Fukushima 2020 (Hisashi Kato)

In this article they mainly discuss how difficult to achieve the process of decommissioning. Specifically in this, they talked about by freezing ground itself, TEPCO and government want to reduce radioactive. They were also saying that since this accident is really unique case and there are no-effective example of solving the case like this before, even one of the top analysts of decommissioning says that the plan has been taken could be fail, its just try and error, but this process is important. Although there were already a lot of error on the process of decommissioning, Government still think decommission process will be developed enough to make Tokyo “under controlled” however, this article is basically doubtful for the” under controlled” Tokyo in 2020.

                                                                                                         

I would think, saying “the situation is under control” by 2020 is too dangerous to say. As clearly seen from this article and news we hear, government plan is too easy going and nobody has exact idea what should be done for decommissioning. Of course, decommissioning is really important when it comes to nuclear power policy, but even before the accident, people didn’t think about Japan’s nuclear policy good. For example, Gov. was looking for place to bully nuclear power where radiation never appears to ground. However, not even a single town volunteered for doing it, moreover after the accident, people feel rather antipathy for having nuclear power than good. As one of the great example of decommissioning, The Chernobyl disaster can be examined. It has been over 2decades has passed since the accident and they have been sheltered and segregated from society. However, that can’t be the case of Japan, because Japan is island country and landmass is especially limited from others. The real problem of Japanese decommissioning policy is that they don’t accept huge help by American or European companies or organizations. They are only focusing on decommission by TEPCO, so even though others are ready to help, Gov. refuse for that help. I believe that’s why these decommissioning process has been failed or delayed.　In Japan especially after disaster, people began to think about alternative energy as new energy source. Such as wind power, hydro power, shale gas etc… they are more harmless for earth environment and consider to be sustainable. However, with the technology we possess today, they are too expensive to sustain and we still have deal with leftover problems of used rods and decommissioning. I don’t think there aren’t any fundamental solution to nuclear power problem, even a small step, it’s essential for Japan to get back to reliable country for all people. Point is constant achievement to new alternative energy source and active commitment of decomissioning cooperated with intenational comunitys are really important. After so, people from all over the world could regain their trust to Japan again, and that will leads to success for 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Fukushima 2020 (Shinya Uchida)

March 11, 2011, we had a tremendous earthquake that forced people, who live in Fukushima, to evacuate from the dangerous place the safety one. In spite of the situation, in 2013, Tokyo was erected as 2020 Olympic because many believe Tokyo was much better than any other city. Shinzo Abe, the prime minister, strongly said to members of IOC,” The situation is under control”, but the critics claim that this is uncertain because both of Japanese government and Tepco have not been going a step to clean up the contaminated area yet.

What should we be concerned about? First, we wonder how Japan will be in 2020. This is so hard to predict what Japan will happen, especially Fukushima with 4 nuclear power plants, because of decommissioning plans not finished at all. According to the Tepco and the government, it takes 40 years complete all of the process. Besides, the removals of spent nuclear fuel rods from a cooling pool littered with debris are causing them a great deal of trouble. In other words, Tepco has not prepared enough safety systems to prevent accidents from occurring during the tough work.

Next, much of radioactive water was found to have leaked at the nuclear power plans. What we need to stop leaking are to build a frozen wall and freeze the ground around reactors. However, it costs annually 3 billion yen to construct this wall as well as about 30 billion yen to freeze it, which of the plan is unprecedented. In addition, if they use the permafrost walls, experts expect the system to require lots of electricity even though nuclear power plants cannot work moreover. How can we compensate for? The question is not yet settled.

In my opinion, we have to come up with new idea, like reformation of energy structure in order to make up for nuclear energy. Nuclear energy has to be changed for alternative energies such as solar, geothermal, water and wind power. But I would like to suggest the new thermal power. For example, now, Tepco and Mitsubishi group think about constructing two cutting-edge coal-fired power stations in Fukushima Prefecture. The two facilities’ capacity will be equivalent to one of the nuclear reactor. The new power plants discharge less auto emissions, eco-friendly facilities. Furthermore, the plan will generate thousands of jobs in Fukushima that must be helpful for many workers there. The new plants do not produce ill effects that are different from nuclear reactors, so this is the safest for us and most effective energy something like shale gas. I guess shale gas is also the best source of energy we have to make use of, as the cost of it is not higher than other alternative energies.

Japan has been in trouble because of the situation. Just now, Japan should rely on other countries experts to reform the old structure, reconsider the system of safety and help lots of people who cannot return to their home town. Everybody all over the world hopes Japan comes back and constructs the safest land linked with preparing for 2020 Olympic.

Fukushima 2020 Maria Yaka

The prime minister assured that the problem of Fukushima nuclear power plants is under control and it won’t affect Tokyo at all. However, decommissioning plans has a lot of problems. A specialist says predicting what the situation will be in 2020 is still very difficult. Decommissioning damaged nuclear reactors is expected to take 40 years to complete. Now, Tepco face a big problem which is contaminated water leaks from the facilities.

In order to solve this, one project was revealed.  They will freeze the ground around the reactors. This has never carried out before. Also, it costs a lot to carry this plan out and it will require an abundant electricity supply, though we Japanese are short of electricity. Besides that, it is not sure if this will work.

 In addition to this suggestion, there is another plan of getting rid of fuel rods from plant four.  In order to get rid of fuel rods, TEPCO have erected mobile cranes. However, has received mixed reviews regarding its safety from nuclear experts because it may cause a severe accident. Also, we must think about remaining 3 power plants.

 In conclusion, it’s extremely difficult to predict exactly how long it takes to solve all these problems.

It has been 2 years since we experienced the big earthquake in Tohoku.  However, the situation of nuclear power plant in Fukushima is getting worse and worse. I thought Abe was irresponsible to say such a thing because I thought it is impossible to solve all these problems by 2020. Reading this article, I was surprised to know that government and Tepco is thinking such a plan. I was happy to hear this because it may make a progress.

 

I think we should carry out this plan at once.If we don’t do anything, leaking of contaminated water will never stop. It will cause problems such as disrupting an ecosystem. This might affect all over the world.

 They concern about electricity but I think it is possible to save electricity. Japanese use too much electricity. I know it will affect Japanese companies and threaten our economy. But if nuclear power plants explode again or if contaminated water continues to leak, all Japanese won’t be able to live a normal life. In order to avoid this crisis which will destroy japan itself, I think these plans should be carried out immediately. 

 However, these plans have a lot of problems.  I think we should contact with experts in other countries. For example, Russia has experienced the accident in Chernobyl. After discussing with experts in other countries, I think all these plans should be carried out at once.

 

 

Fukushima 2020(Yuka Sakurai)

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that the situation in Fukushima is under control in the Committee of International Olympic on September 7. He said that multiple meltdowns at Fukushima nuclear power plant will not damage Tokyo.

However, the reality is not that easy. It is difficult because we must remove spent nuclear rods from cooling pool. Also, we must make frozen wall on every four damaged power plant so that radioactive isotopes will not spread out. We must find the place to put melted nuclear fuel which is very poisonous.

Those who study nuclear power plants say it is very difficult to know what would be happening in 2020. It is said that dismantling four damaged nuclear reactors takes 40 years to be completed.

First of all, we must try to stop the water leaking from the facilities.

Government says that 30 billion yen would be probably used to permafrost the ground around the reactors. They are thinking this so as to guard ground water from leaking into the plant. Government is trying to finish this by 2014.

In order to do permafrost, it is estimated that it would cost 3 billion yen per year. They also mentioned that they need a lot of electricity in order to move the system 24 hours even though whole country is lack of electricity since Fukushima disaster.

Moreover, they hope to get rid of radioactive material from polluted water.

It seems to be a good way to make artificial permafrost but no one have done this in such a scale, so we do not know what may happen.

In spite of many problems and failure, government action is very slow toward this problem. They asked for an advice worldwide only in September once, about how to handle radioactive water.

However, none of the proposal is successfully implemented in the world because it’s scale is too big.

The head of Atomic Energy Society of Japan, Tanaka says that they should try, and if problem happens, fix it and try again. That is the only way to make out this big problem.

Surprisingly, there are radiation in cooling pool that is 14000 times the amount of Hiroshima’s atomic bomb in 1945. In order to remove rods which contain radiations, they erected moveable crane. This is said to take 3 months to be done. Since they have to do this work without seeing the inside, problems may occur, which is very dangerous.

Article said that no one knows what may happen to Fukushima plant in 2020.

 

 

              By reading this article, I felt several things.

              First, I felt that Japanese Government should have more contact with worldwide expert of nuclear plant because this is a problem related to the whole world. From this article, I learned that Japan only had contact with them once in September and I feel it is too less. We must talk more with experts in the world, get manifold advice so that we can try many ways, and get a better idea to breakthrough this situation. This is not a problem only related to Japan. Since the ocean is spreading throughout the world, it also affects people all around the world. We must think together, get advices from universal professionals.

              Next, I cannot believe that Japan is still trying to sell nuclear power plant to India and Middle East even after experiencing the disaster in Fukushima. We should change this movement since we are the one that know how dangerous nuclear power plant is. I cannot believe what our country is doing to the world, which is a shame. How come we can do this? I cannot understand what Abe is thinking about this. We must not repeat the disaster which we experienced.

              At last, we must try to find new energy for our country. Maybe, we should all make it duty to have solar system in every building. I understand it might be expensive, but we need safe energy to lead our life. We might need government’s financial support for this. Moreover, I once heard that there are machine that can produce energy by people stepping on them.  It might be very expensive, but if we can put them on scramble intersection in Shibuya, for example, we might produce a lot of energy without even emitting bad product such as carbon dioxide.

              If we are faced with problems, we must think something to breakthrough it. It seems easy try not to look at it, but that does not change anything. If there is a problem, there is a reason for it. We must think and try hard to get over it. I understand it is very hard to do so, but I am sure we can learn something if we overcome one problem.

              Thank you for reading my long blog!

about selling nuclear power plant

The news I got interested Haruka Kato

The news I got interested is the news about a dog found lost in Mt.Fuji.

 

 

When the dog was found, he was really thin that we can even see his ribs.

Many people might know because, he was already popular on the internet about him.

It is told that maybe this dog got lost by coming to hiking with his family.

He was living with the food he gets form the people who come to hike.

This dog is already protected and searching for somebody to take care of him.  

He were afraid at first, but soon he got used to the people.

 



The people who protected the dog are saying that not to go hiking with the pets. Because it is hard for pets to walk on mountains.

By reading this news I thought I have to think again about the places where we can go with the pets.

 

The good movie I watched (Haruka Kato)

I'm sorry for being late. I thought I already published , but it weren't so I did it again.

The good movie I recomend is "Monster's Inc.".
Monster's Inc. is a 2001 American computer-animated comedy film directed by Pete Docter, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures.

The city of Monstropolis is inhabited by monsters and powered by the screams of children in the human world. At the Monster's Inc. factory, employees called "Scarers" venture into children's bedrooms to scare them and collect their screams, using closet doors as portals. This is considered a dangerous task since the monsters believe that children are toxic and touching them would be fatal. However, production is falling as children are becoming harder to scare, and company chairman Henry J. Waternoose III is determined to find a solution. The top Scarer is James P. "Sulley" Sullivan, who lives with his assistant and best friend Mike Wazowski and has a rivalry with the ever-determined chameleon-like monster Randall Boggs. During an ordinary day's work on the "Scarefloor", fellow Scarer George Sanderson accidentally brings a child's sock into the factory, causing the Child Detection Agency (CDA) to arrive and cleanse him. Mike is harassed by Roz the clerk for never completing his paperwork on time.
While going to file Mike's paperwork, Sulley discovers that Randall left an activated door on the Scarefloor in an apparent attempt to cheat, and a young girl has entered the factory, much to Sulley's horror. After a few failed attempts to put her back, he places her in a bag and hides when Randall arrives and returns the door to storage. Mike and his girlfriend Celia are on a date at Harryhausen's when Sulley comes to him for help, but chaos erupts when the girl is discovered in the restaurant, and the CDA is called. Sulley and Mike escape the CDA and take the girl home, discovering that she is not toxic after all. Sulley quickly grows attached to the girl and names her "Boo". The next day, they smuggle her into the factory, and Mike attempts to return her through her door. Randall tries to kidnap Boo but kidnaps Mike by mistake.
In the basement, Randall reveals to Mike he has built a torture machine, the "Scream Extractor", to extract children's screams, which would make the company's current tactics redundant. Randall straps Mike to the chair for experimentation, but Sulley stops Randall from using the machine on Mike and reports Randall to Waternoose. When Waternoose reveals that he is allied with Randall, he exiles Mike and Sulley to the Himalayas. The two are taken in by the Abominable Snowman, who tells them about a nearby village which Sulley realizes he can use to get back to the factory. Sulley heads out, but Mike, thinking that their current situation is Sulley's fault out of disregarding his advice, refuses to follow him. Sulley returns to the factory and rescues Boo from the Scream Extractor. Mike returns to apologize to Sulley and inadvertently saves him from Randall.
Randall pursues Mike and Sulley as they race to the factory and ride on the doors heading into storage, taking them into a giant vault where millions of closet doors are stored. Boo's laughter activates the doors and allows the chase to pass in and out of the human world. After Boo conquers her fear of Randall to stop him from pushing Sulley out of an open door, Sulley and Mike trap Randall in the human world using a door to a Southern trailer park, where he is mistaken for an alligator and beaten up by a pair of hillbillies.
Sulley and Mike are finally able to access Boo's door, but Waternoose and the CDA send it back to the Scarefloor. Mike distracts the CDA, while Sulley escapes with Boo and her door while an angry Waternoose follows. Waternoose is tricked into confessing his plan to kidnap children in the simulation bedroom and is arrested by the CDA, although Waternoose blames Sulley for putting the company out of business. The CDA's leader, #001, is revealed to be Roz, who has been undercover for two and a half years trying to prove there was a conspiracy at Monsters Inc. Sulley and Mike say goodbye to Boo and return her home, and on Roz's orders Boo's door is then shredded. Sulley becomes the new chairman of Monsters Inc., and thanks to his experience with Boo, he comes up with a plan to end the energy crisis in Monstropolis.
Months later, Sulley's leadership has greatly affected the company's business plan and productivity. The monsters now enter children's bedrooms to make them laugh, since laughter is ten times more powerful than screams. Mike takes Sulley aside to show him Boo's door, which he rebuilt from the shredder debris. Sulley has kept the last piece as a memento; when he puts it in, the door activates and he enters to find Boo in her room.

This movie is really funny and moving. I watched it many times but, everytime I watch this movie, I'm always crying. You better watcsh it if you haven't.

Hayao Miyazaki (Maria Yaka)

Finally, a famous animation director, Hayao Miyazaki, decided to retire from his work.

 

This shocking news was announced during the Venice International Film Festival. Studio Ghibli's speaker announced this sad news on September 1st. He has announced that he would retire before. But this time, he says he really means it.

 “I wanted to convey the message to children that this life is worth living. This message has not changed.” He said at the conference on 6th. Hayao Miyazaki started his work in 1979. He established Studio Ghibli in 1985. Since then, he directed many popular and famous films. ‘Spirited Away’ in Japanese, Sen to Chihiro no kamikakusi,  topped Titanic's sales at the Japanese box office and still draw record box-office taking.  Though he retires from his animation film work, he will take part in the exhibition in Ghibli museum.

 

He did tell this message to us. I have watched Ghibli's animation since I was little. Probably I have been living with Ghibli's movie. I get a lot of energy and impression everytime I watch Ghibli’s film. I feel sorry to hear that ‘The Wind Rises’ is the last time to see his work. However, I am looking forward to watching new Ghibli’s work.  We can't take off our eyes from Ghibli!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ghibli's museum in Mitaka.

You should go there once!

Get information here.

 

 

In 2020, we must be happy because of Olympic. (Shinya Uchida)

What an awesome time we will have!!!

Olympic, which hase been famous, popular, beautiful and touching my heart, are going to come my home town, Tokyoooooo!!! Now, my feeling is going up.

 

This acrticl is about the main people who did thier best in order to get Olympic raise thier hands expressing thier big hapiness.

 

I am interested in next article because Tokyo Olympic just brings us lots of money from all over the world, according to the article.
Although Japan has big deficit now, I think the Olympic may help Japan make a big power that leads us to blight future. In 2020, we all work for some company. It is better for us to have money for our enjoynable lives. I hope Tokyo Olympic gets Japan much stronger than now and better country in the world. Japan's economy from now will recover dramatically...this is my wish.

Thank to my so-so good summer, and I'm looking forward to seeing all you guys.
Have a good summer, it's not many.

(Kenichiro Ikari) Blog #3: Third Baby-Boom on Tokyo Olympic 2020?

Hurray to Tokyo Olympic 2020!! I am pretty sure that this news made everybody in Japan very happy and excited. I will be 26 by the Olympic, so I really want to see it if I am able to.

I found an interesting news that relates to Tokyo Olympic. There might be another Baby-Boom by 2020.

There are two Baby-Booms in Japanese history: First on 1947-1949, Second on 1971-1974.

First Baby-Boom occurred because of World War 2. World War 2 ended on 1945, and Japanese armies who survived through came back to home. It is biologically natural to want children after surviving through war, or fights with the chance of death. So armies who were married or had somebody that were going to be a future fiance made babies. Second Baby-Boom happened because of First Baby-Boom. Since it is about 20 years after first one, babies from it grew up and became adults. Lots of adults got married and made lots of babies. 

Schools after First Baby-Boom

Third Baby-Boom, that might occur soon is because of Tokyo Olympic 2020. By looking through SNSs, there are lots of people saying "I want to see Olympic with my child, if I am married.". Similar thing happened at Beijing, on 2008, and at London, on 2012. 2020 is 7 years from now; there are big chances to everyone of being married and having a child by then. People wanting to have child is a good thing these days because low birth rate and longevity are seen as problem today.

Number of Total Live Birth and Birth rate (1947-2010)

I think having a longer life span is a good thing, and I know this is because of better technologies. But decreasing birth rate, I think it's because how Japan saw importance on "individual freedom" after WW2. I think current Japanese's life behavior became "It's your life; I'm not going to say anything, but don't make trouble". People can't say anything to people who don't get married, because it is individuals's freedom. So I really think it is good if this "Third Baby-Boom" happens.

Do you think you will be married by 2020? If so, do you want to have children by then?

Tokyo Olimpic 2020(Yuka Sakurai)

  Hello. How are you douing? 
  I recently heard the news that Tokyo olimpic will be held in 2020. Yay!

     I got this information in here.http://tokyo2020.jp/jp/

     In September 8,2013, decision was made that olimpic and paralympic in 2020 will be held in Tokyo Japan.
     Besides Tokyo, Baku, Doha, Istanbul, and  Madrid wanted to have the olimpic in their place. May 24, 2012, IOC bord of directors decided that it will going to be held in Istanbul, Madrid, or Tokyo. Finally in September 8, 2013, Tokyo was selected.   
     Due to the earthquake in March, 2011, athletes have been wondering what they could do. This might be the great chance to encourage people in Japan.

   　I really felt happy when I heard this because it is a great chance for people in other countries to know more about Japan. They can know more culture of Japan. It may accelerate our economy, and further globalization might occur.
      However, I am kind of wondering whether there is enough space for all  atheletes and other people to stay in Tokyo.  There might not be enough gymnastic space for practicing. Tokyo might be too small for people to stay, and I am also afraid of crowded trains. Even right now, it is crowded, and what will going to happen when more people want to use them?
      Though there seems to be some problems, I still feel happy because I can meet a lot of foreigners. I love to meet different kind of people. I wish I can do something to those who cannot speak Japanese.
       Thank you for reading this.
      You can see this information in a video in http://event.yahoo.co.jp/tokyo2020/
here.

     You can also see the PR film in here.

Blog #3: A possible nest-generation fuel (Juzo Nogami)

Hello, everyone! Summer is going to be over so soon!! I need more time to finish a bunch of assignments... Well, I'm so excited to see you everyone in next week!! 

Today, I want to talk about methane hydrate. Methane hydrate is also known as next-generation fuel. According to the Ministry of Economic, Trade and Industry's report, there are huge amount of methane hydrate lie under the Sea of Japan in August 27th. And the article is from here.

Most of the methane hydrate locate under the sea floor, which means it's really hard to dig out because of complicated submarine topography. However, this one is concentrated near the surface of seabed. Therefore, it's easier to get. 

In my opinion, digging out the methane hydrate is good for Japan. I have two reasons. 

Firstly, it is good for the economics. Japan have to import a lot of fuel, such as oil and liquified natural gas, from foreign country since 3.11. As you know, a horrible nuclear plant accident was happened and the Japanese government forced to stop all of the nuclear plant in Japan. Therefore, we have to get an alternative energy and that's why Japan imports a lot of fuel now. According to the Japanese government fuel imports put trade deficit about 7 trillion yen last year. If Japan are able to get stable supply of methane hydrate, trade deficit will solve and Japanese economics will get better. That's why it's good for economics. 

Secondly, it's good for the environment. Methane hydrate contains a huge amount of methane and methane is also known as green house gas. It sounds horrible for the environment to you, actually it's not. The methane hydrate emits less CO2 then the natural gas. Which means, it's not very bad to environment. 

Overall, methane hydrate is good for Japan and I think the government should dig out it more quickly as soon as possible. 

Blog #3 News Story about the Olympic games in 2020 (Hisashi Kato)

Hi guys! Summer is almost overrrrrrrr!! It’s really sad… isn’t it? But I’m excited for new semester though!

So, Today, I would like to introduce this very happy news!

 

 

Watch News clip by CNN from HERE

 

 

Summery

As everyone already (probably) know that Tokyo has been decided to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic! In voting Saturday in Buenos Aires, the committee picked Tokyo over the two other contenders, Madrid and Istanbul.

 

The announcement came at 5:20 a.m. Tokyo time, but a large crowd watching on an outdoor video screen burst into cheers.

 

2020 Olympic will be the second time to host the Olympic games for Tokyo.

Other candidates as for Madrid, they had problem with economy and Istanbul had difficulties to host the games due to threatening power of Syria. Although Tokyo had concern with radiation, the plan and infrastructures was best of all.

You can learn more about this news from HERE

 

Opinion

I’m really happy to hear that Tokyo will be hosting the Olympic Games in 2020. In 2020, I’ll be 25 years old, so I’ll probably in Japan and working for some company or so. So, I’m really excited to go see games.
 

But I think hosting the Olympics has both good and bad things. As for good things, infrastructure, economics, and political development will be expected. Since Japanese economy is getting better after Abe took his second office, this so called Olympics economy can help Japanese economic and political situation a lot. For example Chinese economy was widely busted thanks to hosting EXPO and the Olympic Games, so Japanese economy can be helped a lot.

 

On the other hand, everything will be outrageously expensive. Daily food, rent, transportation etc… it’s really big impact if you actually live in Tokyo. And the consumption tax will be risen from next year, so the impact will be much bigger.

 

Although there are good and bad for hosting Olympics I would simply like to enjoy Olympic Games in 2020!

 

I can’t wait till then!!

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/07/sport/world-olympics-2020/index.html?iref=storysearch 2013/9/9/2:40 viewed

 

Kenichiro Ikari Blog#2: Marley & Me

Have you ever had a pet? I do. I have a dog. People buy pets for many reasons, like for exercising, nurturing children, or simply just wanted to have friends. My family bought a dog, because we all like dogs.

Today, I would like to introduce a movie "Marley & Me".

This is a comedy-drama made by David Frankel, on 2008. It is based on a memoir of the same name by John Grogan. Main characters are starred by Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston.

As you can see by the picture, it is a story about the couple and their dog. You probably would know that there is a some kind of trouble with the dog. This movie's subtitle is " life an love with the world's worst dog", and you probably would understand why after watching the movie.

The Story starts when Grogan couple escapes from Michigan's brutal winter to Florida. They both are hired as reporters of competing newspaper company. While John is only assigned only obituaries and two-paragraph articles at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, his wife Jenny receives prominent front page assignment at The Palm Beach Post. 

Soon, John senses that Jenny started wanting a child. He asks his friend Sebastian (acted by Eric Dane) for an advice, and Sebastian suggests the couple to have a pet to check if they are ready to raise another family member. The couple adopts a newborn yellow labrador retriever, and names him Marley. Marley immediately proves his incorrigibility by "destroying" the garage. John takes him to dog trainer, who believes that any dog can be trained, but gets expel because he refuses to obey commands.

Marley makes lots of trouble; swallowing Jenny's necklace, and had to wait for Marley to poop out, chews up sofa, runs away braking the filter door, etc. But along with it, John realizes that Marley might be the best topic about his column he receives later on, and it happened to be a great hit. Then Grogans and Marley's funny life goes on.

I can't say the whole story because it will spoil the movie, but I can say that movies about animals ends with the animal's death. Marley dies at the end. This movie makes you laugh and smile, but also sad because of it.

Since the story covers fourteen years, 22 different labrador retriever is used for filming. They all act silly, but they all are smart, because they all acted the whole silliness. 

Do you think you would have a pet in the future when you have your own family? 

a good film I have seen (Yuka Sakurai)

Hello. How are you doing? It is being very hot these days, but I still have emotion to watch films. In summer, I saw a lot of DVDs. Talking of a foreign film, I saw "Les Miserable", which it has many things to think about. It showed me how difficult it is to clarify good to bad. And I also saw Japanese movies such as "funewoamu" and "platinum data" which were both created from books. I liked these movies also.

 However, what I really want to introduce is a very old movie created by Akira Kurosawa "ikiru". I borrowed this DVD because of my sister's recommendation. This is a story of a man, working as a bureaucracy for 30 years, find himself to be a stomach cancer. Story starts  from his recognizing that illness. When he faced this problem, he first tried to play since he had been working too seriously, almost never played at night. However, he was not fulfilled from it. Then he decided what he will going to do before he dies. When people are faced with one's death, what will going to happen? What will you going to do if it occurred to you? His decision afterwards impressed me a lot. He did not cried until death. He quit recalling about the past thinking he had done nothing. The way he acted was great but his inner spirit was great enough to support it. The day he found out that he got a cancer was not a start of a strait way to his death but was a starting of  struggling vividly for the rest of his life. Can people really react like that?
 If it were me, I probably could not live like him. I will only think about my life, myself, and what is only related to me, yet he was different. He even thought of what he could do for people before he died, even though no one was understanding him nor praised him.
 Recently, I feel that what we do is important but not much. What is more important is why we do that, the emotion coming from your heart.The appearance or how you say is important may be, but not that important. Things without sincerity is nearly unnecessary, and we really have eyes to figure out weather it is true or not.
 We must think more. We should not do things because we are required to do. By seeing this movie, I figure out that we must find out the meaning of our life by ourselves. Nobody can tell you how your life should be. Even though we are healthy now, we cannot  know  the future. Furthermore, sooner or later, everyone dies. But I am not saying it in pity, but we must think about what our life is. What we want to do and what is really important for you. No one want to die with regret in their heart. We are the captain of our ship and we must take a steer of it. Fortunately, everyday is a chance. We have a possibility to change ourselves.

Blog #2: Wall Street (1987) Shinya Uchida

  Good morning, every guys. How is your super long-long-long summer vacation??? For me, this summer is last as the college student, but everyday can not make me enjoy. I just did my best doing a lot of part-time jobs during half of summer vacation  in order to make money for September.
So I will try to enjoy myself by doing new things in September. In september, I'm going to go to Karuizawa in Nagano by a rent car that I will drive and travel to Nagoya to meet prospective employees with whom I will join a company next year.

 Anyway, I watched an amazing movie,THE WALL STREAT, which is American drama movie so famous and popular. This film was made by William Oliver Stone in 1987.


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094291/  ←  You can access to this site getting more info.


 Storyline is  Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), a junior stockbroker at Jackson Steinem & Co, want to be the richest man in the wall-streat. One day, Bud visits the office of Gordon, a merchant banker, as part of operating activities. However, a dealer under exclusive contract has already been in Gordon's company, and he does not show interest in Bub's information. And then, Bud decides to leak the inside information suddenly heard from his father who is the labor-union management of "Bluestar airline". As a result, Bub is able to get his big interest and succeeds in taking a trading-of-securities order from him. After that, his work is so fabulous and gets much money with Gordon's company but you have to remember that this trading between Bub and Gordon is "Insider trading".

 At the end of this film, the both were arrested because they are accused of the bad dealing with lots of money. With regard to Bub, he has a light sentence as he helps police to know Gordon action that is worse than Bub. Actually, Gordon just plans to dissolve Bluestar and sell off the company's assets secretly. That is why his behaviour against Gordon is interesting for me and the climax can take us to unexpected world but there are such as trading all over the world, so it may be real situation. I has been studying economics, management and finance(finace is a little) in Gakushuin. I think that this film not only has educational aspects to learn about how to  realize which stocks we have to buy and sell, but also teaches me that buy and sell a kind of financial product sometimes makes people change badly.

Mai.T #2 【Chicago】

I would like to introduce one of my favourite films "Chicago"

Chicago is a musical film made in 2002 after a 1975  Kander and Ebb Broadway musical of the same name. The film was directed my Rob Marshall, and Bill Condon as screenwriter. It has won six Academy Awards including the Best Picture and became the first musical film to win this since Oliver! in 1969.

The story is about two women named Roxie and Velma. Roxie is dreaming of perfoming on stage and Velma is a star singer at a bar. They were living completely different lives and were never meant to get to know eachother. Until one day, they happen to meet each other in prison for having one thing in common; murdering. Hungry for fame, they both struggle to make themselves out of prison and back on stage where they think they belong.

Roxie is played by Renee Zellweger, who is famous for acting in films such as Bridget Jones Diary and Miss. Potter. Velma is played by Catherine Zeta-Jones from Titanic and The Phantom. Both their dancing and the songs in the movie are all very excitng and  grabs your attention.

I would highly reccommend this movie to those who like watching musicals. I have seen it many times and I also have the soundtracks for the movie because I love the songs. I especially like "All That Jazz" and "We Both Reached For The Gun". Please try listening to the music first if you have any interest in watching the film!

I will be happy to lend anybody the DVD if they wish!

Blog#2 The Terminal ---Hisashi Kato

Hello guys!! How’s your summer break? I’ve been hyper busy like you guys and I’m head off to Nagano for trip with ESS member from tomorrow!

 

This time, I would like to introduce movie I watched while this break which is “The Terminal” This movie was directed by Steven Spielberg in 2004 and feathered by Tom Hanks and Catharine Zeta-Jones.

This story was created based on true story of Mehran Karimi Nasseri, person who lived in Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Story line

Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks) is the man from country called Krakozhia. However, while he was on the air plane, to America, civil revolution occurred in his country. So since America no longer recognize Krakozhia as country, he lost all his right as citizen of Krakozhia, so had no choice to get into America or going back to his county, but to stay in JFK airport.   

While he was waiting to go into America to fulfill his father’s dream to get autograph from Benny Golson, He met women who work as cabin attendant named Amelia (Catharine Zeta-Jones) He suddenly fell in love to her, and he tries to get her attention in many ways.

Can he get her feeling and get into America in the end?

You can know concise storyline from here.

Fantastic Casts

There are so many famous actors in this movie; first of all, the director is Steven Spielberg. He is super famous director and as his recent work, The adventure of Tin tin (2011), War Horse (2011) Smash (2012) Lincoln (2013) etc... Are well known. Although he is famous for the director of E.T, which is sort of fancy movie, his works often has really strong message. This movie “Terminal” is one of them, I can feel his message of how torrent politics can affect everyday life and right of the person.

As leading actor, Tom Hanks is in this movie; His acting was really natural and showed how Viktor get used to his life in airport. For example, Viktor couldn’t speak English well, but during his 9month of stay, he mastered English and he talks really naturally. This shows how he grew up a lot through his airport life very well.

Other than Tom Hanks, Catharine Zeta-Jones known in “Chicago” 2002 and Stanley Tucci from “Devil Wears Prada” 2006 are in this movie as well, their acting brought very nice twists to this movie.

 

This is romance movie but it’s not just romance, there are also comedy part, very emotional part, political message, problem of discrimination, many circumstance made this movie complex, yet easy, clear enough to understand. This is really great movie to watch, you are going to cry for sure, over and over!

This is something you should watch in your life time!

Please watch this movie when you got time!

                                        Trailer is aviable for you on you-tube

Gone With The Wind (Maria Yaka)

Hi!  How are you? How's your summer vacation?
I watched a movie called 'Gone With The Wind'.

This movie was made in 1939 in USA, directed by David Selznick. Scarlett O'Hara is played by Vivien Leigh and  Rhett Butler by Clark Gable. It won 9 Accademy awards in 1940.

The story is very long. (It took me 4 hours to finish watching this movie.)  Scarlett O'hara ,born in Tara in USA, is a selfish woman. She finds out that her lover,  Ashley will marry to Melanie, who is kind like an angle. However, the American Civil War breaks out and all men take part in the war except Rhett Butler. He knows that South will lose and he loves Scarlett.   Scarlett and Melanie leave Tara. Melanie has a baby.  But the war is getting worse and worse. She asks Rhett to send them to Tara. They go back to Tara at the risk og thier lives to find that everything was broken by north army and that there is nothing to eat. Scarlett is  shocked at first but she swears she will be strong.

First, I was surprised at the magnificence of this movie in every way. The story, casting, music and set design. I can't believe that this movie was filmed in 1939 without CG. Furthermore, it is midst of World War Two. The number of extra is beyond my imagination.

can you believe this is not CG 

Can you see the number of the people lying on the ground?

 





Secondly, the story. It is such a long story including many events that it doesn't make us bored.  I'm sure you will be surprised to know the ending. Scarlett's strength in the bottom of the heart and Melanie's kindness is what all women wants to have. However hard the situation is, they don't give up and survive. I can't be such a strong woman but I learned the importance of strength and kindness in a crisis.

I think this film is masterpiece and will be watched by people all over the world  for now on forever.

Blog #2: Ratatouille (Juzo Nogami)

Hey, guys!! How was your summer vacation so far?
I had a wonderful and great time and I'm really busy right now. I have to do some many things and  I need more times!!

So, today I want to talk about the good film that I watched this summer. That is "Ratatouille."  I watched this film when I was in airplane to go to Taiwan.

Ratatouille was revealed in 2007 and this film got academy awards in 2008. This film is comedy and gag. It's not just funny and sometimes it makes you emotional. 

Next, I'm going to introduce about a story line. 

Remy is a rat. He is just not a normal rat. He has a high developed sense of smell and he can understand about what people said. He stimulated from Gusteau's words; Anyone can cook. Gusteau is one of the famous chef in Paris. One day, something happened and he separated from his large family and he went to Paris. Fortunately, he go to Gusteau's restaurant and he met a boy, Linguini. At the first time, Linguini can't trust the Remy's special ability. However, somehow he trust him and they become a good partner. And many problems will happen.... 

I really like this movie. I have two reasons. First of all, it's really funny and Remy is cute. My favorite part of movie is last. I can't tell you everything about the scene, but you will surprised. Because, a lot of rats are in the kitchen and they are making and cooking foods seriously. And Remy commands to everyone to cook foods perfectly. I like this scene vey much. 

Secondly, I felt this movie is not only for kids, but also for adults. Everyone can enjoy this movie. I don't know have any specific reasons for this, but I felt it. Maybe, it's really hard to guess what is going to happen next. So, that's why adults will like this film. 

Overall, this film is really good and everyone should watch this!! 

If you like to watch this film, first you should watch trailer which down below and go to this page. 

My first day of my first part time job! (Haruka Kato)

I finally got a job! This is my first job. I never worked before, because my school didn't allow us to work. I was so excited and also nervous about working. The place I work is Comeda coffee. Do you know it? It’s a coffee shop which is famous in Nagoya.

Today was a first day so, I only worked for 3hours. There are many things I need to remember. I didn’t think working is this hard! Everyone taught me really kindly. It was really hard for me to listen and move my hands at the same time. I hope I get used to it soon.
I think most of the people don’t know about this Comeda coffee shop, so I would like to introduce about it a little bit.
There aren't many Comeda coffee in Tokyo. Please search for it near where you live.
The most famous menu is a sweets called "Shironowa-ru". It has a cold ice cream on top of a warm bread. You put syrup on it before you eat it. It is really delicious! You better try it!

                                                                　　　↑"Shironowa-ru"　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Come to the shop to eat!