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| Newsletter
No.94 |
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March 2007
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Haiku in English, Part 4
The fourth meeting of 'Haiku in English' took place on February 16 (Tue) at the Japan National Press Club. Haiku in English is a profound even somewhat addictive world, which is increasingly gaining a quiet sort of popularity among ESUJ members. Again this time, haiku form was rather free, and thirteen entries were received. Sixteen people came to the meeting, including two new attendees, lending a stimulating and lively atmosphere to the haiku gathering and study group. Having reviewed the anonymously submitted haiku and printed them in no particular order, Poet Emiko Miyashita discussed each one critically and commented on technique. Writers were given the opportunity to explain their intentions, with a lively exchange of opinions often ensuing. A number of the haiku appear below. With Japan's flower viewing season just ahead, why not try your own hand at this art?!
the buds swell
on the ume trees
jingle of my change purse
my dearest friend gone―
bitter winds abating
on this fine dawn
frightening―
the gastrocamera might expose
last night's yakitori
winter grove―
does lukewarm sap
run inside the maples?
O'Donoghue's―
under a dripping awning
raising suds to the fiddler
moonlit waves...
the earth's rhythm
on the winter beach
crosses on my calendar
plum blossoms
out in the cold
English Club
English Club, a regular monthly activity, met on February 20 (Tue) at the Japan National Press Club, beginning with the usual two-minute speeches. Relieved of their roles as organizers, the club's presenter duo Muneo Wakabayashi, Club Chairperson, and Ayako Hanabusa, ESUJ Secretary General, experienced the tension of delivering impromptu speeches, titled "The Genuine Power" (Ayako) and "Stop Using Them" (Muneo).
This month's guest speaker was Tatiana Snitko (PhD.), who hails from Russia and is currently a Researcher in the Faculty of Letters at the University of Tokyo, in the field of comparative study of linguistics and culture. Speaking on the theme of "Surpassing languages and cultures: a way to understanding", Dr. Snitko started her talk by quoting Rudyard Kipling's poem The Ballad of East and West to discuss the differences between them. Today, due to Post-Perestroika Russia is somewhere "in between", she explained, rather like Japan at the time of the Meiji Restoration. Today, even in every district, there is at least one university where Japanese is taught. Comparing Japan and America, she described them as the two "most different countries", comparing Japanese Culture (文化) with American Civilization (文明), and Japanese 'omoiyari' (something like 'attentiveness to others') with American 'self-esteem', a very unique point of comparison. Following her very scholarly and intellectual talk, Dr Snitko showed beautiful and artistic scenes of Moscow, which the audience very much enjoyed.
Our next English Club will take pace on March 20 (Tuesday), at the Japan National Press Club (18:30-20:30). The Guest Speaker will be Wendy Hoshizaki, who is contributing various social services as a Baptist in Japan. Her topic is "Celebrate Recovery".
Coming Events
Ambassador's Lecture Series : A View of Venezuela
Speaker: Mr. Seiko Luis Ishikawa Kobayashi
Apr. 24(Tue.) 18:30-20:00 at Japan National Press Club (9th floor)
We will welcome Amb. Ishikawa, a young high flyer and second-generation Japanese-Venezuelan.
May Evening Gala : again this year!
Time and Date: May 25 (Fri.) 18:30-20:30
Venue: Meiji Kinenkan, Wakatake Room
Our popular annual early summer evening party. This year there will be a screen program looking back over past events.
ESUJ Debate 2007 (for Shakaijin, non-students)
Time and Date: June 9 (Saturday) 10:00-19:00
Venue: International House of Japan (Roppongi)
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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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