| Newsletter
No.42 |
|
September
2002
|
My Trip to England
Kimiko Akita (ICU, winner of the 2001 debate competition)
I was a little nervous when I arrived at Heathrow Airport
this summer for my first visit to England and headed into
London. That evening I went to hear the choir at the famous
Saint Paul's Cathedral. The Saint Paul's choristers were
every bit as wonderful as I had expected, and I felt it
was really worthwhile to have come all the way to England.
When I visited ESU Headquarters in Mayfair, I was met by
Debbie, a debater from Cambridge University who is presently
working there. Peter English of Glasgow University, who
came to the ESUJ competition last year as a model debater,
is also working at ESU, and I enjoyed having the opportunity
to talk with these two young people. Peter and Debbie work
to spread debating at the high school level to places where
it isn't taught. I think it is this custom of teaching people
to think logically and express themselves from an early
age that gives British debaters their depth of skill.
Talking to Peter and Debbie, I came to think that the most
important factors in raising debating skill are good debates
and high-class rounds. It is probably difficult in Japan,
where the pool of good debaters is relatively small. For
this reason, I was reminded again how useful it is for ESUJ
to invite instructors and hold debate seminars annually.
The most interesting part of my stay was visiting various
places in London with Lola, who is a summer intern at ESU.
I wanted to go to places other than the usual tourist sites,
and Lola was able to steer me to street markets and other
places that aren't mentioned in the guide books. Based on
my hypothesis that Indian food in England must be delicious,
she took me to areas where not even many non-Indian Brits
go. I have fond memories of eating samosas while walking
with Lola, talking about various topics ranging from British
society to Japanese politics. Peter took me on the 'orthodox'
tour of London. Government-related organs are numerous around
Dartmouth House, where ESU is located, and I sighed with
wonder at the many fine buildings. I am grateful to both
Peter and Lola.
After that, I visited Paris, where I happened to meet a
Japanese who had served as a judge at the ESUJ debate competition,
and I thought what a small world it is.
On this trip not only was I able to get a glimpse of English
culture and traditions, I was also able to converse with
many people. Thanks from the bottom of my heart to ESUJ
for giving me this opportunity and to the people at ESU
London.
Debate Season is here again!
The British team of debaters and an instructor arrive on
October 7 at Kansai Airport. They will meet with Japanese
students in Osaka and Tokyo and give debate seminars as
well as participating in the debate competition in Tokyo.
This is the fifth time the competition will be held. We
are grateful to the ever-increasing number of adult judges
and volunteer staff who lend their assistance. It's a wonderful
chance to see these enthusiastic young debaters in action
and come in touch with the charm of "real" debate. Everyone,
please join us. It's free, and anyone can come.
Parliamentary
Debate Seminar in Oaska
Date: Wednesday, October 9, 6:30-8:30pm
Place: Gakujutu Koryu Kaikan, Osaka Prefecture University
University
Debate Competition 2002
Preliminary: Sunday, October 13, 10:00am-6:30pm
Final: Monday (Holiday), October 14, 9:30am-6:00pm
Future ESUJ Activities
Thursday, September 12
ESUJ
Lecture by H.E. Mr. Naouri, Jordanian Ambassador to Japan
6:30-8:00pm at International House Room D
Tuesday, September 17
English Club
by MM
6:30-8:30pm Tokyo International Forum G402
Tuesday, October 22
English Club
by MM
6:30-8:30pm Doyu Club
Tuesday, November 12
ESUJ
Lecture by Mr. Roger Pulvers
"The Theatrical Japanese -From Miyazawa Kenji to Avant-Garde
Theatre-
6:30-8:00pm International House, Hall
Tuesday, November 19
English Club
by MM
6:30-8:30pm Doyu Club
Tuesday, December 17
Christmas Party!
"Here is New York" Photo Exhibition
From September 10 (Tuesday)~16 (Monday) Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi,
1st floor, Central Hall: A
charity photo exhibition to aid the families of victims
of the attack on the World Trade Center.
ESUJ members are serving as volunteers at the exhibition.
The next Newsletter will be sent in the latter half
of October or early November.
