August 2009 Archives
(Oita Godo Newspaper, August 14th 2009, evening paper)
(Bangkok)
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) had a conference for the
ASEAN Economic Ministers on August 14th 2009. The countries re-confirmed the objective
of the establishment of ASEAN's Economic Community, which is to liberate the
movement and flow of people, products, services, and capital within the area,
and to establish free trade in the area.
In
2007, ASEAN mapped out detailed executive plan in order to establish ASEAN
Economic Community. During this conference, the topic discussed was the
introduction of a mechanism to supervise whether the ten countries in ASEAN
truly carried out their detailed plan to decrease or abolish import duties
between them.
Moreover, the countries shared the fact that they are recovering from the world financial crisis starting last year's fall. They also discussed that, in order to ensure sustainable growth, they need to cooperate to move a step ahead in the integration within themselves as well as to promote the reduction of import duties with countries outside ASEAN.
Comment: It is really good to hear that Asia has rebounded quickly from the financial crisis. Asia indeed has a lot of potential for economic growth in the future and this can be realized through the cooperation between nations in Asia. I am looking forward to more cooperations and agreements made between the countries.
NUGROHO Katarina Marsha Utama
Indonesia
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, (APM3)
(Oita Godo Newspaper, July 30th 2009, morning paper)
On July 29th, Oita Finance Office gave a presentation of the economic situation within the prefecture regarding the recovery after the interval of 4 years. The main reasons are the improvement in production activity in enterprises and the movement in the reduced production, as well as the decrease in private consumption was reduced. Nevertheless, the employment condition continues to worsen, and this is a cause of worry for many.
From April to June, it was analyzed that "although severe economic condition is continuing, it was visible there is one part of business that is getting better". There has been recovery from the "especially worsening condition" before the fouth quarter of the year. It was said that there is a need to observe the trend of economy and the results of economic policies.
Private Consumption: Although the sales volume of large-sized retailers and the sales of automobiles and new cars dropped in the first half of the year, the decrease in sales was reduced. Because of the discounts in express way charge, there was an increase in the number of people to enter leisure and tourist spots, compared to the first half of the year. The number of people staying over has dropped.
House Construction: The number of rents of rental houses and mansions has dropped.
Manufacturing Activity: From the adjustment of stored merchandise and the recovery of overseas demand, the information and communication devices (such as digital cameras) and chemistry (such as ethylene) has been improving. The production of electronic components and devices (related to semi-conductors) has been curtailed. Iron and steel production is sluggish.
Investment in Plant and Equipment: It is predicted that there will be increase in the later part of the year. Despite the decrease of that in Non-Manufacturing Industry, there will be an increase of that in Manufacturing Industry.
Enterprise Earnings: There have been drops in revenue for Manufacturing industry and Non-Manufacturing industry in the first half of the year. However, an increase in revenue is expected for the next part of the year.
The Impression of Economic Condition of Enterprises: There has been a decrease in the ratio of enterprises who experience drop in revenue.
Employment Situation: The availability in the employee recruitment is continued to drop. Compared to the first half of the year, the number of recruitment of fresh graduates also decreased. The number of job-hunting application for fresh graduates increased.
Public Enterprise: At the end of June, the total amount of money undertaken decreased compared to the first half of the year. The national portion and the prefectural portion increased.
Bankruptcy: The number of cases of emergency security system and the total sum of liabilities increased compared to the first half of the year.
Comment: The period of financial crisis has been a rough period for most countries, including Japan. It is uplifting to know that the economic condition is gradually improving. I hope that the growth will be sustainable in all aspects of economy. I also hope that the employment situation will improve in the near future.
NUGROHO
Katarina Marsha Utama
Indonesia
Ritsumeikan
Asia Pacific University, APM
The Argument Regarding Local Consumption Tax Increase
(Oita Godo Newspaper, July 15th 2009, morning paper)
A national conference with prefectural governors was held in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, on August 15th. The leaders were having a debate about the proposal to increase the 1% proportion of consumption tax which is currently being distributed to local prefectural governments, in order to resolve the issue of severe capital shortage in of the local autonomous entities.
In the the proposal, it was pointed out that the capital shortage of local autonomous entities will probably reach 1,300,000,000 Yen by 2012, and it will result in the collapse of public finance in the regions. To maintain government administration service, the increase in stable revenues in each prefecture coming from the consumption tax in the prefecture will be necessary.
In the conference, it was also discussed about the establishment of 'Strategic Council' consisting of ten prefectural governors, to provide assistance to further increase the potential of the proposal being considered.
Comment: This issue is currently being debated and the decision will indeed have a significant impact on Japan's economy. I hope that the leaders would eventually arrive to a wise decision, to maximize the benefits and to minimize the costs for the good of the country as a whole and also for each prefecture.
NUGROHO Katarina Marsha Utama
Indonesia
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, APM
Oita Godo Newspaper (August 14, 2009)
The chairman of the Orthopedic Hospital (64), Professor Wolfgang Michel, Kyushu University, and he was a professor of science education, welfare Torii Yumiko Oita University, in especial research called "Western studies of Kyushu (Dutch studies ) - and cross-border exchange - " Also, Sawa Yoshi Maeno, Gen Hiroshi Fujino are introduced to each person's life and achievements Of these officials of the Nakatsu clan.
"We hope that our press (book) will be read by students and teachers, as keeping in touch with the homeland of the sages of the old cultural and traditional life in nowadays of modern world become important, it is also estimated to happen in actual situation in the future of Japan. It would be a big challenge to rise up above them and we want to make it a never loose - challenge for all of us" said by the chairman.
For whom interested in the book you can own it with a reasonable price with 2625 yen (45 lessons 384 pages)
Comment: Wow....I must have it soon, I 'm also studying about language and culture in Asia Pacific region. As
PUNTHUCHAT Siripun
Thailand
APS4, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Oita Godo Newspaper (August 14, 2009)
Kokonoe boys club in town, near the entrance way climbing mountain chain distress, and check the number of vehicles passing through the road crossing Kyushu, and listening to the accommodation of tourists and climbers, the Tourism census.
There are eight members have participated in doing research and study, they will be sitting beside the road which crossing upstream of Kyushu (Kumamoto direction) and down (toward Beppu) lanes, and vehicles recorded by a passing car and counties Kyushu. Group interviews of two groups of people are climbing around the area, and get in writing the research paper.
The example of the Questionnaires are (a) why he visited (2) or a day trip or stay (3) views of the mountain chain climbing distress (4) "Kokonoe" dream "Suspension Bridge," they Summarized the findings at the community center Iida, inform residents of the city through public relations.
Boy's club, a local elementary school Iida six students who want to participate. This research study as part of the home, generation after generation has taken over the club members.
Means to compare data from the survey, conducted last year to study the basin was 16 days, ahead of schedule made it difficult to study in the basin in the period of membership decline. Another study from boys club, for instance, Saturday is the beginning of next year, which is considering by the implementation of the sun.
Comment: I really want to give some claps to these boys, their parents would be so proud of them. It is hard to find such kids in nowadays that have a curiosity to learn by themselves not only be supported by teachers. I am sure that when they grow up, the noble prize awards are waiting for them!
PUNTHUCHAT Siripun
Thailand
APS4, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Oita Godo Newspaper (August 14, 2009)
Drum castle pounder who is active in Kitsuki (Yoshi Tomonaga Student Representative) this year one of the Current members of the 20 elementary school students and adults, the number of people have increased since its establishment. Nagayoshi the representative of the Japanese drum has been working with care. Over the practice in the future, we will continue to play remains in the hearts of people" with a new determination.
In recent years, members have covered around 15 people. This year, it is a returning to increase some active members again, as the mothers and their child for both the new becoming mother who just gave birth are also welcomed this is the way to tie up the relationship in between mother and child a week at a Museum Lifelong Learning KITSUKI about three hours, with all those practices. "We join with both the children and the mothers, like a nursery training venue. Remember the fun of beating the drums first"
It has the main stage of its "Festival KITSUKI Castle" and "Tenjin Festival" and other events, including performances at the district assembly and the elderly. Recently the drum performance has appeared in growing demand from outside the prefecture, Shikoku, and often goes to
Comment: In my university, there is also a traditional Japanese drum performance with many Thai seniors joining in this circle. Moreover, this is one of the best and famous circles from my University they also have performed in some countries, in this summer vacation they are coming to
PUNTHUCHAT Siripun
Thailand
APS4, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
