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6
June
2011 No. 296


450
Japan to the World Japan to the World
ISSN 1348-7906

Nagasaki
A City Colored in Peace and History

Womens Influence Drives
Trends in Japan

Evaluation Content
Rather than evaluating the depth of an applicants knowledge in specific
fields, as often seen on many existing exams, the J-CLUE evaluates Japanese
knowledge actually required for commerce, daily-life and all integral facets of
an enriched Japanese-lifestyle. The evaluation covers a variety of fields and
topics (many coming directly from the Hiragana Times monthly magazine) in
order to better gauge the applicants overall knowledge of Japanese culture.

Method of Evaluation
An applicants successful evaluation will fall into one of the following four
categories, further delineated by their language of choice.
Connoisseur of Japanese Culture First Grade [English Evaluation].
(You have an excellent understanding of Japanese culture.)
Connoisseur of Japanese Culture Second Grade [English Evaluation].
(You have a good understanding of Japanese culture.)
Connoisseur of Japanese Culture Third Grade [English Evaluation].
(You have a fair understanding of Japanese culture.)
Connoisseur of Japanese Culture Fourth Grade [English Evaluation].
(You have an elementary understanding of Japanese culture.)
The 1st Japanese Culture & Language
Understanding Evaluation
1 (J-CLUE)
The J-CLUE is designed for those wishing to become experts about Japan,
who can then act as bridges to international communication and business.
The J-CLUE is an official evaluation and verification of an applicants
Japanese cultural understanding and linguistic aptitude.
Date: Sunday, October 16, 2011
Place: Tokyo, Japan (exact location to be determined)
Test fee: 4,500 yen. (All proceeds will be donated to the East
Japan Disaster Fund)
Application period: Monday July 4th Friday August 19th
Applicants: Open to everyone, including Japanese nationals
Evaluation Language: English / Japanese (Applicants choice)
Application: www.j-clue.jp
Governing Body
The Japanese Culture & Language Understanding Board (J-CLUB)* Hiragana Times
For more information or inquiries, please contactJ-CLUE Commission
c/o Hiragana Times 4F TVB Akebonobashi Building, 1-18 Sumiyoshicho, Shinjuku-ku,Tokyo
Tel.: 03-3341-8964 [email protected] www.j-clue.jp
*Founded by Dr. TANAKADATE Aikitsu, Congressman of the House of Lords, an incorporated, public interest association authorized by
the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, with a history dating back 120 years. TANAKADATE Aikitsu, along with other notable chairmen
AKABORI Shirou and UMESAO Tadao, were all recipients of the Order of Culture, Japans most honorable Award.

Topics & Events

June Issue Contents 6

Topics & Events 3-5

Spotlight 6-7
Trends 8-9
J-Tech Focus J 10-11
Feature

12-15
Insight into Japan

17-29
Japan in the World, Close Up Japan, Keys to Understand Japan, Japan
Watching, Japanese History Makers

Visa Q&A Q&A 30

From the Editorial Desk

31
Cover Story 34-37
Japan Profiles 38-39
Challenging the Kanji!

40-41
Japanese Cultural Understanding Test

42-43
Masterpieces of Japanese Film & Animation

44-45
Write the gift name, your name, address, gender, age, nationality and the article(s) you enjoyed in this issue and send it to us
by postcard or e-mail. Competition closes June 5th. Winners will be selected by lottery and receive gifts directly.

130 650

June is the rainy season when hydrangeas bloom. There are many spots across
Japan where you can enjoy seeing them, including along the Hakone Tozan
Railway in Kanagawa Prefecture. The trains run slow, letting riders view the
approximately 10,000 flowers that are just within reach. Thanks to Hakones
higher elevation, these flowers can be enjoyed from the middle of June through to
the end of July. All seats are unreserved and adult tickets are 130 to 650 yen.
www.hakone-tozan.co.jp/

Hydrangeas Along Hakones Tozan Railway

4
Topics & Events

Jap@n Products
This grow kit includes prik ki nu (Thai pepper) seeds, an aluminum can and some potting
compost. After germinating for 5 ~ 6 months, the plant will bear peppers of 1~ 2 cm in length.
They can be used raw by fnely cutting them or by grinding and adding them to soup or other
dishes for a bit of spice. The peppers can also be dried and/or enjoyed decoratively. Each can
measures 10 cm high with a diameter of 6.5 cm. 700 yen.

5 6

1 2

10

6.5 700

Yawataya Isogoro Inc.

www.yawataya.co.jp
Prik Ki Nu Cultivating Kit

Gift for 2 people.

2

Gift for 2 couples 4 people 2

Y

AMANAKAKO
N

O K

ABA

28

30

1,500

45

2,000

YAMANAKAKO NO KABA (The Hi ppo of Lake

Yamanaka) is a bus that tours in and around the waters of
Lake Yamanaka (Yamanaka-ko), located close to Mt. Fuji, in
Yamanashi Prefecture. The bus tours around the forest area
of Mt. Fuji then cruises the waters of Lake Yamanaka. Until
June 28, a 30-minute ride is 1,500 yen/adult. From July 1,
a 45-minutre ride will cost 2,000 yen/adult. Reservation by
phone required.
transportation.fujikyu.co.jp/transportation/kaba/suiriku/

Take the Amphibian Bus

Around Yamanakako
6

18

19

2011

139

16

35,000

50

The International Tokyo Toy Show 2011 will be held from

June 18 ~ 19 at Tokyo Big Site (Koto Ward, Tokyo). About
35,000 items will be on exhibit during the event. Last year,
139 suppliers welcomed approximately 160,000 visitors.
Families can also enjoy stage performances. This year marks
the events 50th anniversary and a special display, mainly pan-
els illustrating past exhibitions, will be presented. Admission
is free.
www.toys.or.jp/toyshow/

Japans Biggest Toy Show
5

See the World of Ghibli from a Catbus

2012

1,000

A special exhibition entitled Scenery Seen From the

Catbus will be held at the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka (Mitaka
City, Tokyo). From inside the Catbus, beautiful scenery from
the animated film My Neighbor Totoro can be viewed.
Visitors will also get to see the illustrated backgrounds of
other famous Ghibli works. The exhibition is scheduled to run
from June 4 through May 2012. Adult Admission: 1,000 yen.
A reservation and advanced ticket purchase is required and
can be obtained at Lawson convenience stores.
www.ghibli-museum.jp/
Karuta is a traditional Japanese game that includes 2 decks of playing cards. In this version, 45 well-
known, old Japanese tales are told. The text cards are written in Japanese on one side (to which hiragana
is added to the kanji), with hiragana, katakana and romaji characters on the fip side. The picture cards
include a hiragana character on one side with the proper stroke order for that character on the other.
Accompanying the set is an audio CD that tells the complete tale of each game card. 1,995 yen.
2

45

CD

1,995

Ohishi-Tengudo Corporation

tengudo.jp/

A Card Game that Tells Old Japanese Tales (with 2CDs)

CD2

Gift for 2 people.

2

60

1,260

The Japanese HOME COOKING cook book is now

out. Sixty recipes for dishes often made in Japanese homes
and that are appreciated by non-Japanese are available in
both Japanese and English. Ingredients used are simple and
easily purchased in stores overseas, and there is no need to
use dashi (indispensable yet basic Japanese soup stock).
Written by MURATA Yoshihiro and published by Kodansha
International. 1,260 yen.

An Easy Japanese Cook Book
1988 Nibariki Museo d'Arte Ghibli
a fountain, her piercing gaze was praised as unimaginably
mature for someone so young.
2010

T

SUBAKI

CM

2006

16

10

16

Emi continuously appears in commercials for other famous
companies including Lotte, Softbank, and Coca Cola Japan
and she is currently playing the lead role YOSHINO Nao, in
the TV drama series, Asukoh March!

CM

Oscarpromotion Co., Ltd. ,7.`

www.oscarpro.co.jp
O
ne of todays rising
stars is 17 year-old
actress TAKEI Emi.
Not only does she play leading
roles in television dramas, but
she is an exclusive model for
the teen magazine Seventeen
(Shueisha Inc.), does many
commercials and is also a radio
personality.

17

S

EVENTEEN

CM

In 2010, Emi became the youngest winner to ever receive
the Entertainment Division Best Dresser Award. In 2009 she
debuted in the TV drama series Otomen. And in 2006 she
won both the Model Award and Multi-media Award at the
11th Japan Bishojo Contest.

2006

11

2009

2010

39

In 2010, she also appeared in Shiseido TSUBAKI hair care
product commercials. When the product line and the accom-
panying commercials were launched in 2006, only popular
Japanese actresses were used. Of them, Emi was the youngest
at 16 years of age, the first teenage actress ever to be hired
for the part. In one commercial where she stands in front of
6
Spotlight

Spotlight

Paid Research
e-gaikokujin Recruiting has assisted a growing number of leading
Japanese companies, and our research monitors have been involved
in everything from the in-house testing of websites and mobile Internet
platforms, to crash testing laptop computers.
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TAKEI Emi a Rising Star at 17

17

Upon opening The Wonderful Wizard of Oz picture

book, a birthday present Kitty is given, a tornado immediately
appears, whisking her off to the world of Oz. There, she has
an adventure with all the new friends she meets. The movie is
Japanese only. Admission for children on through junior high
school: 1,000 yen. Adults: 1,300 yen.

1,300

1,000

livespire.jp/kitty-3d/
H
ello Kitty, the character pro-
duced by Sanrio Co., Ltd.,
is Japans most famous cat.
Stationery, toys and many other items
ador ned wi t h her i mage ar e sol d
and popular worldwide, even with
Hollywood celebrities.

The Hello Kitty and the Wizard of Oz musical, which has

been running at the Sanrio Puroland theme park since 2009 in
commemoration of Hello Kittys 35th anniversary, has now
become a new 3D movie. It can be seen at Warner Mycal
Cinemas around Japan starting June 18th.

35

2009

3D

18

The emphasis on friendliness and compassion has been a

key part of Hello Kitty since her creation, and continues to be
expressed through the American classic childrens story, The
Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
5^+jg=.:J15^+`5
www.ongakuza-musical.com
2011 5.31 Tue 6.12 Sun

jg=.:J1
The only theater company to be granted globally exclusive,
musical and performance rights for this show (1995).
Le Theatre GINZA
Le Petit Prince
Succession Antoine de
Saint-Exupry 2006
Licensed by |Le Petit
Prince 0|
The Little Prince
Original Japanese Musical by the Ongakuza
1996 =%,l{7Q0)=.:J1}|
A 3D Hello Kitty Movie
3D

Theater Company
CARAMELBOX
2011 One Hour Theater
@Q+~>h8^O7
2011 I=DSL:S=
www.carameIbox.com/
Theater Company
CARAMELBOX
2011 One Hour Theater
Osaka: May 19 ~ 22 Tokyo: June 2 ~ 19
@Q+~>h8^O7
2011 I=DSL:S=
3D musical show, Hello Kitty and the Wizard of Oz
3D ..7'. @

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2011 SANRIO CO., LTD.
I
n recent years, sushi roll art and design has become popu-
lar in Japan. Upon slicing through an uncut sushi roll, you
may find in the cross section images of animals or popular
Japanese animation characters. Its said that these beautiful
and fun-to-eat sushi rolls are greatly appreciated at celebra-
tions and parties.

AOKI Mizue is the director of the Sakura Sushi School and

teaches sushi rolling and fish slicing techniques to people at
home around Tokyo and across Japan. About three years ago,
she introduced these artfully designed sushi rolls as part of
her lessons, which she now gives to many students, mostly
women, but increasingly to tourists as well. It helps that she
can draw on the English language skills she acquired while
living abroad.

One of her s t udent s , GOTO
Takako, t ook her fri end UKON
Ryohei to his first Saturday lesson
where the three themes were: the
popular Japanese animated character Anpanman, the newly
arrived and much anticipated Ueno Zoo pandas, and their
favorite food of bamboo leaves. On that day, a smiling Aoki
8
told her students that, these are difficult
themes, but dont worry. Ill go slowly,
one by one.

The training begins after everyone
introduces themselves and the lesson
objectives are explained. The students
then start to work with the ingredients
Aoki has prepared for them. Dried
gourd shavings are usually used for
the eyes and mouths while fish sau-
sages are used for noses. Aokis assis-
tants are there to help, but the students
are encouraged to slice and arrange the
ingredients themselves. Photos are taken at different intervals
so that students have images to refer to when they try again at
home.
Sushi Roll Art
and Design
Beautifully Made
and Fun to See

Sakura Sushi School ,/

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About three hours later
and their sushi was ready.
Goto remarked that she was
happy to have succeeded in
making Anpanman, her favorite of the
days three themes. And even though
Ukon is a good enough cook to host
house parties, he also remarked that, You
really cant do this without taking les-
sons. In designing sushi rolls, he enjoyed
the creative side that isnt easily found when making dishes
where seasoning and adjusting the heat are the main tasks.
Here, students can also take their sushi home.
3

The Tokyo Sushi Academy, where students are trained to
become professional sushi chefs, offers courses that technical-
ly qualify people to design sushi rolls. The easiest 3rd degree
is for the one-day course in which beginners create three types
of designed sushi rolls. The intermediate 2nd degree is more
difficult in which students must master 12 different designs
in two days. The professional 1st degree, which you can only
attempt after passing the intermediate level, is a two-day
course where you learn seven different types of intricate sushi
roll design as well as basic skills including vinegar rice prepa-
ration.

12

Upon completion of each course the students
receive a Japan Sushi Instructors Association certifi-
cate. They can then use what they have learned for
international cultural exchanges or to earn some extra
money on the side. Additionally, the Academy
also offers courses for non-Japanese chefs indi-
vidually or as restaurant administrators.

KAWASUMI Ken, the Academys

chief instructor and an authority on sushi
roll design, says, Whether Japanese
or foreign, many people learn Japanese
culture and spirit through sushi mak-
ing lessons. And many of those who
leave Japan are happy they received our
Academys certificate. We also provide
business support to our graduates.

9
Tokyo Sushi Academy ,

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Text: MATSUURA Tsuneo ,
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V
ehicles made by Japanese car manufacturers are not
only used in Japan but also elsewhere around the
world. This is because their technology is highly
valued.

In 2010, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. launched its EyeSight

Ver.2, an innovative driver-assist system for collision pre-
vention. It helps pre-
vent crashes or reduces
crash damage by using
an aut omat i c braki ng
system that determines
whether a collision is
highly likely, either with
the vehicle in front or
wi t h ot her obst acl es,
including pedestrians. Two car-mounted cameras
monitor the road ahead while a computer analyzes
the images to calculate the distance from obstacles
or pedestrians.

2010

E

yeSight V

er.2

EyeSight

The EyeSight Ver.2 system applies the brakes when a driver

starting his car steps on the accelerator without realizing
theres an obstacle there. It also helps prevent accidents when
a driver shifts into the wrong gear or when he mistakes the
accelerator for the brake. The system can further detect a cars
drifting and can trigger an alarm if the driver dozes off. It also
has the ability to compute the preceding cars direction and
speed so that your car can automatically follow it. With this
kind of assistance, driving becomes easier and safer in a traf-
fic jam.

Eye Sight Ver.2

EyeSight Ver.2

SEKIGUCHI Mamoru, who manages the Electronics

Engineering Department, says that To protect peoples safety,
weve been developing camera-based driving systems for
about twenty years. Weve had a hard time designing one that
gives priority to the drivers maneuvers so that he wont be
overly-dependant on the system.

20

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Collision-proof Cars
and Water-efficient
Fire Trucks

11
modate tools for regular fire
trucks along with the CAFS in
the smaller Japanese models.

CAFS

Fire fighters are the ones who work at disaster sites risk-
ing their lives. We only make tools for them. Weve developed
this new fire truck in the hope of helping
those fire fighters, any way it can, adds
KUMASHIRO Hitoshi, another assis-
tant manager in the same section. I was
overjoyed when one fire fighter told me
he put out a fire in a matter of seconds.

So, it seems that there is at least one thing those involved in

automobile manufacturing have in common the wish to pro-
tect peoples safety.

Morita Corporation is a fire truck manufacturer with the

largest market share in Japan. One of its fire trucks, the
Miracle CAFS car, is equipped with a device called CAFS
(Compressed Air Foam System). This system mixes together
water with a fire extinguishing chemical and compressed air.

M

iracle C

AFS C

arCAFS

As the surface area of the water increases, the CAFS puts

out fires more efficiently. Six hundred liters of water with
roughly two liters of fire extinguish-
ing chemical can do the work of six
tons of water. The system not only
extinguishes fires more quickly, but
also prevents the soaking of neighbor-
ing houses in crowded areas because
less water is used.

600

Fi r e t r ucks ar e l i ke movi ng t ool boxes , s ays

KAWAHIGASHI Homare, one assistant manager of the
Designing Section. They are equipped not only with water
pumps but also with all kinds of tools to deal with different
situations at disaster sites. It was very difficult to accom-
Text: SAZAKI Ryo ,
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nnually, the publisher Jiyu-Kokumin-Sha selects its
popular word of the year and awards the You-Can
New Word/Popular Word Grand Prix prize to the
individual or organization that coined it. For 2010 the winner
is, joshi-kai (girl gatherings) which refers to parties or lei-
sure gatherings for women only.

2010

The Mont e Roza chai n

of i zakaya (Japanese pubs)
helped to popularize the word
by creating a special, women-
only party menu called Wara
Wara Joshi-kai All-You-Can-Eat-
and-Drink Plan that was launched
in November, 2009 at one of their Wara
Wara pubs. KAWABE Sunao, a member of the companys
administration department, says that, On average, some
50,000 customers per month order the joshi-kai plan at about
370 Wara Wara pubs. And at some izakaya, 80% of all week-
end parties are for women only.

2009

11

370

In Japan, theres a misconception that izaka-

ya are only for men. As a matter of fact, we
still get more male patrons, says Kawabe.
But the number of females and women-
only parties began to increase several years
ago with more parties for female work
colleagues and leisure gatherings of house-
wives. We noticed that there werent many of
12
Womens Influence
Drives Trends in Japan

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13

The word yama girl (mountain

girl) was initially used in fashion
and other similar magazines circa
2009. I t r ef er s t o women who
mountain-climb wearing fashion-
able outdoor outfits as well as to
those who just enjoy
wearing that clothing.
Mo u n t a i n c l i mb -
ers used to be mostly
middle aged and male,
s a y s YAMAGI S HI
Yuko, business manager at Sakaiya Sports. Then,
around 2006 we started getting more female cus-
tomers.
2009

2006

those happening considering the economic power of women

today. So we had the idea of creating a menu specifically for
them, he adds.

The word joshi means young girls, but also refers to

a women involved in sports, such as joshi soccer or joshi
singles. We thought joshi was
a more inspired word than josei.
Thats how we settled on the name
joshi-kai. Taking into account
Japanese womens social nature, we
offer them more time to enjoy chat-
ting. We also try to emphasize our
desserts, Kawabe explains.

With the success of joshi-kai, many women have

started going to izakaya without worry. And, more and more
of them are also taking their kids along. Theyve realized that
an izakayas private room with its tatami or straw mats is a
good place for children to play or sleep. This new fad is being
called izakaya Mom parties.
Sakaiya Sports ,).` www.sakaiya.com/
YAMAGISHI Yuko
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Its probably because some nearby mountains have
become popular with beginner climbers, such as Yakushimas
world heritage site and Mt. Fuji during the summer, analyzes
Yamagishi. Also, manufacturers started designing more styl-
ish clothing such as mountain climbing skirts (which are worn
with tights or leggings). And thats how the mountain girl
boom started.

Most mountain girls like to climb

for fun, with ease and in style. They
climb only with other women, to
enjoy lunch, some chatting and to
take beautiful pictures. They are
mostly single and in their 20s and
30s, says Yamagishi. It seems that
they do little day-to-day training.
One day, one of them even asked me
if sneakers would do, so I told her it
would be risky.

20

30

That said, these days more mountain girls do have full

climbing gear and can also read maps, impressing Yamagishi
with their ability to be active and strong. Most of them
have jobs like men. So even if they are told its a male pas-
time, they still give it a try as long as they think it could be
fun. Once they take a liking to the mountains, they get better
and better as they learn and vigorously train. Their outfits are
quite expensive, so they also want to wear them out on the
town. They have that practical side to them, she admits.

Photography is yet another

popul ar pas t i me among
women these days. Called
camera girls, finding a
female who can use a com-
plex camera isnt that rare
anymor e. I t used t o be
that those who bought high
functionality cameras were
mostly men. Women only bought them if they were profes-
sional photographers, says MATSUDA Haru of the camera
girl department at Biccamera Inc. The number of female
customers has really shot up. There are all kinds of women,
from students to company employees to housewives, with the
largest age group falling in their 20s to late 30s.

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Inside of Biccamera ,l7[
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20

30

Most women today have a compact camera, adds

Matsuda. Having a camera hung around their neck has
caught on. And since mobile phones come with cameras, tak-
ing photos has become part of their daily lives.

There are many reasons why women graduate from using a

compact camera to an SLR. Some want to take more beautiful
pictures of their children while others want to put photos on
their blogs. Theres also an influence from entertainers who
use SLRs. Besides, manufacturers have stylized cameras, and
thanks to technological advances, they offer SLR cameras
which are not too heavy for women to use. I definitely think
thats another factor, she explains.

Generally speaking, male customers long for big, heavy,

black cameras with lots of functions while ladies prefer cute,
easy-to-use, lighter ones. For camera girls, the camera is
part l y a fashi on
st at ement . More
s t y l i s h c a me r a
bags and st r aps
ar e mor e avai l -
able now than ever
before. Camera
girls enjoy coor-
d i n a t i n g t h e m
beaut i ful l y wi t h
t h e i r c l o t h e s .
Besides, regardless of their age, women adore cute things.
And, its become much easier to find information about items
theyre interested in via the Internet, so I think those factors
are also behind womens current, brisk spending sprees.

In Japan, women are participating in more and more areas

that were once considered male-dominated. This social move-
ment is greatly influencing pastimes across the country. Their
source of trend-setting power seems to stem from their insa-
tiable curiosity and a genuine keenness to try anything thats
fun.

Text: SAZAKI Ryo ,

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More than 70,000 Partiers Cant Be Wrong!
Our international parties have taken place
since 1988 to provide Hiragana Times read-
ers with the opportunity to meet and chat with
one another. Now, everyone is welcome! With
more than 80 parties a year, held in both Tokyo
and Osaka, we believe that we are Japans
No. 1 party host! With more than 80,000 people
in attendance over the years, our crowd is a mix
of Japanese, Westerners, Asians and others. If
you are studying Japanese, or English, and are
looking to meet fun and interesting new people,
this is the best place to do it! Come and see for
yourself! We look forward to seeing you at our
next event! Tourists are welcome as well!!
7

1988

80

Tokyo Party

Every Friday in Shinjuku except on national holidays

7:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m.

At the Tokyo Business Hotel 2F Restaurant, "Noel"

Admission fee 1,000 yen

1,000

700 yen if you arrive before 8pm8

700

Beer 300 yen. Soft drinks 200 yen 300

200

Inquiries for the party

Tel: 03-3341-8989
Inquiries for the party location

Tel: 03-3356-4605Tokyo Business Hotel

Also held in Osaka and Kobe.

Check our website for details!

WEB
Tokyo Medical
University
www.hiraganatimes.com

7 min. walk from here

Korea China
Japan
Germany
USA
$ 7
Russia
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France
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April, 2011. The USA has the most with 104, followed by Frances 58 then Japans 54.
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How Safe Can Nuclear Power Plants Really Be?
17
No. 063
|4()
I U/ D 1

952

009

People involved with nuclear power plants around the world state that Our plants are safe. Wikipedia
reports that at least 99 nuclear accidents were recorded around the world between 1952 and 2009. However,
other websites that provide precise data regarding global nuclear power plant accidents are difficult to find.
The number of nuclear accidents seem almost proportionate to the number of plants a country runs.

011

42

04

Audio File Available

www.hiraganatimes.com
a i u e o
Multi-level Japanese Text

From Asahi Shimbun

Q
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(the) World Nuclear Association according to two thousand eleven [year] April as of
four hundred forty-two [units] nuclear power plants worldwide were in operation
the USA the most with one hundred four [units] followed by Frances fifty-eight [units]
then Japans fifty-four [units] has
the world around nuclear power plants involved with people our [countrys]
plants are safe that state Wikipedia nineteen fifty-two [year]
and <from> two thousand nine [year] between [until] the world around at least ninety-nine [times] (nuclear) accidents
were recorded that reports however global [occurred] nuclear power plant accidents
regarding precise data (that) provide (other) websites are difficult to find a country
runs (the) number of [nuclear power] plants nuclear accidents of (the) number almost proportionate to seem
Sekaijuu no genshiryoku hatsudensho ni tazusawaru hitotachi wa/ha, Waga kuni no
genpatsu wa/ha anzenn to katatte imasu. Wikipedhia wa/ha senn kyuuhyaku gojuu ni nenn
kara nisenn kyuu nenn made ni sekai de sukunakutomo kyuujuu kyuu kai no jiko ga
kiroku sarete iru to kisai shite imasu. Shikashi, sekai de okita genpatsu jiko ni
kansuru seikakuna de-ta o/wo teikyou shite iru saito wa/ha miatarimasenn. Ikkoku no
kadou genpatsu suu to jiko no kazu wa/ha hobo hirei shite iru you desu.
Sekai Genshiryoku Kyoukai ni yoruto, nisenn juu ichi nenn Shi gatsu genzai,
yonhyaku yonjuu ni ki no genshiryoku hatsudensho ga sekai de kadou shite imasu.
Amerika ga ichibann ooku, hyaku yonn ki. Tsuzu/duite Furansu no gojuu hakki,
soshite Nihonn no gojuu yonn ki desu.
Genpatsu wa/ha hontou ni anzenn nanoka


Catastrophes Reignite Japans True Spirit
Close Up Japan Close Up Japan
18
The perseverance and cooperativeness of the Japanese people in the face of the recent set of catastrophes has
received praise from people around the world. The calm reaction by the Japanese to the disasters has also
been the subject of many discussions. The keys to better understanding the Japanese mindset come from
Japan being an island country, with a homogenous culture, a single language and historically a largely agricul-
tural society.

ka (ga )ki (gi )ku (gu )ke (ge )ko (go )
(the) recent set of catastrophes in (the) face of (the) Japanese people of (the) perseverance and
cooperativeness (the) world around people from praise has received (the) disaster
to <in> the Japanese people by <of> (the) calm reaction <behavior> also (the) subject of (many) discussions has been
(the) Japanese mindset to better understanding (the) keys Japan (an) island country being
(a) homogenous culture (a) single language and historically (a largely) agricultural society with
come from
Konotabi no ichirenn no dai saigai de miseta Nihonjinn no nintairyoku to
kyouchousei wa/ha, sekaijuu no hito kara shousann saremashita. Saigai
de no Nihonjinn no ochitsuita koudou mo wadai ni narimashita.
Nihonjinn no kokoro o/wo fukaku shiru kagi wa/ha, Nihonn ga shimaguni de
onaji bunka, tannitsu gengo, soshite rekishiteki ni noukou minzoku dearu
to iu koto ni arimasu.
Dai sanji ga yobisamasu Nihonjinn honrai no kokoro
19
On this island the Japanese have made their living from farming, which is dependent on natures blessings.
This dependence has molded Japanese behavior into respecting and worshipping the forces of nature, which
is the basis of Shintos religious beliefs. That along with the nations Zen spirit of accepting things for what
they are, forms Japans unique perspective.

kya kyu kyo gya gyu gyo
Explanatory Examples
~ dewa/ha When read the syllable preceding the "/" mark (wa) is used, but when using a PC to convert to correct hiragana char-
acters, the syllable following the "/" mark (ha) is used instead. Therefore, it is read ~ dewa, but entered as ~ deha.
hi joushiki A single space is used after a prefix or before a suffix, a counter or a particle, such as "Watashi ga ~."
Nihonn While read as "Nihon," to get correct hiragana characters on a PC, enter "Nihonn." It is always recommended to enter
an additional "n" to words ending with an "n."
onnna In conversation it is pronounced as "on na," but it is entered as "onnna" in order to get correct Japanese characters.
pa-thi- Read as "pa-ti-," to get correct katakana the letter "h" is added when using a PC.
koubann The Japanese "ou" combination is pronounced similar to the "oa" in float, NOT like the "ou" in "would." In Japanese,
vowels are pronounced separately, as in "ko u ban."
koutsuu When one "u" is followed by another "u" they are pronounced separately, as in "ko u tsu u."
English furigana Note ,j
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Examples
(the) desk Words in parentheses are not translated into Japanese.
[in fact] Words in square brackets are not translated into English.
go <come> 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.
~ indicates the rest of phrase to follow
This represents Japanese pronunciation
and Japanese characters to be typed.
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this island on (the) Japanese farming (their) living have made from
which natures blessings is dependent on Shintos religious beliefs of
(the) basis (which) is nature of (the) forces respecting and worshipping this dependence (into) <from this>
Japanese behavior has molded that things for what they are (of) accepting
(the nations) Zen spirit along with Japans unique perspective forms
Kono shima de Nihonjinn wa/ha tahata o/wo tagayashi seikei o/wo tatete kimashita.
Sore niwa/ha shizenn no megumi ga tayori desu. Shintou no shinkou no
moto de aru shizenn no chikara o/wo agameru kotokara,
Nihonjinn no koudou ga tsukuraremashita. Sore wa/ha subete o/wo arinomama ni uke ireru
Zenn no kokoro to tomoni, Nihonn dokuji no kangaekata o/wo katachi zu/dukutte imasu.
20
In a consensus-built society people care about how they are looked upon by others. And they are more apt
to follow the majority in order to avoid conflict of any sort. This is also referred to as a yokonarabi soci-
ety. Yet it is just in this type of society where those with the means are socially expected to contribute their
fair share.

Farming is cooperative work in which villagers share their destiny with the entire community, so a consen-
sus-built society must take shape. This type of society often invites criticism from non-Japanese who say
that Japan is lacking in leadership or that it takes a long time to make decisions or that people have no
individual character.

sa (za )si (ji )su (zu )se (ze )so (zo )

Close Up Japan Close Up Japan
No leadership!
.)
J.
(a) consensus-built society in people <oneself> others by how (they) are looked (upon)
care (about) and conflict (of any sort) avoid in order to (the) majority
(they) are (more) apt to follow this (a) yokonarabi society also as
is referred to yet with (the) means those <people> (their) fair share to contribute
socially <without words> are expected (this type of) society (where) just in it is
farming villagers (the entire) community with (their) destiny share
cooperative work (in which) is so (a) consensus-built society take shape
must <it is believed> this type of society [against] often Japan
leadership in is lacking or (that) to make decisions (it) takes a long time or (that)
people have no individual character that criticism non-Japanese (who say) from invites
Noukou wa/ha sonminn ga komyunithi to unmei o/wo tomoni suru
kyoudou sagyou de aru koto kara, konsensasu shakai ga dekiagatta to
kangaeraremasu. Kono youna shakai ni taishi, shibashiba, Nihonn wa/ha
ri-da-shippu ni kakeru toka, kettei ni jikann ga kakaru arui wa/ha,
hito ni kosei ga nai to no hihann o/wo gaikokujinn kara ukemasu.
Konsensasu shakai dewa/ha, jibunn ga taninn ni dou mirarete iru ka o/wo
ki ni kakemasu. Mata, arasoi o/wo sakeru tame tasuuno hito to
onaji koudou o/wo torou to shigachi desu. Kore wa/ha yoko narabi shakai to mo
iwarete imasu. Soshite, zairyoku o/wo motsu hito tachi wa/ha, souou no kifu o/wo
ann ni kitai sareru shakai demo arimasu.
21
SoftBank CEO SON Masayoshi gave 10 billion yen to help aid relief, additionally pledging all of his execu-
tive salary until he retires. The young male golf star ISHIKAWA Ryou is also donating all his 2011 tourna-
ment winnings to help Japan rebuild. And, ordinary citizens are also doing what they can to further help out.

EO

00

Recently, due to increased globalization Japan is becoming more of a money-oriented society. However,
one of the results of the recent disasters was the reawakening of the spirit of selfless concern for the welfare of
others that the Japanese used to have. So, whether or not you are Japanese this kind of spirit may be the ulti-
mate goal to aspire to as human beings and for societies in general.

sha shu she sho ja ju je jo
recently globalization (due to) increased Japan (more of a) money-oriented society
is becoming however (the) recent <this time> disasters of <born from>
(the) results of one the Japanese (that) used to have selfless concern for
(the) welfare of others (the) spirit (of) (the) reawakening of was (so) Japanese
whether or not (you are) this kind of spirit human beings to as and
societies (in general) for to aspire (the) ultimate goal may be
SoftBank CEO Son Masayoshi to help aid relief (gave) ten billion yen
additionally (he) retires until (his) executive salary all of [amount] [to donate]
pledging (the) male golf young star Ishikawa Ryou also
(his) two thousand eleven <this years> (tournament) winnings [money] all [amount] Japan rebuild to help
is donating and ordinary citizens also what they <one> can
to (further) help out are doing
Kinnnenn wa/ha guro-baru ka ga susumi, Nihonn wa/ha okane dai ichi shugi shakai ni
kawari tsutsu ari masu. Shi kashi , konotabi no dai sai gai kara umareta
seika no hitotsu wa/ha, Nihonjinn ga mochiawasete ita jiko o/wo sute
taninn o/wo omoiyaru seishinn ni futatabi mezameta koto desu. Nihonjinn de
arou to nakarou to, konoyouna seishinn wa/ha ningenn to shite, mata
shakai no tame ni nozomarete iru arubeki sugata kamo shiremasenn.
SofutoBanku no Son Masayoshi CEO wa/ha kyuusai ni hyakuoku enn o/wo,
sarani taininn suru made no yakuinn houshuu zengaku o/wo kifu suru to
moushidemashita. Danshi gorufu no wakaki suta-, Ishikawa Ryou senshu mo
kotoshi no kakutoku shoukinn zengaku o/wo Nihonn fukkou no tame ni
kifu shimasu. Mata, ippann no kokuminn mo jibunn ga dekiru
shienn o/wo shite imasu.
22
Japan has five national newspapers, including the worlds largest with a circulation of over 10 million (the
Yomiuri Shinbun), while TV covers all parts of the country through key network stations. Therefore, in this
homogeneous country where people speak the same language, information is readily disseminated to almost
everywhere. However, no significant differences can be found in their contents.


A typical example of that would be East Japans recent massive disaster. Major newspaper and television
reports focussed solely on this subject for a week. As a result, everyone was able to access and share safety
information. From different angles, you can say that Japanese behavior is more easily influenced by what is
reported, from politics to fashion and beyond.

, 000

ta (da )chi (ji/di )tsu (zu/du )te (de )to (do )

|4j@p
Keys
to Understanding Japan
I U/ D! D[
|4j@p
Keys
to Understanding Japan
I U/ D! D[
Japanese Share
Common Information

= has
Japan ten million [copies] over the world's largest (with) (a) circulation of
the Yomiuri Shinbun including five national newspapers has while TV
key network (stations) through all parts of (the) country covers therefore
(the) same language (where people) speak (this) homogeneous [race] country [Japan] in
information readily almost everywhere to is disseminated however their
[report] contents in differences no significant can be found
that (a) typical example (of) recent [occurred] East Japan's massive disaster would be
major newspaper (and) television (reports) a week for this subject solely on
focussed <reported> as a result everyone safety <calm> information was able to access and share
from different angles politics from fashion to (and beyond) Japanese behavior
what is reported <medias report> by more easily is influenced that you can say
Nihonn niwa/ha issenn man bu o/wo koeru sekai de mottomo ooi hakkou busuu no
Yomiuri shinbunn o/wo hajime itsutsu no zenkoku shi ga ari, Terebi wa/ha
ki-kyoku no netto o/wo tsuuji zenkoku kakuchi o/wo kaba- shite imasu. Sono tame,
douitsu gengo o/wo hanasu doushitsu teki na minzoku kokka no Nihonn dewa/ha
jouhou wa/ha matatakuma ni sumizumi made hirogarimasu. Shikashi, sorera no
houdou naiyou ni chigai wa/ha hotondo miraremasenn.
Sono tenkeitekina rei wa/ha saikinn okita Higashi Nihonn no dai saigai desu.
Shuyou na shinbunn, terebi wa/ha isshuukann ni watari kono nyu-su dake o/wo
houdou shimashita. Sono kekka kokuminn wa/ha reiseina jouhou o/wo kyouyuu dekimashita.
Mikata o/wo kaereba, seiji kara fasshonn made Nihonjinn no koudou wa/ha
medhia no houdou ni ookiku sayuu sareru to iemasu.
Nihonjinn wa/ha jouhou o/wo kyouyuu suru
23
tsa ti/thi tyu tse tso di/dhi dyu/dhu
Spring is traveling season, and usually most Japanese resorts are filled with tourists. However, due to the
recent disaster, this year, many transportation and accommodation reservations were canceled.


by Hiragana Times Editor-in-Chief

The Staggered-Price Bus Tour

,000

,500

The other day, a friend of mine who runs a travel agency asked me to help promote his day-long bus tours to
people that I know. Before the catastrophes the tour originally sold for 10,000 yen, but now its being sold
for only 6,000 yen. However, despite the cheaper price it still did not sell well, so he further reduced it to
4,500 yen.
Spring traveling season is and usually most (Japanese) resorts
tourists with are filled however this year the (recent) disaster due to
many transportation and accommodation reservations were cancelled
the other day (a) travel agency (who) runs (a) friend (of mine) (his) day-long bus tours
people that I know to to help promote asked (me) (the) catastrophes
before ten thousand yen for (the tour originally) sold but now
six thousand yen for (only) (its) being sold however the cheaper price despite
well (it still) did not sell so further four thousand five hundred yen to (he) reduced (it)
Senjitsu, ryokou gaisha o/wo keiei suru yuujinn kara, higaeri basu tsua- o/wo
watashi no shi ri ai ni susumete hoshi i to tanomaremashi ta. Dai sanj i
no mae wa/ha ichi mann enn de hanbai sarete imashita ga, konkai wa/ha
roku senn enn de hanbai saremashita. Shikashi sono yasui kakaku nimo kakawarazu,
amari urezu, sarani yonsenn gohyaku enn ni made sagemashita.
Haru wa/ha ryokou no shi-zunn de, tsuujou wa/ha hotondo no kankouchi ga
ryokoukyaku de ippai desu. Shikashi kotoshi wa/ha dai saigai de
ooku no norimono ya shukuhaku no yoyaku ga torikesaremashita.
Yuragu basu tsua- kakaku
24

,000

,500

cha chu che cho na ni nu ne no nya nyu nyo
I was surprised and immediately called my friend, the tour operator. Wouldnt those who paid 4,500 yen
feel cheated, and moreover wasnt it unfair? I then complained. However, he did not really seem to care
much, explaining that Just like student and female discounts exist, so too are there different prices for custom-
ers with different circumstances.
It was an excellent tour so I told people about it, after which three people I knew were happy to take it.
But after the tour, I got a call from one of them. He told me that, The tour was very good, but for your
information, most of the participants said that they only paid 3,000 yen.

counter used for

people
I was surprised and immediately (the) tour operator (my) friend
called then four thousand five hundred yen (who) paid
those <people> cheated wouldnt feel and (moreover) unfair wasnt it? [that]
(I) complained however he really did not seem to care (much)
student [discount] and female discounts exist just like prices (for customers)
(different) circumstances with (so too are there) different that explaining
(an) excellent tour (it) was so people (I) told (about it) after which people I knew
three [people] were happy to take (it) but (the) tour after one (of them) from
(I) got a call he (the) tour very was good but
for your information (the) participants of most three thousand yen only (they) paid
that said <heard> that told (me)
Watashi wa/ha odoroki, suguni tsua- o/wo shusai suru yuujinn ni
denwa o/wo kakemashita. Soshite, Yonsenn gohyaku enn shiharatta
hito wa/ha damasareta kimochi ni naru shi, fukouhei ja nai no ka to
monku o/wo iimashita. Shikashi, kare wa/ha mattaku ki ni shinai yousu de,
Gakusei waribiki ya josei waribiki ga aru you ni, kakaku wa/ha
jijou ni yotte chigau nn da yo to setumei shimashita.
Juujitsu shita tsua- datta no de minnna ni shiraseta tokoro, chijinn
sann ninn ga yorokonde sanka shimashita. Shikashi tsua- no ato, hitori kara
denwa ga arimashita. Kare wa/ha tsua- wa/ha totemo yokatta no desu ga,
jitsu o/wo iu to, sankasha no hotondo ga san zenn enn shika haratte inai
to kiita no desu to, iimashita.
25

colloquial
expression
for

,500

,000

ha (ba pa )hi (bi pi )fu (bu pu )he (be pe )ho (bo po )
And he continued, We could not get enough participants even at the already-low price of 4,500 yen.
So, to fill the bus we partnered with a coupon-group-purchasing website, where deep discounts for restau-
rants, hotels, theaters and more are available for purchase. By selling the tour at 3,000 yen through the web-
site we sold out. So, thanks to them, I avoided a big loss.
I was not entirely satisfied with his explanation so I told my wife the story during dinner. She asked,
Isnt this sashimi delicious? Though I could buy it at half-price after 8 PM, I couldnt be sure if there would
be any left by that time. Even if I dont take the discount, the price is still reasonable. Isnt the bus tour
just like this?

emphasizing
suffix

casual negative
expression for

abbreviating

and [as follows] (he) continued four thousand five hundred yen of (the already) low price
even at participants enough (we) could not get so (the) bus to fill
restaurants and hotels theaters more (where) deep discounts (for)
are available (for purchases) (a) coupon-group-purchasing website with (we) partnered the website
through three thousand yen at (the) tour selling by (we) sold out [so] thanks to (them)
(a) big loss (I) avoided [that]
I his explanation with entirely was not satisfied so dinner
during the story (my) wife (I) told she <wife> [as follows] asked <said>
this sashimi isnt delicious eight PM after half-price at (I) could buy (it)
though that time by (if) there would be any left (I) couldnt be sure (the) discount (I) dont take even if
(the) price still is reasonable (the) bus tour this (just) like <same> isnt
Soshite kou tsuzu/dukemashita. Yonsenn gohyaku enn no teikakaku
ni shitemo okyaku ga amari atsumaranakatta nn da. Sorede, basu o/wo umeru tame,
resut orann ya hot eru, kangeki nado ga t ot emo yasuku
riyou dekiru, ku-pon kyoudou kounyuu saito to kunda nn da yo. Sono saito o/wo
tsuujite sanzenn enn de tsua- o/wo uru to kanbai shita. Okage de
oozonn o/wo shinai de sunda yo to.
Watashi wa/ha kare no setsumei ni juubunn niwa/ha nattoku dekizu, yuushoku no
toki ni sono koto o/wo tsuma ni hanashimashita. Tsuma wa/ha kou iimashita.
Kono sashimi oishii deshou? Hachiji sugi niwa/ha hangaku de kaeru
kedo, sono jikann niwa/ha nokotte iruka wakaranai. Waribiki ga naku tomo,
Kakaku wa/ha motomoto yasukatta no. Basu tsua- wa/ha kore to onaji janai?
Mothers Grassroots
Movement Moved the
Great Nations

Japanese Women Who Protested

Against Nuclear Bombs

1954 1955)


26
People around the world were shocked as level 7 radiation leaks at the Fukushima nuclear power plant were
reported following the Great East Japan Earthquake. Many may even believe that the Fukushima accident is
Japans third such nuclear disaster, following those of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. But in fact, there was anoth-
er unfortunate nuclear accident in which Japan was forcibly involved in. That started on March 1, 1954.

954

fa f fe fo hya hyu hyo fyu

(the) Great East Japan Earthquake following (the) Fukushima nuclear power plant at
level seven radiation leaks were reported [and] around the world people
were shocked (as) many [people] (the) Fukushima accident (those of) Hiroshima
(and) Nagasaki following Japans third (is such) nuclear disaster that (even) believe
may but in fact Japan was (forcibly) involved in
another unfortunate nuclear accident (in which) there was that
nineteen fifty-four [year] March first on started
Higashi Nihonn dai shinsai no ato ni Fukushima genshiryoku hatsudensho de
reberu nana no houshanou more ga houdousare, sekai j uu no hi to ga
shougeki o/wo ukemashita. Ookuno hito ga Fukushima no jiko wa/ha, Hiroshima,
Nagasaki ni tsuzu/duku Nihonn de sanbanme no kaku saigai to omou
kamo shiremasenn. Shikashi jissai niwa/ha, Nihonn ga maki komareta
mouhitotsu no fukouna kaku jiko ga arimasu. Sore wa/ha
senn kyuuhyaku gojuu yo nenn Sann gatsu tsuitachi ni hajimarimashita.
Taikoku o/wo ugokashita hahaoya tachi no kusanone undou
27
On that day, 23 crew members of the Japanese tuna boat Daigo Fukuryu Maru were fishing near the
Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. From a distance they saw the sky suddenly light up. Soon after,
white, flaky coral dust fell over the ship for three hours. Upon the boats return to the port of Yaizu,
Shizuoka Prefecture, it became apparent that they had been exposed to radiation, and this created a big fuss.

This particular incident was the result of an American hydrogen bomb test. At that time, during the Cold
War era, both the USA and the Soviet Union were repeatedly conducting thermonuclear experiments. Even
though Japan continued to suffer from the USAs testing they had no choice but to support their efforts. It
was 9 years since the end of the Pacific War, and although their occupation was over, Japan became a US ally.
bya byu byo pya pyu pyo
Bow of the Daigo Fukuryu Maru

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The Daigo Fukuryu Maru has been preserved and is on display
at "Daigo Fukuryu Maru Exhibition Hall" in Yumenoshima Park, Koto Ward, Tokyo.

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on that day (the) Japanese tuna boat Daigo Fukuryu Maru of
crew members twenty-three [members] the Pacific Ocean in the Marshall Islands near
were fishing suddenly a distance from <of> (the) sky light up
(they) saw <sees> soon after coral [of] white flaky dust three hours
for (the) ship over fell (the) [fishing] boats Shizuoka Prefecture (the) port of Yaizu
to return upon they <crew members> had been exposed to radiation that (it) became apparent and
(a) big fuss (this) created <creates>
this (particular incident) (an) American hydrogen bomb test (the) result (of) was
at that time the Cold War era during (both) the USA and the Soviet Union thermonuclear experiments
repeatedly were conducting the USAs testing from Japan
continued to suffer even though they <Japan> their efforts <test> to support but had no choice
(the) Pacific War of (the) end since (it was) nine years and (their) occupation was over although
Japan (a) US ally became [because]
Sono hi, Nihonn no maguro gyosenn, Dai go Fukuryuu maru no
norikumiinn nijuu sann mei wa/ha Taiheiyou no Ma-sharu Shotou chikaku de
sakana o/wo totte imashita. Totsuzenn tooku no sora ga akaruku naru no o/wo
menishimasu. Mamonakushite sango no shiroi dampenn ga sann jikann ni
watari fune ni furi sosogi mashita. Gyosenn ga Shizuoka kenn no Yaezu kou
ni modotte kuru to, norikumiinn ga hibaku shiteita koto ga akiraka ni nari
oosawagi to narimasu.
Kore wa/ha, Amerika no suibaku jikkenn ni yoru mono deshita.
Touji wa/ha touzai reisenn no jidai de, Amerika to Soren wa/ha kaku jikkenn o/wo
kurikaeshi okonatte imashita. Amerika no jikkenn de Nihonn ga
higai o/wo uke temo, Nihonn wa/ha jikkenn o/wo shiji suru shika arrimasenn deshita.
Taiheiyou sensou ga owatte kara kyuu nenn, senryou wa/ha owatta monono
Nihonn wa/ha Amerika no doumei koku ni natte ita kara desu.
28
Many Japanese wives got actively involved, collectively stating that keeping silent meant agreeing to
atomic and hydrogen bombs. Their petition campaign spread across Japan. At that time, they discov-
ered that many Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors still suffered from residual effects. Then six
months later, the boats chief radioman KUBOYAMA Aikichi died.

Before long, radiation fell on Japan. It measured from 10 000 to 100 000 times stronger than present-day
average global contamination levels. Fish disappeared from Japans dinner tables as the deadly radioactive
fallout continued. In response, a petition campaign against the nuclear bomb test, and the manufacturing and
use of atomic weapons, started among Japanese housewives who were just seeking a safe and normal life.

ma mi mu me mo mya my myo
before long Japan on radiation fell it present-day
average (global) contamination levels than ten thousand [times] from (to) one hundred thousand times stronger measured
(the) deadly radioactive fallout as continued fish Japans dinner tables from
disappeared in response (a) safe (and) normal life (who) were just seeking
Japanese housewives among (the) nuclear (bomb) test and atomic weapons of (the) manufacturing and
use against (a) petition campaign started
many Japanese wives keeping silent atomic and hydrogen bombs to agreeing
meant (collectively stating) that actively got involved (their) petition campaign
across Japan spread at that time many Hiroshima (and) Nagasaki
atomic bomb survivors still residual effects from suffered that they <housewives>
discovered then six months <half year> later (the) [fishing] boats chief radioman
Kuboyama Aikichi [Mr.] died <dies>
Yagate, Nihonn ni houshanou ga futte kimashita. Sore wa/ha genzai no
heikinn osenn reberu yori ichi mann bai kara juu mann bai tsuyoi mono deshita.
Shi no hai wa/ha furi tsuzu/duki, sakana wa/ha Nihonn no shokutaku kara
kiete ikimashita. Sonna naka, anzennna futsuu no seikatsu o/wo motomeru
Nihonn no shufu tachi no aida de kaku jikkenn to genbaku no seizou oyobi
shiyou ni hantai suru shomei undou ga hajimarimashita.
Ooku no Nihonn no shufu ga, Damatte ite wa/ha gensuibaku ni sansei suru
no to onaji to sekkyoku teki ni kuwawari mashita. Shomei undou wa/ha
Nihonn kakuchi ni hirogari mashita. Sono koro, ookuno Hiroshima, Nagasaki no
hibaku sha ga imada koui shou de kurushinde iru koto o/wo shufu tachi wa/ha
shirimashita. Soshite hantoshi go, gyosenn no musenn chou
Kuboyama Aikichi sann ga nakunarimasu.
29
In 1963, the Partial Test Ban Treaty was signed by the USA, the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom.
Dr. Albert Einstein purportedly once said that atomic bombs are easier to manufacture than they are to stop
using. However, these women of Japan, who had suffered from such radiation, helped mobilize great nations
while putting their stamp on the fight against nuclear armaments.
With Kuboyamas death the grief and anger of Japanese mothers deepened, fueling the petitions growth.
On August 6th of the following year, the first World Conference Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs was
held in Hiroshima. At that time the total number of collected signatures numbered over 32 million, half of
Japans adult population. Globally, the petition was eventually signed by 670 million people.

,200

, 000

963

ya yu yo ra ri ru re ro rya ryu ryo wa o/wo n
From "Photo Documentary 1945 ~ 1985" published
by the Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs
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'.`'1945 1985
Kuboyamas death with Japanese mothers of (the) grief and anger
deepened (the) petitions [campaign] growth fueling (the) following year of
(on) August sixth Hiroshima in the first World Conference Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs
was held at that time collected (the total) number of signatures thirty-two million
over (Japans) adult population of half numbered <reached> globally
six hundred seventy million people by (the) petition was (eventually) signed <collected>
(in) nineteen sixty-three [year] the USA the Soviet Union (and) the United Kingdom by
the Partial [Nuclear] Test Ban Treaty was signed (Albert) Einstein Dr.
once atomic bombs to manufacture than (they are) to stop using are easier <more difficult> that
purportedly said however (such) radiation from (who) had suffered
Japan of (these) women great nations helped mobilize while nuclear armaments against
(the) fight on (their) stamp <footprint> putting
Senn kyuuhyaku rokujuu sann nenn, Amerika, Sorenn, Igirisu ni yoru
Bubunteki Kaku Jikkenn Kinshi Jouyaku ga musubare mashita. Ainshutainn hakase wa/ha
katsute, Genbaku wa/ha tsukuru koto yori, yameru hou ga muzukashii to
i t t a t o t sut aeraret e i masu. Shi kashi , houshanou ni kurushi nda
Nihonn no josei tachi wa/ha, taikoku o/wo ugokashi, kaku busou hantai e/he no
tatakai ni sokuseki o/wo nokoshita no desu.
Kuboyama sann no shi de Nihonn no hahaoya tachi no kanashimi to ikari wa/ha
fukamari , shomei undou no hi rogari ni hi o/wo tsukemashi ta. Yokutoshi no
Hachi gatsu muika, Hiroshima de dai ikkai Gensuibaku Kinshi Sekai Taikai ga
hirakaremashita. Sono toki atsumatta shomei suu wa/ha, sanzenn nihyaku mann o/wo
koe, sei j i nn Ni honj i nn no hansuu ni tasshi mashi ta. Sekai dewa/ha,
roku oku nanasenn mann ninn no shomei ga atsumari mashita.
30
Points to Remember when
Extending Dependent Visas
(Regarding a Working Qualification
Certificate)
Your familys Dependent Visas should be
directly connected to your present working visa,
so any extension request on their behalf greatly
depends on the status of your new job.

If you are attempting to extend their visas in your current

situation, then be prepared for the Immigration Bureau to
closely examine whether or not your new job matches the cri-
teria of your Skilled Labor Visa.

More specifically, are you trying to extend their visas while

also applying for a new working qualification certificate?

Tel: 03-5261-8291 Fax: 03-5261-8303
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.satsukilaw.com
Daini-Tobundo Bldg. 3F, Agebacho 2-16,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0824
SATSUKI LAW OFFICE

Experienced Attorneys at Law for foreigners

living in Japan. Legal Consultation is offered in
English, Chinese, Korean,Tagalog, Russian &
Thai. We handle legal matters dealing with:
Family issues, Labor laws, Compensation,
Civil Suits, Estate & Inheritance laws,
Immigration, Visa & Naturalization, Criminal
cases and Business Incorporation laws.
OHNUKI, KENSUKE
Daini Tokyo Bar Association Member since 1989.
TAKAGI, YUMIKO
Daiichi Tokyo Bar Association
Member since 2000
The State Bar of California Member since 2009

Rather, it would be better for you to first obtain a new work-

ing qualification certificate before making their application, or
to have done so at the same time as you found your new job.

Had you done so first, it would have greatly reduced the

time and the anxiety of applying for extensions for both your-
self and you family.

Five years have passed since I came to live and work in

Japan under a Skilled Labor Visa. Last week, I changed my
job but didnt notify the Immigration Bureau, instead I just
updated my foreign registration certificate at the local office.
Furthermore, I also have to apply to extend my wife and
childs Dependent Visas. Please advise me on what I have
to do.

Immigration Lawyer
Office: 1544-2 Koshi, Nakano-shi, Nagano
|

1
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1544-2
TEL: 0269-22-3518
E-mail: [email protected]
URL: immigration-lawyer.jpn.org/english/
TATEDA Jun

Tateda omce
1544-2 Koshi, Nakano-shi, Nagano
E-mail: [email protected]
URL: http://naturalization.jp/
Application for Permanent
Residency/Long-term
Residency
& Naturalization
Nagano, Niigata, Yamanashi, Saitama
Free consultation over the phone
(In Japanese only)
Mobile for naturalization application
TLL: 0269-22-J518
31
The issue of produce from Fukushima and other areas exposed to
radiation was grossly misunderstood. Not everything was affected,
and to show their support people in Tokyo and other cities around
Japan even lined up to buy unaffected stock.

Because of the Great Eastern Japanese Earthquake, many non-Japanese left Tokyo,
which hadnt suffered any radiation poisoning itself. Ironically, those who fled Japan
were exposed to more radiation on the flights out that they took.

In our Japan in the World section we report on the difficulty in finding accurate
information regarding global nuclear plant accidents. We believe that nuclear energy
related organizations are hesitant to reveal the true facts since they continually tell us
that they are safe.

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.
Web Hiragana Times
Hiragana Times
From the Editorial Desk

From the Editorial Desk

Editorial Note

(K.H.)
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Free Archives
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Japan Watching: Mishap Caused by Japanese Consideration
Japanese History Makers The Author of The Tale of Genji, a
Book that Describes a Handsome Princes Love Affairs
7

~7

14

2008

Hiragana Times June 2011
Publisher &Editor
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Working in Japan: The Japanese Place Importance on Trust Rather Than Contract
Close Up Japan: Japanese Nationality Given by The Change of Family Relationship.
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Premium Subscribers can now access previous excerpts from
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34
N
agasaki City is located in the south-western end
of Japans main island. During the Edo Period and
through the port of Dejima, it was the gateway to
Japan and greatly influenced by both European and Chinese
cultures. Its numerous remaining historical buildings help
create its unique city landscape, and as one of only two cities
to have ever suffered from a thermonuclear attack, Nagasaki
became a city of peace one that strongly communicates its
anti-war message to the international community.

With a moderate climate, Japanese medlar fruit

and potatoes are some of the areas major agricultural
harvests, while fishing is also a staple in this
city surrounded by the sea. Nagasaki
is also where Portugese Castella
( s ponge cake) and Chi nes e
Champon (noodles) were nation-
ally introduced. Both are popu-
lar across Japan and many tour-
ists to the area enjoy eating
these authentic delicacies
while traveling or purchas-
ing them as souvenirs.

Saruku means to wander

about in the Nagasaki dia-
lect, and in recent years,
Nagasaki Saruku has
become a popular activity
among both tourists and
the locals. A special booklet
helps guide sightseers around
Nagasakis landmarks, of which one
of the most popular is the city tram sightsee-
ing tour. With a flat rate of 120 yen for adults
and 60 yen for children it is a fun and easy way
to get around.

Tokyo

Nagasaki City,
Nagasaki Prefecture
Jn AJn |
__
Nagasaki
A City Colored in Peace and History

Castella (right) and champon (left)
7[
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35
six foreign missionaries and 20 Japanese Christians who all
practiced their faith despite its strict ban throughout Japan,
were captured and executed on Nishizaka Hill where current-
ly, bronze, life-sized memorial statues of the saints now stand.

JR

1597

20

Adjacent to Oura Tenshudo

stretches the Glover Gardens
where beautiful flowers bloom
throughout the year. Thomas
GLOVER was a Scottish mer-
chant who played an integral
role in Japan just after the nations isolation
from the rest of the world ended. Six foreign
residencies are located in the area, including
the Glover Mansion, of which the first gated
entry can be reached from Oura Tenshudo
Shita station. Alternately, visitors can take the
long, outdoor Glover Sky Road escalator to
reach the gardens by taking the second gate
just beside Ishibashi station.

120

60

To take the train, first go to Oura Tenshudo Shita station

located in Nagasaki Citys southern end. The Oura Tenshudo
Catholic Church is Japans oldest wooden cathedral, built
by Japanese in 1864 to commemorate the martyrdom of 26
saints. Its beautiful Medieval European gothic architecture
and stained glass is breathtaking. Oura Tenshudo was des-
ignated a National Treasure in 1933, and was additionally
included, along with the Site of the Martyrdom of the 26
Saints on the UNESCO World Heritage Provisional List
under the category of Christian Heritage and the Christian
Churches of Nagasaki.

26

1864

1933

The Site of the Martyrdom of the 26 Saints is located

near Nishizaka-machi, close to JR Nagasaki Station. In 1597,
Oura Tenshudo Catholic Church ,(

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36

Dejima Island (or Exit Island) is manmade in the shape of a

fan. During the Edo Period, Japans national isolationist pol-
icy enforced a ban on Christianity everywhere except for this
area, which at the time, was the countrys only international
port where trade with the Dutch and several other countries
took place. Furthermore, the Dutch were permitted to live and
take part in daily life on Dejima. Today, after much restora-
tion, an island resource center has finally been established.

Taking a 7-minute tram ride from

Dejima youll arrive at Shokakuji-shita,
where Sofukuji Temple, Japans oldest
Chinese-style temple, is located. Built in 1629 by Chinese
nationals living in Nagasaki, of the 21 cultural assets located
within, the Daiyuu-houden (main hall) and Daiippou-mon
(first gate) have both been designated as National Treasures.

1629

21

Just a 10-minute walk from Sofukuji Temple is Megane-

bashi (the Spectacles Bridge), which crosses the Nakashima
River. It received the nickname Spectacles Bridge because
its two stone arches and their reflection in the water below
create the image of a pair of reading glasses. Seventeen
bridges of many shapes and sized cross the Nakashima River,
were all built by Buddhist monks and merchants who flour-
ished during Japans isolation. Appreciating the views of these
stone bridges along the riverbank can help conjure up what
Nagasaki must have been like back then.

10

17

On August 9, 1945, an atomic

bomb was dropped on the city
of Nagasaki. Now, the Nagasaki
At omi c Bomb Museum by t he
Hamaguchi-machi is just a tram
ride away from Kokaido-mae, near
Megane Bashi. There, many photos
and exhibits show the timeline of events that lead up to the
atomic bombing and the resulting devastation. Here, visi-
tors can get better understanding of the real threat of nuclear
weapons while deeply contemplating peace on earth.
1945

Photos courtesy by Nagasaki City ,]

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37

Just an 8-minute walk from the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb

Museum is Peace Park. On its north side stands Peace Statue
which symbolizes Nagasaki as a peaceful city. The statue fur-
ther represents the strong hopes for global peace, as well as to
remember the victims. Annually, on August 9th, the day of the
bombing, a memorial ceremony is held during which a decla-
ration for peace is read just in front of this statue.

In Nagasaki, the best spot to

enjoy a night view of the city is atop Inasayama, a 333-meter
high mountain located in the citys west end. Its panoramic
view from the mountain-top observatory is said to be one of
Japans three most beautiful night views worth 10 million
dollars. A free, 30-minute shuttle bus runs to Inasayama from
both JR Nagasaki Station and central Nagasaki. Transfer to
the Nagasaki Ropeway and enjoy the sky view while ascend-
ing to the mountain top.

333

1,000

JR

30

Hashima (a.k.a. Gunkan-jima or Battleship Island), is

nationally acclaimed and located just off the coast of Nagasaki
City. While uninhabited today, it was once a bustling coal
mining facility and was nicknamed Gunkan-jima because
its unique buildings resembled battleships. It has also drawn
attention for its historical value. In 2009 it was added to the
World Heritage Provisional List, which further increased its
popularity, resulting in various tours around or directly on to
its shores.

2009

Access by air from Tokyo to Nagasaki takes approximately

2 hours from Haneda to Nagasaki Airport. By train, take the
JR Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hakata (Kyushu), then transfer
to the Kamome Express. Total travel time will be approxi-
mately 8 hours.

JR

Text: KOMIYAMA Ranko ,

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38
O
pened in October 2010 and located in Jiyugaoka,
Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, katakana is the name of a
souvenir shop that sells everything cool from across
Japan. We call it a souvenir shop because we want our cus-
tomers to shop lightheartedly for their friends and for them-
selves, even if its for something simple like a pen, explains
KAWANO Junichi, a store representative, who adds that
katakana is really more of a sundries shop that offers quality
Japanese items than it is a real souvenir shop.
2010

10

The shop was named katakana

after a part of Japans mixed writ-
ing system. The connection is that
katakana is a type of character
made by arranging existing kanji, which originally came from
China, and which symbolizes the modern Japanese lifestyle
of continuously adopting parts of other, foreign cultures. In
fact, every item the shop sells is
something used daily in Japan.
However, katakana forgoes stock-
ing other typical stylish Japanese
sundry items such as washi (high
quality Japanese paper) and tradi-
tional lacquer ware.

On display are items ranging

from a 60-yen erasers to jackets
costing tens of thousands of yen.
Kawano chose each store item
himself using the simple criteria
of, Is it worth the price? and Will it still be usable after ten
years? Having previously worked in the apparel industry,
he doubted the tendency to quickly rotate items at low prices
katakana ,77 katakana-net.com
Uncovering Japans Hidden
Quality Sundries
katakana
77
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apan
P
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P
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39
The shop doesnt overtly advertise selling items col-
lected from around Japan, but Kawano says that I would
be thoroughly glad if our customers just think that our shop
is selling attractive items. He adds, If they happen to notice
that everything is conceptualized here and end up feeling that
Japanese goods are of quality, then thats fine too.

Items sold at the shop are also well-received by non-

Japanese who are looking for quality indigenous goods.
Although Kawano has ideas about opening shops over-
seas sometime in the future, his first goal is to make
katakana the hub of Japans sundries
community. With Tokyo being the
city where most people from around
Japan gather, he wants to use his
advantageous location to fulfill his
dream of Making our shop a place
where people from around the coun-
try can introduce their local items, a
place where good things from around
Japan meet.

just to follow seasonal trends. So instead, at katakana he

decided to have stock that carried constant value, choosing
items with importance, at reasonable prices and with enduring
design appeal.

60

10

Of course, they do also sell traditional crafts, but

only on the condition that such items fit with mod-
ern Japanese life and can be comfortably used. For
instance, Kawano stocks mage-wappa, an old-
style lunch box made by bending thin cedar boards
from trees grown in Akita Prefecture, because of
the good taste it brings to rice once placed inside.
Although rather expensively priced at 9,450 yen, he
decided to sell it because he judged its overall value
to be worth it.

9,450

Text: ICHIMURA Masayo ,

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Challenging the Kanji !
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The Kanji Family (Tree) Branches Out

7
$

tree
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woods

forest
T
he method of using katakana to learn kanji is useful
for non-Japanese studiers. So far, we have learned 101
kanji characters and their meanings through the use of
katakana. Now, lets take up the challenge of learning more
new kanji using the ones we already know.

101

You can create the kanji (ki / tree) just by adding a

diagonal stroke to the katakana . The kanji is originally
taken from the tree shape. So, two trees (hayashi) mean
woods while three trees (mori) mean forest.

tree

wood

forest
Japans national flower (sakura / cherry blossom)
consists of kanji (ki / tree), (onna / woman) and
the katakana , which you may recall as some kind of
decorative head piece, such as an ornamental hairpin or ear-
rings. So, together the character refers to a tree that has an
image of a woman wearing some nice head wear.

There are many kanji that use (ki / tree) to form other
kanji. (matsu / pine tree) is made up of and
(katakana combination of and ), which is read
kou meaning public. [Ref. (kouenn / park) ]. Its
easy to remember that matsu is the kind of tree that you can
see almost anywhere, including at the park.

public

(ume / plum) consists of and (mai /

every), which itself is a combination of (haha / mother)
and . The character resembles a mother wearing
some accessory on her head. And mother bears children one
after another, just like bear fruit, and is therefore simi-
larly formed.

41
( )(u or shoku / planting) is the combination of
and (choku or jiki / straight). The kanji means
planting a straight tree, or in short, just planting.

planting

straight

(tsukue) is made up of and which repre-

sents a table. So together they mean desk. (ita or ban)
is plus ( ) (so or han / warp) and together mean
board. Thin boards usually warp easily, thus this kanji is
formed. (hashira or kei) is made up of and
(nushi or shu) which mean being still. So, together they
mean a tree that stands still or a pillar.

desk

warp

board

pillar

Combining and (ichi / one) makes (hon

or moto), which represents fundament. represents
book because a book gives you fundamental knowledge.
of means sun, so means the base
or origin of the sun.

book

sun

origin

the origin
of sun

The kanji is not only used to represent the name of

trees. (eda) consisting of and (shi), which
itself is the combination of and the katakana
means to support. [Ref. (shiten / branch office)] So,
means support trees or branches.

branch

|
|
7

tree
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woman
cherry blossom

Japan

book
How do you read/pronounce, and what is the meaning
of, the sign in photo 1?
What is the name of the typical Japanese cuisine in
photo 2?
How is 2011 referred to on the Japanese calendar?
Japanese enjoy relaxing baths. What water tempera-
ture is generally considered to be the most comfort-
able?
While Japans peculiar style of seniority system
management contributed to the countrys economic
growth, what exactly does it refer too?
What does Hellowork refer to?
From what age can Japanese start to vote in elections?
What i s t he name of t he queen who governed
Yamataikoku in ancient Japan?
In what popular tourist town can the Great Buddha in
photo 3 be seen?
What does AKB48 mean?
42
Japanese Cultural Understanding Test No. 3
The questionnaire below is to evaluate your understanding and knowledge of Japanese culture. The questions below reflect
things that almost all Japanese know. This is must-know information for those who want to live and work comfortably in Japan.
So, why not see how you measure up?
Japanese Cultural Understanding Test No. 2 Answers
1. Post 2. Shabushabu 3. Lawson
4. 2 rooms including a living room, dining room and kitchen area
5. 03 6. chou enn 7. Minshutou (Democratic Party of Japan)
8. KUROSAWA Akira 9. Fujisan (Mt. Fuji)
10. NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai)
English Challenge
Questions:
2
3
Correct Your Level of Understanding
9 ~ 10
7 ~ 8
5 ~ 6
3 ~ 4
0 ~ 2
On par with native Japanese.
Close to Japanese native level.
You can easily converse with people in Japan.
You may have difficulty living comfortably in Japan.
You should learn more about Japan.
1
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7.
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The answers will be available in our next issue, or please visit:
www.hiraganatimes.com/test-answer/
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his feature film is based on real events that took place
following the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of
1995. The story unravels around FURUICHI Tadao,
a senior professional golfer, and the strength of his familys
bonds as the city and its people tried to recover from the
devastation. The educational value of the films subject mat-
ter was approved, and it was eventually chosen as one of
the Selected Works by, the Japanese Ministry of Education,
Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). It was first
released in 2006.
1995

2006

On January 17 at 5:46 am, a big earthquake rocked Furuichi

Cameras, one of the many shops sitting along the Nagata-ku
shopping avenue in Kobe, Japan. Furuichi Tadao and his wife
and two daughters were fast asleep in the residential part of
his shop. Once the severe jolts stopped, Tadao and his wife
quickly verified their familys safety. Meanwhile, the arcade
covering the shopping avenue had collapsed, as so too did
many shops and houses around them.
1

17

46

The fire that broke out in the distance gradually approached

the shopping avenue like sea of flames. Confusion gripped the
neighborhood as people just stood there panic-stricken some
pushed others aside while they ran for their lives, while others
tried to rescue those desperately in need. Tadao, a member of
the local fire fighting squad, instructed his wife and daughters
to evacuate while he and his squad members tried to rescue
people, pulling them out from beneath the rubble.

At a mass funeral nineteen days later, Tadao proclaimed

to everyone in attendance that The earthquake was no ones
fault. Natural disasters happen. We must rebuild the city to be
Arigato
Directed by MANDA Kunitoshi

Based on the True Story
of a Golf Bag that Survived the Fires

45
DVD cover.
125 minutes.
5,040 yen
DVD .'
125
,/

5,040 |
/

more disaster-proof. That is what we can do on behalf of all

the people who lost their lives. Tadao then started to help the
people rebuild their city.

19

Two years later, the Furuichi family has resumed their lives
in a new house. But rather than work, Tadao continues to
help rebuild the neighborhood, while relying on his wife and
daughters to support their family. Finally, his wife implores
him to start thinking about restoring his family, after
which he shows her one of the only things to have survived
the fires a golf bag. Passionately he tells her, God left me
this for a reason. So now, Im going to become a professional
golfer.

The professional golf certification exam is extremely com-

petitive. Usually, only 50 out of 1,800 applicants pass, with
most of those still in their 20s. At close to 60, the odds of
Tadao turning pro were extremely slim. But he didnt give
up and trained vigorously. His wife tells him that while she
doesnt agree with his decision, neither will she stand in his
way. But quietly she keeps watch over him.
1,800

50

20

Text: MATSUURA Tsuneo ,

/
|

;) l\l/|[]5,040 ||NHK `|/

60

Eventually Tadao makes it to the final round. He tells him-

self to make a miracle, as he heads onto the green. At the
final hole, a problem occurs as his ball lands in the woods,
but taking his caddys advice Tadao hits a miraculous shot to
fulfill his destiny of becoming a professional golfer. He calls
his wife to tell her the good news, but she just dryly replies:
good for you, but our phone bills are expensive, so Ill hang
up now, after which she quietly starts to cry.

HirQgana Tines Friends (,l)/J.

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