The 6th Red-White Singing Festival       

第6回国際紅白歌合戦

Make entry  now  for contestants ,volunteers/

第6回　国際紅白歌合戦　 参加者・協力団体・ボランテイア募集中！！

National holiday 10th Octoerber 16:00-21:00

National Olympics Memorial Youth Center (near yoyogi park)

 国立オリンピック記念青少年総合センター・大ホール 　16:00-21:00

The　３rd　Internatrional　red-white　singing　contest　is　in　osaka event calender 

http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/eventcalendar/

Have a nice chat with many Japanese sake lovers.

 mashiko　tour　with　mashiko　family

地元の方の直売所のお手伝い。一年前の出来事を乗り越えていこうというように賑わいを見せました。
We helped local people at the direct sales store. It prospered as if trying to overcome the tragedy.

旅館のお風呂の近く飾ってあった時計。相田みつをさんのメッセージが
地震の被害にあった益子の人々に前向きなメッセージを送っているような気がしました。
A clock which was on display near the bath in the Japanese-style hotel.
It says that "Don't care about your failure, we are just human being" by famous artist Mituo Aida. I felt this as a positive message to the people of Masyuko even though they were damaged by the earthquake.

 益子の地元の米を使っておにぎりを作っているところ。
おにぎりひとつにも作り方にコツがあることをまなびました。
お腹が空いてたせいかおにぎりを何個も食べてしまいました。
This is the picture making riceball by Masyuko's rice.
We learned that making just a simple riceball needs technique.
Since we were hungry, everyone ate too much till they become full.
 
ｂｙ　Tsuyoshi　Taniguchi
 
 

益子 - One weekend in Mashiko

With　Mashiko　family！！

Last weekend I had the opportunity to be part of a Tour to Mashiko（益子）. This city, located in the Tochigi prefecture, is known as the “city of ceramic arts” in Japan and also a widely known city for fans of ceramic arts from all over the world. However, due to the great earthquake disaster in eastern Japan, Mashiko suffers from great damages, that are unforeseeable yet. Ceramic works, including the valuable existing and other facilities for the creation of pottery kiln were damaged from the devastating earthquake in Mashiko. In addition Mashiko suffers because of rumors concerning the nuclear accident at Fukushima.

 

 

To help the people in Mashiko and to reflate the tourism in this area, the “Mashiko Fun Tour” was created. Let me tell you about an incredible weekend far away from the big cities with their skylines and the busy streets.

The tour started on Saturday morning at 9 am. We were 36 people from six different countries and of all ages. After around three hours on the road we stopped at Ichigodanchi (イチゴ団地), a part of Mashiko, which is famous for the growing of strawberries. An experienced tour guide explained the characteristics of Ichigodanchi and how a really good strawberry has to look like. After the speech it was time to taste the delicious strawberries.

 

 

Next stop was our accommodation in Mashiko, where the next highlight was waiting for the group. For lunch we created Onigiri on our own and to be honest, that were the most delicious Onigiris, which I’ve ever tasted. Really special and completely different from the ones you can buy at the Konbinis. After lunchtime we had a long walk around Mashiko to visit several potteries shops and to enjoy the beautiful landscape.

 

 

After the walk we enjoyed a tasty dinner together with some locals from Mashiko. Everybody introduced himself to the group and shared his first impressions of this beautiful spot. We learned more about the art of producing fine potteries and sake. Only the best rice and water were used for the fabulous sake, that we were allowed to taste. For me the best sake I’ve tasted so far. After dinner there was plenty of time for interesting and nice conversations. The first day of our tour ended late, but was full of satisfaction and a very good feeling.

 

On Sunday we started with a traditional Japanese breakfast, before we went once again experienced the fine potteries arts of Mashiko. There were always new incredible potteries to see and so many ways to create them. Another highlight just waited for us, because we could take part in the production process and join the locals, while they kilned new potteries or just pace through the festival. We got the chance to buy some potteries, enjoying the delicious foods or tasting ice cream and cakes made out of soba. Something I haven’t tasted before.

At 14.30 pm we took part at the remembrance ceremony for the victims of the earthquake one year ago. At 14.47 pm (the time when the earthquake hit Japan one year ago) the monks chimed the bell of the temple. The ceremony was accompanied by a wind ensemble and a taiko group (太鼓). For me the first time to see a taiko group and I was really impressed by the accuracy and the devotion of this performance.

 

After the remembrance ceremony we left Mashiko. But before we really went back home, we had the chance to buy some of the strawberry products of Ichigodanchi and the fine sake distillery. On the way home everybody on the bus had the chance to take a résumé of the trip and share his impressions with the others. No wonder, that everybody was absolutely satisfied and deeply touched by this very unique tour away from all the ordinary tourist activities. Mashiko really left a permanent impression and I can just highly recommend to everybody to visit Mashiko. This city with its own charm is definitely worth a journey.

 

reported　by　Andreas Steiner　internship　students　for　globalcommunity

http://globalcommunitydiary.blogspot.com/2012/03/one-weekend-in-mashiko.html

for　the　tourist　to　mashiko

Thanks! with You in MASHIKO FUN TOUR

Reconstruction pledge together at the local recovering area, that suffers from earthquake disaster on 11th March.
Mashiko city, located in the Tochigi prefecture, is known as the “city of ceramic arts” in Japan and also a widely known city for fans of ceramic arts from all over the world. However, due to the great earthquake disaster in eastern Japan, Mashiko suffers from great damages, that are unforeseeable yet. Ceramic works, including the valuable existing and other facilities for the creation of pottery kiln were damaged from the devastating earthquake in Mashiko. In addition, due to the influence of the nuclear accident is under rumor, farm produce and tourism, has given a great deal due to the impact of tourism also more general since then. In addition, the plantation agricultural products and tourism suffer from the reputational damage caused by the nuclear accident and its huge influence on the tourism. In the operational year around 600 people got help from home and abroad, in the disaster area around Mashiko. This year, one year after the earthquake, the people of Mashiko, who suffered from the earthquake itself, will have the opportunity to thank the people who supported them with the “Thanks! with You in MASHIKO”, that will be held on the 10th and 11th of March. We made this “Thanks! with You in MASHIKO” together with interested people. This tour will take place together with locals form Mashiko. While deepening the exchange, preparing various events together, you will deeply feel the real charm Mashiko. Whether there are visitors who come the first time to Mashiko, visitors who come the first time to the disaster area or visitors who have visited many times before, this tour anyone can join.
That one year after 11th March. Why don’t we spend a day together in the affected areas around Mashiko?

*This tour is subsidized and will take place as part of the <Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry>.

Route map (Schedule) *Traffic-related the schedule can be changed
10th March (Saturday)
9:00 Departure from Ikejiri Setagaya “Manufacturing School Setagaya” (An old school in Ikejiri)
12:00 Arrival at Mashiko city, Lunch at the “Thanks for reconstruction assistance” hall
13:00 From 13:00 on activities and experiences with locals (see back/next page)
17:00 Shift to accommodation (Old folk house)
19:00 Dinner with local people and mutual exchange
11th March (Sunday)
07:00 Morning walk together with the locals
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 From 09:00 on activities and experiences with locals (see back/next page)
14:46 remembrance ceremony (bell of the temple will beacon “Thanks for reconstruction assistance”)
15:30 Departure from Mashiko city
18:30 Planned arrival at of Ikejiri Setagaya “Manufacturing School Setagaya” (An old school in Ikejiri)
“Thanks for reconstruction assistance in Mashiko” Fan Tour
Program management
Saturday 10th to Sunday 11th March 2012
Number of positions
30 People (If the fixed number will be exceeded, the recruitment will be stopped)
Entry fee
5,500 Yen (including tax)
*The transportation costs for the way from Tokyo to Mashiko and back and the costs for accommodation (plus one breakfast) are included.
*The meals, etc. on site have to be paid by everyone for himself.
Means of transportation
Large chartered bus
Accommodation
An in Edo Period built old folk house (“Old Tree Inn”)
“Thanks! with You in MASHIKO” Summary
Outline
Assembly day: Saturday 10th March 2012 to Sunday 11th March 2012
Assembly hall: All around Mashiko
Organizer: Thanks! with You in MASHIKO executive committee
Co: Mashiko City, Mashiko Chamber of Commerce,Promotion Council for Mashiko pottery,livestock Tourism Association and so on
Inquiry: Thanks! with You in MASHIKO executive committee (Mashiko City Association Tel. 0285-70-1120)

The main event (Schedule)
Cooking Curry using the vegetables grown by local farmers from Mashiko
Cooking “Kenchinjiru” using fresh vegetables
Free trial potter’s wheel
Japanese drum performance by local volunteers
Bell in the local temple
The “Thanks! with You in MASHIKO” beacon (Light the fire in the rebuild kiln)
Free entry to the art museum of the city (On 11th March)
Go on activities with the local people during the tour (Schedule)
Carrying allocated firewood to make a smoke signal “Thanks! with You in MASHIKO” with with volunteers
Cooking and arranging local specialties together with volunteers
Cooking and arranging Bentos with volunteers
The Land
Make experiences with the local people during the tour (Schedule)
Pottery Specialists (Assessment) ????
Talking and drinking Sake together with the locals
 

Let's study about Meiji Revolution ！！

Meiji Revolution: Japan’s Non-Violent Movement to Revitalize its Society

We all know that Japan is one of the world’s most powerful economies. This is the country where two nuclear bombs were dropped, the country which suffered more than 250 years of feudalistic rule. But how did it suddenly became one of the world’s superpower? This rapid change in Japan from isolated, pre-industrial and feudal country to one of the great powers on the world stage is due to ‘Meiji revolution’.

Unlike other revolutions such as in France, Russia and China, it was non-violent, without any drama, destruction and political violence. The Meiji revolution is 45-year reign of the Meiji emperor, Mutsuhito (from 1868 to 1912). Under his rule, Japan began its modernization. Meiji means ‘Enlightened Rule’ and the main theme of this revolution was to combine western advancements with traditional eastern values.

Factors facilitating the Meiji revolution
Before the Meiji rule, Japan experienced corrupt feudal rule and pressure from western imperialism. The foreign powers obtained many privileges by means of unequal treaties. The Meiji leaders were aware of what happened to China, which opposed western imperialism – China was defeated and humiliated. They believed Japan was in danger of foreign attack. To counter the threats of imperialism, Japan had to be strong. They recognized that the need for transformation of traditional feudal society into a progressive and modern one was urgent.

Political & societal changes
In order to strengthen itself, the Meiji government abolished feudalism, where class distinctions were removed. Abolition of feudalism strengthened the nationalism and people began extending their loyalty to the nation. It created a large mobile force for industrialization.

They introduced modern system of land taxation in order to ensure a continuous and large income to finance different modernization programs.

Agricultural sector
Agriculture was the main source of economy for Japan. The Meiji leaders recognized that a modernized agriculture is the foundation of success. They encouraged agricultural students to go abroad to learn more advanced techniques in agriculture. Foreign experts were employed to improve agricultural techniques. New kinds of plants and seeds were imported from different countries. Agricultural colleges and experimental stations were established throughout the country to test new methods of planting and provide new agricultural techniques to farmers.

Thus the agricultural production steadily increased. On the other hand, silk manufacture was technically improved. Great progress was made in Japanese silk production and export. The high quality of Japanese silk attracted many buyers.

Industrial sector
The Meiji leaders knew that in order to improve economy and industrial sector, they need to enhance their technical skills. They employed foreign advisers and engineers to run new industries and train native Japanese technicians quickly. For the long run, technical schools were set up to provide modern education. Education was made compulsory. More machines were used to improve production in the industries.

There was a development in consumer goods industries, silk-reeling plants, glass and chemical manufacturing plants, a cement works, cotton-spinning factories and sugar factories. Japan was able to produce machinery and electrical equipment by itself in a quick time. It didn’t loose focus on small industries. Japan knew they were particularly important because they required less capital and less technical knowledge, they could be developed in small workshops, and they made use of the rural labour, which is easily available. The modern industrialization enhanced greater circulation of goods, capital and even labour. It also raised the standard of living in society.

Military sector
Till 1870, there was no national army in Japan. It was only under the Meiji rule in 1873, a truly national army evolved. Military colleges were established for greater specialization of military functions in Japan. Industries producing ammunition and construction of war-ships were set up. Because of this rapid modernization of military sector, Japan was able to fight successful wars, where it defeated China and Russia.

Education sector
The Meiji government adopted western, liberal education which brings direct material and practical benefits. It established national control over education, imposed uniform educational standards, and introduced universal and compulsory education. Moral lessons of the past were replaced by progressive and modern curricula. Western popular, scientific and technical knowledge was spread.

With the modernization of education in Japan, it developed social and national unity, increased social literacy and resulted in greater political consciousness among the people and contribution to successful modernization.

Within a span of 45 years, Japan became a super power. There was an increase in standards of living, people became more literate and politically conscious, increased urbanization, well developed infrastructure and communications, and specialized administration by the government.

Q: (Lance) Please explain the thinking behind the Osaka Metropolis Scheme, as well as its impacts on Japanese society should it be realized.

A: (Professor Ueyama) The Osaka Metropolis Scheme isn’t just about Osaka, it is about changing Japan from a “one state, one system” structure – a structure that has continued for 140 years since the Meiji Restoration – to a “one state, multi-system” structure. I believe everyone feels that if we continue under the present system, where the state controls everything from the center, it will be difficult to respond to an age of dramatic change. Power may have shifted from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), but the core system of the country has not changed, meaning there will be no reform.

However, it is not possible to change this system as long as the regions remain economically dependent on the state. Therefore, in the “Osaka Metropolis Scheme”, we will first streamline the prefectural and city administrations and cut waste, then under the one plan effectively utilize the assets of Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City to revitalize the economy. Osaka Prefecture’s current debt is 10 trillion yen, but if you combine prefectural and city assets, then you have a total of 16 trillion yen. In particular, Osaka City owns an astounding 25 percent of the land within the city. If we utilize this asset effectively it would not be difficult to attract outside investment. Also, if the prefecture and city cooperate we would also be able to create more efficient infrastructure. In countries that are currently growing economically, it is not the state that guides everything but rather the leaders of large metropolises who use their own discretion to implement new policies and bring in investment from overseas and private companies. If Osaka shows its new growth model to other regions, then we should see similar moves in the Kyushu, Chukyo, and Tokyo areas also.

Q: (Mei-Hua Cui) That’s an amazing scheme. However, living in Japan (Tokyo), I feel the Japanese are conservative, so even if they agree with the concept, won’t it will be difficult to turn the plan into action?

A: It’s certainly not simple. However, I have many colleagues in various fields who are working in the same direction as me. Also, Osaka in a way isn’t really Japan (laughs). Historically, it is a flourishing commercial city, so without a more free and vibrant movement of people, goods and money, it cannot survive. Osakans also aren’t really sticklers for the rules; they are an adaptive people. If anything, they more Asian in this sense.  If Japan’s system becomes inflexible, it will eventually become easy for Japanese people to miss opportunities.It’s very difficult to change Japan as a　whole.That's why we start from Osaka.

Q: (Sumida) There has been an increase in young people acting out of a desire to change society after the March 11 earthquake. As someone promoting the Osaka Metropolis Scheme, do you have any advice for them?

A: There is also a need for young Japanese to change their mindsets. The best way to do this is to live overseas. If you view Japan from the outside, I think you can really feel the differences in other systems and ways of thinking. Society does not change easily (laughs). First, you should start by steadily changing your immediate environment. In order to do this you need to acquire the necessary societal skills, try them out, and learn how to be persuasive.  I began thinking about the “Osaka Metropolis Scheme” 10 years ago. I occasionally had setbacks on the way, but if you believe in your aspirations, then chances will come your way. Even if you make mistakes, if you’re willing to openly admit to them, you will find people willing to help you. If you have aspirations, it’s important to not let yourself get upset and instead progress forward in a positive manner.
Also, I would like young people to have more of an interest in politics. Looking at the newspapers and TV, politicians don’t seem very appealing, but if you speak to them individually, many of them are very bright. However, when you get them all together, the Japanese group mentality takes over and you can’t see this. In order to change this situation, I would like young people – regardless of nationality – to take more a proactive interest in Japanese society and politics.

There would be very few people who think Japanese society is fine the way it is. It’s becoming more difficult even for young people to hold bright hopes for the future. In this way, I hope that if interest in the “Osaka Metropolis Scheme” acts as a catalyst for young people to develop a clear vision (for the future), then no matter how difficult, a “can-do spirit” will spread throughout Japan.

translated by Lance truong (Monash Univ)