September 2009 Archives
(Oita Godo Newspaper, August 1st 2009, evening paper)
(Manila) The former President of the Philippines Cory Aquino died at the age of 76. On September 1st, the entire country, including the government and all citizens, said goodbye to Cory Aquino who fought for the country's democracy.
The Philippine government announced a 10-day mourning period. According to the eldest son of the late Senator Benigno Aquino, her body was to be rested in a Catholic school in Manila from the evening of the Sept 1st to Sept 3rd morning, to receive condolence from people. On September 5th, the body was to be buried in a cemetery in Manila, beside the grave of her late husband Benigno Aquino.
The former president was a devout Catholic believer. Her health condition worsened, and after being hospitalized in late June, there were masses opened to support the people who were praying for her recovery. The mass would be continued until her burial on September 5th.
According
to her late husband Senator Benigno Aquino said that Cory Aquino "wished that
everyone would pray for one another and for the country".
Comment: Cory
Aquino is one of my role models. She is a person of character, with strong
faith, determination, and commitment. She was actually a housewife, but upon
the death of her assassinated husband, she rose on the occasion to fight for
her people's democracy. Clearly, she is not hungry for power, but she held true
her ideal for her people. She is a good mother, and was able to bring up her
children with good education. And she is also a capable woman who has
contributed to the betterment of society.
NUGROHO
Katarina Marsha Utama
Indonesia
Ritsumeikan
Asia Pacific University, APM3
(Oita Godo Newspaper, August 24th 2009, morning paper)
The
second biggest convenience store Lawson and the industry leader
Matsumotokoyoshi Holdings drugstore agreed on a business partnership. As a
result of the partnership, from next spring, there will be newly-designed
stores including convenience stores and drugstores in each of the new store.
Both companies made an announcement regarding the business partnership on the
same day, August 24th 2009.
Corresponding
to the abolishment of a regulation, it became much easier to sell medicine
(medicine for general public) in convenience stores. Therefore, by increasing
customers' convenience, they would increase their sales as well. It seems that
their partnership would be able to go well in the future, due to the
deregulation and personal consumption.
The newly-designed shop would be more spacious than the normal convenience stores, whereby people are able to buy bento and other drugs. Within the same year, they would like to carry out the plan to establish a new company, to increase investment ratio and the scale of the stores.
Medicine and daily necessities would be supplied to Lawson.
Comment: The most important point to remember in business is to cater to the needs of society, to make things more and more convenient for the customers, to create useful things for society.
NUGROHO
Katarina Marsha Utama
Indonesia
Ritsumeikan
Asia Pacific University, APM3
(Oita Godo Newspaper, September 4th 2009, morning paper)
On September 4th, Democratic Party leader Yukio Hatoyama gave a speech in "World Economic Forum" which was held in Tokyo. In the speech he talked about the existence of financial regulation, he expressed that there is a need to raise awareness about regulation enforcement by government. He said, "The current problem is partly because of government."Hatoyama
pointed out, "One of the causes of the world's financial crisis is the
insufficiency of financial regulation". He added, "A moderate relationship
between free market force and government intervention is necessary".
The
conference was attended by prominent corporations and influential people.
Comment: It is interesting to see how the global capitalism will be corrected in the future, and how Japan will have a role in the future of the world, and also how Japan economy could affect and influence the neighbouring countries, and the future.
NUGROHO
Katarina Marsha Utama
Indonesia
Ritsumeikan
Asia Pacific University, APM3
(Oita Godo Newspaper, September 7th 2009, evening paper)
On September 7th, all mobile phone companies did a presentation about the number of subscriptions in August 2009. According to the presentation, Softbank has 115100 contracts after subtracting the contract cancellations. Softbank came to the top again after two months.NTT Docomo became the first place after three years in terms of the net increase in July 2009. It is also placed 2nd in ranking after Softbank, who has a nice, favorable offer with its new model Apple iPhone 3G from the United States.
KDDI
(Au) with its new service of maximum call charge starting from August came 3rd
in the ranking with 77800 subscriptions. E-mobile was in 4th place
with 61100 subscriptions.
Willcom PHS experienced a net reduction about 30900subscriptions.
Comment: Softbank is now leading the market. The growth in the number of subscriptions is mainly due to the very successful sales of iPhone. Softbank offers an attractive plan for customers to sign up for a contract and get a iPhone. This is especially attractive because there is no additional charge to pay the iPhone monthy. However, the company is also earning money from the 3G internet package.
NUGROHO
Katarina Marsha Utama
Indonesia
Ritsumeikan
Asia Pacific University, APM3
(Oita Godo Newspaper, September 14th 2009, evening paper)
Democratic Party leader Yukio Hatoyama met Prime Minister Taro Aso, prior to the inauguration of the new cabinet. Regarding the management of government, he requested that Prime Minister Taro Aso would continue to provide guidance and cooperation based on his past experiences as Japan's prime minister. To the request, Prime Minister Aso replied, "I want you to work hard. I wish that through diplomacy and security, you will lead Japan in the right direction".After showing gratitude towards the cooperation for the passing over of the government authority, Hatoyama expressed, "There are challenges regarding internal affairs and diplomacy. I also want to responsibly handle the policy regarding influenza".
The prime minister pointed out that the importance of Japan to remain actively involved in international financial issues. He also requested that the Pyongyang Declaration should remain alive, and that measures should be taken from a compound point of view.
Democratic
Party was the side who had proposed for having this meeting. Chief Cabinet
Secretary Takeo Kawamura and Hirofumi Hirano who was appointed to be the next
Chief Cabinet Secretary were present at the meeting.
Comment: Together with the other Japanese youth who are to enter society very soon, I am looking forward to see that change that the new government is going to make.
NUGROHO
Katarina Marsha Utama
Indonesia
Ritsumeikan
Asia Pacific University, APM3
(Oita Godo Newspaper, August 26th 2009, morning paper)
Rental Showcase Shop "Mosaic" which was initiated and operated by university students was opened in Oita Commercial Building "Wazawaza", located in the central part of Oita City.The
students who are behind this shop are two students from Ritsumeikan Asia
Pacific University (APU), Nagai Shotaro (23) and Nagatomi Asami (23). The shop
is renting space for artists in Oita, regardless whether they are professionals
or amateurs, to showcase their masterpieces. Wishing that this shop could be
the place to gather a collection of diverse art pieces, they chose a name for
the shop. They chose a simple interior design with wood, hoping that the art
pieces would be the ones to liven up the space.
In
March this year, they participated in Business Plan Contest (sponsored by Oita
City Club) to plan for an effective use of an unused space in the central part
of the city. Mr. Nagai said "I have developed an interest in city
revitalization, so with another fellow circle member we submitted an
application for this business plan contest. Actually, looking back, we had
never thought that we could own a space". Receiving help and assistance from
Oita City, they eventually managed to open the shop.
Mr.
Nagai said enthusiastically, "I have always liked art. In Oita, there are a lot
of interesting artists. I want this shop to be taken advantage to present their
art works. The shop will continue, as this is what we had plan to support the
city revitalization of Oita. Even though only a little bit, I want to
contribute to society.
The
fee of the rental space depends on the size of the space, it is 500 Yen for a
month. You can apply by coming directly to the shop or visit the official
homepage (http://mosaic.pinkhotel.net)
Comment: This business idea is the application of the theories
that APU students have learned in school. Their courage to open the business at
such an early age and to take risks is admirable.
NUGROHO
Katarina Marsha Utama
Indonesia
Ritsumeikan
Asia Pacific University, APM3
(Oita Godo Newspaper, September 10th 2009, morning paper)
Approximately 20 countries in Asia, about 800 athletes in the area participated in the sports competition for the physically challenged athletes "Tokyo 2009 Asia Youth Para Games". The competition was officially opened on September 10th in Tokyo.The
opening ceremony was held in Tokyo Gymnasium (Shibuya Ward), and was attended
by the crown prince and the governor Shintaro Ishihara. There was wind
orchestra by Katakura High School and then it was followed by the athletes
entering the ground.
On this occasion, the crown prince said "This competition would encourage the development of sports for the physically challenged athletes, and it would deepen the understanding about the physically challenged people. Also, I hope that people would be able leave in peace and continue building society".
This
competition was sponsored by Asia Paralympic Games Committee (APC). This was
the second time to hold this competition after Taipei Competition in 2003.
There were six types of games being competed, including track and field,
swimming, table tennis. From Japan, there were 210 people who participated as
athletes and staff.
Comment: I was actually participating as a volunteer in this Paralympics. It was really great to see people from all over the world to come and participate in this sports competition. It was even greater to see the athletes, as they were trying their best to compete despite their physical disabilities, and also to see their staff members who came all the way to accompany and support them. Just like Olympics, this activity contributes in uniting the world, and gives support to the athletes that they can also make a difference in the world, transcending physical limitations.
NUGROHO
Katarina Marsha Utama
Indonesia
Ritsumeikan
Asia Pacific University, APM3
(Oita Godo Newspaper, September 2nd 2009, evening paper)
(Jakarta) According to United States Geological Survey (USGS), an earthquake occurred in the south of Bandung in Java Island approximately 144 kilometers from the seashore on September 2nd at 2.55 pm (4.55 according to Japan time). The magnitude of the earthquake was 7.4 Scale Richter. The depth of epicenter was approximately 60 kilometers.Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (Hawaii) announced that for there is a possibility of tsunami after the earthquake with the epicenter less than 100 kilometers.
According
to the correspondence with Associated Press, in the capital city of Indonesia,
Jakarta, buildings were shaking and people who were working in the office
looked for places of refuge. There were buildings collapsing and people getting
injured, but the details were still unknown.
Comment: The
sudden, strong earthquake indeed caused shocks to a lot of people and it became
a hot news in many international media. Many people died because of this
earthquake. Somehow this reminds me about immortality of human beings. Human
beings are born and die; our lives on earth are just temporary. It really makes
one to wonder what the meaning of life is.
NUGROHO
Katarina Marsha Utama
Indonesia
Ritsumeikan
Asia Pacific University, APM3
(Oita Godo Newspaper, September 12th 2009, morning paper)
Asahi Beer's Financial Support for Contribution to Society(Tokyo)
On September 11th in the prefectural office, Asahi Beer (Tokyo)
announced that one part of the sale of its leading product, "Asahi Super Dry",
will be donated to four organizations who strive for protection of natural
environment.
The company would set aside some amount of money for the second part of social contribution plan named "Umai! Wo ashite he!", in which the cans that will be manufactured from the end of this month until the end of November, for the total of 4 kinds of brand as the target, one part of the sales within the prefecture (1 can=1 Yen). The recipients who will benefit from the donation would be "Ecotourism Guide Association", "Dream Project 21 by NPO Kokonoe Toki", 久住山避難小屋トイレ管理運営協議会", who participate in the executive conference of "Saying Gratitude to Distressed Nature".
In
the first part of the plan (March-April), the company gave 2,020,000 Yen to the
executive committee who burnt the fields on Iida Plateau and Bou Gatsuru. The
branch office of Asahi Beer in Oita said "We want to be useful to protect the
natural environment in Oita". The company is planning for a tour to walk around
Tade wild marshland next March.
Comment: Recently, there is an increasing awareness regarding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It implies the importance of having balance between public and private benefits. More and more companies in Japan and around the world added CSR into their budget. And especially in Japan, it is becoming more important for companies to be aware of the impacts of its products and productions to the environment.
NUGROHO
Katarina Marsha Utama
Indonesia
Ritsumeikan
Asia Pacific University, APM3
(Oita Godo Newspaper, September 7th 2009, evening paper)
(Basel, Switzerland) On September 7th, the Group of Central Bank Governors and Heads of Supervision from Bank for International Settlements (BIS) had a conference in Basel, Switzerland. President Jean-Claude Trichet, who chairs the Group, said during interview that "The world economy had passed the worst period, and there are more indications towards stabilization", then declared "bottoming out" condition.In
the previous conference in May, BIS introduced "welcoming change" in supporting
economic recovery, and at the same time did some revisions on the judgements
regarding the analysis of present economic condition.
Chairperson
Trichet also pointed out that there is a high uncertainty regarding the
increase in unemployment rate. In order to achieve continuous economic
recovery, cooperation of each country is necessary.
On September 6th, the agreements reached today among 27
major countries of the world are essential as they set the new standards for
banking regulation and supervision at the global level. Central banks and
supervisors have responded to the crisis by strengthening regulation.
Comment: Despite experiencing one of the worst global financial crisis, most of the countries have started to recover and experience growth in their economies. Indeed, crisis is the chance for the countries to reflect and analyze the existing regulations whether they are still effective or whether they need to welcome changes to keep pace with the current situation.
NUGROHO
Katarina Marsha Utama
Indonesia
Ritsumeikan
Asia Pacific University, APM3
World Gymnastics
individual type
Oita Godo
Newspaper (morning edition on September 12, 2009)
The final round of World Gymnastic competition was held at Triple Prefectural Sun Arena. Among the Japanese athletes, only one ace Hidaka Mai got through this round, marked total 100.075 points from 4 kinds of instruments, ranked 15th places.
The winner, Evgeniva kanaeva (Russia) who also won medal Beijing Olympic, got the marks from 4 kinds of games in total 113.850 points. Follow by Daria Kondakova 18 year-old (Russia) took 2nd place, with differences 0.600 points. And Anna Bessonova (Ukraine) ranked 3rd place. Mai performed Rope, Ball, and Ribbon. Hidaka was ranked the good place in all instruments, excepted rope one. After the last performance -Ribbon- ended with the applause from the audiences, Hidaka smiled and said she already did her best.
At the fist day of the competition, in rope round, Hidaka started too slow brought about to loosing her points, thus she had to catch up the point in the next round. However, she had cleared her lowest aim already that she could perform her best in her style. Even she did mistake in the rope round, she could show her skill; forward roll 4 times. 20 year-old Nobuko said that "Next time she will aim for being within 10th place".
Comment:. Such good news for Japanese!! Even she did mistake during the competition, she accepted it and still she did not give up and aim for the higher next time. She could be another roll model for kids next generation who interested in gymnastic.
PUNTHUCHAT Siripun
Thailand
APS4, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Tamanoi Yuuji
Oita Godo
Newspaper (morning edition on September 12, 2009)
"Oita Home Town Promotion Conference" was first open in July, in order to support Oita trinita J1 soccer and other famous professional team within Oita prefecture. "So far the person, who rather goes to watch the game at the stadium, please should have gone once then you will easily see and feel the fascination of the games", said Tamano.
This year October, 10 and 11, there was a music festival under the name of "Oita's dream and color music festival." This event was first held last year with the expectation that this festival will wildly promote and encourage people to go watch the football games. Approximately, 140 people gathered up this year around the trading center area where the performance played.
Tamano hopes that "Sport and Music will make a lively society, with citizen's cooperation." Since 1982, he became the staff of the city, has joined the tax property department, information policy department, etc. Since 2007, he has entered the international culture department where promoting the art, culture and sport. His hobby is climbing the mountain. He said he enjoys the scenery while slowing climb up the mountain. Furthermore, he also asks his colleague who also love climbing to join his trip on the holiday. Now he is 51 years old and living in Oita City.
Comment:. I agree with him that going to watch the games at the stadium will be more exciting than watching the games by TV at home. Since these days people are busy and hard to find the time to go to the stadium. It is a good chance if you can go watch the real game once in your life.
PUNTHUCHAT Siripun
Thailand
APS4, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Rakugo meeting in
front of Beppu Station
Oita Godo
Newspaper (morning edition on September 12, 2009)
7th September, there was a meeting of Rakugo in front of Beppu Station. -Rakugo is a Japanese traditional comic storytelling-. At Blue Bird hall, Beppu Kitahama theater, this rakugo meeting held the first time, aiming for the actively promoting of Beppu living town trading and association.
There were 2 rounds, day and night, all 5 people; 3 Rakugo story tellers, 1 Samisen musician and 1 writer, was performed on stage. On the day round, there were around 200 people visited. The head of the association said that "Even though we are having such a grim face during the economic hard time, let's watch Rakugo, having fun and smiling to welcome the tourists."
During the meeting, those famous Rakugo story tellers performed the famous gag and received lots of laugh and smiles from the audients.
Comment: It is true that all over the world, people are facing the economic problem, brought about to the affects to us. People get more serious and laugh less, made us living in a grim society. It is such a good idea to bring back the laugh and smile from the people in the city, encourage people.
PUNTHUCHAT Siripun
Thailand
APS4, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Oita Godo Newspaper (morning edition on September 12, 2009)
Beppu, ishigaki higashi- In the occasion of Matsunari Suzuo turns 100 year, on 11 September Mr. Hamada Hiroshi the mayor of beppu, as a representative of the old people institution, paid a visit and gave a certificate of commendation and the money to Suzuo.
Matsunari Suzuo was born at Kitsuki City, Yamaga town on 5 September 1909. She married and moved to Beppu. She has 5 children while running a ryokan business in Kitahama town. Everyone knows her as a kind person who enjoyed cooking and always shares her food to the neighbors. Since 1998, she moved to special senior citizen home in Ishigaki. Even she has a difficulty in strolling and making a conversation, she still enjoyed listen to the traditional folk song everyday.