Rescue Dogs

Mr Obama made the promise of a new pet to Malia, 10 and Sasha, seven, in an election victory speech broadcast. "I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House," he told his daughters.
Mr Obama said there were two priorities: to have a "hypoallergenic" breed that sheds less hair, because daughter Malia has allergies, and to have a rescue dog.
The problem, he said, was that lots of rescue dogs are "mutts like me" - a reference to his mixed ethnic background - rather than specific breeds.
Hypoallergenic options could include a labradoodle - a cross between a Labrador and a poodle - a schnoodle (schnauzer and poodle), or a cockapoo (cocker spaniel and poodle). Malia, however, is rumoured to favour a goldendoodle - a poodle crossed with a golden retriever.

Above are quoted from BBC news. Rescue dogs are rescued dogs, not rescuing dogs like St. Barnard. More than 200,000 dogs and 300,000 cats are killed in administration centers in Japan. I feel so sad. Obama should have chosen a rescue dog. If his daughter has allergies, he should give up having animals. They are celebrities.

My parents-in-law had a Doberman Pinscher and after a Labrador Retriever. They gave up another because they have no confidence to keep it. My family could not have a dog as my son has allergies. This news that a goldendoodle is hypoallergenic must be top secret for him.

The Tale of Genji

It is said that the Tale of Genji was presented to Ichijo Tenno by Michizane Fujiwara in November 1008. There are many events celebrating this 1000 year anniversary of publication.

Murasaki Shikibu was a home teacher serving for Chugu Shoshi (an empress of Ichijo Tenno, daughter of Michizane Fujiwara). Sei Shonagon was also a home teacher serving for Chugu Teishi (another empress of Ichijo Tenno, sister of Korechika Fujiwara).
Both ladies were rivals. Moreover Korechika Fujiwara was a political opponent of Michizane Fujiwara. The present was took advantage in these situations.

When I learned Kobun, Japanese Classics, in my high school days, I had no interest in them. I was fed up with old grammar, meanings of words, etc. I like reading Japanese Classics now, as I do have the motivation to read them. The most important thing is the motivation. It is most difficult to let my son learn at the desk.

Cotswald

I visited Cirencester, Barnsley, Bibury, etc. so called Cotswald. It was so peaceful place. I felt I could hear Beethoven's Symphony No.6 "Pastorale".
Early in the morning, though it became bright after 7:30, I enjoyed jogging around the hotel. A lot of birds, cows, trees, flowers welcomed me.
Nice place to visit, but qustion mark for living?. It was so hard to access internet. I could enjoy nice beer with fish and chips, but whatelse?
This is an urban visitors feeling. Residents in these area could enjoy fishing, horse riding, playing golf, reading, walking, listening to music, etc..There is another life style. Flower blooms where it is planted. (人間至所在青山）

Wiesbaden

I visited Kaiser Friedrich Therme (http://english.wiesbaden.de) at Wiesbaden in Germany. I was astonished that users were all naked,both men and women. I know some hot springs in Tohoku region where mixed bathing is popular. Oriental people feel ashamed with being naked in public, especially women. But German gentlemen and ladies seem unconcerned for nakedness. I felt a culture shock.
Wiesbaden is famous for its thermal springs and spa. Use of the thermal springs is first documented by the Romans. Among visitors to the springs were Goethe, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Richard Wagner, and Johannes Brahms. Fyodor Dostoevsky suffered from an acute gambling compulsion, he lost all his travel-money in Wiesbaden in 1865. He summed up his experience in his 1866 novel "The Gambler" (Russian Игрок), with a fictitious place "Roulettenburg".
It is a casual coincidence for me. I am now reading Dostoevsky's "The Brother Karamazov". I am very happy that Dostoevsky enjoyed the same springs.

Flamenco

During my stay in Madrid, I visited a Tablao, Cafe de Chinitas and enjoyed Flamenco. Dinner starts around 9 pm in Spain generally and the show starts from 12 pm. Diego Liori and Rosario performed splendid dance at the night. It is really a kind of art.

This reminds me of a movie, Carmen (1983) in which Antonio Gades, Christina Hoyos, Laura del Sol, Poco de Lucia etc., the best members at those days played. I tried to buy it in Amazon, but it has become a premium one.

"Carmen" is also famous as a French opéra by Georges Bizet. Carlos Kleiber's one is one of my favorite music.

"Flamenco" grew out of the unique interplay of native Arabic, Andalusian,Sephardic, and Gypsy cultures that existed in Andalusia prior to and after the Reconquest.

There are many Japanese who are attracted by Flamenco and Spanish food. We could now easilly enjoy Spanish taste here in Tokyo. Where to go?

Alps

Long time no see. I was on business trip to Spain, Germany, and UK.

When I went from Madrid to Frankfurt, I could see Alps mountains from the airplane.

It was so fantastic. I don't have special hobby for climbing mountains, but I would like to visit once in my life.

There are many mountain railways. The Glacier Express is the most famous express train which connect the two major mountain resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt in the Swiss Alps .

Davos conference is held near St. Moritz. I might not be eligible to join it, but I will visit Alps one day.

German Reunification

The 3rd of October is a national holiday celebrating Reunification in Germany.

German reunification took place on 3 October 1990, when the German Democratic Republic (GDR / East Germany) joined the Federal Republic of Germany(FRG / West Germany). It started with symbolical event, the collapse of Berlin Wall. When the East German government announced on November 9, 1989, after several weeks of civil unrest, that all GDR citizens could visit West Germany and West Berlin, crowds of East Germans climbed onto and crossed the Berlin wall, joined by West Germans on the other side in a celebratory atmosphere.

Germany is one of the most advanced country in terms of guarantees of workers' rights. Before the World War II, the National Socialist German Worker's Party ( the Nazi Party ) had enacted various laws protecting workers' rights. They could or have to take leave for some period a year under the concept of work sharing.

I will visit Frankfurt am Main next week. I have some troubles due to above German situations.

The Brothers Karamazov

Do you know how many brothers Karamazov have ?

The Brothers Karamazov is the final novel by the Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky, and is generally considered the culmination of his life's work.


I learned that the new translations by Prof. Ikuo Kameyama with 5 sets of pocket book are a million seller. I listened to his lecture for the novel in radio. I started reading his new translations of The Brothers Karamazov. It is actually very easy to read them.


I read Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment in younger days with tough perseverance. It was very difficult for me to understand Russian background in late 19 century. Even though, Raskolnikov, the main character of Crime and Punishment was so impressive and attractive for me.


Prof. Ikuo Kameyama is now translating Crime and Punishment, it is said in his blog Cafe Karamazov ( http://karamazov08.blog17.fc2.com/ ). Which will become first, his publishing or my completion of reading ?

Manga

Manga in Japan is not cartoons, comics, funnies, nor caricature. It is similar, but different. There is the cultural tradition starting from Choju Giga （鳥獣戯画）in Heian Era, Toshusai Sharaku（東洲斎写楽）in Edo era, succeeding to Osamu　Tezuka（手塚治虫）、Hayao Miyazaki（宮崎駿）. It is not subculture, but culture itself.
I was so happy that I grew up with Tezuka's works like 鉄腕アトム (Mighty Atom or Astroboy), ジャングル大帝　(Kimba the White Lion), 火の鳥 (Phoenix),etc. He is one of my respectable mentors.
Seirei no moribito （精霊の守人）had been on air from April to September in NHK. Its original is a novel written by Naoko Uehashi, who is famous for fantasies, novels for children. The animation was so beautiful and artistic with detailed depictions.
The original are composed of 10 books. I am looking forward to sequels, Season II.

Second House's Vote

The New York Times reports,on September 29, 2008, "In a moment of historic import in the Capitol and on Wall Street, the House of Representatives voted on Monday to reject a $700 billion rescue of the financial industry.Supporters of the bill had argued that it was necessary to avoid a collapse of the economic system, a calamity that would drag down not just Wall Street investment houses but possibly the savings and portfolios of millions of Americans. Moreover, supporters argued, a lingering crisis in America could choke off business and consumer loans to a degree that could prompt bank failures in Europe and slow down the global economy. Opponents said the bill was cobbled together in too much haste and might amount to throwing good money from taxpayers after bad investments from Wall Street gamblers."
I do second the vote by the House of Representatives and agree with the opinions of opponents. Actually the financial market must be one of the most important industry, but these crisis came from the failures of investment. Investors should bear their responsibility.
I am afraid Japanese government could not make above judgement in fair points of view. USA will keep the position of the leader of the world.

Governmental Accounting

When I learned governmental accounting in USCPA examination preparation in 2001, I thought why this system was not been adopted in Japan.
The governmental accounting system has a different focus for measuring accounting than private sector accounting. Rather than measuring the flow of economic resources, governmental accounting measures the flow of financial resources. Instead of recognizing revenue when they are earned and expenses when they are incurred, revenue is recognized when there is money available to liquidate liabilities within the current accounting period, and expenses are recognized when there is a drain on current resources.
Nowadays not only Ministry of Finance but also Tokyo Metropolitan Government have published their financial statements. I do appreciate their tries.
MOF = http://www.mof.go.jp/jouhou/syukei/fstop.htm
TMG = http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/INET/KEIKAKU/2008/09/70i9g200.htm
If the governmental accounting system is regulated in future, budget control will become more smoothly operated and fiscal year concept will be weakened. Unnecessary engineering works at the fiscal year end and wasteful expenditures will be dramatically less. I strongly recommend Liberal Democratic Party or Democratic Party of Japan to adopt it in their manifests.

Last Shogun

I enjoy "Atsuhime", NHK's historical drama. I read again Ryotaro Shiba's "Saigo no Shogun" (Last Shogun), which is a story of the 15th (=last) Shogun, Yoshinobu Tokugawa (1937-1913).

He succeeded the Tokugawa shogunate and soon returned back political power to Tennou in 1967 . After resigning in late 1867, he went into retirement, and largely avoided the public eye for the rest of his life. Shiba wrote that he was so talented and he must be the best contributor for peaceful Meiji Restoration.

Both Shintaro Abe and Yasuo Fukuda resigned prime minister in short period. There is so much difference between Yoshinobu and them. They just gave up their capability to maintain administration, while Yoshinobu sacrificed his talent to hand over to next era. In financial world, Nomura or Mitsubishi Bank start playing important rolls. I hope Taro Aso ( be careful to pronounce, not "asshole" ) or Ichiro Ozawa will lead Japan and the world in political field.

Suteishi

"Suteishi" is a word used in Igo game, which means a sacrifice stone. Itself will be taken, but it will play a very functional roll to gain the initiative.

I sometimes play Igo game with my son, who is much stronger than I. He gives me 4 stones handicap. After I learned "Suteishi" thanks to Michel Redmond's Igo lecture, I could win him a lot.

Yuta Iyama, 19 years old challenger, won the second game in Meijinsen ( Master tournament ) again with Cho U, 28 years old defending champion yesterday.

Yasunari Kawabata (1899 - 1972), Nobel prize-winning novelist, loved Igo so much and published "The Master of Go" in 1951, which he himself considered his finest work. It was the last game of the master Shūsai's career and he lost to his younger challenger, to die a little over a year later. Cho U Meijin is still so young. I hope their hot games will increase fans of this so intellectual game.

Investment Bank

Investment banks help companies and governments raise money by issuing and selling securities in the capital markets (both equity and bond), as well as providing advice on transactions such as mergers and acquisitions. This functions are played by securities companies like Nomura, Daiwa, Monex, etc. in Japan.

In New York, on September 15, 2008, Lehman Brothers Holdings announced it would file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection citing bank debt of $613 billion, $155 billion in bond debt, and assets worth $639 billion. On September 16, 2008, after an AIG liquidity crisis following the downgrading of its credit rating, the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank stepped in to prevent financial collapse of the company. The Fed announced the creation of a credit facility of up to US$85 billion in exchange for warrants for a 79.9% equity stake and the right to suspend dividends to previously issued common and preferred stock.

What's the difference between Lehman Brothers and AIG ? LB is an investment bank and AIG is a conglomerate of insurance finance services. The key of judgement whether public rescue is required or not is the influence volume of counter parties, an analyst says. The core competence of investment bank is brokerage service and trading. Collecting money, then investing it. No big assets are required. Only excellent fund managers and traders are required. They will move to other banks to look for higher revenue after bankruptcy. Invisible hand of God ?

Strong in the Rain

"Strong in the Rain" is one of the most popular poem of Kenji Miyazawa 宮沢賢治　(1896-1933）. Coming September 21st is the anniversary of his death. In my junior high school days, my teacher let us read this poem every morning before starting classes during the second term. I do appreciate this education.

I found an excellent translation by Roger Pulvers, thanks to my son.

Strong in the Rain

Strong in the Rain
Strong in the rain
Strong in the wind
Strong against the summer heat and snow
He is healthy and robust
Free from all desire
He never loses his generous spirit
Nor the quiet smile on his lips
He eats four go of unpolished rice
Miso and a few vegetables a day
He does not consider himself
In whatever occurs… his understanding
Comes from observation and experience
And he never loses sight of things
He lives in a little thatched-roof hut
In a field in the shadows of a pine tree grove
If there is a sick child in the east
He goes there to nurse the child
If there’s a tired mother in the west
He goes to her and carries her sheaves
If someone is near death in the south
He goes and says, ‘Don’t be afraid’
If there are strife and lawsuits in the north
He demands that the people put an end to their pettiness
He weeps at the time of drought
He plods about at a loss during the cold summer
Every body calls him ‘Blockhead’
No one sings his praises
Or takes him to heart…

That is the kind of person
I want to be


雨ニモマケズ

風ニモマケズ

雪ニモ夏ノ暑サニモマケヌ

丈夫ナカラダヲモチ

慾ハナク

決シテ瞋ラズ

イツモシヅカニワラッテヰル

一日ニ玄米四合ト

味噌ト少シノ野菜ヲタベ

アラユルコトヲ

ジブンヲカンジョウニ入レズニ

ヨクミキキシワカリ

ソシテワスレズ

野原ノ松ノ林ノ 蔭ノ

小サナ萓ブキノ小屋ニヰテ

東ニ病気ノコドモアレバ

行ッテ看病シテヤリ

西ニツカレタ母アレバ

行ッテソノ稲ノ朿ヲ負ヒ

南ニ死ニサウナ人アレバ

行ッテコハガラナクテモイヽトイヒ

北ニケンクヮヤソショウガアレバ

ツマラナイカラヤメロトイヒ

ヒドリノトキハナミダヲナガシ

サムサノナツハオロオロアルキ

ミンナニデクノボートヨバレ

ホメラレモセズ

クニモサレズ

サウイフモノニ

ワタシハナリタイ

The Nanny Diaries

I enjoyed a film preview of "The Nanny Diaries". According to the film promotion Web, ( http://www.thenannydiariesmovie.com/ ), the contents are introduced as follows;

“The Nanny Diaries” tells the story of the emotional and often humorous journey of Annie Braddock (Johansson), a young woman from a working-class neighborhood in New Jersey, struggling to understand her place in the world. Fresh out of college, she gets tremendous pressure from her nurse mother to find a respectable position in the business world although Annie would prefer to trade in her blackberry for an anthropologist's field diary. Through a serendipitous meeting, Annie ends up in the elite and ritualistic culture of Manhattan's Upper East Side -- as remote from Annie's suburban New Jersey upbringing as life in an Amazon tribal village. Choosing to duck out of real life, Annie accepts the position as a nanny for a wealthy family, referred to as simply "the X's." She quickly learns that life is not very rosy on the other side of the tax bracket, as she must cater to the every whim of Mrs. X (Linney) and her precocious son Grayer, while attempting to avoid the formidable Mr. X (Giamatti). Life becomes even more complicated when Annie falls for a gorgeous neighbor of the X’s (Evans) who she nicknames Harvard Hottie, and is forced to explore what she wants to do with her life.

At first I feel the overwhelming wealth of Manhattan's Upper East Side Life. Thinking of nannies in Japan reminds me of a nanny in the lyrics of "Takeda no Komoriuta (Takeda's Lullaby) ".

There are so much differences between current NY nanny and old Kyoto rural komori, not only in terms of riches, but also moral structure.

Takeda no Komoriuta (Takeda's Lullaby)

守り（もり）もいやがる　盆から先にゃ雪もちらつくし　子も泣くし

( Nanny hates season after Bon, as snow falling, child crying )

盆が来たとて　何うれしかろかたびらはなし　帯（おび）はなし

( When Bon comes, no fun as no Yukata nor belt )

この子よう泣く　守りをばいじる守りも一日　やせるやら

( The child crying so much, troubling nanny running out )

はよも行きたや　この在所（ざいしょ）こえて向こうに見えるは　親の家（うち）

( Hope going back to the home as soon as possible over this tough place )

Five Reflections

Hast thou not gone against sincerity？
Hast thou not felt ashamed of thy words and deeds？
Hast thou not lacked vigour？
Hast thou exerted all possible efforts？
Hast thou not become slothful？

五省
一、　至誠に悖(もと)るなかりしか　　
（真心に反することは、なかったか）
一、　言行に恥(は)ずるなかりしか　
（言行不一致なことは、なかったか）
一、　気力に缺(か)くるなかりしか　　
（気力は十分であったか）
一、　努力に憾(うら)みなかりしか　　
（十分に努力をしたか）
一、　不精に亘(わた)るなかりしか　　
（不精になってはいなかったか）

Five Reflections are shown in the auditorium at Annapolis, U.S. Naval Academy. They were originally devised by Vice Admiral Hajime Matsushita (Chief of Imperial Japanese Navy, Naval Academy), translated into English by Yasunori Matsui and adopted to use it in U.S. Naval Academy by Williams T. Mac, the principal of Annapolis, celebrating 200th anniversary of US independence.
I learned above from my ex-boss during stay in Jakarta. I will soon have a chance to meet him again. When it comes, I always remember "Five Reflections" and think back on my behavior.
Have I been sincere? Have I been fair in my words and behavior? Have I been enthusiastic? Have I been energetic? Have I been industrious?

9.11

On that day, September 11th, 2001, I was studying examination preparation for USCPA. When I returned home after night school, I saw airplanes flied into World Trade Center Buildings in TV live broadcasting. I was so shocked with those violence.
After that Hollywood created Counter Terrorist Unit under Central Intelligence Agency, Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is fighting with terrorists in the drama 24. Now season 5 is on the air in midnight in Japan. Season 6 will soon come.
In that drama, David Palmer and Wain Palmer, who are African-American, are casted as Presidents of USA. I pay attention to the presidential election, whether Barack Obama will beat John McCain or not.

The Moon

I started watching stars around 10 years old. Among celestial objects, the moon is the most familiar satellite. The Mid-Autumn Festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month of the lunar calendar, corresponding to around mid-September in the Gregorian calendar. September 14th is the day this year, though the moon becomes full on September 15th actually.
We have Taketori Monogatari, 竹取物語, Tale of Princess Kaguya, which is a 10th century Japanese folktale, considered the oldest Japanese narrative. It starts with that a mysterious girl called Kaguya-hime is discovered inside the stalk of a glowing bamboo plant. She is said to be from Tsuki-no-Miyako (月の都 "The Capital of the Moon") and she finally has to go back to there. I like this fantastic, dreamy story.
I am looking forward to the 14.3 days old moon rising at 17:06 on Sep. 14 (Sun).
Unohanaya Tsukiha Higashini Hiha Nishini ; Andy

Double Nine

According to the I Ching, nine is the yang number; the ninth day of the ninth lunar month has too much yang and is thus a potentially dangerous date. Hence, the day is also called "Double Yang Festival" (重陽節). To protect against the danger, it is customary to climb a high mountain and drink chrysanthemum wine in China.
Even numbers belong to Yin. Its qualities are characterized as soft, slow, substantial, wet, cold, conserving, tranquil, gentle, and corresponding to the night.
Odd numbers belong to Yang. Its qualities are characterized as hard, fast, insubstantial, dry, hot, excited, aggressive, and corresponding to the day.
There are nine double yang days in a year. January 1st is New Year Festival. March 3rd is Spring Purification Festival. May 5th is Children's Day. July 7th is Star Festival. Today September 9th is Double Yang Festival. It is not so popular in Japan, but it is believed most dangerous day in China. I am afraid disasters like earthquake, thunder will not come. Namaste or gassho.

Piano

I enjoyed TV program of NHK, J-Melo vol.3 showed on Aug.31 midnight. The program hostess is "Melody" and the guests are Mr. Makoto Ozone and Mr. Satoru Shionoya, who are jazz pianists highly evaluated in the world. This program is on the air in English aimed for introducing Japanese music to the world through NHK's international broadcasting.
I like piano. I started learning piano in my younger days, but I gave it up when the text score became Czerny after Bayer. I met with Keith Jarrett Koln Concert in high school days. After that, great pianists like Maurizio Pollini, Arturo Benedetti Michlangeli, Martha Argerich,Glen Gould, Yundi Li, etc. have attracted me into classic piano world. My favorite piano composers are Bach, Scarlatti, Debussy, Chopin, Liszt, Beethoven, Satie, etc..
When I come into pension life to have so much time, I will study piano again. ♪♪

Sake

A friend of mine kindly sent me an e-mail of comment for this blog. He enjoyed reading my blog of Aug. 21 " A Bar in Ginza". He loves sake, too.
Sake reminds me of Li Bai ( Rihaku ), who is the most famous poet loving sake. One of Li Bai's most famous poems is Drinking Alone by Moonlight (月下獨酌, pinyin: Yuè Xià Dú Zhuó).
Arthur Waley's version reads:
花間一壺酒。 A cup of wine, under the flowering trees;
獨酌無相親。 I drink alone, for no friend is near.
舉杯邀明月。 Raising my cup I beckon the bright moon,
對影成三人。 For her, with my shadow, will make three men.
月既不解飲。 The moon, alas, is no drinker of wine;
影徒隨我身。 Listless, my shadow creeps about at my side.
暫伴月將影。 Yet with the moon as friend and the shadow as slave
行樂須及春。 I must make merry before the Spring is spent.
我歌月徘徊。 To the songs I sing the moon flickers her beams;
我舞影零亂。 In the dance I weave my shadow tangles and breaks.
醒時同交歡。 While we were sober, three shared the fun;
醉後各分散。 Now we are drunk, each goes his way.
永結無情遊。 May we long share our eternal friendship,
相期邈雲漢。 And meet at last on the Cloudy River of the sky.
I prefer drinking sake with friends to drinking alone. I will ask him for drinking at the bar in Ginza soon. Looking forward to it.

Nowaki

"Nowaki" is the title of chapter 28 in the tales of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu. When Yugiri visited Rokujoin (Genji's house) after typhoon, she was so shocked with the beauty of Murasakinoue. "Nowaki" means typhoon.
Among 20 - 30 typhoons occur in a year, a few strike Japan every year. But no one hit Japan this year, while 12 typhoon were born. Typhoon is named with number in Japan, like typhoon No. 10. Hurricane is named with nick name, like Gustav in alphabetical order.
Monstrous cyclone in Myanmar, huge hurricanes in USA, so many thunder storms in Japan, etc. Our mother planet might scream for environmental pollution. Save the planet.

Cricket

I could not hear cicadas' singing this week. Instead crickets start singing. While cicada makes sound by shaking stomach, cricket bears sound by scrubbing wings. It is still hot, but I feel from sky that autumn has come. It is said that hotness or coldness continues until equinox day.
A man of Heian era composed a tanka in Kokinwakashu, " Akiwa kinu Ima yamagakino Kirigirisu Yonayona nakam Kazeno samusani ( Autumn has come. Crickets in garden start crying every night singing coldness of the wind ) ".
Sei Shonagon wrote in the pillow book chapter 40 "Insects" that bag warms are so sorrow as they cry "chichiyo chichiyo ( daddy, daddy) " hearing wind sound in August. Did she image that they were calling their parents name ? Japanese think insects are close fellows which let us realize seasons.

Kafka on the Shore

Kafka on the Shore (Umibe no Kafuka) is a novel by Japanese author Haruki Murakami (2002). The music of Beethoven, specifically the Archduke Trio is also used as a metaphor. Among other prominent themes are: the virtues of self-sufficiency and efficiency, the relation of dreams and reality, the specter of the heritage of World War II, the threat of fate, the uncertain grip of prophecy, and the power of nature. After a series of adventures, Kafka finds shelter in a quiet, private library in Takamatsu.
My ancestors sleep in the cemetery near Mt. Shiun, Ritsurin Park in Takamatsu. My mentor, Kukai (Kobo-Daishi) was born in this area, Sanuki. I have special emotion for there. That is why I like this novel so much. Haruki Murakami might be one of the candidates of Novel prize in literature. I am looking forward to his next work.

Japanese Government Bonds

Around 6 months ago, I thought and studied the desirable amount of Japanese Government Bonds. It is turned out that I confused annual figures and accumulated ones. Basically, equilibriums use annual figures, while the points of argument are accumulated ones.
The accumulated amount of 685 trillion Yen of JGB seems too huge in comparison with 83 trillion Yen of annual government expenditure. But the amount of accumulated financial assets in individual sector is around 1,545 trillion Yen in Japan, which is one-third of USA's.
I hope invisible hand is still valid in this so political sector.
My consideration materials are as follows :
Balance of payments equilibrium : X - M + Ki - Ko = 0
National income equilibrium : Y = C + I + G + ( X - M ) , Y = S + C , S = I
Σ S = Σ JP + Σ OS ( 1545 = 685 + 860 )
Σ K = Σ Ko - Σ Ki ( 186 = 434 - 248 )
where:
X = exports, M = imports, Ki = capital inflows, Ko = capital outflows, Y = national income, C = Consumption, I = investment, G = government expenditure, S= savings, JP = Japanese government bonds, PI = private investment

Revolution

Many nations experienced revolution. UK had Puritan Revolution from 1641 to 1649, changing from reign of House of Stuart to the Protectorate and Commonwealth. France had famous French Revolution from 1989 to 1794, ending Bourbon dynasties. China had Xinhai Revolution in 1911, ending Qing dynasty. Russia had Soviet Revolution in 1917, abolishing Tsar Nicholas II. Germany had German Revolution in 1918, from Kaiser Wilhelm II to Weimar Republic. Turkish Ottoman Empire ended in 1923 by revolution.
Did revolution happen in Japan? Jinshin battle of 672 is a kind of royal family trouble. Yoritomo Minamoto opened the Kamakura shogunate in 1192 under the authority of Tenno, which must be the power shift from aristocracy to samurai. It is said that Nobunaga Oda had tried to become the absolute despot, but in vain by assassination. Meiji Ishin (Restoration) of 1868 might be the only possibility to call it revolution, but the political power returned back to Tenno and the the fundamental character of the state were unchanged.
Shotoku prince (574-622) said, "Wa wo motte toutoshi to nasu." Peace is the noblest value. This might be Japanese basic concept.

Alumni Meetings

I graduated university 26 years ago. Thank God, I has been blessed with so many good friends. When we became more than 50 years old, some finished child care, some gave up promotion and we could have time to spare. We might want to confirm our identification. The alumni meetings are held many times in various parties, tennis circle, baseball team, seminar of Economics in University, high school, company friends in the same entrance year, etc. I will join them as many as possible.
I am now planning to arrange an alumni party for company friends. I am looking forward to seeing their aged appearance.
Meetings with old friends remind me of Bookends by Simon and Garfunkel.

Time it was, and what a time it was, it was
A time of innocence, a time of confidences
Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph
Preserve your memories; they're all that's left you

Invisible hand of God

The invisible hand is a metaphor coined by the economist Adam Smith (UK, 1723-1790). Adam Smith mentions the metaphor in Book IV Chapter 2 of "An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations." Smith argued that each individual maximizing revenue for himself maximizes the total revenue of society as a whole in a free market, through a principle that he called “the invisible hand".
I feel the traffic has become less nowadays, when I drive highways. The sales of cars fall rapidly all over the world. One of the reasons must be high oil price. They say that it is mainly caused by speculation and mentality. But the demand and supply balance, or "invisible hand" may cause these general trends, I think. Besides BRICs, the developing countries will need the materials more and more. Beijing Olympic Games was over successfully. I hope the one world will pursue sustainable growth.

Metabolism

Metabolic syndrome is defined as a combination of medical disorders that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. There are many standards depending on countries and races. Japanese standards are following ;
central obesity: waist circumference ≥ 85 cm (male)
dyslipidaemia: TG ≥ 150 mg/dl
dyslipidaemia: HDL-C < 40 mg/dL
blood pressure ≥ 130/85 mmHg
I don't want to follow above criteria, but I feel exercise is required to keep health. My targets of exercise are jogging 20km a week, swimming 10km a month, and playing golf a few times a month. I have no schedule to go to golf this weekend.
I must go swimming and jogging around my house. Then, be on a diet.

A Bar in Ginza

I enjoyed drinking whisky at a bar in Ginza last night. My favorite poisons are Ballantine's, Laghroaig, Yamazaki, Jack Daniel's. I have been visiting the bar for more than 10 years, including the bar in Yushima. The manager is a very beautiful and intelligent lady. The conversation with her is so attractive.
Takeshi Kaiko ( a Japanese novelist, 1930 - 1989 ) loved drinking, especially whisky with on the rocks style. He wrote many essays on the spirits. He said, " Which is better single molt or blended is the issue of drinkers' preference. It is just whether I like it or I dislike it. All criticisms come to this conclusion."
I like whisky. That's it.

Dream

I sometimes have dreams, or I sometimes remember dreams. I soon forget the contents.
There are many types of dream. I was a soldier in Roman era, an Indian Buddhist monk, a farmer in Edo era, or a dog. I guess my soul remind when his body was alive. Does it mean that the soul is immortal? The cycle of reincarnation must be true and real.
Soseki Natsume, a novelist in Meiji era, published "Yume Juya" ( Ten stories of my dream ) in 1908. It starts with " I saw the following dream.”　Soseki appeared not only in Meiji era but also in Myth era, Kamakura era, etc.. He crossed over space-time like as me.
I am looking forward to tonight dream.

Baseball

The 90th baseball championship of high schools was over yesterday in Japan, resulted with Osaka Toin's landslide. Among 4057 high school baseball teams, 55 teams gathered in Koshien stadium on the 2nd of August and 54 game matches were held for 17 days. Strange to say, number of games is equal to number of entrants minus one in tournament style, as the only one winner is left and the others are losers.
Baseball is very tough sport to exercise. Running, muscle-building, setting-up exercises, catch, batting, defense, offence, team work, formation plays, etc. Once the basic physical strength is developed through baseball, it could be applied to many other sports.
Baseball matches in Olympics are fun for me now. I hope major baseball teams in USA could allow professional players to join Olympics, stopping regular season games, even though USA team might be invincible.

Sports and Diversion

There is a cool piano suite named " Sports and Diversion " composed by Erik Satie (1866 - 1925 ) in 1914. The title of No. 10 among 21 pieces is " Golf ". I believe golf is one of sports, not diversion. In this sense preferred lie should not be taken, even though it is allowed in local rules. Hit the ball as it is.
When I joined in a golf competition yesterday, the player in the same party exercised his rights to use preferred lie and scored very good results. I did not do it, but I am proud of my sportsmanship.
Athletes are doing their bests in Olympic games everyday. If they could not get medals, they must be satisfied with their best performance. I would like to give them a standing ovation.
Jia-you!!

The Day of Peace

Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration subject to retaining the fundamental character of the state on the 10th of August, 1945. Showa Tenno decided acceptance without conditions on the 14th of August and published to the people by radio that the war was over on the 15th of August, just 63 years ago.
This is the memorial day for China, Korea, Indonesia, Philippine, etc., other Asian countries governed by Japan. This might be the memorial day for Japanese people in a sense that they had been released or liberated from the military authorities.
The political system and the education founded in Meiji Era caused the tragedy, I think. Since the end of the World War II, the democracy has been given and the education system has been improved. We can now enjoy Beijing Olympic Game peacefully.
I would like to propose to decide the 15th day of August as the day of peace so that we discuss about peace and education.

Serendipity or Syncronicity

Serendipity is a word defined in dictionary that the natural ability to make interesting or valuable discoveries by accident. Or Dr. Carl Jung explained "meaningful coincidences" as synchronicity.
At first I thought there happened so many coincidences around me. I become convinced that some invisible force leads me to right place. I am not sure why I have started this blog, but something let me do so. I just feel some premonition. I am looking forward to what comes to me next.

Word-of-mouth communication

My son, a junior high school student, has started using e-mails by mobile phone. No one in my family taught him how to use it. His friends might be the same. They might be taught by their elder brothers and sisters. Besides mobile phones, TV games,
PCs, i-pods, i-phones and other electronic gadgets has become popular. Manual? No need. Word-of-mouth communication is the most important and valuable way of information communication.
Kan-ami transferred the secrets of Noh farce to his son, Ze-ami, by word-of mouth in the 15th century.Ze-ami wrote a famous art book of "Fushikaden", but this contents had been secret for a long time, as "Hisureba hana nari, hisezuha hana narubekarazu" ( if secret, it will become a flower, if not secret, it will not become a flower ). The real "flower" is created by heart innovation.

The four great inventions by Chinese

The opening ceremony of Beijing Olympic games held on Aug. 8 was so impressive.
The ceremony was directed by Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou. The four great inventions, i.e. paper, the compass, gunpowder, printing, were focused. I am glad that Chinese feel proud of them. China is rapidly developing, as like Japan was developing around 1964 when Tokyo Olympic games was held. Japanese had realized that
we were one of the world composers and that we should follow the global standards.
History repeats itself. I hope China will develop soundly.

Cicada

When I go to office in the morning, I am enjoying voice of cicadas. Some people might hear cicada's voice as just noise. Voice of cicadas makes me feel that it's in high summer. At first, Platypleura kaempferi (Niiniizemi) sing "nii-nii", secondly, Graptopsaltria nigrofuscata (Aburazemi) sing "zi-zi" and Oncotympana maculaticollis ( Minminzemi ) sing "miin-min-min-min-miiin". When Tanna japonensis (Higurashi ) sing "kana-kana-kana" and Meimuna opalifera ( Tsukutsukuboushi ) sing "tsukutsukuboushi-tsukutsukuboushi", I feel the autumn will soon come. I could not hear Cryptotympana fucialis (Kumazemi ) 's voice "shan-shan-shan-shan" in Tokyo, but I used to like hearing them in Osaka in my younger days.
We, Japanese, feel cicada as friends in summer from long time ago. The title of 3rd chapter of " the tales of Genji " is "Utsusemi", cicada's shell. " Shizukasaya Iwani shimiiru Semino koe " is a faimous haiku of Mr. Basho Matsuo. It's so quiet. Only cicada's voice penetrates into rocks.
Aesop of Greece left a tale of the ant and the cicada ( grasshopper ). I would like to listen to foreign cicada's voice some day.

The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon

Makurano Sohshi, the Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon, is one of the oldest essays in Japan. It was written by MS. Sei Shonagon around the beginning of 11th century. She was one of ladies in the palace. She wrote down her way of thinking and feeling,
like "insects are ----", "what are terrible are ----", "what are beautiful are ----", etc. The readers feel sympathy or antipathy for her sense, which might be a fun, and one of origins of essay and blog. I will follow her style in this blog, too.
You can read the translation, thanks to Dr. Arthur David Waley's tough work (UK 1889- 1966).

A first step

Aki kinu to Meniwa sayakani Mienedomo Kazeno otonizo Odorokarenuru. This is a 31-syllable Japanese poem, tanka, composed by Mr. Toshiyuki Fujiwara (830-901) . I could not feel clearly that the autumn has come, but I was surprised at wind sound, which caused me to realize that the autumn has come. Today, the 7th of August is the day which starts autumn in 24 divided seasons in Japan. I would like to start my blog on this autumn starting day.