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| Newsletter
No.66 |
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September 2004
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Our Trip to England @@@@@@Mihoko Saito and Chika
Otsu
(last yearŐs university debate competition winners,
from ICU)
As recipients of the winnersŐ prize of a return flight
to London in the ESUJ University Debate Competition 2003,
we visited England and France this August. We stayed several
days in London, and on our third day, we went to the ESU
headquarters at Dartmouth House. We were welcomed by Debbie,
who came to Japan for last yearŐs debate competition,
and James, who plans to come this year, along with Richard,
an Oxford University student who was a finalist at last
yearŐs world championship. While having tea with them,
we chatted about debate and British culture, among other
things. When we talked about an increase in teams from
Japan participating in international competitions, everyone
was very interested and asked various questions about
debate trends in Japan and Asian competitions, etc. Moreover,
hearing about the launch of the ESU of the Republic of
Korea, they seemed to be looking forward to a future stronger
Asian presence in debate-related activity. They also very
much look forward to coming to Japan every year, and predicted
they would be bringing with them to this yearŐs debate
even better team members. We are looking forward to seeing
James again in October.
After tea, we were taken for a tour around Dartmouth House
and were even more impressed with the gorgeous building.
Used also for receptions, etc., the interior decor is
beautiful, and we could sense the history of ESU there.
After that, we were taken for lunch to an English pub.
We had found it difficult to go into a pub by ourselves,
so we were glad to have the chance to eat traditional
pub fare such as fish and chips so plentiful that they
stuck out over the edge of the plate, and steak and pie,
and to drink cider, which we found Ňeasier to drinkÓ than
beer. In the evening we went to see the musical ŇChicagoÓ
with Debbie. The music was especially wonderful and we
were completely charmed by the powerful live performance
and dancing. The chance to see a musical show live in
London was a very special experience and great memory.
After our stay there, we traveled to the countryside,
visiting the Lake District and the Cotswolds. We particularly
liked Oxford, and felt the depth of EnglandŐs history
when we saw the historic buildings. Also, we were very
impressed when we thought about this being the place that,
produces so many top debaters, including Richard. We envy
students who can study in such a beautiful place as Oxford.
We want to thank ESUJ and JAL from the bottom of our hearts,
as well as everyone at ESU London who gave us such a warm
welcome, for providing us with the opportunity to have
such a wonderful trip.
India: A View by an Indian in Japan
The sixth talk in our very popular AmbassadorŐs Lecture
Series. On September 1st, former Indian Ambassador Aftab
Seth, who has recently returned to Japan, gave a lecture
at the Japan National Press Club on various aspects of
his country, including recent conditions, the countryŐs
future, and its diplomatic policy.
In May this year, India held the worldŐs biggest election,
resulting in birth of the government of Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh, proof that democracy with free and fair
elections is well-established in India.
The Indian economy has realized a high rate of economic
growth as a result of the economic revolution since 1991
and achieved rapid development. According to an analysis
by the World Bank and recent prediction by an international
financial organization, India is set to become the worldŐs
second largest developing economy after China.
Through its ŇLook EastÓ policy, India is working on strengthening
emphasis on its relations with Asia, including the ASEAN
countries. In its relationship with China also, promotion
of dialogue as a result of the comings and goings of influential
people and expansion of trade are anticipated .
Rapid Growth in the IT field has caused major changes
in Indian society. For example, village farmers have become
IT ÔwiredŐ by innovation of ŇsimputerÓ, simple and cheap,
high-tech mobiles.
The Japan-India relationship has its roots in the spread
of Buddhism from India, and this traditionally close,
friendly relationship has carried on. In addition to exchanges
in economic areas such as trade and investment, etc.,
in recent years even in areas of security such as the
safety of JapanŐs sea lanes, reciprocal cooperation has
progressed. Our two democratic countries together are
deepening their good relationship.
Though Mr. Seth is well-known as a poet and expert on
the theatre, but on this occasion members of his audience
were the recipients of a noble talk featuring broad perspectives
and the cool presence of mind of a senior diplomat with
his beautiful voice.
UK veteran debaters come to Japan again this autumn!
Debate season has arrived we will be welcoming top debaters
from England and a specialist lecturer from ESU London
for our debate competition.
10/6 (Wed.) Kansai Debate Seminar, 18:30, Osaka Prefecture
University
*10/9 (Sat.) Debate Seminar for Adults, 18:00
*10/10 (Sun.) & 10/11 (Mon.Holiday) University Debating
Competition
*all at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center, Yoyogi
The Next Newsletter will be published in late October/early
November
English Club 9/21 & 10/19 (Tuesdays) 18:30-20:30,
Nikkei Main Bldg.
Lecture: An Invitation to Japanese Traditional
Music 10/26 (Tuesday) 18:30
For the latest & detailed information, check our
web site at www.esuj.gr.jp
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For
further informaiton contact!
E-MAIL:esuj@esuj.gr.jp
Fujikage-Building
9th Floor, Motoakasaka 1-1-5
MInato-ku, Tokyo 107-0051
TEL: 03-3423-0970 FAX: 03-3423-0971
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