see you again

Today is day 100 for my diary.

So?

Finally I can quit keeping a diary.

Even though I wrote some sentences in English every day, my English writing skill hasn't improved at all. But it doesn't matter.

I'm terrible with doing the same thing every day. Then, I decided to keep a diary at least for 3 months. Now, I've done all I decided.

Actually, I expected I'll make a new goal to keep a diary, but I'm really fed up with it.

About two month ago, I was also totally fed up with writing a diary every single day. Then, I decided to join in the blog ranking site.

Although I expected that someone gave me a message, there was only an ad the first entry day.

But next morning, I got a kind message which encouraged me a lot. It was from PhycoCat. I imagined from his name, he might have a supernatural power, then he read my mind, and left me a message:)

Before I leave here, I'd like to say thankyou to him.

Hi, PhycoCat! I can't say thinkyou enough because I gave up writing if you didn't give me a message at that day. Anyway, how is your shed going? I'm looking forward to seeing photos of the completed shed and the rose garden. Please be careful not to get hurt doing a carpenters. See you!


And, I'd like to say thankyou to visitors who left me some messages.


Hi happi!! Thank you so much for all your comments!! It's no doubt that your comments kept my motivation up. Generally speaking, people don't like to discuss about serious social issue in Japan. But you didn't hesitate to tell me what you have in mind. I think that you are well suited to live in the U.S.. I hope your dream will come true!! See you soon.


Hi Taka-san, what's the weather in Kyoto? I feel from your blog that you enjoy life very much in Kyoto. Many people feel comforted seeing your pictures of nature. Thank you for your comments. I felt father-like tenderness from you. See you.


Hi, Anima!! I'm really glad to hear from you. I have a longing for your English skill and writing skill (also having a great partner;-) In particular, I like "The Dice Man" in all your entry. I guess the article must fascinate many readers. I hope one day I can express all my thinking in English like you. Thank you for telling me your opinion in my site. It made me really happy!


And, it'll be a great memory that mindda gave me information about Aled Jones, and I'm happy that Suman Rai gave me a message. Thank you all!!


Finally, I don't keep in touch with koto, but I hope she has a great time now. And I'd like to say thankyou to her friend as well. Take care!!



I'd like to have a exchange of different views. So, I'm going to begin a correspondence with a native English speaker. Today, I sent an e-mail to Canadian women who teaches Japanese to high school student. I'm not sure whether she will reply soon, but I will keep trying until making a good pen pal at the exchange language site.

Although I might write something here in English or Japanese in some weeks ahead, I am going to delete my entry from BlogMura site tomorrow.

I hope to meet you again sometime somewhere. Thank you for reading. See you everyone!!!








(*´Д｀)ノ~~

Elderly suicides surge

12,107 is the number of suicides involving people over the age of 60 in Japan. Remember, people over the age of 60 are including people who are in their 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 100s.

16,909 is the number of suicides involving people in their 30s, 40s and 50s in Japan.

Comparing the numbers, it's obvious that the generation of full activity commit suicide more than the generation of retirement.

However, many news reports highlighted the number of over the age of 60. Why did they combine only the number of over the age of 60 together?

I think this kind of number would hide the real problems. The problem is spreading to not only elderly people but also the younger generation. To cover up the real problem offers no solutions.


Most the suicide cases are announced as the cause of death is just heart failure. In addition the announced cases are small fraction of the real suicide figure.

As I mentioned before, the role of the mass medias tells the public the truth, and raise the right issues.


I lost a friend who committed suicide suffering depression, and lost a friend who had a heart attack from over work. Although I can't do anything, I couldn't help but comment about this...



BBC news Thursday, 19 June 2008 11:24 UK.

Suicides involving people over the age of 60 rose by almost 9% to 12,107, making up nearly 40% of all cases in Japan, the National Police Agency said.

Japan's elderly are increasingly concerned about money and rising health care costs.

Nationwide, the number of suicides rose by 2.9% to 33,093, the second-highest figure since records began in 1978.

Aging society

Japan has one of the world's highest suicide rates.

Last year ministers approved a raft of measures to try to reduce this, such as more workplace counselling and blocking websites that offer suicide tips.

But it appears that the measures have yet to yield results.

Recent months have seen a rash of cases where people killed themselves by mixing chemicals to produce toxic gas.

Police said that the main causes of suicide were depression, illness and debt.

But the elderly have been particularly hard-hit by issues linked to Japan's ageing society.

Health insurance costs have risen and people are increasingly concerned that the state will not be able to support them properly.

A recent scandal involving millions of lost pension records has exacerbated concern over social security issues.

And as the traditional family structure has changed, some elderly people are worried that there will be no family members to care for them in their old age.

Thank you for reading.

boy soprano

I visited David's blog site today. He found a video from a British TV show called 'Britain's Got Talent'. He said that he almost started crying when he watched the video of a 13-year-old boy singing "PIE JESU".

I love to listen to boy soprano, and I have a CD including "PIE JESU", it is one of my favorite.

Just my opinion, soprano is the only boy voices for me. Of course, I don't mean female voices is not good. But boy's are short-lived voices, so the temporary nature gives me a special feeling.

And, I'm not a christian, but I love listening to anthem. I had a chance to listen to anthem by a cathedral chorister in Paris by chance. In the sacred atmosphere, I couldn't stop crying from the angel voices.

I'd like to show you this video.
The original poster gives us information,: "Aled Jones performing O Holy Night, first as a young Aled, then Aled today."

I think the BBC's editing team did a great job. Don't you think so?



"O Holy Night"

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Thank you for reading.