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22 1 20 20 25 28 0

2February

2010 No. 280

450

Japan to the WorldISSN 1348-7906

Hachijo-jima Floral Paradise

Approachable People

Favored: Japanese FansPsychology
http://www.hiraganatimes.com/

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Jap@n ProductsCatalog

2010 Ver. 3

A Collection ofOutstanding

Japanese ProductsYou can Download the Catalog Free of Charge at

www.hiraganatimes.com

*Please see page 16

or some of the products.

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The kanji wall poster includes the 1,926 kanji included on the JLPTs list, plus

the remaining 19joyo kanji not included on the JLPT, for a grand total of all 1,945kanji designated as official general use characters (joyo kanji) by the Japanese

government. All the characters on and kun readings are written in hiragana.

Dimensions: A0 (A Zero) size in landscape format (84 cm x 119 cm / 33 x 47 in).

Shipping: Ships in a tube (rolled, not folded).

1,926

19

1,945

A0

84cm

119cm

Topics & Events

February Issue Contents 2

Topics & Events 3-5

Entertainment & Trends 6-7

Feature

8-11

Touching Japanese Life

12-13

Business Spotlight 14-15

Japan Products Catalog

16

Insight into Japan

17-27

Close Up Japan, My Embarrassing Language Mistakes, Japan

Watching, Japan in the World, Japanese History Makers

Parody Talk 28-29

Visa Q&A Q&A 30

From the Editorial Desk

32

People in Japan

33-35

Cover Story 36-39

Exploring Nihongo!

40-41

Takanes Menu

42-43

Masterpieces of Japanese Film & Animation

44-45

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 February 5. Winners will be selected by lottery and receive presents directly.

E

2

5

Present for 3 people 3

All theKanji You Need to Know in One Comprehensive Poster

Price: US$28 (about 2,520 yen)

$22 for more than one

Published by White Rabbit Press

28

2,520

2

2 2

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Topics & Events

WEB

No reservation or registration required.1,000

Also held in Osaka. Check our website for details!

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8 700 if you arrive before 8 pm.

Inquiries for the party

Inquiries for the party location

i

Phone i

Pod t

ouch

Manga no Shimbun (Comic Newspaper) by Kabanet Inc.

is a free website that provides the news through cartoons. The

cartoons can be viewed on a computer or on an iPhone and

iPod touch. The cartoons are categorized into politics, eco-

nomics, world, domestic, entertainment and sports. Additional

special sections include non-fiction articles and caricatures.

In the future, these cartoons are to be distributed in other lan-

guages including English, French, Chinese, and Korean.

newsmanga.com/

News in Cartoons

Free Consultationfor Non-Japanese (VISA)

1

30

10

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This free consultation is provided by Gyoseishoshi law-yers of Tokyo. The service is for non-Japanese who have

problems related to visa, education, medical services, hous-

ing and other issues, and is scheduled to be supported by

Tokyo Immigration Bureau. It will be held on January 30,

2010 (Saturday) from 10am to 4pm at Tokyo Metro (Subway)

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ervation is needed.

www.tokyo-gyosei.or.jp/

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

00

HiraganaTimes

To kyoPartyAdmissionCoupon

00yen
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360

1,440

1

2009

1

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1 0

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Bijin-tokei-belle clock

is a popular website in which beautiful young women tell

visitors the time. Photos of Japanese women holding a board

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cally change each minute. Since its launch in January 2009,

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Other variations include binan-tokei-handsome clock and

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Beautiful Women to Tell the Time

Non-Japanese willreceive a 15% discount.When making areservation, please

mention Hiragana Times.

Present for 3 people 3

1,733

Japanese Cu l tu re

Introduced in English is a book for non-Japanese who want

to learn about Japanese culture and Japanese who are studying

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ous aspects of Japanese culture, ranging from lifestyle, history

and entertainment to martial arts. All the pages are in color. At

the bottom of each page useful info is summarized in one sen-

tence. The index is in both English and Japanese. Published

by Natsumesha Co., Ltd. Written by KUWABARA Kouji.

1,733 yen.

Comprehensive Introduction

to Japanese Culture
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Interests traditionally considered manly in Japan such as

trains and history are attracting an increasing number ofwomen. The trend has seen the creation of several new

Japanese phrases such as tetsu-ko to describe women who

like trains (tetsudo), reki-jyo for women who like history

(rekishi) and butsu-jyo for women who like Buddhist stat-

ues (butsuzo). Of these, the word reki-jyo (history girls)

has become so well known to the public that it ranked in the

top ten of the 2009 Ryuukougo Taishou (an award for words

that were newly created and became common in the year).

Many reki-jyo are uniquely fas-

cinated by swords and Japanese

tradit ional suits of armor

(yoroi ) and helmets (kabuto),

as well as historical characters,

in contrast to their male coun-

terparts who focus mostly on

historical backgrounds.

2009

At Takase Dojo in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, women-only les-

sons fortate are gaining popularity. Tate is a series of move-

ments for attacking and defending with a sword, which is

often seen in period dramas. Takase Dojo is also a training

center for actors and has long been incorporating tate as a way

of instructing them. The dojo opened its doors to the public in

2001, and when a tate class exclusively for

women was started on a trial basis in the

autumn of 2007, it soon became very pop-ular. In July 2009, women-only tate classes

began in earnest.

2001

2007

2009

7

The Emergence ofReki-jyoand theAppeal of Swords

Text: MUKAI Natsuko

Takase Dojo

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The classes for women are divided into two levels, beginner

and intermediate, each with around 12 students. The students

are mostly in their 20s and range from college students to

office workers and housewives. Being a fan of period drama

actors, I wanted to try tate, says AOKI Kaori in the begin-

ner class about her reason for taking up the new hobby. Bothbeginner and intermediate classes use takemitsu , wooden

swords covered with silver foil to look like real swords, but

weighing only 350 grams.

12

20

350

Women concentrating on swordsmanship

all look beautiful. They should be more aware

that they are beautiful and have more self-

confidence, says instructor TAKANO Utako.

Being paired up makes it possible for each stu-dent to practice attacking and defending with a

sword. Learning to manipulate a takemitsu also

improves posture and makes people more alert

to their surroundings.

Meanwhile, women are found among the visitors at the

Japanese Sword Museum in Shibuya Ward these days. The

world of swords was originally dominated by men and women

could never set foot in it. Thats the reason why swords were

not familiar to women, says chief curator KUBO Yasuko.

Kubo herself is the first female curator at the museum since its

founding.

In olden times warlords cherished swords as

family treasures and also used them as weap-

ons in fights and to protect themselves. Until

the end of the Edo period, Japan saw a lot offighting and swords were very familiar to the

Japanese.

There are a number of

expressions in Japanesethat originate from swords.

F o r e x a m p l e , I t t o u

ryoudan means to slash

something into two in a

single sweep of the sword.

Because of this, the phrase

is also used today in the sense of making a quick decision

without paying attention to other peoples opinions.

Takase Dojo

The Japanese Sword Museum

Takase Dojo

www.takase-dojo.com/


www.touken.or.jp/

http://www.takase-dojo.com/http://www.touken.or.jp/http://www.touken.or.jp/http://www.takase-dojo.com/

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In recent years more Japanese are becoming fans of people

who are not especially well-known, but have specific

charms. It ranges from weather forecasters to entertainers.

Why are the Japanese bewitched by them?

Since 2007, NHK Service Center, Inc. has been selling cal-

endars of weather forecasters. In the first year, they made a

calendar showing both male and female forecasters. From the

next year, however, the calendar only featured female fore-casters, and in 2009 it added pictures of weather girls clad

in yukata (kimono for summer). The first printed copies of

the 2010 version have sold out and they have decided to print

additional copies.

NHK

2007

2009

2010

Dressed in casual-style

clothes, NHKs weather

girls describe the weather

in simple words. Because

of their friendly next-door

neighbor looks, theyve

become nearly as popular as

TV entertainers. Especiallyp o p u l a r i s N A K A RA I

Sae, who is nicknamed the 7:28 Lover because she always

appears on TV at 7:28 p.m.

NHK

7

28

7

28

Text: SAZAKI Ryo

ApproachablePeople Favored:Japanese FansPsychology

NAKARAI Sae

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In November 2009 an event was held in Sakura-shi, Chiba

Prefecture, where a female idol group called Sakura-gumi

performed a concert and shook hands with fans. The group,

made up of Japanese and Chinese members, sings and dances

in ninja costumes. Although they just debuted in August, anumber of avid fans turned up to speak to them and ask for

handshakes.

2009

11

8

They came all the way from China and are trying hard in

Japan, so I really hope they will succeed, says a man who

came by bullet train from Fukushima Prefecture. He is a fan

of the Chinese twins in the group, SAKURA Ranmaru and

SAKURA Benimaru. They have a great memory because

they could soon recognize me. They look a little skinnier than

before, and Im a little concerned about that, says the man.

ASAMI Chiyuki is a singer who has released five CD

albums and often appears

on TV and radio programs.

Moreover, she puts on a live

show in Tokyos Inokashira

Park on a regular basis.

Asami is also surrounded by

many supportive fans. When

she was still unknown, for

example, one of her fans

taught her how to play the guitar. From another fan who

worked at a hotel, she learned manners such as how to bow

properly.

CD 5

Even now, her fans help prepare for her concert at the park.

They get to the park hours before the concert and set up by

laying down sheets and arranging chairs. They also stand at

intervals along the way from the station to the venue so as

to guide new fans. They

buy and bring things that

Asami likes or that are

good for her health as well

as food from Yamaguchi

Prefecture, where she is

from.

Sakura-gumi

Sakura-gumi, SAKURA Ranmaru (left) and SAKURA Benimaru (right)

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Chiyuki-chan still calls me Uncle even after she has

become so famous, says another man. If it were not for her,

I would have secluded myself in my house after retirement.

But I started working again after I became her fan. With the

money from that job, I buy her CDs and go to her concertsthroughout Japan to support her. Ive made friends with some

of my fellow fans. So this is what I live for.

CD

KIMURA Junko, who lives in Tokyo, has favorite musical

actors. Rather than buying brand-name items or ready-made

goods, I place special orders with stores, she says about the

gifts she gives them. I think of something that he can hand

out to other actors he works with and that will also make him

happy. Or some food that is good for his health.

Fans are often seen wait-

ing outside of the stage door

(the exit for actors) and giving

them presents or asking for

autographs. Kimura sometimes

talks to the actors at the stage

door before she decides what

to buy for them. When I read

my favorite actors blog, it said,

I havent been eating enough

vegetables lately. So afterchecking with him at the stage

door to see if he wanted vegetables, I sent

him a big box filled with vegetables, she

says.

Chiyuki-chan is like my daughter, says a man who

became her fan on March 18, 2005. When I walked out of

the ticket gate, a voice caught my ears, a very natural sing-

ing voice which made me feel great, he continued of the

moment he first heard her perform.When a TV crew is shooting, she

gets really nervous. That makes me

feel uneasy as well and I start pray-

ing, Please sing well.

2005

3

18

ASAMI Chiyuki

Live at Inokashira Park

~ chan is suffix used for names like ~san and commonly used for children. Also used often for adults between close friends.

Note

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When I got the hand-made shawl, I was touched because

it felt like my mother or girlfriend taking care of me, says

Sasaki. There was also a girl who asked me to write a mes-

sage for her ailing grandmother. It might be Japanese fans

tendency to like approachable entertainers and support them

as if they were family.

Fans observe us really well, says SASAKI Nobuhiko, a

top-class dancer who performs in the famous Imperial Theater

and also choreographs musicals. One time, I was feeling sick

and had a mask on when passing through the stage door. Soon

after that, new masks were sent to me. And another time, I was

dancing naked from the waist up in a show. Then, a fan gave

me a hand-made shawl that I could easily fling on and off.

I feel that behind such behavior on the part of fans lies the

Japanese custom of guessing what others want, the custom ofthinking about what the other person wants to receive, rather

than what you want to give them, says Sasaki. For example,

a fan sent vegetables and meat to a group of actors who can

cook, but she sent sashimi along with paper plates and soy

sauce to another group who cant cook. When we look busy,

fans never ask for autographs.

Not all fans, however, are on close terms with actors ,

according to Sasaki. Actors who like to have friendly rela-

tionships tend to get fans who will take care of small things

for them, and those who like to be alone will attract those

kinds of fans. But I guess there are more actors now who want

to interact with fans naturally as human beings. That seems to

be the case with the actors around me, he says.

I give stuff to the actors or wait for them at the stage door

because I want to show my support for them, but I also want

them to remember me a little, says Kimura. Besides, there

are more actors who blog these days, and it makes me happywhen the actors write about what I gave them, which is anoth-

er reason for doing all this.

SASAKI Nobuhiko

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The Kabuki-za Theater is in eastern Ginza, a fashion-

able part of Tokyo known for its high-end stores. A

theater for the traditional Japanese performing art ofkabuki, the Japanese-style building is characterized by its

impressive roof and is registered as a tangible cultural asset.

But it has been decided that the theater will be rebuilt because

its getting old a new theater and an office building will be

constructed on the same site.

Kabuki has about 400 years of history and continues to pre-

serve its tradition. For example, a family system in which the

performing art is handed down from par-

ent to child is still considered the norm.

Kabuki plays mostly deal with stories

from the Edo period and the lines con-

tain old Japanese that is not used today.

So even Japanese sometimes use audio

guides.

400

Another feature ofkabuki is that it changes flexibly to

accommodate changes in the times and the political landscape.

Take kabuki actors for instance. When kabuki first started,

most actors were women. But the then government banned

female actors, saying they would corrupt public morals. So

boys started to perform instead, which was also subsequently

banned by the government. Thats how men came to perform

kabuki.

Kabuki plays do not just preserve tradi-

tion. In the Edo period, new works wereoften created based on actual incidents,

such as Chushingura (The Treasury of

Loyal Retainers). From the Meiji period



Text: SAZAKI Ryo

Famous kabuki, Chushingura scenes

The New Kabuki-za Theater Tradition and Innovation

Top star actor, ICHIKAWA Danjuro

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time. A little over two decades after its completion, however,

the Kabuki-za Theater saw its exterior changed to a Japanese-

style in 1911 because the Imperial Theater, with a Western-

style appearance, was to be built in Hibiya. After that, the the-

ater experienced two fires and it was reconstructed each time.

The current one is the fourth version.

20

1911

The fifth-generation Kabuki-za Theater will be equipped

with elevators and escalators, features lacking in the old one.

Meanwhile, the stage will retain the old style and traditionalseats such as sajik i (balcony seats) and makumiseki (non

reserved seats) will remain unchanged. The old and new ele-

ments of the Kabuki-za Theater symbolize the tradition and

innovation ofkabuki. The current theater will be used till this

April, and the new theater will be completed in 2013.

4

2013

onward, some new kabuki plays were created by exploring

and incorporating noh (another traditional dramatic art form)

and Western plays.

Among the latest kabuki plays are the Super Kabuki,

which incorporate modern music and a traditional Chinese

performing art, and the Cocoon Kabuki, which are staged in

a Shibuya theater just like modern plays. Some kabuki actors

are also active in other fields outside kabuki, such as televi-

sion, film, and even musicals. Not only do some actors per-

form kabuki plays overseas but they also appear in traditional

performing arts in other countries.

Given this historical background, its no wonder that the

Kabuki-za Theater is changing as well. After all, the theater

itself came out of a change. In the old days kabuki was playedin small theaters called shibai-goya (play huts), but in the

Meiji period there was a movement toward modernizing plays

called the Theater Enhancement Movement. Amid this

movement the Kabuki-za Theater was built in Ginza in 1889.

1889

What was new about the theater was its Western-style exte-

rior and electric lights, the most modern equipment of the

Shochiku Co., Ltd.

www.shochiku.co.jp/

Chuo-ku Kyobashi Library

www.library.city.chuo.tokyo.jp/

The previous Kabuki-za

Image of the new Kabuki- za

The present Kabuki-za
http://www.shochiku.co.jp/http://www.library.city.chuo.tokyo.jp/http://www.library.city.chuo.tokyo.jp/http://www.shochiku.co.jp/

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Ikej i r i Inst i tu te of Design (Se tagaya School of

MONOZUKURI) is located from just several kilometers

west of Shibuya. The school was designed to be a place

for creators in design, architecture and art and offer opportuni-

ties to meet each other and learn from one another.

Mr. MATSUMURA Takuya serves as the school

principal although his official title at Ikejiri Institute

of Design is managing director. When we first

opened the school, we faced considerable opposition

from the neighborhood. People had strong concerns

and unease about having many young people in their

neighborhood because

many deadly attacks

had happened in schools

throughout Japan at that

time. Also, we are next

to an elementary school,

and there is a pre-school

behind us, so peoplebecame very nervous.

Now we have meetings

with people in our community four times

a year. We discuss, share the informa-

tion and try seeking the direction

for consensus with people when the

issues arise, Matsumura says.

4

This school opened in October 2004

as a temporary plan to revive Ikejiri

Middle School. At first, Setagaya Ward officials request-

ed the school to keep the school building unchanged. So,a local furniture designing company did the remodeling

without changing appearance.

IKEJIRI INSTITUTE OF DESIGN(Setagaya School of MONOZUKURI)

IKEJIRI INSTITUTE OF DESIGN (Setagaya School of MONOZUKURI)

www.r-school.net/

Text: MATSUURA Tsuneo

MATSUMURA Takuya

Creators School

Reusing Closed School Building
http://www.r-school.net/http://www.r-school.net/

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In addition, the school offers classes for people who want

to be designers or launch their own business. Matsumura him-self has given lectures of how to prepare for starting a busi-

ness. The school also offers workshops such as woodworking,

instructed by furniture designers, and one on making snow

domes instructed by Japan Snow Dome Association.

The school renews its

contract with Setagaya

Ward every five years.

The school was able

to fit in the community

and gained more of their

understanding in the first

five years, Matsumura

says. As a result, the ward

approached the school to

extend their contract. Wewould like to express more

the individuality of the school in the coming five years. Head

office will organize more events in the future and we would

like to make school residents even prouder of the school.

5

5

5

Monozukurimeans making thing.Snow dome is a glass ornament in which there is a winter scene. It snows inside when you shake it.

Note

2004

10

Currently all spaces in the school are fully occupied by 41

different companies. Occupants may be individuals, groups

of designers, inexperienced or experienced, unknown or well-

known designers working in companies as diverse as a film

distribution company, the design research department of a

major electric company, the editing division of a magazine

devoted to parenting, a food

coordinating company, and a

bread sommelier association,bu t they have al l co nn ec te d

under a common theme, design

and monozukuri.

41

There has been a blossoming interaction among school

residents. They even sometimes work together in collabora-

tive activity. The general public can tour the school them-

selves, allowing an open-minded atmosphere that private busi-

ness companies do not have, Matsumura says.

Making snow domes

Notcho s Workshop (woodworking) N

otcho s W

orkshop

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The products listed here

and many more can be

imported from Japan.

www.hiraganatimes.com/japan-product/


2010 Ver. 3

To see the catalog, visit:

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Embroidery Products

We make embroidery/print

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7/30/2019 HT 280

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(1) Last November American President OBAMA visited Japan. (2) At that time he made a courtesy visit to the

Imperial Palace. (3) The Emperor and Empress welcomed him at the entrance of the palace. (4) President Obama

bowed deeply to the Emperor while shaking hands. (5) This scene was broadcast on TV in the US.

(1) . . . . . . ..

. (2) . . .

(3) . . . . . . . .

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

. . (5) .

. .

Criticism of President Obamas Bow

Multi-level HiraganaText

No. 047

. 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

last [year] November (in) Obama American President Japan

visited at that time the Imperial Palace to (a) courtesy visit (he) made

the Emperor andEmpress [both Majesties] him (the) entrance (of the palace) at

welcomed President (Obama) shaking hands while the Emperor [Majesty] to

deeply bowed this scene the US in TV on [also]

was broadcast

11

7/30/2019 HT 280

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(6) Some American politicians and commentators who saw the bow criticized President Obama, saying Its not

appropriate to bow. It is like apologizing. (7) In blogs many people wrote that the bow was ugly-looking,funny, shameful and so on.

(6) . . . . .

.. . ... ..

(7) . . . .

.

(8) Reacting to American complaints, there were many comments on Japanese websites saying the US is arro-

gant, ignorant, and conceited. (9) Many Japanese regarded Obamas behavior favorably as well-man-

nered and have a good impression of him.

(8) . . . . . . .

. . . (9) . . .

. ... . . . . . .

. . . . . . .

(10) It was unnatural that the president bowed while shaking hands. (11) However, his respect towards the Emperor

was fully conveyed to the Japanese. (12) The argument must have arisen from Americans not having a custom to

bow.

(10) ... . . .. .

(11) . . . . . . ..

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

/

American complaints reacting to Japanese websites (saying) on the US (is) arrogant

ignorant andconceited [and so on] comments many there were Japanese

many Obamas behavior well-mannered as favorably

regardedand him of (a) good impression have

the bow (who) saw (some) American politicians and commentators to bow

its not appropriate apologizing it is like saying President (Obama) criticized

blogs in (also) many people the bow (was) ugly-looking funny shameful

and so on wrote [that]

(the) president shaking hands while bowed that it was unnatural

however the Emperor towards his respect the Japanese to

7/30/2019 HT 280

19/4819

. . (12) .. . .

. . .

(13) In Japan bowing is often seen in many occasions. (14) When Japanese meet a person, they bow, saying such

phrases as how do you do? or good afternoon. (15) Shop staff bow when you enter a shop, saying welcome

and thank you when you leave.(16)

Bowing isnt just used for apologizing.

(13) . . (14)...

. . . .

(15) . . . . .

. . . (16) .

(17) The more deeply you bow, the more it is taken you are sincere. (18) President Obama followed Japanese proto-

col just like the proverb When in Rome do as the Romans do. (19) Isnt this a good example of diplomacy?

(17) . . . . ...

(18) ... . . . . . .

. . . . . (19) . .

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

Japan in bowing many occasions in is (often) seen Japanese

(a) person meet when how do you do? or good afternoon such as phrases saying

(they) bow (a) shop when (you) enter shop staff welcome and [shop]

(you) leave when thank you saying bow bowing apologizing

for just isnt used

(you) bow deeply the more (you are) sincere the more it is taken

President (Obama) When in Rome do as the Romans do (the) proverb (just) like

Japanese protocol followed this diplomacy of (a) good example

isnt ~ ?

fully was conveyed (the) argument Americans to bow

(a) custom not having from must have arisen

7/30/2019 HT 280

20/4820

(1) I was quite excited when my American friend Jane arranged for me to have a date with her friend John,

(2) especially because she said he was very smart. (3) I like smart guys! (4) But I was so disappointed when I met

him because it turned out he wasnt smart at all (5) he was really fat!

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

. . .

.. (2) . . .

. (3) . . .. . (4) .

. .

(5) .

Is he Really Smart?

Multi-levelHiraganaText

The Case of the Japanese Woman who had a Date with John . . . . .

(6) Ah! In Japanese smart is used to mean slim, but in English it actually means either well-dressed or

intelligent. (7) Maybe Jane meant that John was very clever?

(6) . . . . . . .

. . . .

(7) . . . ....

Readers, have you ever made any embarrassing mistakes in Japanese or English? If so, why don t you email and tell us about it?

e

Explaning English . . .

MyEmbarrassingLanguageMistakes

MyEmbarrassingLanguageMistakes

Smart?

(my) American friend Jane her friend

John with to have (a) date arranged (for me) when I quite

was excited (especially) because he very smart (he) was [that] she

said I smart guys like but him

(I) met when (I) was (so) disappointed because at all it turned out (he) wasnt smart

really fat (he) was

ah Japanese in smart slim to mean is used but English

in well-dressed or intelligent either it (actually) means

maybe Jane John very (was) clever that meant [said]

John with date Japanese Woman in the case

English explanation

7/30/2019 HT 280

21/4821

(1) In Japan the rail network is well developed and in cities many people use trains for commuting to their

workplace or school. (2) In the morning and evening, trains are so crowded that passengers are usually jammed

against each other. (3) On such trains, women are often groped by chikan, a term which can mean a man who

gropes women or the action of groping.

(1) . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . (2) .

. . . . . . .

. (3) . . . . .

.. . . . .

(4) Generally no evidence is found in chikan cases. (5) Therefore, interrogation is carried out based on womens

statements and mens explanations are often ignored.(6)

Some lawyers say you have no choice but to run awayonce you are suspected ofchikan. (7) In some cases men have been falsely accused ofchikan and imprisoned.

(4) . . . . . . . (5)

.. .. . . .

. . . . . (6) . . .

.. ... (7) .. .. .

. . . . . . .

by Hiragana Times editor-in-chief

Multi-levelHiraganaText

/

This Man is aChikan!

/

Japan in (the) rail network is well developedand cities in (their) workplace or

school to many people use trains for commuting (the) morning and evening in

trains usually passengers (against) each other are jammed so ~ that

are crowded such trains on women often are groped by chikan

(a term) chikan women (who) gropes (a) man or (the) action of groping

(which) can mean

generally chikan cases in no evidence is found therefore

interrogation womens statements based on is carried out and mens

explanations often are ignored chikan of once (you) are suspected (you) have no choice but to run away

[that] some lawyers say falsely men chikan of

have been accused and imprisoned in some cases

7/30/2019 HT 280

22/4822

(8) The other day on the train, I witnessed a chikan case. (9) At that time I was standing in front of a seat near a

door. (10) A young woman stood by the door, while a man around 30 stood face to face with her. (11) It happened

when the train was approaching my station.

(8) . . . . . . . ..

(9) . . . . . .

(10) ... . . . .

. . ... . (11) . . .

. . . . . .

(12) The woman suddenly shouted, This man is a chikan! and grabbed his wrist. (13) As the passengers eyes

turned on him, the train arrived at my station. (14) Just at the moment the door opened, he got free from her grip

and began to flee. (15) In an instant I held on to his bag, which was over his shoulder.

(12) .. . . . . ..

. . (13) . . . . .

. . . (14) . . .. .

.. . . . . . (15) .

. . .


the woman suddenly this man (a) chikan is shoutedand his

wrist grabbed (the) passengers eyes him turned on as (the) train

my [getting off] station at arrived (the) door opened just at the moment he < man>

her grip got free from and began to flee I in an instant

(which) was over (his) shoulder his< mans> bag held on (to)

the other day I (the) train on (a) chikan case witnessed

at that time I (a) door near (a) seat in front of was standing

(a) young woman (the) door by stood and while thirty [years old] around

(a) man her with face to face stood it happened

my [getting off] station (the) train when ~ was approaching

30

7/30/2019 HT 280

23/4823

(16) After that a passenger pushed him down on the platform, and another passenger punched him in the face.

(17) Then a station worker came up. (18) The woman said Well then, Ill leave the case to you and unbelievably

she got on another train on the other side of the platform.

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

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

(18) . . . . .

. . . . . .

.

(19) The suspect and the passengers who caught him were left on the platform without a victim. (20) Was she

afraid of being investigated as a victim? (21) Or did the mans hand touch her body accidentally because of the

jolting of the train? (22) If he is not a chikan, I may have caught an innocent man. (23) Feeling uneasy I left the

station.

(19) . . . . . .

.. . (20) .. ..

. . (21) . .

. . . . . . (22) .

. . . . . . .

(23) . . . . . . .


after that a passenger (the) platform on him < man> pushed downand

another passenger him in the face punched then (a) station worker

came up (the) woman well then Ill leave (the case) to you said and

unbelievably (the) platform of the other side on another train

(she) got on

(the) platform on (the) suspect and him (who) caught (the) passengers

(a) victim without were left she (a) victim as

being investigated was (she) afraid of ? or (the) train of (the) jolting because of (the) mans

hand accidentally her body touch did ~ ? if he < man>

is not (a) chikan I (an) innocent man may have caught

uneasy feeling I (the) station left

7/30/2019 HT 280

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(1) The Japanese government has been trying to increase incoming foreign traveler numbers to 10 million by

2010. (2) The number of foreign visitors to Japan was 8.5 million in 2008. (3) Among them, 6.1 million were

from Asia, 960 thousand from North America and 860 thousand from Europe. (4) This ranks Japan at 28th in the

world as a tourist destination.

(1) . . . . . . . .

. . . . . (2) .

. . . . . . .

. . (3) . . .

. . . . . .

(4) . . . . .

. .

(5) The country that foreign tourists visited the most was France with 79.3 million in 2008. (6) This was followed

by the US with 58 million, Spain with 57.3 million and China with 53 million.

(5) . . . . . . . .

. . . .

(6) . . .

. . . . . .

. .

JapanintheWorld


Can Japan Increase

Inbound Foreign Travelersto 10 Million This Year?

1,000

Germany

France

China

US

Ukraine

Italy

UK

4

5

3

2

1

8

7

6

Turk

Russia

9

Spain

10

suffix used foryears

Source: UNWTO

Unit: million

100

suffix used forpeople

the Japanese government two thousand ten [year] by incoming foreign

traveler numbers ten million [people] to has been trying to increase two thousand eight

[the year of] in Japan to foreign visitors of (the) number

eight point five million [people] was among them six point one million [people]

Asia from nine hundred sixty thousand [people] (from) North America andeight hundred sixty thousand [people]

(from) Europe were this [number] (a) tourist destination as the world in

ranks (Japan) at twenty eighth

two thousand eight [year] in foreign tourists [number] visitedthe most

(the) country (that) France with seventy nine point three million [people] was

(this was) followed by the US with fifty eight million [people] Spain

(with) fifty seven point three million [people] and China (with) fifty three million [people]

[in order]

2010

1,000 2008

850 610

96 86

28

2008

7,930

5,800

5,730 5,300

7/30/2019 HT 280

25/4825

(1) TOYOTOMI Hideyoshi, who unified Japan for the first time, is one of the most well-known figures in

Japanese history. (2) He gave a dream to many people as a hero who went from being a farmer to occupying

Japans highest position. (3) Hideyoshi was born to a poor farmer in present-day Aichi Prefecture at a time

when Japan was not unified and feudal lords were fighting each other. (4) The ambitious Hideyoshi wanted to

be a samurai and served ODA Nobunaga, who was later called a revolutionary. (5) His first duty was to handle

Nobunagas footware.

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

. .. . . (2) . . .

.. .. . . . . . .

(3) .. .. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . .

. . (4) . . . . .

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

. . . . . . .

Dictator who Startedas a Lowly Farmer

TOYOTOMI Hideyoshi


1537 1598)

Toyotomi Hideyoshi Japan for the first time (who) unified [and] Japanese history in

the most well-known figures of one is he being (a) farmer from Japans

highest position (who) went to occupying (a) hero as many people to (a) dream

gave Hideyoshi present-day Aichi prefecture in (a) poor farmer to

was born at a time (when) Japan was not unified and [local] feudal lords

each other were fighting (the) ambitious Hideyoshi (a) samurai wanted to be and

later (a) revolutionary (who) was called Oda Nobunaga served his

first duty Nobunagas footware to handle was

7/30/2019 HT 280

26/4826

(6) One cold winter day, Nobunaga was leaving the residence. (7) At the time he noticed his sandals were warm.

(8) Hideyoshi told him he put them inside his clothing and had warmed them with his body. (9) Nobunaga saw

talent in Hideyoshi and promoted him.

(6) . . . . .. . (7) . ..

. . (8) . . . . . .

. . (9) .. . ..

. . . . .

(10) Nobunaga was a very strict man and always expected his subordinates to produce good results. (11) Hideyoshi

achieved outstanding results. (12) Nobunaga successfully gained most of the territories in Japan. (13) However, he

was betrayed and killed by his subordinate AKECHI Mitsuhide.

(10) . . . . . . . . .

. . (11) . . . . (12) . .

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

. . . . . . .

(14) Hideyoshi defeated Mitsuhides army and another rival to unify Japan. (15) Hideyoshi became a dictator and

brought suffering upon his people. (16) Hideyoshi took swords away from farmers and separated farmers from

soldiers. (17) He also checked all farming areas and imposed farm rent (tax) on farmers. (18) This became the

beginning of a clear status system.

(14) . . . . . . . . .

.. (15) .. .. . .

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

. (17) . . . . . .

. . . (18) . .


sandals madefrom straw

one winter cold day Nobunaga (the) residence was leaving at the time he

(his) sandals were warm [that] noticed Hideyoshi (his) clothing inside (he) put (them)and

(his) body with had warmed (them) [that] told (him) Nobunaga Hideyoshi in talent

saw and him promoted

Nobunaga (a) very strict man was and (his) subordinates always (to produce) good results

expected Hideyoshi outstanding results achieved Nobunaga

Japan in most of (the) territories (successfully) gained however he

(his) subordinate Akechi Mitsuhide by was betrayedand killed

Hideyoshi Mitsuhides army and another rival defeated [and] Japan

to unify Hideyoshi (a) dictator becameand (his) people upon brought suffering

Hideyoshi farmers from swords took away and farmers from soldiers

separated also all farming areas (he) checkedand farmers on

farm rent tax imposed this (a) clear status system of

7/30/2019 HT 280

27/4827

.

(19) After that he built a huge castle in Osaka, made a golden tea room and had many concubines. (20) He gained

everything he wanted. (21) Overestimating his power, Hideyoshi sent troops to the Korean peninsula to occupy

Chousen (Korea) and Ming (China). (22) However, his ambition ended up in failure.

(19) . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . (20) .. .

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

. . . . . . .

. . (22) . . . . . .

(23) Not long after that he fell ill and passed away. (24) Just before his death he made a short death poem. (25) Iappeared as a dewdrop, and disappearing as it is. All were just a dream of dreams, particularly my beloved

Osaka. (26) He also made a last plea to his subordinates to take care of his only son. (27) But his plea was ignored

by his second-in-command TOKUGAWA Ieyasu. (28) Later he attacked Osaka castle, and the son and concubine

mother committed suicide.

(23) . . . . . .

(24) . . . . . . (25) . . .

... .. . . . . (26) ..

. . . . .. . . . . .

(27) . . . . . . . . .

.. (28) . .. ... . . .

. . . . .


/

old name ofOsaka

meaning and,used repeatedly

composed justbefore onedies, used tobe a commonpractice in olddays among highranking people

after that not long he fell ill and passed away

just before (his) death (a) short (death) poem (he) made I appeared as a dewdrop and

disappearing as it is particularly my beloved Osaka all were just a dream of dreams he

also (his) only son to take care of (his) subordinates to (a) last plea

made but his plea (his) second-in-command Tokugawa Ieyasu. by

was ignored later he Osaka castle attacked and (the) son and

concubine mother suicide committed

after that Osaka in (a) huge castle (he) built [and] (a) golden tea room

madeand many concubines had he (he) wanted

everything gained his power overestimating Hideyoshi Chousen

Korea andMing China [also] to occupy the Korean peninsula to

troops sent however his ambition failure in ended up

(the) beginning became

7/30/2019 HT 280

28/4828

CIA: Why will you propose to create a senior division?

Sec.: At present there are mens and womens games in theOlympics, but not senior games. We propose to create the

senior division for those over 50 years of age in all Olympic

events. The senior division will be further divided into four

classes; 50~54, 55~59, 60~64 and over 65.

CIA

5 0

50 5455 5960 6465

CIA: What will happen after creating the senior division?

Sec.: The senior sports population will surely increase.

The world is now in depression. It will bring a great eco-

nomic effect in the industries of sports goods, gyms, drinks

and so on. Japan should propose it to the world as another

Hatoyama Initiative like the CO2 cut. The world will accept

the plan.

CIA

by Hiragana Times CIA

At the end of last year a committee for the Olympic

game reform consisting of influential Japanese poli-

ticians was organized. They made a decision to pro-

pose the creation of a senior division in the Olympic

Games to the International Olympic Committee.

The proposal will be officially submitted to the

committee through the Japan Olympic Committee.

Hiragana Times CIA interviewed the chief secre-

tary, ITSUWA Masanao.

2

Hiragana Times CIA

Senior Division Should beCreated in the Olympic Games!
http://www.sakura-house.com/

7/30/2019 HT 280

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CO2

CIA: Why do you propose it so suddenly?

Sec.: The Hatoyama cabinet has been criticized for having no

policy for economic growth.As you know Japan is an agingsociety and old people have lots of money. With this policy

they will spend more money. In a trial calculation, Japan can

expect a great economic effect. It will also be good for their

health maintenance and should decrease medial expenditure.

CIA

CIA: Is there any other advantage for Japan with this plan?

Sec.: Japan has the highest ratio of elderly people and the

longest life span. There is a high possibility that Japan can get

many gold medals in the senior division and be one of the topcountries.

CIA

CIA: After all, your true intention is to take advantage of the

Olympics, isnt it?

Sec.: Yes, actually we have a hidden aim.

Japans influence in the world is gradually

decreasing, reflecting the development of newly

emerged economic countries such as China and

India. Our purpose also includes diverting people

from dissatisfaction. If Japan can make good results

in the senior division, the worlds views on the

nations value will change greatly. The world would

begin to compare national power by the power of

the elderly, not by economic scale. Then, Japan could

be a country people of the world envy.

CIA

One Comment from CIA CIA

This proposal would be beneficial for Japan, but the US and

China, which gain many medals in the Olympics, would

oppose this plan just like CO2 cut policy as it violates their

benefits. Dear Japanese pol iticians , you know Hatoyama

can not make any decision. It is obvious he cannot pressure

the International Olympic Committee. Dont bring anymore

shame on him!

CO2

CIACynically Insulting Agency

M

akiko
http://www.sakura-hotel-hatagaya.com/http://www.sakura-hotel-ikebukuro.com/http://www.sakura-hotel.co.jp/http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/

7/30/2019 HT 280

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How to Obtain Japanese Nationality?

There are some, but very few who will apply

for naturalization and then be granted Japanese

nationality. In order to obtain Japanese national-

ity, it is necessary for you to have been living in

Japan for more than five years, in addition to being

able to read and write Japanese (only hiragana and

katakana are permissible) and having no delinquency in pay-

ing tax. In your case you seem to have no problem regarding

Japanese ability; however, it may cause you a problem that

you stayed as a foreign student for the first two years.

More than five years means that you have actually lived

in Japan with a working visa or spouse visa and it doesnt

include the period staying as a foreign student. It is advisable

for you to consult with an attorney or staff of the immigration

office for further details.

2

Im French and have been living in Japan for five years. I

came to Japan as I have been interested in Japanese animation

since my childhood and loved Japan so much. For the first

two years I studied Japanese at a language school and after

graduating I have been working as a French language teacher.

Is it possible for me to obtain Japanese nationality?

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

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



The Japanese term hanganbiiki means to sym-

pathize with and cheer up the weak. This months

feature is intended to give an insight into the

Japanese mind.

I have witnessed a chikan case other than the one mentioned in this

issue. The woman shouted on a train, This man is a chikan. Then the

man said in a loud voice. You are an idiot. Look at your face in your

mirror! After he spoke everyone became silent.

TOYOTOMI Hideyoshis son committed suicide, but his appear-

ance were different from Hideyoshi. It is said he was not the real son

of Hideyoshi. His mother was a daughter of Nobunagas sister.

The most anticipated event for Japanese in the Vancouver Olympics

is the womens figure skating. The Japanese hope ASADA Mao wins a

gold medal, defeating her Korean rival KIM Yuna.

Mt. Fuji is a symbol of Japan. Many well-known artists such as

KATSUSHIKA Hokusai and YOKOYAMA Taikan painted many

works featuring the mountain, which has also been a spiritual spot for

Japanese.

Editorial Note

(K.H.)

To Premium Subscribers(Annual subscribers)

If premium subscribers introduce their

friends as a premium subscriber, a digital book

of their choice will be given free of charge.

Non-Japanese readers can learn Japanese free

of charge through volunteer Japanese coaches.

Overseas readers can also learn using Skype.

For details

www. hiraganatimes.com

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subscription as a gift to their friends, we have

prepared a new form to cope with demand.

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Hiragana Times digital book of their choice.
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Sentou public bathhouses have a history of more

than 400 years. These bathhouses had been used

by most people until the late 1970s when bath-

rooms became common in ordinary houses. A conventional

sentou has separate doors leading into the ladies or mens

changing rooms, a bandai from where the sentou is watched-

over and yusen (bathing fee) is paid, and conversations are

carried out over the wall, only a few meters high, dividing the

ladies bathing area and the mens.

400

1970

It is said that the culture of painting

scenery on the bathing area wall began

in 1912, when the gengou (name of the

Emperors reigning era) changed from

Meiji to Taisho. The owner of Kikaiyu

ba thh ou se in Ch iyod a War d asked apainter to do the

j ob . T he p a i n t e r

w a s f r o m S h i z u o k a

Prefecture and loved Mt. Fuji, and

thus the mainstream image painted

on sentou walls became Mt. Fuji.

MARUYAMA Kiyoto,

Sentou Scenery Painter, Maruyama Kougei

People in Japan

People in Japan

Painting Bathhouse Sceneryfor Five Decades

FREE Consultation for Non-Japanese(Visa, Education, Medical Services,Housing Problem, Daily Life Consultation)

Consultants: Gyoseishoshi Lawyers from

Tokyo Gyoseishoshi Lawyers Association,

Foreign Department

Scheduled to be supported by:

Tokyo Immigration Bureau

Date: January 30, 2010 (Saturday) From

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Place: Tokyo Metro (Subway) Ginza Station,

B2 Exit Area (Exit for Gucci building)

2010 1 30

10 4

B2

FREE Consultation for Non-Japanese(Visa, Education, Medical Services,Housing Problem, Daily Life Consultation)

Photo provided by Maruyama Kogei, MARUYAMA Kiyoto:

Tel: 042-573-1852

Sentou(public bathhouse)

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1912

In 1935, MARUYAMA Kiyoto was born in Suginami Ward,

Tokyo. He currently is one of the only two remaining sentou

scenery painters in Tokyo. Maruyama, still an active painter

at 74 years old, has been painting since he was 18, when he

started working at a relatives advertising agency and scenic

advertising company. Upon request, he will visit any part of

the country to paint landscapes such as Mt. Fuji, Ashinoko

Lake and the Seto Inland Sea.

1935

18

74

I was very good at draw-

ing from a young age. During

my evacuation in the war

to Yamanashi Prefecture in

elementary school and middle school, the watch out for fire

disaster prevention poster I drew won a contest, Maruyama

reminisces. I was taking Japanese calligraphy lessons then,

and later I became a scenery painter and had to write letters on

billboards, so those skills paid off.

Maruyama decided to become a professional scenic painter

and took apprenticeship under his master MARUYAMA

Kikuo, who was the president of his company. Kikuo was the

cousin of Kiyotos father, who worked as the sales representa-

tive. He didnt take extra care in teaching me, so I watched

and stole all the skills from him. Work was demanding every

day; Besides bathhouse scenery, I even had to write advertise-

ment words on department store shutters and truck bodies.

Originally, advertisement agen-cies would draw scenic paintings

free of charge in exchange for

free wall advertisement space. Its

own scenic artists would draw the

pictures. Post cards were useful

references, but the rest of the ideas

were all in the head. Looking back,

it was a very generous age, says

Maruyama.

Soon scenic art became a business in its own right.

Maruyama became independent at the age of 45. Once he

gets a request over the phone, he loads his work tools paint,

brushes, rollers and ladder into his van and drives himself to

the painting site. It takes approximately an hour and a half just

to prepare as he sets up scaffolding and spreads sheets of plas-

tic so the bathing area will stay clean.

34

Peo le in a an

Peo le in a an


A changing room

Bandai

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45

The painting process is a work against time.

Sentou open from 3 or 4p.m. Maruyama gets to

the site by 7a.m., and once he is set up, he starts

drafting with chalk. Gradation is the very

essence of scenic art, Maruyama states. He

places the seven colors on his handmade pallet

and mixes them to create the subtle shades. He

used paintbrushes before, but now uses rollers

to directly put paint on the wall.

3

4

7

7

Every year, more and more sentous disappear. Scenic artists

are losing jobs fast, and the few dozen scenic artists that exist-

ed in Tokyo in its golden age have been reduced to just two

the other is his fellow apprentice, NAKAJIMA Morio. But

with the help of the recent Showa era boom, plus his appear-

ance in different media, new job opportunities have presented

themselves from unexpected directions.

After a TV interview, there was a rush of phone calls

from people asking me to paint on their bathroom walls.

Moreover, with the graying society, there has been an increase

in opportunities to paint bathing rooms at rural retirement

homes and care centers over the past five or six years. Other

than that, I have more activities to attend to apart from paint-

ing, such as appearing in talk shows at events, or holding

exhibitions of my work, he says.

56

There are more than 10,000

scenic art pieces that Maruyama

has painted. A sentou wall is typi-

cally around 13 meters wide, with

the height ranging from five to 10 meters. Working with these

big canvases is an occupation that calls for tough physical

labor on one hand and delicate technique on the other, but

he is satisfied with a job that he can continue at an older age.

I feel a calling in the job. It is unfortunate that sentous are

decreasing in number and I have no heir, Maruyama says,

smiling.

1

13

5

10

35

Reference and photo provided by

Tokyo Sento Association

www.1010.or.jp/ Soryusha

www.soryusha.com
http://www.1010.or.jp/http://www.1010.or.jp/http://www.soryusha.com/http://www.1010.or.jp/http://www.soryusha.com/

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Hachijo-jima Floral Paradise

Haneda

Niijima

Toshima

Shikinejima

Kouzushima

Oshima

Izu Islands

Miyakejima

Mikurajima

Hachijo-jima

i

Hachijo-Island-Portal

www.8jyo.jp/

Hachijo Town Office

www.town.hachijo.tokyo.jp/Japanese only

Hachijo Island Sightseeing Association

www.hachijo.gr.jp/Japanese only
http://www.8jyo.jp/http://www.8jyo.jp/http://www.town.hachijo.tokyo.jp/http://www.hachijo.gr.jp/http://www.hachijo.gr.jp/http://www.town.hachijo.tokyo.jp/http://www.8jyo.jp/

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Located near the southend of the Izu Island chain, 287

kilometers from Tokyo, Hachijo-jima offers a relaxingyet slightly exotic environment just 50 minutes from

Haneda airport. The plane lands on a small strip that cuts right

through the center of the island on land formed from the lava

of two volcanoes, which provides most of the islands habit-

able area. Once off the plane, the layout is simple, Mt. Mihara

in one direction and the iconic Hachijo-fuji directly opposite.

287

50

Hachijo-fuji gives a

lot of reward for very

little effort. Most of the

trail to the 854-meter

peak consis ts of steps,

and while it can leave

one short of breath, itssimple and relatively

fast. At the top is a spec-

tacular view of the rest of the island and its smaller but strik-

ing neighbor Hachijo-kojima. Walking around the narrowedge of the crater takes anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour

depending on your speed.

854

40

1

Unlike some of the recently

active volcanoes in Japan,

Hachijo-fujis last eruption

was as far back as 1605,

allowing time for a small for-

est to grow at the bottom of its

deep crater. A clear illustration

of the old lava flow as it hit the ocean

can be seen at Nanbara-senjojiki, a

stark expanse of black rock by Yaene

Port.

Hachijo-fuji

Mt. Mihara

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1605

Back down below, its hard not to notice the islands other

natural wonder its flora. Besides fishing, cultivating and har-

vesting flowers and other plants is a large part of the island-

ers business. Bright red hibiscus can be seen near houses and

streets throughout the island along with aloe and the Colorful

Bird of Paradise flower, which can be bought much cheaper

than on mainland Japan.

The ashitaba (tomorrow leaf) plant can be found grow-

ing just about everywhere as well and is used in many foods

like udon, tempura and even ice cream. The only thing more

ubiquitous might be palm trees.

Theyre everywhere, lining the

streets and decorating some peo-

ples front lawn.

The plethora of tropical foliage owes

much of its prosperity to the rich, vol-

canic soil and sunshine, as well as to

the rain which frequently falls on the

island. But theres still plenty to do if a

rainy day intrudes on ones trip. Maybethe most obvious, and relaxing, would

be to take advantage of Hachijo-jimas

numerous onsen (hot springs).

Onsen

Ashitabaudon

Nanbara-senjoujiki

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To learn about the islands history for example how

it was used as a prison of sorts for exiles during the Edo

period , theres the Hachij o History and Fo lklo re

Museum with loads of artifacts for the curious. TheHachijo Visitor Center in the Botanical Garden, which

houses 140 different species of flora, focuses on the

islands plant and wildlife.

140

The TEPCO (Tokyo Electric

Power Company) geothermal

plant is also a fascinating place

to visit to see exactly how they

harness the islands natural heat deep below the surface to

provide over 20% of Hachijo-jimas energy needs. More

hands-on activities like slicing up your own sashimi with local

fishermen or trying weaving on an old school loom, used to

make local textiles, are also possible.

T

EPCO

20

L a s t , b u t n o t

least , one other

mus t - see i s t he

Ozato Tamaishicobblestone wall,

with its naturally

rounded s tones.

The beaut i fu l ly

unique neighbor-

hood has an old-

f a s h i o n e d f e e l

reminiscent of Okinawa.

The journey to Hachijo-jima is

not only possible by plane, but also

by ship (about an 11 hour journey).

Tours can be arranged, and once

there, travel can be done by rental car or bicycle, city bus or

tour bus, and taxi.

11

Text: Jeremy DROUIN

Hachijo Visitor Center

Trying weaving

Hachijo History and Folklore Museum

Tamaishi cobblestone wall

Colorful Bird of Paradise

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Trains are convenient for getting around in Japan.

People who can not speak Japanese will have no prob-

lem at stations since most of the information boards

and signs also use English besides Japanese. Recently Chinese

and Korean are also used. Well then, lets go to a station.

If you cant find a sta-

tion, or a ticket office, to

ask for directions just say

Station? or Ticket?,

then someone will kindly

direct you to these places.These words are now used as

Japanese terms. Most English

words used in the station can

be understood. The word train is one of them.

?

You will buy a ticket through an automatic ticket machine.

The station names and train fare are written on a panel on the

wall, so you just put the amount of the fare into the machine.

Generally the station names are written in kanji. If you dont

read kanji, just tell a station worker your destination. Then,

the person will help you find the fare.

If you are going to a small station, it is likely that not many

people know where it is, so you will have to tell the name of

the line (sen), too. Take for example Kitami station on the

Odakyu Line. Say Odakyuu-sen no Kitami eki. (Some of

panels in big stations show station names written in English.)

Next , yo u wi ll go to a ti cket ga te , kaisatsuguchi in

Japanese. You should learn the word kaisatsuguchi since not

many Japanese understand ticket gate. The ticket gate is

also automatic. Put your ticket into the ticket mouth of gate

and then collect it from the other side. These days most people

buy a train pass, which can be pur-

chased in units of 1,000 yen. It will

enable you to pass through ticket

gates just by holding the pass over

the illuminated scanner on the

ticket gate.

ExploringNihongo!

English is Also Written inStation Information Boards

For Beginners

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There a re basica l ly

two kinds of trains. One

is called kakueki-teisya ( local train). Usually theshortened word kakutei () is used, which stops at eachstation, and the other called kyuukou ( express), whichstops only at big stations. Besides these, other categories of

train are running, including junkyuu ( semi-express),which runs at the speed between kakutei and kyuukou, and

tokkyuu (), which runs faster than kyuukou. Furthermore,the word kaisoku () has different meanings dependingon each railway company. English words are not commonly

used for such words as kakutei and kyuukou. Norikae (

transfer) is also often used. It is advisable for you to learnthem.

1,000

You will do the same

thing at the station where

you get off. Your train

fee will be automatically

deducted from your pass.

If you dont have enough

money on your pass, the

ticket gate door will be auto-

matically closed. In that case,

with a nearby fare adjustment

machine you will either payan additional fare by touch-

ing the additional fare button

written as , or deposit

some money by touching

the charge button written as

.

Then, you will

go to the platform.

Each platform is

n u m b e r e d l i k e

1 ban-sen and 2 ban-sen. As you see, the word ~ sen

is also used here. On a direction board you probably find the

word houmen like Shinjuku houmen (for Shinjuku). If

you dont know the platform number.

Kyuu ( ) ofkyuuk-ou() means isogu(rapid) and kou ( )means iku (go). So, it

means isoide iku (going

rapidly). Kyuu is also

used in kyuukyuusha

( ambulance)the first kyuu ( ) has the same pronunciation as the secondkyuu ( rapid), but it meanssukuu (save). Sha( ) means

kuruma (car). Altogether it means saving rapidly car. Inthis manner, there are lots of kanji combination words. It is

confusing that the reading used in kanji combination and

used as a single kanji are different.

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Takanes Menu

Takanes Menu

Daikon (Japanese radish: thick part) 6 to 8cm

2.5 (500ml) cups rice-rinsed water

5x10 cm (approx.) konbuseaweed

Yuzu miso(bean paste with citron)

2 tbsp (approx. 30g) miso

1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp mirin (sweet cooking rice wine)

1 tbsp Japanese granulated stock

(available at stores)

pinch of citron skin

Ingredients [Serves 2]

2

6 8cm

2.5 500ml

5 10cm

2

30g

1

1

1

FUROFUKI DAIKONSimmered Japanese Radish with Sweet Miso

Mentori: (beveling) cutting the edges ofdaikon and pumpkins before cooking. This prevents

the edges from crumbling while cooking.

Kakushi-boucho: (hidden knife) since daikon is thick, a cross-shaped incision is made in the

underside of the daikon. It speeds up the cooking and makes it easier to cut with chopsticks

when eating.

Kome-no togi-jiru: (rice-rinsed water) starch contained in water that has been used to rinse

rice absorbs the bitterness and acrid taste ofdaikon. If this water is not available, add 1 tbsp of

uncooked rice in water.

1

Norigoe worked

in one of the bigt rad ing compa-

nies for 40 years

including 10 years

o v e r s e a s . H e

gathered recipes

while visiting plac-

es on business

and then got seri-

ous 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

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1. Cut the daikon in 3~4cm thick rounds then peel skin

deeply.

2. Trim the cut edges (mentori). On one side of the disk, cut

a cross that goes 1/3 deep (kakushi-bouchou).

3. Place the daikon in the pot with the cut side facing down.Add the kome-no togi-jiru (rice-rinsed water)until the

daikon is fully submerged.

4. Put on the otoshi-buta (drop-lid) and boil on high. Then

simmer for approximately 7 minutes over a medium heat.

5. Take the daikon out, and rinse with cold water. Wash the

pot and otoshi-buta.

6. Place konbu seaweed in the pot. Add the daikon and water

until the daikon is fully submerged, put on the otoshi-buta

and lid. Boil on high, and then cook for approximately 20

minutes on a low-medium heat.

7. Make theyuzu-miso sauce. In a pan, add the ingredients in

the order listed (excluding the citron) while mixing. Once

smooth, put pan over heat. Mix for 2 to 3 minutes over a

medium heat. Set aside to cool for a while then add grated

citron skin.

8. Place the daikon on a plate with theyuzu-miso sauce.

To Prepare

1.

34cm

2.

3

1

3.

4.

7

5.

6.

20

7.

23

8.

Kakushi-bouchou

Yuzumiso

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Japanese National Railways/JNR: (Kokutetsu) Established in 1949, JNR operated the government-owned Japanese railways

until 1987 when it was denationalized. Present-day JR.

1949

1987

JR

Note

A

suspense movie released in 1975. The cast consists

of stars of the Japanese movie industry of the era.

Especially notable is TAKAKURA Ken, who plays

the main character. He was a leading actor for his Japanese

gangster movies and is also an internationally acclaimed actor,

co-starring in the American movie The Yakuza with Robert

MITCHUM in 1974. In 1989, he co-starred in Black Rain

directed by Ridley SCOTT, with Michael DOUGLAS and

Andy GARCIA.

1975

1974

1989

The story begins with a phone call made to the Kokutetsu

the Japanese National Railways (JNR) saying, Weve set a

bomb set on the Hikari 109. With 1,500 passengers on board

this shinkansen (bullet train) has already departed Tokyo

bound for Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture. The bomb will arm

automatically when the speed of the train exceeds 80 km/h,

and will detonate when the train slows back down to 80 km/h.

109

1

1,500

80

80

To prove that this is no prank, the perpetrators say they

have set the same kind of bomb on a freight train running

the Yubari line in Hokkaido. When the locomotive engineers

jump off the train, the freight train loses speed and bursts into

a ball of flames. The perpetrators ask for a 5 million dollar

ransom. In those days, that was equivalent to 1.5 billion yen.

The bombers are hard-hitting. They say the ransom is cheaperthan the 1.6 billion yen train plus the lives of the passengers.

500

15

16

The perpetrators are a three-man team: OKITA (Takakura

Super-Express 109 A.K.A. The Bullet TrainDirected by SATO Junya

Bullet Train Bombing PlotChallenges Power of Nation

Sea Guest House
http://www.borderless-house.com/http://seahospitality.co.jp/seaguest/

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Ken) is the leader and the caller whose small factory went

bankrupt, leading to his divorce. KOGA is the man who

set the bomb on the freight train. He was involved in radi-

cal political activity when he was a university student. The

youngest and the one responsible for placing the bomb on the

train is OHSHIRO he came to Tokyo from Okinawa, hopped

from job to job, and was saved by Okita when he was neardeath selling his own blood.

The police identify the perpetrators and track them down,

but fail to arrest them. KURAMOCHI, the head of the bullet

train control room, relays orders to the train drivers to prevent

a crash. Meanwhile in the bullet train, the train crew desper-

ately try to reason with the passengers who start to panic. In

the midst of all this, Okita finally calls the police and tells

them how the ransom delivery will go down.

Koga and Ohshiro die while on the run, but Okita obtains

the money as planned. Okita had agreed to inform the where-

abouts of the planted bomb and the directions on how to

deactivate it in exchange for the cash. However, the drawing

is destroyed in a fire. But JNR somehow finds the bomb, dis-

ables it, and the train comes safely to a stop. A few hours later,

the police on a stake out at Haneda Airport locate Okita as he

attempts to flee Japan.

DVD jacket.

English version

115 minutes.

French version

100 minutes.

9,450 yen

DVD

115

100

9,450


9,450

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Okita bolts. The police advance on him. And as the police

shoot Okita to death, the airplane that Okita was to board

takes off overhead, into the night sky. The Japanese versionis 152 minutes. The international version omitted the scenes

where they reveal why the perpetrators become what they are

and puts more emphasis on the suspense. Overseas versions

are shortened.

152
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