Dois representantes do Brasil chegam ao Japão!

Visita ao Pavilhão do Brasil

― Em comemoração aos 130 anos do estabelecimento das relações diplomáticas Japão–Brasil ―

Após serem selecionadas na etapa classificatória realizada em São Paulo, as representantes Sras. Paula Hirama y Sra. Emi Fujino finalmente chegou ao Japão.

No dia seguinte à chegada, elas visitaram o Pavilhão do Brasil, localizado no recinto da Expo, onde foram calorosamente recebidas pelo diretor do pavilhão.

(Da esquerda: Sr. Lucas, secretário do diretor do pavilhão; Sr. Pablo Lira, diretor do Pavilhão do Brasil; no centro, as duas representantes vindas de São Paulo, Sra.) Paula Hirama y Sra. Emi Fujino, Sra. Neide Hayama, de Relações Públicas, e a voluntária Sra. Enomoto)

Durante a visita guiada, foram apresentadas às mais recentes exposições e a diferentes aspectos da cultura brasileira. Em especial, ficaram impressionadas com o compromisso sério do Brasil em relação às questões ambientais, percebendo como o país realmente exerce liderança mundial neste campo. As voluntárias japonesas que acompanhavam a visita também ouviram atentamente e se mostraram igualmente admiradas. As duas representantes, com um sorriso, afirmaram: “Queremos transmitir ao povo japonês todo o charme do Brasil.”

 

Encontro com o Diretor do Pavilhão

O diretor Lira, muito acessível e simpático, falou sobre a maneira positiva como os imigrantes japoneses contribuíram para o Brasil. Ele também expressou sua alegria em ver como a cultura japonesa — através da música, das artes cênicas e das artes marciais — se expandiu e se enraizou entre os brasileiros.

Este é um ano especial, que marca o 130º aniversário das relações diplomáticas entre Japão e Brasil. Esta visita foi um momento maravilhoso de intercâmbio cultural para celebrar a data e espera-se que, através das atividades futuras, os laços entre os dois países se tornem ainda mais fortes.

 

Visita à Maior Estrutura de Madeira do Mundo

 

 

Depois, acompanhadas pela voluntária Sra. Enomoto e pelo coordenador de voluntários, Sr. Miyazaki, elas subiram até o “Grande Anel de Cobertura”, reconhecido pelo Guinness World Records como a maior estrutura de madeira do mundo. Ficaram surpresas ao saber que não foi utilizado um único prego em sua construção. Também se impressionaram ao ver pessoas do mundo todo visitando o local da Expo.

Visita Prévia ao Festival Station

A pedido das representantes, no mesmo dia foi realizada uma visita técnica ao “Festival Station”, local do evento do dia seguinte, acompanhada pela Sra. Rhea, voluntária da Irlanda que estuda em uma escola de música no Japão.

Durante as atividades de voluntariado de interpretação estudantil, Ria, que havia aprendido sobre os santuários xintoístas, comentou que a fé católica em Maria e a deusa xintoísta Amaterasu Ōmikami têm pontos em comum, como “tolerância e bondade”. Isso despertou o interesse das pessoas do mesmo país católico de origem dela.

No “Pavilhão do Japão”, explicamos que os visitantes podem vivenciar como o lixo do local é decomposto por microrganismos e transformado novamente em água e materiais. Também apresentamos sistemas que produzem energia a partir de resíduos orgânicos, além do uso de tecnologias de algas e reciclagem de carbono para criar novos materiais. Personagens como Doraemon e Hello Kitty também aparecem, tornando o aprendizado divertido tanto para crianças quanto para adultos.

Sobre o Castelo de Osaka, mostramos fotos no celular e explicamos que foi construído por Toyotomi Hideyoshi — um guerreiro de origem camponesa que unificou o Japão pela primeira vez — usando métodos de construção sofisticados comparáveis aos daqueles empregados pelos senhores feudais mais poderosos. Contamos também que ele transformou o “hanami” (admiração das flores de cerejeira), antes exclusivo da nobreza, em um evento popular, e desenvolveu a infraestrutura logística que levou produtos de todo o Japão a Osaka, fazendo da cidade um centro comercial.

Por outro lado, elas contaram que em São Paulo existe o “Naniwa Kaikan”, um auditório construído pela comunidade de origem osakense, onde também são realizados festivais e eventos musicais. Enquanto conversávamos, até um grupo de senhoras de Osaka veio conversar conosco, de maneira calorosa.

Durante o intervalo e após o evento musical de 19 de setembro, as duas participantes vindas de São Paulo conversaram com os japoneses e voluntários nos bastidores e camarins sobre músicas, artistas e animes populares tanto no Japão quanto no Brasil, aproveitando o momento para um animado intercâmbio cultural.

 

Two Representatives from Brazil Arrive in Japan!

Visit to the Brazil Pavilion

― Celebrating the 130th Anniversary of Japan–Brazil Diplomatic Relations

After being selected at the qualifying event held in São Paulo, representatives Ms. Paula Hirama and Ms. Emi Fujino have finally arrived in Japan.　

On the day after their arrival, they visited the Brazil Pavilion at the Expo venue, where they were warmly welcomed by the Pavilion Director.

(From left: Mr. Lucas, the Pavilion Director’s secretary, Mr. Pablo Lira, Director of the Brazil Pavilion, the two representatives from São Paulo in the center, Ms. Paula Hirama and Ms. Emi Fujino, Ms. Neide Hayama from Public Relations, and volunteer Ms. Enomoto)

As they were given a guided tour inside, they were introduced to the latest exhibitions and Brazilian cultural displays. In particular, when hearing about Brazil’s serious commitment to environmental issues, they realized how Brazil is truly playing a leading role in this field. The Japanese volunteer staff listening alongside them were equally impressed by the explanation. The two representatives listened attentively and, with smiles, said, “We want to share the charms of Brazil with everyone in Japan.”

Meeting with the Pavilion Director[

Director Lira was very friendly and spoke about the positive contributions Japanese immigrants have made in Brazil. He also shared his delight with how Japanese culture—through music, performing arts, and martial arts—has spread and taken root among Brazilians.

 

This year marks the special 130th anniversary of Japan–Brazil diplomatic relations. This visit has become a wonderful moment of cultural exchange to celebrate this milestone, and it is hoped that through future activities, the bond between the two countries will grow even deeper.

 

 

While drinking Brazilian guava juice, we got excited talking about the similarities between people from Osaka and São Paulo. We also saw people wearing costumes and accessories featuring Myaku-Myaku, and both of us agreed that Osakans are a lot like Brazilians. Watching everyone enjoy the Expo made us genuinely happy. When we gave them a Myaku-Myaku mascot as a gift, they were delighted and let us take wonderful photos with their bright smiles.

 

Visit to the World’s Largest Wooden Structure

 

After that, together with volunteer Ms. Enomoto and volunteer coordinator Mr. Miyazaki, they climbed up to the “Grand Roof Ring,” certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest wooden structure. They were astonished to learn that not a single nail had been used in the construction method. Seeing people from all over the world gathering at the Expo site also left a deep impression on them.

Preview of the Festival Station

At the pair’s request, they then visited “Festival Station,” the venue for the next day’s event, accompanied by Ms. Leah, a volunteer from Ireland currently studying at a music school in Osaka.

 

We tried to visit the Japan Pavilion, but it was extremely crowded, so we decided to take it easy and enjoy our time inside the Osaka–Kansai Expo instead of going sightseeing at Osaka Castle.

I gave them a brief explanation about the Japan Pavilion. I told them that visitors can experience how waste at the venue is decomposed by microorganisms and transformed into water or new materials. I also explained how energy is generated from food waste, and how technologies using algae and carbon recycling help create new materials. I mentioned that beloved characters like Doraemon and Hello Kitty appear in the exhibits, making it fun and educational for people of all ages.

I also shared some stories about Osaka Castle — how it was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a samurai of peasant origin who first unified Japan, using advanced construction techniques that later inspired feudal lords across the country. I talked about how he developed Osaka’s shipping network, turned cherry-blossom viewing into an event anyone could enjoy, and even built a golden tea room because of his love for gold. They listened with great interest and said, “That’s why Osaka people love him so much.”

In addition, I learned from the two that there is a hall in São Paulo called “NANIWA Kaikan,” established by people originally from Osaka, where singing events are also held.

Afterward, since both visitors were quite tired from the long flight and the Expo site was extremely crowded, they decided to skip sightseeing in Osaka and returned directly from the Expo venue to their hotel in Honmachi.

 

Japan and Brazil’s Immigration History and 130 Years of Ties: Culture and the Future at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai

2025 marks a milestone—130 years since Japan and Brazil established diplomatic relations in 1895. This anniversary is being celebrated through the Brazil Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, highlighting the deep cultural and future-oriented ties between the nations

• A History of Migration and Community
  The first Japanese immigrants arrived in Brazil aboard the Kasato Maru in 1908. Since then, approximately 250,000 Japanese migrated to Brazil, and their descendants now form the world’s largest Japanese community outside Japan—more than 2.5 million people. Today, about 2.7 million people of Japanese descent live in Brazil, and around 210,000 Brazilians, many of Japanese lineage, reside in Japan. This people-to-people exchange has forged robust economic and cultural bonds.

• Evolving Partnership
  Over the decades, Japan and Brazil’s partnership has grown from immigration to deep economic, scientific, and cultural collaboration. Brazil is a key export partner for Japan, and the countries share common visions on democracy, human rights, sustainable development, and innovation. Ongoing initiatives promote mutual language education and technology exchange

• Expo 2025: Celebrating Multiculturalism and Innovation
  At Expo 2025, the Brazil Pavilion, under the art direction of Bia Lessa, offers an immersive, interactive experience. Its two main structures (~1,000m² each) enable visitors to become active participants in the exhibits. Notable is the fusion of Japan’s “hagoromo” (traditional robe) with Brazil’s “parangolé” (folk costume) in the “Parangoromos,” which visitors can wear. This symbolizes cultural blending and shared creativity.

The Pavilion’s architecture and thematic narratives reflect Brazil’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Exhibits explore existence, diversity, unity, environmental responsibility, and regeneration. Visitors can enjoy sensory features—music, poetry, dynamic lighting, and environmental data—that immerse them in Brazil’s rich cultural and ecological tapestry.

Looking to the Future

The Expo is not just a moment of celebration but a springboard for deeper cooperation. It showcases how Japanese-Brazilian relations are moving beyond history towards solving shared global challenges in sustainability, climate change, and social development. The year 2025, recognized by both governments as the “Japan-Brazil Friendship Exchange Year,” is fueling new exchanges in business, education, and culture, ensuring that this unique bilateral kinship will remain dynamic for the next generation.

In summary, the Japan-Brazil partnership—rooted in historic migration and nurtured over 130 years—finds new expression at the Osaka Expo, offering a vision of cross-cultural understanding and collaborative futures.

 

 

The Brazil Pavilion at EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai, operated by the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), emphasizes Brazil's natural beauty, culture, and economic richness. The pavilion consists of two exhibition buildings and is themed "Embracing Sustainability, Celebrating Life."

Visitors first experience artworks in the first exhibition building. Then, passing through the "Parangolomo Room" in the second building, they reach the final exhibition room where they can collect a Brazil Pavilion stamp and view various messages about Brazil displayed on LED screens. These messages are shown in eight colored ribbons with Japanese, English, and Portuguese.

The exhibition highlights Brazil's vast nature, including that Brazil has the world's 2nd largest forest area and that the Cerrado is a biodiversity-rich savanna hosting many endemic species. It also focuses on industrial ties, sharing facts such as Brazil producing 60% of the chicken consumed in Japan and Embraer being the world's third-largest private aircraft manufacturer, notably leading in jets under 150 seats.

The pavilion uses keywords like "diversity" and "connection" to present Brazil's dynamic nature, rich culture, and potential for economic cooperation in a multifaceted way. Visitors engage multiple senses through art, light, music, and design, with exhibitions moving from themes of life awakening to diversity blooming, collective connectivity, and reinventing in the face of crises.

Some Brazilian data highlights include:

Basic Information

• Population: 203,080,756 (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, IBGE)

• Indigenous peoples: approx. 1.7 million, or 0.83% of the population (IBGE)

• Major immigrant communities: German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Syrian, Turkish

• Number of trees per person: 1,494 (31st worldwide)

• Brazil has 26 states and one federal district, subdivided into 5,570 municipalities (IBGE)

Economy

• In 2024, Brazil's trade in goods and services reached about USD 760 billion, the highest since statistics began in 1995 (Brazilian Central Bank)

• Service exports hit a record USD 48.5 billion in 2024, a 6.8% increase from 2023

Indigenous Peoples

• Numerous groups, such as Aikanã, Akuntsu, Apinajé, Arara, among many others, live in Brazil

Nature

• Brazil's forest area covers 497,962,509 hectares, 58.5% of its landmass; 98% natural forest, 2% plantations

• The Amazon biome is the largest watercourse network globally, containing 15% of the Earth’s unfrozen surface freshwater

• The Amazon biome is Brazil’s largest, spanning over 4.19 million km², home to 2,500 tree species (one-third of the world's tropical trees) and 30,000 plant species in South America

The pavilion also acknowledges Brazil-Japan ties, highlighting that the two countries celebrate 130 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, with a vibrant Japanese-Brazilian community.

Overall, the Brazil Pavilion invites visitors to appreciate Brazil’s diversity, celebrate life, and inspire international cooperation toward sustainable futures.

The Marshall Islands — History and a “Never Back Down” Spirit

The Marshall Islands will participate in the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo with a national pavilion, sharing their climate change initiatives and traditional culture with the world. Attention is focused on the unique history of this small island nation and its determination to confront challenges head-on.

A Unique History and Hardships
The history of the Marshall Islands began about 2,000 years ago, and since the 16th century, the islands have been ruled by major powers such as Spain, Germany, Japan, and the United States.

After World War II, the Marshall Islands became a U.S. Trust Territory. From 1946 to 1958, 67 nuclear tests were conducted at Bikini Atoll and other sites, causing many residents to suffer from radiation exposure and the loss of their homelands.

The Greatest Challenge — Climate Change
The average elevation of the Marshall Islands is about 2 meters. Global warming and rising sea levels threaten to submerge most of the country.

Although the Marshallese contribute little to global CO₂ emissions, they face daily risks such as storm surges, flooding, and food insecurity as a result of emissions from developed nations.

A Spirit That Never Backs Down
The Marshall Islands have formulated an adaptation plan worth $35 billion, appealing to the world for support to protect their people's lives and culture.
At the Expo pavilion, they plan to showcase their efforts in climate action, traditional navigation, and ecotourism, demonstrating how they are forging a future amid adversity.

“Raising our voices in the international community to protect our land and culture”—this is the very symbol of the Marshall Islands’ “never back down” spirit.

Mr. Goodwind Silk is a staff member at the Marshall Islands Pavilion.

With the spirit of ‘lakwe’—meaning love—he and his community face their challenging realities with a positive outlook and determination in their daily lives.

As a senior at the University of the Marshall Islands, Mr. Silk has served as a leader in student activities and now represents his country as a staff member at the Expo, introducing visitors to the culture and situation of the Marshall Islands.

He is also actively involved in raising awareness about climate change. For example, he is a member of Jo-Jikum, which means “your home” in Marshallese. Jo-Jikum is an educational organization that supports young Marshall Islanders in responding to climate change by organizing island-wide cleanups, climate change workshops, community movie nights, and other activities.

 

“Our culture and way of life are deeply connected to the environment. If we lose them, our very identity will be at risk.”
— Kathy Jetn̄il-Kijiner, Climate Envoy of the Marshall Islands

Vietnam Pavilion at Osaka-Kansai Expo and Japan-Vietnam Relations

Features and Significance of the Vietnam Pavilion

At the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, the Vietnam Pavilion opened on the special occasion of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Inside the pavilion, visitors are greeted by staff dressed in traditional Ao Dai, and can experience the richness of Vietnamese culture through water puppet shows and traditional musical performances. There is also a café where you can enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine such as Vietnamese coffee and pho, creating an exotic and immersive atmosphere.

The Relationship Between Japan and Vietnam

The opening of the Vietnam Pavilion is a symbolic event representing the friendship between the two countries. Japan and Vietnam have been deepening their ties in economic, cultural, and human exchange fields year by year. Japan is one of Vietnam’s largest investors and aid donors, with many Japanese companies operating in Vietnam. In addition, many Vietnamese students and technical interns are active in Japanese society, serving as bridges between the two nations.

Culturally, Vietnamese traditions such as Ao Dai and water puppetry are increasingly being introduced in Japan, while Japanese anime and fashion are very popular among young people in Vietnam. The Vietnam Pavilion at the Osaka Expo further promotes such exchanges and fosters mutual understanding.

Looking to the Future

In line with the Expo’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the Vietnam Pavilion showcases a fusion of tradition and innovation, symbolizing the sustainable partnership between the two countries. Through continued economic, cultural, and human exchanges, Japan and Vietnam are expected to build an even stronger relationship in the years to come.

 

Ms.Lya, who works at the Vietnam Pavilion, shared that she feels truly honored to be entrusted with introducing her home country as a staff member at the Pavilion for six months. She also mentioned that she hopes to experience many things in Japan on her days off and create wonderful memories. Lya added that she plans to take a day off to attend and watch the 13th International Red and White Singing Festival, which will be held on September 19.

 

 

 

Benin Pavilion Embodies a Model of Multicultural Harmony

A Mosaic of Ethnic Coexistence

Benin’s pavilion showcases its role as a pioneer in multicultural coexistence, where over 42 ethnic groups-including the Fon, Yoruba, and others-maintain their distinct languages, dances, and traditions while uniting under French as a lingua franca. Through immersive exhibits of traditional wedding/funeral dances and multimedia displays of daily multilingual interactions, the pavilion highlights how diversity fuels societal strength

Vodun Heritage and Cultural Syncretism
As the birthplace of Vodun (Voodoo), Benin’s pavilion likely features ritual reenactments with ceremonial masks and artifacts, alongside comparative displays of Afro-diasporic culture in Latin America. This underscores how religious practices evolved into dynamic cultural hybrids through transatlantic exchanges.

Sustainable Agricultural Innovation
Positioning itself as Africa’s agricultural innovator, the pavilion emphasizes Benin’s shift toward organic farming, exemplified by cooperatives adopting techniques like pepper upcycling and pineapple waste conversion. Interactive models may contrast traditional methods with modern agroecology to address chemical dependency in cotton production.

Eco-Conscious Architecture
The “Venice of Africa”-Ganvié’s stilt-house communities and northern Tata Somba’s clay fortresses are recreated through scale models and VR, presenting climate-resilient living systems rooted in heritage. These exhibits frame indigenous architecture as blueprints for sustainable habitation3.

Education and Global Partnerships
Initiatives like Plan International’s girls’ education programs and cross-cultural exchanges, and Mr. Megan (a Beninese student in Kobe Japan), are spotlighted as a singer at the International Red-White Singing Festival.

A “student dialogue corner” could highlight Japan-Benin collaborations in skills development and cultural diplomacy

Core Pavilion Message
Harmonizing diversity with modern adaptation emerges as Benin’s SDG strategy, blending ancestral wisdom with innovative vision encapsulated by pavilion director Bona’s guided narratives.

Exhibition Highlights

• Multiculturalism: Dance performances, language exhibits

• Vodun Legacy: Ritual artifacts, diaspora comparisons

• Agriculture: Organic cotton models, upcycling demos

• Architecture: VR tours of Ganvié and Tata Somba

• Education: Interactive panels on Japan-Benin partnerships: Ethnic diversity and cultural festivals: Linguistic pluralism and French as a unifying language: Vodun’s influence on global culture. Organic farming initiatives and gender-inclusive cooperatives: Educational programs empowering women and youth

Guided by the welcoming pavilion director, Ms. Borna, and
Explore further details here

https://heyzine.com/flip-book/08c541940a.html

The Gaia Theory

James Lovelock, an innovative British environmental scientist, proposed the Gaia theory. It suggests that living organisms on Earth are not just products of their environment, but actively shape and maintain it.

Key Points

1. Earth's Self-Regulation: The Earth maintains stable surface temperatures and atmospheric composition over long periods. For example, plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis, while animals produce carbon dioxide through respiration, creating a balance that sustains life on Earth.

2. Co-evolution of Life and Environment: The theory posits that life forms and their environment evolve together. Organisms adapt to environmental changes but also influence the Earth's environment, leading to further evolution.

3. Ecosystem Interdependence: Various organisms in ecosystems depend on each other through food chains and nutrient cycles. These complex interactions create and maintain diverse environments that support life on Earth.

4. Human Impact: Human activities can potentially disrupt Earth's self-regulating functions. Issues like pollution and climate change highlight the need to reconsider our relationship with the natural environment.

Examples of Gaia Theory in Action

• Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, regulating atmospheric composition.

• Seaweed maintains oxygen levels in oceans.

• Microorganisms form soil by breaking down rocks.

• Earth's ability to recover after deforestation through natural reforestation.

Historical Impact

Initially viewed as controversial, the Gaia theory has influenced the development of Earth system science, biogeochemistry, and systems ecology. It has also impacted fields beyond science, including philosophy, religion, art, and economics, encouraging a holistic view of Earth as a living system.

Relation to Sustainable Development

The theory aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, life below water, and life on land. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining Earth's ecological balance for sustainable human development.

In conclusion, while the Gaia theory is not universally accepted in scientific circles, it provides a valuable perspective on Earth's systems and our role within them. It encourages us to consider the global impact of our actions and fosters a sense of responsibility towards our planet

 

James Lovelock, originator of Gaia theory, inventor of the electron capture detector (which made possible the detection of CFCs and other atmospheric nano-pollutants) and of the microwave oven.

https://www.jameslovelock.org/

English translation of the Yomiuri Shimbun article published on December 25:

"International Red and White Singing Festival" Producer Kazumi Miyazaki, 62

Since 2011, the "International Red and White Singing Festival(IRWS)" has been held, where foreigners sing in Japanese and Japanese sing in foreign languages. Kazumi Miyazaki (62), who spearheads the event, says, "I want to increase the number of foreigners who like Japan through songs." As inbound tourism increases and the acceptance of foreign workers expands, the event aims to symbolize multicultural coexistence.

The first IRWS was held in 2011 when Japanese society was enveloped in a sense of stagnation. Living in Tokyo at the time, as many foreign residents were returning to their home countries due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, Miyazaki wanted to convey through songs that "there are still many people doing their best in Japan.

"Participants were recruited through "ethnic media" that disseminate information to foreign residents in their native languages, and the first singing contest was held in September at a hall in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Fourteen groups from about 20 countries and regions performed, passionately singing J-POP, enka, and anime songs. Everyone had lively expressions, and Hiroshi Mizohata, then-Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency (current Director General of the Osaka Tourism Bureau) who supported the concept, also performed, singing together with international and Japanese students arm in arm.

The most gratifying aspect was that all performers sent encouraging messages like "It's a difficult time, but let's work together and do our best."

The singing event received an overwhelming response, leading to its annual continuation. The event is primarily run by student volunteer interpreters.

The number of participating countries has increased year by year, enriching the variety of songs and improving the singing level of performers.

Since 2017, they have also started holding selection events in countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, inviting winners to Japan. Although it's challenging for foreigners to sing in Japanese, many people participate every year.

After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has been held in Osaka, Miyazaki's hometown, since 2021. This year, they collaborated with the Japanese-Brazilian Karaoke Association in São Paulo, Brazil, a sister city of Osaka, to hold preliminary rounds.

The Japanese-Brazilian community has a strong awareness of preserving Japanese culture, with 100,000 members in the association.

In the November competition, a Brazilian participant brilliantly won first place. Next year marks the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil. They are planning to hold a memorable event in collaboration with universities and embassies.

In Okinawa Prefecture, the "Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival" is held every five years, inviting people with Okinawan roots from around the world. Miyazaki hopes to someday hold a similar event in Osaka, inviting people of Japanese descent.

It was impressive when an Iranian international student said, "Enka is good for learning beautiful Japanese." People of various nationalities and Japanese can unite through songs. There are still few opportunities for international and Japanese students to interact at Japanese universities. Miyazaki hopes that one day the IRWS  will be held as part of school festivals. He aims to spread international exchange through songs to various countries and increase fans of Japan and people learning Japanese through music. (Interviewer: Masaki Fukunaga)

Born in Higashiosaka City, Miyazaki has studied in Australia, the UK, and other countries, and has professional experience abroad. After becoming independent in 2009, He publishes the multilingual magazine "Global Community" and is engaged in international talent recruitment agency work. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, she organizes volunteer student interpreter guide activities at Osaka Castle and Houkoku Shrine in Osaka City's Chuo Ward.

 

Phoenix: Future Chapter is a grand science fiction work by Osamu Tezuka, set in the year 3404. This episode explores the themes of human extinction and the birth and evolution of new life over billions of years.

Main Story and Themes

• Setting: Humanity has abandoned the surface world and lives in five underground cities managed by an electronic brain. People follow the commands of this system.
• Main Characters: The protagonist, Masato Yamanobe, is an elite astronaut who is ordered to kill his lover, a shapeshifting creature named Tamami. However, they escape together to a dome on the surface.
• War and Destruction: The five cities enter into total war, leading to their complete destruction. Afterward, Masato is entrusted by the Phoenix with the "revival of Earth" and is given an immortal body. He witnesses the cycle of life and death.
• Views on Life and Hope: The story presents a sense of doom but also hope for rebirth. The Phoenix symbolizes the cycle of life and renewal, prompting readers to reflect on deep philosophical questions.

The Phoenix: Future Chapter is highly regarded for its grand scale and profound views on life. It captivates readers with its compelling characters and the interplay of despair and hope, creating a feeling akin to watching a grand science fiction film.