Newsletter No.55

October 2003

Thoughts on Visiting England by Ueno Eri and Watanabe Tomoe
Winner, University Debating Competition2002

It was still summery in Japan when we left for England early in September. We were worried about the unusual heat wave in Europe this year but it was just like autumn in England, to the extent that there was a cold, dry breeze. The first day after checking in at our hotel, we went straight over to Hyde Park, which is three times as large as a Japanese public park. There were swans and ducks swimming in a lake and chestnut trees, with squirrels clambering about overhead. This park was what I liked best during our trip to England. When I had a little free time, I went over there to pass a few refreshing moments.

The following day we went sightseeing. I was particularly impressed by the Houses of Parliament. It was awesome to think that the parliamentary debate which I had studied was modeled on the parliament here, in this very place, with its majestic, stately clock tower. We didn't get to go in for a debate this time, but during my trip every time I saw Big Ben, I was moved.

During our visit to ESU London, Marc Whitmore showed us around the premises and invited us to lunch and tea. We talked about English teaching in Japan and the English language as well as things British that are currently popular in Japan. Marc and Mrs. Valerie Mitchell, ESU Director-General, arranged a visit for us to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre the following day, and gave us an introduction to Ms. Pead, who showed us around the theatre. We were able to participate in a tour and see a play in this restoration of the original Globe theatre. We enjoyed seeing the interaction between the stage and the spectators, how both sides were able to take pleasure in the interchange.

We visited numerous museums and saw many famous paintings by Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Modigliani among others. I thought about the significance of Van Gogh's paintings and experienced the appeal of the paintings. The look of the houses and stores in the streets of Canterbury were different from London. A person working at Canterbury cathedral that I spoke to told me the only thing he knew about Japan was "Madam Butterfly", reminding me again that for England, Japan is very far away.

Because there were no debate-related activities while we were there, we spent our time mainly sight-seeing, but for us students of English it was a stimulating trip with many things to be learned and we were made aware once more how much we like English. Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to ESUJ for giving us the chance to have such a precious opportunity.

Ambassador's Lecture Series No.4!
"Iceland, The Country of Fire and Ice"

On Monday, September 8, in the Conference room of the Japan National Press Club, the Icelandic Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Ingimundur Sigfusson, spoke to a full house of more than fifty people. Less than a third the size of Japan, Iceland is located in the North Atlantic Ocean and has a population of only 290,000 people. Starting in the 8th century, the Celts (from Ireland) and the Vikings arrived by turns, and from the mix of Celtic and Nordic peoples arose a unique culture. The country is not as cold as you might think from its name: in January the average temperature is around -1° C. Iceland is working hard to develop non-polluting sources of energy production, such as hydroelectric and geothermal energy, and also at present, in cooperation with Japan, hydrogen fuel cells. Export of marine products is the biggest industry, with Japan being a particularly important market. Also, recently with its winter "aurora" becoming popular, even in Japan, Iceland is positively brimming over with tourist attractions. On this point, speaking from the floor, Mr. McDonald, Councilor of ESUJ, gave his own recollections of his trip to Iceland last year, which were much appreciated. The Q&A session was very lively. In particular, everyone was surprised by the explanation of the unique way Icelanders' names are made. The beautiful photographic panels were one final touch to an evening that impressed everyone with the bountiful charm of Iceland.

September English Club

Masumi Muramatsu's English Club met on Tuesday September 16 at the Tokyo Kokusai Forum. The guest speaker this time was Nihon Keizai Shimbun editorial writer Katsumata Michio. In 1991 Mr. Katsumata was responsible for the first piece in the paper's back page column, "My Personal History", to feature a non-Japanese, Senator Fulbright. After that he was also responsible for columns on GE CEO Jack Welch and IBM CEO Lou Gerstner. He revealed interesting incidents that occurred in the course of gathering information for the articles.

UK Squad arrive in Japan, debut at Kansai Seminar.

Once again this year, on October 7, four English student debaters from England, along with ESU London's Ms. Debbie Newman, arrived in Japan at Kansai Airport. The following day, October 8, the Parliamentary Debate Kansai Seminar was held, under the joint auspices of ESUJ and Kansai KIEF (Kansai Intercollegiate ESS Federation) at Osaka Prefecture University. A forceful model debate ensued on the motion "This house would relax immigration rules." An enthusiastic audience of 123 persons from Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama were in attendance. Following the big success of last year's seminar, parliamentary debate has been spreading steadily in the Kansai area. Thanks to everyone who helped make the occasion a big success.