(Oita Godo Newspaper, January 21^st 2010, morning paper)

On January 20^th, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Beppu City held RCAPS Seminar (Ritsumeikan Center for Asia Pacific Studies) Animation International Ltd Executive Mr. Kondo Tsutomu delivered a seminar titled "The Current Condition of the Animation Character Business in Asia".

There were about eighty students, including international students, attending the seminar. He started by explaining that his company is a major exporter of Japanese animation characters. "While the Japanese market is sluggish, we must developed overseas business", said the executive.

Last year's August, the board chairman concluded the exchange agreement by saying that Oita needs to be developed into a place where animation industry is raised. As the first step, they called APU who has the most population of international students across Japan to hold an exhibition.

Comment:

Animation has been really close to heart for many, as animation has been involved in many people's lives since they were young. In Indonesia, Japanese animation is the most popular one. On Sunday mornings, there is a set of animation movies, one after the other from six o'clock till 10 o'clock in the morning. Many children are "glued" to their television every Sunday morning. I support the growth of animation, as long as it contains the right norms and values, so children can also be educated through something exciting for them like watching animation.

NUGROHO Katarina Marsha Utama

Indonesia

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APM3)

(Oita Godo Newspaper, February 16^th 2010, morning paper)

(Sydney) It was confirmed that the octopuses, which live in the open sea of Indonesia, are using the coconut shells that they found at the bottom of the sea, in order to protect themselves from being attacked by the enemies. They cover themselves by the coconut shells so the enemies cannot find them. This finding about the invertebrate using coconut shells as refuge was presented by Julian Fynn, who is a researcher from Victoria (Australia) on February 15^th.

Octopuses, which are known to dive themselves into the rock to be invisible, actually performed a survival action which are indeed inconvenient and dangerous in order to protect themselves. He considered that octopuses have the advanced ability to make use of tools.

The species that was confirmed by the investigated conducted on white-eye octopus, which originated from the coastal waters in Indonesia and Bali Island. According to the investigation, people throw coconut shells on the beach, and the coconut shells were collected and brought by the octopus as their hiding place. They transported the shells for about twenty meters away.

Fynn guessed, "At first they used similar bivalves, but then they found out that the light coconut shells are convenient to use".

Comment:

In the past we used to hear that dolphins are intelligent creatures. It is very interesting to hear about octopuses being intelligent. Indeed, to be able to think about such survival act shows some level of intelligence.

NUGROHO Katarina Marsha Utama

Indonesia

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APM3)

(Oita Godo Newspaper, February 9^th 2010, morning paper)

On February 9^th, Toyota Motor Corporation, made an announcement of the recall of 4 of its new hybrid models such as "Prius", which will be collected and repaired for free. There are approximately 437,000 units that have "break defect" around the world. The repairment of "Prius" conducted since February 10^th, and the repairment of the other three models will be conducted after the preparation is ready.

The defect of the new model "Prius" clearly made a negative impact on the sales and management strategy of Toyota.

During a press conference, the CEO of Toyota apologized over and over again for the defect, saying "I apologize for causing troubles and worries".

The objects of recall are "Prius", Sedan "SAI", the luxury car "Lexus HS250h", "Prius Plug-In Hybrid", a model designed for corporations and government, whose energy can be recharged through a normal electrical plug.

The four models were launched by Toyota in 2009 were at the leading edge. They are modified in the shops, as there is a defect in electrical control system of the break.

To Toyota users, it is suggested to exert more force when stepping on the break of the cars before the repairment.

Comment:

This is definitely not a fortunate thing that can happen to Toyota. Toyota has been the most respective automobile company, and whose production system and management has been studied closely around the world. Nevertheless, they took a prompt action to respond to this incident, so hopefully the situation will get better soon.

NUGROHO Katarina Marsha Utama

Indonesia

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APM3)

(Oita Godo Newspaper, December 7^th 2009, evening paper)

On December 7^th 2009, the large company who is doing business in communicative education, Benesse Corporation, presented their research for ranking of baby names according to popularity. "Hiroto" is the most popular name for boys, and Rin is the most popular one for girls.

The name "Hiroto" has been on the first rank for four consecutive years, "Shota" has been on the second rank, "Sho" is on the third rank. All of those top names include the Kanji "翔", which means "to soar, to fly". Benesse Corporation analyzed, "Since for every one hundred years, there will be one economic recession, the parents want their children to feel the power and strength to overcome the bad condition in the recession".

Among the name for girls, "Rin" which was on the fourth rank last year, became the most popular name this year. "Sakura" which was the eighth most popular last year, became the second one this year, probably to share the fortune of female professional golfer named Sakura Yokomine was awarded money prize as Queen.

A boy name "Ryo" came up from forty-eighth position last year to forty-first position this year, and the name "Ryo" belongs to the male professional golfer who was awarded money prize as King, named Ryo Ishikawa.

The entertainment business also made an impact in the choice of baby names. For example, "Eita" went up the rank from twenty-forth last year to ninth this year. Ms. Eita is popular as she appears on Japanese Drama and television commercials. "Juri" from Juri Ueno was on the two hundred and ninth rank.

This research done by Benesse Corporation was targeted on their customers who gave names to their babies from January 1^st to November 5^th 2009. The total number of baby names were 37,000 names.

Comment:

The wish of parents for the better future for their sons and daughters are apparent in the ways they give names to their new-born babies. Now I am quite curious to find out more about it, for example, which kinds of character of the artists in entertainment business that they adore and therefore adopt their names, and what kinds of the things they want their children to have by giving the names. This is quite an interesting observation.

NUGROHO Katarina Marsha Utama

Indonesia

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APM3)

[Vancouver] At Vancouver Winter Olympics,  the 45-year-old man of Skeleton "Kazuhiro Koshi", who possessed Japan`s longest history of attending Winter Olympics, finished his last game with the 20th rank on February 19th. "As a player, I could not get a medal. But with the application of my experience, I will make our next generation to be able to reach the medals. This is my next challenge." he expressed his intention to retire this season.

Koshi aimed to play as a player after the 1992 Bobsleigh Winter Olympics. He worked as Japan's first full-fledged skeleton player. As an active and independent player, he won the 2nd place for the overall of the 2000-01 World Cup season (W Cup), 8th place at the Salt Lake Olympic Games in 2002, and 11th place at Turin Olympics in 2006. In 2007, he formed a club to develop young players. His hometown is Nagano prefecture.

Comment: I happened to watch this game on the television. It was superb!! The speed looked really challenging and scary in the same time. Mr.Koshi in his forties was still strong and cool!! I wish someday I will have chance to try it.

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

APS4

University of Japan had an announcement on 19th to additionally accept 93 people who failed before as it is confirmed that there was a mistake in scoring "National Language" subject of Faculty of Economics in the general admission held on February 5.

According to the University of Japan, it was the question creator's mistake that he gave the score for the incorrect answer choice instead of the correct one. The commission also critized about it on 8th but that time the problem could not be confirmed. However, as the result that the test creators rechecked the exam questions and answers on 17th, a mistakes was finally noticed.

In `National Language` subject, there were 5,727 people taking the test, the rescoring result makes 93 more people passed the exam.

"We will try to compensate any expenses students paid to other universities as much as possible" said the representative of the University of Japan.

Comment: These 93 students should be congratulated on this issue. Hope they did not discourage so much after one failure. Thank you the test creators to admit your mistake and I admire the university that they said they will pay the compensation. Wish 93 of you bright future!!

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

APS4

A survey to determine boundaries of the land burned since the large fire of Hikari-machi, Beppu,  began on 16th at the local Kidashita for the reconstruction of the region.

Also eliminate or block foundation walls of the building and heavy equipment to remove rubble from the individual to lose the land border was carried out prior to the removal of debris.

On this day three real-estate surveyor and engineer who were all divided into three group work. Under the presence of land owners, surveying the current status of the border rely on the remaining structures burned. Where she is buried in the rubble, dug in with heavy equipment were investigated.

Surveying the whole block up to 18 days to draw up a preliminary survey. With repeated measurements and against the land patents and then draw up a formal survey. If they come landowners agreement on land border, into the removal of the rubble.

Built and destroyed the home of 15 years, Mr. Mitarai Takao attended the survey (73) said, "I'm sad that Shimatsu burned homes and memorabilia, is also the first step to feeling great to begin reconstruction." Meanwhile, residents had a bamboo plant was destroyed by one of 15 paintings began to remove the rubble from the day at his own expense. "Take the cost for the fire shall observe the three got to postpone delivery until the end" I was rushing and recovery.

Comment: Thorought the time I have been in Beppu, I have never heard of any big fire so this surprised me very much. I am sorry for any individual who get affected and would like to cheer them up for building a new life and a new surrounding there. Make it as what you wish! Do not give up! I am cheering for you.

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

APS4

[Port au Prince] Sarkozy President of France, on 17th, visited the earthquake-stricken Haiti. France is the former colonial power in Haiti. After the Haitian independence in 1804, this is the first visit of French president to Haiti. The president expressed that France would provide Haiti 2.7 billion Euros (approximately 33.6 billion yen) for 2 years as a reconstruction assistance. Reuters Reported.

Before the Second World War, Haiti was occupied by the United States for approximately 20 years long hence the politics and the economy were also under the strong influence of the States. Concerning the occurrence of the earthquake, although French government quickly dispatched rescue units, voices from the Haitian side said they expected more help from the former colonizing country. France should have fully indicated the presence of the former colonial power than now. 

According to Associated Press (AP), after the earthquake, France has exempted Haiti's debt for as many as 56 million Euros.

Comment: I am very sorry for Haiti about the earthquake but inside that, I am also glad to see international cooperation to help Haiti actively. Even though the help cannot take everything back from the disaster, it at least eases the pain of the people. Thank you French government for the debt exemption, too. And in my opinion, France has done its best to rescue Haiti and may be the best one among other rescuing teams.

 
PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

APS4

[Phnom Penh News] On February 20 at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, where was a co-labor camps in the former Pol Pot regime in Cambodia, Chief Curator of Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum (Itoman city), Mr. Irabu Takashi (48) held a mock class for 23 local 3rd year middle school students and teachers, peace education is fundamentally "Life itself is a treasure " he said.
 

Mr Irabu began his lecture with the explanation on the history of the Battle of Okinawa which has killed more than 200,000 victims. He introduced the significance that at the Peace Memorial Park, all names of the dead were engraved upon the "Cornerstone of Peace" without distinction of friend or foe. However, a boy student argued that if he was in that situation, he would never engrave any name of the enemies.
 

This is a project of JICA, an international cooperation aiming at improving the awareness of peace, to transfer technology of management techniques and resource preservation to any museum aiming to be known as a museum for peace. Mr.Irabu and a colleague were sent this time.
 

At Tuol Sleng Security Prison 21 (S-21), about 15,000 people were tortured until death by the Khmer Rouge regime. Now it becomes a museum exhibiting photos of tortured victims. Under the cooperation with Okinawa Prefecture, there is a plan to open the museum's first international exhibition project this spring.
 

Comment: As you know I came from a country near Cambodia, I have heard a lot of violence there and actually sometimes we have conflicts. However, that is mainly about the governments not the people, I feel. I wish the peace for Cambodia, Thailand and everywhere in the world.
 

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

APS4

Mr. Sato Hiroshi, the president of Tokiwa Wasada town shopping center in Oita City, has announced the plan of remodeling "Tokiwa Wasada Town" on 12^th February, 2010.

The 15 new stores will be opened including the new tea shop. This new tea shop will be selling tea imported directly from all over the world. Also, the existing stores, such as Uniqlo will be moved to the larger area. It is the biggest renovation since it opened. The grand opening will be held in April, 29^th.

After the meeting, the manager and the president of Tokiwa Wasada Town has announced that there will be selling the casual clothes for teen agers and women. For the people who love fashion, the new stores will sell the brands at low prices.

Moreover, the L size clothes and the interior goods will be available. The three existing stores which are ABC- Mart, Muji and Uniqlo will be moved to 4^th floor which is the largest selling space in Oita Prefecture.

The President Sato also sated that Wasada Town will suite for family gatherings, and will be a shopping centers that make everyone and everyday be exciting.

Comment: I am the one who loves shopping at Tokiwa. Tokiwa sells good products especially the women clothes. I go to Tokiwa in beppu at least twice a week to update new fasions!

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

APU4

The university students from faculty of economics, Oita University have interviewed the local leaders about the effort to revitalize rural areas of the prefecture. The presentation was held in Oita University.

There were about 40 people attended to this presentation. Yamaura Youichi, associate professor, said that the students who participated in this course will study not only the terms of industrial production and rural revitalization, but also considering of the idea of developing the rural area. From the interview with the local leaders, the students showed that human resource development is important. In addition, the nature in rural areas is also considered.

From the study, 15 students were divided into six groups. They have learned about the current situation in local areas by interviewing with the local leaders.
Uenishi-san who participated in the presentation said "I am glad that students were interested and considered in our rural areas"

Comment: I am also glad that young generations are interested in the nature. Recently, global warming is becoming a big problem. We can see from the news almost everyday. Such as, earthquake in Haiti or even the snow storm in European countries. I think we all should consider about this issue.

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

APU4

Japan Football Association has held the Super Project Training Camp for ladies in Naranoguchi Park, Beppu from 5^th February to 7^th February, 2010.

The purpose of this camp is to develop skills of playing football. Such as; ball catching, positioning, and learning some basic football techniques. There were 16 football players were chosen to participate in this camp.

"I would like to learn and practice my catching skills with other members and also challenge myself" said Airi, with her 4^th times participating in this camp. Mizuho Nakashima, another member who participated in this camp, also said "I was very excited and want to develop my ball-catching skills"

Comment: I always dream that I could play football very well in one day. I love watching football since my favorite football player, David Beckham, has participated in Football World Cup. He's such a good football player, and handsome as well.

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

APU4

Last year from October, the APU students has been studying and doing a research about the charming of Hiji town. According to this studying, students will visit historical heritages and landscape of neighborhood town. They were also walking around the town seeing the agricultural resources and fish products.

From the study, the students had made a presentations explaining about what they have found and also promote the charming of this town. The professor, Todoroki Hiroshi, associate professor in APU, has been studying in heritage and tourism also helped them conduct the presentations.

There were about 50 local people attended to the presentation. The students report the result and experiences that they have gained from their studies. One of the students, Kamada Noriyasu, said that they have walked around the town, gone to the fish market and visitors can exchange experience with the elder in this city.

Comment: I have taken this class when I was in 3^rd year student. At that time, I and my friends went to Kitsuki, the town nearing Hiji. This class was fun. We learn many things from our observations.

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

APU4

The President of social welfare group, Okuyama Hiroko, in Nakatsu-city, a city in Oita-prefecture, has launched a new home made product called "lucky-strap" wishing for a good luck.

This social welfare group called themselves "Pear Garden Group" is a group of disabilities people living in Nakatsu-city. Due to the economic recession and jobless, they have created a new product in last summer named it a "lucky-strap" which is made from beads and plastic sands. The useful of this strap is we can tie it to a mobile phone or use as a key chain.

They spend their time creating a "lucky-strap" by using straws, beads, plastic sands. With the three main colors, pink means love, gold means fortune and purple means academic, many people said they look very cute.

"The handmade product has become popular. Some people buy it because they believe it will bring a good luck to them" said the creator, Osamu Utsunomiya. "In the future, we will develop the product to be cheaper." said the head of center, Yuasa Hiroshi.

For more information contact: 0979-22-2138

Comment: Wow! I really love Japanese strap. When I first came to Japan, I can see many kinds of straps selling in the shop of grocery stores. I bought one which was a Hello-Kitty. It was really cute one and I gave it to my sister as a wishing luck strap present. I think the design and package of this kind of souvenir are very cute but also expensive though! 

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

APU4

Large earthquake in Haiti, the Caribbean Island, has occurred at 4.53 pm. on Tuesday 12 January, 2010. The minister of Haiti said the number of victims will reach to 200,000.

The officials had said this earthquake that devastated Haiti was the worst to strike in two centuries. Its magnitude 7.0 brought down buildings great and small - from shacks to President Rene Preval's white National Palace. Now they found the death bodies around 50,000 people but the forecast of death people will be around 100,000-200,000 people.

The US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton,had meeting President Preval. Her plane is bringing in supplies and will carry evacuated Americans back home. In addition, The UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, estimated that in the worst areas 50% of buildings were damaged or destroyed, leaving 3 million people without access to food, water, shelter and electricity. Ban said he will plan to visit Haiti soon.

Comment: I guess this is the most sadness news of this year. It's sad to see the number of people died and those got injured in Haiti. I hope they all will get recued soon.