Contributing to Benin's Agriculture with Japanese Technology

  • 2025/04/08 15:46
INTERNATIONAL

Contributing to Benin's Agriculture with Japanese Technology

We had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Migan, an international student from Benin who also participated in the International Red-White Singing Festival.

Mr. Migan, your performance of Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s “Tombo” at the International International Red-White Singing Festival was incredible! Today, we’d like to hear about your journey to studying robotics in Japan. Could you start by telling us about your dreams during high school?

Originally, I aspired to become a doctor. However, I realized that attending medical school required significant time and financial resources. That’s when I reconsidered and thought, “If I study AI and robotics, I could create something that benefits people.” I began studying electrical and electronic engineering at a university in Benin, but unfortunately, there were no institutions specializing in robotics in my home country.

Is that what led you to decide to study abroad in Japan?

Yes. While researching, I was shocked to learn that 60% of the world’s industrial robots are made in Japan. I thought, “I have to study there.” But first, I needed to learn Japanese… (smiling) When I contacted the embassy, I discovered that there was a free Japanese language school in my hometown! It was the Takeshi Japanese Language School founded by Mr. Zomahoun.

What was the atmosphere like at that school?

The classroom had a distinctly Japanese feel, with a photo of Takeshi Kitano displayed at the back and calligraphy and origami scattered around. There were Japanese teachers and about 100 students, where we could deeply learn both the language and culture. I attended for five years while also going to university.

After gaining experience with a Japanese company, you realized your dream of studying in Kobe?

After graduating from university, I worked for a Japanese-affiliated company in Benin. It was there that I learned about JICA’s scholarship program. With the support of my company president, I applied and enrolled at Kobe Institute of Computing in October 2022. After completing a two-year master’s program, I am now pursuing my doctoral studies at Konan University.

Could you tell us about your specific research?

I’m developing a robot for harvesting corn, which is a staple food in Benin! My research focuses on using AI to determine ripeness and harvest crops without damaging them. At Kobe City’s Africa Business Contest, I won the Student Award, and meeting Mr. Taguchi from Borderless Japan was an inspiring experience as well.

What has stood out to you about life in Japan?

I was amazed by how energetic elderly people are! The convenience of trains and the revolutionary features of rice cookers also impressed me (laughing). I love tsukemen (dipping noodles), but wasabi’s spiciness caught me off guard… Also, I’ve attended Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s concerts twice! During my time at the Japanese language school, I learned his song “Kanpai,” and he became an idol of mine.

What are your future goals?

I want to expand these harvesting robots not only in Benin but across the world. Practicing Aikido at Konan University and interacting with local children and fellow international students has deepened my appreciation for the connection between technology and humanity. After earning my doctorate, I plan to teach back home in Benin and give back by sharing the knowledge I’ve gained in Japan—that’s my mission.

Speaking with such an ambitious international student was truly inspiring. It seems that at Benin’s Japanese language school, students not only learn Japanese but also gain insights into Japanese ways of thinking and interpersonal connections—making it an enjoyable experience overall. We hope Mr. Migan’s dreams come true and that more students from Benin will come to Japan in the future!( editor Kazumi Miyazaki of Globalcommunity)

Japanese Language School Teacher Makes First Appearance at the International Red and White Singing Festival

  • 2025/02/21 07:31
INTERNATIONAL

Japanese Language School Teacher Makes First Appearance at the International Red and White Singing Festival


An interview was conducted with Ms. Michiko Sawai of Osaka Minami Japanese Language School, who participated as a contestant in the International Red and White Singing Festival in ARIO Yao.

She is a Japanese language school teacher, will participate as a performer for the first time.
She is also known for her unique approach of incorporating songs into Japanese language education to deepen connections with her students.

Utilizing Songs in the Classroom

Ms. Sawai creates an enjoyable environment for students to learn Japanese by using Japanese songs in her lessons. She explained that this approach comes from her own experiences:

“I love singing in foreign languages, and even when I couldn’t speak Korean or Chinese in Korea or China, I was able to connect with local people through singing. That experience inspired me to incorporate songs into my classes.”

She added,

“We also have class-wide song presentations during the school’s speech contest held in March, so everyone learns Japanese songs with clear goals and has fun.”

Furthermore, Osaka Minami Japanese Language School has established a “Japanese Songs Course” as an elective in the final semester before graduation. Students practice Japanese songs and study lyrics three times a week as part of a school-wide initiative.

What songs are popular in class now?

Ms. Sawai shared:

“Songs like ‘Blue Bird’ from the anime Naruto and YOASOBI’s ‘Idol’ are popular among students. Angela Aki’s ‘Tegami’ is also well-liked because the lyrics are easy to understand, and many students have learned it in their home countries, making it a hit at karaoke as well.”

International Exchange Through Music

The International Red and White Singing Festival aims to foster mutual cultural exchange through music. By having foreigners sing in Japanese and Japanese participants sing in foreign languages, the event deepens understanding of each other’s cultures. Ms. Sawai also agreed, saying that knowing just one Japanese song can create opportunities for conversation and friendship with Japanese people.

This year, Ms. Sawai will represent Osaka Minami Japanese Language School at the International Red and White Singing Festival held at Ario Yao on March 8 and 9, sharing her determination to inspire her students through her participation.

About 70% of the participants were foreigners when the festival began. Now, in its 13th year, the number of Japanese applicants greatly exceeds that of foreign applicants, demonstrating the event’s expanding reach.

We hope that at the 13th International Red and White Singing Festival, to be held at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on September 19, even more students and teachers from Japanese language schools will join, making it a place where the power of international exchange and music can be truly felt

mizade entre os povos de Osaka e São Paulo

  • 2024/11/28 16:44
INTERNATIONAL

mizade entre os povos de Osaka e São Paulo

 

O relacionamento de cidades-irmãs entre Osaka e São Paulo, estabelecido em 27 de outubro de 1969, tem facilitado mais de 50 anos de intercâmbios vibrantes em diversos campos. Esta parceria incluiu eventos como concursos de discurso em português e oficinas de futsal em colaboração com o clube de futebol brasileiro Corinthians, realizados em Osaka. Essas atividades não apenas fortaleceram os laços culturais, mas também promoveram a compreensão mútua entre os cidadãos de ambas as cidades.

 

Visita de Intercâmbio Cultural Recente

 

 

Em 2024, como parte do programa de subsídios da cidade de Osaka comemorando o 55º aniversário do relacionamento de cidades-irmãs, Paula Hirama visitou Osaka. Durante sua visita, ela se envolveu em intercâmbios culturais com cidadãos locais e estudantes voluntários intérpretes.
Em 16 de novembro, guiada por dois estudantes intérpretes, ela visitou o Castelo de Osaka e o Santuário Hokoku. Paula ficou particularmente impressionada com a história do Castelo de Osaka, que foi originalmente construído pelo samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi e posteriormente reconstruído através de doações públicas após ser destruído duas vezes.

Os guias estudantes, Madoba (um estudante do primeiro ano do ensino médio) e Ueno (um estudante do segundo ano da universidade), forneceram tours bilíngues em japonês e inglês.

 

Insights Culturais e Atividades

 

O clima quente de novembro tornou agradável a exploração de Paula do Castelo de Osaka e do Santuário Hokoku. Ela aprendeu sobre a crença xintoísta em "Yaoyorozu no Kami", que sugere que os deuses residem dentro de si mesmo e na natureza, como plantas e animais. Este conceito intrigou Paula enquanto ela ouvia os guias estudantes.Embora ela tivesse visitado o Japão aos 16 anos, esta foi sua primeira vez em Osaka, e ela ficou encantada em ver um castelo japonês pela primeira vez.


Durante sua visita, Paula também notou uma plataforma para exercícios de "Radio Taiso", o que desencadeou uma conversa sobre continuidade cultural. Ela se lembrou de participar desses exercícios dentro da comunidade nipo-brasileira quando criança no Brasil.
Esse patrimônio cultural compartilhado foi apreciado tanto por Paula quanto pelos estudantes japoneses, destacando a influência duradoura da cultura japonesa entre os descendentes japoneses no exterior.

 

Experimentando as Artes Tradicionais Japonesas

 

 

 

 

Após a visita aos locais históricos, Paula e seu grupo se dirigiram a Shinsaibashi para uma oficina de dança tradicional japonesa (Nihon Buyo) com a escola "Ougi-ryu". Eles foram acompanhados por participantes adicionais: Omachi (um estudante do quarto ano da universidade), Yamashita (um estudante do segundo ano do ensino médio), Fujimoto (um estudante do terceiro ano do ensino médio) e Mori (um adulto trabalhador).
Depois de trocar para yukatas, eles aprenderam posturas básicas de dança e técnicas de leque antes de experimentar uma sessão de dança em grupo.
Paula também teve a oportunidade de tentar tocar instrumentos tradicionais como o tambor e o shamisen, o que aumentou sua satisfação com a experiência cultural.
A oficina proporcionou um ambiente relaxado onde os participantes puderam desfrutar aprendendo juntos.

O Mestre de Dança Sr. Ougi expressou satisfação ao ver todos se engajarem com entusiasmo e mencionou planos para promover o intercâmbio internacional através de artes tradicionais acessíveis como o Nihon Buyo.

 

Delícias Culinárias e Discussões Culturais

 

O grupo posteriormente se mudou para Nagahoribashi para desfrutar do famoso takoyaki de Osaka no "Amafuku". Conversas sobre preferências musicais entre colegas e comparações entre as sociedades brasileira e japonesa enriqueceram esta experiência de intercâmbio cultural.
Tais interações sublinharam a importância dos intercâmbios cidadãos de base para fomentar a compreensão mútua.

 

Olhando para a Expo 2025

 

Com a aproximação da Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, há uma expectativa de aumento de visitantes do Brasil para o Japão. A Expo servirá como uma plataforma significativa para promover intercâmbios de base como os experimentados por Paula Hirama.
Essas interações são cruciais para expandir oportunidades de compreender profundamente as culturas um do outro, aprimorando a cooperação global e a amizade entre o Brasil e o Japão.

 

 

Friendship between Osaka and São Paulo people

  • 2024/11/28 16:01
INTERNATIONAL

Friendship between Osaka and São Paulo people

 

The sister city relationship between Osaka and São Paulo, established on October 27, 1969, has facilitated over 50 years of vibrant exchanges across various fields. This partnership has included events such as Portuguese speech contests and futsal workshops in collaboration with the Brazilian soccer club Corinthians, held in Osaka. These activities have strengthened cultural ties and fostered mutual understanding between the citizens of both cities.

 

Recent Cultural Exchange Visit

 

 

In 2024, as part of Osaka City's grant program commemorating the 55th anniversary of the sister-city relationship, Paula Hirama visited Osaka. She engaged in cultural exchanges with local citizens and student interpreter volunteers during her visit.

On November 16, guided by two student interpreters, she visited Osaka Castle and Hokoku Shrine. Paula was particularly impressed by the history of Osaka Castle, which was originally built by the samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi and later reconstructed through public donations after being destroyed twice. The student guides, Madoba (a high school first-year student) and Ueno (a university second-year student), provided bilingual tours in Japanese and English.

 

Cultural Insights and Activities

 

The warm weather in November made Paula's exploration of Osaka Castle and Hokoku Shrine enjoyable. She learned about the Shinto belief in "Yaoyorozu no Kami," which suggests that gods reside within oneself and in nature, such as plants and animals. This concept intrigued Paula as she listened to the student guides.

 

Although she had visited Japan at age 16, this was her first time in Osaka, and she was delighted to see a Japanese castle for the first time.

During her visit, Paula also noticed a platform for "Radio Taiso" exercises, which sparked a conversation about cultural continuity. She recalled participating in these exercises within the Japanese-Brazilian community as a child in Brazil.

This shared cultural heritage was appreciated by both Paula and the Japanese students, highlighting the enduring influence of Japanese culture among Japanese descendants abroad.

 

Experiencing Traditional Japanese Arts

 

 

 

 

After visiting historical sites, Paula and her group headed to Shinsaibashi for a workshop on traditional Japanese dance (Nihon Buyo) with the "Ougi-ryu" school. They were joined by additional participants: Omachi (a university fourth-year student), Yamashita (a high school second-year student), Fujimoto (a high school third-year student), and Mori (a working adult).

After changing into yukatas, they learned basic dance postures and fan techniques before experiencing a group dance session.

Paula also had the opportunity to try playing traditional instruments like the drum and shamisen, which added to her satisfaction with the cultural experience.

The workshop provided a relaxed environment where participants could enjoy learning together. The Dance Master Mr.Ougi expressed delight at seeing everyone engage enthusiastically and mentioned plans to promote international exchange through accessible traditional arts like Nihon Buyo.

 

Culinary Delights and Cultural Discussions

 

The group later moved to Nagahoribashi to enjoy Osaka's famous takoyaki at "Amafuku." Conversations about music preferences among peers and comparisons between Brazilian and Japanese societies enriched this cultural exchange experience.

Such interactions underscored the importance of grassroots citizen exchanges in fostering mutual understanding.

 

Looking Ahead to Expo 2025

 

With Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai approaching, there is an expectation of increased visitors from Brazil to Japan. The Expo will serve as a significant platform for furthering grassroots exchanges like those experienced by Paula Hirama.

These interactions are crucial for expanding opportunities to understand each other's cultures deeply and enhancing global cooperation and friendship between Brazil and Japan.

 

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

  • 2024/08/02 19:11
INTERNATIONAL

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


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 "Foreign Language Drama Festival

  • 2024/01/23 12:37
INTERNATIONAL

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 was the first in the world to advocate for the abolition of racial discrimination on the international stage."

  • 2023/12/28 23:23
INTERNATIONAL

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

  • 2022/02/01 11:13
INTERNATIONAL

Living ninjya legend master Masaaki Hatsumi

At Foreign Press Conference

Kobudo

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

 

 

What is EZ water? The fourth state of water - the most significant scientific discovery of the century

  • 2020/07/04 10:04
INTERNATIONAL

『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.









 

2018IRWS interviews Jhoenel Alejandro Marquez from CEBU

  • 2018/10/09 09:37
INTERNATIONAL

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. 

********************
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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