January 2012 Archives

Aiming to coexist in a disaster and energy conscious society

            After attracting large amounts of criticism for wasting electricity following the disaster in Eastern Japan, makers of beverage vending machines are eager to clear the name of their machines once and for all. They point out that their machines can act as a lifeline in times of crisis, providing information and hydration. Vending machine manufactures have been quick to implement energy saving measures on their products and they are aiming to become accepted as a part of a disaster and energy conscious society.

Investing in energy saving models

            In the part of Sendai city hit hard by the earthquake, "town communication" vending machines were installed near seven temporary housing facilities. These machines are equipped with a 12 X 16 cm digital display that provides the citizens with up-to-date information for their area, such as news, public announcements, and disaster reports.

            The machines are an experimental product that was developed by Suntory and Toppan Printing working together with Sendai City. Suntory, who is currently looking into the feasibility of a broader commercialization of the product, explained that, "In times of crisis, we are hoping that these machines will become a kind of central base for sending out information."

            Coca Cola Japan is working with NTT Docomo to use remote operation technology to develop "a vending machine that would make positive contributions to the local area." During a disaster, evacuation information will be shown in real time on an LED display. All the drinks inside the machine will also become free of charge. Equipped with solar panels, the vending machine uses the power it generates during the day to light up at night.

            Fuji Electric, one of the largest makers of vending machines, is also working on a disaster compatible model of its own. At the flip of a switch it also can be made to dispense drinks free of charge; the standard model can hold over 500 bottles. "In 2012 we are set to ship about 10 000 disaster compatible models, about four times the number of last year," said a confident representative.

            With the focus shifting towards conservation in the heavy electricity use of the winter season, makers are touting new models that use up to 40% less energy than previous machines. In terms of electricity consumption, they are the lowest in the industry.

The "saturation point"

            In the 1990s vending machines became the topic of frequent public criticism because of the way they jutted out into the street. The recent string of bashing stems from comments made last spring by Tokyo governor Shintarou Ishihara. Singling out wasted energy, he stated, "I can't believe our country is so stupid as to allow our streets to be clogged by an endless row of vending machines."

            The beverage industry is currently putting a plan into action that would periodically halt refrigeration on drinks in vending machines during the summer months. No matter how much these achievements are emphasized however, "this regulation alone is unlikely to quiet the voices of those saying that vending machines are entirely unnecessary."

            Following the disaster, as part of their investigation into a new type of vending machine, Coca Cola Japan began holding public dialogs with local citizens. Coca Cola managers took the initiate to give guest lectures at junior high schools about the future of the vending machine. The students provided a variety of ideas of their own as well, including: "special discounts for the elderly", "vending machines stocked with locally produced products", and "touch panel selection".

            With over 5 Million units around Japan, there is often talk of vending machines having reached their saturation point. For the sake of the survival of their industry, vending machine makers will continue to experiment.

Comment:

            The capitalist system has come under considerable criticism in recent years; some of it is justified, others less so. The recent protests against the "1%" (the small population at the top of the wealth pyramid who own a hugely disproportioned share of wealth) are an expression of the resentment that has arisen due to the inequalities that are seemingly endemic to capitalism. On the other hand, much of the recent backlash against capitalism and consumerism, I feel, is predicated on a nostalgic longing for times past.

            Thinking about it, vending machines are a surprisingly apt symbol for capitalism. Devoid of human interaction, the selling process has been streamlined to near perfection. As they are portrayed in this article, however, vending machines can also show us a positive example of how corporations can do good for society if properly led by government regulation.

             Let us not mince words: vending machine manufactures do not love us. The reason that are trying to save electricity and find new ways to stay relevant is purely reactionary. They realized that if the current public opinion continued, their energy-guzzling, eyesore machines would be among the first to go. Sure the government could pay to install its own emergency information kiosks. But Coca Cola and friends will probably do so more efficiently. Corporations are not inherently good or evil; they simple strive for profit. We must, both as consumers and citizens, hold companies accountable for their actions and pressure them to act in ways we think are right. 

Abebe Tinari

Sumire Hirotsuru becomes determined to study abroad after visiting Harvard for a musical performance

Sumire Hirotsuru, a third year student at Uenogao high school in Oita city, was recently accepted to the prestigious Harvard Collage in America. "I'm looking forward to learning about a much broader variety of subjects that I have not had to the chance to experience yet," said Hirotsuru as she looks ahead to the start of her first semester at Harvard next September.

            Hirotsuru began playing the violin at age 3 and is still an active violinist, performing both in and out of the prefecture at venues such as the Argerich music festival. She excelled at the international music contest held in Italy in 2009. As an extra benefit of winning that contest, she was invited to a performance in Carnegie Hall in New York last year. "I became interested in the culture and soul of America, and starting thinking about going there to study."

            The entrance examination was held in Japan last May. She also went to Fukuoka each month to take an American university aptitude test. Her application also involved multiple short-essays and a video-interview over the Internet. She has never studied at a cram school, instead learning English from her mother and assistant language teachers (ALT). As for her other subjects, her success comes from simply working hard after school and listening to her teachers. According to Hirotsuru, "The most difficult part was memorizing the requisite 15 000 words of English vocabulary."

            Word of her acceptance came by E-mail the morning of December 16^th. When asked about her thoughts at that moment, "Right after we read the message, it was much quieter than I would have expected. I just thought, 'I've got to tell all the people who helped me out over the years.'"

            "I want to become someone who can contribute to international society, so I plan to study Sociology. Of course I will continue to play my beloved violin. By going abroad, I hope to further appreciate Japan and Oita," Said Hirotsuru of her future aspirations.

Comment:

            I recently read a book called "Reimagining Japan: The Quest for a Future that Works." The book was divided into groups of essays structured around a common theme. In the part of the book dedicated to a discussion of how Japan should reconnect with the rest of the world, nearly every essayist mentioned the declining number of Japanese students at prestigious American universities. I am sure that Miss Hirotsuru worked hard to earn her acceptance. However, there are two points I would like to make on this topic.

            First, a point is made about the method she uses to study English. Private tutors are not cheap, nor are professional violin teachers, nor Harvard's school fees. My girlfriend went to the same school as the girl mentioned in this article, and apparently her family's wealth was infamous. This is nothing to be ashamed of, but it does say something about the way that our world is structured. It is one thing for an essayist to proclaim that more Japanese students should make it abroad, the question remains, however, of how to pay for the lessons required.

            This brings me to my second point. The author of this article points out that Hirotsuru never went to cram school to study. I feel very sorry for the parents who read this, considering that many of them must work hard to send their kids to after-school lessons in the hopes of giving them opportunities in the future. It is true though, that the inflation of education continues. Cram schools, once the mark of an extra-dedicated student, have become the norm. Schools now expect that students will be going. In return, students pay less attention in class, because they know that they will cover the same material in their cram school. The race to give your child a leg up in life continues.

Abebe Tinari

17 January Morning Edition P11

The Dean of the International College of Management in Ritsumeikan APU, Professor Yokoyama Kenji has brought out a book on improving English language skills based on his own experiences. The book is titled 'Eigo wa totsuzen umaku naru (English can be Mastered Suddenly)', is published by President Publications on a B6 format with 158 pages, and costs 1365 JPY. The book can be purchased in bookshops in Oita and the university Co-Op in APU.

Professor Yokoyama tells that he was neither good at nor fond of English in his student days. Nor does he have any experience of traveling to foreign countries for education. Yet he takes classes in English on a regular basis in the university today.

Professor Yokoyama took notice of the key to mastering English about 10 years back, when APU was just being opened. After practicing to repeat words spoken at a fast pace in an English language program on the radio, he found that during lectures, he could speak English with ease. "We all learn English at school. It is about stimulating your brain by moving the muscles in your mouth, then the latent English language skill can surface easily" he says. He contends that the way to master English is to repeat short phrases at a fast pace, he calls this method as the 'rehabilitation method.' He says if one repeats this practice everyday, his or her speaking will definitely improve, and listening skills will be benefited as well.

Professor Yokoyama has explained in detail about the rehabilitation method in his book. He also points out that before mastering English, one needs to develop the ability to understand expressions and intentions in speech, which remain keys to smooth communication. He also offers advices on the ways to master English grammar. Professor Yokoyama says: "It is very important that you enjoy English when you use it. I think for the people who have many opportunities to use English in daily life, the efficacy of this method will be readily apparent. I hope they will try it out."

Enquiries about Professor Yokoyama's work can be made at APU at: 0977781114.

Comment

Professor Yokoyama is one of the most popular professors at APU, a charming, easygoing personality who is not only interested in his own subject, but also about a variety of issues. His book is definitely a refreshing approach to mastering English, as it is written with both a personal flavor as well as familiarity with most of the troubles faced by the young people when communicating in English in this country. Apart from the book's obvious usefulness from this point, I also particularly like the comment of his where he mentions that enjoying is the key to mastering something. This lies at the core of any type of education. Professor Yokoyama has shown us that he is a teacher in the true sense of the word.

Abhik Chakraborty

PhD Candidate (GSAD 3^rd Year)

India 

The popular bags sell out only moments after the shops open

Translator note: Fukubukuro are sealed bags that contain an assortment of last season's goods at a heavily marked down price. You cannot see the contents before you buy and the contents are random, but if you are lucky you can get incredible deals.

            At the prefecture's large shopping centers, it has become a common sight to see customers flooding into the shops on the 1^st or 2^nd day of the new year to get a quick start on the beginning of the new shopping season.

            At shopping mall Parkplace Oita, 2800 people (a 30% increase over last year) were waiting outside the doors before the shops opened at 9:00am to secure their place in line. Many shops sold out of their Fukubukuro in a matter of minutes.

            At Youme Town in Beppu City, due to the effect of the high value of the Yen, demand was high for imported clothing and accessory Fukubukuro. Most of the bags that shops had prepared had sold out by the 2^nd. Outside Tokiwa department store, 3500 people lined up with their eyes on women's and children's clothing.

            "It was really cold lining up, but it was all worth it to buy what I came for," said Yuuko Yoshida with a smile. Yuuko lined up at 7:00 outside a shop in Bungo-Ohno city to claim her spoils: six bargain items. The shop she went to was also very popular, with many customers bringing their whole family along for the bargain. Sales promotion department representative Hideo Masuhara explained that, "The earthquake really strengthened the family bond between people. I'm sure the people coming home to Oita to be with their family also had an effect on sales."

Comment:

 It is not a coincidence that this article comes directly after one about the environmental destruction caused by consumer products. We have only to look as far as the hysteria caused by fukubukuro to see how misguided our societies value system has become. I am not singling out Japan, either. Black Friday in America, Boxing Day in Canada, I am sure that the list could be expanded to include a frantic sales event from every mature market on the planet.

            The modern day corporation is simple not designed to put environmental needs at the forefront. From a marketing perspective, fukubukuro are pure genius. I know someone who bought a jacket fukubukuro only to find that the one he got was pink and three sizes too small. As evident in the ending quote of this article, consumerism has become ingrained so deeply in our culture that a day out just shopping has somehow become a family affair. Fukubukoro represent shopping entirely detached from need: we do not even know what we are buying, only that whatever it is, it is cheap. 

Abebe Tinari

Palm Oil is one of the types of oil that can be obtained by harvesting the fruit of the oil palm plant. Often used in cooking, and found in everything from snack food, instant food, coffee cream, margarine, and ice cream to soap and cosmetics; palm oil is a staple of Japanese life.

            According to the U.S. Ministry of Agriculture, worldwide production in 2010 reached 48 million tons, almost a two-fold increase since 2000. In 2004 it surpassed soybean oil to become the most widely used vegetable oil on the planet. The combined production from Malaysia and Indonesia makes up 85% global production.

            In the past 5 years, rapidly increasing demand in China has lead to it become the world's largest palm oil consumer with 6 million tons. Consumption in Europe, America, and India is also large. Japan imports 570 000 tons each year, of which close to 490 000 tons are used in food.

            The oil palm plant is grown tightly packed into vast expanses of cleared land known as plantations. Stretching over 80 000 square meters, the area of the oil palm plantations in Indonesia and Malaysia is larger than the size of Hokkaido. It is becoming one of the causes of deforestation.

            According to various studies, including one by America's Princeton University, 55-60% of the land used for the production of palm oil between 1990 and 2005 came from cutting down natural forests.

            Russell Mittermeier of the environmental production group Conservation International identified rising oil palm cultivation as "the single largest cause of deforestation in Malaysia and Indonesia."

            These tropical rainforests are home to endangered species with few remaining habitats such as Orangutans and African Elephants, and the oil palm plantations slowly destroy their home by breaking up the forest into many different sections. This is another way in which humans are failing to live in harmony with our natural environment.

            "We should limit palm oil plantations to land that is already free of vegetation. We need to make a system that recognizes palm oil certified as produced with environmental concerns in mind," explained Mittermeir.

Comment:

I remember my grandfather once complaining about universities, saying that after going to one, students all start complaining about the environment. He was right: I am much more worried about the environment now than I was before coming to university, and I put that down to one very simple factor: I am less ignorant. It is very difficult not to be concerned about our planet when we look at the havocs the human race is inflicting on Earth.

            I am happy to hear about local efforts to educate kids about nature and to clean up local beaches and parks; in fact I believe I have translated some of those articles in the past. While these are helpful and good, they are not enough. Moreover, if we are satisfied with the good feeling we get by participating in these events, we risk missing the fundamental lack of sustainability in our current lifestyle. Look again at that list of products that use palm oil. These products are not just a staple of Japanese life; they are on daily shopping lists of middle class families around the globe. As the global middle class swells, demand is only going to go up. Facing a sobering article like this is difficult. It is about more than separating our garbage and recycling. To even begin to solve this problem we will need to give up items we have taken for granted since childhood. Even as someone who has studied and cares about the environment, I do not know if I have the resolve to do this, let alone the billions of people still ignorant or annoyed at the whole environmental movement.

Abebe Tinari

According to the results of the emergency telephone survey carried throughout Japan on 13 and 14 January by the Kyodo News Agency in the wake of the latest restructuring in the Noda Cabinet, the approval rating for the cabinet stood at 35.8%. The figure remains almost unchanged, rising by a minuscule amount of 0.1% compared to the survey done on 7 and 8 January. Though the disapproval rate dropped by 2.7%, it remained at a strong 47.8%. By refraining from the scheduled Kokkai session on 24 January, Prime Minister Noda Yoshihiko was seen as aiming at recovering approval ratings for his government by appointing fresh faces in the cabinet, but the results appear to indicate that the strategy brought no result whatsoever. On the other hand, the cynosure of the restructured cabinet, the newly inducted Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Reforms and Restructuring Okada Katsuya appeared to have lived up to the publicity, with 59.4% of those polled saying they 'expected' him to do something. 67.1 of the respondents 'praised' the decision to retire Ichikawa Yasuo and Yamaoka Kenji, politicians who were censured in the Sangiin, while 21.8% said they did not approve this decision. There was prominent disagreement on the Prime Minister's decision to raise consumption taxes, with 79.5% opining that 'it is improper to raise consumption tax' in the event of no cut in the numbers of parliamentary representatives and incomes national government bureaucrats. Asked which tasks were most important for the reformed cabinet (respondent could choose up to two answers), 43.7% responded by saying that needless spending of tax money should immediately be stopped, 30.8% replied that business outlook and employment scenario needs be addressed, the issue of pensions and social security got 27% votes while 24.1% responses indicated that the number of parliamentary representatives should be cut.

              When it came to the policy of Prime Minister Noda towards the recovery of the disaster affected Northeast Japan, two responses of 'Cannot praise much' and 'Cannot be praised in any way' polled 62% in combination, while the two positive responses of 'Approve totally' and 'approve somewhat' could only poll a total of 36.2% of responses.

Regarding the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) issue which promises to abolish across border tariffs, there was a virtual tie, with 41.2% saying 'Japan should join TPP' while 40.6% saying 'Japan should not enter TPP.'

Regarding the support to different political parties, the DPJ polled 19.3%, the LDP 19.6%, the Komeito 2.7%---all these parties suffered losses from 1 to 3 percentage points.

Among other parties, the Communist Party of Japan polled 3%, Shinto Kizuna 0.1%, Shaminto 0.7%, Minnano to 6.3%, Kokumin Shin to 0.2%, Shinto Daichi, Shin Minshu 0.2%, Tachiagare Nippon 0.8%Shin to Kaikaku 0.1% and Shin to Nippon had no result. 43.6% replied that they did not support any particular party.

Comment

This is a very interesting result of the survey done by the Kyodo. Assuming that the survey gives a more or less correct picture, it can probably be seen as a strong disapproval of the 'ivory tower' nature of parliamentary politics in the country. While the poor approval rate of Noda's cabinet is expected, numerous other figures provide more insight into the public perception of national politics. First, it seems that Noda has not managed to keep his position as an able leader of the country in people's eyes, and that people are expecting more from the Deputy PM now. Secondly, it appears that the public is increasingly becoming unconvinced about the national level political debates, such as the initiative to raise consumption tax or the TPP initiative. The 'Min' has given a strong message to the 'Kan' through the disapproval of hiking of the consumption tax when top bureaucrats and politicians sacrifice little. PM Noda's high profile declarations on the TPP have not worked either. Though it is a novel approach to boost regional trade and will provide stimulus to ailing economies, the TPP is also an America agenda to counter China in the Asia Pacific, and the Japanese policy of steadfastly playing the role of a US satellite in the region has not been universally accepted at home, besides, there are issues involving the farming sector under the TPP regime.

Finally, the dismal support ratings of the main political parties, and the 43.6% response of 'not supporting any political party' indicate that the public sees through the posturing and understands that politicians today are not going to deliver when it comes to critical issues. But will the leaders listen to this message?

Abhik Chakraborty

PhD Candidate 3^rd Year

India 

Even in the former disaster area, people face the New Year with a smile.

            Assaulted by unprecedented levels of tremors, destructive tsunami, and fears over radioactive material, 2011 has been a trying year for the Japanese people. Deaths and missing persons surpass 19 000 people, and 300 000 more are living in temporary housing and emergency shelters. As a prayer for recovery and for the victims of the disaster, the people of Kamaishi City in Iwate Prefecture struck their "Kamaishi Rival Bell" for the first time on the 31^st. Sending out their hearts and minds to victims in the disaster area, they wished for 2012 to become the "year to live on with a smile."

            The bell, constructed outside the Kamaishi train station, holds a powerful meaning.

"Revival"

"Remembrance"

"Repose"

"Hope"

            These four words are inscribed into the bell's surface. At the ceremony to mark the first ringing of the bell held on the 31^st, preschool teacher Momoko Sasaki, who lost her father to the disaster, prayed that "The sound from the bell will reach my kind and strong father, wherever he is," before striking the bell. She shared her feeling about the bell saying that: "We should never forget what happened this year with the disaster. At the same time, it is important to move forward with our lives and make next year one in which we can live with a smile."

            The bell is 45 cm in diameter and 80 cm tall. It hangs in the center of a 2 m tall monument shaped to resemble two hands brought together in prayer. After collecting 3 Million Yen by selling 10 000 fans, the "Kamaishi Wind of Rival Project" had the bell cast by Oigo Seisakusho (the same maker that made Hiroshima's Peace Bell) and presented it to the city.

Comment:

I would never make light of the disaster that befell Japan last year and has affected so many lives. When I read stories like this that touch on the religious side of Japanese society, I cannot help but feel curious and a little confused. To whom are they praying? As an atheist and a skeptic, I was quite surprised by when I came to Japan. I had heard that the country was very secular and had a strong science education. These points are both true; as religion is understood in western countries, Japan is not very religious. People do not go to temples regularly and you would be hard pressed to find one person in 100 who would claim that the origin myth of Japan as stated by traditional Shinto belief was factual.

            Be this as it may, Japanese people are surprisingly superstitious. Many appear to believe in ghosts, UFOs, fortune telling, horoscopes, fate, ESP, etc. Why this is exactly I cannot say, but it may come from the pseudo-religious undertones of Japanese society. Stripped of the rigorous prayer and ascetic restraint of typical religions, the 'spirituality' (for lack of a better term) of Japanese society has been reduced to abstract prayer at a shrine. This provides a good opportunity for self-reflection and contemplation; both useful when dealing with grief. However, I also find it somewhat worrisome. Due to the power of societal norms, many people may go through their lives not questioning why they go to a temple each year, or why ringing a (very expensive) bell well help them move on with their lives. Again, my personal belief is that as educated people, we should ask these questions. 

Abebe Tinari

The Asian market grows increasingly important

            Japan's Economic system, which dates back over 1000 years, has reached a turning point. There are two things I would like to discuss regarding how to proceed.

            The first is to acknowledge that the international market has surpassed the domestic in importance. This is not limited to just manufacturing companies either, it also includes agriculture. With a falling and aging population, we cannot expect an increase in consumption. We should set our sights on the foreign market.

            The second is that the focus of global economic leadership has shifted away from the west and is now on the shoulders of the newly developing nations. Looking at the current recession in America following the Lehman shock and the sorry state of public finance in Europe set off by the economic collapse of Greece, it is clear that the old powers are in a difficult situation. Europe is in for at least a decade of stagnation.

            The markets that Japanese industries should be hopeful for are 1) China and 2) The populous countries of Asia, starting with Indonesia. Now is the time to start considering the question: what are Oita Prefecture's specialties? At what does it excel? What are its competitive advantages? Expanding into Asia, it is clear that our geographic position is favourable. For example, Shanghai, one of the main markets in China, is about the same distance from Oita as Tokyo. All things considered, estimates put the latent growth potential of Shanghai at 8 times that of Tokyo.

            It then comes down to what are we going to sell in these markets. It is important to make personal visits, pay attention to the news, and anticipate the demands of those markets by observing with our own eyes and ears. The agricultural sector especially is set to benefit greatly from these new markets. There are approximately 50 million people now with an annual income of over 30 million yen. As a percentage of the total population this group makes up an admittedly small portion, but the absolute value is still large.

            Of course, in these markets, things we take for granted in Japan such as adherence to law and sales conventions may not be as ingrained, so caution is necessary. This is especially true in China. It is not unheard of for companies to be forced to remove their product from the market on a moment's notice. To avoid trouble, it is essential to build a stable relationship with the central government. It is not enough to just work ad-hoc with civilians, get the Japanese government, local bureaus, and trade organizations involved as part of your approach. Make a habit of forming personal connections with people in the government.

            When doing business with foreign countries, language is key. Rather than using an interpreter, speaking for yourself is preferable. Also make sure that you have a staff member from the country you plan to enter who understands Japanese and the Japanese way of thinking. Treat your employees well and you should have no trouble assembling exceptional talent.

            Moving forward, we should shift our academic focus to studying Chinese. As with any language, it is best to start young, and I would like to see parents create a suitable environment for their kids to learn.

Comment:

I was originally disappointed when I found out I would be living in Oita; a place I had never heard of, a plane ride away from Tokyo. After being here for several years, however, I have developed tremendous respect for the people of Oita. In times like these, with TPP threatening to turn the Japanese agricultural sector on its head and Japanese companies continuing to lose relevance in international markets compared to their Korean or Chinese counterparts, it is tempting for the Japanese to return to their sakoku ways: turn inward and focus on the moderately sized Japanese domestic market.

            Kyushu does not seem to be taking this easy way out. What the article above illustrates is an awakening to foreign potential. For too long, 'foreign' in Japan has invariably been associated with 'Western'. Asia's rise has begun to felt in Japan, and I believe the Japanese are beginning to see the importance of their closest neighbors. As a native English speaker (who teaches English) I cannot help but feel somewhat threatened by this movement that will certainly make my language and job decreasingly relevant in Japan. I came to Asia, however, because I also recognized its potential, and I will have to attempt my skills and focus just as the people of Oita are doing.

Abebe Tinari

Deepening our knowledge of the "seven tools" of the insect's mouth

            We have all had the experience of being completely oblivious as a mosquito sucks our blood. Using this as motivation, researchers headed by Professor Seiji Aoyagi in Kansei University's department of system engineering are working to develop a painless needle for injections.

            In order to measure their blood sugar levels, Diabetes patients need to draw small amounts of blood multiple times per day; the pain from each these injections becomes a large burden they must bear. The team observed how mosquitoes are able to use the "seven tools" in their mouth, and succeed in creating a prototype needle that emulates this technique. In order to reduce pain, medical equipment makers developed a needle with a width of only 200 micrometers*, but Professor Aoyagi explained, "Even this is not totally painless." That is when mosquitoes caught his eye.

            Female Mosquitoes continue to painlessly suck an animal's blood for over a minute at a time. Past explanations refer to an anesthetic secretion, but Aoyagi felt that there must be some reason why there is no pain even after the mosquito withdraws its needle.

            After receiving some mosquitoes from an insecticide maker to use for his experiments, he set up a device to house the insects where he could control the temperature and carbon dioxide content. Using a high-speed camera capable of capturing 1000 shots per second, he carefully observed the mosquitoes as they stuck their needles into sugar-filled gelatin.

            The labrum, labium, and hypopharynx, working in conjunction with pairs of mandibles and maxillae comprise the "seven tools" at the mosquito's disposal. The serrated teeth on the maxillae move back and forth to cut open the skin while the labrum is inserted and sucks blood. Guided by the labium, the hypopharynx secretes the fluid that is responsible for the itchy feeling for which mosquitoes are infamous.

            The team reproduced the 15 micrometer-wide maxillae and 30 micrometer in diameter hypopharynx using silicon. The artificial maxillae, with its saw-like teeth, oscillate at 30 times per second, and require only 1/3 the force to insert than traditional toothless needles.

            They are currently pushing to get the needle into mass production, and are also developing a resin-based needle that will not be harmful even if a fragment snaps off inside the skin. They have already been successful in tests to suck up blood using a hollow artificial hypopharynx.

"Although the sensation is different from that of a normal needle, it still does hurt a little. I would like the opportunity to consult an animal specialist do develop a truly painless needle," said Professor Aoyagi.

*1 micrometer = 1.0 × 10-6 meters

Comment:

            For once, mosquitoes have made themselves useful. I love both science and nature, but I have a particular fondness for the times that these two interests intersect. Scientific research is at its finest when it harness the designs of nature, honed over millions of years of evolution. Although it sounds like these scientists' research if far from complete, what they are undertaking provides us a glimpse of the very heart of scientific discovery: observing the astounding complexity of nature, and through our gradual attempts to understand it, finding new and creative ways to put it to use.

Translator's note: This was par far the most difficult article I've every translated in terms of vocabulary. I apologize in advance if I mixed up a labrum and labium or added in an extra 'hypo' along the way.

Abebe Tinari

Following the decision on the 22^nd to restart construction on the Yamba dam in Gunma prefecture, voices of support from Takeshi Maeda, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and from the various heads of advocacy groups for the dam were met with outcries from locals living in the area who are opposed to the dam. Two years have past since the project was put on hold immediately following the Democratic parties rise to power in 2009. Criticisms are starting to fly regarding the governments seeming lack of direction.

            On the evening of the 22^nd, Minister Maeda met with Gunma prefecture governor Masa'aki Ohsawa and around 40 local residents and with his head bowed said, "I am sorry for all the trouble we have caused you," before announcing that construction on the dam would resume.

            "Ever since the decision to put the construction on hold two years ago, the people here have live each day uncertain about what was going to happen with the dam," spoke governor Ohsawa, "You cannot imagine what a relief this is for them." The residents responded with a hearty cheer.

            After the conference, governor Ohsawa shared his thoughts on former head of the Democratic party Seiji Maehara, who was Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism back in 2009, "As it appears that the halting of the dam project was part Mr. Maehara's scheme to appease voters, and in the end construction has once again resumed, I will not tolerate any more sudden changes of mind. I have tried to understand the position of both Cabinet Minister Maeda and the local people affected by the project, and I just hope that further decisions are made as a party."

            "First I just want to say how relieved we are," Added Nagonohara Mayor Kinya Takayama with an expression that showed it, "Although in a way the 2009 decision was a favourable outcome, too many people started adding their 2 cents from left and right about what should be done. One day we were happy, the next sad; this resent-filled cycle continued for 2 years. I am very thankful to the minister for finally giving us a clear decision."

            On the other hand, among people who oppose the dam's construction, such as leader of local "collective for the future of Yamba" group Youko Watanabe, reactions are not as positive. "Starting with the first ruling by Maehara, continuing into this most recent announcement by the minister, every decision has been made inside the government without giving citizens a single change to make their voice heard. What is more, any dissenting voices within the party are ignored," she said unhappily.

"I was hoping for a bit of political direction independent from the usual bureaucracy," said a Naganohara woman regretfully, "More than just talk."

Comment:

I like this article because it covers the whole spectrum of Japanese politics in a nutshell: indecisive leaders making lofty promises, poor communication, backpedaling, and a lack of transparency. Just like the bases in Okinawa, the Yamba damn project is a local issue that as come to represent a much larger malaise towards the Japanese government.

            Was is so telling about this article is the reason behind the citizen's anger. It is not the specific decision that caused them the most stress, but rather the lack of a clear answer. In a similar way, the lack of a leader who will make firm decisions and stand by them is a least partly responsible for the rapid cycling of Prime Ministers for which Japan is becoming infamous.

Abebe Tinari

Class aimed at foreigners gathers popularity

The free weekly calligraphy, or Shodou class offered by the Kitahama branch of the Beppu Tourism Office (別府外国人観光客案内所) is gaining popularity. Long-time calligraphy enthusiast Takeyoshi Kajiwara teaches the class as a volunteer. Through Shodou, the scope of international exchange in Beppu is expanding.

            The class was established in 2008 after an exchange student studying at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University expressed his desire to learn Shodou to the Beppu Tourism Office. One of the employees at the tourism office was acquaintances with Mr. Kajiwara, and asked him to help out. As a former banker, Mr. Kajiwara has experience with international business, and wanted to repay the kindness of the foreigners he met in the past. When asked to lead the class, he was happy to oblige.

            Beginning with fundamentals such as tome (when to stop a brush stroke) and harai (a sweeping stroke), he patiently teaches his students, at times mixing in English when necessary. Mr. Kajiwara has earned himself quite a following due to his enthusiasm, going so far as to explain stroke order, the history and Hiragana, and more. His class has now grown to include 40 participants: among them students, workers, and house wives form 20 different countries.

            "Shodou is deceptively deep, and definitely harder than it looks," said a student from the UK after a difficult lesson. An American student who has been coming to the class for over a year is having an easier time, "Now that I've gotten the hang of using the brush, it's really fun. It's a great place to make new friends too."

            "When teaching, I have the chance to learn a lot about the various cultures of my students; this has become one of my motivations for doing the class. If I can convey just a little of Japanese culture, it will be worth it," said Mr. Kajiwara.

Contact the Tourism Office at 0977-23-1119 for inquiries

Comment: 

            Learning kanji is a very long process. It is both difficult and rewarding...but above all it takes time. As a way to build interest in Shodou and kanji in general, I am happy to see this class exists. I get the feeling that many students trying to learn Japanese are quick to give up on kanji. The task can be daunting.

            When I came here, I made a decision to embrace kanji and try my best to study above and beyond the number required for my class at APU. In many ways kanji are the key to Japanese. Not only is written Japanese inscrutable without them, but because they form the basis of so many compound words, knowledge of kanji can also have a positive effect on your spoken Japanese. Plus, it is a great feeling being able to write a really difficult kanji from memory or recognizing one on the street. I think I will look into this class myself to assist me on the long road of Japanese study.

Abebe Tinari