Erika's life

It's been long!!!

2008-07-12T01:48:00.000-07:00

I just remembered that I used to update my blog and wow, it's been so long since I updated last time... I even forgot I had a blog, haha.
It's very interesting to see how I've changed for two years. I did a lot of things within this two years. The big thing is that I became a RA after I got back from US. I lived with almost 100 students from all over the world in my university's dorm!! Every year, around 300 students are coming to my university to study abroad and I got this great chance to live with them. I had fantastic moments with them and it was a really really great experience!! The people I met and the memories we had is treasure for me.
What I found myself from olden blogs is that I was very negative to myself. I didn't like myself, I didn't like talking to people, I always compared with others. I was often depressed at myself. Now... I don't really care about other people. I just started to like who I am and my life. I think people who I met in this two years had changed myself and because there was myself who was trying to change, I could get over it. I think I've somewhat grown up and been an adult :)
Here is my future plans for now. I'm surffering from getting a job... so hopefully, I'll find one soon and work for years. After saving money, I'd like to work in different country, somewhere in Europe or America!

What I think now...

2006-10-29T21:05:00.000-08:00

Since I came to the US, it has passed about 3 months. Everything has been going well and I'm enjoying my life. Recently I got to think about myself. When I was in Japan, I didn't have a plenty of time to think about myself. Besides I didn't want to think about myself. From I came here, I noticed some things. I really didn't like talking with people in Japan. I tried to avoide from talking with people. When I talk with classmates or co-workers in the group, I always feel like uncomfortable. I become more nervous when trying to speak about myself. I don't know why but I think I'm always comparing with other people. I persuaded myself I don't have an ability to talk with people.
And, I think I have two characters when I speak in Japanese and English. Before coming to the US, I knew that I became more active and felt comfortable to talk in English. Maybe I love speaking in English and can enjoy talking in English. Since I came here, I felt like much more. When I talk with some Japanese, I stop talking and switch to listen, however I can talk actively in English with Amricans. In my mind, there are two persons. That's very interesting for me to notice two myself. It's comfortable for me to speak in English.
But these days, I hesitant to speak English. I'm a little bit afraid of talking with Americans coz my English is poor and it's very hard to communicate with them. And, then I sometimes worry about how I look like... I'm not western, I'm Asian... I know it's a bad idea, but I sometimes feel like if I were Western.
I think this is a good chance for me to change myself. I talked these things to my Japanese friend and she said I should be like when I'm talking in English in Japan. I wanna be, I hope so. But I don't know I'm gonna be a different myself in Japan.

US!!

2006-10-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

Hey, guys!! It has passed about 3 mothes since I came to the US. Sorry, I wanted to update my blog, but I didn't have a plenty of time... I was soooo busy to do many things, they are almost hanging out with my friends, though.
Anway, I'm enjoying Amrican life so far. I made some Amrican friends and am chilling out with them. I don't know my English skill is getting better or not, but I hope so.
Since I came here, I experienced many things. I can't say everything, but recently I went to the corn maze, clubs, see a MBA game and so on.

It was the first time for me to go to the corn maze. But it was so much fun!! Maybe there are no places in Japan. There are two big corn filds and we walk inside of the field. It's a little bit scary but we can absolutely enjoy it.

And, I went to the Amrican clubs with my Amrican friends. I'd never been to the clubs in Japan so it was the first time for me. I didn't know how to dance but I just danced and enjoyed it. It's fun to dance ;-) My fried is a gay so at first, I went to the gay club! Hum, all things were surprising for me but it was interesting. And then, I went to the ordinary club which was used to be a church. It was so beautiful and I was riveted to two sexy dancers.

Yesterday, I came back from my trip to Grand Canyon. I went to see Garand Canyon by car with my Japanese friends and Italian friend. It was sooo much fun!! We also dropped by the Meza Verde, Black Canyon and Four Corners. I was impressed with the grand natures. You should absolutely go see Grand Canyon during your life. We stayed at the hotel of the national park and saw the sunrise. It was pretty good!

I'll try to keep blogging if I have a time! See you, then!

Mie

2006-08-17T00:24:00.000-07:00

Hey, evryone! Japan is so hot and I feel uncomfortable...
And, badly, my homecomputer was broken....

On Monday, I went to Mie prefecture with my dad, mom and mom's sister. I went to Mie as a junior high schooltrip but I forgot what I did. And, it's first time for me to visit Ise Jinguu.
Ise Jinguu has two shrines in Naikuu and Geguu.
At first, we visited Geguu. It was not so shinier and better than I thought...
But Naiguu was big and interesting to see surrounding.
Near Naiguu, there is a made town, Okage Yoko-tyou. In the town, there are a lot of stalls. You can eat local foods and buy suveniors. We ate Houjitya and Mattya kouri.
I wanted to eat Akahuku kouri which is a sweet we can eat only in Akahuku. This is a picture of Akahuku kouri. It looks very delicious, doesn't it? But there were so many people so I couldn't eat... I wanna eat next time!

And, yesterday I finally watched Pirates of the Carribean!!!
Did you see?
I really wanted to see it. Johnny Depp was really handsome and cool!
I love him♡ I'm gonna Los Angeles so can I see him!?
If you haven't watched yet, I recommend you to watch. I wanna see next movie soon.

Well, 4 days later, I'm gonna leave Japan! I packed my baggages at last. It's really heavy...
Um, but I don't feel so yet... See ya~!

Omiyage bon

2006-08-07T02:16:00.000-07:00

I bought an Omiyage bon (souvenir book) to help introduce Japanese culture in US. The content is about Japanese culture, regions or food or clothes or events in English. That's very interesting and I found many unknown things.
I didn't know the clear differences of Kabuki, Noh and Kyogen.
Kabuki is said to have organized in Kyoto with a woman named Okuni at the beginning of the seventeen century. The word kabuki came from kabuku which meant eccentric or original. Their feature is having a Japanese umbrella and making white face up.
Noh is the oldest existing form of professional thater in the world. The expression "like a noh mask", means a person who never shows their emotion. They perfome with wearing a mask.
Kyogen developed at the same time as noh and the two were often perfomed together. Kyogen actors always carry a fan on stage.
I've never seen these traditional perfomances so I wanna see someday. But I think it's kind of boring... It's silent and slow.
Well, it's the Japanese style.

Yesterday, I bought a device to start skype with my parents because we can communicate cheaply when I go to US. Do you know skype? Skype is like a communication tool for nothing! If I buy the device for about 1000 yen($9), I can communicate with worldwide people!! It's amazing, isn't it?
Immediately, I tried to do it and found an American who is studying Japanese. I talked with him for about three hours. This is a very good material for me instead of English conversation school!! So if you want to speak a language you're learning, I recommend you to try this :-)

Near Future

2006-07-29T22:11:00.000-07:00

Hey, guys! How are you? Japan is getting hotter and I'm very uncomfortable...
My summer vacation just started!! Yey! But I don't have any special plans... Ummm, I wanna go see fireworks, go to festivals and go swimming in the sea!
Anyway, I recieved materials about the adress of dorm in Amrica and my roomie. My roomie seems to be American and is majorying in international education. Although I recieved the adress, I don't feel I'll leave Japan. I feel just stay in Japan forever. I thought before one month, I'd feel expectation and anxiety. But not! Maybe the day before, I'll feel these things!?
Well, to go to America, I bought a new laptop!! This is the picture. It is easy to use and has good function. I can keep blog by this!

BTW, yesterday, I went to a summer festival with my club mates! This is the first time for me to go in this summer. I was happy to eat a lot of food at boothes. I ate Kakigouri, Yakisoba and Hashimaki! I love Japanese festivals very much because it makes me exciting and I like the atmosphere.
Since we haven't seen for a long time, we talked about many things, our future or marriage. When I see and talk with my club mates, I'm always encouraged and given a power.
Next time, I wanna set off fireworks in the park!

The Last Class

2006-07-23T21:57:00.000-07:00

Before, I said my Canadian teacher will go back to Canada and for him, we had a party at class! We considered what pereset is good for him and decided to buy Jinbei and give a message card from everyone.
For the party, we prepared cream puff with mustard to play a game! We planed to play bingo and as one of prizes, we have to eat cream puff like Russian roulette!! That's crazy...
Before starting a party, we gave him an invitation to the party. That's fun to surprise someone! When he came into our class, we pull a cracker and yelled "We love Peter!"
And then, we gave him Jinbei. He wore it and looked so cute☆ After saying "Cherrs", we played bingo. Yey! Unfortunately, I couldn't get a prize but it was fun for me to spend with my classmates. For the last game, we did a scary game. That's guessing who is eating masturd cream puff and who is not. I did it twice but didn't eat mustard! Lucky! I used up all of fortunes then!?
Finally, he convyed a message to us. That was emotional and warm. I could feel how much he loved our class and appreciated us. I feel really happy that I could meet him. I learned many things from him, the importance of studying, the difficulty and interest of writing ,and knowing own culture and other cultures. I can't say everything but surely, I learned a lot from him. I'm so sad that we can't take his classes anymore. But I hope he can also enjoy his second life in Canada.
After going back to home, I checked e-mail and noticed that he sent us an e-mail. It was really really long mail but I didn't feel painful. I read his mail and I was more impressed with it, how he thinks about us, how he feels about his future, I knew his bottom of mind.
Thanks for everything, Peter! Good luck in Canada!
It's one of intersts in my life to meet new people and get something. Meeting new people makes me mature and develops myself.

Myself

2006-07-19T22:58:00.000-07:00

Recently, I'm thinking about myself. When I heard talk from my friends who are trying hard or watch people who are trying to achieve for the goal, I consider about myself. Am I trying to do hard? Am I satisfied with the present condition? What is my clear goal? What does life mean? I think about a deep thing, what my life is. When I worry or suffer with something, I remember the word "Life is resource until death." When I remember the word, I feel relief and feel like I don't have to hurry. Good word, isn't it?
When I see other people, I'm often depressed by my character. I'm not goo at talking with new people and little-known freinds. I can't open my mind soon. I envy the people who can talk anything about thierselves funnily and become friendly with anyone. I want to change my character but that's difficult to change soon.
Sometimes I am said cool. I know why I'm cool because I'm not good at talking in a group and like seeing the group from the outside. Once I see a group from the outside, I can't join the group... I don't know why I become so. Something trauma?
And, I often regreted that I couldn't say my answer in the classes. I'm afraid of outstanding and think about if the answer is incorrect. No, I don't have to be afraid. I know but I can't. Maybe that's Japanese character? Maybe I don't have confident for everything.
Recently, I'm worrying about when I go to Amrica because you know, American are positive and tend to say anything they think. I have to say what I think in voice and insist my opinion.
Although I'm afraid a little, it's one of my challenges to have confident and develop myself.

I think my age is time to think about many things, friends, jobs, family and myself. Now, I have some things I want to do. First, succeed in my studying abroad so it means to get something not only English. Second, study hard about marketing in Amrica. Thirdly, after comeing to Japan, do the internship abroad or in Japan. I hope I can do that abroad.
Until high school, I was negative and thought "No, I can't" to many things but recently, I think I become little positive. I got to think, I lose my chances if I don't act! So I try to act if I come up with something.

Honne to Tatemae

2006-07-12T23:47:00.000-07:00

Hola! Que hay!? This is Spanish greetings, Hello! and What's up?. Umm... I have to take a lot of tests, Spanish, business English and a lot a lot... So I'm a little bit busy and couldn't keep blogging. Besides, I didn't have interesting topics×D
After finishing tests, summer vacation will start!! Yey! But it means my Canadian teacher will go back soon... I'm so missing him. And, I'll go to Amrica so I can't enjoy summer vacation a lot. I have to prepare for leaving Japan!

This time, I want to write about Honne to Tatemae in Japanese mind. Honne means real intentions and Tatemae means intentions that are socially-tuned or controlled. This book mentions Japanese have two faces, social face and private face. When we go to school or work, we have Tatemae face. Even if we think it is wrong or can't agree with people, we don't say real intention because we don't want to disturb our harmony, "wa". In Japan, wa is very important and people are afraid of disturbing wa. We just try to behave politely and express ambiguously. Because of these situations, sometimes it causes to irritate westerners in business places because Japanese don't say real opinons or ideas.
Let me show you about Tatemae for Japanese girls. One day, a girl is wearing a new T-shirt which is not cool. Most girls think it's tasteless but if one girl say "Oh, it's very cool!", other girls also say "Cool!" with one voice. Actually, they don't think it's very cool but they try to tell a lie. This is kind of Honne and Tatemae.
If the girl likes her new T-shirt and ask you about theT-shirt, how do you reply?
Maybe this is occured in other countries but it's more used in Japan.
Tatemae is not only sayings but also behaviors. My Canadian teacher illustrated his experiences. When he first came to Japan, he was surprised at Japanese too much politeness. In restaurants, transportations and public institutions, Japanese are always polite and often say "Sorry", "Thank you". He even said " I thought I was killed by politeness", haha.
When I heard that, I remembered NZ fast-food shop. Actually, I was surprised at rudeness of staffs. They didn't smile and were like throwing our foods! That's really rude! But it's ordinary in other countries? Japan is too polite!? I don't know other countries than in NZ and Japan so I can't say which is right.
I think this definition of Honne and Tatemae is very difficult! In this book, it is mentioned Japanese can only undetstand the differences because they have grown up with dual concepts. I agree with this. I couldn't tell the clear difinition to my teacher. It's really difficult so don't mind if you can't understand.
Do you think you have Honne and Tatemae in your mind?
As for me, I think I have two faces like mask. I can show my real intention only to my family and my close friends.
How about you?

Men and Women

2006-06-30T06:04:00.000-07:00

Hi, guys! It's really getting hotter in Japan.... I'm afraid this summer cause maybe it's much hotter than now!

Well, I want to write about beliefs for men and women in Japan
In the world, women are getting to be treated equally as men but how is it in Japna? When we see the companies or homes, still women are not treated equally. If they get pregnant or marry, they often quit their job. Companies don't think they should take maternity leave. And, also even if women work and become a housewife, they have to do everything in their house. You know, they have to rise their children, make meals, clean their house and a lot, a lot... In 1972, 男女雇用機会均等法( Law Concerning the Promotion of Equal Opportunity and Treatment between Men and Women) was enforced but there is still prejudges for women.
Now, goverments make a fuss about Japanese birth rate, however women try to get high career. They try to change the prejudges for women. Because of women's high career, the women's marriageable age is getting higher. In the past, they think 適齢期(the proper age for marriage) is about 23-26 but now is about 30. I think women try to change something!! It's really good, isn't it?
But there is a problem, low-birth rate. How should we solve this problem? I think men should help housework and companies should allow child-care leave for men and women. I read the article about men's child-care leave. Although there is a law to allow the child-care leave for men, they can't apply it because if they apply it, companies may fire him! It's really dangerous for men.
And today, we discussed business bachelors in our class. In Japan, if men are said to move somewhere, generally they move alone without their family. On the other hand, in western countries, they can move with their family and companies aid their family. I've never considered the Japanese system is weird.
I think there are still problems for men and women but I hope we can be equally!
How about in your country? They are equal or not? If not so, how should we do? Please tell me somthing :-)

Oh my Goodness!!

2006-06-21T04:39:00.000-07:00

Oh, my goodness!! My Canadian teacher will move to Canada from next semester.... I'm so sad because I think he is a very very good teacher for us. I can't attend his classes if he ever stays in Japan, though. He taught me the differences between Japanese and westerners or other countries' people. I've never considered so deeply about my culture or Japanese characters or habits or something like that. Sometimes it's very tough for me to tell the Japanese culture. I knew I didn't know anything about my culture, although I'm Japanese. I'm so ashamed that I couldn't tell nicely about my culture. How about you? Can you tell clearly about your culture?

There is a proverb, "Toudai moto kurashi" in Japanese, which literally means " It's darkest beneath the lamp." and figuratively means " If you're inside of a group, it's difficult to see reality of the group." I think this proverb exactly expresses my feeling. Although I'm Japanese, I can't tell clearly about my culture. I think my teacher rather knows about Japan and Japanese. It's more easy to see inside from outside.
And, I thought recent Japanese tend to long for westerners too much. We dye our hair, eat fast food and don't wear traditional clothes. That's good for our future?? No, we HAVE TO remind our culture! Some foreigners say why most Japanese songs are written in English and Japanese. I've never thought about it. Surely, it's very strange... Maybe it's related to above.

If I didn't meet him, maybe I've never cosidered like these things. It must be thanks to him!! It must be useful when I go to America.
I'll enjoy his rest classes :-)

He recovered!

2006-06-16T06:14:00.000-07:00

I wrote about the anger of my teacher in the last post. After the last class, I went to his class timidly. He still seemed to be angry with us and he never smiled and said jokes as usual. I was a little bit angry with his attitude for us. Why was he still angry!? Maybe we did the bad thing but we regreted and appeared our drive to him! On the way to home, I and my friend complained about his attitude. We were talking if he is like attitude until the end of class, that's amazing. Then next week, amazingly, he recovered usual himself! I wondered why? He started to speak "I'm so happy, you, guys did the good job! You did the forum(It's kind of homework on the net) better than other classes!" Maybe he was happy that we did do the homework?
Anyway, I'm relieved he recovered usual himself! I knew that in his class we have to speak our opinion and shouldn't be quiet. Once I was angry with him but now I like his class. I can say he is really funny and his class is very useful for me ;-)
This job, teacher, is really difficult! They should find the best way to teach students. I don't know the best way, though...

Yey! I have to inform you that I'll go to America for a year! I passed the test and interview in my uni and I can study abroad from this August! Oh, my goodness! Now, I'm really excited and have a little bit anxity. I expect that I can improve my English skill and want to learn about marketing and business. I'll tell you about my Amrican life, too :-)

I was embarrassed!

2006-06-07T04:20:00.000-07:00

Today, I had an embarrassing experience. What I was embarrassed is that my English teacher got angry with us for the first time. Why did he get angry? Maybe he was depressed that we didn't do basic things.
Every time, we should do our homework and check it in our class. But today most of us didn't do HW and it took longer to write group answers on the blackboard. I could feel that he was irritated that he couldn't go forward smoothly.
Around the end of class, he suddenly stopped everything and cleared off his desk. Um... immediately I could understand he got angry and we became silent. Then he started speaking with big anger. His body shook... "I got 2 degrees in the graduate schools and I saw the hell. Most Japanese students think they can play around in collge but we don't think so. Maybe Canadian students and Japanese students are different BUT if you don't do basic things, I can't help you. Learning is cool and having knowledge is cool! " he said like these things and had gone. I was impressed with his word "Learning is cool!"
I was surprised and embaressed. I've never scold by English teachers.
Maybe we were bad? I know we were bad not doong our HW. But when he asked us one question, we were thinking the question with silence. Then he stopped suddenly. You know, Japanese tend to think with silence. He didn't like this situation?
Anyway, this experience gave me the lesson, culture difference is difficult! And also, I think if he was a Japanese, he would act like this? I don't think so. He is a Canadian so he directly said to us, I think.
Sadly, since he spoke very fast with anger, I couldn't hear all of what he said... frustrating...

Amakudari

2006-05-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

Last time, I wrote about aimai and this time, I want you to intorduce about "Amakudari".
Amakudari literally means "descent from heaven" and the real meaning is that senior bureaucrats are allowed to take important positions with private or semiprivate companies after retirement.
The reason Amakudari doesn't disappear in Japan is it is profitable for both bureaucrats and companies.
For example, there is Dango(secret price arrangement) between the Ministry of Finance and construction companies. It became a big scandal in Japan. Before bidding, they consult with one another and prearrange a bid winner. In this book, the relationship is described " back-scratching". I think this word shows the fact.
Except this fact, there are a lot of problems about bureaucrats. They use our money for personal things, eat out with their colleagues or travel or even go to cabaret.
After taking high positions with companies, they don't contribute to the company. They only take high sallary and high retirement allowance.
Actually, these facts are revealed recently. There was a background that we trusted bureaucrats and their system. They have a big authority.
Well, how do you think about this syestem? What should we do to abolish this system? I think goverments should make a law to prohibit the system. Now, there is a law that after retirement, they can't enter private companies or public corporations for two years. But this law is no meaning. A lot of bureaucrats get a new job with these companies.
And, also their systems or tasks should be shown clearly. Still now, they are not shown clearly.
It thought whether such system is existed in other countries. Please tell me your opinion and what you think!

Kobe!

2006-05-16T02:13:00.000-07:00

Hi!! Today, I had a cold and am staying in my house... Cough, cough...

Anway, last Sunday was last day of Golden week and I went to Kobe with my uni friends!! I was looking forward to going out with them because I had not seen them for a long time since new term started. Besides, I had only worked during Golden week... That's steressful for me.
Although that day was raining, we met in Sannomiya station . I think someone is a rainy girl!? When we always go out, it is raining... After meeting with them, we went to Nankin-machi(China town). I like this place and often go with mom. We can see rare Chinese food and can eat a lot cheaply. This time, we ate Chinese noodle and shaomai! That's really delicious:-)
Then we went to Sweets harbor! This was main event for us! We love sweets so we're looking forward to eating a lot;-) In there, we ate ice cream but it is not ordinary ice cream. This ice is mixed some fruits or drinks in the ice plate of -30℃ and we can choose 2 topping. If my memory is right, it is popular in US and came to Japan. Sadly, our stomach was full with Chinese food, so we didn't eat anymore. We wandered around and looked a lot of sweets. Then we found really cute sweets, Maltese cake. This is the picture of cake. It's really cute, isn't it? Wate to eat... I want to go there again and eat other sweets.
I had a good day with my friends☆

The Japanese Mind

2006-05-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

Now, I'm reading a really interesting book in my English class. The name of the book is "The Japanese Mind". Actually, I don't like reading either Japanese or English but this book attracts me a lot. Surprisingly, this book was written by university sutundets in Ehime and traslated into English. The cotent is about particular Japanese culture and divided into some chapters. Sofar, I read two chapters "aimai" and "amae". aimai means ambiguity and amae means fawning. The definition of amae is very difficult to explain and it has a lot of menings so I'll tell you about aimai. I think this is a particular behavior for Japanese.
In this book, it is said Japanese word, aimai has a lot of menings, vague, obscure, equivocal, dubious, doubtful, questionable, shady...etc. Yes, I think so, too. And, aimai is regarded as virtue in Japan.
Certainly, when we talk with elder people or even our friends, we often use aimai words. But I'd never thought it's a particular behavior for us.
For example, when we want to refuse the offer, we often use these phrases, "chotto..."( directly traslated = "a little bit") or "maa-maa"(so-so). We really often use these words. Except these words, there are many aimai words in Japanese.
In this book, the origin of aimai is also described. I think it's very itneresting ideas and I agree with that.
You know, Japan is an island surrounded by sea so we had to help each other to live longer. And, to grow up rice in limited space, we had to support each other to achieve high production. As a result, we really cared our "group". If one man was thrown out of his group, noone helped him and he couldn't grow up rice and live by himself. It was very important to use aimiai words not to break the harmony of the group.
Because of these things, we use aimai words until now.

But how about that when we talk with people from other countries? Especially, with westerners. I know all of westerners don't speak directly but they tend to speak directly. Maybe misunderstandings will happen between Japanese and people from other countries. My teacher suggested us to think about the solution of avoiding misunderstandings.
In my opinion, we have to take care not to use aimai words when we talk with people from other countries and also, they should know Japanese culture, aimai. Well, how abou you? What do you suggest to solve this problem? Please tell me your opinion:-)
Anyway, I really recommend you to read this book if you are interested in Japan or Japanese culture. You can get to know real Japanese mind and culture. Please check out this book!
If I have some question about other chapters, I'll ask you about that in my blog!

My Favorite Singers♬

2006-04-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

These days, I like two Japanese singers, Kumi Kouda and Ai Otuka. Do you know them? They are very popular among young women and men.
She is Ai Otuka. I often listen to her CDs or albums.
She is very cute, isn't she? Her voice is also very cute. I want to be like her. Among her CDs, I like "Sakuranbo", "Smily" and "Happy Days". I like the PV, "Sakuranbo" the best. In this PV, she is sooo cute♡ Her songs make me happy and encourage me. Recently, her new CD, "Furenjya-" was released and I like this song, too!

She is Kumi Kouda. Now, she is twenty-five years old and is called "Ku-chan". Her popular CD, "Butterfly" was a great hit in Japan. Actually, among her CDs, I like "Butterfly" the best. Until few years ago, most people didn't know her but now, she is really really popular, especially among young girls. Many girls say they want to be like her. As you know from the picture, she is very sexy!! And, Her PVs are more sexy and cool!! Please check out her PVs:-) I like her PV, "Cutie Honey" the best. She is so erotic, though... In Japan, there weren't sexy and cool singers like her. Some poeple say she is too erotic but I think it is her weapon to sell her CDs. When I saw her for the first time, I thought she looks Japanese Britney Spears. Don't you think so? Well, my overseas friends say they love her. I wonder why she attracts them.

Please check out these two girls!

Karaoke

2006-04-21T05:40:00.000-07:00

Last week, I went to Karaoke with my Korean and American friend and her boyfriend. That's very interesting group because I'd never met her boyfriend. He came to Japan to see her. When I saw him for the first time, I thought he looks like a punk rocker and is a little bit scary for me. But he is a very good man.
I heard that Karoke is very expensive in America. We have to pay about 3000 yen for an hour! It's soo expensive, isn't it!?
Then we went to Karaoke in Hirakata and spent about two hours in there. I was a little bit confused because I didn't know whose songs I should sing. I thought maybe they don't know Japanese singers a lot so I sung songs which they seem to know, Utada Hikaru or BOA or Kouda Kumi. But my Korean friend know a lot of Japanese singers and sung them for me. Her voice is so great! I was surprised at her skill of songs and she is like BOA;-) Also, I listend to her Korean songs. It was interesting for me that I could listen to Korean and American songs. My American friend and her boyfriend was madly in love each other so they always sung together. Very cute couple♡ Suddenly, my American friend suggested me to sing "YATTA!" of Happa-tai together! Do you remember Happa-tai? The picture is the CD of Happa-tai. I rememberd they were temporarily very famous in Japan. They were group of Japanese comedians and released their song by the Japanese program. Besides, they advanced to USA! But I didn't know they were also became famous in USA. Although she suggested me, I didn't know their song...so she and her boyfriend sung instead of me. Then I listend to it again, the song is very funny! If you don't know, try to listen to their song!
Anway, I enjoyed Karoke with them. I like Karaoke very much;-) How about you?

New Term!

2006-04-14T01:41:00.000-07:00

From this week, the new term started and I'm a little bit busy to prepare for new classes. This year I take many classes so that means, I should buy many texts... Oh, that's too expensive! I paid about thirty thousand yen... Now, I take Environmental problem, Religion, Business English, English grammar and so on. Each class is very interesting and some teachers are curiosu and very funny. I think I can enjoy their classes. But one class English grammer, is very difficult for me! The text is written in English and I have to understand the sentences about English grammer. It's very tough for me however, it is good study for me to improve my reading skill so I'll try to do my best.
In adittion to these classes, I have to take two required classes which are taught by native teachers. Yesterday and today, I took their classes. You know, last year I took Aussie and Canadian teacher's classes. Suprisingly, my one teacher is a friend of my last Canadian teacher. He is also from Canada and very kind teacher. He had lived in some countries, Vietnam, China, Europea and Thailand so his story is very interesting. And, the other teacher is from England and he had also lived in some countries, Mexico, France and so on. He loved traveling and I saw some pictures. Their common point is that they can speak several languages and visited many countries. Fantastic! I also want to visit many places like them.
Anyway, my teachers are very good people. As yet, I can't be accustomed to my class, though...

My Daily Life

2006-04-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

Now, I'm on spring vacation so I have much time to do something. BUT I'm spending so boring days everyday. My schedule is like this.
I wake up at late time in the morining about 10 or 11 and eat breakfast. Then I watch TV about two hours and eat lunch at noon. After having lunch, I watch TV again and go to work. When I come back to home, it is about 10 or 11 o'clock. Recently, I'm spending such lazy and boring days. I know I should keep regular hours and study much more... but when I'm staying at home, I can't be motivated. How can I solve this problem? What do you advise me? Please tell me!
As for my job, I have been working at supermarket as a cashier for a year. Now, I could be accucstomed to work. Every staff is kind and I can work comfortably. Some customers are strange, though. But it's a little bit stressful for me to work alomost everyday. I'm always very tired and return to my house. I want to get rid of this stress. How do you get rid of your stress?
By the way, I want to do Hanami with my friends! This picture is Sakura street near my house;-)

Hiroshima

2006-04-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I came back to my house from Hiroshima trip with my family. This is the first time for us to visit Hiroshima. It took about 4 hours to go to Hiroshima by car. It took so long time so I was boring... I only slept all the time however, the trip was very fun!
At first, we went to Itukushima to see Itukushima shrine and stay in the ryokan in Itukushima. It takes about 10 minutes to go to Itukushima by ferry. The shrine seeing from ferry was so beautiful and artistic. After arriving at Itukushima, we went to the ryokan. The ryokan was so clean, and of course, our room was so clean and comfortable. Besides, we could see beautiful cheery blossoms from the room. Then we went to Itukushima shrine. Yes, it was very beautiful and artistic. Since it was low tide, we could see soil from the shrine and people were gathering shellfish. But next day in the morning, since it was high tide, I could see the Itukushima shrine filling with water. It's really different sight between high tide and low tide. Check it out!
In Itukushima, Momiji-manju and Shyamoji(rice scoop) is famous so we bought Momiji-manjyu as a souvenir. It's cute and delicous. The below picture is the biggest Shyamoji in Japan!
After returing to ryokan, we had dinner. I ate delicious Japanese cuisine like sashimi, soymilk nabe and so on. It was a gorgeous dinner! After that, we experienced bedrock bath for the first time! Now, it is popluar in Japan and said to be good for our health. My feeling is comfortable and I slept all the time. Please try bedrock bath! Maybe you also feel so comfortable. Then I took a hot spring and open-air bath. From the open-air bath, I could see the illumination of Itukushima shrine. Very beautiful! I realaxed and had a good bath.

Next day, we went to Atomic Bomb Memorial Dome. Um... it was more tragic sight than I expected. There were many people from other countries and I thought I want many people to visit here and know this fact.
At noon, we went to Okonomiyaki town in Hiroshima city. In the one building, there are a lot of Okonomiyaki shops. At there, we ate nice Hiroshimayaki. It was so big and delicious! I think Hiroshimayaki is healthier than Okonomiyaki because Hiroshimayaki is put more vegetables. I prefer Hiroshimayaki.
Anyway, Hiroshima trip was fun for me☆
By the way, Hiroshima dialect is cute, isn't it? When hearing Hiroshima dialect, I always feel so.

New Zealand

2006-03-19T23:00:00.000-08:00

Hello! I'm a little bit busy because I had been to New Zealand and after coming back to Japan, I have to work everyday... Now, I want to write about New Zealand trip.
From last month, I went to New Zealand for two weeks. This is the first time for me to leave Japan so I was a little bit nervous. But I could arrive at New Zealand safely. Yes, it was sooo fun! Actually, I went to a language scool in Auckland and stayed in host family's house but mostly, I went sightseeing. My host family consists of host mom and her son. My host mom is really really kind and I could spend a good time with her. Besides, her cook was very good! I was surprised that she served Chinese fried rice for us. Her son is handsome and always goes to pubs at night so I couldn't talk with him very much. I wanted to talk with him much more... In the house, there are also two students from Switzer land and Japan. The Japanese girl and I came to the house in the same day and went back to Japan in the same day! I could get along with her. Also, I could talk about many things with the Swiss girl.
When I came to New Zealand, I was surprised at few things. First, I was surprised that there were a lot of Chinese, Korean and Japanese restaurants in Auckland. Besides, there are many Chinese and I saw many Chinese are working at cheap restaurants. In Asian restaurants, we can eat delicious Korean and Chinese food cheaply. I don't know wheter Japanese food is good or not because I was afraid to eat Japanese food in there. Secondly, I was surprised that bus drivers were very fierce and I was scary to ride the buses... Be careful to ride buses in NZ!

Anway, I went to many palces, Auckland zoo, sea museum, Hobbiton town, Devon port, sky tower and so on. In Aucland zoo, I could see the rare animal, kiwi! Um... kiwi is a nocturnal animal so I couldn't see clearly... Besides, it was smaller than I expected. But it's very cute! In Hobbiton town, there are not remained the sets of "Load of the Ring" so only I could see the Hobitoon houses. But the nature is very beautiful and there are many sheep. We can relax in there. As for Devon port, this place is the best for me because I could see the really really beautiful landscape from the mountain. I recommend you to go there.
My feeling about New Zealand is that people are kind and nature is very beautiful. I want to visit there again!

Tokyo Disney Land

2006-02-13T03:31:00.000-08:00

From Wednesday to Thursday, I went to Tokyo Disney Land and Tokyo Disney Sea with my college friends! It's third time for me to go to Disney Land. Yes, it was sooo fun! There weren't many people at both places and, besids both two days were fine days. We rode many many rides and also ate special Disney food. At Land, my favourite rides are "Splash Mountain" and "Space World". Both rides are roller coasters and very very scary...But I love scary rides! If you like scary rides, please ride these rides. As for special food, I recommend you to eat churros, which is long and crunchy sweet. It's very delicious!
After going to Land, we stayed overnight at Disney official hotle. Then I was surprised at the change of the rooms. All rooms were remodeled and became very cute. I could sleep well. When I woke up in the next morning, something was next to me. I looked at it carefully...Woopee! It was my birthday presents!(My birthday is February 28th) Actually, my friends bought them at Disney Land and put while I was sleeping. I'm so happy! Thank you, my lovely friends!
At Sea, my favourite rides are "Indiana Jones" and "Center of the earth". They're really really interesting! We rode again and again. If you don't like scary rides, you can enjoy these rides. They are not so scary like above rides. This time I ate Ukiwa man(floater manjyu) for the first time. It looks a pink floater and very cute. Of course, it's delicious. Anyway, the happiest thing for me and my friends is that we could take pictures with Mickey and Minnie☆ Very cute! I'm so happy I could touch them.
I enjoyed at Disney Land and Sea with my friends. I wanna go there again!

New!

2006-02-06T21:32:00.000-08:00

This is a Chinese rice cake, which my H/K friend gave me. It is beautiful, isn't it? Actually, January 29th was the lunar New Year for Chinese, Singaporean, Korean and other people.(I don't know in detail.) Recently, I ate this red rice cake. Um... the taste is different from Japanese one. Sadly, I can't say it's delicious. It smells like coconut ,and is soft and very sweet. Although I can't say it's delicious, it is interenting for me to taste new food.
Anyway, I wanna see Chinese New Year someday!

Last Friday I met my speaking partner. Spaking partner is a program which Japanese students help overseas students in many ways. She is a Korean and lives in America. We couldn't match our schedule so decided to have dinner together after her class. Yes, she was a good girl and good at speaking Japanese! She brought her American friend and I also brought my friend. At first, her friend looked very awful because she was smoking and has her cheek pierced. But I gradually knew she is a good person. We had dinner at the family restaurant while talking about many things. Then I was surprised at one thing that she has been studying Japanese only for six months! But she could talk with us naturally. Now, I studied Spanish for a year but I can't speak Spanish like her. I admire her.I knew both Korean and Amrican culture from her. It's intersting for me to know different cultures. They are my new friends☆ Next time, we're planning to go shopping and eat out. I'm looking forward to meeting them again!

Finish!

2006-01-28T18:09:00.000-08:00

All classes and tests were finished! I can't believe our classmates separate and the new term starts in April. How fast the time passes! This time I want to introduce my lovely teachers in my college.
This year I was taught English by two native teachers, Janet and Fiona. Janet is from Cnada. She is really cute and sweet! I learned not only English but also Canadian culture. Actually, I started this blog through Janet's homework. I think my writing skill is imroving through this blog. In Janet's class, I did several presentations about London, Halloween and Japanese restaurants. At first, I couldn't make a good speech because I was so nervous. But gradually, I was used to speaking to everyone and could enjoy my presentations. They are good experiences for me and I could have a little confident to do presentations.
The other teacher, Fiona, is from Australia. She is also cute, sweet and besides funny! She is a really funny person. She often told us some Australian jokes. Sometimes I couldn't understand the jokes... But I liked her class. In Fiona's class, I think I could improve my speaking skill. At last class, she gave us good advice. I was impressed with her kindness. Also, she gave us Australian mascot, koala. It's really cute! I'll treasure this mascot.
Anyway, I could enjoy both teachers' classes. I loved their classes. I hope I can enjoy next classes, too! Thank you for everything, Janet and Fiona!

Kiyomizu Temple

2006-01-15T16:13:00.000-08:00

This month I went to Kyoto again with my mother. It's a first visit in this year. Unfortunately, that day was pretty cold... So my fingers were numbed with the cold. On that day, we planned going to Yasaka shrine and Kiyomizu temple. I had never visited Kiyomizu temple, so I was looking forward to visiting there.
At first, we visited Yasaka shrine. There were some street stalls because of New Year. I could smell something delicous food. We paied homage at the shrine and went to Kiyomizu temple. While walking around, we arrived at Kiyomizu temple soon. At last, I could visit Kiyomizu temple! When I saw Kiyomizu temple for the first time, I could feel the depth of history. There were many visitors from various countries. Then we paied homage again and I bought a charm of study, which is a strap of school bag and very cute! I also bought it for my friend because she will take a collge examination this year. I hope she will pass the examination. Good luck to her!
After that, we looked around stores and bought some souvenirs. Well, I want you to introduce one famous sweet, Yatuhashi. Do you know Yatuhashi? Yatuhashi is a very famous and delicous sweet in Kyoto. You can find it in most gift shops. I recommend you to buy this for souvenir. While looking around stores, we found a Ohagi shop. In there, we ate Ohagi and drank matcha tea. It was soooo yummy! I think Ohagi and match tea is the best match.
Anyway, I enjoyed Kyoto very much! I want to go again and see many places. I love Koyoto☆

Happy New Year!

2006-01-09T23:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, 2006!
This year I hope I can enjoy my life.
On New Year's Day, I paid a visit to Osaka Tenmangu with my family and internationl friends from Hong Kong. My international friend took his girl friend to my house. She goes to the college in Nagoya and came to Osaka to go sightseeing. At first, I was nervous to meet her, but I was relieved to know that she is a good person. To my surprise, she can speak 4 languages the same as him. They are really clever...
On the train, she showed us the Japanese doll making by herself. The doll wears kimono and was so cute and beautiful! She said that she sewed the doll's kimono by herself! I think it is very difficult to make such a doll. She is very good with her hands.
While talking, we arrived at the station. From the station, we walked about 20 minutes, but suddenly, we couldn't walk forward because there were many people to go to the shrine. To arrive there, we waited about 40 minutes... After praying to God, we drew a fortune slip. My result was good luck. Um...I wanted to draw very good luck.
After visiting the shrine, we went home to have dinner together. Of course, the day's menu was Oseti and Zouni, which my mom made that morning. Japanese New Year is the first time for them, so the dishes seemd to interest them. I am glad that they knew Japanese New Year. Then they gave us souvenirs from Hokkaido. They are really sweet! Thanks a lot! The sweets were delicious.
Anyway, I enjoyed New Year's Day. Especially, I'm happy I could make a new interenational friend. She is very sweet and cute! I hope I can meet her again and go anywhere together☆

Happy Christmas!

2005-12-25T20:41:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! Yesterday was Christmas! This year I exchanged peresents in my Englsih class and got a Lilo and Stitch blanket! I was so happy to have a party in my class.
On Friday I had a Christmas party with my family. We didn't match our schedules, so we had a party on Friday. At home, we ate many delicious food like grilled chicken, pizza and Christmas cake. They were really delicous and I had a good time with my family.
On Christmas Eve, I went to Expoland with my high school friends. Maybe you will think it's too cold to go to the theme park in witner. Yeah, as I expected, it was pretty cold! Besides, it was snowing a little that day.... But we rode many scary rides and enjoyed very much. After that, we went to the buffet, Hu-hu- tei, to eat Yakiniku(broiled meat). We ate lots of delicous meat! In this restaurant, there are various meat and the side menu is also abundant. I recommend you to go to this restaurant.
Anyway, I spent a happy time with my friends and family. How was your Christmas? Did you have a good time with anyone?

Buffet

2005-12-18T06:28:00.000-08:00

Last week I hung out to Umeda with my high school friends. I hadn't seen them for a long time, so I was very happy to meet them. Then we decided to go to the buffet, Sweets Paradise. Do you know this restaurant? In the restaurant, there are not only sweets but also dishes like pasta, pizza, salada, cake and ice cream. We were very happy because we could eat as much as we like for 1280 yen at the restaurant. It's very cheap, isn't it? We stuffed ourselves with many sweets and satisfied with various foods. Especially, I like making a crepe and ice cream by myself. We can put favorite toppings on the crepe. I put coloful chocolate, cornflakes and fresh cream on the crep and made my original crepe, which was really delicious! I recommend you to go there. You can eat various sweets.
Though I was satisfied with many dishes, I considerd one thing. I saw one of my friends threw her dishes away and thought what a waste! I said to her that she sould have taken food she could eat, however, she didn't listen to my advice.... In other countires, many people can't eat enough food, on the other hand, we can eat enough food we want. I saw many dishes and thought many cool dishes are trown away as time passes. Buffet is cheaper and delicous, and we can eat many various food. However, there are a lot of food thrown away. What do you think about buffet? I think buffet is good but we should reduce waste food and take dishes we can eat.
Anyway, I want to go there again and eat many sweets! I love sweets☆

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

2005-12-04T16:20:00.000-08:00

Last month I saw this movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with my friend. Do you know this movie? The leading character is Johnny Depp and his real face is very handsome. But in this movie, he is completely different from real face. I was so surprised at his face and character in this movie. The story is very funny and thoughtful. I think this movie's theme is "family" because I thought family is really important for us. In this movie, one small man attracted me. Maybe he is not so famous but he was ouststanding in this movie. If you saw this movie, you may know this man. The small man was dancing and singing like musical by himself, and sometimes thousand small men appeared, which attracted me and was very funny! In this movie, many many chocolates also appeared. In the chocolate factory, there is a chocolate river, chocolate waterfall and chocolate plant. I saw the scene, and want to have such a garden and eat them with my friends! Every day is happy for me!
I recommend you to see this movie. You can laugh many times and also feel family's love. I saw this movie and like Jhonny Depp, so I want to buy this DVD and also see his other movies.

Kinkaku

2005-12-03T18:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to Kyoto with Risa to see Kinkaku and Ryoanji tempel. It's first time for me to see Kinkaku, so I was looking forward to seeing Kinkaku.
When we arrived at Kawaramati station, there were so many passers. Then we walked along Kamo river. There were some ducks and white birds, and they were so cute! The river and atomosphere relaxed us. After walking along river, we got on the bus to Kinkaku. Unexpectedly, it took about 40 minutes and we were boring... But when we arrived at Kinkaku, I forgot that. As expected, there were many visitors from foreign countries. I thought the temples in Kyoto attract visitors from all over the world. Then we bought the ticket, which is said luckey charm. Finally, I could see Kinkaku!! Kinkaku was more beautiful and brilliant than I expected. I was moved at the beauty of Kinkaku. We took many pictures of Kinkaku and red leaves. The leaves turned various colors, red or yellow or green. They were also so beautiful. I read the pamphlet and knew Kinkaku history. In fact, I wasn't interested in temples or shrines until high school student. But after entering college, I reconsiderd Japan and am intersted in temples and shrines. I visited Kyoto and thought Japan is really good country!! I recommend you to visit Kyoto, if you have a chance to come to Japan. Kyoto is really good place to visit. Next time, I will visit Arashiyama, so I want to see other temples or shirnes and eat delicous foods, especially green tea ice cream!!

Japan

2005-11-26T17:53:00.000-08:00

Recently I reconsiderd about Japan because my international friend asked me many things about Japan, but I couldn't answer them in detail. I am Japanese, but I don't have enough knowledge about Japan. I thought I should have more knowledge about Japan. When I considered about Japan, I thought I have never been to Kyoto! I live in Osaka, so I had thought I could go there someday. So I decided to go to Kyoto next month. I think most Japanese people don't have enough knowledge about Japan.
Anyway, last Thursday I saw the interview in NY that people who have never been to Japan imagine about Japan. I thoguht they imagine old Japanese style like Kyoto, maiko, samurai, kimono, temples and shrines. But to my surprise, it was pretty different from my imagines. They answered they imagine modern country. For example, they said technology, crowded, expensive cameras, electronic and so on. I was so surprised at the interview. Are they good imagines? I don't think quiet good. I like traditional Japanese style like Kyoto. I want them to see real Japan and know about Japan much more. What do you imagine about Japan? I saw the video and want to know other people's imagines about Japan. Probably, they are diffrent from each people.

Hong Kong friend

2005-11-19T07:01:00.000-08:00

In August I applied for the home visit program, which overseas student comes to Japanese house and eat dinner or go out or do something with Japanese family. Then I have known the overseas student from Hong Kong. I was so nervous until I met him because I can't speak English fluently and didn't know whether we could be good friends or not. But when I met him for the first time, I was so surprised at his fluent Japanese. He could understand and speak Japanese very well. He can also speak 4 languages, English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese!! What a genius student!! I admired to hear that. I also surprised at his fashionable clothes. He was like ordinary Japanese young boy. We could talk each other about Hong Kong and Japan, and I was relieved he was a good person. As yet he came to my house several times and we ate dinner together. He gave us a cute mascot which is Hong Kong mascot like cat or lion. To my surprise, he could talk naturally with my family!! He is really clever!!
I talked with him and knew many things about Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, most buildings and apartments are very high and he lives in the 30th floor. It's scary for me to live in the 30th floor...But it's an ordinary thing in Hong Kong. Because of high buildings, he said we can't see beautiful sky. When he came to Japan, he was moved at Japanese beautiful sky. It was surprising for me. I also surprised at one more thing. There are no earthquakes in Hong Kong, so he has never had an earthquake. It's envious thing for Japanese people.
It's a really good experience for me and my family to have got to known with him. We could know each countries and had a good time. I want to know more about Hong Kong and go to Hong Kong someday!! I want to see really beautiful night view in Hong Kong☆

USJ

2005-11-13T16:17:00.000-08:00

Last Friday was a holiday because of the anniversary of the foundation. So I went to USJ with my friends, Mayumi, Risa and Yumiko. I have been there several times. In USJ, Christmas ivents have been held since this month. I was looking forward to seeing a big Christmas tree!! We rode many attractions, so I'll tell you about my favourite attractions. At first, we rode the attraction, "Spiderman", which is really exciting. I like this attraction the best. At last of this attraction, we feel falling down from the high building. Next, I love the movie, "Back to the future"and the main character, Doc, so I like this attraction. We seem to travel to the past and future, and enter the movie. I recommend you to ride these two attractions. Both are really fun.
Anyway, Sunday was Mayumi's birthday, so we planed to hold a surprise birthday party in USJ. We bought a present which is her favourite character, "Sponge Bob" though I don't think he is cute... But she loves him. We also reserved her birthday cake in USJ shop. We naturally entered the reserved shop and the shop staff served the cake. She was so surprised at and glad for our presents, so I was happy, too!! We ate the cake deliciously and drank tea like rich people.
We also planed to go to "Pink cafe". Do you know this cafe? This is Pink Panser's cafe and the shop is all pink!! It's really cute☆ In the end, we took pictures of the Christmas tree. It was illuminated many difference colours and so beautiful!! I was impressed the illumination. I recommed you to go to USJ during Christmas festa. I could feel Christmas early and enjoyed very much!!

School Festival

2005-11-07T05:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday our school festival had finished. It had been held for three days. I was looking forward to it because it's my first school festival.
On the first day, I saw comedians' show with Mayumi, Yumiko and Risa. They were very funny and I laughed hard. I think Nakagawake was the funniest duo. I like their imitation.
For two days, I and Mayumi went to school to help our circle's stall. We opened the baby castera(sponge cake) stall. For school festival, our circle made an original T-shirt which is a cool black design, so I wore this T-shirt. Then I sold castera to customers while walking. It's a first experience for me to be a vendor and call out to customers. So at fisrt, I was ashamed to do that, but gradually I got used to that. In a day we sold many castera about 100 to customers!! They seemed to eat deliciously, so I was very happy. I not only sold castera but bought many foods. I ate our castera, Hasimaki, grilled chicken, parfait, fried chicken, Tempura ice cream, hot dog ice cream and so on. All of them were very delicious and I enjoyed eating them. Especially hot dog ice cream was very delicious!! Do you know this food? It is put ice cream between bun and we can enjoy feeling hot and cold. Now it is popular in Nanba.
I was so tired because I walked a long time to sell castera. But I enjoyed selling and eating many foods. I'm looking forward to next year's school festival, too!!

Halloween

2005-10-31T06:01:00.000-08:00

Today is Halloween!! In my college, there were many foreign people who dressed up in Halloween costumes like Ninjya, Totoro, Mario and so on. They were very cute and funny.
Anyway, when I was a child, I went to my neighbour house to be taught English. The neighboor lived in Hong Kong because of her father's business and she was good at speaking English. Actually, she sufferd to learn English. Then I was very young, so I don't remember what I did or what I studied at her house, but I only remember the Halloweens' festivals. I looked forward to Halloween every year. It was very very fun for me.
The previous day of Haloween, we made our costumes with black gabage sacks and decolated it with origami. We made our costumes using our separate ideas. On that day, we wore them and went to neighbour houses. We said "Trick or treat!!" and got many sweets like candies and chocolates. After going to neighbour houses, we went back to her house and played many games. It was very fun, but I like the game which we broke the decorative ball the best. There were many sweets in the decorative ball and we hit the ball to break by turns. When it was broken, we quickly took many sweets in our hands. Of course, those sweets were very delicous. Well, did you do anything in Halloween? Do you have good memories in Halloween? I want to enjoy Halloween again like childhood!!

Surprise Birthday Party

2005-10-25T05:27:00.000-07:00

Last week Mayumi, Yumiko and I planned to hold a surprise birthday party for Risa. Her birthday was last month, but we held the party this month.... I and Mayumi went to buy Risa's birthday present in advance. We considerd what was good and chose the cute pierced earring. Recently, she had her ears pierced, so we thought the pierced earring was good. We also bought her favorite snacks. On that day after school, Mayumi and I walked to Hirakata station to buy birthday cakes. It took one hour, there and back, to the station and we were very very tired, but it was good exercise for us. After buying her present, we went to Yumiko's house and went to RoRo. RoRo is a famouse Western food restaurant and many students come there to eat lunch. Then we ate each omelet containing fried rice and it was very very delicious!! I recommend you to eat an omlet containing fried rice in there. Anyway, in there we gave the present to her and said "Happy birthday!! we are sorry too late!!" She had not noticed the birthday party and was pleased with the presetnt. Our party have succeeded and we had a good time. At Yumiko's house we ate the cakes and it was also delicious. I'm happy that she was pleased with the party.
By the way, do you have good ideas to delight the person of birthday?

Super Size Me

2005-10-13T05:19:00.000-07:00

Do you know this movie "Super Size Me"? My friend, Mayumi recommended this movie and I watched it in my house. This movie's direcotor tried to eat McDonald theree meals every day for a month and decided that if clerks say"How about extra size?", he couldn't refuse that. What happened to him do you think? On the third day when he was eating extra size McDonald, he spat all of them...Doctors warnned to stop the experiment, but he didn't stop it. After one month, he gained 10 kirograms and doctors were surprised at the result of the experiment. His body became very bad.
I watched this movie and thoght fast food is very very bad for our body. Fast food is cheaper and delicious, but it includes high calories and proteins. Please stop them, if your surrounding people are only eating fast food. Surely, they will die young. In America many people like fast food and they are eating it almost every day. What do you think we can improve their eating habits and reduce fat people? I think governments should seriously consider about them. In this movie it was said that American governments only think education. In elementary school gymnastics is only once a week. I think it's too few. If you are interested in this movie, please watch!!

Aichi Expo

2005-10-08T06:08:00.000-07:00

During sumer vacation I went to Aichi Expo with my family. Recently my father was transfered to Nagoya, so we stayed at my father's house for 3 days. On the second day, we went there.
When we arrived there, many people lined up to enter the expo. We were confused that, but lined up too. We waited for about 30 minutues and it's too long and boring for us.... Finally we could enter there and entered Saudi Arabia pavilion. We saw many desert pictures and got its pamphlet. The pamphlet was a little difficult for me, so I haven't read it yet. Next we entered American pavillion. I think this pavilion was very interesting. The pavilion was 3D and introduced one science man. We entered many pavilions, so I haven't remembered all of them, but I was impressed Napalese temple and Australian images. Napalese temple was different from Japanese one, but very brilliant and beautiful. Autralian images were beautiful natures and I wanted to become to go to Australia. Also I got an interesting Australian postcard drawn by someone like Picaso. Sadly, there was very crowded, so we couldn't enter Japanese pavilions.... I wanted to watch the mammoth. However I enjoyed Aichi Expo and knew many cultures. If it is held again in Japan, I want to go again!!

Okinawa 2

2005-10-02T17:35:00.000-07:00

During summer vacation I went to Okinawawith my college friends, Mayumi, Risa and Yumiko. I was looking forward to visiting Okinawa again.
On the first day we went to Kokusai street. There are many gift shops we can buy very cheap. We felt hungry, so we decided to eat So-ki soba which is famous soba in Okinawa. I had thought it was not so delicious, but it was very very delicious!! The meat was very soft and the soup was plain taste. I recommend you to eat So-ki soba. After lunch, we went shopping. I bought Sea-sar for my mother, Sa-ta andagi and Mimiga and so on. We really enjoyed eating and shopping. In the middle of shopping, we drank tapioca juices. Yumiko was moved its taste and also I like the taste. If you go to Okinawa, please drink tapioca juice!! After shopping, we took a taxi to return to our hotel. Then I was surpised the fare. The base fare was just 480 yen!! The price is half of Osaka. Everything was cheaper than Osaka.
Next day we went to sea by bus. On the way to sea, I saw large American bases. I had heard that there were many American bases in Okinawa, but I had never seen them. I was surprised the size and many tanks. At last, we arrived at the sea. The sea was very very beautiful and the color was emerald green. We are so excited and dived into the sea. We played with beach volleyball and had a good time. In the evening we went to Makisi market to eat dinner. We ate Goya-champuru, So-men champuru and Tako rice. All of them were very deliciou, but especially Goya-champuru was the most delicious. Goya was not so bitter.
I was really enjoyed my trip and want to visit Okinawa again!!

aiko's Concert 2

2005-09-26T06:12:00.000-07:00

The semester two had started!! I enjoyed many things during summer vacation and I will write these things from now on. One thing is that I went to aiko's concert with my college friend, Mayumi. I planed to go to her concert with my mother, but Mayumi had wanted to go to her concert for a long time, so I went to her concert with Mayumi. I was looking forward to her concert, because her concert is every time very exciting. That day we met in Osakajo Hall and ate some foods. Then we bought her original yellow T-shirts. The T-shirt is designed by her and very cute!! When I arrived at our seats, I was very shocked because when I went to her concert last time, our seats were very good, but this time was second floor... I was worried whether we could see her or not. Finally the concert started!! Everyone stood up and beat time with their hands. Her voice was powerful as ever and I listened to her singing voice happily. The middle of the concert she sang "Beetle"(It's her popular song). I was moved this song. Her voice was really beautiful and powerful. Her concert finished and I asked Mayumi how was her concert. She told me that she enjoyed it very much, so I was glad to hear that. In her concert I got vigor from her and really enjoyed her concert. I want to got to her concert again!!

Spanish

2005-07-05T05:23:00.000-07:00

Now I am studying Spanish as the second language in college. Spanish is second language in the world. I thought I could speak more people, so I chose this language. At first, I could understand almost, but it gradually became difficult. Spanish has the masculine noun and feminine noun. It is not in Japanese and English. But I think Spanish is similar to English, especially spelling is almost the same as English. Spanish is a little difficult, but I enjoy learning it. I knew many things about Spain. Since studying Spanish, I have wanted to go to Spain once and see "Sagrada Familia". I have been interested in this structure before studying Spanish. It is being built for many years. When will it be finished?
To learn new things every time is very interesting for me. Also my Spanish teacher is very interesting. She looks like an ordinary aunt, but she can speak Spanish very fluently. At first, I was really surpreised her fluent Spanish. I didn't think she could speak so fluently. It was because she lived in Spain more than 20 years that she can speak Spanish so fluent. She went to Spanish college by herself and mastered Spanish. After hearing her life, I respect her. She dosen't worry about people's eyes and be carrying herself out. I want to become like her. She often gives good advices for us and I always listen closely. She says "Don't care about people's eyes" and "People don't care about what you mind". I also think so. I am learning Spanish and many things from her.
Well, next week I will take a Spanish examination. I will do my best! Adios☆

My Family

2005-06-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

There are four people in my family. My mother is a housewife and works at insurance company. She is very busy everyday, but she cooks dinner for us everyday. I really respect her and thank her. Her cook is very delicious, especially her "Nikujyaga"is very good. I am not good at cooking, so I want to be good at cooking like her. Her favorite drink is beer and she drinks many glasses of beer everyday, so I am worrying about her body now.
My father works at office. He is very activity, so he likes to go camping, go fishing, go skiing and so on. When I was a child, he often took me somewhere. I came to like to go camping, go fishing and go skiing under his influence. Still now we go camping and go skiing every year. His hobby is to play the races. He often goes to the races. I want him to refrain it.
My younger brother is 14 years old and a junior high school student. He has played soccer for 8 years and likes playing it. Maybe he can play soccer very well. Also he likes watching movies. He always tells me his favorite movie's story. I also like watching movie under his influence. He always says that he wants to get a job related to movie. I respect his enthusiasm for movies. I want his dream comes true.
I really like my family and happy to bring up in a good environment.

Skiing In Hokkaido

2005-06-25T00:42:00.000-07:00

Since I was early childhood I go skiing with my family every year. I can't ski very well, but I like skiing. My father is good at skiing, so I want to ski like him. He always kindly tells me how to ski very well. It is good opportunity for me to talk about many things with him. I don't have time to talk with him everyday, so I am happy to ski as I talk with him.
Last year we went skiing in Hokkaido. I was looking forward to skiing in Hokkaido, but the first day we couldn't ski because of a heavy snow. I was really discouraged. Next day the lift could barely work, so we could ski. However, I couldn't ski straight because of a heavy sonow also on that day. The ski run in Hokkaido was very big and beautiful, so if it cleared up, I could ski comfortably. That night we ate dinner at the hotel. The menu was grilled meat, Chinese noodles soup, sushi and so on. Those taste was really delicious and especially salmon Tyantyan-yaki(The salmon is burnt with miso) was the most delicious. I had never eaten Tyantyanyaki, so I was impressed by the taste. I thought the most delicious foods were in Hokkaido. I envy people in Hokkaido, because they can eat a lot of delicious foods everyday!
On the third day we skied for a few hours and went back to Osaka. That day's weather was also bad, so we couldn't ski satisfactory. On my way to home, I ate ice-cream cone and its taste was also delisious.
we couldn't ski enough time, but we enjoyed our trip. We could eat delicious foods, take a hot spring bath and so on. Above all, I could spend a good time with my family. This year I want to go skiing somewhere again.

School Trip In Okinawa

2005-06-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

When I was a second-student in high school, I went to Okinawa by school trip. I like nature, so I was looking forward to going to Okinawa. On the first day we went to Kokusaidouri. There were many gift shops and I bought many sourveniers. I bought Tinsukou, Okinawa-backwheat, Sata-andagi and so on. I tasted these food and all of them were really delicious! I like Sata-andagi the best. Sata-andagi is like doughnut and a little oily, but I like eating it with milk. Also I bought Sea-sar for my mother. Before I went to Okinawa, she asked me to buy it. There are three Sea-sar in my house, but one Sea-sar was broken, so I bought new one. Sea-sar is said charm and most houses in Okinawa have their Sea-sar. When I saw a lot of Sea-sar were at the gate of houses, I was surprised. I have heard that, but I didn't think it is true. I was interested in those houses. They were different from ordinary houses and looked very beautiful. The first day's night we stayed at the ship to go to Ishigakijima. The wind was very tight on the day, so we got seasick. One of my friends threw up and that day was very terrible. The next day we separated each programs and I did snorkeling. I wanted to swim in the sea in Okinawa, so my dream has come true! The sea in Okinawa was very beautiful, wonderful, clean and different from sea in Osaka. I watched a lot of fish and also fish were very beautiful. It is an unforgettable scene.
On the third day I went back to Osaka by plane. It was really good school trip! I enjoyed myself and knew many things in Okinawa. I like all of Okinawa and want to live there. My classmate's Megumi is from Okinawa, so I want to know Okinawa more and more. This summer I may travel to Okinawa with my friend again. Okinawa is really good!

Softball Club

2005-06-12T18:20:00.000-07:00

When I was a first-year student in high school, I didn't belong to any club. But I became a second-student, I was asked to become a softball club's team secretary by my old friend and we became the team secretaries. There were 20 in all members and seniors and juniors were very friendly. At first I worked as the team secretary, but the manager asked me to become a player. I played softball once and noticed it was very fun. Then I practiced everyday and came to defend third. Third often caught many bunt balls, so I practiced catching them many times, but at first I couldn't catch them well. Finally I could catch well and was glad to do it.
However, the most valuable thing was friends. When I was a junior high school student, I belonged to tennis club and the club's members weren't friendly. There was bully and I couldn't trust them. But since I met my club's members, I could trust them. My club's members are 9 and we are very friendly. I love them and can talk about anything. The day before I took the entrance examination, they gave me a letter and charm. It is still my treasure.
We decided to meet once a month and 20th is the softball club's day every month. We talk about our school, friends, loves, dreams and so on. I learned various things from them and thought that friends were really important. I apppreciate them. Our friendship will continue for a long time!

My Grandmother's Shop

2005-06-10T02:25:00.000-07:00

My grandmother ran her Akashi yaki shop in Umeda until last November. Her shop was very small and dirty, but very homey shop, so various customers came to her shop and talked with her about many things. She worked there for 30 years. Her older sister died, so she took over this shop and it continued for 50 years. She liked working there and when she closed her shop, she was very sad.
Akashiyaki is slightly different from Takoyaki. Takoyaki puts a souece, but Akashiyaki dips in soup. The soup is made of dried bonito and you put honeworts, gingers and red peppers for your preference there. I often went there and ate many Akashiyaki. I think Akashiyaki is more delicious than Takoyaki. It tastes more plain than Takoyaki. If you have never eaten it, please try to eat it. You will like Akashiyaki. Sometimes I brought Akashiyaki's soup to my house and put it to an egg and made "Dashimakitamago". Also this taste was very good. Maybe soup was very delicious, so I could make delicious Dashimakitamago. I often recall her Akashiyaki and want to eat. Her Akashiyaki is one of my favorite foods!

The Trueman Show

2005-06-06T06:15:00.000-07:00

On Frideay I watched "The Trueman Show". I was recommended by my friend and found this movie in the library. I want you to tell this movie's story. Trueman was living peacefully and he had a wife. One day he went to work as usual and when he was listening to the radio in the car, he got a strange message by radio. It told that he would soon arrive at office and he thought it's strange. Then he considered that he had never gone out of his town. In the fact, the people around him was all extra and he lived in the created big town. His private life had been televised since he was born and many people watched his private life, so he was very famous, but he didn't know this. Before long he noticed this and he sailed the sea to go out of his town. Finally, he chose to go out of his town.
I recommend this movie. This movie includes both laugh and impression. I have never watched such an interesting movie includes both things. I learned various things from this movie. I thought that we must not live in the life dicided by others and we should open up fate by ourself. I think it's important thing. If you have not watched this movie yet, please watch it!!

aiko's Concert

2005-05-30T05:33:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday I went to aiko's concert with my mother. I was looking forward to her concert everyday. It performed near Umeda, so we ate dinner in Umeda and went to her concert. When we arrived there, there were many people there. When I thought I could meet her, I became glad. Finally, the concert started. Everyone shouted for joy and I was excited. Her voice was very cute and beautiful, so I was healed by her voice. She is from Osaka, so also her talk was very interesting. I laughed at her talk. Every time she finished singing, she said "Thank you". I also like her care to fan.
When I was listening to her music, I found a man who came to her concert alone. He was a little remarkable there, because he looked like same age as my father. He loved her and was like enthusiastic fan. I was surprised and glad that I knew father's generation people like her. Someday I want to take my father to her concert. Maybe he'll come to like her. Really we spent happy time. In August the additional concert will be performed in Osakajo Hall, so I'll go to her concert again. I'm looking forward to her concert!!

Camp In Nara

2005-05-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

On Sataurday I went camping to Nara with trip club's members. But I don't belong to trip club. It was a trial camp for freshman. About fifteen people came to the camp and most people were girls. Among the members, there were Turk and Dane students from abroad. The Turkish name is Mill and the Dane name is Yasu. Both were good at speaking Japanese.
We arrived about two o'clock and played charades(gesture game). It was fun and became friendly. After that, we made curry and rice. It was especially delicious, because it made all together and ate outside. When we were making curry and rice, I noticed Mill wasn't here. I heard that he was praying. He is Muslim, so he must pray everyday and must not eat pork. Therefore he couldn't eat curry and rice, because the pork extract was contained in curry powder. I asked him "If you eat pork, what happens?" He answerd "The old man ate pork and died." For the first time I knew religion is important for them. Most Japanese people is irreligion, so I have never felt religion. It was good opportunity for me to be able to feel the difference in culture.
During the night we talked together about various things until next morning. I felt very tired, but it was very fun and could get many things from siniors.　On my way home Yasu showed me the book of Kansai dialect and it was interesting book. I admired eagerness of his study. I thought I should study more and more. In this camp I could learn many things,so I am puzzling to belong to this club....

My Favorite Singer

2005-05-16T05:57:00.000-07:00

My favorite singer is aiko. She is very small, fair skin and cute. I want to become like her. She is always positive and energetic. So she always cheer up me. I not only like her fashion but also love her words. Her words are love songs of girl's feeling. When I was a high school student, I borrowed her album by chance and felt good. I came to like her because of it. Then I listened her songs like everyday. Her songs supported me at high school days in various respects and her songs will keep supporting me. Now I have two albums and two MDs which recorded albums. Any album is very good. I want many people to listen to her songs. Maybe you will love her!! Next Thuesday I'm going to go to her concert in Festival hall with my mother. My mother came to like her because of my influence, too. I'm looking forward to her concert!!

Okonomiyaki Party

2005-05-11T05:36:00.000-07:00

On Friday I went to my friend's Yumiko's house and we held Okonomiyaki party. Her house was very clean and I was surprised. The member was Risa, Mayumi and Yumiko who are my classmates. Mayumi had one more class, so we bought ingredients of Okonomiyaki and prepared for cooking. I mashed yamaimo and Yumiko and Risa cut cabbage. They live by herselves, so they were good at cooking. I thought I should learn cooking more. At six o'clock Mayumi came to Yumiko's house and we started Okonomiyaki Party. The first piece was too soft. Maybe we put yamaimo too much. The second piece was very good. It was very delicious and we were pleased. After eating Okonomiyaki, we made crape. However, because we used the powder of the pancake, it did not become a crape.... But it was very delicious!! We put tube chocolate, strawberry, whip cream, fruits etc... We became a full stomach. After dinner, we watched TV and talked about many things.
I thought we became a little friendly. I found their new characters. Next month we will hold Takoyaki Party!! I'm looking forward to it.

My Weekend

2005-05-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I went to driving school and drived for three hours. For one hour I drived road of license examination. On Tuesday I'm going to take a license examination. I wish I can pass the examination. For two hours I drived freeway between Ibarakishi and Amagasaki. It was very afraid. I couldn't drive well. Always my father drived with my family and I felt it was common. But when I drived mysself , felt very difficult and thanked my father. If I can get a driver's license , I want to drive with my family and my friends and travel anywhere.
In the evening I went to my grandparent's house and ate sushi with my family. I enjoyed talking with my grandmother. Yesterday was my grandmother's birthday!! She became seventy-six years old, but very vigor. When I meet her, I am always cheered by her. I want to become a woman like my grandmother.

My Introduction

2005-04-24T17:50:00.000-07:00

There are four people in my family. I have a young brother. He is a junior high school student. I belonged to softballclub and defended third in high school. My favorite food is umeboshi and natto. My hobby is listening to music. I like listening to music on my school bus. Lately I listen to music of Beatls. My dream is to study abroad in America or England. America has many races , so I think I can communicate with many different people. England has many greens. I like greens very much. so I want to go to America and England. My favorite singer is Japanese singer of aiko. I like her words very much. Often I go to her concert with my mother. In holiday I worked at the supermarket. It is a little hard.