Tuesday, December 14, 2010

WINTER BREAK

I don't have many plans for this winter vacation.
But, I know that I have to finish three reports during the break (Basic Seminar, Japanese Economy, and International Society).
Because I finished my papers at the last moment in the spring semester, I'm hoping to start writing them earlier this time.

After completing the reports, I'm planning to go shopping and buy new clothes.
I have not gone shopping since October, so I'm so stressed!
There are some movies that I want to watch with my sister too.
I can't wait for the break:)

During the last summer break, I didn't have a part time job, but now I'm working at a cake shop near my house.
I think it will be really busy during Christmas and the New Year, because many people buy sweets as a present to bring when they visit relatives.

These are some of my plans, but the best thing I want to do during the break is that relaxing at home and reading books:)

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

ADULT

I realize that there are many "adults" who cannot behave like a grown-up.
Although I am now a college student, I still do not have confidence in myself as an adult.

For me, being an adult means that you are responsible for your own action.
No one can take responsibility for the result of your decision when you become a grown up.

Also, when I think about being an adult, it means that you are able to be patient with other people.
Even if a person is thinking in a different way and cannot meet your expectation, you should not be upset easily.
I learned this attitude when I was observing seniors in my club.
Some of them were respectable, but the rest seemed to be sometimes childish and impatient.
Before acting in a self-centered way, adult should think about others' feelings and see themselves objectively.

Well, I think growing older with age and becoming a grown-up are completely different things.
In addition, I think that a person is adult when he/she has own style:)
(style of fashion, hobby, work, life...anything)

Sunday, November 28, 2010

CHILDHOOD MEMORY

My earliest childhood memory that I remember is ... Disneyland in Florida I went with my family.
However, this is not a kind of happy memory that many poeple may expect.

I was about 2 or 3 years old, so I was still an only child (my sister was born when I was 5 years old).
My family was spending winter vacation in Florida, and they planned a surprise party for my birthday.
On that day, we went to a restaurant at Disneyland.
I think my father and mother were already setting the surprise with the staff of restaurant.
When we were eating dinner, Micky came in with a brithday cake and balloons.
Everyone expected me to be delighted or surprised.

BUT, I was too surprised.
I was terrified by Micky and cried as if something awful happened.
I don't remember further on, but my parents have sworn that they will never arrange surprise event for me in the future.
This is a pity because now I'm sure that I can fully enjoy any surprise event.
It was an unfortunate accident.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

CANADA

Next year, I'm planning to visit Toronto, Canada for the studying abroad progarm.
I'm really interested in Canada!:D
I heard that two languages (English and French) are the official languages of Canada, and most people can speak both. That's unthinkable in Japan.
And the reason why I chose Toronto is that it is one of the largest cities in Canada.
An university surrounded by great forest and lakes were attractive too, but I wanted to experience a life in downtown.
Then I can enjoy shopping witout a problem in transportation (in fact, I don't have a car license)
That's why I chose Toronto:)
I can't wait for next year.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

MISUNDERSTANDING

The greatest misunderstanding between men and women?

I don't know!
I see many couples break up because of small troubles...but what is the greatest one?

Women generally want empathy and support in conversation with others.
It helps us to feel close!
So we want to talk more about our feelings as well as facts.
That's why we get sometimes incredibly emotional during chats.

But men don't seem to talk much about how they feel.
How do we call this...report talk?
I get a kind of impression that they prefer just giving facts (not everyone, of course).
I think this difference may lead to misunderstandings between men and women.
I don't know how to avoid it, though.
It's really complicated.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

FALL

Actually, fall is my most favorite season:D
We can enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves before facing the winter cold.
In our campus, the trees have finally begun to turn red and yellow.
It's really nice to see the trees every morning as we walk the street to the school.
Also, I personally like the autumn fashion among all the seasons in the year.
We can put on our boots while we don't have to wear many layers of clothes yet.
I really hope that the weather would warmer during November...
It's been too cold for the last few days!
I'm not ready for the winter yet.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

TYPE OF FASHION

Today I'm gonna talk about my favorite type of fashion.
I think everyone has his/her own fashion preference, such as classic, trendy, casual, and etc.

Recently, I'm really into preppy style.
A long sleeved shirt under button-up cardigan is an simple style, but it makes me feel cool and formal.
Striped shirts are one of my hottest items!
Since I really love them, I always look for same kind of shirts during the shopping.
Vest and tie are also my favorite items too.

I like watching the fashion of KG students in campus, because there are many interesting styles that I want to learn.
Observing people is sometimes efficient as well as reading magazines.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

TREND

ummm...I think one of the trends in Japan, or around the world, is Twitter.
I'm not a user of Twitter, but I know many people who are using this service.
You can read everyone's tweets, and know what is happening at this moment.
Since each post is limited to 140 characters, it is very easy and quick to send messages.

The main user of Twitter may be young people.
Twitter is appealing for Japanese students, because they can catch up to the latest event without taking a lot of effort.
Adults also use twitter in business and other activities.
It is amazing that many companies are now offering recruitment information for university students through Twitter.

I think this trend will last for a long period of time, because Twitter is developing as a part of people's daily life.
Sooner of later it may become one of the necessary tools for our communication.
Of course there are still many problems regarding privacy and security, but its usefulness is attracting many people.

Monday, October 18, 2010

CULTURE

I haven't experienced that much unsual cultural custom either in Japan or USA...
Most people seem to have ordinary lifestyle, though I really don't know what is normal or not.

One thing I can say is that Western people walk into their house with their shoes on.
For Japanese people, floor (tatami) is the place for eating and sleeping.
We also lay babies on the floor directly.
Therefore, we always want to keep the floor clean and are very reluctant to step on the floor with our shoes on.
However, Western people do not have the culture of sitting directly on the floor.
They sleep on bed, eat on table, and sit on chair.
May be they feel uncomfortable and defenseless when they are walking barefoot.

I think Japanese people are making distinction between "UCHI" and "SOTO" by taking off their shoes when their enter house.
Without taking off our shoes, we can't really relax in private, and by putting on our shoes again, we can shift our mind for public.
I'm really interested to know the real reason behind this cultural difference:D

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

TECHNOLOGY

This week's topic was fairly easy for me.
The first thing that came to mind was computer.
I need it for both my studies and entertainment.
I can say without no doubt that computer is th most important technology in my life.

I first touched computer when I was in third grade in New Jersey.
English teacher decided to use computer game as a teaching material to explain the grammar.
At that time, I could not understand English at all, but I remember the feelings of excitement and astonishment that I felt in front of the computer.
Although I did not get what the teacher was instructing, the square electronic machine seemed like a great tool for me.

Now, computer is the thing that I must have and cannot manage without it.
I do my homework on Word, search the latest news on Internet, and listen to the favorite music on iTunes.
I will be in real panic if I loose my computer.
I don't know what to do!
Even if I break my ipod, I can survive as long as I can backup from my computer.
It is really difficult not to depend too much on computer.
Recently, I am considering about switching to ipad for its convenience and stylishness, but computer is always at the top of my list of necessary items.

SUMMER VACATION

Hi, everyone!!!
I'm really happy to see you guys again:D

During the summer break, I was busy with club activity.
We had a short concert at an open campus day in August.
I was surprised that the campus was full of highschool students and their parents who came to see KGU.

At the end of August, we had a four-day training camp at Sengari Campground in Sanda.
Every morning, we started our practice with vocal training and exercises, and practiced hymns almost 8-9 hours a day.
It was hard, but I am glad that I was able to enjoy the camp!

After the training camp, a one-week concert trip was waiting for us.
This year, we visited churches in Tokyo and Tohoku area by the Shinkansen.
Everyday we went to different church and held a concert.
Since everyday was so busy, sometimes I almost forgot where I am and what I am doing.
There were some shocking happenings at a business hotel, but the trip in general was really fun.
People at the church were so nice and greeted us kindly with delicious meels.
This trip taught me once again the importance of audicence and the purpose of our choir.
I hope we were able to encourage people through music:D

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

FIRST SEMESTER

This semester, my life at KGU was not only exciting but also challenging.
It started with worries about new environment, hard assignments, and studying abroad.
The third one really stressed me a lot, because I couldn't expect that application starts such early.
Through the exams and term papers, I learned that "finishing an assignment as soon as possible" will save my life as a result.
During the mid-term and final weeks, I was too lazy to start writing the papers, and obviously, killed myself.
Also...I realized that I just can't stay up all night and finish my work.
Morning is the best time for me, I think.

Well...I really don't want to experience this again next semester!!!!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

SUMMER

Actually, I've been thinking about the plans for this summer since the Golden Week:D

Few weeks ago, I found a pamphlet of Kyushu travel at KG Coop. It introduced various kinds of train trip for a very reasonable price. I always wanted to visit Kyushu, so my friends and I decided to take this chance during the summer. But since we've been so busy these days, we haven't bought the tickets yet...>< We gotta hurry up!

Also, our club (choir) will have a training camp at Sengari and a one-week concert tour in Kanto and Tohoku. During the tour, we are going to meet Aoyama Gakuin University choir and sing together. It's exciting, but I feel bit nervous too (may be because I'm a Kansai person!).

I knows that I have to concentrate on finishing the term papers, I can't stop thinking about summer vacation. And of course I have to earn money for travels...

I hope you guys will have a great summer!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

JAPAN

If I'm going to show my host family and new friends about Japan, I would probably bring many pictures with me.
First, I thought about bringing Japanese comics, because they may be interested in the Japanese subculture. But...this will make my bag too heavy!
So I would bring pictures and introduce my family (and may be friends) in Japan.

Hmm...is there anything else I can bring?
Since I'm planning to leave Japan probably in August or September (if I can get a recommendation;;), Japanese fans could be one of the presents. They are different from ordinary fans and the price is reasonable. Something unique from my homeland sounds very good!

Thinking about gifts is really fun whether they are for my old frinds or new friends:D
I wish they'll love Japanese items!

LOVE

LOVE...what a hard topic to discuss!

There are many kinds of love in this world.
Right now I don't have a special person who I love in a romantic sense, but my family and friends are occupying most of the feeling of LOVE. They not only care about me, but also scolds me when I act selfishlly or thoughtlessly. Each time they point out my defects, I am motivated to improve myself.

Being kind is not love. Sometimes it needs severeness. I think scolding is more difficult than praising. If you like someone, you can say many good things about him/her. However, if you are going to scold that perosn, your affection may hinder you from saying strict things. Love is challenging!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

MY FAVORITE SINGER

Hi! Do you guys have a favorite musician/actor/writer/etc... who is not very famous but you really like?
For me, KOKIA is that kind of person. She is a young Japanese singer-song writer, but I have never met someone close to me who knows her name and works.

What I really like about this artist is that she has a very clear voice. Her songs make me both relax and enjoy. She has also written every original song that appear in her album, and those songs reflecting her honest feelings really encourage me from time to time.

May be she is more well known in Europe than in Japan, because she has been actively holding most of her tours and concerts in France, Ireland, Poland, Germany, and Belgium. As a matter of fact, I myself found this singer through the introduction of my friend who is from Paris. If I can go on a trip somewhere, I would definitely choose France so that I can go to her concert:)

Well, I really hope that people will have more chances to listen to her music! If the number of fan increases, we can share our love for KOKIA and enjoy her songs together^^

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

THOUGHTS

These days my mind is wandering off without much focus to certain ideas or subjects. The first thing that comes to my mind is...what I should do during the summer vacation.

At the end of August, our club (KG choir) is going to have a concert tour in Kantou and Tohoku. Before we set off by a shinkansen train, we will practice songs at a one-week camp in preparation for the tour. Last month, We had another camp at Sengari, Sanda, but the summer camp is more longer than the previous one, and each day is going to be devoted to practices. I'm really looking forward this event!

However, I must work hard to earn my traveling expenses and hotel expenses. Some of my friends say that they are planning to attend driving school in order to get a driver's licence by the end of the summer. Umm...it is true that this vacation is a big chance to experience new things that you cannot challenge on usual days. Well...making plan is very exciting, but at the same time it is very difficult!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

MY FAVORITE SHOP

I love ice cream more than any other dessert, so I am often looking for a good ice cream parlor.

Last year, I finally met the best ice cream parlor in Japan. Many of you guys may know this name, "Cold Stone." It sells various ice cream related products such as ice cream cakes, pies, and frozen drinks. I need hardly tell you that all the flavors offered here is so delicious and sweet. Various fruits, nuts, and candies are mixed together on a cold iron plate, creating a smooth and creamy taste.

However, the most special thing about Cold Stone is that crew members will sing you a Cold Stone song while they serve the ice cream. Phrases are short, but they make us happy and cheerful. After watching their unique performance, customers enjoy their ice creams in a jovial mood.

Since Cold Stone opened its first shop in Japan several years ago, now you can find this amazing ice cream parlor almost anywhere. Recently I went to the shop in Nishinomiya Kitaguchi. Prices are bit higher than other places, but I am sure that I will order another cup of strawberry & cheesecake ice cream.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

FIRST TRIP TO TOKYO

In the last winter vacation, I took a trip to Tokyo with my friends at high school. It was a trip of five days and six nights, including a stay at hotel and night bus. We visited some famous cities such as Harajuku and Shibuya, and had a great time at Tokyo Disney Land (@Chiba), but the most shocking place we stopped was Akihabara.

As many of you guys may know, Akihabara is a big shopping area for electronics, anime, and otaku goods. We often shorten its name to Akiba. When we got off from a train at the station, there were too many things to see that our eyes could not catch up with excitement and curiosity. First, bright neon lights came bursting into view. A concrete wall was decorated with colorful posters of anime and game. There was a jumble of little stores on both sides of a narrow street, and men and women of all ages were trying to go through the crowd. Some poeple stopped by a music store and examined earphones and music players newly put on sale, while young girls in showy costumes were walking along giving out handbills about their stores or concerts. Every person not only looked busy, but also free and jolly.

We saw everything with a big surprise at Akihabara. It was amazing that sometimes we heard other languages such as English, Chinese, Korean, French, etc. Foreign tourists from various countries were gathering at that unique town. Akihabara showed us so many kinds of faces in only one night.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

HOMETOWN

Hi, I'm going to talk about my hometown:)

I live in Katano, Osaka, as you guys already know if you have read my profile. But where I live now is very far from urban areas such as Umeda and Osaka. Katano city has nothing special to talk about. It is just a quiet town where we can see many trees and flowers from any place.

Because my house is on almost top of the mountain, it is difficult to ride a bicycle from the station. I tried to enjoy cycling when I was in first grade, but my bicycle was too stiff. And that was the only time I ever rode the bicycle.

Also, I don't know why, but my hometown is related to stars from old times. In addition to the Tanabata Festival on the night of the 7th of July, we have Star Festival (星祭) in February and Falling-Star Festival (星降り祭) at the end of July. So if you have an interest, please visit our town:D

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

FUTURE

Today I'm going to talk about my interests and future.

As a student of International Studies it may sound weird to say this, but improving the English skill is not my ultimate goal at this university. Of course I regard it as one of the most important factors. However, for me English is no more than an effective means of communication, and even communication skill is only a tool to accomplish my goal.

Right now, I'm really interested in working at NGO. It can be described by the one word "NGO," but NGOs come in all sorts of shapes and colors. It will be great if I can get involved in the fields such as human rights, enterprise, and education. Since I'm also interested in business, I want to study how NGOs are using marketing strategies in carrying out their global activities. Many people (including ME!) are still unaware of the work they do, so public relations and advertisement could be my other options.

Well...NGO is only a small part of my future prospects and they are still changing through the days at KGU. Nobody knows where we might end up!

Thanks:)

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

TEACHER

Hey guys, this is my SECOND post:)

This week's mission is to write about something that changed my life.
There is one person who has definitely affected my way of thinking in a positive way. Many people may have a same kind of experience that "I've become a big fan of xxx class because of THIS teacher." That was my case.

Mr. Goto (not his real name) is one of the Social Study instructors at my old school. He was the homeroom teacher when I was a 10th grader. Because his way of speaking was so funny, I immediately fell in love with the class, though I never liked history nor geography before.

The biggest thing that struck my head was hiw own background. He became Christian after he graduated the university and met a pastor from U.S. He said that he was able to overcome family discord by building a new relationship with Jesus Christ. I am not Christian, but I really respect his positive attitude toward life and people. He has taught me the concept of "forgiveness" and "love" (which I cannot fully understand yet...).
I hope we can meet many great teachers at KGU!

Thanks for reading my blog^^

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

KGU

Hi, everyone^^

Starting a new post on my blog, I'd like to tell my first impression of Kwansei Gakuin University. Well, everybody may have felt that this campus is so beautiful! There are many trees, European style buildings, and nice streets. Sometimes I get lost in a huge campus, so if someone finds me wondering, please help!

The greatest thing about G-building, where we spend most of our time at school, is that the restrooms are so clean! If we go to another place to take lectures, we can automatically notice that they are so different from the one we have in G-building. Yeah, we are sooo lucky to have such a new building as students of International Studies.

Another thing that I was amazed is...there are many fashionable girls in the campus>o< Sitting on a bench, I feel like looking(?) a magazine or something. There are many things that I can learn just by watching them, such as how to coordinate a jacket and skirt.