My Hometown and Tokyo
By yS
Six months have passed since I came to Bunkyo Gakuin University. I think time is running very fast. I adapted to life in Tokyo. I was thinking Tokyo is a big city and has a lot more people than my hometown, Shizuoka. I still think there are a lot of people in Tokyo. I come to Bunkyo Gakuin University by Shinkansen everyday. It takes an hour and a half. I became accustomed to do it, so I do not think it is so long. First, my hometown is the country. How country there is there are no tall buildings and not so many people. But there are a lot of people who commute to Tokyo from my hometown; accordingly the trains are crowded in every morning. We can see a very big Mt.Fuji and a lot of mountains. This season it is covered with snow ordinarily so I feel Japanese beauty. I think Shizuoka’s and Tokyo’s people are different because Tokyo’s people walk faster than Shizuoka’s people. I think Tokyo’s people are oblivious of their surroundings no matter what may happen. I do not know why, but one thing I can imagine is that maybe they are all busy. There are a lot of people who are from other prefectures in Tokyo. Tokyo is the capital of Japan. For that purpose people who live in Japan gather in Tokyo. However Shizuoka is not the capital and it is not a city, but there are a lot of famous things. One is Japanese green tea. There are many green tea fields and we can drink the freshly harvested one. I think it tastes delicious. The other thing is mandarin. There are always many mandarins in my house. It also tastes good. Sadly Shizuoka’s mandarin production is not No.1 in Japan. Also, Hamamatsu’s eel is famous but I can not eat eel because of its bone. There are a lot of beautiful places in Shizuoka. For example, Shimoda is a famous place to go surfing. I have been surfing once. It is dangerous but I could enjoy it. Atami is very famous and there are many tourists. I do not know why Atami is famous sightseeing place. Finally, Shizuoka is the country, but we can enjoy it
Friday, November 09, 2007
Two additional student essays
Our Eating Habit
(by yK)
The health of people today is being lost, because they eat too much junk food and drink soft drinks. The hamburger is one of the typical junk foods. The hamburger is called junk food because it has lots of calories and it is higher than average of foods, In America people intakes the calories from the junk food such as carbonated drinks and snacks. The obese children have been increasing. The cause is that our eating habits have changed with the environment has changed greatly. We can take it easy and children can buy junk food with their pocket money. In addition, the number of children given fast foods such as the deep-fried things and hamburgers has increased because of convenience stares. Moreover, many children go to cram school when the school ends, play the video games and computer games in the house, and the chance to move around has decreased.
A long time ago we did not prefer food from other countries to Japanese food but people of today often eat junk food more.
McDonalds is a famous fast food shop and that shop sets up shop in many countries. We see their commercials everyday, especially when it broadcasted between children television programs because children are good target for hamburger with giveaway.
Junk food makes you irritable easily and you will fall into a depression. The cause is too much chemical in junk food, which are released into the body. The hamburgers were light meals, but it changed into ordinary meals. We must make a radical change in our eating habits for our health. If we maintain eating junk food, their emotions cannot be governing one.
Junk food makes you irritable easily and you will fall into a depression.The cause is too much chemicals in junk food, and we do not know much about it, and which are released into the body. Secondly junk food makes our brain decrease.
DHA (docosa – jexaenoic acid) is including in fish and it helps our memory but, junk foods decrease it, because junk food contains many chemicals it kills such as good vitamins. Also, eating junk food your vitamins decrease because junk food does not have good vitamins as vegetables and fruits.In United State the government planed something for decrease fatness children. The government forced school adds 100% fruits juice in vending machines and lots of fresh salad in school lunch.
Therefore, we must change our eating habits. If you do not want change eating habits, just try to avoid junk food and eat more fresh vegetables or fruits. It will change your health better.
Especially children have lots of growth hormones so, we should give them something to help their growth and their parents should think what foods give to them. That is the most important for their growth. We have to eat for live and our eating habits would really important for our health.
This is the second essay by this student. This is his main essay; the other one was older.
My hobby
(by "O-k")
I have been Japan for four years, the Japanese lottery seems alien to me ,for I have never bought one. Some people always go into rapture at the mere mention of lottery, although they are still living in obscurity, while money can bring about major changes to ordinary people like me, if I was lucky enough.
In Japan, I noticed that People tend to collect things, sometimes they are not aware of doing so, I am one of them, I have a surprise when I find something useful which I don’t know I have , I always cut off from newspapers sketches of food dishes that I would like to refer to if I have time, I leave those very sketches for years, I believe that I may one day need just those very sketches, while I am ready to cook a meal , I often disregard them. I do have one of those days, suddenly an idea come to me, do it myself, put the menu into practice, but unfortunately I am not a born cook.
Sometimes I live under the delusion that I can do anything even when I have been proved wrong. As we can see, cooking is not quite so simple. One of my best friends is always invited to dinner, she has always been a light eater, and I am often been told of this “No, thank you, I am supposed to be slimming.” I am quite aware of that, the meat is as though as leather, the chicken is over done, there is too much salt in the soup.
Collecting food menu, from Chinese to Japanese as a hobby is quite different and has many advantages, relaxation for leisure hours, for me, as just looking at one of sketches is always a joy. It’s a harmless habit but the papers litter up my disk, every time I open it, loose bits of paper fall out in every direction. I am not sufficiently strong minded to be able to stop this .
(by yK)
The health of people today is being lost, because they eat too much junk food and drink soft drinks. The hamburger is one of the typical junk foods. The hamburger is called junk food because it has lots of calories and it is higher than average of foods, In America people intakes the calories from the junk food such as carbonated drinks and snacks. The obese children have been increasing. The cause is that our eating habits have changed with the environment has changed greatly. We can take it easy and children can buy junk food with their pocket money. In addition, the number of children given fast foods such as the deep-fried things and hamburgers has increased because of convenience stares. Moreover, many children go to cram school when the school ends, play the video games and computer games in the house, and the chance to move around has decreased.
A long time ago we did not prefer food from other countries to Japanese food but people of today often eat junk food more.
McDonalds is a famous fast food shop and that shop sets up shop in many countries. We see their commercials everyday, especially when it broadcasted between children television programs because children are good target for hamburger with giveaway.
Junk food makes you irritable easily and you will fall into a depression. The cause is too much chemical in junk food, which are released into the body. The hamburgers were light meals, but it changed into ordinary meals. We must make a radical change in our eating habits for our health. If we maintain eating junk food, their emotions cannot be governing one.
Junk food makes you irritable easily and you will fall into a depression.The cause is too much chemicals in junk food, and we do not know much about it, and which are released into the body. Secondly junk food makes our brain decrease.
DHA (docosa – jexaenoic acid) is including in fish and it helps our memory but, junk foods decrease it, because junk food contains many chemicals it kills such as good vitamins. Also, eating junk food your vitamins decrease because junk food does not have good vitamins as vegetables and fruits.In United State the government planed something for decrease fatness children. The government forced school adds 100% fruits juice in vending machines and lots of fresh salad in school lunch.
Therefore, we must change our eating habits. If you do not want change eating habits, just try to avoid junk food and eat more fresh vegetables or fruits. It will change your health better.
Especially children have lots of growth hormones so, we should give them something to help their growth and their parents should think what foods give to them. That is the most important for their growth. We have to eat for live and our eating habits would really important for our health.
This is the second essay by this student. This is his main essay; the other one was older.
My hobby
(by "O-k")
I have been Japan for four years, the Japanese lottery seems alien to me ,for I have never bought one. Some people always go into rapture at the mere mention of lottery, although they are still living in obscurity, while money can bring about major changes to ordinary people like me, if I was lucky enough.
In Japan, I noticed that People tend to collect things, sometimes they are not aware of doing so, I am one of them, I have a surprise when I find something useful which I don’t know I have , I always cut off from newspapers sketches of food dishes that I would like to refer to if I have time, I leave those very sketches for years, I believe that I may one day need just those very sketches, while I am ready to cook a meal , I often disregard them. I do have one of those days, suddenly an idea come to me, do it myself, put the menu into practice, but unfortunately I am not a born cook.
Sometimes I live under the delusion that I can do anything even when I have been proved wrong. As we can see, cooking is not quite so simple. One of my best friends is always invited to dinner, she has always been a light eater, and I am often been told of this “No, thank you, I am supposed to be slimming.” I am quite aware of that, the meat is as though as leather, the chicken is over done, there is too much salt in the soup.
Collecting food menu, from Chinese to Japanese as a hobby is quite different and has many advantages, relaxation for leisure hours, for me, as just looking at one of sketches is always a joy. It’s a harmless habit but the papers litter up my disk, every time I open it, loose bits of paper fall out in every direction. I am not sufficiently strong minded to be able to stop this .
Collected Essays of First Year Students 2007
These are the essays that were written by the first year class for the Essay Contest. I have removed the names from the list for privacy. You can post your essay to your blog yourself if you like. All essays remain the property of their respective authors!
Writing 1A Essays 2007
Children’s Rights
In today’s society, we can’t live our daily lives without
hearing terrible news. Something is happening everyday and people die
in some cases. What makes me disappointed the most is that even
children are included among the victims. They are harmed by
kidnapping, murder, and so on. For example, child abuse is one of the
biggest problems in Japan. Most people probably think it is a kind of
murder case or violence, but do you know child abuse is also a
serious human rights issue?
We know that everyone has human rights and what it is. I’m sure
that all of us know this idea, “All human beings are born free and
equal in dignity and rights.” In case of child abuse, children’s
rights are related much more than human rights. Children’s rights
are basically the same as human rights, but it is a special kind of
treatment which should be given to children by adults. According to
the Convention on the Rights of the Child, children are defined as
under 18 years old. The convention has four ideas mainly: the right
to live, the right to grow up, the right to participate in society
and the right to be protected. Those rights are very important for
each child to have a happy childhood. In addition, the convention
provides that children’s rights should be protected by adults. The
reason why children need special rights is that they are in a weaker
position than adults even though they possess human rights from the
moment of birth.
Nevertheless, it is difficult to decide who should protect children.
In a family, parents should be in that position, but should they
protect other children like their own children? The answer is
“yes”. When children need adults’ help, all adults have a duty
to protect them because it is not the matter of whose parent you are.
The important point is that you are “an adult” in human society.
Children’s rights issues are not only a Japanese problem, but also a
global problem. In some countries, children are forced to carry guns
and kill people, work too hard for low salary, or die too early from
curable diseases. It may be hard to believe this situation for most
Japanese people, but these are certainly happening everyday like the
abuse cases in Japan. These issues seem to be very different, but all
of them have same points. The points are that victims are children
and caused by adults’ poor performance of their duty, which is to
protect children’s rights. Children’s rights issues are no longer
just the violence of human rights. It is a serious problem for
nations in all over the world because children are the people who
will compose society in the future. Therefore, violating the
children’s rights means we are putting our futures in danger.
That’s why the children’s rights are necessary and important for us.
Children’s rights issues won’t be solved until each of us realize
the importance of children’s rights and perform our duties because
it is related to all human societies. In my opinion, adults should do
something for relieving children from their sufferings. It may be not
easy, but nothing will change if we don’t do anything.
The Environmental Problem
The global environment changes every moment. Global warming develops
rapidly with the carbon dioxide which human beings discharges,
reckless deforestation does not stop, and abnormal weather is
generated in many parts of the world. In addition, there will be a
lot of people who lost important person like family and home in
frequent typhoons and hurricanes. Knowing this fact, I can’t help
feeling that it is unbelievable thing to live usual life.
I think it is very serious situation that the global warming problem
is becoming a world wide problem. The future of the earth is
dangerous if the situation does not change. I think there are various
reasons why the situation getting worse like that. First, there are
so many country in the world, some of these are developed
dramatically. In addition, the exhaust gas which comes from
factories and dirty air produced by cars are does damage on the
earth. As a result, the environment of the earth is getting worse.
The convenient life of people in developed countries leads to the
environmental disruption. It is a true fact that people in developed
country does a lot of damage animals and people in developing
countries. I feel sorry for them very much. Possibly, the animals
understand sensitively this change of environment more than human
beings. They know a lot of things about earth because they has been
lived on this planet longer than human beings from ancient times. I
feel very sorry about that we took the place where they live and made
changed their lives harder.
In addition, there is a country that will go under the sea when
glaciers melt and if the surface of the sea will rise. I think most
people know this fact; Tuvalu is the first country, which will
disappear in the whole world. I can’t believe this fact. I was
watching TV about Tuvalu, it is a very beautiful country and people
are cheerful. I felt that I don’t want to lose this beautiful
country. I think that developed nations should stop economic fighting
for more convenient society. It is surely good to be convenient, and
I accept benefit of convenient society. But I think there is more
important thing. Such as all people can live their loving place.
Now, we should wrestle with this problem more seriously because we
can live rich enough as we are now. For example, it is better that
school set up class or time to think about environmental problems.
Students goes to school everyday, and if there is at least of a
little time, maybe someone will change their mind. Then, I’m doing
part-time job at a convenience store. In addition, they offer
chopsticks made by bamboo, not wooden. Bamboo grows faster than
trees. The cost is higher, but for the environment, they keep offer
that. I think it is a very good thing that a big company take cares
about resources. I thought of what can I do by myself, such as
classify garage, bring my own bag when going shopping, and bring my
chopsticks for lunch from now on. What I can do is very small, but
I’d like to thanks for living in the earth, I would do my part as
much as possible.
Addiction To Computer Games
Like in every aspect of life, technology is changing the way people
entertain themselves. In recent years entertainment has become less
dependent on other people and more dependent on technology and
machines. Because of these new forms of entertainment, our society is
slowly becoming less human and more machine-like, and people are
becoming increasingly isolated from each other.
The most obvious form of such entertainment is computer games.
Playing computer games has become one of the most common ways of
spending free time for young people, and it is certainly one of the
most addictive activities. A game seldom finishes, there are more and
more levels being created all the time that require higher skill and
concentration, and that makes games much more addictive and dangerous
than other forms of entertainment. Computer game addicts often find
their lives taken over by the computer. They play games most of the
day and cannot think of anything even when they don't play. They
don't talk to their family as much as they used to, they are often
depressed and they lose all interest in school or work. When they
talk, they have nothing to talk about except the last game level they
completed. They often swap their friends for new cyber friends,
people with whom they play online and whom they may never meet in
real life.
Computer game addiction can affect anyone, starting with children. If
asked about their favorite hobby, many children in developed
countries would probably say computer games. But regularly choosing
computer games instead of playing outside can make children
unhealthy, not only physically but also mentally. In addition to not
exercising their bodies and weakening their eyesight, these children
can also become isolated from other kids. Sometimes they become so
obsessed with their games that they cannot distinguish the real world
from the game. Last year there was a story on the news about a little
elementary school boy who killed another boy. When the police asked
him why he did that, he explained that he always played a computer
game where he had to kill many other characters, and he wanted to see
how it felt when he really killed someone. He didn't think killing
was bad, because in the game killing was a very simple act and
nothing bad ever resulted from it.
But children are not the only ones affected by video games. There
have been many cases of deaths reported in internet cafes across
Asia, where people sometimes stay for days playing games and only
take breaks for bathroom and instant noodles. A Korean man died 2
years ago after 86 hours of playing games, and last week a 30 year
old Chinese man died after 72 hours in an internet cafe. I also have
a friend who once spent 60 hours in one of these places, but
fortunately she is still alive. These are extreme cases, but they
suggest how addictive and dangerous computer games can be, and they
also give an idea about a computer gamer's lifestyle.
Computer games might be one of the most entertaining forms of
spending free time, but we have to be aware of the dangers of
spending too much time playing them. Addicted gamers often lose
interest in anything else but games, and they end up isolated from
family and friends. Games don't require any feelings or emotions to
play, only machine-like thinking, and playing too many computer games
can make people forget how to interact with each other. While the
computer and the internet connect people, we should know that they
can also break up friendships and even families. If we are not
careful, then just as machines are slowly taking over our work, they
will also soon replace our families and friends.
The Water in The Pet Bottle
I was surprised at appearance of delicious
water,which is mineral water in the pet bottle.The delicious water
is bought by many people recently. I think that this effect is
caused by the desire for cleanliness by people. Drinking water is
delicious, but, since people think running water is dirty, how to
use running water is diffcile.Why don’t you think we are forgetting
some important thing while living? We can feel tha running water is
close to our life after you read my essay.And one big problem brhind
producing mineral water is….can you guess?
First,is mineral water which seems to delicious
really safety, delicious, and healthy? Lately, even young children
tells that they want todrink mineral water which is sold at the
shop. But, according to the researcher of chemist, the running water
is better for our body than drinking mineral water. Moreover, people
hear this story. There are a lot of fashion models whose body are
thin.They were drinking 4 little of mineral water every day. A lot
of people who heard this story, they also tried to drink it. But,
the truth was that the mineral water didn’t digest almost important
of natrients, so the models was that the models were thin. There is
no sense in drinking mineral water because of not necessary
substance in them. What do you think about it? Second problem is
that the amount of trash is increasing because of cleaned mineral
water each year. What is it? It is pet bottle! In 1997,the law that
beverage makers have to recycle bottles was started. Against this,
most pet bottles are not recycled. And this situation allude
interplay of running water and cleaned water. For example there were
some problems. First, the dioxin with water were in the food. And
second, the red water because of pipe’s corrosion. Hearing this
problem in America, the law of safetywater beverage (SDWA) was
started. For this law, the old clean up system was improved and the
government gave some aid money to build the new facility. The
government also says that the beverage cooperation have to tell
about quality of water to consumers. It is their required duty.
Furthermore, in Auckland, they changed a chemical which is used to
kill fungus in running water. Though they were using chlorine to
kill fungus, they started to use chloramines. Moreover, it is duty
that dirty substance like a chemical and radiation are checked. These
policies are also needed in Japan, and it is acted now. The most
important thing we can do is that we have to have self knowledge to
recycle the trash problem which is one of the resources of argument.
Anyway, time has come that we can believe safety
of running water. But,we cannot only drink delicious water every
day, but also have to do efforts to reduce pet bottle trashed when
we finished drinking water, and recognize how to take water again It
is not needed just drinking produces water. These are exactly good
things to live. By way of parenthesis,the best thing is that to
drink boiled water before we drink We can more believe the safe of
running water,cant we?
Our Prejudices toward NEET
What is your image of NEET? I think a lot of people have bad images
toward them straightforward. Today, almost all the Japanese people
know the word NEET. This word means Not in Education, Employment or
Training. In other words people who don’t take education, work or
train for getting jobs are called NEET. However this word has changed
from its original meaning in Japan.
In the first place, the word NEET came from the U.K, and it means
people aged sixteen to eighteen who don’t belong to any educational
organizations, are not hired and don’t take part in any educational
trainings. On the other hand, in Japan NEET means people aged fifteen
to thirty-four besides they are not workers by all means. In this
case, the word workers include housewives, students and people who
job hunting. In addition, NEET are regarded as idlers. Moreover many
Japanese people look down on NEET and think NEET don’t have enough
will to do something. That is to say there are some differences
between U.K NEET and Japanese NEET. Beside, recently foreign people
use the word NEET when they want to point to Japanese working
problem. That’s too bad.
General Japanese people’s thoughts of NEET are wrong, and these
small misunderstandings make it hard for NEET to get new jobs. I
mean, the more people use and know the word NEET the more NEET people
are increasing. For example, if you were a boss of a kind of IT
Company, which people do you want to hire: a new graduate, or a
person who is a NEET? Nothing to say many people say they want to
hire a new graduated people because Japanese people know NEET spent
useless time in the past and they might quit a job soon because they
failed in Japanese working system. We need to change our thought of
NEET as hopeless people.
There are many kind of NEET in Japan. Japanese NEET includes people
who are sick and who find it very difficult to work, and people who
need to take care of their children or their handicapped family.
Moreover, people who try to get new jobs are called NEET too. These
types of NEET occupy largest number of them. Therefore it is
difficult to define NEET simply.
So, why they don’t try to get new jobs? It is because NEET have
failed in Japanese society like companies and schools before.
Accordingly, they gave up returning there. Moreover, it is difficult
to NEET to get new jobs in Japan recently because Japanese people,
companies and schools tend to reject NEET. It is a very serious
problem. Even if NEET think they want to get new job, Japanese
society doesn’t allow them to do so.
Finally, what I want to say is we must to reject prejudices toward
NEET and try to support them to get new job. These small actions will
help NEET to return to Japanese society and be members of it.
Learn Lessons from Natural Disasters
I think that many people know the 2004 Niigata Prefecture Chuetsu
Earthquake and the Niigata Prefecture Chuetsu Offshore Earthquake.
Niigata Prefecture suffered from these earthquakes. However, do you
know about the flood of July 13th and the heaviest snowfall in
Niigata? These natural disasters also did heavy damage to people,
crops, and buildings of Niigata Prefecture. Thanks to experiencing
various natural disasters in the last five years, I could learn
lessons. I would like to tell you these lessons.
First, we should make system to let people know an emergency as
soon as possible when it has arisen. When the flood of July 13th
happened, several students couldn’t go back home and they were left
in a high school, because high school’s teachers couldn’t deal
with it. If people had judged that it may be dangerous a little
earlier, they could have kept away tragic incidents. I was felt again
it was important to make a warning system. Also, we should evaluate
the situation calmly whenever a natural disaster happens.
Second, we should have a sense of impending crisis for natural
disasters. I think that Niigata Prefecture suffered from these
natural disasters because people who live in Niigata Prefecture had
an overly optimistic outlook. We must be prepared for the worst and
confirm emergency supplies, emergency exits, evacuation routes, and
places of refuge. If we practice these things, we will be able to
hold the damage to a minimum.
Most importantly, we should volunteer. You must have watched
people who volunteered to help the earthquake victims on TV. In the
same way, many people rushed to stricken areas to volunteer when the
flood of July 13th happened. In addition, some high schools loaned
the victims their gymnasiums and athletic fields to practice club
activities while they were not using them. They owe the revival of
cities, towns, and villages in Niigata Prefecture to many people.
They are thankful for your encouraging words. Please don’t feel that
it is no concern of yours. Also, I want you to keep encouraging victims.
To be sure, it was true that various natural disasters did heavy
damage in Niigata Prefecture. However, it was also true that we could
notice and learn many things through experiencing these disasters. To
hold the damage to a minimum in various parts of Japan, I want you to
know the threat of natural disasters.
My Awful Experience
Have you ever experienced a big earthquake? I have.
Earthquakes differ from disasters such like big typhoon and hurricane
that happens because of global warming, so we cannot prevent and
escape from earthquake and to make matters worse Japan is called
“Earthquake country”you know.
Most people probably remember“The Great Hanshin Earthquake of
January 17 1995”and “The 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake”but do you
remember? no, do you know “The 2007 Noto Peninsula Earthquake”? It
was March 25, 2007 when big earthquake happened in Monzen, Ishikawa.
One expert said,“Only one person died, so this earthquake is nothing
serious.”I got angry and become sad. Indeed, injures were not so
many than other earthquakes, but many people experienced same awful
experience and lost their houses. It was even said that Monzen was
the safest place but it happened, so everyone said it was inconceivable.
I was watching TV with my mother when it happened. The tremor
probably lasted about twenty seconds, but I felt the time was
everlasting. I had never experienced such awful experience. I went
out of house when the tremor stopped. The sight I saw was quite
different from the usual sight. I was shocked. There were cracks on
the road and the water spurted from underground. In addition tiles
had dropped down from the roof and houses were broken. Then I called
my sister and relatives hastily but the connection was not made
easily. I was quite worried about their safety. In addition, my
mother is a nurse, so she had to go to her hospital, and my father
works at a construction company, so he also had to go on patrol. I
was alone. I could do nothing, only tremble. The water supply was cut
off, so we could not use the bathroom or cook. I could not believe
the awful sight on TV was my town. My family slept near the entrance
of our house so that we could escape from it soon if another big
earthquake came again. Aftershocks lasted more than two months.
The inside of our house was terrible, and TVs and PCs were broken,
but I felt we were lucky because my house was not broken and most
importantly we were alive. However many people lost their houses. Can
you imagine their sadness and mortification?
Under such a difficult situation, many volunteers came from all parts
of the country to help us. They helped to remove broken houses and
cooked for people who had lost their houses. They were very kind. I
felt warmth. Through this earthquake we lost many things but we got
something important at the same time. Helping each other is a very
important thing. I thought if there were some troubles not only in
other pert of my country but also in other country, I would go there
as volunteer.
Encounter
Do you have a lot of friends?
I am 19 years old this year. I have lived and met a lot of people so
far in kindergarten, elementary school, junior high school, senior
high school, and university. Also, I have got a lot of friends.
There is a close friend who can talk about anything, too. I think I
want to talk about my friends.
In high school student, I had five relation especially good friends.
Their names are Yuri, Arisa, Miyu, Rumiko and Mame. I always ate
lunch with six people. Everybody has different characters and
individual. Yuri is massive. Arisa is pure. Miyu goes her way.
Rumiko is always high spirit. Mame is always laughing. Everybody is
very kind, too. Therefore, We was happy and think we didn’t run out
of a topic. We did a lot of party Birthday party, Cake party,
Halloween party, Christmas party and so on at lunch time in
school.
When it was past autumn,
most people of the class have begun to do study for examination in a
lunch break. However, Six we did not study in a lunch time. Of
course, time spend lunch time with six people; time to have a talk
together was more important for us though study for examination was
an important thing. Our relations did not change even if we
graduated from a senior high school. We are still good friends. We
meet twice a month. We went to a trip to Tochigi during this summer.
This trip was Two day 3rd. We talked about various things such as
thing of each school and having been glad, having been sad until
about the early morning. It was three days when a laughter did not
die out. There is the song which sang about friends. This song’s
title is “infinity”.
“I'm glad to meet and tears shed tears of joy.
Even if we became separated in the distance sometime, the strong
bond does not break off. Spirits are infinite in a heart.There are
important friends. My dear friends…Thank you. ” This is the
words of “infinity”. I love this song.
My friends are absolutely necessary and is very
important for me. I think that it is a friend that I can experience
various things such as a hard thing, a pleasant thing, a sad thing,
a nice thing together. I am proud that I have a lot of wonderful
friends. And I want to value the encounter with various people in
the future.
Don't Worry Alone
How have you solved your troubles if you are in pain? From now on, we
may have some problems in our life. I would like to think about
problems and how to solve the troubles.
In Japan, the incidents which students committed suicide for bullying
stand out. I grieved at the loss of students. In July, a third year
schoolboy committed suicide by jumping at his high school. This
student was harassed for money by his classmates. Arrested classmates
emailed his mobile phone to demand money. The student who committed
suicide made a will, and the demand mail was kept in his mobile phone.
According to a resent survey, bulled students suffer alone, not
telling their parents or teacher about bullying. Why did the
schoolboy have to choose death? Did he appeal to someone for help? I
think I want bullied children to talk with someone such as parents,
teacher, friends about his or her pain of bullying. People who
listens his or her worry support bullied children. Being bullied
isn’t shameful. And worrying isn’t shameful, either.
As a high school student, I also had the time when I was worried. I
met many new friends in my high school, but I couldn’t adapt to new
surroundings because I thought I didn’t want to be disliked by
friends and I wanted keep up with them. With that my feeling, I
talked with my friends every day. In such days, I reached the limit
of adapting to my high school. Then, I hate school, and it was
painful for me. I wanted to talk with someone about my hardship,
because it was painful to worry by myself. So I drastically confided
my trouble to local friends. Then they encouraged me, and they said,
“You aren’t alone. If you have any worries, talk with us.” I
cheered up at hearing my local friends’ words.
I think it wasn’t good to worry alone experiencing that event. I
suppose that the schoolboy who committed suicide would want to talk
with someone about his hardship. If he had confided his worry to his
parents, teacher and friends, he would have been alive. Each person
has their own trouble, which isn’t something to be about. Worrying
makes our lives more painful, so we shouldn’t worry alone.
Just The Way You Are
Don't you get tired of acting everyday? I see many people in
college are acting like somebody else. Everyone tries to become an
adaptable person. They don’t express their own opinion, and just
adapt to the majority opinion. Sometimes we have to do that to get
along well with friends, but college students always say only “the
correct answer”, and avoid argument. We have many conversations in
a day, but actually, it is not conversation. They just repeat what
I said and just say “You are right! I agree with you!”Is it
fun? I can’t understand. They treasure the mood, not one's
opinion. They like just funny happy mood. However, I don’t know if
it is really fun for everybody or not. Do I have real friends in
such surroundings? I have few real friends. I can say what ever I
want to them. I think expressing one’s opinion is essential to be
good friends.
I have best friends. They are my high school dance club members.
I was the president of the club, and we had no teacher. Therefore,
I had too many duties. Gradually, I got tired and a irritable. I
thought, “Why do I have to do such many things! Why does nobody
help me!” On the other hand, no one could understand why I got
angry so easily, so they thought I was too selfish. We didn’t like
each other at that time. Then, one day, we told our own feelings
each other. The talk was getting bitter, andbecome an argument. We
shouted and cried. It was very hard and sad experience. However,
After telling all of our mind, we felt so good, and we liked each
other. Don’t you think it is amazing? We said just we want to say.
Then we could be best friends.
Expressing our own opinion is really difficult and scary, and
sometimes, you may have an argument or fight with your friends, but
if you do that, you can have real friends. Don’t be afraid. Your
friends will not hate you if you tell them your feeling. They will
like just the way you are. This is the “real friends”. Having
real friends is the most important thing in the life. Don’t escape
from the pain. Everyone must be more honest. To my friends in
college, I want to tell them “I will like just the way you are”.
Dream
People have various dreams. For example, flying in the sky,
eating something and having an accident. Why do people have dreams?
In addition, we have various dreams, but does it have any
meaning?
First, what is a dream? The dream is phenomenon that
feels like a real experience during sleeping. I thought that only
people dream, but actually most animals seem to dream. The eyeball
often moves when we have dreams. The brain waves were released this
time, and people have dreams. The state of the light sleep is called
"REM sleep." However, it has recently been discovered that we have
dreams during deep sleep. According to American psychologist Mr.
Clayton, people dream about 82 minutes a night. The dream is greatly
influenced by the body. For example, when we have a dream that we go
to the bathroom, we really want to go to the bathroom.
Then why do we have dreams? The reason of having dreams is still not
clear. However, dream researchers think that there are 2 reasons. One
of the reasons for having dreams is to erase some unnecessary
information. And the other reasons for having dreams is to memorize
very important information that we don't forget.
We usually don't realize we are dreaming until we wake up. In contrast, the
dream which can control the contents is called "Lucid dream." This
dream can be controled by training. And the dream that will become
reality is called "Prophetic dream."
In generally, dreams will show the person's hope or wish for the future. That's why we have the
dream analysis. Then what do the various dreams express? I will show
you some examples. If you dream of falling down from high place, some
bad things will happen. If you dream of having a cat, your luck with
money will improve. If your friends appear in your dream, you can
build up good relationships with those friends.
I was surprised
that dreams are meaningful. I believe the dream analysis. When I was
a high school student, my friend Aya appeared in my dream. We didn't
talk so often at the time, but after that we could build up good
relationships each other. And we became best friend. I'm looking
forward to dreaming next time. Do you know the meaning of your
dreams? Why don't you examine your dreams?
English And Me
When I first had an English class was in the first year of
junior high school and I felt that what an interesting subject.
English was the only subject that I liked because everything that I
learned in English class was new for me. I thought that I wanted to
speak English.
First thing I did was to decide to enroll in Ｎova, I couldn’t say
what I want to say at all. That’s why I started in the easiest
class. Because I often went to Ｎova, I could raise the level of my
class favorably. When I got accustomed to using English a little, I
began thinking to go abroad. I’m curious so I decided to study
abroad for a year. I went to Adelaide in Australia. This is near
Melbourne. When I said good bye to my friends and family, I didn’t
felt sad because I was looking forward to go there. I home stayed so
two children and parents welcomed to me.
There are so many different things between Japan and Australia. For
example, foods, weather, life style, and so on. The most memorable
thing to me was I could see natural koalas in front of my house!!
Actually it was very unusual. Even people who live in Australia
can’t see it often.
I enjoyed living in Australia with my host family but also I missed
my family and a lot of friends. By living separately I realized they
are how important for me. I thought I should be thankful for them.
I could learn so many things not only English by studying
abroad. I felt that I could develop myself. I think that to try what
I want to is the most important because we have only one life. I hope
to visit Australia and meet my second family again.
My Hope And Dream
I read a book which is written about foreign volunteer. This book set
off my interest. I read that many volunteers go to developing
countries and help local people with education, medical treatment,
nourishing food and mental support. I thought that I’d like to help
children who live in developing countries.
There are many children who want to study, but they can’t study
because they have a lot of troubles. For example, home environment,
surrounding and monetary condition. Some children must work with
their parents. Some children must stay at home and baby sit because
their parents work from morning till night. However, I’d like to
help children who want to study. The people who live in advanced
countries can do many useful things. We can shape their environment.
For example, we can build the foundation of a new school, and we can
send teachers. I think that I want to give a chance to learn for
children from all over the world. It is my dream.
I heard some conversation on TV. The woman asked children who live in
developing countries about their dream. The woman said, “What’s
your dream?” Then, most of the children answered, “Nothing.” I
was very sad to hear this talk. We have many big dreams but children
who live in developing countries can’t have dreams. They can’t see
a bright future. They see only the present life. I want children to
have dreams. I think it is important to have dreams because we can
see the future by having dreams. I think I’d like to help children
who live in developing countries. I hope that the whole earth becomes
happy.
WEALTH
My topic is wealth. When you hear this word, what
do you think of? A lot of money,many new cars, big houses and so on?
Wealth includes money——the material aspect. The word "wealth"
always reminds people of money and the sayings related to money, for
example,"money makes the ghosts turn the mill", "as birds die for
food, so men die for wealth".
We are living in a material world. We can't deny
the importance of money. It plays an important role in our daily
life. We need money for food ,clothes education, hospital, housing
and transportation. In order to have a better
life, people work hard for money, so do we——-international
students. You can't blame people for earning money so actively. But
some people want to make a large amount of money in a short time, so
they do some illegal activities. Finally they may be caught and sent
to prison. At that time, they may regret what they did. At the end,
maybe they will lose their freedom, their happiness, even their
lives. So can more money bring us more happiness, is money almighty?
We can say that we need money, but we ought to
admit that money isn't everything! Why do I think so? There are many
rich people in the world. They can buy what they want, they can
travel the world easily. But they may be always afraid of being
robbed ,even killed. One of my countrymen has a lot of money ,and
he has a well-rounded family. We all envied him. But one night he
was killed and all his money was taken away. No matter how much money
he had, he couldn't save his life.
And I don't think more money can bring us more
happiness. Some love stories can never be bought with money. The
ever-—— lasting Chinese folktale of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai
shows people view of money. It is more important for them to have
spiritual happiness than material happiness.
Spiritual happiness is the other aspect of wealth.
In the modern society, people pay more attention to material wealth,
especially money. But as I said before, money isn't everything and
more money can't always bring us more happiness. We need material
happiness, and we also need spiritual happinessｓ even more. If you
have a lot of money, but at the same time you are suffering from a
fatal illness, will you be happy? I think you will prefer healthy
body to money. No matter how much money we have, we come and go from
the world with nothing. However
spiritual wealth is different. It's hard to estimate its value.
Therefore as long as we are not spiritually poor, it's all right even
if we are not rich man for the whole life. We may well say that
wealth lies in your heart and we should know how to treasure it.
The Elephants of Thailand
In Thailand, the elephant is a really precious animal. A long time
ago, elephants took the king into war and fought at the head. It was
a symbol of courage and pride. Actually, until 1917 the Thailand
national flag design was a red base with an image of a white
elephant. Do you know Thailand is shaped like the elephant head? Thai
people are really proud of that. Also, elephants are really good
workers for forestry and really good activity for sightseeing too.
The elephants are bound up with the Thai people and their lives.
Do you know that Thailand has a hospital for elephant? It is the
first hospital for elephant in the world. That hospital is in the
north of Thailand. It has next to elephants care home. Thai people
think the elephant is a really precious animal. Of course, the
hospital treatment elephants, sends veterinarians to other places,
manage information about elephant; make bulletins and reports about
elephant behavior. They are actively protecting elephants. I was so
surprised that most of their activities are covered by volunteers and
contributions.
The other day, an elephant stepped on the land mine and the master
came to the hospital, taking about 3 days to travel there. The
elephant had an operation on her leg. He was really wanted to help
her because they have spent so much of their lives together. The
operations also covered by contributions form the world.
The elephant is the biggest mammal at land. Their life is so peaceful
and intelligent. The elephants make a group with their family but it
is a matrilineal family. When the elephant babies bone they don’t
have protection instinct. They will learn from their family, and
teaches them. Intelligence will be handed down to next descendant.
Also their family always protects their babies, but when the male
baby reaches his reproductive period, he will be thrown out by the
group or become independent by himself and then he will make new
elephant group. There is a reason, because they instinctively know
that a gene grows weak by incest.
Also, elephants can hear sounds that we cannot hear and they can hear
the sound about 40 km away. So they can use sounds to contact with
their relatives. They catch the sounds from the soles of the feet
because their soles of the in feet are really delicate. It will be
transmitting to ear. Also their sole of the foot have chaps. It is
part of no slip. It is like our fingerprints. The elephants
understand a person. For example they can remember the driver who
attacks the group. After that, they will be attack or keep away from
the drivers.
I learned Thai people really proud of elephants and take care of
them. They love elephants. I was surprised that the elephants are so
intelligent and have strong fellow feeling. The elephants still have
many mysteries of them. So, I’m looking for word to know these
things one day.
Is Japan A Multicultural Country?
(9/14)
I have been in Japan for 4 years; sometimes I feel Japan is a
most amazing nation. Although Japan is the 2nd richest country in
the world, compared with other advanced country, I afraid I have
reservations whether Japan is a multicultural country.
Someone may say “You must be joking,” there are many
foreigners living in Japan, and some of them would stay here for a
long time or for ever , yes, foreigners do have opportunity to bring
their life-style here , their culture too, while do Japanese really
willingly accept foreign culture?
The reason why Japan would let foreigners come to Japan is
that Japan would rather treat them as labors, or they have to do
something benefit for her.
Firstly, there is only one race in Japan, and Japanese are
quite proud of themselves, although they have been isolated
geographically as a race living on small land, they have self-esteem,
and this make Japanese will not easily accept foreign culture. Many
Japanese like foreign food, clothes, TV programs, but that is not to
say these would change something deep in their motion, they are
forever Japanese, and even though foreigners stay here for 20 years
or more, Japanese will ever treat them as a foreigner not Japanese.
Secondly, after many foreigners coming to Japan, they and
their descendants would live a Japanese style life, they are affected
from food to behavior mode and some of them are willingly to be
affected that may be assimilation.
Japanese do not believe religion; they have no controversy on
race, regardless of the foreign cultures invading.
No one can avoid being influenced by his country's culture and
traditions; we may pride ourselves on our nature. We are no longer
free to choose the things we want, in mordent life exerts a great
influence on us that may be true, industry is making us wealthier but
we are gradually losing our culture and traditions, industry and
modern media induce us to live a convenient life, while the situation
may not be so encouraging, in some way we looks more and more
similar, especially the young generation.
I am a overseas student I have different language, different
culture I wish I can understand Japan by all means. Japan is called
modern and traditional, her celebrations are unique and wonderful,
and people dressed in Japanese style look fantastic.
Which essays did you enjoy most? Send a list of your favorites to
me. Tell me what you liked about the essay(s) and why.
Writing 1A Essays 2007
Children’s Rights
In today’s society, we can’t live our daily lives without
hearing terrible news. Something is happening everyday and people die
in some cases. What makes me disappointed the most is that even
children are included among the victims. They are harmed by
kidnapping, murder, and so on. For example, child abuse is one of the
biggest problems in Japan. Most people probably think it is a kind of
murder case or violence, but do you know child abuse is also a
serious human rights issue?
We know that everyone has human rights and what it is. I’m sure
that all of us know this idea, “All human beings are born free and
equal in dignity and rights.” In case of child abuse, children’s
rights are related much more than human rights. Children’s rights
are basically the same as human rights, but it is a special kind of
treatment which should be given to children by adults. According to
the Convention on the Rights of the Child, children are defined as
under 18 years old. The convention has four ideas mainly: the right
to live, the right to grow up, the right to participate in society
and the right to be protected. Those rights are very important for
each child to have a happy childhood. In addition, the convention
provides that children’s rights should be protected by adults. The
reason why children need special rights is that they are in a weaker
position than adults even though they possess human rights from the
moment of birth.
Nevertheless, it is difficult to decide who should protect children.
In a family, parents should be in that position, but should they
protect other children like their own children? The answer is
“yes”. When children need adults’ help, all adults have a duty
to protect them because it is not the matter of whose parent you are.
The important point is that you are “an adult” in human society.
Children’s rights issues are not only a Japanese problem, but also a
global problem. In some countries, children are forced to carry guns
and kill people, work too hard for low salary, or die too early from
curable diseases. It may be hard to believe this situation for most
Japanese people, but these are certainly happening everyday like the
abuse cases in Japan. These issues seem to be very different, but all
of them have same points. The points are that victims are children
and caused by adults’ poor performance of their duty, which is to
protect children’s rights. Children’s rights issues are no longer
just the violence of human rights. It is a serious problem for
nations in all over the world because children are the people who
will compose society in the future. Therefore, violating the
children’s rights means we are putting our futures in danger.
That’s why the children’s rights are necessary and important for us.
Children’s rights issues won’t be solved until each of us realize
the importance of children’s rights and perform our duties because
it is related to all human societies. In my opinion, adults should do
something for relieving children from their sufferings. It may be not
easy, but nothing will change if we don’t do anything.
The Environmental Problem
The global environment changes every moment. Global warming develops
rapidly with the carbon dioxide which human beings discharges,
reckless deforestation does not stop, and abnormal weather is
generated in many parts of the world. In addition, there will be a
lot of people who lost important person like family and home in
frequent typhoons and hurricanes. Knowing this fact, I can’t help
feeling that it is unbelievable thing to live usual life.
I think it is very serious situation that the global warming problem
is becoming a world wide problem. The future of the earth is
dangerous if the situation does not change. I think there are various
reasons why the situation getting worse like that. First, there are
so many country in the world, some of these are developed
dramatically. In addition, the exhaust gas which comes from
factories and dirty air produced by cars are does damage on the
earth. As a result, the environment of the earth is getting worse.
The convenient life of people in developed countries leads to the
environmental disruption. It is a true fact that people in developed
country does a lot of damage animals and people in developing
countries. I feel sorry for them very much. Possibly, the animals
understand sensitively this change of environment more than human
beings. They know a lot of things about earth because they has been
lived on this planet longer than human beings from ancient times. I
feel very sorry about that we took the place where they live and made
changed their lives harder.
In addition, there is a country that will go under the sea when
glaciers melt and if the surface of the sea will rise. I think most
people know this fact; Tuvalu is the first country, which will
disappear in the whole world. I can’t believe this fact. I was
watching TV about Tuvalu, it is a very beautiful country and people
are cheerful. I felt that I don’t want to lose this beautiful
country. I think that developed nations should stop economic fighting
for more convenient society. It is surely good to be convenient, and
I accept benefit of convenient society. But I think there is more
important thing. Such as all people can live their loving place.
Now, we should wrestle with this problem more seriously because we
can live rich enough as we are now. For example, it is better that
school set up class or time to think about environmental problems.
Students goes to school everyday, and if there is at least of a
little time, maybe someone will change their mind. Then, I’m doing
part-time job at a convenience store. In addition, they offer
chopsticks made by bamboo, not wooden. Bamboo grows faster than
trees. The cost is higher, but for the environment, they keep offer
that. I think it is a very good thing that a big company take cares
about resources. I thought of what can I do by myself, such as
classify garage, bring my own bag when going shopping, and bring my
chopsticks for lunch from now on. What I can do is very small, but
I’d like to thanks for living in the earth, I would do my part as
much as possible.
Addiction To Computer Games
Like in every aspect of life, technology is changing the way people
entertain themselves. In recent years entertainment has become less
dependent on other people and more dependent on technology and
machines. Because of these new forms of entertainment, our society is
slowly becoming less human and more machine-like, and people are
becoming increasingly isolated from each other.
The most obvious form of such entertainment is computer games.
Playing computer games has become one of the most common ways of
spending free time for young people, and it is certainly one of the
most addictive activities. A game seldom finishes, there are more and
more levels being created all the time that require higher skill and
concentration, and that makes games much more addictive and dangerous
than other forms of entertainment. Computer game addicts often find
their lives taken over by the computer. They play games most of the
day and cannot think of anything even when they don't play. They
don't talk to their family as much as they used to, they are often
depressed and they lose all interest in school or work. When they
talk, they have nothing to talk about except the last game level they
completed. They often swap their friends for new cyber friends,
people with whom they play online and whom they may never meet in
real life.
Computer game addiction can affect anyone, starting with children. If
asked about their favorite hobby, many children in developed
countries would probably say computer games. But regularly choosing
computer games instead of playing outside can make children
unhealthy, not only physically but also mentally. In addition to not
exercising their bodies and weakening their eyesight, these children
can also become isolated from other kids. Sometimes they become so
obsessed with their games that they cannot distinguish the real world
from the game. Last year there was a story on the news about a little
elementary school boy who killed another boy. When the police asked
him why he did that, he explained that he always played a computer
game where he had to kill many other characters, and he wanted to see
how it felt when he really killed someone. He didn't think killing
was bad, because in the game killing was a very simple act and
nothing bad ever resulted from it.
But children are not the only ones affected by video games. There
have been many cases of deaths reported in internet cafes across
Asia, where people sometimes stay for days playing games and only
take breaks for bathroom and instant noodles. A Korean man died 2
years ago after 86 hours of playing games, and last week a 30 year
old Chinese man died after 72 hours in an internet cafe. I also have
a friend who once spent 60 hours in one of these places, but
fortunately she is still alive. These are extreme cases, but they
suggest how addictive and dangerous computer games can be, and they
also give an idea about a computer gamer's lifestyle.
Computer games might be one of the most entertaining forms of
spending free time, but we have to be aware of the dangers of
spending too much time playing them. Addicted gamers often lose
interest in anything else but games, and they end up isolated from
family and friends. Games don't require any feelings or emotions to
play, only machine-like thinking, and playing too many computer games
can make people forget how to interact with each other. While the
computer and the internet connect people, we should know that they
can also break up friendships and even families. If we are not
careful, then just as machines are slowly taking over our work, they
will also soon replace our families and friends.
The Water in The Pet Bottle
I was surprised at appearance of delicious
water,which is mineral water in the pet bottle.The delicious water
is bought by many people recently. I think that this effect is
caused by the desire for cleanliness by people. Drinking water is
delicious, but, since people think running water is dirty, how to
use running water is diffcile.Why don’t you think we are forgetting
some important thing while living? We can feel tha running water is
close to our life after you read my essay.And one big problem brhind
producing mineral water is….can you guess?
First,is mineral water which seems to delicious
really safety, delicious, and healthy? Lately, even young children
tells that they want todrink mineral water which is sold at the
shop. But, according to the researcher of chemist, the running water
is better for our body than drinking mineral water. Moreover, people
hear this story. There are a lot of fashion models whose body are
thin.They were drinking 4 little of mineral water every day. A lot
of people who heard this story, they also tried to drink it. But,
the truth was that the mineral water didn’t digest almost important
of natrients, so the models was that the models were thin. There is
no sense in drinking mineral water because of not necessary
substance in them. What do you think about it? Second problem is
that the amount of trash is increasing because of cleaned mineral
water each year. What is it? It is pet bottle! In 1997,the law that
beverage makers have to recycle bottles was started. Against this,
most pet bottles are not recycled. And this situation allude
interplay of running water and cleaned water. For example there were
some problems. First, the dioxin with water were in the food. And
second, the red water because of pipe’s corrosion. Hearing this
problem in America, the law of safetywater beverage (SDWA) was
started. For this law, the old clean up system was improved and the
government gave some aid money to build the new facility. The
government also says that the beverage cooperation have to tell
about quality of water to consumers. It is their required duty.
Furthermore, in Auckland, they changed a chemical which is used to
kill fungus in running water. Though they were using chlorine to
kill fungus, they started to use chloramines. Moreover, it is duty
that dirty substance like a chemical and radiation are checked. These
policies are also needed in Japan, and it is acted now. The most
important thing we can do is that we have to have self knowledge to
recycle the trash problem which is one of the resources of argument.
Anyway, time has come that we can believe safety
of running water. But,we cannot only drink delicious water every
day, but also have to do efforts to reduce pet bottle trashed when
we finished drinking water, and recognize how to take water again It
is not needed just drinking produces water. These are exactly good
things to live. By way of parenthesis,the best thing is that to
drink boiled water before we drink We can more believe the safe of
running water,cant we?
Our Prejudices toward NEET
What is your image of NEET? I think a lot of people have bad images
toward them straightforward. Today, almost all the Japanese people
know the word NEET. This word means Not in Education, Employment or
Training. In other words people who don’t take education, work or
train for getting jobs are called NEET. However this word has changed
from its original meaning in Japan.
In the first place, the word NEET came from the U.K, and it means
people aged sixteen to eighteen who don’t belong to any educational
organizations, are not hired and don’t take part in any educational
trainings. On the other hand, in Japan NEET means people aged fifteen
to thirty-four besides they are not workers by all means. In this
case, the word workers include housewives, students and people who
job hunting. In addition, NEET are regarded as idlers. Moreover many
Japanese people look down on NEET and think NEET don’t have enough
will to do something. That is to say there are some differences
between U.K NEET and Japanese NEET. Beside, recently foreign people
use the word NEET when they want to point to Japanese working
problem. That’s too bad.
General Japanese people’s thoughts of NEET are wrong, and these
small misunderstandings make it hard for NEET to get new jobs. I
mean, the more people use and know the word NEET the more NEET people
are increasing. For example, if you were a boss of a kind of IT
Company, which people do you want to hire: a new graduate, or a
person who is a NEET? Nothing to say many people say they want to
hire a new graduated people because Japanese people know NEET spent
useless time in the past and they might quit a job soon because they
failed in Japanese working system. We need to change our thought of
NEET as hopeless people.
There are many kind of NEET in Japan. Japanese NEET includes people
who are sick and who find it very difficult to work, and people who
need to take care of their children or their handicapped family.
Moreover, people who try to get new jobs are called NEET too. These
types of NEET occupy largest number of them. Therefore it is
difficult to define NEET simply.
So, why they don’t try to get new jobs? It is because NEET have
failed in Japanese society like companies and schools before.
Accordingly, they gave up returning there. Moreover, it is difficult
to NEET to get new jobs in Japan recently because Japanese people,
companies and schools tend to reject NEET. It is a very serious
problem. Even if NEET think they want to get new job, Japanese
society doesn’t allow them to do so.
Finally, what I want to say is we must to reject prejudices toward
NEET and try to support them to get new job. These small actions will
help NEET to return to Japanese society and be members of it.
Learn Lessons from Natural Disasters
I think that many people know the 2004 Niigata Prefecture Chuetsu
Earthquake and the Niigata Prefecture Chuetsu Offshore Earthquake.
Niigata Prefecture suffered from these earthquakes. However, do you
know about the flood of July 13th and the heaviest snowfall in
Niigata? These natural disasters also did heavy damage to people,
crops, and buildings of Niigata Prefecture. Thanks to experiencing
various natural disasters in the last five years, I could learn
lessons. I would like to tell you these lessons.
First, we should make system to let people know an emergency as
soon as possible when it has arisen. When the flood of July 13th
happened, several students couldn’t go back home and they were left
in a high school, because high school’s teachers couldn’t deal
with it. If people had judged that it may be dangerous a little
earlier, they could have kept away tragic incidents. I was felt again
it was important to make a warning system. Also, we should evaluate
the situation calmly whenever a natural disaster happens.
Second, we should have a sense of impending crisis for natural
disasters. I think that Niigata Prefecture suffered from these
natural disasters because people who live in Niigata Prefecture had
an overly optimistic outlook. We must be prepared for the worst and
confirm emergency supplies, emergency exits, evacuation routes, and
places of refuge. If we practice these things, we will be able to
hold the damage to a minimum.
Most importantly, we should volunteer. You must have watched
people who volunteered to help the earthquake victims on TV. In the
same way, many people rushed to stricken areas to volunteer when the
flood of July 13th happened. In addition, some high schools loaned
the victims their gymnasiums and athletic fields to practice club
activities while they were not using them. They owe the revival of
cities, towns, and villages in Niigata Prefecture to many people.
They are thankful for your encouraging words. Please don’t feel that
it is no concern of yours. Also, I want you to keep encouraging victims.
To be sure, it was true that various natural disasters did heavy
damage in Niigata Prefecture. However, it was also true that we could
notice and learn many things through experiencing these disasters. To
hold the damage to a minimum in various parts of Japan, I want you to
know the threat of natural disasters.
My Awful Experience
Have you ever experienced a big earthquake? I have.
Earthquakes differ from disasters such like big typhoon and hurricane
that happens because of global warming, so we cannot prevent and
escape from earthquake and to make matters worse Japan is called
“Earthquake country”you know.
Most people probably remember“The Great Hanshin Earthquake of
January 17 1995”and “The 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake”but do you
remember? no, do you know “The 2007 Noto Peninsula Earthquake”? It
was March 25, 2007 when big earthquake happened in Monzen, Ishikawa.
One expert said,“Only one person died, so this earthquake is nothing
serious.”I got angry and become sad. Indeed, injures were not so
many than other earthquakes, but many people experienced same awful
experience and lost their houses. It was even said that Monzen was
the safest place but it happened, so everyone said it was inconceivable.
I was watching TV with my mother when it happened. The tremor
probably lasted about twenty seconds, but I felt the time was
everlasting. I had never experienced such awful experience. I went
out of house when the tremor stopped. The sight I saw was quite
different from the usual sight. I was shocked. There were cracks on
the road and the water spurted from underground. In addition tiles
had dropped down from the roof and houses were broken. Then I called
my sister and relatives hastily but the connection was not made
easily. I was quite worried about their safety. In addition, my
mother is a nurse, so she had to go to her hospital, and my father
works at a construction company, so he also had to go on patrol. I
was alone. I could do nothing, only tremble. The water supply was cut
off, so we could not use the bathroom or cook. I could not believe
the awful sight on TV was my town. My family slept near the entrance
of our house so that we could escape from it soon if another big
earthquake came again. Aftershocks lasted more than two months.
The inside of our house was terrible, and TVs and PCs were broken,
but I felt we were lucky because my house was not broken and most
importantly we were alive. However many people lost their houses. Can
you imagine their sadness and mortification?
Under such a difficult situation, many volunteers came from all parts
of the country to help us. They helped to remove broken houses and
cooked for people who had lost their houses. They were very kind. I
felt warmth. Through this earthquake we lost many things but we got
something important at the same time. Helping each other is a very
important thing. I thought if there were some troubles not only in
other pert of my country but also in other country, I would go there
as volunteer.
Encounter
Do you have a lot of friends?
I am 19 years old this year. I have lived and met a lot of people so
far in kindergarten, elementary school, junior high school, senior
high school, and university. Also, I have got a lot of friends.
There is a close friend who can talk about anything, too. I think I
want to talk about my friends.
In high school student, I had five relation especially good friends.
Their names are Yuri, Arisa, Miyu, Rumiko and Mame. I always ate
lunch with six people. Everybody has different characters and
individual. Yuri is massive. Arisa is pure. Miyu goes her way.
Rumiko is always high spirit. Mame is always laughing. Everybody is
very kind, too. Therefore, We was happy and think we didn’t run out
of a topic. We did a lot of party Birthday party, Cake party,
Halloween party, Christmas party and so on at lunch time in
school.
When it was past autumn,
most people of the class have begun to do study for examination in a
lunch break. However, Six we did not study in a lunch time. Of
course, time spend lunch time with six people; time to have a talk
together was more important for us though study for examination was
an important thing. Our relations did not change even if we
graduated from a senior high school. We are still good friends. We
meet twice a month. We went to a trip to Tochigi during this summer.
This trip was Two day 3rd. We talked about various things such as
thing of each school and having been glad, having been sad until
about the early morning. It was three days when a laughter did not
die out. There is the song which sang about friends. This song’s
title is “infinity”.
“I'm glad to meet and tears shed tears of joy.
Even if we became separated in the distance sometime, the strong
bond does not break off. Spirits are infinite in a heart.There are
important friends. My dear friends…Thank you. ” This is the
words of “infinity”. I love this song.
My friends are absolutely necessary and is very
important for me. I think that it is a friend that I can experience
various things such as a hard thing, a pleasant thing, a sad thing,
a nice thing together. I am proud that I have a lot of wonderful
friends. And I want to value the encounter with various people in
the future.
Don't Worry Alone
How have you solved your troubles if you are in pain? From now on, we
may have some problems in our life. I would like to think about
problems and how to solve the troubles.
In Japan, the incidents which students committed suicide for bullying
stand out. I grieved at the loss of students. In July, a third year
schoolboy committed suicide by jumping at his high school. This
student was harassed for money by his classmates. Arrested classmates
emailed his mobile phone to demand money. The student who committed
suicide made a will, and the demand mail was kept in his mobile phone.
According to a resent survey, bulled students suffer alone, not
telling their parents or teacher about bullying. Why did the
schoolboy have to choose death? Did he appeal to someone for help? I
think I want bullied children to talk with someone such as parents,
teacher, friends about his or her pain of bullying. People who
listens his or her worry support bullied children. Being bullied
isn’t shameful. And worrying isn’t shameful, either.
As a high school student, I also had the time when I was worried. I
met many new friends in my high school, but I couldn’t adapt to new
surroundings because I thought I didn’t want to be disliked by
friends and I wanted keep up with them. With that my feeling, I
talked with my friends every day. In such days, I reached the limit
of adapting to my high school. Then, I hate school, and it was
painful for me. I wanted to talk with someone about my hardship,
because it was painful to worry by myself. So I drastically confided
my trouble to local friends. Then they encouraged me, and they said,
“You aren’t alone. If you have any worries, talk with us.” I
cheered up at hearing my local friends’ words.
I think it wasn’t good to worry alone experiencing that event. I
suppose that the schoolboy who committed suicide would want to talk
with someone about his hardship. If he had confided his worry to his
parents, teacher and friends, he would have been alive. Each person
has their own trouble, which isn’t something to be about. Worrying
makes our lives more painful, so we shouldn’t worry alone.
Just The Way You Are
Don't you get tired of acting everyday? I see many people in
college are acting like somebody else. Everyone tries to become an
adaptable person. They don’t express their own opinion, and just
adapt to the majority opinion. Sometimes we have to do that to get
along well with friends, but college students always say only “the
correct answer”, and avoid argument. We have many conversations in
a day, but actually, it is not conversation. They just repeat what
I said and just say “You are right! I agree with you!”Is it
fun? I can’t understand. They treasure the mood, not one's
opinion. They like just funny happy mood. However, I don’t know if
it is really fun for everybody or not. Do I have real friends in
such surroundings? I have few real friends. I can say what ever I
want to them. I think expressing one’s opinion is essential to be
good friends.
I have best friends. They are my high school dance club members.
I was the president of the club, and we had no teacher. Therefore,
I had too many duties. Gradually, I got tired and a irritable. I
thought, “Why do I have to do such many things! Why does nobody
help me!” On the other hand, no one could understand why I got
angry so easily, so they thought I was too selfish. We didn’t like
each other at that time. Then, one day, we told our own feelings
each other. The talk was getting bitter, andbecome an argument. We
shouted and cried. It was very hard and sad experience. However,
After telling all of our mind, we felt so good, and we liked each
other. Don’t you think it is amazing? We said just we want to say.
Then we could be best friends.
Expressing our own opinion is really difficult and scary, and
sometimes, you may have an argument or fight with your friends, but
if you do that, you can have real friends. Don’t be afraid. Your
friends will not hate you if you tell them your feeling. They will
like just the way you are. This is the “real friends”. Having
real friends is the most important thing in the life. Don’t escape
from the pain. Everyone must be more honest. To my friends in
college, I want to tell them “I will like just the way you are”.
Dream
People have various dreams. For example, flying in the sky,
eating something and having an accident. Why do people have dreams?
In addition, we have various dreams, but does it have any
meaning?
First, what is a dream? The dream is phenomenon that
feels like a real experience during sleeping. I thought that only
people dream, but actually most animals seem to dream. The eyeball
often moves when we have dreams. The brain waves were released this
time, and people have dreams. The state of the light sleep is called
"REM sleep." However, it has recently been discovered that we have
dreams during deep sleep. According to American psychologist Mr.
Clayton, people dream about 82 minutes a night. The dream is greatly
influenced by the body. For example, when we have a dream that we go
to the bathroom, we really want to go to the bathroom.
Then why do we have dreams? The reason of having dreams is still not
clear. However, dream researchers think that there are 2 reasons. One
of the reasons for having dreams is to erase some unnecessary
information. And the other reasons for having dreams is to memorize
very important information that we don't forget.
We usually don't realize we are dreaming until we wake up. In contrast, the
dream which can control the contents is called "Lucid dream." This
dream can be controled by training. And the dream that will become
reality is called "Prophetic dream."
In generally, dreams will show the person's hope or wish for the future. That's why we have the
dream analysis. Then what do the various dreams express? I will show
you some examples. If you dream of falling down from high place, some
bad things will happen. If you dream of having a cat, your luck with
money will improve. If your friends appear in your dream, you can
build up good relationships with those friends.
I was surprised
that dreams are meaningful. I believe the dream analysis. When I was
a high school student, my friend Aya appeared in my dream. We didn't
talk so often at the time, but after that we could build up good
relationships each other. And we became best friend. I'm looking
forward to dreaming next time. Do you know the meaning of your
dreams? Why don't you examine your dreams?
English And Me
When I first had an English class was in the first year of
junior high school and I felt that what an interesting subject.
English was the only subject that I liked because everything that I
learned in English class was new for me. I thought that I wanted to
speak English.
First thing I did was to decide to enroll in Ｎova, I couldn’t say
what I want to say at all. That’s why I started in the easiest
class. Because I often went to Ｎova, I could raise the level of my
class favorably. When I got accustomed to using English a little, I
began thinking to go abroad. I’m curious so I decided to study
abroad for a year. I went to Adelaide in Australia. This is near
Melbourne. When I said good bye to my friends and family, I didn’t
felt sad because I was looking forward to go there. I home stayed so
two children and parents welcomed to me.
There are so many different things between Japan and Australia. For
example, foods, weather, life style, and so on. The most memorable
thing to me was I could see natural koalas in front of my house!!
Actually it was very unusual. Even people who live in Australia
can’t see it often.
I enjoyed living in Australia with my host family but also I missed
my family and a lot of friends. By living separately I realized they
are how important for me. I thought I should be thankful for them.
I could learn so many things not only English by studying
abroad. I felt that I could develop myself. I think that to try what
I want to is the most important because we have only one life. I hope
to visit Australia and meet my second family again.
My Hope And Dream
I read a book which is written about foreign volunteer. This book set
off my interest. I read that many volunteers go to developing
countries and help local people with education, medical treatment,
nourishing food and mental support. I thought that I’d like to help
children who live in developing countries.
There are many children who want to study, but they can’t study
because they have a lot of troubles. For example, home environment,
surrounding and monetary condition. Some children must work with
their parents. Some children must stay at home and baby sit because
their parents work from morning till night. However, I’d like to
help children who want to study. The people who live in advanced
countries can do many useful things. We can shape their environment.
For example, we can build the foundation of a new school, and we can
send teachers. I think that I want to give a chance to learn for
children from all over the world. It is my dream.
I heard some conversation on TV. The woman asked children who live in
developing countries about their dream. The woman said, “What’s
your dream?” Then, most of the children answered, “Nothing.” I
was very sad to hear this talk. We have many big dreams but children
who live in developing countries can’t have dreams. They can’t see
a bright future. They see only the present life. I want children to
have dreams. I think it is important to have dreams because we can
see the future by having dreams. I think I’d like to help children
who live in developing countries. I hope that the whole earth becomes
happy.
WEALTH
My topic is wealth. When you hear this word, what
do you think of? A lot of money,many new cars, big houses and so on?
Wealth includes money——the material aspect. The word "wealth"
always reminds people of money and the sayings related to money, for
example,"money makes the ghosts turn the mill", "as birds die for
food, so men die for wealth".
We are living in a material world. We can't deny
the importance of money. It plays an important role in our daily
life. We need money for food ,clothes education, hospital, housing
and transportation. In order to have a better
life, people work hard for money, so do we——-international
students. You can't blame people for earning money so actively. But
some people want to make a large amount of money in a short time, so
they do some illegal activities. Finally they may be caught and sent
to prison. At that time, they may regret what they did. At the end,
maybe they will lose their freedom, their happiness, even their
lives. So can more money bring us more happiness, is money almighty?
We can say that we need money, but we ought to
admit that money isn't everything! Why do I think so? There are many
rich people in the world. They can buy what they want, they can
travel the world easily. But they may be always afraid of being
robbed ,even killed. One of my countrymen has a lot of money ,and
he has a well-rounded family. We all envied him. But one night he
was killed and all his money was taken away. No matter how much money
he had, he couldn't save his life.
And I don't think more money can bring us more
happiness. Some love stories can never be bought with money. The
ever-—— lasting Chinese folktale of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai
shows people view of money. It is more important for them to have
spiritual happiness than material happiness.
Spiritual happiness is the other aspect of wealth.
In the modern society, people pay more attention to material wealth,
especially money. But as I said before, money isn't everything and
more money can't always bring us more happiness. We need material
happiness, and we also need spiritual happinessｓ even more. If you
have a lot of money, but at the same time you are suffering from a
fatal illness, will you be happy? I think you will prefer healthy
body to money. No matter how much money we have, we come and go from
the world with nothing. However
spiritual wealth is different. It's hard to estimate its value.
Therefore as long as we are not spiritually poor, it's all right even
if we are not rich man for the whole life. We may well say that
wealth lies in your heart and we should know how to treasure it.
The Elephants of Thailand
In Thailand, the elephant is a really precious animal. A long time
ago, elephants took the king into war and fought at the head. It was
a symbol of courage and pride. Actually, until 1917 the Thailand
national flag design was a red base with an image of a white
elephant. Do you know Thailand is shaped like the elephant head? Thai
people are really proud of that. Also, elephants are really good
workers for forestry and really good activity for sightseeing too.
The elephants are bound up with the Thai people and their lives.
Do you know that Thailand has a hospital for elephant? It is the
first hospital for elephant in the world. That hospital is in the
north of Thailand. It has next to elephants care home. Thai people
think the elephant is a really precious animal. Of course, the
hospital treatment elephants, sends veterinarians to other places,
manage information about elephant; make bulletins and reports about
elephant behavior. They are actively protecting elephants. I was so
surprised that most of their activities are covered by volunteers and
contributions.
The other day, an elephant stepped on the land mine and the master
came to the hospital, taking about 3 days to travel there. The
elephant had an operation on her leg. He was really wanted to help
her because they have spent so much of their lives together. The
operations also covered by contributions form the world.
The elephant is the biggest mammal at land. Their life is so peaceful
and intelligent. The elephants make a group with their family but it
is a matrilineal family. When the elephant babies bone they don’t
have protection instinct. They will learn from their family, and
teaches them. Intelligence will be handed down to next descendant.
Also their family always protects their babies, but when the male
baby reaches his reproductive period, he will be thrown out by the
group or become independent by himself and then he will make new
elephant group. There is a reason, because they instinctively know
that a gene grows weak by incest.
Also, elephants can hear sounds that we cannot hear and they can hear
the sound about 40 km away. So they can use sounds to contact with
their relatives. They catch the sounds from the soles of the feet
because their soles of the in feet are really delicate. It will be
transmitting to ear. Also their sole of the foot have chaps. It is
part of no slip. It is like our fingerprints. The elephants
understand a person. For example they can remember the driver who
attacks the group. After that, they will be attack or keep away from
the drivers.
I learned Thai people really proud of elephants and take care of
them. They love elephants. I was surprised that the elephants are so
intelligent and have strong fellow feeling. The elephants still have
many mysteries of them. So, I’m looking for word to know these
things one day.
Is Japan A Multicultural Country?
(9/14)
I have been in Japan for 4 years; sometimes I feel Japan is a
most amazing nation. Although Japan is the 2nd richest country in
the world, compared with other advanced country, I afraid I have
reservations whether Japan is a multicultural country.
Someone may say “You must be joking,” there are many
foreigners living in Japan, and some of them would stay here for a
long time or for ever , yes, foreigners do have opportunity to bring
their life-style here , their culture too, while do Japanese really
willingly accept foreign culture?
The reason why Japan would let foreigners come to Japan is
that Japan would rather treat them as labors, or they have to do
something benefit for her.
Firstly, there is only one race in Japan, and Japanese are
quite proud of themselves, although they have been isolated
geographically as a race living on small land, they have self-esteem,
and this make Japanese will not easily accept foreign culture. Many
Japanese like foreign food, clothes, TV programs, but that is not to
say these would change something deep in their motion, they are
forever Japanese, and even though foreigners stay here for 20 years
or more, Japanese will ever treat them as a foreigner not Japanese.
Secondly, after many foreigners coming to Japan, they and
their descendants would live a Japanese style life, they are affected
from food to behavior mode and some of them are willingly to be
affected that may be assimilation.
Japanese do not believe religion; they have no controversy on
race, regardless of the foreign cultures invading.
No one can avoid being influenced by his country's culture and
traditions; we may pride ourselves on our nature. We are no longer
free to choose the things we want, in mordent life exerts a great
influence on us that may be true, industry is making us wealthier but
we are gradually losing our culture and traditions, industry and
modern media induce us to live a convenient life, while the situation
may not be so encouraging, in some way we looks more and more
similar, especially the young generation.
I am a overseas student I have different language, different
culture I wish I can understand Japan by all means. Japan is called
modern and traditional, her celebrations are unique and wonderful,
and people dressed in Japanese style look fantastic.
Which essays did you enjoy most? Send a list of your favorites to
me. Tell me what you liked about the essay(s) and why.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Blogs 2007
You can post your essay to your blog. It is easy for us to see it and read. You do not have to put your personal information such as name in there! It may be better to NOT say your name and school and so on. However, probably not many people will see your blog unless you tell them about it.
When you post your essay to your blog, watch out for the paragraphs. If you cannot see the paragraphs, you may have to go back into the post and edit it, adding line breaks.
Be sure to send the link to me after you make the blog and post your essay. I will link to it so that other students can find it.
When you post your essay to your blog, watch out for the paragraphs. If you cannot see the paragraphs, you may have to go back into the post and edit it, adding line breaks.
Be sure to send the link to me after you make the blog and post your essay. I will link to it so that other students can find it.
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