A Comfortable Living for Everyone' Osaka, Tokyo, Japan Project

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日本語ページ

Project Partner Introduction

City Housing Co., Ltd.

City Housing Co., Ltd. has specialized in the Ota Ward area, including Haneda Airport and Shinagawa Station, for over 30 years. With a management portfolio of about 10,000 units, the company offers a variety of real estate services and continues to expand its business steadily. Inquiries from foreigners visiting Japan for business or vacation have surged, and three foreign staff members handle these inquiries in multiple languages.

The company offers various land use services such as storage rooms, monthly apartments, coin parking, and renovations, aiming to become real estate experts. Foreign staff members are also working towards obtaining difficult real estate qualifications.

City Housing Co., Ltd. focuses on hiring and training foreign staff and sharing housing information for foreigners worldwide through them. City Housing Co., Ltd.

We interviewed Mr.Sato CEO of City Housing Co., Ltd

And heard about the efforts toward the SDGs in a Zoom meeting.

SDG's 10: Reduced Inequalities

City Housing Co., Ltd. engages in diverse real estate businesses. Primarily, in the monthly apartment division, they accommodate many foreigners visiting Japan for business. Staff who speak foreign languages provide careful support to those unfamiliar with Japanese customs. The foreign staff, who initially struggled themselves, can leverage their experiences to assist others, ensuring a comfortable environment for newcomers.

SDG's 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Rather than building new structures, the company focuses on renovating or rebuilding old apartments to propose energy-efficient living. They also repurpose unsuitable living areas into storage spaces like container houses. Efficient land use is crucial, especially in central Tokyo.

SDG's 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Many overseas customers contact the company in foreign languages after viewing their real estate information. Property tours are conducted via video without the need for physical visits. Meetings that used to be held company-wide are now conducted via teleconference, allowing real-time communication between distant locations. As the number of multilingual employees grows, the company can hold meetings with overseas businesses.

This year, they conducted an on-site inspection in Indonesia and plan to visit Vietnam next. They aim to expand their network with foreigners coming to Japan. Participating in the TEAMEXPO Co-Creation Challenge is part of this effort, hoping to expand their network internationally through this project.

 

Enjoying English at Osaka University

- Interview with Leaders of the Foreign Language Department's "Foreign Language Drama Festival"

I visited Osaka University's "Language Drama Festival" held in December by the Foreign Language Department. This festival is a theatrical event where university students perform in various foreign languages, including Japanese. It's a tradition that has been ongoing since the Osaka School of Foreign Studies era.

The festival, features performances in 21 languages, with subtitles in Japanese on a large screen, making it enjoyable for everyone, even those who don't understand foreign languages.

I interviewed two fourth-year English major students, Mr.Matsuba and a third-year student, Mr.Matsuzaki, who played key roles in directing, scripting, and coaching the English plays. They shared insights into the backstage, their passion for English drama, and some suggestions for English education.

The English plays faced challenges as they were revived after a 15-year hiatus last year. Organizing everything from scratch was demanding, especially since the festival is primarily for freshmen and sophomores. Despite the initial difficulties, the involvement of exchange students helped create a diverse and vibrant atmosphere.

Matsuba, with experience in a drama club and writing papers on American theater plays, led the first and second-year students in scriptwriting and technical support.

More and more international students are joining, and thanks to their personalities and the open atmosphere they bring, Japanese students are gradually becoming more comfortable expressing their personalities. Additionally, with the participation of returnees Japanese　who spent their childhood abroad, everyone has been able to enjoy activities in an international setting.

While the English levels and educational backgrounds varied, surprisingly, it created a laid-back atmosphere that turned out well in the end.

In regular classes where the majority are Japanese students, there tends to be a lot of hesitation and passivity. This can negatively impact language learning. However, when returnees Japanese and international students join, even Japanese students educated in Japan can feel free to express themselves without worrying too much about what others think.

The plays focused on themes like "Socrates" and "Japan's future when English becomes the official language." Despite differences in language proficiency and educational backgrounds, the diverse group contributed to a lively and successful event.

They noticed that the characteristics of language majors reflected in their respective language drama groups. For instance, the Chinese group exhibited strong coordination, while the Russian group had a strict hierarchy. In contrast, the English drama group was more laid-back, resulting in both enjoyment and some organizational challenges.

Looking ahead, Matsuzaki, a third-year student, expressed plans to continue English drama activities beyond the Language Drama Festival. They aim to expand these activities during the university's "Summer Festival" at the Minoh Campus, fostering cultural exchanges with local communities.

The benefits of performing in foreign language play extend beyond enjoyment. The immersive experience allows participants to feel as if they are living in an English-speaking environment, providing a unique way to learn languages.

Matsuzaki encourages students not only to enjoy acting but also to explore the joy of writing scripts and creating stage productions. He believes expanding one's self-expression is essential for language learners.

They want to create works inspired by popular aspects of Japanese culture and unique mythology, with a desire to portray Japan as a society originally tolerant of foreign cultures. Looking ahead, they aim to establish a foreign language drama group within or associated with the university.

During their interview, the potential of foreign language drama expanded rapidly. Influenced by popular manga, there is a growing interest in Japanese culture and mythology even among people overseas. In the future, foreign language plays conveying Japanese culture may become more popular.

I hope that the dreams of Matsuba and Matsuzaki come true, leading to the creation of a foreign language drama group originating from the Language Drama Festival. Additionally, Osaka University's Minoh Campus provides a unique environment with a shared library and an event space where citizens and students can interact.

We hope that the Minoh Campus will become a hub for Osaka to communicate Japan to the world in foreign languages、welcoming the Osaka Kansai Expo in 2025.　 (GlobalCommunity, Editor-in-Chief, Kazumi Miyazaki)

https://www.instagram.com/oufs_gogekisai　"Foreign Language Drama Festival" official　Instagram

https://twitter.com/gogekisai　"Foreign Language Drama Festival" official Twitter

https://www.instagram.com/ou_english_drama2023　

Osaka Univ.　"Foreign Language Drama Festival（English Major） Official Instagram

Japan as "the Light of Hope in Asia"  By Henry S. Stokes

"Insights into Japanese History from British Journalist Henry Stokes"

In this narrative, British journalist Henry Stokes shares perspectives on Japan within the context of world history.

"I was 18 years old when I befriended a young Lebanese refugee of the same age who had fled from the war during my working holiday in Australia. Hearing about his depth of knowledge in politics and religion, and his dream of studying at university to protect his country, I was shocked that someone my age had such experiences.

During my time studying in the UK at the age of 20, I received news that a friend who had returned to Iran for conscription had passed away, and I had to send his belongings back to his family.

Both friends spoke highly of the Japanese people who, since the era of white colonialism, have opened up the world. Similar stories resonated with people I met from Indonesia, India, and Africa during my studies.

However, in Australia and the UK, I felt uneasy as a Japanese person on Victory Day, given the historical context. In Japanese schools, I had only been taught about the negative aspects related to Korea and China, leaving a sense of guilt. Wanting to know the truth, I began to research and even explored the stories of my grandfather's generation who were in the military.

Later, I lived in South Korea for a year, and I found that many elderly people believed that Korea's development was thanks to Japan. Upon further investigation, I discovered that Seoul National University was established before Osaka University, highlighting Japan's contributions to local education.

China shares a similar sentiment. Japanese efforts in building railways, initiating industries, and fostering the development of Manchuria (northeastern China) significantly improved the lives of local residents. The educated class in China is well aware of these contributions."

"I also learned that it was the Japanese who, for the first time, advocated for the abolition of racial discrimination on a global scale."

"While the Nazi regime in Germany, which was in alliance, sought to exclude and discriminate against Jewish people, the Japanese, in contrast, opposed discriminating against Jews and worked to protect their human rights worldwide.

Our ancestors have done remarkable things that have reverberated across the world.

I want to pass down this pride to the next generations with the conviction that our history is one to be shared with pride."

Living ninjya legend master Masaaki Hatsumi

At Foreign Press Conference

Kobudo

Ninja Dance and Self-defense with Ninja's third eye

 

 

『The most significant scientific discovery of this century』

It was not that easy to clearly differentiate water elements. This topic came up frequently in the film, "Water: The Great Mystery" as well.  The structure of its molecules has been studied by Gerald Pollack, professor of bioengineering at the University of Washington, with successful results.

 

Prof. Gerald Pollack's remarkable discovery

From October 22nd to 25th of 2013, researchers are invited to Sofia, Bulgaria from all over the world for the Eighth Annual Water Conference on the Physics, Chemistry and Biology of Water. The memories that water can hold was the major subject of the meeting. Prof. Gerald Pollack's team from the University of Washington presented a new finding that when running an electrical current, water turned into a liquid crystal at distances up to several hundred micrometers. The forth state of water followed by solid, liquid and vapor is considered to be more ordered and structured than regular water.This is an eye-opening and completely new theory that explains various phenomena in water.

Pollack proved that the fourth state of water is structured and liquid crystalized that occurs between the solid and liquid states. In theory, water turns into liquid crystalized water (EZ water) when freezing and ice turns into EZ water when melting.

EZ water carries electric potential energy. The electric current travels through when an electrode is inserted between the EZ water and the outside layer. Light, especially  infrared rays, result in an expansion of the EZ layer. This leads to the hypothesis that the solar energy absorbed by water is used to build electric energy and create EZ water.

This is the most significant scientific discovery of the century that proves the idea, "memory of water".

 

 

Mind-blowing finding of EZ water presented by a Nobel Prize winner

Dr. Luc Montagnier, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2006, mentioned that electromagnetic signals from bacterial DNA in water have been prepared using agitation and high dilutions. In conclusion, water can retain memory from DNA that saves massive quantities of information. His idea expands the potential for EZ water.

More understanding of water molecules among scientists

"Thank you"

"You disgust me"

The samples that had been exposed to the words “thank you” exhibited beautiful crystals, while samples that had been exposed to the words “you disgust me” yield ugly crystals. The study by Masaru Emoto was rediscovered by Russian scientists, and his photographs on a series of experiments observing the physical effect of words on the crystalline structure of water were well recognized. Although there is no scientific fact behind it, his photos lead to the assumption that water may have identity. His book with photos on crystals was translated in more than 30 countries and became the focus among scientists.

"Love and appreciation"

His book Messages from Water was published in English and Japanese, and opened a discussion that water has its own identity. The idea derives from snowflakes - after many attempts, he succeded to capture water crystals in 1994. "Love and appreciation" is the word that yeilds the most beautiful crystal formations.

He said that this is the most beautiful and brilliant among any crystals. This type of crystal can be created by exposing water to different words and music.

 

We interviewed Jhoenel Alejandro Marquez(stage name : Tensai), who is from Philippines. 

He won the first prize at the International Red-White Singing Festival in Cebu, which was a ticket to Tokyo stage. 

1. Why did you decide to join this event in Cebu? 

I have a group of J-pop singers (Team OKE Gakuen) who let me know about the event in Cebu. 
A free trip to Japan is what really encourages me to join the contest. 
But more than that, I want to gain experience through singing Japanese songs on stage. And it is also my first time to visit Cebu. 

Singing in Japanese was difficult for me, especially the pronunciation. But with the help of my team, I could overcome the difficulty. 

 

2. Have you come to Japan? What are you interested in Japanese culture?

I'd been to Japan before when I was working as a Marine Engineer. 

Anime is the major key why I've become interested in Japanese culture. It became part of my childhood that's why singing anime songs brings back my childhood memories.

Actually my biggest dream as a singer is to sing Anime songs. 

3. What song will you sing at the stage in Tokyo? And why did you choose the song? 

I will sing “Konayuki” by Remioromen. 
It is a theme song of a Japanese drama "One Liter of Tears". 
It was aired in the Philippine television years ago. 

Actually my mother is almost the same as the drama’s character who is sick, so I want to dedicate this song to my mother. 

4. What do you think is the attraction of music or songs? 

Music can talk through everyone. It can break the language barrier and talk directly through people's hearts. 

Singing makes me feel alive and express myself freely. I can say that my life is incomplete without it. 

And especially Anime song makes me happy by remembering me of my childhood. 

5. What do you think about international exchange like this event?

It is like sharing and uniting everyone around the globe through a certain activity like singing and appreciating the culture of every nation. 

It is a dream of mine to go to Japan and sing in international stage. That alone is a dream come true. 

I just want to gain friends through my passion and share it to everyone especially to Japanese people since I am singing Japanese music. 

He will sing as a White team. 
Let’s enjoy his song and share his passion. 

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Interviewer: Sae Iida
Graduated from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. 
Had guided foreign people to Meiji Shrine as a volunteer activity, Global Community, and based on the experience, created a guide book to Meiji Shrine in Japanese, English and Korean, as a graduation research. 
Working at a commercial vehicle company now.  She enjoys visiting various cafes every weekend. 
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The interview for contestant for irws2017 Kenichi

Kenichi　Uang　from　フィリピン

1. How did you get into singing?

Singing has always been something I just do. My parents would tell me that I began singing as young as 3 or so years old. They say my first song was "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice. It's a rather old song and I don't even remember much about it, which kind of says that I've probably been singing for much longer than I even remember. Today I still sing, but usually for myself or from requests from friends for their celebrations or anything like that. Music is just something that I really love and to me it's the cheapest form of travel. Which is why I enjoy listening to new music from different cultures but mostly Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. 
 
2. Why did you decide to perform at IRWS in Japan? (What do you want to accomplish through this experience?)
Well aside from being given the opportunity I find it exciting to be a part of the IRWS. I like how it has a history in lifting up the spirits of those who were struck by a major catastrophe several years ago. I think that it's also a good place to share my love for the Japanese music, culture, and language with others who aren't Japanese. Also I've never performed a Japanese song for a big Japanese crowd in Japan so it's a very big honor for me and I'd like to find out if you would enjoy my performance. 緊張していますｗ

I hope I could show everyone who'll be watching in Japan, how much their culture is loved in my country and also make new friends this way. I hope my performance can send this message.
 
3. Why do you select  鱗（uroko)?
When I first heard 鱗、it was from a Japanese friend I had just met. I used to listen to heavier Japanese rock but this song was very different to me. The way it's sung has so much emotions and I immediately fell in love with the melody. But when I began listening and reading the lyrics the emotions were actually much stronger when I began to understand the lyrics. Honestly I usually like to sing songs with high singing pitches like 鱗 but now I love the song because of what it means. I love how it's about someone you just admire... someone you just need to reach... someone who you want to hear you and see you... and that sometimes it's just not so easy. This song makes me both happy and sad. 悔しいけど言葉はなんか心強いです。It's like this song reminds me that if there are things and people you love, you push yourself and do the best you can especially when it's hard. I'd like to live my life this way. Pushing forward and being brave enough to the right things.
 
4. Would you mind sharing your thoughts as a member of the Red team?
I just hope to have to have fun with everyone and do my best. And I think it's cool to be part of the red team. Sometimes I like watching スパー戦. 赤いはリーダーの色だからなんかかっこいいとおもって。
 
5. What are you expecting of IRWS & staff in Japan?
Oh I hope everyone's friendly so that we can talk about a lot of different things. I hope to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures and really just learn more from everyone and grow as a person. I think everyone has a story and we should really listen to each other more and grow together. 
 
6. What Japanese song is popular in your country?
実は… あまり詳しくない。ごめんなさい。?? From what I know, most people in the Philippines like listening to songs from anime. I used to watch a lot of anime as well and in fact I got my love for music from anime but now I like to find music outside of anime. I don't know if they are still popular today but the songs from るろうに剣心 were very popular once upon a time. I myself love almost all of them. (*ﾉωﾉ)
 

IRWS.Festival　official　site　http://irws.org

The interview for the contestants for IRWS（International　Red-White　Singing　）festival 2017

MARIA　MORALES　from　PERU

1. What brought you to Japan? How did you get into singing?
I came to Japan in order to obtain a graduate degree. I’m a second year Master student of Public Health at Tsukuba University. 
I participated in a singing contest organized by the  Faculty of Psychology of my university in Peru (Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal), that was during my last years as a student, and I got second place, this encouraged me to start singing more “seriously”.
 
2. Why did you decide to perform at IRWS? (What do you want to accomplish through this experience?)
I decided to participate because I want to have more opportunities to perform in Japan, know other performers and learn from them in order to improve myself.
 
3. Why do you select  河内おとこ節（Kawachi otoko bushi)?

I like singing happy songs because I want people to be happy and have fun, I think the audience will feel empowered with my performance.

 
4. Would you mind sharing your thoughts as the White team?
→All performers are divided into two teams, red and white like Japanese traditional TV show on New Year’s eve. 
Let’s do our best!! We won’t lose against the Red Team.
 
5. What are you expecting of IRWS & staff?
I expect to have fun with them and learn more about Japan.
 
6. What Japanese song is popular in your country?
Japanese songs are becoming popular in Peru specially because of anime, but one song that the generation of my mother recognize (people around their 60’s and 70’s) is “Sukiyaki” (Ue wo muite aruko).
 

Official　Site　FOR　International　Red-White　Singing　Festival　https://www.irws.org

（The D`homes Team, helping the world　find a home in Kansai）

The D`homes Team, helping the world　fi nd a home in Kansai
Since Daiwa Homes began our Foreign　Sales Department, we have seen more
and more international interest from　people living outside of Japan, not just
Osaka.
Almost all of our advertising is webbased　and as such is visible worldwide.
While we are currently advertising　our services and listing property in
English and Japanese only, we regularly　receive enquiries about real estate
from all over the world. These range from overseas exchange students looking for
aff ordable housing near their language schools and universities, to new teachers
hired overseas and coming to work in public and private institutions sharing their
languages and cultural backgrounds with students in Osaka and Kansai. At the
other end of the spectrum are prospective investors and property developers
looking to Osaka as a potentially high return market, competitive in Asia and an
aff ordable alternative to Tokyo.
Many investors see Osaka as a hub for both business and tourism. With
internationally known centers of business and culture; Kyoto and Kobe nearby,
international businesses can take advantage of a fairly broad market, within a
reasonable geographical area. Visitors staying in Osaka can journey to any of
Kansai`s places of interest and be back the same day.
Osaka is becoming an international destination, for business, for tourism and longterm
visitors and we believe the needs of non-Japanese residents and visitors will
need to be met more frequently and more efficiently as more and more of the
world sees what Osaka has to ofｆer.
The 2020 Olympics, Tokyo has an opportunity to show the world how welcoming
the Metropolis is to international visitors. Osaka should not be left behind, and will
no doubt receive a lot more interest leading up to 2020.
If Tokyo can eff ectively host the millions of potential visitors during the Olympics,
Osaka has an opportunity to lead the way in providing a welcoming, secure home
for the ever increasing numbers of non-Japanese residents from around the world
who could in the future become the fastest growing section of Japan`s population.
While Tokyo plays host to visitors from around the world, Osaka could become a
truly cosmopolitan center where people from around the world can call home.