Report on ESU International Relations Conference
Shotaro Tsuchibuchi

Mr. Tsuchibuchi (Sony Corporation, ESUJ Debate Committee member) attended, in his capacity as the scholarships member, the International Relations Conference that was hosted by ESU (London) and was held at Oriel College, Oxford, on July 9-15.

This conference is being held by ESU every year for over 40 years. This year, 31 participants from 23 countries, consisting of various fields of jobs and generations such as students, journalists, lawyers, and others got together at Oriel College. The conference was conducted in such a manner that a lecture is delivered at first on a subject of international relations or British culture, followed by a discussion amongst all the participants. The lecturers were all executive businessmen, diplomats, members of Parliament etc and their lectures were very impressive and persuasive based on their rich experience. I was much moved by the sincere and eager attitude of the lecturers (including a Minister in the Shadow Cabinet), sparing their busy time to come to Oxford all the way from London to talk to a rather small group of young people. Discussions after the lecture were also very valuable for deepening mutual understanding through exchange of ideas among people from different nations. Such an experience cannot be obtained by merely reading books, or by simply staying in Japan. During this very period of the conference, Israeli army invaded Lebanon. I recognized how unstable the world was when I heard serious words from a participant from Lebanon. As for myself, it was a pleasure to have been able to exchange views with a Chinese participant on various issues existing between Japan and China. I hope my participation in the conference could help other members to understand more about Japan and our way of thinking.

During my stay, I was given an opportunity to visit Stratford-upon-Avon to see the Royal Shakespeare Company's "Julius Caesar". It was so impressive to see the drama written in the 16th century being played as original.

At the table of the final dinner, Lord Hunt, Chairman of ESU, delivered a speech. He mentioned that he joined ESU tour to the USA when he was a young student. I realized that ESU had a long history and thought how important it was to add up the consecutive efforts and activities.

I would like to express my hearty gratitude to ESU London and to ESUJ for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to spend some precious time in a traditional stone-built college, wherein I could exchange views and opinions with people from all over the world.


Haiku in English 3rd Round

On Thursday, 6th July, the third round of Haiku in English took place at Japan Press Club. Reflecting upon the experiences and opinions of the past two meetings, this time a new method was adopted, namely, the participants should send one Haiku by postcard in advance, and Miyashita-sensei would give comments and suggest improvements in the class room. As the presentation was limited to only one Haiku per person, each member squeezed their brains to make a most elaborate piece. Under Miyashita-sensei's guidance, they learned a lot about the Haiku techniques and about the choice of Haiku words. Fifteen members gathered and 10 selected pieces were discussed and studied.
Here are some supreme pieces of the day:

•	the mantis waits the cicada waits two sides of a green leaf	Akiyoshi Nagashima
•	today at 73 my ears remember that voice of the Emperor	Masamichi Hanabusa
•	violet irises standing in the rain--- take my blues away!	Wakana Goto

English Club

On Tuesday, 18th July, the monthly English Club meeting was held at Japan Press Club. The two-minute speeches were delivered: titled "Cheating" by Ms Michiko Nishijima and "Handshake".by Mr. Michio Kiniwa. Both of them were very witty short stories. The guest speaker of the night was Mr. Toyoo Kakiuchi, who had been the director of an American company for a long time. His theme of the speech was Beer and Flavour Guardians. Beer's "flavour"- How to make, how to evaluate, how to maintain? Mr Kakiuchi explained in very easy-to-understand English about the beer industry's hidden efforts using hand-made panels. It was a very informative and interesting story.

There will be no English Club meeting in August. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 19th September, at 18:30-20:30, on the 9th floor of the Japan Press Club Building. The guest speaker will be Mr. Michael Kato, titled "Inside Out, Outside In".


Coming Events!

Summer Holiday in August (including English Club Activity)