Staff: August 2009 Archives

Our country still has much work to do ...employment, economy, education, welfare, environment ... above all, it seems that 'Right to life' have been disregarded.

Article 25 of the Constitution says

　　1. All people shall have the right to maintain the minimum standards of  
         wholesome and cultured living.

     2. In all spheres of life, the nation shall use its endeavors for the promotion and 
         extension of social welfare and security, and of public health.

In the election, there are still something that are never changed ... second or third-generation politicians who have territorial connections and blood relations & low voter turnout of young people ... I am disappointed. 

Now, a typhoon is on its way to Tokyo and I got soaking wet from head to toe.

By the way, today is my birthday ...wet & lonely birthday ... actually I am catching a cold. I wish somebody could take care of me. 

Takadanobaba is Atom's home! In the original story of Astro Boy, Atom was born in 'Ministry of Science' at Takadanobaba on April 7, 2003 and also 'the father of manga'  Osamu Tezuka used to have the office at Takadanobaba , and then people from local shopping areas requested the melody instead of the normal departure bell and design for wall painting under the railway bridge.

The next day, I went to Yokohama to see the exhibition.

'ATOM 'exhibition is being held at Broadcast Library in Yokohama Media and Communications Center, Yokohama-city from August 1 to October 4.

The exhibition is held to mark the 80th anniversary of the birth of Osamu Tezuka and it is also a part of the special event in the Yokohama Port Opening 150th Anniversary.

This exhibition features the history of Astro Boy that became first animated TV series in 1963 and also Tezuka's signed manuscripts and celluloid pictures are on display.

The Hollywood's CG film 'ATOM' is scheduled for release on October 10.

To be honest, I like 'original' Japanese 'Tetsuwan Atomu' much better because it seems to me that Tetsuwan Atomu looks more winsome and innocent than 'handsome' ATOM.

The city of Nagasaki marked the 64th anniversary of its atomic bombing today.

Peace Statue at Nagasaki Peace Park

I was born and grew up in Tokyo, but I have another home. It is Nagasaki.

I heard that my ancestors were originally fleeing Heike warriors and reached Goto Islands in Nagasaki. Soft kyo-kotoba (Kyoto dialect) and a little bit strong Nagasaki dialect are still used among the families in Nagasaki.

Meganebashi 

If atomic bomb had been dropped on Nagasaki City a couple weeks earlier, my grandfather could not have survived (my grandfather just moved from the central part of Nagasaki City to the suburbs by military order) ... I would not have been here now. I am scared and also I am profoundly grateful for that I have been born into this world.

Nobody has the right to deprive people of their lives, dreams and happiness.

In the grounds of Ikegami Honmonji Temple, there were 500 FUURIN (wind-bells).

It was like a 'sound garden.' When wind blows, the fuurin makes a cool sound.

When the wind force and the wind direction change ... sometime it makes a joyful sound and at another time makes a plaintive sound.

Ikegami Honmonji Temple in Ota-ku, Tokyo  

Slow Music Slow LIVE '09 will be held on August 28th, 29th and 30th. http://lultimo.jp/

It looked like husband and wife cuddled up looking at the

Tokyo's sky at twilight.

One the way home I unconsciously sang to myself,

Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind"

............The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
   The answer is blowin' in the wind .............

A lot of hairpieces were sold beside Tokyu Ikegami Station ......