May 2010 Archives

On April 16th, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU, Beppu City) tied cooperation agreements with Waseda University, International Christian University, Akita International University. Akita International University aims to nurture talents that will be participate actively in global community, and the university aspires to put effort in this cooperation among four universities through the exchange of students and faculties, as well as joint trainings based on sharing of knowledge among the universities.

Each of the universities is currently vigorously promoting internationalization. Some of them require students to take all subjects in English, and require students to study abroad during their university life. Moreover, in order to match their education with global standards, they had decided to join forces.

After the signing ceremony in Waseda University in Shinjuku district, Tokyo, they had an interview together in a hotel nearby.

Akita University Present, Mr. Nakajima Mineo explained the objective of the agreement, "In this era of globalization, the most important issue for a university is to provide education which is commonly used and recognized around the world. We aspire to be the model of international universities in Japan".

APU President, Mr Korenaga Shun, expressed his determination, "to see a campus whereby multiculturalism coexist together with Japanese society".

They are planning to open a seminar with the theme "Genkai Shuuraku", which means "Depopulating Society", in the coming August in Akita University. Besides, they will strive to cooperate in holding joint education and joint training camps, while reciprocally sharing teaching staff and training materials. Furthermore, other than short-term student exchange programs, they will also cooperate in conducting training for the faculties and other career supports, in order to promote internationalization in their respective campuses.

Comments:
It is a really good to hear that the only four international universities joined forces to share their strengths in promoting internationalization. Previously rather reserved in hiring international students, Japanese companies are now opening up opportunities to international students, because they have realized the importance of being global. As a student who did job-hunting in Japan, I could really feel how Japanese companies have realized the importance of hiring international students for their future. Therefore, the role of international universities will be increasingly important. Hopefully, with this cooperation agreement, these four universities will strive to be excellent role models of international universities who provide high-quality global human talents. 

NUGROHO Katarina Marsha Utama
Indonesia
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APM, 4)

In order to share about what is happening around the world with a wider audience, APU students initiated Charity Film Festival "World Cinema Project". From April 16th till half a year later, everybody is welcomed to watch movies from around the world in Bluebird Theatre in Beppu Kitahama area. Entrance is free. At the pace of showing two movies per month, there will be twelve movies from various countries shown. After each movie is shown, there will be a discussion with the international students from that country. Everybody is invited, "to make use of this as the opportunity to get closer to the world and grasp the understanding about various issues around the world".

The promoter of this event is Christophe Dewulf (32 years old, 4th year student in APU) from Belgium, who had an experience as movie supervisor before,

Christophe said, "I believe that through these movies, we are able to encounter the reality that is not usually being reported in the news. Knowing the truth is the first step to create a better world".

There are some movies that have not been published internationally, but they are shown properly with Japanese subtitles. There is a call to fund-raising at the theatre, in order to gather money to be donated to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the respective countries. It is possible to reserve seats before coming. For inquiry, the contact person is Christophe (e-mail address: wcpbeppu@gmail.com, telephone number: 080-3227-4221).

Movie screening schedule (always from 7pm). The name of countries that are written in brackets indicate the origin of the movie shown on respective dates.
(April) 16th: Myanmar, 23th: South Africa
(May) 14th: Indonesia, 28th: Mexico
(June) 11th: Australia, 25th: Belgium
(July) 9th: Iran, 23th: the United States
(August) 13th: India, 27th: Cameroon
(September) 10th: China, 24th: Israel


Comments:
This film festival provides APU students an opportunity to share their histories and cultures with friends from around the world, this is also a golden chance to share with Beppu citizens about the world outside Japan. I believe this film festival will be able to stimulate curiosity towards the world issues through the movie screening and discussions after each movie. 

NUGROHO Katarina Marsha Utama
Indonesia
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APM, 4)

(Oita Godo Newspaper,May 19^th 2010, evening paper, Page 2)

 

Reunite after 38 years with benefactor   

 

Vietnam War, under the intensive strike, people are crying and shouting, running around naked. This was what was shown in the world photo exhibition, in the picture there is a 9 year old Vietnamese girl, Pham teikimufuku, 47 years old and kimuku was saved during the napalm strike by Christian win who was a journalist. This was broadcast in the 18^th of March.

In 1972. July, Kimuku was in the outskirts of the capital of South Vietnam, then known as Siagon, now Ho Chi Minh, the village was attacked by the American forces, by using napalm strike, the children had to throw away their clothes in order to run away, at this time, the picture was taken by the camera man. This photo is a representation of the sorrows during the war, this picture was awarded the pewter price.

He then sent kimku to the hospital and the nurse said that kimku will not live to see tomorrow, and she was transferred to the intensive unit.

The BBC reporter retired after 1999 and thought that the picture was very emotional and always wanted to run from reality, however, he said that he is finally about to accept reality and the photo.

 

Comments

 

I think that the horrors of the war are something that we always want to forget. I think that the world today, Iran, Afghanistan, etc is under the assault of American soldiers in order to create a more peaceful world.

They believed that sacrificing some people is needed to obtain world peace. I feel that the ones who are going to suffer the most is not the government, not the rich people, not the American soldiers, but the innocent citizens of the assaulted country. This was shown in the picture, which caused emotions to pour out, and to make us feel sad for the innocent.

  

Tay Zhong Jie Edwin

Singapore

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, APM 4

(Oita Godo Newspaper,May 8^th 2010, morning paper, Page 10)

 

Dull turnout at Expo

 

The china expo in shanghai has been opened for 8 days. It's a very big event, but there are confusion caused by people who wanted to go into the expo without a pre entry pass, and they were stopped by the police. Hence in order to escape the confusion, many people did not turn up for the expo. There is a risk that the people visiting the expo might not hit the number of 70 000 000 people.

In the first 3 days of the opening of the Expo, there is a total sales of 950 000 tickets, but the people who turn up was only 560 000 people which is 60% of the total sales. The authorities, attempted to avoid the confusion, restricted access to the expo, as many people received free tickets from the internet. Apart from that, the hot weather and crowd had an impact on the visitors, saying that it's a waste of money.

184 days ago, the china expo community aimed for 70 000 000 visitors, an average of 380 000 visitors a day is needed to reach the goal. However up to the 6^th day, the visitors per day adds up only to 150 000 people, half of what is needed.

Officials said that during September and November, there might be an increase of people, and that the goal will be reached.

On one hand, there are not enough foreigners, in order to reduce the numbers of visitors going in, there are no tickets selling at the expo main ground.

The pamphlet that is given to the foreigners is said to be only in Chinese, and it is very unfriendly towards foreigners, said a Japanese women. Apart from that, there are also some accidents caused by ill planning of the car park.     

 Comments

 

I felt that the expo is a great place where people from all over the world could come and share their knowledge. However it's quite sad that it is not really for an international audience as pointed out by the Japanese lady. I felt that if china is going to attract more international visitors, they should use English and make use of bilingual staff that can help people from all over the world. Being that English is the lingua franca now, it is important that they can speak the language.

However, with the large number of people that china has, I am sure that hitting the target of 70 000 000 people would not be a hard task.

 

Tay Zhong Jie Edwin

Singapore

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, APM 4

(Oita Godo Newspaper,May 15^th 2010, morning paper, page 2)

 

APU 10 anniversary: Do not break ties with Alumni

 

Ritsumeikan Asia pacific university, situated in Beppu has welcomed its 10 anniversary. Half of the student population is international students, constituting a unique campus. In future, in each country, APU's alumni will bear more responsibilities. There are 2800 international alumni.

As an "APU family", the international students supports Oita prefecture and act as a important human resource. According to the alumni, the international network that was built in APU, the industry and culture experienced, is part and parcel of the internationalization of Oita prefecture. In the next ten years, is one of the administrative challenge is the best effort in the area of industry and culture.

In the beginning, the location and performance of APU is not very good, APU is able to protect its students, in order to see results in future in the areas of Asia Pacific. Professors went overseas, in an attempt to attract brilliant students, and their work hard paid off.

People from the company, formed the advisory committee for APU, and that they donated money and provide jobs after graduation in order to help the students. The first batch of students graduated in 2004 and they had a job placement percentage of 95%.

APU was invited by Beppu city, and was given an amount close to 200 billion yen in donation. According to calculation, APU has contributed 212 billion yen to Beppu economy. That's a very huge effect for a private university.

The Japanese self defense force said that this was a collaboration of private and public entities that enables APU to be established. Area studies and citizen studies of internationalization of areas is also beneficial to the society, taking questionnaires form citizens and participating in local exchange events.

Alumni, especially international students have a great impact on the internationalization. The important thing is that the school should maintain links with alumni who have graduated from APU and leave Oita.

APU students come from 94 countries and regions; they too collaborate to make Oita more international, greatly boasting the public relations of Oita. But this is only the first step, from now onwards; we anticipate greater effect of international students in Oita.        

 Comments

I think that the effect of APU on Oita is a very significant one. Beppu, the city that APU was built on was a stopover of sailors and have been a very famous onsen spot for old people to relax in and to retire. Hence having a school in Beppu makes the city livelier and vibrant.

I had participated in many local exchange events and I felt that it is nice to interact with the local community and express your thoughts, introduce your culture and teaching your language to the local community.

 

Tay Zhong Jie Edwin

Singapore

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, APM 4

(Oita Godo Newspaper,May 5^th 2010, morning paper, Page 4)

 

16940 thousand of Children

 

In honor of children's day, the General affairs department announced the general population statistics. According to it, children below 15 years old is 16940 thousand, a decrease of 190 thousand as compared to last year. This is the 29^th straight year that Japan have experience a lost in population, making it even lower then 1950s. The general population has also decreased for 36 straight years, making I the lowest in the world.

The gender are as follows, 8680 thousand are man and 826 thousand are girls. Secondary school students are the most populous at 3560 thousand people, children who are waiting for entrance to primary school are 3200 thousand, the lowest among age group.

The birthrate is lowest after world war 2, with the establishment of child care service, the children from 0- 2 years old has gone up to be 3250 thousand people. However, in the recent survey, the birthrate dropped in year 2009, making the problem of aging society to continue.

Among the prefectures and cities, the highest is Okinawa, with the percentage of 17.7%, and the lowest is Akita prefecture with the percentage of 11.2%. The only prefecture that experienced an increase in children is Tokyo; Fukuoka has the same birthrate, and the other 45 prefecture experience and decrease in birthrates.

The percentage of children, on an international scale, even though every year is different, this year; Japan's birthrate is 13.6% lower than Germany.

 

 Comments

I think that the graying society happens to any developed country, as children are seen as liabilities, instead of assets. The investment that you have to put in one child is astronomical and the effort and time to invest might not be the best investment.

Many of people in developed society prefer to be DINKS, It means Double Income No Kids, it happens to many career orientated family who put money and promotion in front of their family.

In order to solve this problem, Singapore, has engage on a wide immigration, encouraging people from all over the world to settle in Singapore. Will Japan be able to do the same? Japan has always been a mono ethic society and in order to work in Japan, you must be able to speak Japanese and endure the hardships that a normal "Salary man" would, restricted by social obligations and responsibilities. But nevertheless, if I have chance I would like to work in a Japanese company in order to experience their working culture.

 

Tay Zhong Jie Edwin

Singapore

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, APM 4

(Oita Godo Newspaper, April 29^th 2010, morning paper, Page 11)

 

Boiling of Kanawa

Hell steam Workshop, Opened for a month

 

Beppu city, Kanawa Area, you are able to experience with "hell steam" cuisine easily, in "hello steam workshop, kanawa", was opened from 28 of April for a month.  According to people living in the same city, there are about 6300 who made their own "hell steam cuisine". This event has caused an increase in the people who are walking in kanawa, and the place has become livelier.

The hell steam workshop is made up of 15 kettles, and if you pay 500yen, you are able to use the kettles for 30 minutes. The high temperature of the onsen, causes the food to be steam in an instant, hence the food still retains its rich flavor.

During the start, women staff explained the cooking methods, and then the customers can buy the ingredients from the nearby shops. "Everyone could enjoy the food", said the staff. During weekdays, there are around 100 people and during the weekends, there are about 200 to 300 people. During the onsen festival, which is from April 1 to 4, it is free to use the equipments, about 2700 people tried out.

From morning 11 am to 3 pm in the afternoon is the time where most people make use of the hell steam workshop. There is time for waiting, buying the ingredients, beside, there are newly established foot onsen and steam baths for feet available at request.

"It is a new and interesting way, buying the food, making the food on vacation", said a family from Kumamoto on vacation. On the 25^th, foreign students from China, Taiwan, and Korea tried the Hell steam workshop. Kim unson from Korea, a student of Ritsumeikan Asia pacific university, said that it is the first them that she tried cooking this way, and that the food is sweet and tasty.

For tourist, there are prawns and crabs, shellfish set. There will be also a set which you can buy in Hell steam workshop.

Comments

I think that Hells steam workshop is definitely interesting. I have eaten "onsen eggs" and they taste totally different form the normal eggs that we eat every day. It is not fully cooked, yet its tasty and sweet. I am sure that it would be a treat for anyone to eat in the Hell steam kitchen.

Being from Singapore, I have not experienced things like onsens, eating onsen food. I think that it's definitely a very healthy and tasty. If I have a chance, I would like to go and have lunch in hell steam kitchen.

 

Tay Zhong Jie Edwin

Singapore

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, APM 4

 

(Oita Godo Newspaper, April 28^th 2010, morning paper, Page 4)

 

Misery of the aged

On 27^th of April, the cabinet office of Japan announced the happiness level of Japanese citizens. Among, people who polled I am happy is at 61% for the people in thirties, on the other hand, 44% for people who are over seventies. Among man and women, women are 11 points above. Pension and healthcare system are the main concerns, on the other hand, employment and education of children is also shown to be important. The survey, the old government only concentrates on economical development, was one of the criticisms that Hatoyama cabinet plans to resolve.　The new administration aims too much differ from the old administration but the problems faced are still surfacing.

According to the survey, there are 4000 people surveyed from the age of 15 to the age of 80, and 2900 of the people replied.

[In great misery] was 0 points and [very happy] was 10 points, the citizens were to rate themselves from a scale of 0 to 10, people who rated happy, which is 7 points and above, consist of 55% in ages 29 and below, 61% in ages 30 to 40, 55% in ages 40 to 50, 51% in ages 50 to 60, 44% in ages 70 and above. Man stand at 48% and women at 59%.

The average points were 6.47 points. The same survey was conducted in Europe in 2008, and comparing the results, having a good social insurance, demark average point is 8.4, England is 7.4, France is 7.1, on the other hand, Eastern Europe, Russia is only 6.0 points.

In order to make the happiness index go up, the government must be able to make a pension scheme that allows the citizen to feel secure.

 

Comments

 

I feel that Japan is a great country and I think why the happiness index is not as high as European countries like Denmark, England and France is the not only the uncertainty of the citizens but also the work ethics. Japanese salary man, from what I studied in the text books and through my experience in Japanese circles(club activities) is that the members often require to participate in "nomikai"s, it does not happen often in circles as the students are not working and not having any income, but it is more frequent in companies. Of course as a staff, you are obliged to join if your boss or colleagues ask you to go, if you don't attend, you will be seen as anti social and might hinder your promotion. This is not too bad if you are single and do not have a family, but becomes a problem if your wife does not show any sympathy to your plight. Work hours in European countries are much less then Japan, maybe that's why they are happier.

 

But as a student I can already feel the stress to perform in order to succeed, but I think it is just part and parcel of life.  

 

Tay Zhong Jie Edwin

Singapore

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, APM 4

 

(Oita Godo Newspaper, April 27^th 2010, morning paper, Page 4)

 

Transistors, motor industry

Sanyo Electronics changes sales strategy

Speedy Restructure

 

On the 26^th of April, Sanyo Electronics has changed the sales strategy for both transistors and motors; this was made known after talking to a few people. Sanyo Electronics has been integrated into part of Panasonic group for 4 months, becoming a major player in the world's manufacturing industry.

After the acquisition, Panasonic has the latest cutting edge technology in making transistors, and has synergic effect. In the mobile phone industry, Panasonic is also one of the major players; however, even when mass producing mobile phone, Panasonic is able to prevent the prices of mobile phone to drop drastically.

Sanyo Electronics, under the umbrella of Panasonic group, the logistics sales strategy has already been decided to change, and a series of restructuring will follow. Of these rationale measures, in order for the buyer and sales value not to be stagnant, a corporate plan was announce in May was incorporated into the plan.

Regarding the sales of the two sections, shouldering the responsibility are Subsidiary Sanyo electronics and Sanyo Precision.

Regarding the transistors, the 2007 sales did not go well; an executive said that he would not want the same thing to happen. Analyzing the transistor industry, there is still some ideas to be explored. Sanyo Precision, has a huge impact on the local employment of staffs, so in order to maintain the employment, they would have to find sales.

On the other hand, Logistics Company Sanyo logistics was acquired by Japan transport. However, Panasonic and Sanyo electric looks forward in the upcoming meetings, as there are many things in common and on how to restructure the company to a better one.

Comments

 Panasonic is a big multinational company with innovative ideas, with the slogan "ideas for life". On the other hand, Sanyo electronics was a pioneer in solar technology, hence brings the two giants together with definitely have a synergy effect.

The world today is in need of innovation, and Japan, being a technological advance country should take the lead and set examples on how to be eco friendly so that the earth will be more sustainable. I have been researching my thesis about the low carbon society that Japan wants to create. There is a saying that goes, "a small step for human, a huge step for mankind", and I think this is it, slowly but steadily.

Tay Zhong Jie Edwin

Singapore

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, APM 4

 

(Oita Godo Newspaper, April 23^th 2010, morning paper, Page 4)

 

Special school through the road of Professionals

 

At Kyotoseikadai University, in a research lab of graduate school of manga studies, Kuponwan from Korea, Seoul, is looking at the computer. Asebesto problem is adapted to introduce manga, a project by both the university and Kobe University.

Universal museum is the name given to the classroom building where shelves of manga are placed. 4 years ago, the domestic university started the concept of manga faculty. Kuponwan lived in Germany as a result of her parents in 1996; there she saw Takahashi Rumiko's famous manga "Ranma 1/2". She felt that Japanese manga was like a dream and she wanted to be a manga artist from then on. She then gained admission to Bond University to study Japanese, and matriculated into Kyotosekadai University in 2005. Last year, she graduated and now is continuing her graduate degree.

There are 57 students studying in the manga faculty. There are a total of 106 international students studying in Kyotosekadai. The main international students are Korean students, but there are also students from China, Taiwan, and Italia. Sweden.

According to JASSO, during 2003, the number of international students past the 100,000 mark, and that in 2009 May, there is around 130, 000 international students. The government is planning to accept 300,000 international students in 20 years time.

 

However, according to MEXT, there is about 1 international student for every 30 university students. As the foreign students number increase, environment suitable foreign students become a challenge. However, Japan is able to spread it unique culture, manga and anime through international students.     

 

Comments

 

I felt that the manga and animation craze in the world will be able to attract many foreign students to Japan. I think that Japan needs foreign students so as to supplement to graying population that Japan has. Japan has to compete with American, China and other countries for students. However, if you want to study manga, I think that Japan will be a good place as there are a lot of qualified lecturers and professionals here.

 

As an international student in Japan, I felt that you can actually get around with minimum Japanese, but it would be an added plus if you could speak Japanese. And what is the point of coming to Japan, without mastering the Japanese language. If an international student comes to Japan, he or she gets to learn about his/ her major and a language, which in future will be useful in the global arena.

 

Tay Zhong Jie Edwin

Singapore

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, APM 4

 

(Oita Godo Newspaper, April 22^th 2010, morning paper, Page 5)

 

A small world: 10 years from the opening of Ritsumeikan Asia pacific university

 

Working in local firms

At Beppu Ishigaki, there is a tour agency by the name of Nishinkanko. Wearing a "Welcome to Japan" badge is Lohan from China, speaking fluent Japanese receiving customers. He is in charge of travel trade and charter bus section.

Staying in Japan during high school, he began to develop a love for Oita. During 2009 autumn, after graduation from Ritsmeikan Asia Pacific University, he began to work in the same company. The reason why he chose a local company is that rather than going to a unfamiliar Tokyo or Osaka to work, he would rather work in a familiar environment which he is familiar with the culture.

He could be staying in Beppu for a long time. Aiming to develop the Asia market, Lohan is a precious human resource because he is familiar with Chinese language and culture.

To commemorate the ten anniversary of the opening of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific university, the economical ripple and effect is calculated. The total annual amount is about 121 billion yen. In Beppu, 121 billion yen is spent, employing 1358 people. Students, professors, the total sum staying in Beppu are 6000 people. This has put a stop to the decreasing population of Beppu.

Near the university, there are many students staying in Kamegawa. The landlord said that after the opening of the school, every house has been rented out. The storeowner of a supermarket said that after the opening of the school, the shops and streets has become livelier. There have been many effects on Beppu.     

Learning new knowledge

Oita university president said that there have been effects which cannot be measured by the means of numbers.APU and Oita University has came to an agreement on 2006 that involves the education of the staff, and transformation of the credits for students. It is the first time that a private university is able to exchange credits with a public university.  There is many things to learn from accepting international students.

Including APU there is a total of 8 universities, Short term universities, high school in the Oita prefecture have participated in a education consortium, sharing points on global human resource development, international exchange and so on. There have been high hopes for APU.  

Comments

       Well being a student in APU, I actively joined exchange events and try to interact with the local community. I felt that being in Japan, we should try our best and interact with the local community so that we can gain some knowledge from them, tell them that there is fun in knowing other culture. As a Singaporean, there is only 5 Singaporeans in the whole of APU, and if I don't make known that Singaporeans are here, the country's culture might never been shared, and people would miss a opportunity to know more about my culture.

I feel that APU has still a long way to go in terms of local exchange and interacting with the local community. Many international students find it a problem to interact with the local community because of the language problems, but many of them overcome this problem being immerse in Oita. I think APU has a good future in Oita but face fierce competition from other Japanese universities in future as the rest of the other universities open its doors to more foreign students.

.  

Tay Zhong Jie Edwin

Singapore

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, APM 4

 

(Oita Godo Newspaper, April 22^h 2010, morning paper, Page 2)

 

Prime minister, Retreats further: Refusal to release expenditure to public

 

On the 21^st of April, during the debate between party leaders, Prime Minister Hatoyama Yuikio was asked to give a public explanation about the 12 billion yen that was received from his biological mother.

Prime Minister Hatoyama Yuikio said firmly: "This is personal private matter, hence I will not submit any documents, and I don't think that there is a need to do so".

But in the political funds control law, everything should be written and recorded on paper. Hence, if the political funds are used, it should be check by a lawyer and should be written into a report and should be submitted with the intention of being publicize.

Regarding the expenditure report, during March 3^rd, at the Upper House Budget Committee meeting, he will explain it after the trial. The explanation will not contain anything that has to do with if he will run away or not run away from the problem. It is common sense, that this should be declared after the trial. Slowly, the declaration is being delayed.

Yamaguchi Natsuo of Kokumeito replied, that the first secretary who was convicted of violation charges on the 22^nd, was threatened by the legislation, did not keep in contact, saying that was a matter of privacy.

 

"I am a goofy prime minister"

 

"As Washington Post reported, I might be a goofy prime minster" Prime minster Hatoyama Yukio said that during the safety and guarantee summit, the leaders of other nation criticize him as the "greatest failure".

The moving of the American Air base has caused a lot of problems; he wanted to appeal but has lost the power as a prime minster. .     

 

Comments

       It must be hard being the prime minister of Japan. You want to do well for your fellow citizens yet you get criticized heavily if your policies do not work out. Being from Singapore, no one can opening criticize the government, and if you do so, most likely you be thrown in jail or charged with some offense.

 

But because as such, Singapore is a very stable country and even though the freedom of speech is restricted, but the government policies have been working so far, however there is no opposition party strong enough to stand against the current party.

 

 

Tay Zhong Jie Edwin

Singapore

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, APM 4