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8
August
2011 No. 298


450
Japan to the World Japan to the World
ISSN 1348-7906

Tokushima
Enjoy the Wilderness

Various Ways
to Enjoy Model Trains

Evaluation Content
Rather than evaluating the depth of an applicants knowledge in specific
fields, as is often the case with many existing exams, J-CLUE evaluates
Japanese knowledge actually required for commerce and daily-life: knowledge
integral to leading a meaningful life in Japan. The evaluation covers a variety
of fields and topics in order to better gauge the applicants overall knowledge of
Japanese culture.
Method of Evaluation
An applicants successful evaluation will fall into one of the following four
categories, further delineated by their language of choice. *Those who take the
test in Japanese will be graded according to the Japanese Evaluation.
Connoisseur of Japanese Culture First Grade [English Evaluation].
(You have an excellent understanding of Japanese culture.)
Connoisseur of Japanese Culture Second Grade [English Evaluation].
(You have a good understanding of Japanese culture.)
Connoisseur of Japanese Culture Third Grade [English Evaluation].
(You have a fair understanding of Japanese culture.)
Connoisseur of Japanese Culture Fourth Grade [English Evaluation].
(You have an elementary understanding of Japanese culture.)
The 1st Japanese Culture & Language
Understanding Evaluation
(J-CLUE)
J-CLUE is designed for those wishing to become experts on Japan,
who can then act as mediators to facilitate international communication and business.
J-CLUE is an official evaluation, verifying an applicants
Japanese cultural understanding and linguistic aptitude.
Date: Sunday, October 16, 2011
Place: Tokyo, Japan (exact location to be determined)
Applicants: Open to everyone, including Japanese nationals
Evaluation Language: English / Japanese (Applicants choice)
Test fee: 4,500 yen. (All profits will be donated to the East Japan
Disaster Fund)
Application period: Monday July 4 Friday August 19
Application: www.j-clue.jp
Governing Body
The Japanese Culture & Language Understanding Board (J-CLUB)*
For more information or inquiries, please contactJ-CLUE Commission
c/o Hiragana Times 4F TVB Akebonobashi Building, 1-18 Sumiyoshicho, Shinjuku-ku,Tokyo
Tel: 03-3341-8964 info@j-clue.jp www.j-clue.jp

*Founded by Dr. TANAKADATE Aikitsu, Congressman of the House of Lords, (an incorporated, public interest association authorized by the
Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, with a history dating back 120 years). J-CLUBs seven former chairmen include TANAKADATE Aikitsu,
AKABORI Shirou & UMESAO Tadao who have all received commendations from the Order of Culture (Japans most prestigious award) and
KIKUZAWA Sueo, OGATA Junichi and ENDO Yoshimoto who have been decorated by the government for their outstanding contribution to
Japanese Society.

edited by
Application Deadline Aug. 19 (Fri.)
Topics & Events
August Issue Contents 8

Topics & Events 3-5

Spotlight, Social News

6-7
Trends 8-9
J-Tech Focus J 10-11
Feature

12-15
Insight into Japan

17-29
Japan in the World, Close Up Japan, Keys to Understanding Japan,
Japan Watching, Japanese History Makers

Visa Q&A Q&A 30

From the Editorial Desk

31
Cover Story 34-37
Japan Profiles 38-39
Masterpieces of Japanese Film & Animation, Japanese Fairy Tale

40-41
Challenging the Kanji!

42-43
Japanese Cultural Understanding Test

44
Write the gift name, your name, address, gender, age, nationality and the article(s) you enjoyed in this issue and send it to us
by postcard or e-mail. Competition closes August 5. Winners will be selected by lottery and receive gifts directly.

2003

17

The World Cosplay Summit, which was founded in 2003, will be held this year in
Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. The event, organized in part by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and TV Aichi, aims to encourage cultural exchange through Japanese animation and manga.
This year, cosplayers from 17 countries will be participating including Malaysia and the
Netherlands for the first time. Electronic books and an official photo gallery (in Japanese and
English) are available from this July so that you can get a jump on enjoying the summit.

2011
World Cosplay Summit 2011
August 6
Cosplay parades
Japan Preliminary Round (admis-
sion 1,500 yen, all standing)
August 7
World Cosplay Championship
8

1,500

www.tv-aichi.co.jp/wcs/
4
Topics & Events

Jap@n Products
Japanese summer is hot and humid. Since electricity shortages are a concern this year,
power companies are asking people to set the AC temp to 28 degrees Centigrade. Designed
to be sprayed over clothes, this product instantly refreshes giving a cool feeling that lasts for
a while. Shake the bottle gently and spray a few times on the overheated area. Fresh mint
fragrance. Antibacterial ingredients include silver nanocolloids. 1,050 yen for 100ml.

28

2 3

100 ml1,050

Sosu Company Limited.

www.sosu.jp/

100

100

100

100

1,300

The Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation is cel-

ebrating its 100th year in business. To commemorate this
anniversary, a 100th anniversary special exhibition of Tokyos
metropolitan transport system, entitled 100 Years of Tokyo
Transportation: Streetcars, Buses, and Subways Then and
Now is now being held at the Edo-Tokyo Museum (Sumida
Ward, Tokyo) until September 10. Focussing on the Bureau of
Transportations collection, the exhibition looks back on 100
years of history. Model railroad cars, posters, and so forth, are
on display. The admission fee is 1,300 yen for adults.
www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/

A Special Exhibition About the History
of Tokyos Transportation System

121

1,000

1,300

Takabisha roller coaster was opened to the public in July

at Fujikyu High Land amusement park (in Fujiyoshida,
Yamanashi Prefecture). After accelerating horizontally, the car
faces the sky for a vertical climb. The ride then halts, before
beginning the steep 121 degree drop down. Its the worlds
steepest roller coaster. An application has been made to the
Guinness Book of World Records. Tickets: 1,000 yen. Adult
entrance fee 1,300 yen.
www.fujiq.jp/

Roller Coaster
with the Worlds Steepest Drop
Gift for 5 couples (10 people) 5

10

Coool: a Pleasantly Cool Spray C

OOOL
3

A Festival of Contemporary Art
Held in Yokohama

2011
8

11

78

B

ankART S

tudio
NYK

1,600

Yokohama Triennale 2011. OUR MAGIC HOUR: How

Much of the World Can We Know? held from August 6 to
November 6 is an international exhibition of contemporary
art. The exhibition will include works from 78 contemporary
artists/collectives and works of art from the museums own
collection. Various paintings and historical works will be on
display for visitors to enjoy. Venues include the Yokohama
Museum of Art, NYK Waterfront Warehouse, and surrounding
areas. General admission is 1,600 yen.
www.yokohamatriennale.jp
There has been growing interest in history and Buddhist statues in recent years, however there arent many
opportunities to see such national treasures with your own eyes. You can enjoy constructing this paper
version of the Ashura statue. Its about half the size of the real thing. The facial expression and mysterious
shape of the original have been faithfully recreated. If you dont manage to construct it correctly, spare parts
can be bought separately. English instructions can be found on the companys website. 3,190 yen.

3,190

21 Century Paper Craft 21

paper-craft.info/

Ashura Statue Paper Model

: 4 6
A

ftershocks

46

ur M

an i

n A

biko

1,470

This book 2:46 Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan

Earthquake was put together using twitter several days after
the quake by a Briton who lives in the Tokyo area and blogs
under the pseudonym Our Man in Abiko. Responding to
his request for contributors to write about the disaster, sub-
missions came flowing in. ONO Yoko and novelist William
GIBSON are amongst its authors. Put together in just over a
week, the ebook version raised over $30,000 for earthquake
and tsunami victims and became a best-seller on Amazon.
com. Profits from the bilingual version will be donated to the
Japanese Red Cross. Printed by Goken Co., Ltd. 1,470 yen.

Book to Support Japan
Starts with a Tweet
Gift for 2 people.
2

Jeppe HEIN<Smoking Bench> 2002

Installation view at ARoS, Denmark, 2009Photo by Ole Hein Pedersen
Courtesy: Johann Knig, Berlin, 303 Gallery, New York and SCAI THE BATHHOUSE, Tokyo
H
ATSUNE Miku is a digitally manufac-
tured character. She has blue-green hair
worn in pigtails and is a virtual pop star
made using Character Vocal Series 01 Hatsune
Miku software a synthesized vocal engine
released by Crypton Future Media in 2007.

2007

01

Users can get Hatsune Miku to sing songs they have com-
posed with the voice synthesis technology Vocaloid 2. Fifty
thousand copies of the software have been sold. Hundreds
of thousands of songs have been uploaded to video sites by
users.

V

OCALOID2

She is not only popular in Japan, but also in other countries.

Recently, Toyota Motor Sales (a subsidiary of Toyota U.S.A.),
chose her to advertise their new Corolla. The advertisement
was shown on their website and became a hot topic.

T

oyota M

otor S

ales, U.S.A.

CM

On Jul y 2, her concer t ,

Happy t o meet you! I m
Hat sune Mi ku, was hel d
at t he Ani me Expo i n Los
Angeles, U.S.A. It was a great
success and part of the audi-
ence came all the way from
Japan to see it.
7

A

nime E

xpo2011

mikunopolis.com/
6
Spotlight

Spotlight

Who is the Cute Girl in the Center of AKB48?

The all girl idol group, AKB48, whose members number
over 50, is a hot topic these days. Their CD singles were the
first and second best selling in Japan over the past six months.
In June an election was held in which fans voted for their
favorite members of the group. Those members who were
ranked within the top 12 now have more opportunities to
appear in the media. MAEDA Atsuko was ranked first. Since
the right to vote was only given to those who purchased an
AKB48 CD, some fans purchased quite a few in order to vote
for their favorite idol. After the vote, a commercial for Ezaki
Glico Co., Ltd. (a leading food manufacturer), was broadcast
Social News

HATSUNE Mikus U.S. Concert

MIKUNOPOLIS 2011
SEGA Crypton Future Media, Inc.
7
cer who does everything unconventionally. Though
hes partial to drink and is always out of money,
he comes to peoples rescue. People trust him for his
humane personality. KATORI Shingo, a member of the popu-
lar group SMAP, plays the part of Ryotsu in the movie.

MAP

The films original plot is based on the most popular epi-

sodes of the series. Its a tale of laughter, tears and love. The
director is KAWAMURA Taisuke.

www.kochikame-movie.jp
K
ochira Katsushika-ku Kameari
Koen-mae Hashutsujo (This is
the police station in front of the
Kameari Park in Katsushika Ward), commonly
known as Kochikame, is a cartoon that has
been running for 35 years: it has been
serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump
since 1976. Even today it continues to
break its own record as the longest-run-
ning boys magazine comic strip in the
Guinness Book of World Records. Over
143 million copies of the Jump Comics
series have been sold.

1976

35

4,300

Kochikame is a humorous cartoon whose main character is

a policeman based at a station in Kameari (Katsushika Ward,
Tokyo). It has already been adapted into an animated TV
series, a film, a play and a TV drama. A bronze statue of the
main character has been erected at Kameari Station.

The live-action film Kochikame Kochira Katsushika-ku

Kameari Koen-mae Hashutsujo will be released on August 6.
The main character RYOTSU Kankichi is a senior police offi-
that caused quite a bit of fuss: in the commercial a super cute
unknown girl called EGUCHI Aimi appeared in the center of
AKB48. Later it was disclosed that the girl was created with
CGI using the best features of six idols.
AKB4

AKB48

50

CD

12

AKB48
CD

AKB48

CG
Kochikame Now a Live-action Film

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T
he number of peopl e who have creat ed
veranda saien on their apartment balconies,
by growing edible herbs and vegetables, has
grown. Lined with pots full of fruit and vegetables,
these balconies resemble small patches of farmland.
People have various reasons for planting their saien:
some dont have a real garden but want to enjoy gar-
dening, and others want to cut down on their food
expenses.

SASAKI Yumiko, who

lives in an apartment in
Yokohama, Kanagawa
Prefecture, has been work-
ing on her balcony gar-
den for about two years.
I think the vegetables I
grow and harvest myself
are much tastier. It also
makes economi c sense
because I dont have to
buy vegetables, and since I now use kitchen
scraps for fertilizer, it is ecologically friendly,
too, she says.

8
At a DIY center in Saitama City, there is a wide selection
of vegetable seedlings and seeds for growing tomatoes, egg-
plants, and cucumbers. The store clerk says that pots that are
easy to use on balconies are selling well, and low maintenance
mini-tomato seedlings are also popular.

Many customers ask for advice on

how to start a balcony garden, and
some of them have surprising ambi-
tions to grow larger vegetables and
fruit such as pumpkins and melons.
Another popular vegetable that sells
well every year and can tolerate the
intense summer heat is goya (or bit-
ter gourd), which many people use
to create green curtains.

KIKUMOTO Ruriko ,\
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Nonprofit organization Midori no Kaaten Ouendan ,NPO
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Green curtains are vines grown from goya or Japanese

morning glory, whose rich foliage forms a green shade.
KIKUMOTO Ruriko, an elementary school music teacher
and an executive board member of
the nonprofit organization Midori
no Kaaten Ouendan (Green Curtain
Support Group), has been promoting
the green curtains since 2003.

NPO

2003

Green curtains have become popular in recent years as a

measure against global warming, since, in the severe heat of
summer they block direct sunlight and external heat. Theres
approximately a 10 degree (Celsius) temperature difference
between a room with a green curtain compared to one
without. These green curtains are now appearing, not
only in households, but also in hospitals and corporate
buildings.

10

Thanks to the green curtains, summers can be very

comfortable and cool. Its even possible to go all sum-
mer long without turning on the air conditioning. The
sunlight gently seeping through the leaves has a heal-
ing effect, as if you were in a forest, Kikumoto says.
Creating a green curtain also contributes to energy
conservation because its not necessary to use the air
conditioner, which in turn prevents air conditioner
sickness. Moreover, it is a healthy, and appetizing
enjoyable eco-friendly option.

Recently, Kikumoto has started the temporary housing

green curtain project to aid
survivors of the Great East
Japan Earthquake. She is
touring the temporary hous-
ing in disaster-stricken areas
and evacuation centers to
set up green curtains. With
hopes to further conserve
energy and expense, the pop-
ularity of balcony gardens
and green curtains is sure to
increase in Japan.

9
Text: MUKAI Natsuko ,
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10
A
t kindergartens and schools in Japan, sports days are
held once a year. Parents bring along cameras and
root for their children. Among the many sporting
activities held on the day, the most popular is the footrace (a
short sprint round a circular course). Focussing on this event,
Achilles Corporation has developed Syunsoku, shoes that
enable runners to turn corners without sliding.

TSUBATA Yutaka, Deputy Director General of Product

Planning and Development, has been recording the move-
ments of childrens feet on camera at sports days since 2000.
He has discovered that as they run around the course coun-
terclockwise, many of them lose their balance when turning
corners. When we started our developmental research we
thought, Cant we make shoes that stabilize runners going
around corners?

2000

The planning stage began by taking a fresh look at the lives

of elementary school pupils. Though schools differ in the
enthusiasm they bring to sports, sports day remains an activity
common to all schools.

To counter centrifugal force at corners, you tend to tilt your

body to the left. Tsubata thought that if protuberances were
placed correctly on the sole, they could develop a shoe that
gave reliable support, even when the runner goes around a
corner.

Made to prevent feet from sliding round corners, the totally

new technology of Syunsoku was inspired by the design of
products like studless tires that are used on snow covered
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That Quickly and Easily Turn Corners

11

Tsubata, who has been recording athletic meets for 11 years

says he still comes up with various ideas. He discovered, for
instance, that since 2009, many childrens shoes accidentally
slip off. The cause was the smaller width, lower instep and
less-developed arches of childrens feet. Last year, taking this
into account, they released Syunsoku Slim, which became
the No. 1 hit product for girls footwear.

11

2009

Now they release some-

where in the region of 200 Syunsoku designs every year
and they have become such a hit item that one in every two
Japanese children are wearing a pair of them.

200

roads. Even at the production stage, we received inquiries

from the factory, worrying that the asymmetrical design might
be a mistake, Tsubata says with a laugh.

Up until then, for shoes and

other fashion items, designs
that incorporated Disney characters and such like, were in
vogue. None of these shoes had a practical appeal. We
launched the shoes with the catch phrase, Be the leader in the
corner! Attracted by this advertising strategy, parents intro-
duced the product in blogs or by word of mouth, making the
campaign a big hit, Tsubata explains.
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T
etsudou mokei are models that are made to resemble
real trains as closely as possible. Many of these mod-
els run on electricity. They are popular with people
around the globe and the Japanese are no exception. As there
are a range of different ways to enjoy the hobby, theres no
stereotypical model train fan.

Two prominent types of fans exist: Some enjoy the train

carriages, and others enjoy the sight of trains running along
tracks, says FUJII Yoshihiko, Chairman of Japan Association
of Model Railroaders (JAM). Some carriage fans enjoy
building the carriages themselves and others enjoy collecting
carriages. Some people who enjoy the trains running along
tracks enjoy making dioramas (miniature landscapes) or run-
ning the trains on train timetables.

JAM

However, these are mere preferences. Not all fans can be

divided into categories such as diorama makers and carriage
collectors, continues Fujii. Most fans love to both watch
the trains running and to create dioramas. I myself love to pur-
chase carriages and to add parts to them. I also enjoy making
dioramas.
12
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13
member brings their own module of the same dimensions. The
modules are put together at a venue to form a large diorama
on which trains can then run freely. The total size of the diora-
ma may turn out to be an impressive 8 meters x 12 meters.
JAM2001

60

80

12

In Japan where space

for housing is limited,
it is not easy to create a
large-scale diorama. That
is why the rental layout
business exists. Large dioramas, built in storage space, are
rented out to customers by the hour. Since customers can use
dioramas that will never fit in standard households, and show
off their prized cars to other model train fans at the same time,
it is a popular service.

One of the ways Fujii enjoys his hobby is to take photos of

the model trains. Depending on the lighting and diorama used
for background, model train photography can express a vari-
ety of scenes: One can also recreate favorite locations, sea-
sons, and eras. Sometimes,
landscapes can be expressed
usi ng phot os or pi ct ures.
When you place photos and
pictures near to a window
under natural light, these land-
scapes look surprisingly real-
istic, Fujii points out.

JAM has been hosting summer conventions since 2001. At

the event, visitors can enjoy model trains using modules.
In model train jargon, module means a miniature diorama
built to a given scale. For example, if a group of model train
fans agree on the size 60 centimeters x 80 centimeters, each
International Model Railroad Convention ,

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"International Model Railroad Convention" will be held from August 19 to 21 at Tokyo Big Sight (Koto Ward, Tokyo).
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There are other businesses making money from large scale

dioramas. At the Akihabara Washington Hotel located in
Akihabara, Tokyo, a large diaorama is located in a hotel room.
The diorama measures 4 meters x 4 meters and its track length
totals approximately 30 meters. There is also a paid train rent-
al service for hotel guests.

30

IMON Yoshihiro has a flamboyant

way of enjoying his hobby. Imon is
the president of Imon Corporation, a
company that owns electronics stores
and other outlets. Imon is not only a
model train fan, but also the president
of Models IMON, a model train store.

m

odels I

MON

Approximately 20 years ago, I thought

that eventually furniture and electronics
stores will become a difficult business.
So I began to look for a business that had
good future prospects. A model train shop
storekeeper who I was close to told me that
the model train business would not make
a profit, but I was confident that I could
succeed in the field, says Imon. Not only
that, I would be able to make my mark on
the history of Japanese model trains.
20

Models IMON not only sells, but also manufactures model

trains. I have taken in a whole group of artists from manufac-
turers who shut up shop. It would be unfortunate to lose their
skills, reflects Imon. Imons diligence and strategy
succeeded and Models IMON is now a profit making
business.
models IMON

models IMON

Up u n t i l t o d a y
model train manufac-
turers have continued
to create products in a
way that suited their
own c onve ni e nc e .
They have not met the
needs of model train
fans, Imon reasons. Fully utilizing his expertise as a model
train fan, he created a new model train standard. Creating
new products for the future of the model train industry is my
pride and joy, beams Imon.

Akihabara Washington Hotel ,|

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At the home of SUZUKI Noriko, three

generations get a kick out of model trains.
I myself am not very knowledgeable
about model trains. I actually prefer real
trains, especially British ones: when I
travel, I cannot help but look at them with
affection, says Noriko. After my grand-
son Jin was born, at the age of around three he became inter-
ested in model trains. So I bought some for him.

However, once she bought the model trains, the

other family members also got caught up in the
craze. Both Norikos son, Seiichi and her husband
Morio got interested in model trains. Seiichi is
especially into them. He
connected track after track
and now it has grown into a
180 centimeter x 120 cen-
timeter masterpiece, says
Noriko. Jin, who has turned
six, fully understands how
to properly use the tracks
his Uncle Seiichi has laid.
He s omet i mes at t ends
model train events with his
grandfather, Morio. But
they each have their preferences: while Morio is attracted to
locomotives, Jins favorite is the Hayabusa (the new bullet
train that connects Tokyo and Aomori).

180

120

SL

Seiichi modified one of his train collections and mounted

lights on the inside. I do
not have a deep under-
standing of model trains,
but I like doing this: When
I run the cars in the dark,
it is very beautiful, just
l i ke t he scene from t he
movi e Spi r i t ed Away
by MIYAZAKI Hayao,
smiles Noriko.

Some people say model trains are com-

plicated or only for enthusiasts, but there are restaurants
that use model trains to bring meals to the table and bars that
keep personalized cars instead of personalized bottles.
There is no limit to the ways in which model trains can be
enjoyed, though some ways are simpler than others.

Text: SAZAKI Ryo ,

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Paid Research
e-gaikokujin Recruiting has assisted a growing number of leading
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2011 Summer Tour
Furisosogu Hyakumantsubuno
Amesaemo
(Even if a million drops of rain fell)
Tokyo: August 6 ~ 28
Nagoya: September 3 ~ 4
Kobe: September 10 ~ 18
@Q+~>h8^O72011 U~="=
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Before the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, 52% of people in Japan supported nuclear power, but
that figure decreased to just 34% after the accident, according to Asahi Shinbuns Seven Nation Survey in May.
Support in Germany was 32% even before the accident, but has now decreased to 19%.
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Graph showing percentage of nationals
in favor of nuclear power before (above)
and after (below) the accident
(From Asahi Shimbun)
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Global Opposition to Nuclear Power
Stations Increases
17
No. 065
|4()
I U/ D 1

9 %

5 %

6 %

1 %

USA and France have more in favor than opposed. USA had 59% in favor before the accident and even
after, this number dropped to only 55%. France had 56% in favor before the accident, and even after that sup-
port only dipped to 51%.

2 %

4 %

2 %

9 %

Audio File Available

www.hiraganatimes.com
a i u e o
Multi-level Japanese Text

shortened word
for
Asahi Shinbuns May in [conducted] Seven Nation Survey according to
(the) Fukushima nuclear power plant accident before Japan in fifty-two percent of people
nuclear power supported but (the) accident after (just) thirty-four percent to
(that figure) decreased Germany in support (the) accident even before thirty-two percent was but
now nineteen percent to has decreased
USA and France in favor opposed have more than
USA (the) accident before fifty-nine percent in favor had and <but>
even after [accident] fifty-five percent to only (this number) dropped <didnt drop> France before( the) accident
in favor (had) fifty-six percent (and) even after that <accident> fifty-one percent (support) only dipped to <was>
Amerika to Furansu wa/ha sansei ga hantai o/wo uwamawatte imasu.
Amerika wa/ha jiko mae dewa/ha gojuu kyuu pa-sento ga sansei deshita ga,
jiko go mo gojuu go pa-sento ni shika sagatte imasenn. Furansu wa/ha jiko mae no
sansei ga gojuu roku pa-sento, jiko go mo gojuu ichi pa-sento deshita.
Asahi Shinbunn ga Go gatsu ni okonatta Nana ka Koku Yoron Chousa ni yoru to,
Fukushima genpatsu jiko mae wa/ha Nihonn dewa/ha gojuu ni pa-sento no hito ga
genpatsu ni sansei deshita ga, jiko go wa/ha sanjuu yonn pa-sento ni
herimashita. Doitsu no sansei wa/ha jiko mae mo sanjuu ni pa-sento deshita ga,
ima ya juu kyuu pa-sento ni herimashita.
Kakkoku de fueru genpatsu hantai


Japanese Summer is the Time to Wish for World
Peace
Close Up Japan Close Up Japan
18
On August 6, 1945 the worlds first atomic bomb attack was launched on Hiroshima, following that, on
August 9, Nagasaki was also bombed. Japan admitted defeat in the Second World War on August 15.
Therefore, summer has a special meaning for Japanese. Even now, memorial services are held on these
days and the media runs special reports about the war.
1

945

ka (ga )ki (gi )ku (gu )ke (ge )ko (go )

nineteen forty-five [year] August sixth on the worlds first
atomic bomb (attack) Hiroshima on was launched <dropped> that following August ninth
on Nagasaki also bombed <dropped> Japan August fifteenth on
the Second World War in defeat admitted therefore summer
Japanese for (a) special meaning has even now these days on
memorial services are held and (the) media (the) war about <of> special reports runs
Senn kyuuhyaku yonjuu go nenn Hachi gatsu mui ka ni sekai de hajimete
genshi bakudan ga Hiroshima ni otosare, sore ni tsuzu/duki Hachi gatsu kokonoka
niwa/ha Nagasaki ni mo otosare mashita. Nihonn wa/ha Hachigatsu juu go nichi ni
Dai ni ji Sekai Taisenn de no haisenn o/wo mitomemashita. Sore yue, natsu wa/ha
Nihonjinn ni totte tokubetsu na imi ga arimasu. Ima demo korera no hi niwa/ha
shikitenn ga okonaware, medhia wa/ha sensou no tokushuu o/wo kumimasu.
Nihonn no natsu wa/ha sekai heiwa o/wo negau toki
19
The summer of 1945 was the year of Japans rebirth. As a result, expressions such as the largest since
the war, are often used when people refer to incidents. Thereafter, Japan abandoned its military and nuclear
weapons, becoming a peaceful nation.
1

945

kya kyu kyo gya gyu gyo
Explanatory Examples
~ dewa/ha When read the syllable preceding the "/" mark (wa) is used, but when using a PC to convert to correct hiragana char-
acters, the syllable following the "/" mark (ha) is used instead. Therefore, it is read ~ dewa, but entered as ~ deha.
hi joushiki A single space is used after a prefix or before a suffix, a counter or a particle, such as "Watashi ga ~."
Nihonn While read as "Nihon," to get correct hiragana characters on a PC, enter "Nihonn." It is always recommended to enter
an additional "n" to words ending with an "n."
onnna In conversation it is pronounced as "on na," but it is entered as "onnna" in order to get correct Japanese characters.
pa-thi- Read as "pa-ti-," to get correct katakana the letter "h" is added when using a PC.
koubann The Japanese "ou" combination is pronounced similar to the "oa" in float, NOT like the "ou" in "would." In Japanese,
vowels are pronounced separately, as in "ko u ban."
koutsuu When one "u" is followed by another "u" they are pronounced separately, as in "ko u tsu u."
English furigana Note ,j
L

,)J
(<
|
1
Examples
(the) desk Words in parentheses are not translated into Japanese.
[in fact] Words in square brackets are not translated into English.
go <come> When English translation is different to the Japanese, the original Japanese is placed in "< >" after the English.
and When a sentence is continuing in Japanese, the conjunction is shown in italic.
~ indicates the rest of phrase to follow
This represents Japanese pronunciation
and Japanese characters to be typed.
t
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',J,

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[Hiragana Times Method] ,)J
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Phonetic (Ro-maji ) Writing Style ,j

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=
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)
nineteen forty-five [year] of (the) summer Japans rebirth of (the) year <beginning year>
was as a result (people) refer to incidents when the largest since (the) war such as
often (expression) are used thereafter Japan (its) military (and) nuclear weapons
abandoned <does not have> (a) peaceful nation becoming
Senn kyuuhyaku yonjuu go nenn no natsu wa/ha, Nihonn saisei no gannnenn to
narimashita. Sono kekka, monogoto o/wo hikaku suru toki ni sengo saidai nado to
shibashiba hyougenn saremasu. Sore ikou, Nihonn wa/ha guntai, kaku heiki o/wo
motazu, heiwa kokka ni narimashita.
20
In Japan on occasions such as graduation ceremonies, the Hinomaru is raised and the Kimigayo is sung.
A former metropolitan high school teacher was refused reemployment after retirement on the grounds that he
intentionally did not stand up at a graduation ceremony when Kimigayo was sung. As this violates the free-
dom of thought and conscience article of the Constitution, the teacher petitioned the municipal government for
compensation.

Now that the younger generation is in the majority, the war has become a remote event. However, a
dispute still runs over the Japanese flag Hinomaru and the national anthem Kimigayo, both of which are
regarded as symbols of Japanese militarism.

sa (za )si (ji )su (zu )se (ze )so (zo )
Close Up Japan Close Up Japan
Japan in graduation ceremonies such as occasions on (the) Hinomaru
is raised and (the) Kimigayo is sung (a) former metropolitan high school teacher
(a) graduation ceremony at Kimigayo was <is> sung when intentionally (he) did not stand up that
on (the) grounds retirement after reemployment was refused (the) teacher
this thought and conscience of freedom [guaranteed] (the article of the) Constitution
violates as (the) municipal government compensation for petitioned
(the) younger generation in the majority is now (that) (the) war (a) remote [past] event
has become however Japanese militarism of symbols (both of which) are regarded as
Japanese <national> flag Hinomaru and (the) national anthem Kimigayo over (a) dispute
still runs
Wakai sedai ga ooku natta ima, sensou wa/ha tooi kako no dekigoto to
narimashita. Shikashi, Nihonn no gunkoku shugi no shouchou to minasareta
kokki Hinomaru ya kokka Kimigayo o/wo megutte, ronsou ga
imada ni tsuzu/duite imasu.
Nihonn dewa/ha sotsugyoushiki nado no shikitenn niwa/ha Hinomaru ga
kakagerare, Kimigayo ga utawaremasu. Moto toritsu koukou no kyoushi wa/ha
sotsugyoushiki de Kimigayo o/wo utau toki, koi ni tatanakatta koto o/wo
riyuu ni, teinenn go no sai koyou o/wo kyohi saremashita. Kyoushi wa/ha,
kore wa/ha shisou ya ryoushinn no jiyuu o/wo hoshou shita kenpou ni
ihann suru to shite to ni baishou o/wo motomete imashita.
21
However, on May 30 the Supreme Court ruled that the principals order, for the faculty to stand up and sing,
was in accordance with the Constitution. According to the metropolitan school board, there are more than 20
similar lawsuits. In 1999 an incident occurred in which a high school principal in Hiroshima Prefecture com-
mitted suicide before a graduation ceremony over the issue of Hinomaru and Kimigayo.

999

Thus the war still continues to have an impact even 66 years later. This year the Great East Japan
Earthquake hit, followed by problems with the Fukushima nuclear power plant, making it another historic year
for Japan. Even so, Japanese summertime is the season in which to review the condition of postwar Japan
and pray for world peace.

sha shu she sho ja ju je jo
Constitutional

counter used
for cases and
abstract matters
The verdicts from those trials have all conformed with the constitution.

Note
thus (the) war sixty-six years later even (an) impact to have <give>
(still) continues (the) Great East Japan Earthquake followed by (the) Fukushima nuclear power plant
problems <accident> (with) hit this year Japan for another historic
year making (it) <became> even so Japanese summertime postwar Japan
of (the) condition (in which) to review and world peace pray for (the) season is
however (the) Supreme Court May thirtieth on (the) principals (the) faculty
for to stand up and sing [to] order was in accordance with (the) Constitution that
ruled the metropolitan school board according to similar lawsuits
twenty more than there are nineteen ninety-nine [year] in
Hinomaru and Kimigayo (the) issue (of) over (a) graduation ceremony before
(in) Hiroshima Prefecture high school (a) principal committed suicide (an) incident [also] occurred (in which)
Kono you ni sensou wa/ha rokujuu roku nenn go mo, eikyou o/wo atae
tsuzu/dukete imasu. Higashi Nihonn Dai shinsai, sore ni tsuzu/duku Fukushima no genpatsu
jiko ga okita kotoshi wa/ha, Nihonn ni totte mou hitotsu no rekishitekina
toshi to narimashita. Sore demo, Nihonn no natsu wa/ha sengo no Nihonn
no ari kata o/wo minao shi sekai heiwa o/wo negau kisetsu desu.
Shikashi, Saikou Sai wa/ha Go gatsu sanjuu nichi ni, kouchou ga kyou shokuinn
ni taishite, tachiagatte utau you ni meirei suru koto wa/ha goukenn to
handann shimashita. To no kyouiku iinn kai ni yoruto, kono you na soshou wa/ha
nijukkenn ijou arimasu. Senn kyuuhyaku kyuujuu kyuu nenn niwa/ha
Hinomaru Kimigayo mondai de sotsugyoushiki o/wo mae ni
Hiroshima kenritsu koukou no kouchou ga jisatsu suru jikenn mo okite imasu.
22
Baseball is the most popular sport in Japan. Professional baseball news is reported daily on TV and in the
newspaper. It is a daily topic of conversation for Japanese people. Professional baseball players are not
only celebrities, but also earn big money. It is the profession that most children and parents dream of.


There are 12 professional baseball teams in Japan. Outstanding players with excellent track records in
amateur baseball and university leagues, or high school championships, are scouted by professional baseball
teams. Non-professional baseball is also popular. Among them high school championships, in which
teams representing each region of Japan compete, are particularly popular and broadcast on national TV.

ta (da )chi (ji/di )tsu (zu/du )te (de )to (do )
|4j@p
Keys
to Understanding Japan
I U/ D! D[
|4j@p
Keys
to Understanding Japan
I U/ D! D[
Baseball is a
Daily Topic of
Conversation for
Japanese

shortened word
for

Literally means
all nations, but it
means all Japan.
This is because
Japan was divided
into many nations
in the middle ages.

Japan in the most popular sport baseball is
professional baseball news (on) TV and (the) newspaper in daily
is reported it Japanese people for (a) daily topic of conversation is
professional baseball players celebrities are not only, but big money
also earn most children and parents dream of (the) profession (that) (it) is
Japan in professional baseball teams twelve there are amateur (baseball) and
university leagues or high school championships in excellent track records with (outstanding) players
professional baseball teams by are scouted non-professional baseball also is popular
among them Japan of each region representing teams (in which) compete
high school championships particular are popularly and TV on national broadcast <nationwide>
Nihonn de mottomo ninki no aru supo-tsu wa/ha yakyuu desu.
Puro yakyuu no nyu-su wa/ha terebi ya shinbunn de mainichi no you ni
houdou saremasu. Sorewa/ha Nihonjinn no nichijou no wadai desu.
Puro yakyuu no senshu wa/ha yuumeijinn de aru bakari de naku, ookina houshuu
mo eraremasu. Ooku no oyako no akogare no shokugyou desu.
Nihonn niwa/ha puro yakyuu chi-mu ga juu ni arimasu. Shakaijinn ya
daigaku ri-gu, aruiwa/ha koukou yakyuu taikai de katsuyaku shita senshu wa/ha
puro yakyuu no chi-mu ni sukauto saremasu. Puro igai no yakyuu mo mori agari masu.
Nakademo Ni honn no kaku chi i ki no dai hyou chi -mu ga arasou
koukou yakyuu taikai wa/ha tokuni ninki de, terebi de zenkoku housou saremasu.
Yakyuu wa/ha Nihonjinn no nichijou no wadai
23
tsa ti/thi tyu tse tso di/dhi dyu/dhu
Summer in Japan is very hot. However, due to the accident at the Fukushima power plant, theres a short-
age of electricity this summer. Therefore, the Ministry of Environment are allowing their staff to dispense
with neckties and even letting them wear aloha shirts. They are also requesting that citizens try to save energy.


by Hiragana Times Editor-in-Chief

Sweating to
Cooperate with
the Energy
Saving Effort

Many companies have switched off lights in areas such as office corridors. Other companies started work-
ing hours early to save electricity. In the Hiragana Times office we have switched off the entrance light and
are trying to cut down on the air conditioning as much as possible.

shortened word to

Japan in summer very hot is however this [year] summer

(the) Fukushima power plant at (the) accident due to electricity of theres (a) shortage
therefore (the) Ministry of Environment (their) staff to dispense with neckties and even
aloha shirts letting (them) wear are allowing [and] citizens also try to save energy that
(they) are requesting
(office) corridors such as areas in lights have switched off companies many [there are]
working hours started early [and] to save electricity (other) companies [also]
[there are] (in) the Hiragana Times office [also] (the) entrance light (we) have switched off and
(the) air conditioning [use of] as much as possible are trying to cut down (on)
Rouka nado no basho no denki o/wo kitte iru kaisha wa/ha takusann arimasu.
Kinmu jikann o/wo hayame, denki o/wo setsuyaku suru kaisha mo
arimasu. Hiragana Taimuzu no offiisu mo iriguchi no shoumei o/wo kiri,
eakonn no shiyou o/wo dekirudake hikaete imasu.
Nihonn no natsu wa/ha totemo atsui desu. Shikamo, kotoshi no natsu wa/ha
Fukushima genpatsu no jiko de denryoku ga fusoku shite imasu.
Sono tame, Kankyoushou dewa/ha sutaffu ni no- nekutai wa/ha motoyori
aroha shatsu no chakuyou mo mitome, kokuminn nimo shou ene o/wo
motomete imasu.
Ase o/wo kakinagara shouene ni kyouryoku shite imasu
24

cha chu che cho na ni nu ne no nya nyu nyo
I grumbled, Isnt it a strange state of affairs that in spite of the fact that we have air conditioning, were put-
ting up with the heat using electric fans and uchiwa (hand held fans)? Then, my wife said, Now air condi-
tioners are just like nuclear weapons. No one can use them, even though people have them.
At home my wife said, Lets not use air conditioning this summer. She has purchased an electric fan.
But there are limits to how useful electric fans can be. On a very hot day, I said to my wife, Shall we
switch on the air conditioning? She replied, We should cooperate in the effort to save energy.

suffix used by
women

emphasising
suffix
I air conditioning (we) have in spite of the fact that electric fans and hand held fans
using (the) heat were putting up with that isnt it (a) strange (state of affairs) [that] grumbled
then (my) wife said now air conditioners nuclear weapons are just like
(people) have (them) even though no one can use (them) [that]
home at (my) wife this [summer] summer air conditioning
lets not use [that] said she <wife> (an) electric fan has purchased
but electric fans how useful ~ can be limits (to) there are
a very hot day on I (my) wife to (the) air conditioning shall we switch on [that]
said she <wife> (in the effort) to save energy (we) should cooperate [that] replied
Watashi wa/ha eakonn ga aru noni, senpuuki to uchiwa o/wo
tsukatte atsusa o/wo shinoide iru tte okashiku nai to tsubuyakimashita.
Suruto tsuma wa/ha, iimashita. Ima ya eakonn wa/ha kakuheiki no youna mono yo.
Motte iru keredo, daremo tsukae nai noyo to.
Wagaya demo, tsuma ga Kotoshi no natsu wa/ha eakonn o/wo
tsukau no o/wo yamemashou to iimashita. Tsuma wa/ha senpuuki o/wo kaimashita.
Shikashi, senpuuki ga donnnani yakudattemo genkai ga arimasu.
Aru totemo atsui hi ni, Watashi wa/ha tsuma ni Eakonn o/wo tsukenai? to
iimashita. Tsuma wa/ha shou ene ni kyouryoku subekida wa to ii kaeshimashita.
25

ha (ba pa )hi (bi pi )fu (bu pu )he (be pe )ho (bo po )

On one hot Sunday, an important guest visited us at home. My wife said, We should switch on the air
conditioning for our guest, otherwise it would be rude. I welcomed this idea. A little before the guest
arrived, my wife switched on the air conditioner, saying, We should cool the room down in advance.
However, the air conditioner did not work, probably because we had not used it for a long time. While we
were trying to fix it, the guest arrived. I thought it would sound like a lie to tell him the air conditioner had
just broken. So instead I said, We are cooperating to save energy. He said, wiping his face with a hand-
kerchief, You are doing right thing. He sounded a little sarcastic to me.

shortened word
for
(on) one hot Sunday (an) important guest home at visited <visiting> (us)
(my) wife (our) guest for (the) air conditioning (we) should switch on otherwise
it would be rude [that] said I this idea <it> welcomed
(my) wife (the) guest arrived <comes> a little before in advance (the) room
(we) should cool down [that] saying (the) air conditioner switched on
however for (a) long time (we) had not used (it) probably because (the) air conditioner did not work <doesnt work>
(we) were trying to fix it while (the) guest arrived I (the) air conditioner
just had broken to tell (him) (a) lie like (it) would sound [that] thought
so (instead) I to save energy (we) are cooperating [as] [that] said
he <guest> (his) face (a) handkerchief with wiping you are doing right thing [that]
said me to a little sarcastic (he) sounded
Aru atsui nichiyoubi, taisetsuna okyaku ga wagaya ni kuru koto ni narimashita.
Tsuma wa/ha, Okyaku sann niwa/ha eakonn o/wo tsukeru beki ne, de nai to
shi tsurei dakara to i i mashi ta. Watashi wa/ha sore ni dai kangei desu.
Tsuma wa/ha okyaku ga kuru sukoshi mae ni, hayame ni heya o/wo
hiyashite okuwa ne to ii, eakonn no suicchi o/wo iremashita.
Tokoroga, shibaraku tsukatte inakatta kara nano ka eakonn ga tsukimasenn.
Soukou shite iru uchi ni okyaku ga kimashita. Watashi wa/ha, eakonn ga
tatta ima kowareta to iuno wa/ha uso no you ni kikoeru to omoimashita.
Sorede watashi wa/ha, Shou ene ni kyouryoku shite imasu node to iimashita.
Okyaku wa/ha kao o/wo hankachi de fuki nagara, Ii koto desu yo to
iimashita. Watashi niwa/ha, sukoshi hiniku ni kikoemashita.
The First Foreigner to
Scale Mt. Fuji

Sir Rutherford ALCOCK KCB

1809 ~ 1897)

26
At the Great London Exposition worlds fair held in 1862, items such as Japanese lacquerware, cloisonn
enamel, swords and brocade pictures were on display. Many visitors went away with the impression that
Japan was a country of exceptional beauty. Though it was a good opportunity for Japan to strengthen its
international reputation, these objects had not been sent over by the Japanese government. They were pro-
vided by Sir Rutherford ALCOCK, who was then the British consul general to Japan, because Japans political
system was in an unstable state at the time.
1

862

fa f fe fo hya hyu hyo fyu

shortened word
for
]]]Q|
eighteen sixty-two [year] in held the Great London Exposition worlds fair at Japanese
lacquerware and cloisonn enamel swords brocade pictures (items) such as were on display
many visitors Japan exceptional <astonishingly> (was a) country of beauty that
(the) impression went away with its <Japans> international reputation to strengthen
(a) good opportunity (for Japan) it was though these objects <art items> the Japanese government <Japan>
by <from> had not been sent over [to exhibit] they
were provided by (then the) British consul general to Japan [Sir] Rutherford Alcock (who) was
at the time Japans political system was in (an) unstable state because
Senn happyaku rokujuu ni nenn ni hirakareta Rondonn Banpaku ni Nihonn no
shikki ya shippou zaiku, katana, nishiki e nado ga tenji saremashita.
Ooku no raijousha ga, Nihonn wa/ha odoroku hodo utsukushii kuni to iu
inshou o/wo mochimashita. Nihonn no kokusaiteki hyouka o/wo takameru
zekkou no kikai to narimashita ga, korera no bijutsu hinn wa/ha Nihonn
kara shuppinn sareta mono dewa/ha arimasenn deshita. Sorera o/wo
teikyou shita nowa/ha, Igirisu Nihonn Souryouji no Razafo-do O-rukokku deshita.
Touji wa/ha Nihonn no seijou ga fuantei datta kara desu.
Fujisann ni saisho ni nobotta
gaikokujinn
27
Alcock came to Japan in 1859. Soon after arriving, he was troubled by the sharp looks given to him by
samurai. Their gaze seemed to reveal an open hostility. He also found government officials arrogant and
uncooperative. He viewed the Japanese as barbarians who didnt know the first thing about good manners.


1

859

Under the Japan-Britain Trade Treaty, British were allowed to travel around Japan freely. It was Alcocks
duty to ensure the treaty was upheld. He decided to test its bounds by climbing Japans iconic Mt. Fuji.
The shogunite, however, was reluctant to grant permission, saying that Mt. Fuji was a sacred spot.
bya byu byo pya pyu pyo

shortened word
for and
meaning Britain
Alcock eighteen fifty-nine [year] in Japan to came
soon after [arriving] him <himself> to given samurai by (the) sharp looks by
(he) was troubled their gaze (an open) hostility to reveal
seemed government officials arrogant and uncooperative also
(he) found he <Alcock> the Japanese (who) didnt <doesnt> know the first thing about good manners
barbarians as viewed
the Japan-Britain Trade Treaty under British freely around Japan
to travel were allowed (the) treaty was upheld [that]
to ensure Alcocks duty it was [therefore] Japans iconic
Mt. Fuji climbing by to test (its bounds) (he) decided <decides> however (the) shogunite
Mt. Fuji (a) sacred spot was saying that to grant permission was reluctant
O-rukokku wa/ha senn happyaku gojuu kyuu nenn ni Nihonn e/he yatte kimashita.
Sugu ni, jibunn ni mukerareru bushi no surudoi manazashi ni
konwaku shimasu. Sono niramu you na me wa/ha tekitaishinn o/wo arawani shite iru
you deshita. Yakuninn wa/ha ouhei de, kyouryokuteki de nai koto nimo
kizu/dukimasu. O-rukokku wa/ha, Nihonjinn wa/ha reigi o/wo shiranai
yabannna kokuminn dato omoimashita.
Nichi Ei Tsuushou Jouyaku de Igirisu jinn wa/ha jiyuu ni Nihonn kokunai o/wo
ryokou deki ru koto ni natte i mashi ta. Jouyaku ga mamorarete i ru ka o/wo
kakuninn suru nomo O-rukokku no ninmu deshita. Sokode, Nihonn no shouchou de aru
Fujisann ni noboru koto de tashikameru koto ni shimasu. Shikashi, bakufu wa/ha
Fujisan ga seichi de aru koto wo riyuu ni kyoka o/wo shiburimasu.
28
But Alcock at last obtained a permit in 1860 and started towards Mt. Fuji accompanied by British attaches,
government officials and his beloved dog, Toby. On the way, he noticed that the way people looked at him
was different from the way hed been regarded by samurai. Their eyes were full of friendly curiosity.
1

860

The authorities had good reason to act this way. At that time strong Western nations were competing to
secure colonies in Asia. This was just after Britain had snatched Hong Kong from China in the Opium Wars.
Japan had recently opened its doors to the world after a long period of isolation. The country was on the
alert for foreign invasion.

ma mi mu me mo mya my myo
this way to act good reason (the authorities) had at that time Western strong nations
Asia in colonies to secure were competing this <at this time>
Britain (the) Opium Wars in China from Hong Kong had snatched (just) after
was <is> Japan (a) long period of isolation after had recently opened (its) doors to (the) world the country <Japan>
foreign invasion for was on (the) alert
but at last eighteen sixty [year] in Alcock
(a) permit obtained and British attaches government officials and (his) beloved dog Toby
accompanied by Mt. Fuji started towards on the way people [who he met] him <himself>
looked at (the) way <eyes> the way (hed been regarded) by samurai from was different that (he) noticed <notices>
their eyes curiosity full of friendly were
Kono youna furumai niwa/ha wake ga arimashita. Touji wa/ha, seiou no kyoukoku ga
Ajia de shokuminchi kakutoku kyousou o/wo shite imashita. Kono koro wa/ha
Igirisu ga Ahenn Sensou de Chuugoku kara Honkonn o/wo ubatta ato
desu. Nihonn wa/ha, nagai sakoku kara kaikoku shita bakari deshita. Nihonn wa/ha
gaikoku no shinryaku o/wo keikai shite ita no desu.
Shikashi, yatto no koto de senn happyaku rokujuu nenn ni O-rukokku wa/ha
kyoka o/wo morai, Igirisu jinn zuikouinn, bakufu no yakuninn, soshite aikenn no Tobi-
to tomo ni Fujisann ni mukaimashita. Tochuu, deatta hito tachi no jibunn o/wo
miru me ga, bushi tachi no mono to chigatte iru koto ni kizu/dukimasu.
Karera no me wa/ha koukishinn ni michita yasashii mono deshita.
29
On the way back, Alcock was shocked by the sudden death of Toby. The villagers gathered for a funeral,
even going so far as to make a tomb for the dog. He was very impressed by the kindness of the Japanese.
Unfortunately, the following year a group of samurai stormed the British Embassy. Though the British
government criticized Japan for this act, Alcock defended the country saying, Japan is only a boat that has just
sailed out to the ocean.
After a tough climb, Alcock finally reached the summit of Mt. Fuji. He was extremely moved by the
beauty of the view which stretched all the way to the sea. Later, he wrote a book titled The Capital of the
Tycoon, in which he devoted many pages to describing the dignity of Mt. Fuji. According to records, he
was the first foreigner to climb Mt. Fuji.

ya yu yo ra ri ru re ro rya ryu ryo wa o/wo n
(a) tough (climb) after Alcock Mt. Fuji of (the) summit finally reached
(all the way) to the sea (which) stretched (the beauty of the) view extremely (he) was moved by later
The Capital of the Tycoon titled (a) book (he) wrote <writes> in which Mt. Fuji of
(the) dignity many pages (he) devoted to describing records according to
he <Alcock> Mt. Fuji to climb the first foreigner was <is>
on the way back Toby of (the) sudden death by Alcock
was <is> shocked (the) villagers (a) funeral for gathered [and] (the) dog <Toby> for (a) tomb
even going so far as to make he <Alcock> the Japanese of (the) kindness by
very was <is> impressed unfortunately (the) following year samurai of (a) group
(the) British Embassy stormed for this act <incident> (the) British government
Japan criticized though Alcock saying [this way] the country <Japan>
defended Japan only (the) ocean to (that) has just sailed out (a) boat is [that]
Kaerimichi, Tobi- no totsuzenn no shi de O-rukokku wa/ha
shokku o/wo ukemasu. Murabito wa/ha tomurai no tame ni atsumari, Tobi- no haka
made tsukutte kuremashita. O-rukokku wa/ha Nihonjinn no yasashisa ni
taihen kangeki shimasu. Unwaruku, yokunenn ni bushi no ichidann ga
Igirisu Koushikann o/wo osoimashita. Kono jikenn de Igirisu seifu wa/ha
Nihonn o/wo hihann shimashita ga, O-rukokku wa/ha kouitte Nihonn o/wo
kabaimashita. Nihonn wa/ha mada, oounabara ni kogi dashita bakari no fune desu to.
Kurou no sue ni, O-rukokku wa/ha Fujisann no choujou ni tadori tsukimashita.
Umi made hirogaru keshiki ni totemo kandou shimasu. Nochi ni,
Taikunn no Miyako to iu taitoru no honn o/wo kakimasu ga, Fujisann no
suukou sa o/wo nanpe-ji nimo watari kijutsu shite imasu. Kiroku ni yoru to,
O-rukokku wa/ha Fujisann ni nobotta saisho no gaikokujinn desu.
30
Those who have recently been divorced or
bereaved and are living in Japan under a Spouse
of Japanese National visa, but no longer fit the
criteria, will not lose their residency status imme-
diately: They will be able to stay on in Japan until
their current visa expires.

However, this is only the case up until their visa expires. If

that person wants to continue to reside in Japan after the expi-
ry date, then they will have to apply for permission to change
their status of residence.

This will depend on an individuals situation. There have

been cases where the applicant has been able to acquire a
Long-Term Resident visa because they are caring for a
minor.

I have been living in Japan using my Japanese Dependent

Visa up till now, however, the marriage ended in divorce.
What should I do under the circumstances? Is the only option
for me to leave Japan and return to my native country?

Immigration Lawyer
Office: 1544-2 Koshi, Nakano-shi, Nagano
|

1
|
//
}
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1
(

1
1544-2
TEL: 0269-22-3518
E-mail: mail@tateda-office.com
URL: immigration-lawyer.jpn.org/english/
TATEDA Jun

Tateda omce
1544-2 Koshi, Nakano-shi, Nagano
E-mail: mail@tateda-office.com
URL: http://naturalization.jp/
Application for Permanent
Residency/Long-term
Residency
& Naturalization
Nagano, Niigata, Yamanashi, Saitama
Free consultation over the phone
(In Japanese only)
Mobile for naturalization application
TLL: 0269-22-J518
http://yamazumi.net
VISA
Incorporating companies
Apply Business Loan
Vehicle registration
Translate, Legalize Documents
Rent application for UR Housing
FREE Consultation
CALL: 04-2968-6669
E-mail: info@yamazumi.net
4-2-201 Nishi-sumiyoshi
Tokorozawa City Saitama
Useful Points to Keep in Mind
for Divorcees or Widows of
Japanese Nationals

31
Awaodori, Tokushimas traditional dance festival is a famous
event, but is also held on a large scale in Koenji, Tokyo. This year it
is scheduled to be held on August 27 and 28.

27

28

Very recently Hiraizumi and the Ogasawara Islands were registered as UNESCO
World Heritage sites. Mt. Fuji is the icon of Japan, but is not a registered UNESCO
World Heritage Site. At present, Japan is waiting for it to be registered as a cultural
heritage site.

In July the world well-known singer, Lady Gaga visited Japan and held a charity
show to help victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake. She also made a statement
saying that Japan is a safety country.
7

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Hiragana Times August 2011

Publisher &Editor
HASEGAWA Katsuyuki
Assistant Editor
Felicity HUGHES

TANAKA Kuniko
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1. Ochuugen. A summer gift to express grat-
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2. Zaru-soba
3. Hiroshima
4. 13 million people
5. TOYOTOMI Hideyoshi
6. Kanbou choukan (chief cabinet secretary)
7. Sanmonban or mitomein
8. Tsubo
9. Tai (sea bream)
10. Takarazuka Revue
1.

2.
3.

4. 1,300

5.

6.

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8.

9.

10.

Hiragana Times Japanese Cultural Understanding Test No. 4 Answers

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34
S
hikoku is one of Japans four main islands. Tokushima
Prefecture is in the eastern part of this island. The
population of the prefecture is approximately 800,000.
Eighty percent of Tokushima is mountainous. Bordered by
the ocean and rivers, it is rich in natural beauty. Because of
its lush greenery and mild climate, a variety of different crops
can be harvested there throughout the year. Among these
crops, the sudachi (which is similar to lime) is a specialty of
Tokushima. The prefectures charm lies in its delicious food
and wild vegetation.

80

Tokushima also boasts Mount Tsurugi, which

is known as a sacred mountain. Standing at 1,955
meters high, the mountain provides spectacular
views of the sun rising through a sea
of clouds. In the precincts of Ohtsurugi
Shrine, near the summit, water gushes
out from a natural spring. The spring
is considered to be one of the top 100
water sources in Japan. Fascinated by its
abundant nature, a number of foreign art-
ists have visited Tokushima. Kamiyama,
one of the largest production areas of plums in western Japan,
actively encourages artists to visit and engages them in a vari-
ety of artistic activities.

1,955

A gorge cuts through

t he deep mount ai ns.
Driving along a high-
way past dizzying cliffs,
you come to Iya Valley,
one of Japans three most secluded regions.
A number of poignant legends concerning the
Genpei War (a battle between the Taira and
Minamoto clans) are told about this beautiful
village. The village is built on the steep slopes
of the surrounding mountains. Terraced rice
paddies appear differently in the morning and evening light.
Suspension bridges called kazura-bashi made from wild vines
have been designated as Important Intangible Folk Cultural
Property of Japan.
Tokushima
Enjoy the
Wilderness

Sudachi ,
Mount Tsurugi , )
(,
u
/
35

Because of the fertile soil

brought by the Yoshino River,
Tokushima used to be a major
producer of indigo plants. Since the dye from those plants
acts as a pesticide and also as a disinfectant, samurai warriors
are said to have worn indigo-dyed underwear beneath their
suits of armor. In Wakimachi, aka Udatsu Town, the former
residences of indigo-dye merchants remain to this day. Those
merchants built their houses with expensive fire protection
walls called udatsu and competed with their
neighbors to erect the most splendid facades.

The famous Awa Odori (The Awa Dance Festival)

began 400 years ago, a period in which Tokushima flourished
thanks to its monopoly of the indigo and salt trade. Awa Odori
events are held in all parts of the prefecture, kicking off with
Naruto-Citys Awa Odori tournament, which takes place in

The Iya River, flows from its source at

Mount Tsurugi, under unsteadily sway-
ing vine bridges. Running into Oboke-
kyo gorge, the Iya River connects with the Yoshino River. The
Yoshino River, flows rapidly, throwing up spray and white
water rafting along it is popular. After enjoying the sport to
the limit, it may be a good idea to eat Iya soba noodles while
gazing down at the gorge. In summer, you can eat outside
while listening to the murmur of the river.

The Yoshino River is sometimes called Shikoku

Saburo, which is a male nickname. The reason being,
it used to be a violent waterway and often caused floods. Old
jizo statues in this area are mounted on high plinths so that
they do not get submerged if theres a flood. This violent river
doesnt just bring floods, it also deposits a huge amount of
nutrients in the soil.
Oboke-kyo ,(

,
Kazura-bashi ,)j
I1
Udatsu Town ,J
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Yoshino River ,
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36
early August. Tokushima-Citys Awa Odori is the most popu-
lar, attracting crowds of tourists every year. The way groups
of more than ten performers (ren) dance is so dynamic that
you cannot help being excited when you see it.

400

If you visit Tokushima during the

festival, youll hear festival music in
the distance. The scent of grilled squid and dishes from food
stands wafts through the air. Its not a bad idea to wander aim-
lessly around the town and check out the street stalls, but if
you start from Tokushima Station for Aibahama Enbujo and
then walk past the yatai (food stalls) toward Mizugiwa Park,
you will be able to watch the Awa Odori performance. There
is a tourist information center near the station, where you can
receive advice on which route to take.

While walking around the prefecture, you may come across

people dressed in white wearing straw hats similar to those
seen in period dramas. These are the ohenro-san pilgrims,
who journey to visit 88 Buddhist temples located throughout
Shikoku. In the past, those pilgrims must have been fiercely
committed to undertaking the trip: It is said that if a pilgrim
dies during the journey, their white garments serve as burial
vestments and the cane, in which the spirit of Kobo-Daishi (a
great teacher of Buddhism) dwells, can be used as their grave
marker.

Ohenro- s an t r avel 1, 200 t o

1,400 kilometers, visiting the hal-
lowed grounds of Shikoku Hachiju
Hakkasho (88 temples in Shikoku),
which were built around 1,200 years ago. The journey takes
about 40 days on foot and roughly ten days by car. Temples
(known as fuda-sho) number one to 23 and 66 are located in
Tokushima. In modern times, not only Buddhists, but also
those seeking solace often undertake the journey.

1200

Photos courtesy of the Tokushima Prefectural International Exchange Association ,]

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www.awanavi.jp/
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37
1,200 1,400

40

23

66

If you have made it to the first

fuda-sho, Ryozenji Temple, in Naruto
City, you might as well go to see the
uzushio (whirlpools) while you are
at it. Up to 20 meters in diameter,
uzushio whirl vigorously at speeds of
up to 20 kilometers per hour. A cruise
in which you leisurely watch these
currents from a boat is very popular.
You can experience yet another side of
Tokushima, by sailing along the rough
Naruto Strait for 30 minutes, while
deeply inhaling in the fresh ocean air.

20 20

30

Some restaurants in Naruto City serve fresh seafood that

the owners themselves have caught by setting out early in the
morning in fishing boats. Fish that have endured the rapid cur-
rents of the Naruto Strait are firm and tasty. Popular dishes
include fresh fish eaten raw with sudachi juice, kamameshi
(rice cooked in a small iron pot) with plenty of sea bream, and
miso soup with locally grown wakame seaweed.

When you come to Tokushima, dont forget to eat

Tokushima ramen. Tokushima ramen is divided into three
types according to the color of its broth: white, yellow and
black. Its the black broth ramen which is famous
nationwide. Thinly sliced pork is placed on the noo-
dles instead of char siu (Chinese-style barbecued
pork). Quite a few customers visit the prefecture
just to eat this unusual ramen topped with a raw
egg.

The journey from Tokyo to

Tokushima takes one hour by air
and about ten hours by overnight
bus. If youre coming from the
Tokai or Kinki region, its con-
venient to cross the Akashi-Kaikyo
Bri dge by express bus. From
Wakayama Prefecture or Kyushu,
you can also use a ferry. To travel around the prefecture, its
convenient to rent a car. August is peak season so youll need
to book a hotel room well in advance.

10

Text: NARUTO Kouji ,

/
[
/(

Ryozenji Temple ,

u
|/

Tokushima Ramen ,

)
1
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Uzushio ,

1
Ohenro-san ,
^/
|

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38
A
t Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, on the sand-
bank of the Muko River, the kanji character for
life (sei) has been created using piles of stones.
ARIKAWA Hiro, a novelist living in the city, says that this art
installation inspired her to write the novel, Hankyu Densha
(the Hankyu Line). The beginning of the novel contains a
description of how this kanji character comes into view just as
the train is crossing a bridge over the Muko River.

This kanji character was created in 2005 by modern artist

OHNO Ryohei, who was born and still lives in Takarazuka
City. Ohno says, On the tenth anniversary of the Great
Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, I was planning an art exhibi-
tion on the theme of reproduction, and I was wondering if
there was any place outside the venue where I could express
this concept. It was then that I thought of this place. The fact
that there was a big river with a beautiful sandbank flowing
through the middle of the city really made an impression on
me and I decided to create the character sei in order to offer
up prayers for the dead.

2005

10

In 2006, the river swelled and the installation disappeared.

But in 2010, when Hankyu Densha was made into a movie,
it was decided that the artwork would be reproduced in coop-
eration with volunteers, including students from Takarazuka
University (Ohnos alma mater), local residents and children.
UEOKA Hidehiro, assistant professor at the art and design
department of Takarazuka University, who also participated
in the effort along with the students, says: The sandbank was
overgrown with grass that reached the tops of our heads, so
it was really hard work to cut it back. The students were all
working silently, carrying the cut grass across the river in high
boots. Since they had already developed mental and physical
strength through creating their own works of art, I think they
were able to toil away without too much difficulty.
2006

2010

Photos courtesy of the Project to Reproduce the Character "Live" ,]

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The Character Sei (Life) Built on a Sandbank

39

Ohno continues, It was sad, but it makes us want to cher-

ish moments that have disappeared. From the outset, rather
than using concrete, I decided to use materials that would
harmonize with nature. Every tangible thing disappears
eventually, but I think the feelings of those who piled up the
stones will surely remain. This time, the installation was filled
with so many peoples emotions that it
became a piece of art that captivated the
hearts of even more people than the last
one.

By popular demand, a movement to reproduce the character

sei has begun again. Ohno says, From Takarazuka, which
has recovered from a disaster, we would like to send the vic-
tims of the Great East Japan Earthquake the message that it is
possible to reproduce what has been washed away.

Ueoka says that, starting with the largest, he put his heart
and soul into piling up stones one by one. At the time of the
Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, I was buried alive for three
to four hours under the beam of
a Japanese-style house, he says.
Because of this experience, as I
added each stone, I thought about
those who had died. The huge art
installation, measuring about 20
meters long and 10 meters wide,
was restored in December 2010
with the help of a total of 100 vol-
unteers.

3 4

20

10

100

2010

12

This art installation was much talked about after it was

shown at the ending of the film, and was also featured in
Masashi to Yuki no Monogatari (The Story of Masashi
and Yuki), a spin-off TV drama taking the theme of the let-
ter sei. The installation was also featured in various media,
including newspapers and TV. Having received a lot of atten-
tion as a new tourist attraction in Takarazuka City, the big
character vanished again last April, when the water rose.

Text: KAWARATANI Tokiko ,

/

J1

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j
,

40
T
his movie is adapted from a manga written by the
Hiroshima-born artist, KOUNO Fumiyo. The book
received many awards, including the Tezuka Osamu
Creative Award, and the translated version is published all
over the world. This adaptation was released in 2007. The
movie consists of two parts: Part one is about the atomic
bomb survivors 13 years after the bomb was dropped on
Hiroshima and part two tells the
contemporary story of the next gen-
eration.

2007

13

P a r t o n e i s s e t i n 1 9 5 8
Hiroshima. The central character
HIRANO Minami, who lives an
impoverished life with her mother,
Fujimi, is a survivor of the atomic
bomb. In order to avoid radiation
exposure, her younger brot her
Asahi has been placed in the care of
relatives who live far away.

1958

One day, one of Minamis colleagues, UCHIKOSHI,

confesses his love to her. Although she secretly has a crush
on him, Minami cannot accept his feelings. His confes-
sion of love triggers a memory of her younger sister calling
oneechan (older sister) out to her.

When the atomic bomb was

dropped, Minami was safe inside
a warehouse, but Midori was
exposed to the blast. Minami
f ound her and t hen car r i ed
Midori on her back as she wan-
dered around the devastated
streets. Oneechan, you live a
long life, okay? said Midori,
after which she died, while still
on Minamis back. Ever since,
every time Minami feels happi-
ness, she begins to feel guilty for
surviving the bomb.

After hearing her story, Uchikoshi holds Minami in his

arms and says, Thank you for staying alive. But soon after,
Yunagi City, Sakura Country
Directed by SASABE Kiyoshi

Human Drama Spanning
Generations Revolves Around Atomic Bomb

DVD cover. 118 minutes. 4,935 yen
DVD .'118
,/
4,935 |
/

.,[] ]|j
41
Minami starts exhibiting symptoms of radiation expo-
sure. Then, with Asahi and Uchikoshi by her side, she
breathes her last and dies.

Part Two of the film is set in 2007 Tokyo. The story

revolves around Asahi who has retired, his daughter
Nanami, and son, Nagio. Asahis wife was also exposed
to radiation when she was young and died when
Nanami was in elementary school. One night when
Nanami sees that somethings the matter with Asahi,
she decides to follow him when he goes out for a walk.
By chance, in front of the station, she meets Touko.
Touko is her childhood friend and Nagios colleague
(she works with him at a hospital). Touko becomes
interested and joins Nanami in the chase, following her
father onto a bus heading for Hiroshima.

2007

As she tails her father, Nanami finds out that Nagio

and Touko are intimate, and that Toukos parents are
against the match as Nagio is the child of a bomb sur-
vivor. After returning to Tokyo, Nanami creates an
opportunity for Nagio and Touko to talk. Asahi con-
fesses that he went to Hiroshima to commemorate the
50th anniversary of Minamis death, and that he met
Uchikoshi and other people who knew Minami. He
says, Nanami, theres a slight resemblance between
you and my sister. So its your turn to become happy.

50

Text: MATSUURA Tsuneo ,

/
|

Once upon a time, there lived a kind hearted fisher-

man named Urashima Taro. One day he rescued a sea
turtle, which he had found being teased by children. As a
token of its appreciation, the turtle took Urashima Taro to
the Ryugujo (the undersea palace of the Dragon God). A
beautiful princess called Otohime lived there; she treated
Urashima Taro to delicious meals and to dances performed
by colorful fish. Taro enjoyed every day of his stay but
after some years had passed missed his family and friends,
so he decided to return home. Although heartbroken,
Otohime handed him a magical box called tamatebako.
She told him he should never open the box. Once back on
land, Taro was shocked to find that the scenery had com-
pletely changed. His house was gone, and the people he
knew were nowhere to be seen. Taro opened the tamateba-
ko and a puff of white smoke appeared. Then Taro turned
into a very old man.

Urashima Taro

Japanese Fairy Tale

41
42 42
Challenging the Kanji !
@!@
D/ ] |/
K
anji are originally created from pictures. Here are
some examples. (yama / mountain) comes
from the shape of a mountain range. (kawa /
river) illustrates the rivers flow. (mizu / water) comes
from the idea that the stream slows down and is still, then
it becomes water. When you add a dash to (mizu
/water), it becomes (koori / ice). The dash creates the
concept of freezing.

Nowadays only some kanji can be traced back to their

original imagery. Many kanji have changed with the times.
Although there are some kanji for which you can somehow
sense their origins like (ame / rain) and (uma /
horse), its not advisable to learn them using images.

You have already learned that many kanji can be trans-

formed into a different character by just adding one stroke.
Here we will introduce you to some more. Adding a horizon-
tal bar to a kanji number (ichi / one), transforms it into
the kanji number (ni / two). If you add one more hori-
zontal bar, it becomes the kanji number (san / three).

Adding a vertical bar in the center of kanji number three

(san / three) transforms it into (ou / king). If you
add a dot on top of (ou / king) , it becomes (being
still). Add a dot inside (ou / king), and it becomes
(tama / ball). This ball usually refers to a precious orb
(a kings treasured possession). If you draw a square around
, it becomes (kuni or koku / country). The square
protects the king with a barrier.

country

Kanji Created from Pictures

)
river
/
water

ice
n|
77
{
43
I
mouth
E
sun / day
E
rice field
|
eye
(
J.I(
]

three king ball (gem)

being still

country
mouth sun / day eye
rice field

white
hundred
see shell
self

Adding a horizontal bar to

(kuchi / mouth), or katakana ,
makes it (hi or nichi / sun or
day). If you add the katakana char-
acter to it, it becomes
(shiro / white) and adding a horizon-
tal bar above (shiro / white),
it becomes the kanji number
(hyaku / hundred). Adding a verti-
cal bar to (hi or nichi / sun
or day), it becomes (ta / rice
field). Adding another horizontal bar
to (hi or nichi / sun or day), it
becomes (me/ eye).

Adding the katakana character

to (me/ eye), the kanji
becomes (ji / self). By adding
katakana to (me/ eye),
the kanji becomes (mi-ru or
ken / see). If, instead of the
katakana character is added to
(me/ eye), it becomes
(kai / shell). Some of these kanji can
also be easily traced back to their
original pictorial form.

three king ball (gem)

being still

country
mouth sun / day eye
rice field

white
hundred
see shell
self
44
How do you read/pronounce, and what is the meaning
of, the kanji characters in photo one?
What is the name of the typical Japanese dish shown
in photo two?
What is the name of summer fishing game shown in
photo three?
What is the name of the national newspaper which
specializes in business news?
Hiragana Times magazine is A4 size. What size are
Japanese weekly magazines?
Though Japan has no official military, it does have
troops trained to protect Japan. What is this force
called?
There are many dialects in Japanese. In what area is
oideyasu (irrasshaimase) used?
What is the former name of Tokyo?
What does new half mean?
What phone number do you call in case of fire or med-
ical emergency?

A4

Japanese Cultural Understanding Test

|j@@7(
No. 5

! H/ Z/ D U DL /
The questions below reflect things that almost all Japanese know.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

|
( /

J L
English Challenge
Questions:
2 3
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
The answers will be available in our next issue, or visit: www.hiraganatimes.com/test-answer/
{
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/
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The answer to No. 4 is on page 31. ,No. 4 {
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45 45
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Tel03-3341-8964 E info@j-clue.jpURLwww.j-clue.jp
*

120

2011

10

16

4, 500

19

www.j-clue.jp
edited by

19