can be seen. Seeing

Mt. Fuji on the left side, the landscape of Hakoneyama is near

on the right. The trail turns to become a precipitous upward

slope on slippery rocks with chains. After a steep climb, the

trail reaches the top of Kintokiyama. Two tea houses, Kintoki-jaya and Kintaro-jaya, as well as a small stone shrine called

Inohana-jinja, are located on the top of the mountain.

20

The trail descends north between the two tea houses. The

decline is so strenuously steep that aluminum ladders are set

on the face of the mountain. As the surface of ladders is often

frozen in winter, extreme caution should be taken while pass-

ing here. The trail goes to the right heading for Ashigaratoge

at the first fork. Before long, the trail widens to an open space

named Inohana-toride that looks out over the Tanzawa moun-

tains and the towering Kintokiyama. You can drive to thispoint. The path goes to the right in the direction of Yuhinotaki

here and continues with a view of Myojingatake on the right.

Following the signboards, the trail goes over streams and

zigzags from bank to bank for about 15 minutes. In a shady

bower on the right is a sign for the approaching Yuhinotaki

camp. The way to Yuhinotaki is to the right of the car park,

Japan on Foot

The 1,213-meter Kintokiyama on the border of

Shizuoka and Kanagawa prefectures is the highestpeak of the outer rim of the Hakone crater. You can

enjoy a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji on the hiking

course and will have a good time seeing the land-

scape around Lake Ashinoko.

1,213

Kintokiyama Hiking Trail

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Mt. Fuji

7/30/2019 HT 277

41/4841

Pay toilet

Otomeguchi bus stop

Kintoki ShrineOtome Toge

Kintaro Shop

Yuhinotaki camp place

Yuhinotaki

Jizoudo bus stop

Top

Nagaoyama

40

20

40

30

80

15

min.

Text by YAMAMOTO Masanori

Take the Odakyu Hakone Express Bus from Shinjuku to

Otomeguchi bus stop (2 hours, 1,850 yen). After hiking, Hakone

Tozan Bus connects Jizodo bus stop and Sekimoto bus stop next

to Daiyuzan train station (30 mins., 440 yen). Get on the private

Izuhakone Line at the station to Odawara (20 mins., 270 yen) and

change there to the private Odakyu Line to return to Shinjuku.

The express train called the Romance Car is available (80 mins.

1,720 yen including express fare).

2

1,850

30

440

20

270

1

20

1,720

ACCESS

and a beautiful waterfall is located at the

dead end. With a drop of 23m and 5m in

width, the waterfall seems to have been

named Yuhinotaki (the waterfall of the

setting sun) because of its beautiful

reflection of the setting sun. Fifteen min-

utes of walking from here brings you to

Jizodo bus stop.

15

23

5

15

Yuhinotaki

A view from the top of the mountain

Hikers relaxing in Kintokijaya tea house

right: the view of Otometouge

and Fuji from the top,

left: the view from just below

the top toward Tanzawa

7/30/2019 HT 277

42/4842

Takanes Menu

Takanes Menu

2 cups of water (400ml)

10g niboshi(small dried sardines)

50g maitakemushrooms

1/4 pack (25g) enokimushrooms

1/2 packet (50g) namekomushrooms

1 1/2 tbsp (approx. 25g) aka-miso

(red soybean paste)

1/4 sheet ofabura age(deep-fried bean curd)

Ingredients [Serves 2]

2

2400ml

10g

50g

1/4

25g

1/2

50g

1.5

25g

1/4

Kinoko Jiru (Mushroom MisoSoup)

Instant Soup Stock

Instant soup stocks are available in various forms such as powder and liquid, with a

variety of flavors including katsuo(tuna), konbu(seaweed), niboshi(dried sardines) and

mixed.

When using these instant soup stocks, less salt should be used since most have salt

already added.

These soup stocks can be convenient when making strongly flavored stewed dishes or for

small meals. For delicately flavored dishes, however, making the soup stock from scratch

will make a big difference.

Norigoe worked

in one o f t he

b i g t r a d i n g

c o m p a n i e s

f o r 4 0 y e a r s

i n c l u d i n g 1 0

years overseas.

H e g a t h e r e d

rec ipes wh i le

visiting places on business and then got serious

about cooking when he retired, taking cooking

lessons for four years. His hobbies are growing

roses, landscape photography and golf. He holds

a cooking party for his friends once a month.

40

10

ProfileofNORIGOET

akane

7/30/2019 HT 277

43/4843

1. Snip off the heads and remove the intestines of the small

dried sardines. Peel apart in two. Put water and fish into a

saucepan and let sit for at least 20 minutes without heat-

ing.

2. Tearmaitake mushrooms with your fingers into bite-sized

pieces. Cut the roots off the enoki mushrooms and cut in

half.

3. Quickly rinse the nameko mushrooms with water and

drain.

4. Pour boiling water over the deep-fried bean curd to

remove oil. Cut in half, then into 5 mm-wide rectangles.

5. To make the soup stock, take (1) and bring to the boil.

Then let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes while skimming scum

from the surface. Strain. Discard the small dried sardines.

6. Add maitake, enoki, and nameko mushrooms along with

the deep-fried bean curd and bring it to boil.

7. Take a small amount of the soup stock and put in another

container. Blend and soften the miso with it, then add it to

the soup. Remove from the heat just before it boils.

1.

2

20

2.

3.

4.

5mm

5.

1

6.

7.

To Prepare

Hints for a delicious miso soup

1. Combining two or more ingredients (such as potato with hulled peas, ordaikon [Japanese radish] with cabbage) will also make it appealing to

the eyes. Slow cooking vegetables such as potatoes and daikon should be cooked in the soup stock until soft before adding the miso.

2. Boiling misomakes the aroma evaporate. Misoshould be added right before taking the saucepan off the heat.

3. Red misopaste is best with namekoor any other lightly colored mushrooms.

1.

2

2.

3.

Photos for 4 people

4

7/30/2019 HT 277

44/4844

This is a heartwarming comedy made in 1996 that is

set in a ballroom dancing studio. The movie swept

numerous domestic film awards including the Japan

Academy awards. It was also released in many other countries

and received high praise. In 2004, the American remake of the

film, titled Shall We Dance?, was produced and directed by

Peter CHELSOM, with Richard GERE in the lead role.

1996

2004

S

hall

W

e D

ance?

The central character of this story isSUGIYAMA, a solemn salaried employ-

ee with no hobby (played by YAKUSHO

Koji). One day as takes the train from

work, he sees a woman standing by a

window in a dance studio. She is the daughter of the dance

studio owner, Mai (played by KUSAKARI Tamiyo). She was

reluctantly teaching at her fathers studio after she broke up

with her dance partner and returned home because of an inci-

dent at the Blackpool Dance Festival (UK), the top ballroom

dancing competition in the world.

With impure motives, Sugiyama enrolls in a dance class. It

turns out the instructor of the class was the elder Ms. Tamako.

Classmates include TANAKA, the

beginner, HATTORI, with a little

experience, Toyoko, who is bad-

mouthed but excessively passionate

about dance, and AOKI (played by

TAKENAKA Naoto), a colleagueof Sugiyama. Sugiyama gradually

improves and even starts to enjoy

dancing. Sugiyamas wife, Masako,

notices his change of attitude and

worries that he might be having an affair. She hires a private

detective to spy on him.

Shall We Dance?S

hall w

e Directed by SUO Masayuki

Movie that Createda Ballroom Dancing Fad

Free Japanese Learning OpportunitiesFor HiraganaTimes Subscribers

www.hiraganatimes.com/jacs/

OnetoOn

e

Free Japanese Learning OpportunitiesFor HiraganaTimes Subscribers

www.hiraganatimes.com/jacs/

One

toOne
http://www.hiraganatimes.com/jacs/http://www.hiraganatimes.com/jacs/http://www.gomobile.co.jp/index_e.htmlhttp://www.hiraganatimes.com/jacs/

7/30/2019 HT 277

45/4845

Sugiyama becomes so devoted that he cannot stop prac-ticing the steps even on the platform while waiting for the

train and during work. Ms. Tamako suggests he pair up with

Toyoko and they participate in a competition. Mai becomes

their coach and the special training begins.

Masako gets a call from the detective and she comes to

the dance competition venue with their daughter, Chikage.Sugiyama somehow manages to present a wonderful routine

with Toyoko, just as Mai had taught them. They steadily

progress in the competition, but Chikages unexpected cheer

catches Sugiyama off guard, and he misses his steps.

Sugiyama quits the dance class. A while later, Aoki and

Toyoko visit Sugiyamas home. The two inform Sugiyamathat Mai is leaving for England, and hand him a letter

from Mai. In the letter, Mai expresses her appreciation

to Sugiyama. Through the special training classes with

Sugiyama and the group, she remembered the joys of dance,

the wonderful feeling of trust while dancing with a partner,

and then decided to start from scratch.

On the night of Mais goodbye party, Sugiyama cannot

bring himself to go to the party, and was idling away his time.

But on the train home, he looks up to see the window of the

dance studio, and sees a message that read, Shall we dance?

Mr. Sugiyama.

Shall we

The last song starts at the party, and Mai is about to select

her partner. Just then, Sugiyama arrives. Sugiyama smiles as

Mai asks him Shall we dance? Everyone looks on as they

dance under the spotlight.

Shall we

?

DVD jacket.

136 minutes.

4,935 yen

DVD

136

4,935

Shall we 4,935

1995
http://tma-marriage.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]/http://www.succeed.co.jp/

7/30/2019 HT 277

46/48

Old Japanese cedar

Tomoe kimono

Flower for Picasso

Xin

by ZORKO, Majda (Slovenia)

7/30/2019 HT 277

47/48

This is a compilation of Insight into Japan stories published in the Hiragana Times.While you are listening to the audio, you can read the text and turn the pages just like a print magazine.

You can also download and print the texts. In addition, you can download the audio to mobile devices such as an iPod.

Insight into Japan

i

Pod

www.hiraganatimes.com

Audio Series

Digital Books

Narrator: ONOKeiko / DavidCRYSTAL/ TimothyWRIGHT

1

Close Up Japan (1)

The politics and social issues that became topics of conversation in Japan are

explained in a simple manner so that non-Japanese can easily understand. Why do

cabinet ministers visit the controversial Yasukini Shrine? What is the reason for the

fact that foreign suspects escape from Japan? And so on. Published from April 2006

to February 2007. 11 stories (28 pages) / 2,200 yen.

1

2006

4

2007

2

11

(28

) 2,200

English-Japanese Bilingual Digital Books:Audio Series Now on Sale!

Otherbooksar

ealsoavailabl

e.

Audio Series

Digital Books


1

Audio Series

Digital Books


Japanese History Makers (1)

Historically famous figures that should be known by non-Japanese. Those who arenot well-known even by Japanese, but yet have achieved something significant, and

those who have done something dramatic and whose stories have been passed

down. Published from April 2006 to February 2007. 11 stories (28 pages) / 2,200 yen.

1

2006

4

2007

2

11

28

2,200

Tips for Living in Japan

Necessary information for non-Japanese living in Japan is provided, including Japan

s housing situation, making a hanko(an individuals personalized name stamp),

opening a bank account, the Japanese food scene, how to communicate, etc.Published from April 2006 to September 2007. 18 stories (42 pages) / 3,600 yen.

2006

4

2007

9

18

42

3,600

Japanese Perspectives

Hints for

Documents

HT 277