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| Newsletter
No.72 |
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April 2005
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Spring Outing to the Yokohama Doll Museum
On March 5(Sat.), a beautifully warm, typical early spring day, following the snow-flecked skies of the day before, a group of 23 persons visited the Yokohama Doll Museum. ESUJ members Wako Onodera and Susan Millington acted as guides to the museum's display of 850 dolls from more than 130 countries and 920 Japanese dolls, including a seasonal display of Hina dolls. Group members admired special dolls from around the world, including an amusing peddler from Bolivia. In the Japanese corner, the group was also impressed by the long tradition of Japanese Ôclassical' dolls, whose history dates back to the Heian Era and whose influence remains today, as represented by the dolls given by the Emperor and Empress to pray for the healthy growth of Princess Aiko. A highlight of the tour were the "blue-eyed dolls" which were sent to Japan in time for the dolls' festival in 1927. A gesture of friendship between the children of America and Japan at a time of shaky Japan-US relations, more than 12,000 dolls arrived in Japan from America. As a return gift, Ichimatsu dolls were sent to America in time for Christmas the same year, and today they stand side-by-side in the museum, as good friends. Although the blue-eyed dolls were to experience war, even today they and the Ichimatsu doll have lost none of there grace and beauty and remain deeply emotional reminders of a moment in history.
Following the museum tour, the group repaired to the New Grand Hotel, Yokohama's symbol as an international city for over eighty years and its premier hotel, where we were given an explanation of the hotel's history and tour of the ballroom and lobby, enabling us to experience and understand for ourselves the role the hotel has played as Japan's window to the world and in the history of its modernization. Finally, afternoon tea was enjoyed in the hotel's lounge as a fitting conclusion to this enjoyable program of cultural and historical inquiry.
Mrs. Toyoko Fry (wife of the British Ambassador) visits
the ESUJ Office
On Wednesday, March 16, Mrs. Toyoko Fry, the wife of the British Ambassador, visited the ESUJ Office and met with members of the Executive Committee. Mrs. Fry was active in ESU activities in London before coming to Japan, serving as a Governor. Upon her arrival here, she quickly showed deep interest in and appreciation of our ESUJ activities, attending the University Debate Competition last autumn along with the ambassador. At the March 16 meeting, both ESUJ activities and International ESU activities were discussed. Mrs. Fry will continue in future to participate in ESUJ as an Advisor (Ambassador Fry is an Honorary President).
English Club
On Tuesday, March 15, English Club met at the Nikkei Main Building and welcomed as its guest speaker the Regional General Manager of Air India, Ms. Geetha Menon, at the invitation of ESUJ Councilor Rabinder Malik. Ms. Menon serves as Regional Director of the Far East, Southeast Asia & Australia for Air India, India's national flag carrier, covering not only Japan but also the 15 neighboring countries of Asia. Air India opened its office in Japan in 1952, following establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Service between the two countries has continued uninterrupted for 55 years since the first flight. Ms. Menon spoke of cultural exchange, the progress of development and the future of India's IT sector before showing beautiful screen images of India. A lively question and answer session followed, covering Indian society, religions, women's roles, education and the IT sector, etc., and further deepening our understanding of India.
The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 19, from 18:30-20:30.The theme will be "Negotiation", with Inoue-sensei.
Attention!!
April's activities include English Club on April 19
(Tuesday) at the Japan National Press Club, 9th Floor,
Large Conference Room (Uchisaiwaicho), and the Lecture
by the Turkish Ambassador on April 26 (Tuesday) at the
Kasumi Kaikan (Kasumigaseki Building, 34th floor, Toranomon).
Please note carefully the two venues.
Coming Events
Here is the jam-packed calendar of ESUJ activities taking us up to summer:
Takuwakai Luncheon (for supporting members), April
21 (Tues.)
Ambassador's Lecture Series No. 8: The Turkish Ambassador
April 26 (Tuesday) 6:30-8:00pm@Kasumi Kaikan (Kasumigaseki
Building, 34th Floor) The charming Mrs. Unaydin will speak
to us about various aspects of Turkey.
May Evening Gala 2005
May 24 (Tuesday) 6:30-8:30 @Meiji Kinenkan, Suehiro
Room
This popular event is in its fifth year.
ESUJ Debate 2005 ( Debate Competition for Adults)
June 11 (Saturday), 10:00-19:00 @Nikkei Main Building
This is our fourth "shakaijin" debate, a must for those who like sophisticated adult debate. Apply now to participate as a debate team!
Annual General Meeting and Lecture:
Speaker Takao Suzuki (Sociolinguist) < details to be announced >
June 13 (Monday) General Meeting: 18:00-; Lecture:
18:45-20:15
@ Japan National Press Club, 9th Floor, Large Conference Room
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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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