I have been to the conference.

I have just been to the "GLOBAL ARTICLE NINE CONFERENCE TO ABOLISH WAR," held on May 4th and 5th in Chiba.

It was a great conference and I am still excited about it. (I was happy to go with my husband, elder son and his wife. My younger son was attending as a staff member.）

At the conference, we could hear speeches and talks by people who are working for peace in many areas of the world . Some of them were Nobel Peace Prize Laureates . Their words were so powerful and impressive because they are really acting and they know the truth.

The most impressive scene for me was the session about the Iraq War. There on the stage were an American who went to Iraq as a soldier and a Iraqi young man who was a former soldier of the Iraqi Republican Guard. The American left Iraq as a conscientious objector after he found what was going on in Iraq, especially at Abu Ghraib prison. The Iraqi man expected peace after Iraq's defeat, but the US army kept occupying his country and the conditions got worse. His family members and friends were killed during the occupation, but he is acting as a humanitarian aid worker, not with guns. I could feel his sorrow through his voice, and while he was talking, the American young man was gazing at and listening to him sincerely. And, at the same table, there was a Japanese woman who has been working as a Japan/Iraq aid volunteer. Each one of them said, " Weapons cannot make peace."

On the first page of the program, this is written:
"Throughout the world, wars are still being waged and weapons are still being produced, with no end in sight. Drastic changes in the earth's environment threaten the lives of millions, and poverty is rampant. Faced with such a world, global citizens have started to realize the importance of Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution.
'To build peace without force'
This is the concept of article 9 that we want to ring throughtout the world. "

Cora Weise, an American woman who is working for International Peace Bureau said, "Now is the time to abolish war. The 'www' we are using for the Internet is not 'world wide web' , but ' world without war '."

Peace activists from overseas said, "We see Article 9 as a hope for the world. Article 9 is an issue not only for Japan, but for all the world. Every nation should have Article 9 in its constitution."

The call to "Change the Constitution! Delete Article 9! " is loud and strong from the LDP, right wing, and the USA as they prepare this kind of legislation. As people who believe in the importance of Article 9, we sometimes feel like a minority in Japan. It has been difficult to stop the movement. But we could have hope through this conference, with the fact that too many people went to the conference to enter the big hall, and with the recent poll stating that the majority(more than 60%) want to keep Article 9.

The situation is not easy. Many young people can't find good jobs and they don't have hope for the future, so they are easily recruited for the army (SDF). However, issues of peace and war should be the most important for young people.

I wish we could work together to make a beautiful world without weapons and wars.
Thank you for reading.

Article 9 of the constitution of Japan

Did you read the news about the judgement of the court about sending SDF troops to Iraq? The judgement says that it is in violation of Article 9 of Japan's constitution. Everyone has known it is a violation, but no other court has made this kind of judgement (or the judges avoided refering to the constitution, especially Article 9...). So, it's a remarkable and important judgement, we think. Many of the people I saw today were glad and excited about the judgement.　　

Have you ever read Article 9 of the constitution of Japan?

"Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling
international disputes. In order to accomplish the aim of the proceeding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces as well as other war potencial, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized."
(from " Nihonkoku kenpou" by Syogakukan)

Most of us, Japanese people, are regretful of World War II. We also remember how we suffered from the war, and so, we have always thought the idea of Article 9 is very important. We want to keep article 9, renounce weapons, and never enter wars again. The matter is not simple, but Japan has not killed anyone in battle during the last 62 years, and it is because we have this article.

From the beginning, there have been people who don't want to accept article 9. Year by year, their power and voice, mainly of the Rightists and conservative politicians, are becoming bigger and louder. They have been preparing to change the constitution, to make Japan a country that can enter wars and attack other countries with its force again. As you know, we have the Self Defence Force, which is one of the biggest forces in the world and always cooperating with the U.S. forces. Our government has explained that it isn't a force, but who believes it? The court of Japan, especially the supreme court hasn't given a judgement that its activities are against the constitution.

What do you think of the philosophy of Article 9? Is it just a dream? Don't you find the same philosophy in John Lennon's "IMAGINE?" He says, " Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one, I hope some day you'll join us, and the world will be as one." There is a network to protect Article 9 in our constitution, and members all over Japan are supporting it. The situation is not easy, but I found one hope:

Do you know about the "GLOBAL ARTICLE NINE CONFERENCE TO ABOLISH WAR" on May 4-6th? There is almost no information about it on TV or newspapaers(WHY?), and I was informed by my son. My family is planning to join it as a golden week trip, and I'm excited that such a big event about peace will be held. Yes, the philosophy of Article 9 is not only for Japan, but also for the people all over the world, many people have realized it. When we try to make the idea of the article come true, we may be able to change this world filled with violence and disclimination. And, when the value of article 9 is known worldwide, we can have more confidence and power to act to protect it.

2008/4/22

CHERRY BLOSSOM ENTHUSIASM

CHERRY BLOSSOM ENTHUSIASM

THE SEASON IS COMING

I saw a picture of cherry blossoms in Matsumoto in the newspaper yesterday. But they're not yet here in Saku. This is one of the last places to see cherry blossoms, and it makes me displeased or irritated in this season every year... Every day I walk around in my garden and check the cherry trees. "How are you this year? I'm really waiting for you!" I speak to them, but the buds are still small and hard. Anyway, they will bloom in ten days or so, and I'm already excited!

You must be surprised to see the cherry blossom forecast, (when the blossoms will bloom in the area), on TV or papers. Yes, we are excited about the cherry blossoms in this season. Why are the cherry blossoms special for us? One reason is that they are the symbol of spring, they tell us that spring has come. But it's not enough, I think . We love their color, their shape, their fragrance, their short life, and so on... When we say just "hana (flower or blossom)" in Japanese poems or literature, it means cherry blossoms. "Hanami" means going to watch the cherry blossoms.

"Hanami" doesn't mean just watching blossoms, but also having a picnic under the blossoms. You will find people eating and drinking (a lot!) under the blossoms. We have a saying, "Hana yori dango." It means, "food is better,or more important, than blossoms." Yes, some people are doing "hanami" without watching blossoms. But isn't it wonderful to have a picnic under the beautiful cherry blossoms? So, a lot of families and friends go out to enjoy the blossoms, and they are a happy sight.

WHERE TO GO FOR HANAMI?

Park in In Nagano, there are many places that are famous for cherry blossoms. For example, Takato Town in the Ina area, Matsumoto Castle, JouyamaNagano City, Ueda Castle, or Komoro Kaikoen. But you don't necessarily have to go those places, I think. We Japanese people love cherry blossoms so much, and so we plant cherry trees everywhere: in the gardens of temples or shrines, around school yards, parks and other public buildings, on the banks of the rivers or ponds, and along the roads. Ask your Japanese friends where to go, and they will tell you or take you to a good place, I believe. Or, walk around your area and find your favorite place. I usually visit some places to enjoy the blossoms. They are Kaikoen in Komoro City, Nagano Bokujo in Saku City, one small road side near my house and some school yards in Mochizuki. Did you know that KomoroHigashi JHS has big old cherry trees along the gate way, and the students walk through an amazing pink tunnel into the school building?!

FUN with CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Do you know that there are many kinds of cherry blossoms? In January, I went to Izu to see kawazusakura, which is the earliest cherry blossom to bloom. In May, we can enjoy mountain cherry blossoms among the young leaves of other trees. Sakuramochi, mochi wrapped with a cherry leaf is a popular sweet in this season. Some people enjoy cherry blossom tea. You will find the color and the shape of cherry blossoms everywhere in this season. Oh, I'm really waiting for the blossoms, but it was a cold rainy day today....

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN NAGANO

Nagano-ken is a place people visit to enjoy nature. We have mountains, lakes, rivers, and forests, as you know. 　When I was young, urban life looked so cool to me, but now I feel happy to live in Nagano--except for the cold in winter. Whenever I go to Tokyo I feel dizzy and get tired from the crowds. However, we still have environmental problems in Nagano. Around Sakudaira Station you find a lot of buildings like cardboard boxes. It was a beautiful rice field ten years ago, but now it's an ugly town. Artificial things like buildings, streets, ad boards, and electric wires are increasing like spider's webs and are disturbing the views. Of course, it's not only a problem of the view, but also a big problem for the environment. Rice paddies work as dams that control water. Rice fields moderate the climate. And, of course, they produce our basic food. Abby said that many of you are interested in environmental problems and want to get information about these issues. I don't think I know enough, but I'll try to report some environmental problems here in Nagano.

WATER

Nagano has enough water for us to use, most from springs and from underground, and some from rivers or dams. According to the homepage of the Saku Water Department, all of the water served in the Saku area is from underground or from springs. (I didn't know that.) So, there is no purification tank except one in Miyota. They just add chlorine to disinfect the water. ( We sometimes smell it! ) Here in Nagano we are blessed with clean water, but there are many places or families without good sewer systems. We should be more careful not to pollute the water as it goes to the other cities and seas! Farm chemicals, industrial wastes and detergent pollute the water. I use soap for laundry and my dishwasher uses salt instead of detergent. When we see huge piles of detergents in stores and shops, our small effort doesn't seem to make a difference, but more people care about it than before and the rivers are getting cleaner than before. Around my house, we can see a lot of fireflies, which disappeared some thirty years ago...They came back as the river running near my house got clean again.

REFUSE or GARBAGE

As you know, we buy plastic bags for garbage. In other words, we are charged a fee for garbage disposal. We separate garbage according to the type. Some are burnt, some are recycled, and some are buried. The system seems to be working well, but I'm not sure if things are really recycled, if the buried wastes don't pollute the ground and water, or if the smoke and ash from the incinerators are safe. We can be happy when dirty things disappear from our houses, but they can't disappear from the Earth...We usually don't know where (and how) they go. I once watched a TV show that said the waste or used machines brought from other countries were taken apart and recycled in developing countries in Asia. People were working without knowing how dangerous it was. I feel guilty that other people are suffering while we are enjoying life using a lot of things and throwing away those we don't want. It is difficult to opt-out of this system, but I'm trying some small things.

1. Composting the garbage from our kitchen. We throw the garbage into a composting bucket in the yard. You can't do it in your apartment house, but you can dry the garbage in the sun, then it weighs much less.

2. Shopping with my own bag.　Some supermarkets discount two or three yen when we don't use plastic bags.　

3. Not going shopping. (This is difficult, but if I won't go shopping, I won't buy useless things. haha...)

4. Use things as long as I can. (This is also difficult. I bought a new car though my old car had no problems. )

5. Repairing and reusing. My husband often repairs furniture himself, and we use many things that he repaired. (He bought many different kinds of machines and tools for the work and I don't know how much they cost!!)

6. Refuse too much wrapping while shopping. But as you know, we wrap too much and when we buy one orange, we have to buy one plastic bag...Oh, how difficult to reduce our trash!

FOOD

As you know, we have every kind of food from all over the world in the supermarkets. However, only 30% of our food is the product of our country. Most of the feed for cows and chickens is imported. It is a very dangerous condition, I think. Japan had the ability to feed all of its people, but the government has not protected our agriculture and fisheries. Consumers have welcomed cheaper food. You know the problem about food made in China, don't you? These days more and more people want safer food, and some farmers also want to grow safer vegetables. I know a farmer in my town who has tried organic farming and sends a box of his vegetables with a letter to his costumers every week. Some people think it's good to use local products so we can know about it better and we don't have to use the energy to bring it from far away. Where can we get local products? There are some small shops that sell them. If you can't find one, go to a JA (Japan Agricultural co-op) shop, which probably sells its members' products. I am a member of a group that makes miso from local soybeans and rice. Families in the villages worked together to make miso before, but now most families buy it. Most of the soybeans we eat in Japan now are from abroad, and so it is difficult to find miso or tofu made from locally-produced beans.

WARIBASHI and WOOD

When Abby used her own chopsticks at a restaurant, I felt so ashamed. Yes, in Japan buy and use too much wood. I have heard that Japanese companies go and cut too many trees in developing countries. How can we reduce the use of waribashi? I have been to a restaurant that uses bamboo waribashi, which is better.

ENERGY PROBLEM

Big cities use a lot of energy, but we, the people in Nagano, probably use more as individuals. They use public transport in Tokyo, but here in Nagano we can't live without cars. We tried to reduce our cars in my family, but we couldn't. We have four cars, one for each adult! We usually have bigger houses and have to warm them during the cold winter. Every family has a big bathtub and we have a custom to take a bath every day. How can we reduce our energy usage? Some houses have machines to warm water using solar heat on the roof. We also have a solar power station on our roof. In Japan, much of the electricity is from nuclear power plants, and it is a very dangerous way to get energy, I think.

I watched the movie "The Earth" today. It shows us how beautiful and wonderful the Earth is and warns us that we are destroying it. Shall we think about it together?

Do You Like Reading?

Do You Like Reading?

Do you read Japanese books? Do you have any favorite Japanese authors? When I ask young foreigners these questions, their answers are always "Murakami Haruki." I have read some of his books, but I didn't enjoy them at all. And, I know few people who like his books. A young librarian at the city library said that his books are not popular except two or three, and she doesn't like him. I don't understand why encyclopedias say he is popular among young people, or he is so highly esteemed among foreign people. Within Japan, it doesn't seem to be the case.

Besides Murakami, there are good authors and interesting books in Japan. In this essay I would like to recommend some of them to you. Most of them are popular and easy to read, but I'm not sure if you can find their books translated into English...I'd be very happy if you read and liked these authors.

1 Natsume Soseki (1867-1916)

He is one of the most famous authers in Japan, and his face was once printed on a 1000 yen bill. He wrote haiku (Japanese short poem) and some serious books but his early two books are written with humor. His style of telling stories is articulate.

* Bottyan A story of a young man who goes to Shikoku to teach at a school He is short-tempered, but honest and so he has been loved by the readers.

* I Am a Cat The story is told by a cat with no name , who watches the people around him.

2 Miyazawa Kenji (1896-1933)

He was born and lived in Iwate, a northern area of Japan, where farmers were suffering in the severe weather. He taught at an agricultural school, then worked as an adviser of farming. He wrote poems and stories for children. But I could understand and enjoy his works only after I matured. They show his deep sympathy with farmers or weak creatures, his knowledge about nature, and his view of the universe. His works were not known , but after his death people found the beauty of his works.

* Night of the Galaxy Railroad (or The Milkyway Railroad) A lonely boy travels on a train running through the stars. He sees many people there, and one of them is his classmate who he believes in. You can find a well made animation film of this story.

* A Restaurant With Many Orders

* Nametokoyama no Kuma (A Bear of Mt. Nametoko)

* Amenimo makezu his most famous poem

3 Matsumoto Seityou (1909-1992)

He wrote a lot of mystery stories, which describe not only crimes but also human beings and the society. He also investigated the modern history of Japan.
* Ten to Sen (Point And Line)

* Suna no Utuwa (A Vessel of Sand)

* Showa-shi Hakkutsu (Excavation for the History of Showa)

4 Hujisawa Shuhei (1927-1997)

He wrote many stories of the people in the Edo era, The people in his stories don't have powers, but they are nice and proud, and live simple and sincere lives. His style is very beautiful Japanese, I think.
* Twilight Samurai

* Bamboo Sword

* Hidden Blade You can find the movies of them.

5 Asada Jiro (1951-)

He is one of the most popular writers now in Japan. His stories are so interesting and touching.
* Poppo-ya a story of a man who worked for railroad trains There is a movie of this story.

* Mibu Gishi den a story of a samurai who was in Shinsengumi, a samurai's group that worked just before the Meiji Restoration.

*Soukyu no Subaru a story based on Chinese history.

6 Inoue Hisashi (1934- )

He is one of the most important writers in Japan now, I believe. He writes stories and dramas, and he has a theatrical company to perform his plays. His works are very interesting and sometimes comical, and the words in his works are rhythmical and energetic. He also works for peace and his activities and opinions are extremely valued now.
*Chichi to Kuraseba (Living With Father) It is translated into English and the title is ' Face of Jizo' a drama script about a young woman who survived from the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. She feels guilty to survive and be happy, so her father... There is a good movie of this.

*Kirikiri-jin(People of Kirikiri) a dynamic and comical story of the people who tried to be independent from Japan

*Ame (Rain) a drama script

7 Higuchi Ichiyo (1872-1896)

A female writer on 5000 bill. She wrote about women in the Meiji era. Her Japanese is a little old and beautiful.

8 Takamura Kaoru (1953-)

A female mystery writer. She doesn't write so many books but every one is great!

9 Miyabe Miyuki (1960-)

Also a popular female mystery writer I like her books because the people in her stories are all interesting.

10 Yamazaki Toyoko (1924- )

A female writer who wrote about big issues in the society Many movies and TV dramas are made of them.

OKINAWA

OKINAWA

I visited Okinawa during the New Year's holidays. It was my sixth or seventh time to visit Okinawa. I have no other places to visit so many times, and this time my husband and I wanted to take my son's family to Okinawa. They also got charmed with it and want to visit it again.
Why does Okinawa charm us so much?

It is a special place for us in Japan, I think.

First, its nature. It's warm all the year round, and full of flowers even in winter. We enjoyed warm, soft breeze on the beach in January. It's like a paradise for us from freezing Nagano. The sea and the sky are so clear and blue. Look at the picture. My grandchidren were so happy on the beautiful beach. If you dive, you can see colorful fish among corals. Small islands are more beautiful.

Second, its culture. 　For a long time, Okinawa was an independent kingdom, which prospered with trading. As you see it on a map, Okinawa is in the far south of Kyusyu and near to China. And so, its culture is very different from ours. Its music, dancing, art, fabrics, food, and pottery are somewhat exotic for us. Their traditional religion and way of living are also interesting. The remains of old castles in Okinawa are on the World Heritage Sites List. They are quite different from those in Japan. Whenever we visit Okinawa, we have meals at local restaurants where we can enjoy the food and music of Okinawa.
The red building on the picture is the rebuilt castle, Syuri-jo. It was completely destroyed during the war.

Third, its history. During the World War II, Okinawa became an awful battle field. The people including citizens and high school students were told to fight with the huge troops of the US army not to let them attack the main land of Japan. Great many citizens were killed or had to bomb or kill themselves. Japan used Okinawa as a sacrifice.

The tragedy of Okinawa continued. After the war, Okinawa was occupied by the US army. For thirty years it was a colony of the United States. We needed passports to go to Okinawa, The United States used Okinawa as army bases in Asia, and so, a lot of people lost their farms and houses. In 1975 Okinawa was given back to Japan, but even now there are huge US army bases there.

Did you hear the news about the school history textbooks or a runway for combat planes which will be built in a coral sea? The beautiful islands and its people are still suffering, I think. Japan offered Okinawa as a scape goat.

I feel so guilty about these facts. If I were an Okinawan, I might feel so much pain and anger.

Even though, Okinawa is wonderful, and worthy to visit. If you can, please visit it, watch it, feel it.

HAVE YOU TRIED ONSEN ?

Have you ever tried onsen, hot springs, in Japan?

　I know a woman who won't try onsen. She said, "I'm a shy westerner." I know its not your custom to be naked with other people, but when you try onsen with a little courage, you'll understand why we Japanese people love onsen.

　Long ago, hot springs were used to cure illnesses or wounds. Until some twenty years ago, going to onsen was a recreation for elderly people. These days onsens are very popular even among young people. Nagano is one of the areas that have good onsens, and you can find good ones near your town. Abby said you don't have good information about onsens in English, and I promised to write about it. However, I found it's too difficult for me because there are too many onsen in Naganoken, and I don't know enough. I think the best way to know about onsens is to ask your Japanese friends or coworkers, but anyway, I' ll try to write something to help you.

　　DIFFERENT TYPES of ONSEN

　　　１　 Traditional Onsen Hotels

These expect the visitors to stay one or more days. They provide rooms, meals, and an onsen. Usually you can take an onsen anytime, so we enjoy bathing many times in a day. You can also enjoy Japanese-style rooms and meals. Some good hotels are expensive, but it'll be a good experience to get a taste of Japanese hotel service.

　　　２　 Soto-yu: Onsen Baths Outside the Hotels

　In the onsen areas, there are public baths for citizens. Since long ago, people in the area have enjoyed these natural resources together. Usually people work together to maintain the bath. Most of them are old, not so big, and don't have new kinds of facilities, but their water is plentiful. You can find them in the old onsen areas like Shibu (Yudanaka town), Nozawa Onsen, Bessho(Ueda city), Shimosuwa, and Kusatsu (Gunma Pref.).

　　　3　 Higaeri Onsen, a New Type of Onsen

　 'Higaeri' means 'not for staying.' These onsens have hot spring baths, and sometimes saunas or other facilities. Some of them have restaurants or shops as well. They are very popular now because we can enjoy onsens easily with reasonable fees (around 500yen). You should be careful not to confuse them with 'super sento' in some big cities. It's just a public bath, not a natural hot spring.

　　　4　 Roten-Buro, Open-Air Bath

In Japan, we love outdoor baths. While we are relaxing in the warm

water, we can enjoy views of mountains, rivers, the sky full of stars, and sometimes snow! Many of the hotels or higaerionsen have open-air baths, and you can also find some rotenburo near rivers or in the mountains.

　　　５　AshiｰYu, Onsen for Feet

　If you are too busy to go to an onsen or you are too shy to take a bath with other people, ashi-yu are good for you. You can find them in some onsen areas. In Shimosuwa Town, you'll find one in a park by Lake Suwa. You take off your shoes and socks, sit by the water, and put your feet into the hot water. The onsen water warms your feet and makes you relax . Chatting with the people sitting beside you is also fun. Usually you don't have to pay for ashiyu.

　　HOW TO ENJOY ONSEN

　If it is your first time taking an onsen, maybe you don't know how or what to do. It's not difficult. Watch the people around you and do as they do. Even so, I'll write the way we take onsen in short.

1 When you are staying at a hotel, everything is ready in your room or in the bath. If not, you　have to bring your own towel Some old baths don't have soap or shampoo, but usually you'll find them in the baths.

2 Buy your ticket at the entrance or the reception desk. Of course, you don't have to at a hotel.

3 Take off your clothes in the locker room. Sometimes it's not a locker, but just a shelf or a basket. We walk into the bathroom with our towel in front of us. We are also shy.

4 Before jumping into the bathtub, we take a thorough shower to keep the water in the bath clean. Also we don't use our towel in the bath tub. Of course we don't wash our bodies in the bathtub. We warm ourselves and relax in the hot water.

5 Before going back to the changing room, we wipe with our towel and dry our bodies, so the changing room doesn't get wet.

　　WHERE TO GO ?

　Nagano-ken has too many onsen to introduce here. You probably need not only names but also their places, fees, and other information. At first I tried to choose some of them, but its too difficult. I found a good web site about onsen in Nagano. It's in Japanese, but you can understand the information you need, I think.

　address: http://www.mtlabs.co.jp/shinshu/onsen/index.htm

　　　　　(信州とっておき情報　　useful information about Nagano)

1 Click onsen（温泉）　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 This mark means onsen or bath.

2 Choose the area on the map. (There are four areas in Nagano)

3 You'll see the places of onsen on the map of the area. Choose the number.

4 You'll find the name and the picture of the onsen, the map to go , the fee, etc. If you find the name of the place is difficult to read, then ask anyone near you. The best information will be from the people around you.

　　GO AND ENJOY ONSEN! GOOD LUCK!