These are the essays written by students in our seminar for the essay contest. I have removed the names to protect their privacy. You can also find some of these essays on their blogs. The writing is the property of the original writer!
A Tendency of Japanese People
by SS
Once I faced culture shock, when I was in Australia. I woke up and was about to go for a walk, and I saw the newspaper was on the ground in front of the house. Even though it was covered in plastic, I could not believe that it had just been thrown. I think it has never happened in Japan. However, the reason why it happens in Australia is that they do not care basically. They might think that it is just a newspaper. They are easy-going. On the other hand Japanese people tend not to think as easily as Australian people do even about one newspaper.
Japanese people love something which is very sophisticated, or they tend to expect everything to be comfortable for them. If it is not, they complain about it without hesitation. I personally think that it is one of the reasons why Japan became such a developed country and a lot of Japanese companies are now famous all over the world. In other words, if people complain about something, the companies or shops or restaurant will try their best to make them satisfied.
Sometimes Japanese people want to feel like they are rich. That is why some people love to go to department stores even though there are a lot of expensive goods there. Again, they expect everything to be perfect, because they spend a lot of money. Besides that, they like something that looks pretty or gorgeous. At department stores, we see people holding paper bags which are colorful or on which some top- brand name is written. A paper bag could be a plain paper bag, however they want to show off what they bought. To my surprise, buying expensive goods are not just common among rich people. Young people also tend to buy big name brand items. People coming from abroad to Japan are surprised to see young people with brand goods. It must be a big culture shock for foreigners. I do not think these goods are as popular in other countries. In Europe, if a young lady carries a big-brand bag, it means she comes from a rich family, but no one thinks they want to imitate the person. However young Japanese people think they can, even though they can not afford to buy such a expensive stuff.
When I was in Australia, I thought everyone was relaxed and calm. But I had not thought that shops and department stores would be just like that, so I was really surprised when I realized the fact that shops in Australia, especially Perth are usually closed by around 5 p.m. If they did that in Japan, it would not work. It is, of course, because so many people want the shops to be open until late, especially in capital cities in Japan. Almost no shop would ever close at five o'clock, because people expect every single shop to be open whenever they want to go.
I learned about "Cool-Japan" in a class, and according to the class, Japanese people tend to take care how they appear. What I would like to say is that people in Japan want to look good and to show off and also love things around them. Besides that, they think the things should be for them, and sometimes they expect too much and put too much effort on improving or fixing. Although this perfectionist tendency helped Japan develop, Japanese people should be easier.
Right Judgment
by NK
Seven years ago, an 18-year-old man killed a 23-year-old woman and her 11-month-old baby in Yamaguchi prefecture. he basically admitted the charge on trial and death penalty for him was almost decided. But five years passed from the case, suddenly his lawyer replaced. the lawyer maintains the death penalty should be abolished. And the criminal changed his witness completely. And then he appealed mitigating circumstances. That is why the trial still continues. I think that many people know this case.
Why does this case attract attention in Japan? First it is a point whether there is still room for his rehabilitation. Second, the husband, Hiroshi Motomura, who often appeared in the media, and Mr.Motomura’s earnest figure got the heart of the nation. Finally, this is most important point, the assailant was 18 years old and 30days at the time of the criminal. The death penalty isn't allowed people who are under 18 years old by the current Japanese law. The yes and no for fine death penalty on him divided.
I think I would like to think about third point, death penalty. He was a minor at the time of the crime, and he was the age that death penalty was not fine. However I think that the age has nothing to do with the importance of the crime. Crime, whether by a child or an adult, is a crime. I think that criminal should be punished without fail. He shows no sign of remorse and there is little possibility that he will be rehabilitated. Anyone who looked at his attitude will think so. I can't understand why the court of law can’t do such a natural judgement.
I don't think the death penalty is always the best punishment for a murder case. Because there is no meaning if the criminal does not feel fear about death. There is no atonement if the criminal died easily. But I think that the death penalty is appropriate in this case. Because one of the reason a trial is dragging, criminal wants to get off the death penalty by any kind of way. For the pain of the victims, I hope the judge passes judgment that the criminal is most afraid of.
Life imprisonment is not allowed now by Japanese law. When a judge does not pass the death penalty for him, pass imprisonment for an indefinite period for him. But, actually, it is not indefinite. He can interim parole ten years later. In other words, after a lapse of several years he may get out into the world again. I think it is dangerous for a killer to get out of prison because he is capable of a second offense. I suppose the judge decide death penalty for him in order to prevent second offense.
Communicating In Japan
by MK
Many foreign customers come to my work place, and I have a question about the languages they speak.
I work at a Japanese pub in Akasaka-mitsuke. That area is an office place, so I rarely see young people. Many foreigners work in Akasaka- mitsuke. Also foreign customers often come to drink at my pub. Mostly they come with Japanese co-workers, or friends.
Now, what language do you think they are talking in: English, or Japanese? I think most people would answer that they are talking in English, because if I am asked this question, of course I would say "English". The answer is English. Approximately ninety percent of foreign customers talk in English, and also Japanese customers speak English with them. When I found out, I wondered why they spoke English. Maybe at their work they usually talk in English, or sightseeing people may not understand Japanese, so Japanese need to use English. However, I think at least people who are working in Japan should understand Japanese, because they live in Japan, and to live here they need to understand this language. However, most people talk to me in English. When they come to the pub entrance, they say to me, "I have a reservation", or "Are there any seats spare?" Of course they don't even know if I speak English, but they don't speak Japanese. As for me, I usually don't talk to foreign customers in English, because I don't think I need to use English. Only when they don’t understand Japanese, I speak English. Sadly most foreign customers don’t understand Japanese, and some people use Japanese, but it’s rare.
However, there may have some reasons why they don’t speak Japanese though they live in Japan. People who work here may have some help from their companies so that they don’t need to use Japanese. They may have lots of friends who speak English helping with them their private lives, or even if they want to speak Japanese, they may not have an opportunity to study Japanese.
Don’t you think they need to understand Japanese? Do you think we should speak English? In my opinion, as a Japanese, I want to speak Japanese, because it is not an English-speaking country. English is a world language, and we need to use English when we talk to people from all over the world, but in this situation, I don’t think I need to use English. That’s why I want them to understand at least a little bit of Japanese as long as they live in Japan, and I want to communicate with them in Japanese.
How to Eat Food
by KS
In Japan, most people can get enough to eat. Japan has many foods and shops. For example, there are fast food shops and convenience stores. Japanese people can eat anytime. They have foods, but they throw a lot away. They just waste it.
I think convenience stores are the worst shops in Japan because they throw a lot of foods away, for example, a packed lunch which is expiring. It is only over by two hours, but they throw a lot away. I think it is too fast. When I heard this thing, I was so surprised! I could not believe it. We have to stop this thing. For example, the food companies should reconsider about how much they are making.
Now dieting is very popular in Japan. Many young women go on diets. I can not believe why they diet. I think dieting is the most wasteful thing in Japan. I think they go on a diet for two reasons. First, they have overeaten food. Then, they think “I overate. I have to diet!” Finally, they start dieting. It is a very bad habit. I think they should check the food quantity before eating something.Next, many people go on a diet because they overeat. Overeating is a very bad habit. Going on a diet is a bad influence on each other and on the world. For example, when people go on a diet, people do not have enough nutrition because they do not eat many kinds of food. On the other hand, a lot of food is left over and they waste it. It is a big world environment problem. For example, we waste food then, it is burned away. This is bad for the air pollution.
Second, fashion models are popular in Japan. They can have a major impact on young women's lifestyles. Fashion models have a bad influence on young women. Many young women think “I will get a slim body, too.”
We have to control our minds. Save food. Do not waste food. Every person has to think about world food problem. I can eat food but, many other people can not eat food yet. I will change my mind and I will save some food. For example, I will not waste food and think Food is very important in my life. It is only a little thing, but if every person thinks about it and does it, it will be a big thing.
Japan has many foods but hungry people do not have enough food, so we should give many foods to hunger people. I think it is a little thing for Japanese people, but this is big thing for hungry people. It is better than wasting food.
Food quantity is very different between advanced countries and developing countries. We have to change the food balance. For example, advance countries must cut down spending food. Then give more food for developing countries.
Finally, today the food problem is very serious. We must rethink about how to use and eat food. I think Japanese people do not truly know how to use and eat food. Neither do America, China, Russia, France and Germany. Advanced countries have a lot of food. The food problem is not a personal problem. This is one of the most serious problems in the world. Every person has to think about it.
Poorness
by TT
Do you think we are rich or poor? Have you ever felt poor? I think most of us never felt poor. In Japan everything is so convenient. If you are not working you can live. Parents take care of you. Everybody knows there are poor people in the world. But most people have only seen them on TV or magazines. In this summer I saw so many poor people in Cambodia. I think we should see them, and know what is going on in the world.
In Cambodia, babies don’t wear clothes, children have to work, the road is not paved, they don’t have cars, and the houses are really in bad condition. It is like the lodge which is made of wood. Above all they can’t eat enough food. Can you imagine that? This is not a worst place in the world, in Africa there are much worse places. How about us? Have you ever worried about food? We can eat what we want all the time. Also we have so many kinds of places where to eat.
Near Angkor Wat, children sell us souvenirs. Actually they are so pushy. It is really annoying. If you go to there you could get so many children around you who try selling. But I talked to them and played soccer with them. Then I realized that it is a part of life for them, and they are just innocent, pure and funny. After soccer, one of boy asked me, “You buy water from me?” They never forget their job. When we talked about their life, some children told me “I want to go to school.” and “I want to be a soccer player. They don’t have choices of what they will do in the future. Besides, if they sold lots of things, they can’t get all the money. Probably they have to give most of the money to organizers or their boss.
On the other hand, some people, who are like, politicians can get a lot of money, because they have power and business concession. When you go to Angkor Wat, you have to pay $20-60. It depends on how many days. In a year, about four hundred thousand people go to Angkor Wat. How much money do they earn? Do they use the money for the people? The answer is no. In Cambodia, you can see some schools, but those were built by other countries. In addition, as I said the road is not paved, because if they do it, nobody is going to use the airplanes. The bus is much cheaper than the airplane. That is why they don’t fix the road, although there are lots of tourists who want to use bus.
Towns which I saw were not extremely bad. Because we can visit there on a trip which means we will spend money even it is just a little bit. Then they could earn some money. In other places, like Africa, children have to work without payment. And the government or politicians are ignoring this.
I realized how Japan is convenient and how we are wasting many things. We can eat any food anytime we want. Then, most of us don’t need to worry about clothes and houses. If you want to really know how it feels, you have to go there and feel it. You will see what I said. Also we should know that we are rich, if you compare us to them. This problem is one of the important things in the world and worth seeing.
One Coin is Important
by YM
Have you ever thought about the importance of a hundred yen? I think many Japanese waste too much money. Not all countries in the world are rich countries. If each of us saves only a hundred yen, we can help many kids in poor countries. A month ago, I saw a program about it on television. I was really moved to tears by this TV program, and I felt their problems immediately. A hundred coin has a great weight and power. So, if you would think about it, these children must be really happy and appreciate you.
In fact, there are volunteers, fund-raising and other campaigns in the world. Do you know of any? For example, Volvic (mineral water) had a campaign. It was called “1 liter for 10 liters”. African children were given 10 liters of mineral water for each 1 liter of sales by Volvic. In addition, you can aid education in many foreign countries. For example, in Bangladesh, they can buy fourteen pencils or a child can study in after-school classes for twelve days if they have one hundred yen. And in Thailand, they can stock twelve ball- point pens, ten notebooks, two dozen of color pencils and pencils each. But we can give money not only to education, but also for medical services. For example, an undernourished child can go into hospital for a day in Burkina-Faso. And in Nepal, they can supply fourteen vaccines and four safety delivery kits. Thus, we can support them in various ways. A hundred yen may be tiny for us, but it is very valuable in the world. “Just a coin, but a coin”.
When I watched the special program on television, I gasped with surprise. One girl didn’t know water is clear because she always drunk only muddy, unsanitary water with rainwater, bugs and elephant dung in it. It’s too terrible!!! At that time, some Japanese decided to make a well and would like to let her drink clear water. However, in order to make it, they need a lot of money because making of a well is expensive. How did they solve the problem? It’s very simple. There are many volunteers in Japan. Some elementary school students contributed a coin each for making a well in Africa. If a hundred people each gave a hundred yen, they can gather a ten thousand yen. It’s amazing!! Please remember that when people work together to solve problems, any can be solved.
Japan is one of the safer and more convenient countries. Therefore, we sometimes forget the value of a hundred yen. When I was a pupil, I thought hard about how to buy as many cheap sweets as possible with a hundred yen. Perhaps you also experienced something like this. I suppose that we never forget the importance of a coin. Many of us adults may need a more supple mind. If you save a hundred yen everyday for a month, you can accumulate money which is about three thousand yen. As the saying goes, “Little and often fills the purse”. In the future, I hope it’s normal for everybody to save money and contribute to helping others. The education and environment of poor countries must be changed. We must not forget the importance of a coin to form a peaceful world. After all “a coin is important!!!” Don’t forget, your coin can save poor children from suffering.
My Experience in Australia
by EW
I went to Australia to study English for 5 weeks last summer. I stayed with a family there and went to English language school. I was nervous before going there because I left Japan for the first time in my life. I worried about my English, Australian daily life and communicating with my host family.
My host family was only a mother and one Korean girl, Jiyeon, stayed at her home. I tried to speak English as much as I could. Every morning I went to school with the Korean girl. Every night I talked and watched TV with them. Especially, I talked with Jiyeon about school, Australian life and each other’s countries. We always helped each other to do our homework together and hear each other’s troubles. I was surprised that I was able to communicate with her a lot. It was as if we were from the same country. She is my best friend now.
My English school was from 8:30 to 12:45 from Monday to Friday. I had general English class on Monday, Tuesday and Friday and speaking class on Wednesday and Thursday. I read, wrote, spoke and listened to learn grammar and pronunciation by using the text book in general English class. On the other hand, in speaking class I often did games for speaking English without the text book. For example, quizzes, making a story, doing a play and cooking at my teacher house and so on. There were many international students in my class: Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, Thai, Indonesian, Turkish and Saudi Arabian. I could know various cultures and religions. I had a fixed idea of foreign people before. I think that their ideas are based on their cultures and religions. However when I talked with them, I thought that every one is different, respectively, just as each Japanese is different. My idea changed in Australia. I also have a new view. Other country’s students mostly aim to enter a university in Australia, so they study English hard and often ask their teacher their questions in class. My purpose differed widely from theirs. I have to model my attitude on theirs. I try to move actively and have an open mind.
English is a tool for communicating. I could find that communication success depends on our feelings even if English skills are very poor. This experience was incredibly precious in my life.
The Internet and Our Daily Lives
by Kby
Today almost all of us use the internet everyday. The Internet is so convenient for us. We can use the internet to get almost all the things that we want. Today Internet shopping is very common in our daily life. We use the internet to buy books, CDs, clothes, foods, household goods and everything. In many cases, shopping from the internet is cheaper than to going to the department store. For example, I like to buy books and CDs at Amazon, it’s not only cheaper but also I can only stay at home to wait for the books to be delivered , In addition, many times I can get some sold -out books at Amazon very simply.
Most all of us have experiences to get or exchange information with friends though The Internet. We use homepage to get information, for amusement; and we use E-mail to contact friends, Recently many people use the internet to send a Christmas card (or New Year’s Card ) so the post-office can avoid a busy time at the end of the year. And, before, I heard a news which surprised me so much, that last year some people used the internet to perform their New Year’s visit to a shrine while staying at home. It’s such an amazing thing. If we can stay at home to finish the ceremonial visit to a shrine on New Year’s day, we don’t have to meet the crowd at the first day of the New Year, and maybe accidents can be avoided.
Although the internet is so convenient, recently the internet criminal is also remarkable. Economic crimes happened on the Internet. Offenders used the internet to get the information of others and take money from the victim’s credit card. Children and old people are deceived more easily. Children haven’t experience of society. Offenders sell some things children don’t really need and then send an expensive bill to their parents.
Some malicious accidents were also caused by the information from the internet. Last month, according the TV news, a wife killed her husband for insurance. This wife didn’t kill her husband by herself, she used the internet to recruit a jobless person, and this man became the killer of that poor husband. We can buy goods though the internet, we can also buy a killer though the internet. This is such a horrible reality!
The Internet gives us a convenient daily lives, but sometimes it also brings many problems to us. I think when we use the internet to contact with anyone we don’t know well, we must be more cautiousness. And the website company must to make some rules to decrease the Internet crimes. For example, Website companies can refuse to accept orders of shopping from children, who are under 18 years old and without parent’s accompanied. Completely to avoid crimes from the internet is a very difficult thing, but if we work together I think some days in the future, the internet will be a really convenient paradise to us.
