The Cove

I found the video on dolphin drive hunting in Taiji to be quite upsetting. I was unaware of of this type of hunting in Japan, and I don't particuarly like it. The method they use of driving them into the cove and then spearing them/slitting their throats seems quite inhumane. I understand that in England and other parts of the world also slaughter animals in horrendous ways, but the fact that dolphins are so highly regarded makes it a whole new kettle of fish (so to speak!). It has been proven that dolphins are intelligent creatures and so they shouldn't be hunted in this way, but then again so are pigs so how can we be so accepting when it comes to pork? In Western culture, horses are commonly pets. But, here in Kumamoto it is a delicacy. This is a culture difference, but it seems that people in Japan are not aware of the dolphin drive hunting in Taiji and I think that proves that this type of hunting is wrong. However, I don't understand why the Government have a quota for dolphins and why dolphin meat is being sold or even given away when it contains high levels of mercury. I think there should be another method instead of taking so many dolphins into captivity. Perhaps have a better system with those dolphins that are already in captivity and breed them to be in the entertainment industry and not take the freedom of the ones that inhabit our oceans.

I think its really sad that this is happening and something should be done to stop it. I think the documentary is an effective way in making people all over the world aware of what is happening, and it was wrong for Japan to ban the film in certain cinemas. People should have the freedom to see what they like, and this shouldn't be shielded from them. The fact that so much effort goes into keeping this activity a secret proves that it is wrong.

Gender - Keeping it Equal

Last week we began to discuss to roles of males and females in society, particuarly in relation to jobs and family. From our smaller group discussions it was clear that Japan and England were quite similar when it came to equal opportunities in the workplace. Both male and females can do the same job, and there are laws and legislations in place to enable that happens. Less women are taking up the life of a housewife, and more are pursuing a successful career. But it isn't just women's rights which are considered; in the past, males in Japan could not do certain jobs like be a nurse etc and men can now get a considerable amount of time off work as paternity leave.

In England, women can just as driven as men to pursue a successful career. I don't think this attitude is gender specific, more of a personal choice. Some men may be attracted to certain jobs relating to their interests e.i. cars, but there are women who share these interests that also attain jobs in these areas successfully. However, in jobs such as building, plumbing etc,there may still be the notion of 'this is a man's job' and despite laws and legislations, in the interview process there is still room for personal opinion and many may just opt out of giving a female a job over a male.

I think work should be important for both men and women in a family. It should all be equal whether its work-life or home-life. I think its important to have a good balance of both. However, in the case of a child being born, the mother would get a longer paternity leave and so I think it is important for the father to work during this time in order to support the family. Both roles of mother and father are important for children because they can learn a lot of things from both parents. There are some things that are gender specific, like when a child hits puberty, and so one parent then may be able to give the better advice.

Herbivorous Men of Japan そうしょくけい男子

Herbivorous men are not the guys who 'eat their greens', but a generation of guys in Japan who are changing the country's perceptions of masculinity. They are the metrosexuals without the testosterone. Generally, they are less interested in sex, money and job promotion. They take a keen interest in their appearance and are usually skinny. It is said to have come from guys growing up in the troubled economy of the 1990's, and the children have become less assertive and goal orientated. Despite having little or no interest in girls, they are not considered as being homosexual.

This new trend seems opposite to what would be found in England. The guys in England are constantly fighting to be seen as masculine, and to carry an umbrella around or to wear a jumper would be seen as 'gay', and this is an image most hetrosexuals would strive to avoid. As soon as I arrived in Japan I noticed the difference in fashion with the males of Japan. Generally guys here oay more attention to their appearance, they carry 'man-bags' and use umbrellas and have more accessories. I initially thought these people were homosexual, but as each day passed living in Japan I have found that this is just Japanese style and that these guys in fact would be straight, but just take an interest in their appearance. What is perceived as fashionable in Japan just differs from what is fashionable in England.

Its interesting to see that girls in Japan are interested in more herbivorous men, and like guys who are more feminine and like fashion. Whereas girls in England would not usually go for that same type and a lot of girls like the rugby players, or fireman; guys who are masculine and take control.

冬休み

今年の冬休みはイギリスよりまじ違うだ。でも、本当に楽しかっただ。そして、忘れがたい経験をした。クリスマスでは、普通家族と遊ぶ。でも、今年友達と１２月２４日から１２月２６日までホテル二ッコ熊本に泊まった。きれいで印象的なホテルだ。
クリスマスイーヴはベスト電器の近くにイタリアンの外食して、後で教会に行って、デイスバーでお酒を飲んだ。クリスマスの朝スターバックスからコーヒーを持って来て、ヴィッキーの部屋でプレゼントを開けた。すてきなプレゼントを貰った。あの日は楽しかった。チェックアウトの時は悲しくなった。

１２月２７日、私とヴィッキーは「智子」と言う友達の家に行って智子の家族と友達と遊んで日本のかぞくのもちを作った。毎年正月、もちはこの方法で作られた。もちを作るには全部家族の手伝いが必要だ。早い朝に準備を始めた。

お正月は１２月２９日から１月２日まで東京に行った。すごくて忘れがたい旅行だ。「品川プリンスホテル」で一泊を泊まった。ホテルはまじ大きくてきれいだ。ホテルの中に映画館や店やレストランやかんしょうぎょなどがあった。東京で東京タワー、しぶや、あさくさ、あきはらば、こうぐう、ぎんざあ、はらじゅく、おだいばを訪ねた。ろっぽんぎにイギリスから友達のおばさんのアパートに三泊を泊まった。アパートはまじ広くてきれいでしぶやが見える。１２月３１日にはアパートでパーテイをした。たくさん面白い人を会って、まじ楽しかっただ。

全部東京の旅行は面白くて楽しかっただ。うれしかったですから、たくさん見物をした。毎場所は違う気持ちがあった。まった東京に行きたい！！

I love 東京