February 2008 Archives

Oita Godo Newspaper (morning edition on February 10, 2008)

             Kokonoe city and the City Commerce and Industry Association have developing a brand new city’s famous product called “Kokonoe ‘Dream’ Burger.” They opened a guidance session for those who have passed the recruitment as burger sellers at a conference room of the City Commerce and Industry Association at 1:30 PM on February 18^th.

            “Kokonoe ‘Dream’ Burger” is a plan following popular “Sasebo Burger” of Nagasaki Prefecture, Kokonoe’s sister city. Kokonoe received burger recipe, know-how guidance of commoditization from Nagasaki, and tries to build up as its own well-known food, up to the city’s OVOP (One Village One Product).

            With regards to “Kokonoe ‘Dream’ Burger”, authorized standard from Sasebo city is still reserved while local materials will be used as ingredients, for example pork from Bungo, bread from rice flour, vegetables produced within the city, etc. Only products that properly follow those points will be permitted to be sold to consumers.

Comment: Japan is very outstanding at local development. Because of that, its OVOP is taken to be an example in Thailand in order to make its own OTOP (One Tumbon One Product). Nowadays, Thailand’s OTOP is developed to a pretty good level and it is adorable that Japan, the origin, still develops its OVOP like this.

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

Thailand

APS2, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Oita Godo Newspaper (morning edition on February 10, 2008)

             On February 9, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strictly protested against Russian embassy in Japan concerning the report that a Russian bomber plane had invaded Japanese territorial airspace above Tokyo and the southern area of Izu archipelago in the morning of the same day.

            According to the information from Japan’s Ministry of Defense, the last time Russian military plane invaded Japanese air territory above Izu archipelago and neighboring area was September, 1975, in the Soviet era. Since then, it is counted as long as 313 years until now.  About areas near Hokkaido and Rebun Island, Russia’s transportation plane invaded those air territories in January, 2005

            The mentioned bomber plane was coded “Tu95” which had long flying range distance. It flied from over the sea of Okhotsk, turned to the South over the Pacific, flied around in a half circle above the area nearby Ogasawara archipelago. Then when the time had passed 7:30 AM of February 9^th, it invaded the area of “Soufu Rock” within the southern part of Izu archipelago as long as 3 minutes by flying horizontally from the West to the East.  After that, it headed to the North above the Pacific Ocean, crossed the sea of Okhotsk, and returned to Russia.

Comment: As for me, this is doubtful for what is Russia’s purpose. Even though it may come to apologize and say that it did not intend to invade, still why did they use the bomber plane to fly and survey above the oceanic areas as mentioned? I think it does not make sense, hence it perhaps has some hidden objectives. In order to ensure what really happened, we ought to keep an eye on any consequent news.

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

Thailand

APS2, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Oita Godo Newspaper (morning edition on February 10, 2008)

             Kusu City’s the advanced aged health institution named “Hane”  informed an alliance rehabilitation on the 7th , after they invited the members of the transportation of ground self defense force  that stationed at the land of Kusu City as a collaborator alumni association (an expert in Kimono – making chairman). Then they opened the rice cake making ceremony.

             From the partner of the alumni association, there were 3 people who joined in. Although a training that took around almost the whole day forged their body, these old people with the using tool which can recognize in the arms and matched to the shouting voices “Yoisho, Yoisho” they could make the rice cake.

              The raising rice cake monthly, there were Ankomochi (a rice cake covered with bean jam) and Kinakomochi (a soybean rice cake). “The freshly baked rice cake is soft and delicious” and so on that while you were having a conversation, you could deliciously eat it.

               Anamoto Tamiyo (90) said “to hold the mallet in the hose is not allowed to do, but here I could have fun myself”. The chairman said that “to do as a distribution area, I also want to continue from the next year onwards. If you could only make a shouting voice, many volunteer works will be on its way”. Making a rice cake was held from the 4th to the 5th.

Comment: I think it is a good idea for the old people, they did lots of things for the benefit of the state and this alumni association should be a relaxed place for them to have some fun activities together at once period of this age in their life to get some rests. There is one thing I am wondering, do you know how many types of rice cakes in Japan? At first, I thought that a rice cake can be made everytime as I want to eat it!! Actually, there is a conflict between Mochi in Japan and Mochi in Thailand, because Mochi in Thailand it is one kind of sweet that you can normally buy from supermarkets or sweet shops, but recently I found out the difference between two things from my host family in Japan.... she told me that Mochi in Japan is the rice cake that will be made for the important ceremonies. So now, let me find out more information about Japanese rice cake making method if I want to eat it sometimes…bye!!

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

Thailand

APS2, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Oita Godo Newspaper (morning edition on February 10, 2008)

According to the investigation from Southern Oita Police Station, the scene of the accident is a one-lane curve road. As soon as the truck carrying gravel incidentally touched the right edge of the road, it lost control and dashed straight into the wall of a bedroom. The wall collapsed, shelves standing nearby were also broken, clothes and bed laid scattered inside the room.

The house owner said with the both luckily and unluckily expressing face, “Normally, my wife stays at home, just only seldom she goes out!  God blessed us!” He seemed to become relieved. One of his neighborhoods gave an interview that right after he heard a loud t-o-n sound, he ran out to see what happened in next to no time.

Comment: In Thailand, there is no wonder if this happens. By contrast, I was surprised when I knew that it really happened in Japan, the country of safety and people’s responsibility. However, because it is called an accident, it can happen anywhere, anytime, and to anyone. In this case, they were lucky, very lucky, but absolutely many people were not and will not always be lucky like them. We all should be prepared in every step of everyday life so that we and surrounding people whom we love will be safe, and of course we can decrease the chance to hurt or kill others while we do not intend to do. I mean some of you can easily start by following “Drink, No Drive” campaign as I mentioned last time.

 
PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

Thailand

APS2, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Oita Godo Newspaper (morning edition on February 10, 2008)

“Police and the province: Friendship Concert” (under a support from Oita Godo Newspaper) was held at iichiko in Oita city on February 9^th. To make friends and deepen mutual understanding among policemen and local people through the use of music is the main objective of this event which has been continued every year until this year, its 20^th time.

There were approximately 50 people performing. Under the theme of “A Leap Forward”, “Nike’s Smile” march song of conductor Masato from music department of the association ‘Police and the province’ was played at the opening ceremony. With a band divided into 2 groups, they played pops, movie soundtracks, classical songs, etc. Moreover, the famous Ultraman soundtrack was later included. It was the time for young policemen to strengthen their power while telling their hopes to others.

A song called “Lock the Key”, meaning ‘the prevention of crime’, “Drink, No Drive”: the campaign of the eradication of car drivers who got drunk were also announced there. As soon as the announcement finished, a big clapping was given loudly.

In the aspect of my opinion, I think this is a very creative idea to use such songs and entertainment in order to link people and tighten their friendship. Besides, they also took this opportunity to announce, clarify and make sure about important plans for more effective approaches to reach the goals. Therefore, this event is meaningful and should be continued.

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

Thailand

APS2, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Oita Godo Newspaper (evening edition on February 4, 2008)

To be 17 in number

A cute green bird named “Mejiron” is well known as the mascot of the 63^rd National Sports Festival and the 8^th National Sports Festival for the disabled held in Oita this year, 2008, with the slogan “CHALLENGE! OITA.”  

Due to those significant festivals, the office in charge has decided a plan to increase 8 more huge models of Mejiron, in order to send out for the promotion at every event held in the area of Oita within the end of March. Plus now existing 9 models, there will be total 17 models.

The launch of Mejiron models is deemed as an effective promoting strategy that is currently full-operated by the office. In addition, it is lending models to a number of schools as well as some business workplaces. But the popularity is very skyrocketing, “Especially weekends, the reservation has already been filled until several months ahead” said an official.

As a result, the idea of escalating Mejiron’s family members, which initially started only 2, was inspired so as to respond augmenting demands better, and so that there will be no more rejected case.  Another reason is about the changing season seeing that after it becomes Spring, more events will be arranged outdoor. The demand in Mejiron reservation tends to be higher likewise.

All these can be said that the office is working carefully every step for the perfect provision. It additionally encourages Oita citizens to help promote the festivals and be warm hosts welcoming guests, who will visit in this September and October, for the success and prestige of Oita prefecture.

I as an international student living in Oita, also participate in these National Sports Festivals. Many of APU students were invited to dance in the open ceremonies. I and my friends are looking forward to taking part in this challenging experience!

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

Thailand

APS2, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University