1.17. 19 years since the Big Hanshin Earthquake.

阪神大震災から19年。もうこんなに月日が経ったかとしみじみ思います。
19 years since the Big Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. Wow, time past so fast… (english translation in the bottom)

当時小6だった私。寝ていると急に「ドン」という大きな音とともに揺れがあり、母が「動かないで、布団かぶってじっとしてなさい！」と叫んでいた。揺れがおさまり、部屋の外に出てみると、下におりる階段は壊れ、部屋はぐちゃぐちゃ、外に出ると、アスファルトは突き上がり道路ではない状態。信じられない光景だった。
近くの小学校へ避難し、それから一週間は体育館で電気•ガスのない避難生活。水と食糧は支給されたものを皆で分け合った過ごした。

I was in 6th grade (elementary school) at that time. While sleeping, suddenly a strong vertical shake with a big thud sound occurred. Then my mom yelled at us saying "stay in bed, cover up your head and don't move!" Once the shake was over, I went out of the room and saw broken stairs, a disaster inside the house. Then when I went outside, I saw asphalt of the road sticked straight up, cracked everywhere, definitely it was not a road. It was an unbelievable sight.
We went to my school to evacuate, and for 1 week we stayed there without electricity nor gas, sharing food and water which was provided as a relief supplies.

祖父母が神戸長田区に住んでいて、もちろん連絡がとれず、何日も何日も不安な日々を送っていたのを覚えている。東京に単身赴任していた父が駆けつけ、西宮から神戸まで歩いて安否の確認に行ったそう。奇跡的に無事だった。
私たち家族は父の東京の家に避難し、私は一ヶ月しか通っていない東京の小学校で卒業式をあげた。東京の学校の子達、みんなすごく優しかったな。

My grandparents were living in Kobe City, Nagata-ward (which is one of the worst area) and I remember spending days and days worrying about them if they are okay. (no electricity for a while so there were no ways to get in contact) So my dad, who was in Tokyo and came back to be with us, walked all the way to Kobe, to find out if they are alive. Fortunately, they were alive.
We all moved to Tokyo for a while and I graduated in a school where I only went for 1 month.

中学で関西に戻ったが、グランドには仮設住宅が建ち並び、生徒達は十分な運動はできない状態だった。週末には、ボランティアとして仮設に住むおじいちゃんおばあちゃんを訪ね、一緒に豚汁を作ったり、おしゃべりしたり。全然大した事してないのにみんな「ありがとう。ありがとう。」と何度も言われ、涙している人もいたのが印象的だった。寒い中、そして寂しさと不安の中、必死に生きていたのだろう。そのおばあちゃん達はその後どうなったのかな？

Went back in junior high school, and there were lots of temporary houses in the school field. So the students couldn't do football nor baseball like an ordinary kid. On the weekends, I went to visit grandmas and grandpas living in those houses as an volunteer, to make miso together or just to chat. We didn't do anything special but I remember everyone saying "thank you. thank you." many many times and some had tears in their eyes. I guess they were struggling in their loneliness and anxiety. I wonder what happened to them afterwards?

あれから19年。
当時の記憶は鮮明に覚えています。今でも揺れに対しては敏感で、ちょっとの揺れでも恐い。

19 years since then. I remember clearly about that day. Even now I am sensitive to shake and I am scared even the small ones. (shakes quite often in Tokyo)

6,434人の犠牲者。
自分、家族、大切な人たちが生きていることに感謝。
東北大震災もあり、改めて人はいつ死ぬか分からない、後悔しないように「今」を精一杯生きなければと強く思うようになりました。
改めて犠牲になられた方々のご冥福をお祈り致します。

6,434 victims.
I appreciate that myself, my family, my beloved ones are alive. And more after the 3.11 earthquake, I strongly feel that you never know when you'll die so you need to live "now" as much as you can not to regret.
Here again, I pray for 6,434 people's soul may rest in peace.

19年前の今日という日を忘れないように…。私の体験をシェアさせて頂きます。
I would like to share my experience, not to forget the day of Jan.17. 1995.

* Photos from google photo.

Trip to Cuba☆ キューバ旅行で初めて知った事。

「社会主義の国　キューバ」

初めて社会主義の国へ旅行。行くまでは知らなかった「へぇ〜」な事をご紹介します。

1.入国するには「ツーリストカード」を事前に取得する必要がある。
　ビザのようなもので、取得するにはキューバ大使館（東京•赤羽橋）に行って申請する。発行するに１５分くらい。大使館に訪問することが難しければ、郵送でのやりとりでも出来るが、多少めんどくさいのと時間がかかる（2週間くらい）。費用は2,100円、郵送なら5,600円。
　私は大使館へ行ったのだが、えっ、ここが大使館！？と思うようなマンションの小さな一室だった。中にはドレッドヘアーのキューバ人とおばさんが一人。

2. 海外保険加入必須。米国系保険会社はNG。
入国時に保険証原本提示をしなければならない場合があるそう。（私は必要なかった）

3.アメリカ合衆国との国交が無い。　ということはどういうことかというと・・

　3-a.アメリカ合衆国からキューバ行きのフライトが無い。
日本からのキューバへの直行便はなく、カナダかメキシコ経由のフライトで入国しなければならない。私の場合は成田→トロント（カナダ）→ハバナのAIR CANADAで入国。

　3-b.米国人はキューバ旅行ができない。
アメリカ人がキューバに行くには特別な許可が必要で、教育関係、宗教関係、医療関係、ジャーナリスト、政府関係者など特別な理由がある人しか入国できない。単なる観光での渡航はNG。違法で入国した場合は罰金25万ドル、10年の懲役刑が課されるらしい。また、現地で１セントもお金を使ってはいけないそう。（どうやって滞在するの？と思うけど）
ちなみに、私はハバナのJazz Barでアメリカ人4人に会った。一応「宗教関係」で来ているらしいが、本人達は観光気分で来ているとのこと。

　3-c.アメリカブランドの商品がない。逆もしかりで、アメリカにはキューバ産葉巻(COHIBA等)やラム酒(Habana Club等)が売っていない。
例：世界的に有名なCocaCola使わず、ローカルの似たような飲物がある。世界中どこにでもあるマクドナルド、スタバもない。（っていってもCocaCola バーで見たどね…）

　3−d.米ドルを両替する時は通常手数料＋10%の手数料を取られる。
他の通過はこの10%はない。従って、キューバ旅行の際はユーロを現金で持っておいた方が便利。そしてなるべく入国時空港で両替して十分な現金を持っておいた方が良い。市内に両替所はあるが、常に長蛇の列で数時間待たなければならない。また、クレジットカードが使えるところがほとんどない（ホテルくらい）ので現金は必須。

　アメリカとキューバ、あんなに近くて遠い国。（距離は145kmだって）
　なぜ国交が無くなったのか、過去の歴史経緯を知りたい方は以下参照。
　http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/キューバ

4.通貨は２つあり、外国人用キューバペソ(CUC)と国民用人民ペソ(CUP)がある。
※1CUC≒24CUP≒US$1.00
物価は外国人にとってはそんなに安くない。ホテルは日本と同じくらいだし、食事もちょっと飲んで食べてすると15CUC〜30CUCくらい。

5.外国人が利用できるホテル、レストラン、タクシーは国からのライセンスを取っているところでないと営業できない。（料金の半分くらいは国に納めるらしい）

　外国人が利用できるホテルは通常のホテルと、CASA（カサ）と呼ばれるペンションのようなもの。個人宅の部屋を貸し出ししている。一泊25-30CUC。
無許可でコレをしているCASAもあるらしいが（値段が安い）、泊まった観光客も罰せられるらしいのと、部屋の質は食事もよくないので絶対やめたようが良い。ちなみに私はホテルもCASAも両方泊まったけど、CASAはホームステイみたいで楽しかった。
　レストランは通常のレストランと庶民的なPALADOR（パラドール）というものがある。これも違法で営業しているパラドールもあるらしい。
　違法の個人タクシーはたくさん走っている。PUBLICのタクシーは安くないので、この金額を個人のものに出来るとなると相当お金が稼げる。空港からハバナ中心地まで25CUC,
約30分。

6.キューバ人の給料
未だに信じられないが、平均給料は月20-25CUCと、あるキューバ人青年に教えてもらった。医者でも25-30CUC。学校の先生やホテルの従業員は20CUC。普通の服やスニーカーを買うのに30-40CUC。鶏一羽8CUC。食費は現地人にとっても安くないらしい。
どうやって生きていくのだろうか…？社会主義国のため学費、医療費ただとはいえ、これでは娯楽や貯金することはできないだろう。確かに、海や公園で集まって話している現地人が大勢いた（ほんとにたくさん）。
話を聞いた青年はもともと学校の先生だったらしいが、まじめに働いてもお金は貯められないから、転職してチップをもらえる外国人相手のレストランウエイターになったとの事。今はチップ含めて週25CUCくらいもらっているそう。お金を貯めて外国に行きたいんだって。そういえば、ホテルでは女性従業員に「この服どこで買ったの？かわいい！キューバにはかわいい服がないし高いから、たまに観光客にいらない服を売ってもらったりしているの。」と言われた。譲ってほしいんだろうな…と思ったけど、必要な服だったためあげれなかった、ごめんね。
ほとんどのキューバ人は一生国外に出れないという事、またその理由がよく分かった。
多くの女性は結婚目的で外国人に近づくらしい。そうすればお金持ちになれる、国外に出れるから。

7.無宗教者が多い。（人口の55%）
個人的には意外だった。調べてみると1959年キューバ革命以前はカトリック教徒が70%ほどいたらしいが、今では40%まで減少。原則として宗教の信仰は自由だが、教会の布教活動には政府による制約がなされているらしい。

8.教育費、医療費無料
無料なのは知っていたが、15歳以上の国民の識字率は99.8%（ラテンアメリカ内では最高水準）、医師の数が国民165人当たりに1人と世界一多いのは驚き。

9.キューバ人の性格
基本的には人が良い。もちろんタクシーやお土産屋さんなどはなるべく高く売れるようにと売りつけ交渉などしなければならないが、道行く人•店の人など皆「キューバを知ってほしい！楽しんでほしい！」という想いが伝わってくる。一生懸命いろいろ教えてくれるし、逆に話が長いと感じる事があったほど。

10.チェ ゲバラがかっこいい！
ベレー帽に葉巻。何となくのイメージはあったが、よくよく見てみるとすごくかっこいい。至る所に本や写真集があって、ファンになってしまいました。

余談だが…
お金もなく、することがないので、キューバ人はSEXばかりしているらしい。だから青年曰く、皆テクニシャンだとのこと。笑　
貧困な国ほどこどもが多い…　必然ではあるけどなんか悲しいですね。

【キューバ旅行のアドバイス】
多少のスペイン語が話せた方が良い。英語も出来る人はいるが、ホテルの人か観光客相手にしつこく話しかけてくる人くらいがペラペラでそれ以外はあまり出来ない。

現地通貨CUCを空港で必ず換え、多めに持っておく事。市内での両替は長蛇の列が並んでいて困難。日本円はほぼ両替できないので、ユーロを持っておく事。
最後の出国で出国税25CUC支払わなければならないので、その分の現金は残しておく事。

Relaxing Holiday

It was a 3 days weekend in Japan and I went back to my family's place.

Playing piano, going to gym and swimming, going to cinema, seeing my grand parents... Things that I used to do in my spare time, things that I like to do but haven't done for a while because I didn't have time.

Busy.... that is just an excuse.

The past few months, I have been putting most of my time for work (work until late and sometimes even weekends). But I realised I need my own time. I need time to be alone, do things that I like to do, and to study. Before, I used to study or learn something for myself (ex. new language, read business books, cooking, belly dance) but I forgot about that now.

Time is limited so you need to make time, not wait until you will have time.

I will start doing things that I used to do.

*above photos: my neighborhood

6 month past...

Wow, it's already end of June.
I can't believe how fast time past this year.

I've been travelling a lot (all of them for business) national and international, 2-3 places every month. I never got tired of going overseas but this year, I am... I realized visiting other places for business or holiday is definately different.

Anyway, until now, I dedicated most of the time for work. So many thing happened but I was enjoying and had such a fruitful time. Not just working as sales but I also involved in product planning. I actually planned and designed a product, went to the factory to check the mass production proceedure and launched this product in April.
I am also involved in one big project that will finish in early winter. This will probably be one of my biggest acheivement ever (for my company too), I can't wait to finish!

Well, hope I can enjoy a lot, work hard and be happy rest of this year.
Everything depend on me, right?

Sunday Church Live

Today, I went to visit my co-worker's Sunday church ceremony. I'm not Christian and am not planning to be one either, but since I am interested in religion and she invited me, I thought "why not?".

This one that I went was more like live music show, live band, singing, dancing etc. but talk about bible, sing about Jesus and make community. Many were young (18-30 yld) and very international community. What I was surprised was that there were so many young Japanese who believe in Jesus, and they were so energetic, so positive.

I've been to church quite a few times when I was living in US, with my friends or family so going to the ceremony it is nothing new to me. I've met people who believe in God, and some were non-believer but became a strong believer when they are grown up.
I am not for or against religion, I think as long as one is happy with that, it is completely fine.

Sometimes I feel envious for the people who believe in God. Sometimes I wish I believe in God. Because they have something to believe, believe that God is there to help you, I think you are stronger than others. That strong belief will help you and lead you to overcome difficulties.
In my experience there are 2 types of beliver. One is the ones taught by their parents since they were born so religion is part of their life. Two is the ones who once got lost in their lives but met god and was saved by him. When they were struggling and needed someone's help, somehow they met religion/God. Maybe through friends or accidently went to the ceremony etc. but however people met God, there is one thing that is common between them. They were all lost. They were desparate. By listening to the what God wants to tell you, that God is there to help you, and sharing their experiences with other people in the same community, they feel that they are not alone and be resuced. A lot of my friends who I know is this second type of people.

If religion can encourage people to live, to survive, I think religion is a wonderful thing. I said in the former paragraph that beliver is stronger that others (non-believer) but maybe people who has weak mentality, who is feeling alone, who needs help tend to believe in God. People who has strong mentality, who is succeeding very much may not become a believer.

As I said before, I'm intested in religion. To be more specific, I'm interested in mentality side of religion. I'm curious why people became a beliver, how they were rescued, are they happy compared to the time when they did not believe in God?
If some of the readers who can share their experience/opinion, please let me hear what you think.

P.S. One more thing what surprised me was that people were so friendly to me. Everyone came and talk to me, asked me many questions, looking like they really want to get to know me. I asked my co-worker, "why everyone is so friendly? why do they want to know about me?" and she said "we are happy to have someone new in the community. we want as many people to know about us, how fun it is to come here even though they don't join the group. We want to share our experience and want to know about others too." Everyone (I mean EVERYONE) seemed to enjoy being together. I also asked her "what if you met someone you feel you are not comfortable, or you don't like?" Then she said "there are no likes and dislikes. we are like brothers and sisters, like one big family. There is no likes/ dislikes to your family, your family is your family, right?" I totally understood what she meant.

Kabuki

First time I went to see Kabuki, one of the traditional Japanese culture. Something similar to musical stage but story in old Japan times, speak old Japanese language, using traditional costumes and instruments.
It was very very interesting. It was a bit modern style Kabuki so I could understand what they are saying. The story was about a beast who was envious of one guy who could get beautiful girls. Unfortunately, they always liked the same girls so the beast got very jealous and started to kills the girls one after the other which was man's girlfriends. The man got so depressed and could not recover from his sadness. Then one detective decided to seach for this beast and...

I've seen lots of western cultures like opea, musical show, ballet but never Japanese ones. It is nice to know about your own culture as well. I guess as you get older, you (or just me?) have more interests in your own culture and want to know more. When I was little, I was more interested in US or Europe culture and style, tried to be like them. I travel a lot but these days everytime I go somewhere, I re-recognized how wonderful Japanese culture is, especially in people's behavior and mentality. I am proud to be Japanese.

Numbers and facts.

Fact 1.

イラクにおける米兵死者が２００７年1月～10月末までで、853人と報告された。
2004年年間累計849人が今までで過去最多だったが、今年はその記録を10ヶ月で超えた。これで戦争開始の2003年から累計3856人だそうだ。

The number of the American Soilders killed in Iraq war was 853 people from Jan to Oct, 2007. This was the hightest in the past which is more than 849 people in the year 2004. The total American Soilders killed in Iraq war since it started in 2003 is 3856 people.

日本にいると、戦争は自分に関係のない、地球の裏側で起こっている出来事のようにしか感じない。

直接、戦争に関わったひとは知らないが、アメリカにいた時、子供が兵士として派遣されている母親や、以前イラクに数ヶ月間派遣されていた人などと話をしたことがある。ほとんどの人がお金のために仕方なく行っているが、愛する子供がそのような所へ行かなければならない母親は一体どんな気持ちでいるのだろう。恐ろしくて想像もつかない。米国兵士だけでなく、この戦争で多くの犠牲者が出ている。歴史上、常にどこかで戦争が起こっている。どうしたら戦争はなくなるのだろう。だれもが戦争のない世の中を願っているのになぜ無くならない？
心からはやく戦争が終わってほしいと思う。


Fact 2.

世界の極度の貧困（一日の収入が50セント以下）に苦しむ人の数 : 約1億6200万人。その3/4がサハラ砂漠以南のアフリカにいる。この数は日本の総人口より多い。

The number of the world most poor (whoes income is less than 50 cents a day) ; 162 million. 3/4 of them live in South Africa. This number is higher than Japan's population.

これもまた、日本にいると全く違う世界の話にしか感じない。でもこれが現実。多くの大企業が毎年過去最大の利益を出す一方で、貧困はなくなるどころか格差がどんどん広がっている。
このままでいいのだろうか。どうしたらいいのだろう。。

Do you have someone...

When you really need help, when you are down, do you have someone to talk to? When you're scared walking down the street, do you have someone to call?
You are very fortunate if you have someone to talk to without any hesitation. Maybe you don't have any reason to call but when you feel lonely and you need to talk to someone. Who do you call...?
Boyfriend, girlfriend...? Friends that you know for a long time?
When you become older, it's difficult to find someone new like that. Society covered with lies and pretense, it's hard to believe someone, get to know the true person.

When someone needs help (and that person is really important to you), give them a hand no matter what circumestances. Even though you're busy, show them that you care about him/her. When you need help, they'll give you a hand.
Do not leave your beloved ones.

What was the best thing that you did travelling?

久しぶりに会う友達とかによく聞かれるのは「一番よかった国はどこ？」と聞かれる。
でも、この前ある子に、「5ヶ月間周遊して帰ってきて、一番（周遊旅行に）行ってよかったなって思うことは何？たくさんの人に出会えたとかいろんな国がみれたとかじゃなくて。。」と聞かれた。一瞬考えたが、すぐに答えが出た。
「今しかできないことが出来たこと。みんながみんなできることではないことが出来たこと。」今、私の知っている中で仕事が楽しい、一生今の会社を続けたいと思ってるひとが誰一人といない。みんな何かしら疑問を感じ、近い将来辞めることを考えている。確かに周りの新社会人の方が私より遥かに社会を経験してるだろうし、仕事のことも分かるであろう。私は1年しかまだ働いたことがないから、スキルも何もない。悲しいことに、この国には仕事に追われ、自分の時間が全くなく、仕事のストレスでカラダが悲鳴をあげている人がたくさんいる。そんな人が世界中に何億といる中、世界を旅行ながら文化を見て、人をみて、触れ合って・・・っていうひとは一握り。やりたいって思ってるひとは山ほどいるけど、実際にやるのはごく一部。私は、仕事の経験はないが、人よりもいろんなもの見てきたし、感じてきた自信はある。いろんな国の生活ぶりをみてきて、いろんなものを感じる中、人生で何が一番大切なのかもわかった。大手企業をやめ、もったいないと人に言われたが、今でもまったく後悔してない。そのまま続けてたら楽しくもなく、悲しくもない平凡は日々だったであろう。

何人かの人は「そんななめたこといって。人生そんなに甘くない」と思うかもしれないが、それはそれでいいと思う。私はまだ24だし、まだ何も知らなくても許される年だと思う。（って思ってちゃだめかな？）20代はtake risks, experience many things as possibleだと思う。

友達にこの質問をされてから改めて、自分の幸福さに気づいた。自分はなんて幸せなんだろうって。こんだけやりたい放題できる人はそういない。何かしら制限があると思う。お金であり、親であり、仕事であり、恋愛であり。私が旅をできたのは、なんといっても、何も言わず私がしたいようにさせてくれた親のお陰。あと、旅費は自分の稼いだお金で行ったが、家が経済的に大丈夫でないかぎり、こんな冒険もできない。

私はいつも自分に言っている。「人生は一度きり。楽しまなくっちゃ☆」

When I meet my friends after coming back from the travel, everyone ask "where was the best country?" But the other day, one asked me " what was the best thing that you went travelling? Not that you met many people or you saw many places but..." I thought of it for a second but a had the answer immediately.
"the thing that I could do what I can only do now. the thing that I could do what not many people can do." As far as I know, none of my friends enjoy their job, none of my friends are thinking to continue their current job for a long time. Of course, other people has by far more experience than me, know more about business society. I've only worked 1 year so I don't have any skills. However, there are so many people that are too busy working, don't have private life, got sick because of the stress etc. There are millions and billions of people like that in the world, not living their life, not interesting life but meanwhile, I was travelling around, saw many things, experienced culture, met many people, felt so many things ... A lot of people say they wanna do this but people who actually do is only few. I don't have skills and working experience but I am confident that I experienced and felt many things than other people. I have courage. I've also found out what is really important in my life. There are people who says I'll regret that I quit a big company but I never do. If I've continued, I would be having same old life, not too hard but not exciting life.

Some people might think I am thoughtless for the future. Especially Japanese. But I think it's okay. I'm still 24. Someone said "When you're in 20s, take risks."

After being asked this question, I again realized how lucky I am. not many people can do this. More or less, you'll have some restraint to do this, whether it is money, parents, job, love etc. My parents understanding meant a lot to me. They didn't oppose, let me do what I wanna do. Also, I paid the travel money but if my family was poor, I couldn't do this either.

" You can only live once. Live life!"

Japanese Society

Again, I've been thinking a lot about Japanese society, Japanese Company since I'm looking for a job right now.

My girl friend who works in one of the biggest and intelligent company in Japan, work a lot. Too much. It's okay if she's enjoying it or getting paid well. But the thing is, even though she works till 10 pm, she doesn't get over paid. (usual working hour is until 6 pm) It's not because her boss says you cannot do that. It's because the whole atmosphere, the company culture makes her not declaring over time. Another friend of mine (same age) who works in Panasonic got ill because... I think too much working. Make you work a lot, stress, pressure etc... If you get paid very well, maybe MAYBE you can survive but if no, you know what happens.

3 Mixed Culture

Malaysia is a very interesting country. It might not have much things to see but there is no other country that has 3 culture mixed so well without any conflict. If you look in the streets, you'll see people with scarf on head, indian costume, and Chinese girl in a short skirt.

Malay 65% (Muslim), Chinese 25% (Buddism or Christian) and Indian 10% (Hindu or Christian). Because Malay is considered to be the native and Chinese and Indians are immigrants, law is based on Malay's religion "Muslim". My friend, who is Chinese Malaysian, told me that Malay people has many advantages conpared to other race. One of the benefit is financial benefits. For example, when they buy a land or house, Malay people get 5% discount. When you go to the bank, Malay gets more interests than non-Malay.

Can you believe this? So I asked him "They are all born in Malaysia which means all same Malaysians. How come they are treated different?" He said "We are same nationality but different race." Then I asked " Aren't Chinese or Indians angry and do a protest or something? No jealousy or hatred?" The answer was "No." He explained that the rules are set like this so that everyone will understand that Malaysia belongs to Malays. Chinese and Indian Malaysians accept this and are happy as they are. There are no conflict, that's why this country is very peaceful country, he said.

He also told me that there are good things for non-Malays about the financial benefits to Malay. Since Malay has beneifts, they get lazy to work. They don't try hard to earn money. On the other hand, Chinese and Indians work hard. In fact, most of the richest person in Malaysia is Chinese-Malaysian.

One more thing that I was curious. "Can Malay, Chinese and Indian marry each other?" "Yes, but if you marry to Malay, you have to be Muslim. There is no choise." Becoming Muslim means no alchohol, no pork, no sex until marrige, no showing skins, fasting, praying 5 times a day. To me, it seems like there are too many restrictions that you cannot enjoy your life as much as you can. but I guess if you are born like that, haven't experienced to drink alchohol, then you won't need it. Sex (or cigarrete is bettery example maybe) is the same thing, right? Once you've experienced, you know the taste that you have to do it agian.

Oh, but unfortunately Muslim do have sex before marrige, do have an affair too. Not everyone but few. Of course it's a hidden secret. I guess all men are same no matter which nationality, race or religion!? Tell me your opinion guys!

Power, money?

A tuk-tuk driver in Cambodia told us that the richest people in Cambodia are those who has the "power". Politicians, police, friends of politicians, friends of police...
but I also think that people who has the "money" can have "power".

"In Cambodia if you have the power, you can do whatevery you want." he said. "you can get the most beautiful women in the country, even if she had a husband. Women cannot say no even she wanted to."

Sadly, the world still works that way. In every country.

Currently in Vietnam!!!

Long long time since last post.

I've been travelling around China and now in Vietnam. I really would like to post some pictures but that seems to be difficult because of the computer situation. I will upload as soon as possible when I can.

I've been travelling around and meeting people on the way. They all come from different countries, different occupation, backgrounds, personality etc...

But one thing I've noticed. People travelling around (not the ones who's on vacation) have the same purpose. They are questioning them-selves and searching for the answer to "What do I wanna do?" "What do I wanna be?" or "What is life...?"

You'll probably be quetioning that all your life and there's no answer to it. But travellers are looking for the hints or some ideas to get the answer.

Have you found your answer?

Some Phrases

最近、人に言われた心に残っている言葉。

人生は一瞬一瞬だ。将来の損得を考えず、今素直にやりたいと思うことをやるべき。
Life is every moment.　Don't think about the profits and listen to your heart's voice.

会社は結局“人”である。会社にとって“人”が最大の財産。
People is the most important thing for a company.　Employeeｓ are the assets.　

お金は大事。お金は自信につながる。
ただし、お金は幸せではない。
Money is important. Money will become confidence.
But money is not happiness.

お金を増やす方法は３つ。
一、収入を増やす
二、支出を減らす
三、資産運用
今の私にできるのは二番。
There are 3 ways to increase your money.
1. Increase the income.
2. Minimize the expences.
3. Investing

Hisashiburi~!!

Haven't written for a while. I hope people are still reading my blog...

The reason I was away for a while is because my life has changed a lot recently.
In a good way, so don't worry. But still same job...
I remember writing here a few month ago that I'm thinking to quit my job. I still have that feeling and I was waiting for the right chance. Well, I think now is the time now.

My company was ranked 4th in one of the recruiting company's top 100 ranking and 1st among male new graduates. Human resourse said we have 3 times more applicants than last year. Wow, I was surprised to hear this.
You can't believe how good my company's welfare program is. Depends on which department you belong but in my case, I can get holidays almost anytime I want (I took 2 days off this month), no overwork except the busiest time. If I had to do overtime, I get paid 100% ( not like many Japanese who have to do "non-paid over time" ) I would never want to work for free. I also have long GW, summer and winter vacation (compared to other jp companies).

So lucky, huh? Too good to quit. I know, I know...
This makes me to hold back a little bit but I don't think I will regret. Because I'm not enjoying my job! It's not because I can't do it or I hate it. It's not the thing I want to do. I still don't know what exactly I wanna do but I can tell you this is not it. Completely the opposite.

I know that getting a job that you enjoy is difficult. Only a few (or maybe no one) are like that. You might have to keep looking all your life to find that position. But what if you don't try? Only regret will remain. You'll keep thinking "what if I did this...." or "what if I quit and challenged this...". I don't wanna be like that.

Anyway the reason I'm writting this is to remind myself that I have to notice my company this week. This week. I am 100% sure for my decision but I don't have the courage to tell my boss... I'm not like this usually but telling your boss that you want to quit is.... difficult, pressure. Especially when your boss did a lot for you. But in order to quit by the end of March, I have to say it. Please everyone wish me luck...

I'll update and tell you how it went next time.
For those of you wondering what am I gonna do after quitting, I'll tell you when I know that for sure. It's not like I'm not thinking anything and leaving my job. I do have some ideas and plans in my mind.

すごく久しぶりに書く気がする。
新年に入ってから新しい生活になったので、ちょっとご無沙汰してました。
新しい生活といっても仕事を辞めたわけじゃないので。
でもそろそろ本気で辞めることを会社に言おうと思います。前に一度このことについてブログ書いたことあるけど、ついにその時期が来たようです。

先週、会社のイントラで”当社がある雑誌で就職ランキング第４位、男性新卒者では第１位にランクイン”というニュースが入ってきた。人事部によると新卒応募者数は去年の3倍だという。正直驚いた。

辞めたい気持ちは本物だが、辞めたくない理由が一つだけある。それは福利厚生がとても良いこと。まぁ事業部や部署によるんだけど、私の場合、有給が好きな時にいつでもとれる（今月なんか2回も休んだ）、残業はほとんどないし、あったとしても残業代が必ずつく。GW、夏休み、冬休みが長期である（今年はそれぞれ９か１０日間ある）。こんな日本企業ほとんどないだろう。親にも「こんないい会社で働いて、他では働けないよ」って言われた。確かにもったいないかもしれない。でも面白くない。いやとかできないとかじゃなくて、面白くない。仕事に対するやる気が大きかった分、全く興味のない部署に配属されて余計やる気を無くした。やめる理由は後悔しくないから。面白くないまま続けて後で「もし辞めて～してたらどうなっただろう」とか「～やっとけばよかった」って絶対思うと思う。それなら試してみてだめだったらだめでいい。ただやらなくて後悔だけはしたくない。

そんなことはともかく、ここにこの事について書いたのは、自分に言い聞かせるため。辞める決意は本気なのだが、なかなか辞めることが言い出せない。勇気がない。普段はなんでも言えるのだが、"辞める"となると言い出せない。特に大変お世話になった上司に言うのが辛い。でも何が何でも今週中に言わなきゃ。でないと自分が希望する時期に辞められなくなると思うから。有言実行。ここで宣言したら言わなきゃいけないでしょう。

次回、どうなったか報告します。

If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it.
If you don't ask, the answer is always no.
If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place.
-Nora Roberts

Above is from my friend, Astri's blog which encouraged me recently.
Believe in yourself.

Thoughts

Recently I've been thinking a lot about my future. Work, love, dream... Life.

Probably because I'm not satisfied with my work. I went into the business world this year with lots of ambition. I really wanted to work, I had my dream. However, I was put into totally different position I wanted to be in. I was so shocked and upset when I knew the fact but I thought I should at least give it a try cause I might like it. So I was doing Accounting this past few month. My job is a great place to learn about how money works, see the company as a whole, and about Japanese organization. I think Accounting is very important in business world so I don't mind learning it. Actually, I'm appreciating for giving me a chance to study Accounting.

Also, there are advantages (and of course disadvantages) working for big company. You have a secure life and salary, have long vacation 3 times a year (which is impossible if you work in Japan and I love that cause I love to travel) But, but....

Anyway, what I want to say is, this is not what I want to do.
I'm not sad but not happy either. I am not using my advantages at all. I know my strength and I want to make the most of it but what I'm doing right now, it doesn't have to be me. I think other people can do it better than me. I don't know why I was put in this position, what my company wants from me, but above all, company's convinience comes first in a big organization. So even I hope and wait till I can change position, there's no guarantee you can do what you want to do, and worse is that you might be transfered to countryside office where you never wanna go. Now I am willing to work hard but don't have the motivation to continue my current job...

I talked to some people about this recently. Some say "mottainai", which means it's too good to quit this job. Maybe they're right but what's the meaning if you're not enjoying your life? I also talked to people who are doing what they want to do. It might be tough but they were having their life. If you like it and that's what you want to do, then you can do it no matter how hard it is. I was also talking to a friend who started a cafe resturant last year which was his dream. He advised me, "List up everything what I want to do, your future dreams to even very very small things. Then, think ways to achieve all those goals. This will give you hints to your next step." So I did. and to think of it, my current job was too far from my goal. Off the track.

I just remembered when I was in Spain, one said "this is life!" on a boat, enjoying the sunshine, surrounded by people who you love. "yes, it sure is." I said.

You only live once. Live life.

性善説

性善説：the view that humans are born inherently good
性善説とは広辞苑によると、人間の本能は善であり、仁・儀を先天的に具有すると考える孟子の説である。（逆は性悪説by荀子）
私は基本的に性善説だ。人間は基本的に生まれたときから悪い人はいない。どんな人でも自分の家族は愛しているだろう。もし犯罪を犯してしまったのなら、なんらかの理由があるか、周りの環境によって人間を変えられてしまったのだと思う。精神病なども、それは環境のせいであり、その人自身のせいではないと思う。自分の家族を殺してしまった人もいるが、それはなんらかの原因がある。原因もなく殺す人はいない。もちろんどんな理由であれ、人を殺してしはいけないが。

Anyway,突然こんなことを書いたのは、また人に「あなたはすぐ人を信じるでしょ。人を簡単に信用してはだめ。」と言われたからだ。しかもあまり話したこともない、人生いろいろ経験してそうな45歳くらいのおばさんに。今まで何回このようなことを人に言われてきたことか。。高校卒業のとき、もう当分会わないであろう友達に「まゆは将来絶対人を信用して騙されるよ。お願いだからそう簡単に人を信用しないでね。気をつけて」と忠告され、それ以降もいろんな人に「人をすぐ信用する。」「誰でもすぐいい人って言うよね。」といわれる。う～ん、そんなにすぐ人を信用するのだろうか？確かにちょっとやさしかったら「いい人」と思ってしまう。友達曰く、「そんな表面上はどんな人でもいい人だよ。実際その人がどんな人かなんかわからないよ。」また、私の周りに1人完璧な性悪説の人がいる。その人は周りは基本的にみな敵だと思っているらしい。だから人と接するときは疑いから入るし、裏切られてもあまり傷つかないらしい良いらしい。やっぱりなって感じで。確かに私はこの人いい人って思っていたのに、そう思っていた分、裏切られるとショックは大きい。また、危ない目にも何度かあったなぁ。。これを読んでる人の中にも思い当たる人いるよね・・？ごめんねぇ。。なにせ私が言いたいのは、またこのようなことを知らない人からいきなり言われて、ちょっと真剣に考えさせられた。これはいけないことなのか？でも皆口をそろえて、忠告する。まぁ危ないっちゃあ危ないし、私の事を思って言ってくれてるのだろうけど。でもこれは私の短所でもあり、長所だと思うんだよね。傷つくこともたまにあるけど、信じてみると、いいこともいっぱいあると思う。人って冷たいと思うことも多々あるけど、意外とあったかいよ。でもでも、最近ちょっと怖くなってきたなぁ・・・これからより人との出会いが多くなるなか、人をどこまで信用していいのかわからなくなってきた。。

みなさんはどう思いますか？興味あるので、意見聞かせてください！

There is a theory that humans are born inherently good. This theory was said by Chinese philosopher called 孟子（Moushi）　back in the B.C. 3c. I basically agree with this opinion. There are no humans who are bad from bottom of their heart. Even a murderer loves his family and probably will do anything for them.　Mental disorders must have had some kind of outer influence to be in that situation. Murderer must have a reason or cause to murder. No one will kill someone without reasons. what if your beloved child was killed?

Anyway, the reason I wrote this is because someone said to me "you trust peole very easily don't you? don't believe people so easily", and that was from someone I don't really know. How many times have I heard this from somebody else... On my graduation day back in high school, one of my friend's last message was "You trust people too easily and will be betrayed in the future. Please don't trust people and be careful. " and still I'm often said the same thing. I don't know why but I tend to think that if a person was nice and friendly, I would think "oh, s/he's nice!" and my friends will be like"how can you say that? of course people will be nice to strangers. You never know what that person is like from the outside." Yes, exactly. I have one friend who has the opposite theory; humans are born inherently bad. He thinks people are basically enemies so when he meets people, he begin from suspecting that person. If you trust the person and get betrayed you'll get hurt but if you haven't and same thing happend, you won't get hurt. You'll just think "oh, s/he was a bad person as I expected", he says. True, when the person who thought were nice wasn't a nice, I get terribly shocked. This happend a few times in the past... My point is I was shocked that some random person guessed this which made me think again... Is this really bad? I used to think this is my bad and also good point. I agree that I need to be more careful but good things will happen sometimes if your trust people. A lot of people are very cold these days (especially I feel this in Japan) but there are warm-hearted people out there. But now I'm a bit scared... I'll have more chance to meet people from now on and I don't know how much can I trust others. I don't know if I were able to explain what I wanted to say. Hope you could understand though.

so, what do you guys think? I would like to hear your opinions plz!

お父さん。 My Dad

東京に来るといつもお父さんのところに泊まる。アメリカから帰国してからお父さんはずっと東京暮らし。かれこれもう10年以上単身赴任してるかな。海外に住んでる時から父はいつも忙しくて帰りが遅かったため、あまり一緒に過ごした記憶がないかなぁ。たまに週末一緒に過ごしたり、ごはん食べたりするくらいで。
I always stay at my dad's place when I come to Tokyo. Since we came back from the U.S., he's been living in Tokyo. It's been more than 10 years that we've been living separately. (my parents are not divorsed, btw. he comes back to Kobe every 2 weeks) That's quite common in Japan, that their dad lives in a different place because of their job. Even when we lived together (mostly overseas), he came home late all the time so I really don't have a memory that we spent time together. Maybe few times a week over dinner or sometimes on weekends.

それが、私が就職活動で東京にくるようになってから父と過ごす時間が多くなった。就活が終わってからもよく東京に遊びにくるけど、その度に父のところに泊まる。そして2日に1度の割合で一緒にご飯食べたり飲みにいったりする。いつものパターンは、私はもうごはん食べたのに、夜11頃お父さんから電話がかかってきて、「お父さんごはんまだ食べてないから一緒に付き合って～。1人で食べるんさみしい」とか、週末だったらお互い別々にごはん食べて帰ってきてから「一杯飲みに行こうか？」と誘ってくる。近所によく行くバーがあって、夜12時過ぎてたら必ずそこ。マスターはわがままな父のリクエストに合わせて料理してくれたり、話相手になってくれる。これが男前な若いマスターなのだ。もうあと何件かよく行くレストランがあって、どこも父がお世話になってるみたい。私の父はいろいろうるさいから迷惑してるんだろうなぁ・・・。
But because I was doing job hunting last year, I came to Tokyo often. Even after I got my job, I came to Tokyo often just to visit. I always stay at my dad's and we go and have dinner or drinking a lot. Maybe every other day. Usually he calls me around 11 pm saying "I haven't had dinner yet so will you come with me? I don't wanna eat alone. It's too lonely." Or if it's on the weekend and we both came home after having dinner separately, he'll say "let's go and have a drink." There's this one bar very close to our house and if it's past 12 am, we always go there. The bartender kindly makes my dad's food as he requested and listen to his story. He's handsome and young guy.

お酒を飲むようになって圧倒的にお父さんとの会話が多くなった。父の仕事の話や世の中の話、これから社会人になる上でどうしたらいいかなどいろんなアドバイスをしてくれる。父というより、尊敬するビジネスマンという感じ。前は「仕事ばっかりして」って思ってたけど、この父のおかげで今の私があり、留学やその他のやりたいことを全て実現させてもらっているのだ。世の中には留学したくても出来ない人、必要最低限の生活が出来ない人が山ほどいるのであり、私は本当に幸せだと思う。しかも父は自分の仕事に誇りを持っており、好きみたい。これを聞いてすごくうれしかった。嫌いなのにそんなに遅くまで毎日働いてたら人生何が楽しいんだろうと思うけど、好きなことをしてお金を稼いでたらしんどくてもそれを上回るものがあるだろうから。
Since I started to drink alchohol, the conversation between me and my dad increased. About my dad's work, business, what's happening in the world, what should I do before start working etc. He's more like my repectful business person rather than my dad. When I was young, I used to think "oh, work again..." but now I appreciate him for working hard. Thanks to my dad, I was able to study abroad and do what I want. There are many people who can't go abroad even though they want to or can't have the standard of living. I am healthy and happy now. Plus, my dad said he enjoys his job. I was very happy to hear that. Why would you work so hard till late at night everday the job you hate? Even though it's hard work, if you love your job then I'm sure there's more you can gain from it.

そして今日も父と飲みにいった。私は昼間の買い物で疲れて、家出だらだらしてたら10時ごろ電話がかかてきて「ごはんつきあって～」と。頭が痛くてしんどかったけど、仕方なく「いいよ～すぐ行くわ。」といって近くの料理屋へ出て行った。父と飲むときはいつも梅酒。お父さんは一杯目はビールでその次は日本酒かウィスキー。食べてる時に「今日めっちゃ頭が痛いの。マッサージしたいわ」ってふと言ったら「おっ、じゃあマッサージいこうか？お父さんもしたいわ。近くにあるよ。」その時夜12時前。「えっ、今から！？」
And we went for a drink again today. I was so tired from shopping in Shibuya and Shinjyuku (too many people, soooo crowded. this made me a headache...) so was chilling at home. Then my dad called me around 10 pm saying "let's go dinner. please be my company." I was tired but I said "okay, i'll go a.s.a.p." and went to the resturant. I always have plum alchohol (Japanese liquer) on the rock and my dad, beer for the first drink and after that either sake or whiskey. While having dinner I said "I have a terrible headache. I need a massage..." then my dad goes "oh, then you wanna go massaging? There's one near here. I wanna have massage too." "what!? from now?" At that time, it was almost midnight.

夜中でも開いてるらしく、食べ終わった後マッサージに寄ってみたら本当に開いてた。父と二人でマッサージ。不思議な感じがした。でもふと幸せな感じがした。二人で出かけてるとよく「親子でいいですねぇ～」と言われる。父は「そんなことないよ～」と言うものの、すごくうれしそう。今まであまり一緒にいなかった分、東京にいるときはなるべく父と過ごせる時間は一緒にいようと思う。それがせめてもの私からの感謝の気持ち。私の周りには留学経験者が多いのだが、みんな同じ気持ちなんじゃないかな？離れて初めて家族の大切さ、有難さが分かるよね。働きだすともっと家族との時間が少なくなるだろうから、家族、もっと大切にしよう。
After dinner, we really went to the massage store and yes, it was open. That's Tokyo. Everything's open anytime. Father and his daughter having massage together. I felt a little happy for this moment. When we go out together, people often say to my dad "oh, how nice to go out with your daughter. You must be happy:)" Even though he says "oh, it's nothing" he looks quite happy. Not many girls go out with their dad in Japan. So now, I try to spend time with my dad as much as I can because we couldn't when I was little. and also that's at least I can do to show my appreciation. I have many friends who have experienced studying abroad and I'm sure they feel the same way. People realize the importance of their family after separating from them. I'll probably have less and less time that I can spend with my family from now on so I'll try to be with them as much as I can and will appreciate them a lot.

Have a great life.

Family

Haven't written this for a while... What was i doing...?

Well, after i came back from Tokyo I went on a trip to the most southern part of Japan's main island called "Kushimoto" with my family. We really haven't spend this much time all of my family members together for a long time. 'cause I was in the U.S. last year and I lived alone in Kyoto before that. It really is nice to be with your family. You never know how impartant your family is till you live apart. I really appreciate my mom and dad for understanding me and letting me do what I want. They trust me (i'm sure) and support me. There are many people in the world who can't do what they want to because of their parents opposition or other restraints. I know some of my friends like that...

During our vacation, we did tennis (my dad beat me but i did better than my sister), cycling (soooo hot and tiring since we went up the big hill!) , went into a hot spring and ate fresh sushi.
We had a great time:)


above: typical Japan's landscape

above: my cute sister

う～ん、ご無沙汰です。最近書いてなかった。

　東京から帰ってきてから、２泊３日で家族旅行行ってきました。本州最南端「串本」へ。久しぶりの家族全員そろっての旅行。去年は私が留学でいなく、その前は京都に一人暮らししてたからなかなか行けなくて。。でもやっぱ家族っていいなぁってしみじみ思いました。離れてみてその大切さが初めてわかる気がする。
　両親には本当に感謝している。いつもいつも好きなことやらせてもらって。特に父はいつもどんと構えていて、何事にも寛大だ。私を信頼し（だと思う）、支えてくれてる両親、ありがとう。世の中には親の反対で自分のやりたいことができずにいる人もいるのに。私は本当に恵まれ、幸せだと思います。

旅行中はテニスしたり、自転車したり、温泉入ったり、おいしい新鮮な魚食べたり。とてもいい時を過ごせました☆