My Trip to the United Kingdom
Keiko Shindo (Keio Univ.)

I never imagined I would be the one to take home the Winner's Prize of a return flight ticket to the United Kingdom in the ESUJ University Debate Competition 2005. As I set off on my trip, the record-making summer heat welcomed me to London.

It all started with a relaxing cruise along the Thames River, swaying me to and fro in the best of comfort. Historical edifices as well as emblems of the new London such as the London Eye all stretch alongside both banks of the river, giving me a good look into London at a glance. As the small narrow boat took me along tiny tunnels and past parades of green trees, time went slowly by.

London is an extremely compact city. The place I retain a vivid impression of is the Royal Courts of Justice. Barristers, honorable judges, and tourists all take the same entrance and the same security check to get inside the grand architectural building. Hearing that almost all trials are open to the public at all times, I found myself puzzled at first by a sense of lack of formality in such a prestigious setting. However, I soon adapted to the interesting situation in time to take an adventure around the building, peeking into the courtrooms while a group of barristers stood nearby leading serious discussions. Also, in the front of the main gate of the Royal Courts of Justice, a petition was taking place asking for the release of the British Muslims restrained after being accused of terrorism. From this very scene, I sensed a multiracial nation which brings together diverse religions and ethnicities penetrating into all parts of society.

Guidebook in hand, I walked around London looking forward to small encounters here and there in between major tourist sites. One time I found myself engrossed over a dusty book at a second-hand bookstore. Another time, when I stopped by a small bookstore and found the Official Report of the House of Commons from the parliamentary debates that took place the day before, it struck me clearly that I was in the home of debating. Above all, I loved meeting the various musicians and hearing their music every time I used the underground metro.

I had the grand opportunity to visit the ESU headquarters on my fourth day in London. Just like all past winners of the competition, I too stepped into Dartmouth House, where Mr. James Probert kindly gave me a tour around the beautiful building. I was also fortunate enough to meet with Ms. Valerie Mitchell, ESU Director-General. We spoke and exchanged opinions on this year's ESUJ debate competition, and the growing number of Japanese debaters challenging themselves in international competitions.

The time I spent in Dartmouth House was very valuable. This trip was different from my past vacations and international debating trips in so many different ways that I am sure I will always remember it as very special. Lastly, I would like to express deep gratitude to ESUJ, and ESU.

Various Programmes in Autumn!

"Historical Who Done It? −Mysterious Deaths of Two Dutchmen, Henry Heusken and Gijsbert Hemmij-"
Date:	September 12 (Thur) 18:30-20:00
Venue:	Japan National Press Club (9th fl.)
Lecturer:	Mr. Geoffrey Tudor　(PR Advisor, Japan Airlines)
Fee:	: Member ¥1,000, Non-member ¥2,000, Student ¥500
Mr. Tudor has lived in Japan for more than 30 years as Japan Airlines' PR Advisor and is an expert on the trajectory of foreigners active in Japan. He will regale us with tale after tale of historical mysteries full of interest!

"Twinkle Race" at Oi Keiba
Date:	October 20(Fri) 18:00-20:45
Venue:	VIP Room, TCK (Tokyo City Keiba)
Fee:	¥ 5,000
ESUJ members (and their guests) who are not Japanese are especially encouraged to attend.  Please inform the ESUJ office in advance since the number of participants is limited to 30.

Ambassador's Lecture Series: "Today's Poland"
Date:	October 27 (Fri) 18:30-20:00
Venue:	Japan National Press Club (9th fl.)
Lecturer:	Dr. Marcin Rybicki, Polish Ambassador to Japan
Fee:	Member ¥1,000, Non-member ¥2,000, Students ¥500

English Club

September 19 (Tue) 18:30-20:30 at Japan National Press Club Speaker: Mr. Michael Kato (Consultant) "Inside Out, Outside In" October 17 (Tue) 18:30-20:30 at Japan National Press Club Speaker: Ms. Michiyo Watanabe (Coordinator, International Theater Company London) November 21 (Tue) 18:30-20:30 at Japan National Press Club Speaker: Mr. Geoffrey Tudor (“Airline Business”)

ESUJ University Debating Competition 2006

October 8 (Sun) Preliminary Debates October 9 (Mon. Holiday) Final Debates Place: National Olympics Memorial Youth Center (Yoyogi) 32 teams from 27 Japanese universities will participate!