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The Tenth Annual English Speech Contest
&
The Eleventh Annual English Recitation Contest
Ritsumeikan Keisho Junior High School
English Festival
February 15th, 2012
1
PROGRAM
1 Opening Remarks
2 Opening Address by Principal Mr. Kenichiro Mukai
3 Musical Performance (1st grade students)
Recitation Contest
4 Introduction of Judges Mr. Hitoshi Yoshida
Mr. Bertram Jordan
Ms. Sakura Tsushima
5 Introduction of Speakers
6 Recitation
Speech Contest
7 Introduction of Judges Ms. Hitoshi Yoshida
Mr. Margot Lane
Ms. Satoko Matsuura
8 Introduction of Speakers
9 Speeches
10 Judges Exit (***Showing of the movie, Pay It Forward***)
11 Judges Return
12 Remarks from Judges Mr. Hitoshi Yoshida
13 Announcement of Winners Mr. Hitoshi Yoshida
14 Awarding of Prizes Mr. Kenichiro Mukai
15 Presentation to All Speakers and MCs
16 Closing Remarks
Cover Design and illustration by Ayane Shimada ( 3-1 )
2
Message From The Principal
This festival is a good opportunity for students to show how far
they have progressed. This is an important day for all of you as English
learners and as Ritsumeikan Keisho students, so be proud today as you
take part in the festival.
It is important to gain language skills as a means of international
communication. Further, I would like to put an emphasis on the
importance of your potential powers. These ‘powers’ are in thinking,
analyzing and integrating. Together with these, you must develop
your sensitivity to the world and current situations, and also your
ability to express this.
Today as you listen, I hope you will not only try to understand each
speaker, but also decide what your own opinion will be. English is a
tool that will give you the power to open new doors in life. Make the
most of it today.
Finally, I hope this contest will yet again be a huge success as we
continue to establish another great Ritsumeikan Keisho tradition
together.
2012.2.15
KAWASAKI Shoji,
Principal
3
2nd Grade Recitalists
Masters of Ceremonies
2nd Grade
Aimi Ono (2-1) Takatsuki Chaki (2-2) Honoka Uchiyama (2-3)
Ryota Yamada (2-3) Masanori Moriya (2-4)
2nd Grade In Class Contest
1. Remon Yoshikawa 2-1 Heal the World
2. Ayaka Okamura 2-2 I have a dream
3. Chihiro Homma 2-4 I have a dream
4. Sae Jonishi 2-1 The Whale Rider
5. Katsumi Naya 2-4 I have a dream
6. Hirono Abe 2-2 I have a dream
7. Mina Furukawa 2-3 The Whale Rider
8. Kosuzu Kasai 2-3 The Whale Rider
9. Tomomi Adachi 2-4 Heal the World
10. Ayana Ueno 2-1 I have a dream
11. Shu Yamada 2-1 I have a dream
12. Eimi Tanabe 2-4 I have a dream
13. Kyoko Konno 2-2 Heal the World
14. Midori Nakano 2-2 The Whale Rider
15. Manami Kato 2-2 The Whale Rider
Very Highly Commended =敢闘賞=
Ayaka Iwakiri Saori Kawasaki Maika Kubo Kaho Hiramatsu
Keika Komatsu Hitomi Chiaki Rio Yoshida Haruka Suwa
Momoko Abe Aoi Okinaka Mihi Goroku Eri Shirakawa
Megumi Tatezawa Yuko Hasegawa Mutsuki Machida
4
An excerpt from the address made by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the
March on Washington, August 28th, 1963, Washington, D.C.
I Have a Dream
We cannot walk alone.
And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead.
We cannot turn back. No, no we are not satisfied, and we will not be
satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a
mighty stream.
I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and
frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream.
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of
former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit
down together at a table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where
they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of
their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day little black boys and black girls will be able
to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as
sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.
5
An excerpt from the story The Whale Rider, based on a book by Witi Ihimaera,
New Zealand, 1987. ( Movie by Niki Caro, 2002)
The Whale Rider
“Listen,” Koro said. Everyone listened. The sea was singing.
“Look at the sea.” They looked. A huge group of whales was coming.
The leader, an old, old whale, swam onto the beach. Others followed.
Their cries were terrible.
“Come to the beach, men.” Koro shouted. “We must save them.
We must.”
The men worked all day. They worked all night. The whales
would not move. They were on the beach to die.
“I must save the whales.” Kahu went up to the old whale and said,
“Come, Father. You must live. We must live.” She climbed on him.
“Come, Father. Come!” Slowly the whale turned around. She rode
him into the sea.
Three days later, they found Kahu at sea. In the hospital, Koro and
Nanny held her.
“Kahu,” said her grandfather. “You have special powers. You will
be our leader.” Nanny smiled.
6
An excerpt from the song Heal the World, words and music by Michael Jackson, 1992.
Heal the World
There’s a place in your heart , and I know that it is love
And this place could be much brighter than tomorrow.
And if you really try you’ll find there’s no need to cry
In this place you’ll feel there’s no hurt or sorrow.
There are ways to get there, if you care enough for the living
Make a little space, make a better place
Heal the world.
Make it a better place.
For you and for me and the entire human race.
There are people dying.
If you care enough for the living,
Make a better place for
You and for me.
If you want to know why there’s a love that cannot lie,
Love is strong, it only cares for joyful giving.
If we try we shall see in this bliss we cannot feel
Fear or dread. We stop existing and start living.
Then it feels that always, love’s enough for us, growing…
Make a better world, make a better world.
Heal the world.
Make it a better place.
For you and for me and the entire human race.
There are people dying.
If you care enough for the living,
Make a better place for
You and for me.
7
3rd Grade SPEAKERS
1. Kurumi Matsuda 3-2 Let’s Try to Make Everything Better!
2. Rina Sakurai 3-1 The Important Thing
3. Shiori Adachi 3-3 Changed Me
4. Eri Aihara 3-4 Trusting for a Brighter Tomorrow
5. Kiho Rubi Takaku 3-3 My Treasure My Friend
6. Takumi Yamamoto 3-4 Wood Sword
7. Arisa Shinoda 3-1 Living on the Street
8. Sanita Ukiana 3-2 Energy
9. Yukari Aramachi 3-1 Happy Eating Habits
10. Natsumi Yoshida 3-2 My Strict and Beautiful World
11. Orie Suzuki 3-3 Connection between People
12. Minami Sasaki 3-1 The Important Thing for Japan
13. Taiga Shimizu 3-1 Over the Horizon
14. Hiroe Hayakawa 3-4 Bright and Vigorous City Again
15. Nozomi Sato 3-3 Human Lives
Masters of Ceremonies
3rd Grade
Taeka Kiyonobu (3-1) Nanaka Terao (3-1) Kentaro Kawamura (3-1)
Keita Mitsuhashi (3-2) Ayaka Takahashi (3-4)
3rd Grade In-Class Contest
Very Highly Commended =敢闘賞=
Koki Higashihara Hanako Ito Nao Yanagida
Keiichiro Ito Kenta Takeuchi
8
No Name Title Summary (in Japanese) / 聴いてほしいこの一文!
1 松田胡桃 Let’s Try to
Make
Everything
Better!
世界は、複雑なものである。私が母に薦められた本の中には、こう書かれていた。「世
界を 100 人の村とすると、20 人は栄養不良、1人は飢えて死んでしまいます。その中で
15 人は太りすぎです。75人は食べ物の蓄えがありますが 17人はきれいで安全な水を飲
むことができません。また、文字が読めない人もいます。」私は、このような世界の状
況を知り、未来の子どもたちに伝えていくために学んでいると思います。私たちみんな
でこの世界を良くしていきましょう。
この一文! Like I said the world is complex and so are we but let7s try to make everything better.
2 櫻井里菜 The
Important
Thing
2011年3月11日。この日は、私たちにとって、忘れられない日、いや、忘れては
ならない日となった。震度7の地震、そして人々や建物までものみ込む大きな津波が押
し寄せ、多くの人々の命が奪われた。大切なものを失った。そんな中、たくさんの人が
互いに協力し合い、募金やチャリティーコンサートなどで被災者に希望の光を届け続け
た。私たちが今、未来のためにできることは何なのだろうか。
この一文! I was impressed when I saw them help other people though they worried for their families.
3 安達栞 Changed
Me
あなたにとって、大切な人はいますか?私は、いつも笑ったり泣いたりできる大切な友
達がいます。私がこの水泳クラブに入った時から笑顔を絶やさず、優しかった友達。今
では私の最高のライバル、そして、何でも言い合える仲です。時にはけんかもしたけれ
ど、周りの明るい雰囲気、笑顔、気づかい、その全てが内気だった私を変えてくれまし
た。だから私は思うんです。自分も、明るく、笑顔を絶やさない人になりたい、と。
この一文! Their smiles and their characters changed me.
4 相原衣里 Trusting for
a Brighter
Tomorrow
あなたは今、何が欲しいですか。それはお金、時間、その他のものかもしれない。しか
しそれが手に入った時点で未来が良くなると思いますか。一つになれていない世の中の
今、一番必要なのは信頼ではないでしょうか。物事の原点を考えてみれば何でも相手、
何かを信じようと努力し、信じ続けることが大事なのです。まとまりのない国、チーム・・・
そんなの誰も望まない。だから私も常に信念を持ち続けていようと思う。
この一文! Keep on trusting in things.
5 高久ルビ
希歩
My
Treasure
My Friend
私には、何でも話せて一緒に居てとても楽しい友達が居た。しかし、ある時から、その
友達は皆に仲間はずれにされてしまった。私は、その友達の近くに居たにも関わらず、
助ける事も、支えになることも出来なかった。そして、その友達を私は失い、初めて自
分にとって友達というものがどれだけ大切かを実感した。そして、もう二度と同じ失敗
を繰り返さないと誓った。私の実体験を書くことによって皆には同じことをして欲しく
ないという思いでスピーチします。
この一文! Friends are one of my treasures in life.
6 山本巧 Wood
Sword
この文章は、自分の2つの思い出がそれぞれの木刀につまっているというものです。1
つは修学旅行に行った時に友達と木刀を買って戦った思い出。もう一つは親に交渉して
何とか買ってもらえたという思い出です。2つとも今は自分の部屋に飾っているだけで
すが、片方の木刀には戦った後についた傷がついていてとても思い入れがあるものです。
もう一つの方は値段が高く少し違った工夫が施されています。
この一文! Some memories in my wood swords.
7 篠田愛里彩 Living on
the Street
世界にはたくさんの問題がある。例えば、地球温暖化や地雷、戦争などだ。私はストリ
ートチルドレンが世界で最も困難な問題の1つだと考える。24時間テレビで取材され
ていたストリートチルドレン。そこで観た現状に驚き、悲しみ、そして怒りを感じた。
私たちは彼らの未来のために、一体何ができるのだろう。私は未来のために彼らを救い
たい。私は彼らがすばらしい大人になり、世界で活躍していることを願う。
この一文! I want to see a world which has no street children.
8 浮穴さに太 Energy 私たちの生活は、多大なるエネルギーとその源である多量の資源によって支えられてい
ることは誰もが知っている。また、それらが人類が長い年月の間に築き上げた技術によ
ることも。しかし、私たちは今、去年の災害を受け、それらを考え直す時にある。また、
エネルギー問題は今や世界の問題であり、これからの未来に向け早急に解決すべきこと
である。だからこそ今、私たち一般人がこの問題に関心を持つことが大切だと考える。
この一文! We should think about energy for the future.
<Messages from Speakers>
9
No Name Title Summary (in Japanese) / 聴いてほしいこの一文!
9 荒町優香里 Happy
Eating
Habits
テレビで見た、アフリカの子供達の食生活。それは言葉を失うほど衝撃を受けた。私達
は決まった時間に食事をし、お腹一杯食べ、嫌いな物は捨てる。しかしアフリカでは、
いつ食べられるか分からず、やっと来た食べ物を何人かで分ける。クリスマスでさえ、
1つのチキンを5~6人で分ける。地球には世界中の人々がお腹一杯食べられる分だけ
の食べ物があるのに、どうして餓死する人がいるのか?私達は、私達の食生活を考え直
すべきなのである。
この一文! Pray for the future when all people can have happy eating habits.
10 吉田夏実 My Strict
and
Beautiful
World
あなたはバレエを知っていますか?そして、どんなイメージを持っていますか?あなた
が持っているバレエのイメージは間違いではないでしょう。しかしバレエの本質はとて
も厳しいものなのです。けれど私はそんなバレエをする事によって強くなれ、素晴らし
い恩師に出会えました。もし私がおばあちゃんになってもバレエをやり続けたいと思い
ます。なぜ?私はバレエを愛しているから。バレエは私に沢山の大切なものをくれたか
ら。
この一文! Ballet gave me a lot of important things.
11 鈴木織江 Connection
between
People
世界ではたくさん悲しい出来事が起こっている。それは人の手や自然によってなど様々
だが、どんな事でも人と人との繋がりによって被害を少しでも食い止める事が出来ると
思う。もしもお互いを理解し合い、昔の人の意見を聞いていたら人々の悲しみを和らげ
る事が出来るのではないのだろうか。私たちはこれからお互いに助け合い、平和で誰も
が幸せな世界を作っていけるようにしていきたい。あなたもこれからの世界について考
えてみませんか?
この一文! I believe, in order to lesson the frequency and impact of terrorism and natural disasters we
should understand and help each other.
12 佐々木美波 The
Important
Thing for
Japan
今までは、安全なものとして推されてきた原子力発電。ところが、昨年3月11日に起
こった東日本大震災によって、原子力発電所は姿を変えてしまいました。放射能の汚染
がこれ以上広がらないよう、毎日、命の危険と隣り合わせで働く人々・・・。果たして、こ
れからの日本に原子力発電所は必要なのか?私自身が目にした辛い風評被害も交えなが
ら、私の考えをみなさんにお話したいと思います。
この一文! While I was surprised, I saw the real damage of rumors with my own eyes.
13 清水大雅 Over the
Horizon
今の日本は不況や少子高齢化など様々な問題を抱えている。そのせいか、最近日本人学
生の海外留学が減少している。それは日本の将来にとって良くない。自分の国にとどま
らず、世界へ羽ばたくべきだとハーバード大学の学長も言っている。日本の未来のため、
自分の将来のため、世界へ目を向け世界を感じようではないか。
この一文! Let us turn our eyes out ward. / Let us see the world, and let us lead the world.
14 早川弘恵 Bright and
Vigorous
City Again
夕張市は財政破綻をした市であり、全国で一番高齢化が進んでいる市です。みなさんは
夕張にどのようなイメージがありますか?私は小さい時から夕張に行く機会があり、幼
かった頃左目の上をけがしました。そんな経験から学んだ夕張の厳しい現状を過去・現
在・未来を通して伝えていきたいと思います。高校 1 年生になったら必ず行く夕張なの
で、ぜひ聞いて下さい。
この一文! But I believe Yubari will be bright and vigorous city again.
15 佐藤望 Human
Lives
日本では毎年 3 万人の人が、自らの命を絶っています。そして去年 8 月、札幌の男子中
学生の自殺がニュースになりました。非常に聞き苦しい話題ですが、自殺は私たちにと
って、大切で考えなくてはならないもののひとつだと思います。
色々な原因があるけれど、私たちにも出来ることがある。彼らに笑顔や希望を与えるこ
とが出来る。「人の命」について、考えてみませんか?
この一文! It’s a very little thing but it’ll save lives and hopes.
10
1. Let’s try to make everything better!
3-2-16 Kurumi Matsuda
The world is a complex place. There are so many things we have to learn
about. In this short time, let me try to explain a little about myself and the world. The
first reason why I am studying is to know about foreign countries and to teach
children in the future. The Second reason is to watch good things or bad things to the
end.Finally, I have a dream. I want to make new medicine to save many people from
disease. I want to grant my dream. Accordingly, I am studying.
One day I read the book “If the world were a village of 100 people”. I was
recommended this book by my mother. This book is about six billion three hundred
million people all over the world reduced to a hundred people. It said, “20 are
undernourished, 1 is dying of starvation, while 15 are overweight. 75 people have
enough foods, but 17 have no clean, safe water to drink”. Yes. There are poor people
in the world. I was very surprised! We are naturally eating some foods, drinking clean
water and studying, but some people cannot read! I had not known about these
conditions. And it is a very important thing. One of the reasons for learning is to know
about other countries conditions.
In Japan, we had an awful experience. Before saving foreign lands, it is
necessary to think about my country, Japan. On March 11th
, the Tohoku district
earthquake happened. It was such a terrible disaster. Because of this earthquake, the
Fukushima nuclear power plant had a serious problem. It is said they will bury
radiation underground, but it is not really a good thing. If we bury contamination the
damage will continue for many years. A long time ago, nuclear power plants were
thought clear and safe things by many people. But, because of this big earthquake, we
know they are not good. To save good things in the future, we have to watch good
things or bad things to the end.
Finally, I have a dream. I want make new medicine to save people from disease.
Some people are suffering from side effects. I want to make new medicine with no
side effects and save people. I am studying to save many people.
In conclusion, I am learning to know about foreign countries and to teach
children in the future, to watch a good things or bad things to the end, and I want to
save people from disease. Like I said the world is complex and so are we but let‟s try
to make everything better!
11
2. The Important Thing
3-1-8 Rina Sakurai
What can we do for the future?
On March 11th
, Japan was hit by a big earthquake. The earthquake shook the
buildings and then a tidal wave hit the Eastern part of Japan.
Many people died and they were in a hard a lot. So we have to help each other
to live. For example, the economy. We have to save on many things. Saving something
is good for the victims. Many famous singers hold charity concerts in order to make
many people happy. Like this, we can help each other.
Japan was hit by big earthquake in March that is well-known to everyone.
When the big earthquake shook Japan, I was playing basketball in my school. When I
felt a small tremor, so I though “It was a small earthquake!” But I was wrong. People
who lived in the Eastern part of Japan were frightened by the earthquake and it made
many people sad because almost buildings tumbled. This fact made us ache. I learned
it from TV. I was very surprised at that.
There were a lot of aftershocks and then tidal waves broke out. Many people
were washed away in tidal waves and died. One family‟s father tried to help his family,
but the tidal wave was too strong to help them. When I watched that sight on TV, I was
very surprised.
They lost many things. Family, friends, houses, pictures… Important things
were floated the offshore. The earthquake caused our consumption to be briefly cut
off. So we have to save on many things. We have to reduce our consumption of things
like food, gas, water and electricity to help the disaster victims. Many famous singers
hold charity concerts in order to make people happy and smile I saw many people
raise money for victims. A lot of rescue parties saved people‟s live during this
earthquake and tidal wave. I was impressed when I saw they help other people though
they worry for their families. So we should thank the rescue parties.
In conclusion, we have to help each other to live. And if I am helped by
someone, I want to never forget gratitude.
12
3. Changed me
3-3-1 Shiori Adachi
Who‟s your most important person? Family? Grandparents? My most
important people are my swimming club friends. And friends have changed my
personality. My friends are always smiling, their personalities are great and we get
along well but they are also my marvelous rivals.
Six years ago, I was a member of the Shiraoi swimming club. At the time I
swam very slowly and I was shy. So, I was nervous to meet them. And worried if I could
make friends with everybody.
But my fears proved groundless. The members‟ personalities were great. They
were not only fun but also kind. I gave a sigh of relief. I thought that I get along with
the members. And I discovered the members‟ personalities. They always thought of
interesting ideas. And then, they played a trick on each other. I laughed in spite of
myself.
And my friends‟ most wonderful charm is they are always smiling. When I had
a terrible quarrels with my school friend and I didn‟t apologized to her. Then, I was
low spirits. My friends gave me many smiles. They said interesting things. So I smiled
with them. My friends smiles encouraged me. I looked at my friends, so I want to
encourage many people like my friends.
Now, we get along well but they are my marvelous rivals. We compete for
faster times at a swimming meet. I lost in that race. But I make an effort in order to win
next swimming meet. And whatever we talk about with each other. Occasionally, we
have terrible quarrels. For example, if I don‟t like something and say it to my friends.
But my friends don‟t like my idea. Then, we fight with each other. But the next day, we
apologize to each other and forgot this quarrel. And I noticed. I wasn‟t shy. I changed!
That‟s why I love swimming and my friends are the most important and most
reliable people to me. Their smiles still always give me a lot of power. If I leave the
swimming club. I know I won‟t forget them, their smiles and their characters changed
me. They make me more and more cheerful. Six years have passed since I was a
member of this swimming club. I want to always be a cheerful person. And , I want to
give a smile to all people.
Who‟s your most important person?
13
4. Trusting for a Brighter Tomorrow
3-4-1 Eri Aihara
What do you want the most, now? It might be money, time... or something
else. But, do you think getting all that will help anything for the future? When I thought
about it, I didn‟t know what was needed for the future. So there, I decided to think
back about things that happened in Japan, and also in my life so far.
Firstly, I think most of you have watched the moment of that PK goal scene of
Nadeshiko Japan. The scene was repeated on the television news everyday. It took a
big space in the newspaper as well. That was the moment which brought a lot of
happiness and smiles to Japan. During the reconstruction of Tohoku, from the big
earthquake on 3.11, this great victory encouraged the people who have suffered from
accidents a lot, and also people from all over Japan. I think the origin of this victory, is
what the players had in each of them. Of course, you need some skills in order to win.
But a good team has one more big thing that leads them to victory. That “big thing” is..
trust. If you have no trust you will never be able to be as one. Team sports cannot be
done by only one person. It‟s done by the players, and their team work, created by
trust.
Secondly, I thought about my days from when I attended Junior High School.
Ever since I became a Junior High student my days were full of troubles compared to
the days I was in Elementary School. Since I was busy, I felt being with people, was a
stress. Each time I have a problem with someone, I thought about it too deeply. I
couldn‟t concentrate on doing anything else. Repeating that, made it hard for me to
believe in someone. I thought sharing my thoughts to people were useless. In Japan, I
know more students have trouble trusting in people. I think that‟s the reason why
there‟s so many problems in bullying, and suicidal students. Now, I have people who I
can trust much. But still sometimes I feel the way I used to. I want to trust people. I
really want to..but what‟s the reason I can‟t?
The words “Thank you”, and “Sorry” Well these words are... something you just
say. You say it to many people. But the amount of times that we say these words are
less than necessary. Why? Because people like us make special, to normal one after
another. When something actually special turns normal inside you, you become
careless in things. That causes problems in believing. Not only in friendship, these
matters are about problems in the world too. These days there are lots of accidents
from an antigovernment demonstration caused by the nation. In Japan, since the
Prime Minister changes so fast, and the government does things egocentrically, the
nation can‟t trust them. Like sports, without trust we will never have the whole
country as one.
So now, I have talked about trust, and believing in each other. Thinking that
nothing is normal, I might be able to trust in people more. I‟m sure it‟ll be hard, and
will take time. But I have to try, we have to try. No one wants an ununified
society...create unity! Feel thank full and satisfied with what you have right now. And
keep on trusting in things. Just pursue a better world, a better place...for the future.
14
5. My Treasure My Friend
3-3-12 Kiho Rubi Takaku
Let me tell you about my unforgettable memory about my friend. My friend,
he was in the same class. He was very funny and very kind. Not only me, everyone
liked him. He was a mood maker in my class. I could talk about anything with him.
Like secrets or about my worries.
But, suddenly everyone stared to ignore him. His best friends and his club
mates started to do that. I was so surprised. They were really good friends. But not any
more… It was not big but a little bulling started. No one would talk to him. No one was
with him anymore. This made him dark…
One day my friend was kicking his bag. I was very close to her. So, I couldn‟t
say anything. I was laughing about that in the end. Saying sorry to him in my heart…
I really want to say sorry him. Maybe he forgive me but I want to. And I want to
promise I‟ll never do the same thing to him, and from now on “I” will help him. Even if
he‟s unliked by everyone or un like by my friend, “I” will help him. I think that‟s the
right thing to do for your friend.
This memory made me strong. It taught me the preciousness of your friend.
You cannot lose your friend so easily. Friends are one of my treasures in life. I cannot
live without my friends. They‟re so big to me. So, I cannot lose them so easily. And
there‟s one more thing I learned from this memory. It‟s that if you are a true friend,
you should help weather it‟s good or bad for you. That‟s the right thing to do for your
friend. And if you do this your friend will help you when you are in a trouble. I think
that‟s a real friendship.
This was my unforgettable memory and my friend. I think the same thing like
this is happening around you. But, I don‟t want you to make the same mistake as me.
It‟s not good for you and off course your friend too. It will break everything. So, please
treasure your friends.
15
6. Wood sword
3-4-39 Takumi Yamamoto
I have a wood sword. It is my important thing. I have many memories with my
wood sword. Wood swords are very cool and good things. Wood swords aren‟t
ordinary.
My first wood sword has some damage. Because I used it to battle with my
friends six years ago. That time was very fun and lazy. However, we were very tired,
but first again and again. Once battle twice battle… continue. The final battle was four
years ago on my school trip. We went to lake Toya on my School trip with my three
friends. Lake Toya is most beautiful after that we went to Sunpalace. I was tired .
However, I had a rest in Sunpalace after that we went shopping. I bought a Toya wood
sword. I bought two wood swords. My new wood sword is very nice. I wanted to battle
with my friends ,so I invited my three friends. Our wood swords god some damage in
that time. That battle was really fun and really exciting.
Second, wood swords are very cool and good things. Where do you think I
bought it. I bought wood sword in Date ,so my first wood sword is the real thing. It has
other memories. This is the ten years ago. I went to Date. I looked old, but that was
great. I went to buy souvenirs. The souvenir was a wood sword. This color is black, But
this was very expensive. First, I asked my parents… Then my dad said. “No, this is not
what I want. You have to buy another souvenirs.” But, I never gave up. “I ask! I want to
buy it!” Maybe I said. Then… my parents bought me the woods sword. My wood sword
in that memory.
This wood sword is on my book case. This wood sword is important. I have
some great memories with my wood swords.
16
7. Living on the street
3-1-11 Arisa Shinoda
There are many problems in the world. For example, global warming, land
mines and war. I think the issue of street children is one of the most difficult problems
in the world. I think so because I watched a street boy on TV. I‟m interested in what
causes street children and the present situation of street children. I want to do
something for them for the future.
When I enjoyed summer vacation, I watched twenty four hour TV. I like it, so I
watch it every year. On twenty four hour TV, Maki Horikita who is one of the most
famous actresses in Japan covered a story about street children. She met a street boy.
He was abused by his parents but he still wants to live with them. Finally he was
deserted by his parents. Soon an officer who worked in an orphanage protected him. I
didn‟t know there were so many street children in the world before I watched it. I felt
so sad and angry. I want to know more about it. So I‟m curious about it.
Let me tell you about the present situation of street children. There are thirty
million to one hundred million street children in the world. They have no houses so
they have to live or work on the street to live by themselves. How cruel!!
What is the cause of street children? For example, poverty of their parents,
war and violence from their parents. Most of their parents had no formal education, so
they can‟t have it either. This causes a vicious circle and most developing countries
are trapped in it.
What should we do for the future? First, we must cut it off and they have to
have formal education. It is the way to escape from poverty. Next, we have to make an
environment in which street children can have it. For instance, found schools for them
and give them some stationeries. Lastly we must support their lives, such as their
houses, their eating habits and learning. Officers who work in an orphanage must
protect them right now and give them warm foods. I want to see a world which has no
street children.
For the reason, I think street children are one of the hardest problems in the
world. I learned a lot of things from the street boy on TV. I want to know about what
causes street children and the status quo of them. I want to support their lives with
collection of contributions for them for the future. I want to save them for the future.
I wish they will be nice grown-ups and be actively involved in the world.
17
8. ENERGY
3-2-22 Sanita Ukiana
On 3.11, 2011 the East Japan Earthquake confused Japan and we had many
energy problems. But I think that we don‟t know how to use energy or how to make
energy. We‟re mostly thinking about the present energy situation and new energy.
First, we have used a lot of energy in Japan now. And we make energy and
atomic power. Atomic power represents more than 20 percent of all energy and has
become essential for all people. And atomic power supports our lives and our
techniques. For example life is getting more and more practical by using atomic
power.
Second, why do we use a lot of energy and atomic energy? A long time ago,
humans used a little energy for their living. This energy was provided by only fire.
But humans progressed and helped their own lives with time. At last in England, the
Industrial Revolution happened 200 years ago. That means we started to use many
resources for development. Then we had to make a lot of energy because people
dreamed of a useful world. Also we can say the same thing about Japan after WW2.
Third, there are a few different points between Japan and the world about
energy. For example, coal reserves. Continental countries have a lot of oil, but island
countries like Japan don‟t have enough oil resources. But atomic energy is used by
people all over the world. Because we can make a lot of energy by using a little
resources which is U. However, we depend on that so much. And we notice that.
Japanese have special knowledge about atomic energy. For example, that causes
sickness and gives shocks from radioactivity. And these have stolen our lives. So we
should share that knowledge with the world.
Finally, we must think about atomic and new energy. We use many resources
and get a lot of energy. But we are losing the most important thing, the earth. We
must stop that so we must think about new energy right away. Actually, some people
have thought about that. For example, solar energy, sea energy, wind energy and
using animals. But we won't use them for some years. So we should think about what
kind of energy is best. It's important to answer that question using our own brains.
For example, in the present conditions, we still use oil, natural gas and coal. Lately,
methane gas and so on, too. But we can‟t use them forever because these have a limit.
And these are causing global warming. It‟s not easy to solve the problem. But
everyone‟s connection helps with energy problems.
However, 3.11 has shown us many problems with atomic energy and now we
have many expenses. We have to give up atomic power, but it's impossible to do this
right away, so we should think about energy for the future. So, the future will be
better than now with more than 100 million ideas. And that makes people who can
think about the whole. By the way, what do you think about atomic energy? Some
think that atomic energy is necessary and some think that atomic energy shouldn't
be used. Also energy has many problems and we have to take measures, but I want to
believe in new energy.
18
9. Happy Eating Habits
3-1 Yukari Aramachi
African children can‟t even find food to eat tomorrow. Do all of you know the
eating habits of African children? There is food only for a small share of people in the
world. However, when I buy it needlessly, I leave it, and there are people with nothing.
We enlarge our field of vision a little more and should think about our eating habits in
the future.
African children are always hungry. They share the food when it finally comes.
I watched children divide one chicken distributed to them at Christmas on TV into
many pieces and shared it with 5-6 people. They live a life at present that we could not
imagine. They want to eat meat and fish, snacks until their stomachs become full. The
children in the period of rapid growth do not have such things. They who look at food
in a photograph lose weight. I hardly think they are the same age. There are not only
a few children starving to death in Africa.
According to some books, there is actually enough food for all the people of
the world. Then why are there children suffering from starvation and famine? It is
because there are people wasting food.
How about Japanese children? Japanese children have many likes and dislikes.
They throw away things they hate unconcernedly. However, they eat a lot of snacks
and chocolate. I watched some people whose favorite food is fruits and cakes and at
school leave the food they don‟t like. It is not a bad thing to eat a snack. However,
there are people suffering from famine. We should eat all whether you like it or not.
When I read an article of Ami Shibuya, I was awfully shocked. There was a rule
to have to throw away even the bread which was baked only a few minutes ago when a
shop closed in her part-time job. If the expiration date passed even as for one minute,
it seemed to be thrown away. How do African children wait for it? We should be more
concerned about their food for the future of African children. Should we not think
about reducing waste just a little?
I think that it is happy to eat. Therefore, I want all people to be happy to eat.
Children are decreasing steadily as it is in Africa. We should try to stop this. Let‟s think
about our eating habits once again to save them! Pray for the future when all people
can have happy eating habits.
19
10. My strict and beautiful world
3-2-19 Natsumi Yoshida
Do you know ballet? Not volleyball! The most important thing to me is classic
ballet. What image do you have about ballet? Swan Lake? The lady that smiles while
dancing? There is no doubt about that, but ballet‟s substance is very strict. However, I
am able to be strong by doing ballet. So, I like ballet!
One of the most important things in ballet is proportion. As far as I
know, that is the steady truth. Have you ever seen foreign country‟s ballet school‟s
students? Probably, almost all people say “No”. They are very thin. To get thin is
important in ballet. So I have to worry about my weight. Next, most of the ballet
dancers have supple bodies. Because it is indispensable to dance. So I should keep
suppleness in order to do my best in my ballet lessons. Doing ballet is very fun, but as
I have said, to do ballet is so strict.
I started ballet 12 years ago. At first, I commuted to a small ballet
school. But I wanted to learn genuine ballet. So I commuted a big ballet school when I
was 8 years old. I was shocked when I entered there. Because everyone was good at
ballet. And teacher was very strict. I often cried after class by giving heed bay my
teacher. “Why can‟t you do such a thing!?” I was told this by her every time. But now,
she sometimes praises me for my exertion. I learned both ballet and patience from
her. I thank her for teaching many things tome.
I‟ll appear on a very big stage to represent my ballet school. However, at first
I couldn‟t get a nice part on ballet school‟s stage. At that time, I deeply regret that I
couldn‟t be a good dancer. So I tried harder and harder. Therefore, I like my own
dance. But I am not content with things as they are.
In the future, maybe I won‟t become a ballet dancer, Because, I am very short.
And I haven‟t a nice proportion. But I want to keep on doing ballet. Why? I love ballet.
I thank ballet for changing me. If I become an old woman, I hope to do ballet. Doing
ballet is not special. It‟s like club activities in my school, but ballet is a little different
compared them. There are two reasons. First, I can express my everything with my
whole body. Second I can play part of “someone”. For example, a fairy, a princess, a
villager. So I enslaved by ballet.
Ballet‟s substance is very strict. And my ballet‟s teacher is strict, too. But she
is my best teacher now. I respect her. And I am able to be strong by doing ballet. In the
future, I‟ll keep on loving ballet. Ballet gave me a lot of important things. Finally, I
want to say “Thank you” to my mother, because she taught me the existence of ballet.
20
11. Connection between People
3-3-10 Orie Suzuki
In the world, some sad things happen. They happen by violence and terrorism
and natural disasters. But I think we should tell our ideas and opinions to each other
to reduce even a few of these tragedies.
September 11th
, 2001. Do you know this number and remember what
happened that day? In America, two jets struck the Twin Towers of the World Trade
Center in Manhattan. The people who died had happy families, bright futures and
thrived on work. But they died in a moment. And the world lost a lot of people‟s lives
and smiles. We swore to ourselves never to let those things happen again but we still
live with terrorism.
However, tragedies can happen not only by human hands but also by natural
disasters like on March 11th,
last year. A big earthquake hit Japan, you know. That
occurrence made Japanese scared. And a lot of people died, and still many people
have difficulties in their lives. And we need volunteer workers and much time to
reshape our confused society.
For ten years since September 11th
, maybe a lot of people, not only people
from America but also people from other countries wished for peace and various
nations tried to understand each other. It is difficult to completely understand but
governments and nations will try to do their best. There are similarities between
September 11th
, 2001 and March 11th
, 2011. We must never forget those things and
the families who lost someone continue to be sad and regretful. I think every person
who lives on the earth has to know and teach through people‟s words.
We should tell our ideas and opinions to each other. Recently, not everyone is
putting forth their opinions, so conflicts are born between peoples. If everyone tries
to care for each other, surely everyone would understand each other. Also the
ancients left us something. I watched the news of March 11th
. “Don‟t build houses
below here” was on a sign built in the forest. The houses that were built above those
markers suffered no damage but ones built below were destroyed. So if we listen
carefully, we can head off unfortunate events before they happen. The experience and
wisdom of the ancients , really served modern Japanese well and saved many lives in
the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami of March 11th
.
How about thinking about peace and the future of earth? I believe, in order
to lessen the frequency and impact of terrorism and natural disasters we should
understand and help each other. If some sad things disappear, heart and health
damage can be softened. And we can make an earth on which we can live peacefully
and happily.
21
12. The important thing for Japan
3-1-9 Minami Sasaki
Recently, the total number of nuclear power generators in Japan grows yearly.
The volume of power generation is much larger than other power sources, but a few
countries don‟t use nuclear power because of the risks. Everyone knows, Japan is
facing a very serious problem. Prompted by this problem, I‟m asking myself “Is
nuclear power generation necessary for us?”
Japan has the most earthquakes in the world, and is unfavorably located for
nuclear power generation. But, why do we have nuclear power generation in Japan? I
thought, it is because it makes a lot of energy and it is cheap. Japan‟s consumption of
electric power is too much, so it‟s essential not only to have a lot of power but also to
have it at a low cost. Therefore, the nuclear power generation accounts for the volume
of power in Japan.
There was a big earthquake in Tohoku and a Tsunami struck at the
Fukushima Nuclear Plant. Radioactivity leaked from there by this accident and nuclear
power fell out of favor with the Japanese people. I didn‟t think seriously about the leak
of radio activity, but little by little I understood the seriousness of it through TV and
newspapers. I am always moved to tears when I watch the people on TV who work
themselves to the bone in the Fukushima Nuclear Plant in order to stop the leak of
radioactivity
The people who work in the Fukushima Nuclear Plant are working hard for
Japanese people‟s safety, but radioactivity is still leaking. If more radioactivity leaks it
will affect our bodies. It heightens our cancer probability. For Example, after the
Chernobyl atomic power plant, there were a lot of thyroid gland cancer patients. I
think Japan is capable of getting like Chernobyl. Then, more radioactivity leaks will
influence a lot of food, too. The vegetables and the fruits which were grown near the
Fukushima Nuclear Plant were contaminated, so the farmers can‟t ship them. I
thought “They weren‟t bad, but why did they have to receive this damage?” I went to a
supermarket the other day. They were selling fruits which were from Tohoku. Near the
fruits, there was a label with the Government‟s signature and it said “These were
tested for radiation and are below the normal”. While I was surprised, I saw the real
damage of rumors with my own eyes.
The future of Japan, the important thing is to take account of safe power
generation. I think nuclear power generation should change to clean energy like solar
power and wind energy power. These are expensive and the volume of power
generation is controlled by the weather, but they don‟t have harmful effects on human
health if a natural disaster occurs. Even if it costs more, we should put priority on our
safety. It is what we hope for and what we learned from the accident. In the future, we
ourselves recommend safe power generation. Then, I think, we can build a secure
Japan that never makes the same mistakes again!
22
13. Over the Horizon
3-1-30 Taiga Shimizu
34000 in 29000. 46000 in 1999. Do you know what these figures are? These
are the numbers of Japanese students who went abroad to study. As the figures show,
the number has decreased by 30% during the past 10 years. What would it mean to
Japan? How can we promote study abroad? But to begin with, why do we need to study
abroad?
Let‟s give a thought first to why number of students who go abroad to study
is decreasing drastically. One of the reasons would be economic stagnation. We hear
parents saying they cannot afford to have their children go overseas for higher
education. We also hear college students saying they just need to focus on finding a
job in Japan. I am concerned about the situation. I understand it would not be easy for
anyone study abroad these days. But if you want to have a good life for yourself, you
need to broaden your knowledge by studying other views of other peoples.
Another reason is the passive attitude of the young people, which is called
„in-ward looking.‟ They just don‟t seem to be interested in what is happening in the
world. Some students even think studying abroad involves more risk than return.
Ms. Drew Gilpin Faust, the president of Harvard University says, “there used
to be a lot of Japanese students in Harvard. They have in fact built the present Japan.
The drastic drop in the number of Japanese student overseas is not a good sign for the
future of Japan. Japan may become isolated from the world.” I completely agree with
her view.
To chart my future, I want to see the world, and I want to see the Japan from
the world. I believe I‟ll be able to expend my perspective by learning views of others. I
also think it is important to experience a variety of cultures and differences, and I
want to see how I will grow in them.
We all know Japan is facing many issues: the low birth rate, the aging
population, and the stagnant economy. We need to think creatively and try to come up
with ideas that help cope with these issues. We, the young people, are the ones who
will build the future of Japan. Let us turn our eyes outward. Let us see the world, and
let us lead the world.
23
14. Bright and Vigorous City Again
3-4-18 Hiroe Hayakawa
Yubari City is the No.1 place where people don`t use money freely and the city is
getting older. What image do you have about Yubari. Coal? A Yubari melon? I am going to tell
you my ideas through the past, present, and future.
At first I`ll tell you about my past. I had many chances to go to Yubari. This story is
about 10years ago. I went to a hot spring with my family. I fell down and above my left eye was
injured because of running there. So I went to a hospital right away. I had to sew up the
affected area but there was not a surgeon and there was only an internist there. After all, I
could only protect the affected area with gauze. The next day I had an operation in Sapporo.
The backstage of this story was hidden by economic deterioration. Yubari prospered through
coal, but it was dangerous and they stopped mining. Therefore they held out for the tourist
industry. For example an amusement park was built there. I went there many times but few
people were there. They have saved a deficit since then and Yubari declined. And then the
money didn`t function for medical facilities and it became one of the reasons that I didn`t
have an operation.
Now because of deficit financing, young people move to the city. As a result, the ratio
of young people and the ratio of the aged population is No.1 in big cities. Moreover a medical
institution is in a dangerous state so aging societies become more and more anxious. But
there are some hopes in Yubari. First is Yubari melon. Yubari`s residents have various
difficulties, but they overcome. And the mayor changed in 2011. Naomithi Suzuki is the new
mayor at 30 years old and is becoming one hope for a bright future.
But only Yubari melon and the mayor changed, I think they won`t accomplish
Yubari`s revival. I told you many times that Yubari especially needs medical treatment because
of advance aging. So I suggest students like us to go to Yubari and directly volunteer. Because
residents increasingly are dying alone in Yubari. Someone has to go to the old people`s
houses and talk or take care of them to decrease the lonely deaths. Also old people are glad to
meet young people. So it is good we only talk with them. And the young generation can know
about the present situation of Yubari. If we buy something or stay in their lodgings finally this
will contribute to the city. And we will know the present state, someone may be interested in
Yubari, that Yubari may accomplish a revival.
Only Yubari`s medical treatment needs regeneration, I don`t think we can dissolve
the deficit much. So I think the tourist industry and industry will be successful. “MOUNTLEYSUI
SKIING GROUND” is one of the successful tourist industries. Retsumeikan First-year high
school students go there every year. The other is the hotel “HIMAWARI”. I think the business in
the black in Yubari are hotels, so tourists who travel in Hokkaido and stay in hotels at Yubari
are good. And “HANABATAKE STOCK FARM” opened a store recently. When the store opened so
many people came that many people waited more than 1 hour. So if a big supermarket or
department store will be built, maybe people will increase. And not only Yubari melon but also
other crops should be sold, because there are many direct sales stores, also many crops don`t
use agricultural chemicals. They are safer than other crops in a word. Of course, Yubari melons
are holding out, too.
For these reasons, I convey facts and my feeling through the past, present and future
about Yubari. Present situations of medical treatment, finances and aging societies are tense.
These problems still aren`t solved but I believe Yubari will be a bright and vigorous city again.
24
15. HUMAN LIVES
3-3-9 Nozomi Sato
This theme is one of the most unbearable things to hear. But I think we
should think about it now. Every year in Japan more than thirty thousand people kill
themselves. Do you believe it? When I heard this I couldn‟t believe it. And in August,
one boy who was still a junior high school student killed himself in Sapporo. Then I
think this is a very close theme for me and you too. What causes this to happen? How
do we stop it? I think about the suicide of children.
Most children have their problems myself included. By rights the teacher,
family, friends, many people can help them. The schools have measures to prevent
suicide. They try to root out the cause of suicide so they carry out surveys about
bullying and tell students that suicide is a sad thing. But then why does it happen?
Think cell phones and computers have a bad influence. Most junior and
senior high school students have them and always use them. They can‟t see each
other‟s faces, can‟t feel emotions so they say bad things very easily. These new
technologies can cause some problems. Some children think that words on the phone
or in e-mails don‟t mean anything. Can you think about the weight of words? Saying
bad things makes other people worried and sad even if they are jokes. And it becomes
bullying. Bullying can be a cause of suicide in the end. The junior high school student
also killed himself because of bullying. But it is not the only reason children get
depressed. Sometimes closer people with them don‟t notice their problems, and these
problems are often about those people. Closer people around children say to them “If
you have problems please tell me, OK?”I think these words have something missing.
Does it make children hope?
Actually people who think about suicide don‟t want to open their hearts to
anyone. They are alone, think or hold problems too much and want to select “die”. But
we can help them! First we always stay with them. I think we should never leave them
alone. Second let‟s talk! In short have communication while looking in each other‟s
eyes. Third we notice their problems. We should listen to their voices then try to say
“You look sad. What happened?” And you shouldn‟t forget to smile. Some of cases
need specialist or a window of advice. We have to make our way to solve and help each
other with all of our associates.
There is a very sad truth to children‟s suicide, but we can help them. Why
don‟t you talk to someone who looks sad and say “What happened? Keep smiling!”It‟s
a very little thing but it‟ll save lives and hopes! I hope every person in the world finds
their own bright way in the future.