Japan 2009 World Baseball Classic Champs!!! March 24, 2009

Team Japan as 2009 World Baseball Classic Champions

Stars perform when they have to. That was Ichiro Suzuki in the 10th inning of the 2009 World Baseball Classic final. A slumpy Suzuki, Ichiro underperformed throughout the entire competition. But when his team needed him he came through by driving in the winning run, in a close 10 inning epic with 2008 Olympic champions, South Korea.

If I were a betting man I would have put my money on Japan. I knew they would pull it out. I think the consistent team work and team support allowed the Japanese to pull out some tough victories. The talent was always there, it was just a matter of making it all click just right.

Congratulations!

Peace

No ‘I’ in Team, or Japan March 23, 2009

I love my home nation, the United States of America. Despite the economic downturn, and being the center of international criticism, I defend the merits of my country.

Mike Blake of Reuters Captures Japan's Greatest Strength - The Team

That said, I am cheering for Japan to win the World Baseball Classic. Why this flinching patriotism? Am a traitor to the cause? Quite the contrary.

You see, if U.S. baseball wasn’t so tarnished by drugs, dishonesty, downright selfishness I would be singing a much different tune. Japanese baseball isn’t weighted down by these things. The players are focused on the team, and play with a spirit that has long been lost in U.S. baseball. In the States big contracts have enhanced bad behavior, and do little to curb out-of-control egos.

I hope that one day U.S. baseball gets back to the level it once was. In the meantime I will cheer on my second home, and it’s native sons – Nippon Ichibon!!!!

The Newest Supermodel -Yokozuna Asashoryu March 12, 2009

In prime Asashoryu fashion, he is in the limelight while his fellow mates are hard at work getting ready for the 2009 Spring Basho held in Osaka beginning Sunday, March 15th and ending Sunday, March 29th. This time though the bad boy of the Sumo world is showing his hip side.

Appearing at the Shibuya Girls Collection fashion show in Tokyo, Asashoryu brought his grand style to the Yoyogi National Gymnasium and it’s 20,000 strong.

Asashoryu waving to fashion crowd

As the title of this event suggests, the crowd was made up of 20,000 teenage girls, mostly. I don’t think these same people will be the majority of the audience who will attend the Spring Grand Tournament in Osaka. That said, from the pictures provided by Kyodo Photo (above) and Chris Jue (below) you’d think the exciting but controversial yokozuna is trying to change the face of Sumo, instead of promoting his latest sponsor, FANTA (he’s wearing a FANTA shirt, and recently appeared in a TV commercial for them).

According to Kyodo News via The Japan Times Online, the big guy sounded a bit nervous, but seemed to enjoy the whole event, “I felt a kind of tension that was new to me….The shrill voices were also impressive.”

I bet he worked on his turn alot.

I will hold my criticism towards the big guy because when it comes to success this guys record stands on its own. He’s grand champion, and has the hardware to prove it. Regardless of what people might say about him his showcase of Emperor Cups is one not to be rivaled, even by current co-Yokozuna Hakuho (they are both Mongolian by the way). Frankly speaking, I love Asashoryu, whose name means “Morning Blue Dragon” (what a badass name) because of this aggressiveness and individuality (I’m a U.S. American from the New York City area – go figure). I understand how some see his actions as disrespectful to the centuries old traditions that make Sumo what it is. And I don’t approve of his rumored womanizing and his bad attitude ego trippin’. I’m not going to hang out with him over a bowl of chunko nabe. All that said, I will watch him stuff the rikishi down the throat of another opponent, and cheer him on.

Somehow, and there is great speculation that his matches are sometimes fixed, he manages to win. I for one think he beats people because he’s better. His technique is very good. His speed and strength compliment each other very well. And he believes in himself and his ability to beat anyone (sometimes to a fault some would say, but like most elite athletes).

But before all the talk of who will be hoisting the Spring Basho’s Emperors Cup, I guess Asa has a few other things to attend to…I wonder if he listened to Right Said Fred before his catwalk debut?

Peace

Learn Your Big Numbers Kids March 4, 2009

Recently I’ve been amazed at the kinds of numbers I’ve had to digest. When I teach, I usually talk about news and such things to get warmed up, and as many of us know the headlines are dominated by this global recession. One thing I’ve found I have to review with my students are large numbers.

In Japan large numbers are a way of life, but Japanese people have real trouble figuring out large numbers in English (not to criticize because large numbers in Japanese are my nemesis). When translated into yen they become even larger. So, I have to explain large numbers; and I’m not talking about just millions. Those are digits of the past. These days I’m talking about billions and trillions. I sware I saw a figure like “1.5 quadrillion” in some newspaper. What is that? Help me out!

With the release of President Obama’s first budgetary figures for the United States it seems we should just get used to talking in billions and trillions. No longer is the norm to strive to become a millionaire. Old standards friends. Now we have to adjust everything to billions. How many billionaires are there within the borders of your nation? That’s where we are starting. Becoming a trillionaire will be the new exclusive club for all to reach for. Scary!

Just FYI, billions = 9 zeroes (1,000,000,000); and trillions = 12 zeroes (1,000,000,000,000); and I speculate quadrillions = 15 zeroes (1,000,000,000,000,000). I’ll vouch for only the U.S. system since I am a U.S. American. I’m sure there are different ways of counting…Isn’t it always that way.

Welcome to the new reality.

Peace

Japanese Airlines Fly the Banner of Sexual Equity January 8, 2009

A paradigm shift is taking place all over the world. People are starting to think differently about many things. Even in Japan where roles for men and women are still pretty much defined, things are changing (thankfully). The article, “Women’s dream of becoming airline pilots getting less elusive” by Mariko Yasumoto of Kyodo News accentuates this paradigm shift. Featured in The Japan Times Online it portrays an industry that has always had its gender roles strictly defined. It is interesting to read how some of the female pilots in Japan got their starts by breaking a glass ceiling.

This article also touches on a larger picture, that of a world where all hands have to be on deck. We face greater challenges and we need bigger solutions. Opening doors to all sexes is important if we want to give our young people wider dreams, more options, and sieze upon ideas that will change the world for the better.

In Japan where barriers are sometimes looked at as a test of endurance, it pleases me to see women going for their dreams by any means necessary. In the article one woman actually left Japan and gained her pilots license in the United States because Japan’s Civil Aviation College had a height requirement that she couldn’t meet (apparently Japanese airlines have no official height requirement to be able to fly a plane). Her 157cm frame didn’t meet the 163cm application requirement. Luckily, the U.S. flight schools didn’t have that requirement (another good reason to study English).

Here’s to a flying in a friendlier sky.

Peace

It’s all in the Handwriting January 4, 2009

I used to have pretty good handwriting – back in like the 7th grade. These days I scribble illegibly away on paper as I try to write as quickly as my brain is thinking. I then hopelessly try to read what I wrote wondering, “What kind of state of mind was I in when I wrote this?” More proficient with the keyboard than the pen, I say I will re-commit to improving my handwriting and getting back in to shape. And after reading this article via The Japan Times Online, I’m extra motivated to do so. (I have perfected quite an artistic signature, so not everything has gone to waste.)

Japan’s Koshu Morioka, 75,



talked with The Japan Times’: Words To Live By columnist Judit Kawaguchi about how everything relates to ones handwriting. This graphologist has explored the penmanship of Emperors and yakuza alike. He knows the character of a person just by looking at his/her kanji strokes (I wonder if he has studied any other languages, and the handwriting therein?). Best of all though he has explored the healing powers within refined handwriting. Check out the article for yourself.

Peace

“Inefficient Language Education” July 6, 2008

This is the title the Japan Times Online editors gave to the response article I wrote about Japanese language education. You can check out my response and the original article by going to the Japan Times Readers In Council site (click this link to do that).

The title is perfect because the truth of the matter is Japanese language education is inefficient, if promoting overall speech and intercultural communication is the goal. If promoting high grades on entry exams is the goal then the system is working right now, sort of. We need to bridge this gap between Japanese language teachers and foreign educators so as to break down the divide in Japan’s language education system. My response offers possible solutions. Check it out.

Peace

They Got Him!!! June 25, 2008

Better late than never. The Osaka police folk nabbed the former President and CEO of now defunct NOVA Corporation, Nozomu Sahashi. See “Former Nova chief arrested” for all the details.

All I will say is this guy is a crook, and wouldn’t know how to properly manage a sandwich in to a paper bag. I sincerely hope they throw the book at him. I don’t wish him any ill will, I just want him to rot in jail for the rest of his life. That’s how much he owes, fiscally and emotionally. But now the final decisions are up to the Osaka justice system. The Japanese justice system usually has a 99% conviction rate. I hope this guy isn’t in that 1% who get-off.

The Daily Yomuiri Online also has a good write-up if you care to read from more than one source. I pray for his soul. Peace

Opening Akita City To The World June 11, 2008

I’m not one to preach (well maybe a little), but some things I’ve noticed this week have really set me off in certain directions. One of the major directions I’m traveling in is spreading the English language.

I’m not an English imperialist, but I am an English teacher who sees the value of a language that everyone can use to communicate. I’ve always said that the World needs a language that everyone can speak. I don’t care if it is Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Japanese, Chinese, whatever. Just as long as it is a language that is real, with history, dynamism, and all the things that make a language worth learning. I guess I’m lucky that English seems to be the language that people want to speak. Trust me when I say, I count my blessings. All that said, of course I don’t mean that one language should replace another. I think some people believe that is what learning English means. Not true! I’ve traveled quite a bit and I can safely say that those people who can speak English fluently are the ones who, more often than not, know more about their own history, culture, and language than those who only speak the native tongue. That is one of the many beauties about learning a second language. You become so much closer to your own, and the culture it supports.

It’s interesting though what happens when we approach people about learning English. Quite often people freak out, look shocked and dumbfounded, and often jabber (in English) in self-deprecating commentary that proves they can actually speak English and are capable of taking our classes. Sometimes though I take a step back and wonder if they really are nervous about learning a new language, or are they nervous about being opened to a totally different world? Quite often, in Japanese society, these kinds of educational pursuits are seen as explorations into futility. So the pressure is there not to do things out of the ordinary. And Japan as a whole has not fully grasped the importance of globalization, and language education (English or otherwise). Still I push and try to reach people because in the end people want to use the knowledge they’ve gained throughout their lives. And, I truly believe that everyone has something to say, and they want/need ways to express themselves. It’s my job to give them the tools to complete their life projects, so they can fulfill their hopes and dreams.

With the inspiration and drive from my Japanese wife we’ve been able to set up a small business (Back To The School) that brings English language education to the masses of Akita City, Japan. We want to expand things into a business that also focuses on opportunities in continuing education. Through all this we want to open the World to Akita City, and create a community that reaches its full potential.

What Would You Do? June 10, 2008

Fearful of being laid off from your temp/contract job, what would you do? You find out that you are not going to be laid off (that’s a good thing), then one day you come to work to find your uniform not where it should be, what would you do? How about, kill a bunch of people by stabbing them with a knife. Or better yet, run them over then stab them with your knife. That sounds like it will solve your problems right quick, no?

Well unfortunately, the above story actually happened. What was really a misunderstanding turned out to be a bloodbath. I wonder what would have happened if said worker decided to ask his manager, “What happened to my uniform? It’s not where it usually is.” The manager, I bet, would say, “The uniforms are being dry cleaned. Sorry for the inconvenience. You can borrow a temporary one from storage.” Easy and clean. And people aren’t dead.

I sometimes look at incidents like this one and wonder about humanity. That wonderment isn’t very positive. Necessities of life like food are becoming so expensive some people can’t obtain what they need to survive. Water is being polluted, diverted, or drained in order to provide material wealth, greater living space, increased agricultural wealth, etc. Fuel prices are ridiculously high, and those who have the stranglehold on feel the situation should not change. And yes, you have people who decide to take the lives of others just because they were “upset.” I wonder what he would have done if his company openly lied to him while the CEO hung out in his penthouse villa paid for by the company? I dare imagine what would happen.

If this all sounds strange let me put it into firm context. A Japanese man killed people in Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan because he thought he might be laid off from work.

Akihabara is the electronic nerve center of Japan. If it blinks, talks, beeps, or anything else automated you can find it. Needless to say it is always crowded. This upset factory worker picked a ‘good’ place to do what ‘he felt he had to do.’

I can safely say, without a doubt, this guy is a dead man walking. You see the Japanese criminal justice system is not so forgiving in situations like these. From what news papers have said, this is cold-blooded murder. Place your bets, on how long this guy survives. And it really is a gamble because the Japanese criminal justice system will not tell this guys family, or anyone he knows, when he is going to be executed. They don’t want the commotion or emotion. He should just know that when the guard comes and asks him about his final meal, it will all be over soon. Savor that ramen.

To read coverage of this story click here at The New York Times Online, or here at The Japan Times Online.

Peace