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The Tenth Annual English Speech Contest

&

The Eleventh Annual English Recitation Contest

Ritsumeikan Keisho Junior High School

English Festival

February 15th, 2012

1

PROGRAM

1 Opening Remarks

2 Opening Address by Principal Mr. Kenichiro Mukai

3 Musical Performance (1st grade students)

Recitation Contest

4 Introduction of Judges Mr. Hitoshi Yoshida

Mr. Bertram Jordan

Ms. Sakura Tsushima

5 Introduction of Speakers

6 Recitation

Speech Contest

7 Introduction of Judges Ms. Hitoshi Yoshida

Mr. Margot Lane

Ms. Satoko Matsuura

8 Introduction of Speakers

9 Speeches

10 Judges Exit (＊＊＊Showing of the movie, Pay It Forward＊＊＊)

11 Judges Return

12 Remarks from Judges Mr. Hitoshi Yoshida

13 Announcement of Winners Mr. Hitoshi Yoshida

14 Awarding of Prizes Mr. Kenichiro Mukai

15 Presentation to All Speakers and MCs

16 Closing Remarks

Cover Design and illustration by Ayane Shimada ( 3-1 )

2

Message From The Principal

This festival is a good opportunity for students to show how far

they have progressed. This is an important day for all of you as English

learners and as Ritsumeikan Keisho students, so be proud today as you

take part in the festival.

It is important to gain language skills as a means of international

communication. Further, I would like to put an emphasis on the

importance of your potential powers. These ‘powers’ are in thinking,

analyzing and integrating. Together with these, you must develop

your sensitivity to the world and current situations, and also your

ability to express this.

Today as you listen, I hope you will not only try to understand each

speaker, but also decide what your own opinion will be. English is a

tool that will give you the power to open new doors in life. Make the

most of it today.

Finally, I hope this contest will yet again be a huge success as we

continue to establish another great Ritsumeikan Keisho tradition

together.

2012.2.15

KAWASAKI Shoji,

Principal

3

2nd Grade Recitalists

Masters of Ceremonies

2nd Grade

Aimi Ono (2-1) Takatsuki Chaki (2-2) Honoka Uchiyama (2-3)

Ryota Yamada (2-3) Masanori Moriya (2-4)

2nd Grade In Class Contest

1. Remon Yoshikawa 2-1 Heal the World

2. Ayaka Okamura 2-2 I have a dream

3. Chihiro Homma 2-4 I have a dream

4. Sae Jonishi 2-1 The Whale Rider

5. Katsumi Naya 2-4 I have a dream

6. Hirono Abe 2-2 I have a dream

7. Mina Furukawa 2-3 The Whale Rider

8. Kosuzu Kasai 2-3 The Whale Rider

9. Tomomi Adachi 2-4 Heal the World

10. Ayana Ueno 2-1 I have a dream

11. Shu Yamada 2-1 I have a dream

12. Eimi Tanabe 2-4 I have a dream

13. Kyoko Konno 2-2 Heal the World

14. Midori Nakano 2-2 The Whale Rider

15. Manami Kato 2-2 The Whale Rider

Very Highly Commended =敢闘賞=

Ayaka Iwakiri Saori Kawasaki Maika Kubo Kaho Hiramatsu

Keika Komatsu Hitomi Chiaki Rio Yoshida Haruka Suwa

Momoko Abe Aoi Okinaka Mihi Goroku Eri Shirakawa

Megumi Tatezawa Yuko Hasegawa Mutsuki Machida

4

An excerpt from the address made by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the

March on Washington, August 28th, 1963, Washington, D.C.

I Have a Dream

We cannot walk alone.

And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead.

We cannot turn back. No, no we are not satisfied, and we will not be

satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a

mighty stream.

I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and

frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream.

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of

former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit

down together at a table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where

they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of

their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day little black boys and black girls will be able

to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as

sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

5

An excerpt from the story The Whale Rider, based on a book by Witi Ihimaera,

New Zealand, 1987. ( Movie by Niki Caro, 2002)

The Whale Rider

“Listen,” Koro said. Everyone listened. The sea was singing.

“Look at the sea.” They looked. A huge group of whales was coming.

The leader, an old, old whale, swam onto the beach. Others followed.

Their cries were terrible.

“Come to the beach, men.” Koro shouted. “We must save them.

We must.”

The men worked all day. They worked all night. The whales

would not move. They were on the beach to die.

“I must save the whales.” Kahu went up to the old whale and said,

“Come, Father. You must live. We must live.” She climbed on him.

“Come, Father. Come!” Slowly the whale turned around. She rode

him into the sea.

Three days later, they found Kahu at sea. In the hospital, Koro and

Nanny held her.

“Kahu,” said her grandfather. “You have special powers. You will

be our leader.” Nanny smiled.

6

An excerpt from the song Heal the World, words and music by Michael Jackson, 1992.

Heal the World

There’s a place in your heart , and I know that it is love

And this place could be much brighter than tomorrow.

And if you really try you’ll find there’s no need to cry

In this place you’ll feel there’s no hurt or sorrow.

There are ways to get there, if you care enough for the living

Make a little space, make a better place

Heal the world.

Make it a better place.

For you and for me and the entire human race.

There are people dying.

If you care enough for the living,

Make a better place for

You and for me.

If you want to know why there’s a love that cannot lie,

Love is strong, it only cares for joyful giving.

If we try we shall see in this bliss we cannot feel

Fear or dread. We stop existing and start living.

Then it feels that always, love’s enough for us, growing…

Make a better world, make a better world.

Heal the world.

Make it a better place.

For you and for me and the entire human race.

There are people dying.

If you care enough for the living,

Make a better place for

You and for me.

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3rd Grade SPEAKERS

1. Kurumi Matsuda 3-2 Let’s Try to Make Everything Better!

2. Rina Sakurai 3-1 The Important Thing

3. Shiori Adachi 3-3 Changed Me

4. Eri Aihara 3-4 Trusting for a Brighter Tomorrow

5. Kiho Rubi Takaku 3-3 My Treasure My Friend

6. Takumi Yamamoto 3-4 Wood Sword

7. Arisa Shinoda 3-1 Living on the Street

8. Sanita Ukiana 3-2 Energy

9. Yukari Aramachi 3-1 Happy Eating Habits

10. Natsumi Yoshida 3-2 My Strict and Beautiful World

11. Orie Suzuki 3-3 Connection between People

12. Minami Sasaki 3-1 The Important Thing for Japan

13. Taiga Shimizu 3-1 Over the Horizon

14. Hiroe Hayakawa 3-4 Bright and Vigorous City Again

15. Nozomi Sato 3-3 Human Lives

Masters of Ceremonies

3rd Grade

Taeka Kiyonobu (3-1) Nanaka Terao (3-1) Kentaro Kawamura (3-1)

Keita Mitsuhashi (3-2) Ayaka Takahashi (3-4)

3rd Grade In-Class Contest

Very Highly Commended =敢闘賞=

Koki Higashihara Hanako Ito Nao Yanagida

Keiichiro Ito Kenta Takeuchi

8

No Name Title Summary (in Japanese) / 聴いてほしいこの一文！

1 松田胡桃 Let’s Try to

Make

Everything

Better!

世界は、複雑なものである。私が母に薦められた本の中には、こう書かれていた。「世

界を 100 人の村とすると、20 人は栄養不良、1人は飢えて死んでしまいます。その中で

15 人は太りすぎです。75人は食べ物の蓄えがありますが 17人はきれいで安全な水を飲

むことができません。また、文字が読めない人もいます。」私は、このような世界の状

況を知り、未来の子どもたちに伝えていくために学んでいると思います。私たちみんな

でこの世界を良くしていきましょう。

この一文! Like I said the world is complex and so are we but let7s try to make everything better.

2 櫻井里菜 The

Important

Thing

２０１１年３月１１日。この日は、私たちにとって、忘れられない日、いや、忘れては

ならない日となった。震度７の地震、そして人々や建物までものみ込む大きな津波が押

し寄せ、多くの人々の命が奪われた。大切なものを失った。そんな中、たくさんの人が

互いに協力し合い、募金やチャリティーコンサートなどで被災者に希望の光を届け続け

た。私たちが今、未来のためにできることは何なのだろうか。

この一文! I was impressed when I saw them help other people though they worried for their families.

3 安達栞 Changed

Me

あなたにとって、大切な人はいますか？私は、いつも笑ったり泣いたりできる大切な友

達がいます。私がこの水泳クラブに入った時から笑顔を絶やさず、優しかった友達。今

では私の最高のライバル、そして、何でも言い合える仲です。時にはけんかもしたけれ

ど、周りの明るい雰囲気、笑顔、気づかい、その全てが内気だった私を変えてくれまし

た。だから私は思うんです。自分も、明るく、笑顔を絶やさない人になりたい、と。

この一文! Their smiles and their characters changed me.

4 相原衣里 Trusting for

a Brighter

Tomorrow

あなたは今、何が欲しいですか。それはお金、時間、その他のものかもしれない。しか

しそれが手に入った時点で未来が良くなると思いますか。一つになれていない世の中の

今、一番必要なのは信頼ではないでしょうか。物事の原点を考えてみれば何でも相手、

何かを信じようと努力し、信じ続けることが大事なのです。まとまりのない国、チーム･･･

そんなの誰も望まない。だから私も常に信念を持ち続けていようと思う。

この一文! Keep on trusting in things.

5 高久ルビ

希歩

My

Treasure

My Friend

私には、何でも話せて一緒に居てとても楽しい友達が居た。しかし、ある時から、その

友達は皆に仲間はずれにされてしまった。私は、その友達の近くに居たにも関わらず、

助ける事も、支えになることも出来なかった。そして、その友達を私は失い、初めて自

分にとって友達というものがどれだけ大切かを実感した。そして、もう二度と同じ失敗

を繰り返さないと誓った。私の実体験を書くことによって皆には同じことをして欲しく

ないという思いでスピーチします。

この一文! Friends are one of my treasures in life.

6 山本巧 Wood

Sword

この文章は、自分の２つの思い出がそれぞれの木刀につまっているというものです。１

つは修学旅行に行った時に友達と木刀を買って戦った思い出。もう一つは親に交渉して

何とか買ってもらえたという思い出です。２つとも今は自分の部屋に飾っているだけで

すが、片方の木刀には戦った後についた傷がついていてとても思い入れがあるものです。

もう一つの方は値段が高く少し違った工夫が施されています。

この一文! Some memories in my wood swords.

7 篠田愛里彩 Living on

the Street

世界にはたくさんの問題がある。例えば、地球温暖化や地雷、戦争などだ。私はストリ

ートチルドレンが世界で最も困難な問題の１つだと考える。２４時間テレビで取材され

ていたストリートチルドレン。そこで観た現状に驚き、悲しみ、そして怒りを感じた。

私たちは彼らの未来のために、一体何ができるのだろう。私は未来のために彼らを救い

たい。私は彼らがすばらしい大人になり、世界で活躍していることを願う。

この一文! I want to see a world which has no street children.

8 浮穴さに太 Energy 私たちの生活は、多大なるエネルギーとその源である多量の資源によって支えられてい

ることは誰もが知っている。また、それらが人類が長い年月の間に築き上げた技術によ

ることも。しかし、私たちは今、去年の災害を受け、それらを考え直す時にある。また、

エネルギー問題は今や世界の問題であり、これからの未来に向け早急に解決すべきこと

である。だからこそ今、私たち一般人がこの問題に関心を持つことが大切だと考える。

この一文! We should think about energy for the future.

<Messages from Speakers>

9

No Name Title Summary (in Japanese) / 聴いてほしいこの一文！

9 荒町優香里 Happy

Eating

Habits

テレビで見た、アフリカの子供達の食生活。それは言葉を失うほど衝撃を受けた。私達

は決まった時間に食事をし、お腹一杯食べ、嫌いな物は捨てる。しかしアフリカでは、

いつ食べられるか分からず、やっと来た食べ物を何人かで分ける。クリスマスでさえ、

１つのチキンを５～６人で分ける。地球には世界中の人々がお腹一杯食べられる分だけ

の食べ物があるのに、どうして餓死する人がいるのか？私達は、私達の食生活を考え直

すべきなのである。

この一文! Pray for the future when all people can have happy eating habits.

10 吉田夏実 My Strict

and

Beautiful

World

あなたはバレエを知っていますか？そして、どんなイメージを持っていますか？あなた

が持っているバレエのイメージは間違いではないでしょう。しかしバレエの本質はとて

も厳しいものなのです。けれど私はそんなバレエをする事によって強くなれ、素晴らし

い恩師に出会えました。もし私がおばあちゃんになってもバレエをやり続けたいと思い

ます。なぜ？私はバレエを愛しているから。バレエは私に沢山の大切なものをくれたか

ら。

この一文! Ballet gave me a lot of important things.

11 鈴木織江 Connection

between

People

世界ではたくさん悲しい出来事が起こっている。それは人の手や自然によってなど様々

だが、どんな事でも人と人との繋がりによって被害を少しでも食い止める事が出来ると

思う。もしもお互いを理解し合い、昔の人の意見を聞いていたら人々の悲しみを和らげ

る事が出来るのではないのだろうか。私たちはこれからお互いに助け合い、平和で誰も

が幸せな世界を作っていけるようにしていきたい。あなたもこれからの世界について考

えてみませんか？

この一文! I believe, in order to lesson the frequency and impact of terrorism and natural disasters we

should understand and help each other.

12 佐々木美波 The

Important

Thing for

Japan

今までは、安全なものとして推されてきた原子力発電。ところが、昨年３月１１日に起

こった東日本大震災によって、原子力発電所は姿を変えてしまいました。放射能の汚染

がこれ以上広がらないよう、毎日、命の危険と隣り合わせで働く人々･･･。果たして、こ

れからの日本に原子力発電所は必要なのか？私自身が目にした辛い風評被害も交えなが

ら、私の考えをみなさんにお話したいと思います。

この一文! While I was surprised, I saw the real damage of rumors with my own eyes.

13 清水大雅 Over the

Horizon

今の日本は不況や少子高齢化など様々な問題を抱えている。そのせいか、最近日本人学

生の海外留学が減少している。それは日本の将来にとって良くない。自分の国にとどま

らず、世界へ羽ばたくべきだとハーバード大学の学長も言っている。日本の未来のため、

自分の将来のため、世界へ目を向け世界を感じようではないか。

この一文! Let us turn our eyes out ward. / Let us see the world, and let us lead the world.

14 早川弘恵 Bright and

Vigorous

City Again

夕張市は財政破綻をした市であり、全国で一番高齢化が進んでいる市です。みなさんは

夕張にどのようなイメージがありますか？私は小さい時から夕張に行く機会があり、幼

かった頃左目の上をけがしました。そんな経験から学んだ夕張の厳しい現状を過去・現

在・未来を通して伝えていきたいと思います。高校 1 年生になったら必ず行く夕張なの

で、ぜひ聞いて下さい。

この一文! But I believe Yubari will be bright and vigorous city again.

15 佐藤望 Human

Lives

日本では毎年 3 万人の人が、自らの命を絶っています。そして去年 8 月、札幌の男子中

学生の自殺がニュースになりました。非常に聞き苦しい話題ですが、自殺は私たちにと

って、大切で考えなくてはならないもののひとつだと思います。

色々な原因があるけれど、私たちにも出来ることがある。彼らに笑顔や希望を与えるこ

とが出来る。「人の命」について、考えてみませんか？

この一文! It’s a very little thing but it’ll save lives and hopes.

10

1. Let’s try to make everything better!

3-2-16 Kurumi Matsuda

The world is a complex place. There are so many things we have to learn

about. In this short time, let me try to explain a little about myself and the world. The

first reason why I am studying is to know about foreign countries and to teach

children in the future. The Second reason is to watch good things or bad things to the

end．Finally, I have a dream. I want to make new medicine to save many people from

disease. I want to grant my dream. Accordingly, I am studying.

One day I read the book “If the world were a village of 100 people”. I was

recommended this book by my mother. This book is about six billion three hundred

million people all over the world reduced to a hundred people. It said, “20 are

undernourished, 1 is dying of starvation, while 15 are overweight. 75 people have

enough foods, but 17 have no clean, safe water to drink”. Yes. There are poor people

in the world. I was very surprised! We are naturally eating some foods, drinking clean

water and studying, but some people cannot read! I had not known about these

conditions. And it is a very important thing. One of the reasons for learning is to know

about other countries conditions.

In Japan, we had an awful experience. Before saving foreign lands, it is

necessary to think about my country, Japan. On March 11th

, the Tohoku district

earthquake happened. It was such a terrible disaster. Because of this earthquake, the

Fukushima nuclear power plant had a serious problem. It is said they will bury

radiation underground, but it is not really a good thing. If we bury contamination the

damage will continue for many years. A long time ago, nuclear power plants were

thought clear and safe things by many people. But, because of this big earthquake, we

know they are not good. To save good things in the future, we have to watch good

things or bad things to the end.

Finally, I have a dream. I want make new medicine to save people from disease.

Some people are suffering from side effects. I want to make new medicine with no

side effects and save people. I am studying to save many people.

In conclusion, I am learning to know about foreign countries and to teach

children in the future, to watch a good things or bad things to the end, and I want to

save people from disease. Like I said the world is complex and so are we but let‟s try

to make everything better!

11

2. The Important Thing

3-1-8 Rina Sakurai

What can we do for the future?

On March 11th

, Japan was hit by a big earthquake. The earthquake shook the

buildings and then a tidal wave hit the Eastern part of Japan.

Many people died and they were in a hard a lot. So we have to help each other

to live. For example, the economy. We have to save on many things. Saving something

is good for the victims. Many famous singers hold charity concerts in order to make

many people happy. Like this, we can help each other.

Japan was hit by big earthquake in March that is well-known to everyone.

When the big earthquake shook Japan, I was playing basketball in my school. When I

felt a small tremor, so I though “It was a small earthquake!” But I was wrong. People

who lived in the Eastern part of Japan were frightened by the earthquake and it made

many people sad because almost buildings tumbled. This fact made us ache. I learned

it from TV. I was very surprised at that.

There were a lot of aftershocks and then tidal waves broke out. Many people

were washed away in tidal waves and died. One family‟s father tried to help his family,

but the tidal wave was too strong to help them. When I watched that sight on TV, I was

very surprised.

They lost many things. Family, friends, houses, pictures… Important things

were floated the offshore. The earthquake caused our consumption to be briefly cut

off. So we have to save on many things. We have to reduce our consumption of things

like food, gas, water and electricity to help the disaster victims. Many famous singers

hold charity concerts in order to make people happy and smile I saw many people

raise money for victims. A lot of rescue parties saved people‟s live during this

earthquake and tidal wave. I was impressed when I saw they help other people though

they worry for their families. So we should thank the rescue parties.

In conclusion, we have to help each other to live. And if I am helped by

someone, I want to never forget gratitude.

12

3. Changed me

3-3-1 Shiori Adachi

Who‟s your most important person? Family? Grandparents? My most

important people are my swimming club friends. And friends have changed my

personality. My friends are always smiling, their personalities are great and we get

along well but they are also my marvelous rivals.

Six years ago, I was a member of the Shiraoi swimming club. At the time I

swam very slowly and I was shy. So, I was nervous to meet them. And worried if I could

make friends with everybody.

But my fears proved groundless. The members‟ personalities were great. They

were not only fun but also kind. I gave a sigh of relief. I thought that I get along with

the members. And I discovered the members‟ personalities. They always thought of

interesting ideas. And then, they played a trick on each other. I laughed in spite of

myself.

And my friends‟ most wonderful charm is they are always smiling. When I had

a terrible quarrels with my school friend and I didn‟t apologized to her. Then, I was

low spirits. My friends gave me many smiles. They said interesting things. So I smiled

with them. My friends smiles encouraged me. I looked at my friends, so I want to

encourage many people like my friends.

Now, we get along well but they are my marvelous rivals. We compete for

faster times at a swimming meet. I lost in that race. But I make an effort in order to win

next swimming meet. And whatever we talk about with each other. Occasionally, we

have terrible quarrels. For example, if I don‟t like something and say it to my friends.

But my friends don‟t like my idea. Then, we fight with each other. But the next day, we

apologize to each other and forgot this quarrel. And I noticed. I wasn‟t shy. I changed!

That‟s why I love swimming and my friends are the most important and most

reliable people to me. Their smiles still always give me a lot of power. If I leave the

swimming club. I know I won‟t forget them, their smiles and their characters changed

me. They make me more and more cheerful. Six years have passed since I was a

member of this swimming club. I want to always be a cheerful person. And , I want to

give a smile to all people.

Who‟s your most important person?

13

4. Trusting for a Brighter Tomorrow

3-4-1 Eri Aihara

What do you want the most, now? It might be money, time... or something

else. But, do you think getting all that will help anything for the future? When I thought

about it, I didn‟t know what was needed for the future. So there, I decided to think

back about things that happened in Japan, and also in my life so far.

Firstly, I think most of you have watched the moment of that PK goal scene of

Nadeshiko Japan. The scene was repeated on the television news everyday. It took a

big space in the newspaper as well. That was the moment which brought a lot of

happiness and smiles to Japan. During the reconstruction of Tohoku, from the big

earthquake on 3.11, this great victory encouraged the people who have suffered from

accidents a lot, and also people from all over Japan. I think the origin of this victory, is

what the players had in each of them. Of course, you need some skills in order to win.

But a good team has one more big thing that leads them to victory. That “big thing” is..

trust. If you have no trust you will never be able to be as one. Team sports cannot be

done by only one person. It‟s done by the players, and their team work, created by

trust.

Secondly, I thought about my days from when I attended Junior High School.

Ever since I became a Junior High student my days were full of troubles compared to

the days I was in Elementary School. Since I was busy, I felt being with people, was a

stress. Each time I have a problem with someone, I thought about it too deeply. I

couldn‟t concentrate on doing anything else. Repeating that, made it hard for me to

believe in someone. I thought sharing my thoughts to people were useless. In Japan, I

know more students have trouble trusting in people. I think that‟s the reason why

there‟s so many problems in bullying, and suicidal students. Now, I have people who I

can trust much. But still sometimes I feel the way I used to. I want to trust people. I

really want to..but what‟s the reason I can‟t?

The words “Thank you”, and “Sorry” Well these words are... something you just

say. You say it to many people. But the amount of times that we say these words are

less than necessary. Why? Because people like us make special, to normal one after

another. When something actually special turns normal inside you, you become

careless in things. That causes problems in believing. Not only in friendship, these

matters are about problems in the world too. These days there are lots of accidents

from an antigovernment demonstration caused by the nation. In Japan, since the

Prime Minister changes so fast, and the government does things egocentrically, the

nation can‟t trust them. Like sports, without trust we will never have the whole

country as one.

So now, I have talked about trust, and believing in each other. Thinking that

nothing is normal, I might be able to trust in people more. I‟m sure it‟ll be hard, and

will take time. But I have to try, we have to try. No one wants an ununified

society...create unity! Feel thank full and satisfied with what you have right now. And

keep on trusting in things. Just pursue a better world, a better place...for the future.

14

5. My Treasure My Friend

3-3-12 Kiho Rubi Takaku

Let me tell you about my unforgettable memory about my friend. My friend,

he was in the same class. He was very funny and very kind. Not only me, everyone

liked him. He was a mood maker in my class. I could talk about anything with him.

Like secrets or about my worries.

But, suddenly everyone stared to ignore him. His best friends and his club

mates started to do that. I was so surprised. They were really good friends. But not any

more… It was not big but a little bulling started. No one would talk to him. No one was

with him anymore. This made him dark…

One day my friend was kicking his bag. I was very close to her. So, I couldn‟t

say anything. I was laughing about that in the end. Saying sorry to him in my heart…

I really want to say sorry him. Maybe he forgive me but I want to. And I want to

promise I‟ll never do the same thing to him, and from now on “I” will help him. Even if

he‟s unliked by everyone or un like by my friend, “I” will help him. I think that‟s the

right thing to do for your friend.

This memory made me strong. It taught me the preciousness of your friend.

You cannot lose your friend so easily. Friends are one of my treasures in life. I cannot

live without my friends. They‟re so big to me. So, I cannot lose them so easily. And

there‟s one more thing I learned from this memory. It‟s that if you are a true friend,

you should help weather it‟s good or bad for you. That‟s the right thing to do for your

friend. And if you do this your friend will help you when you are in a trouble. I think

that‟s a real friendship.

This was my unforgettable memory and my friend. I think the same thing like

this is happening around you. But, I don‟t want you to make the same mistake as me.

It‟s not good for you and off course your friend too. It will break everything. So, please

treasure your friends.

15

6. Wood sword

3-4-39 Takumi Yamamoto

I have a wood sword. It is my important thing. I have many memories with my

wood sword. Wood swords are very cool and good things. Wood swords aren‟t

ordinary.

My first wood sword has some damage. Because I used it to battle with my

friends six years ago. That time was very fun and lazy. However, we were very tired,

but first again and again. Once battle twice battle… continue. The final battle was four

years ago on my school trip. We went to lake Toya on my School trip with my three

friends. Lake Toya is most beautiful after that we went to Sunpalace. I was tired .

However, I had a rest in Sunpalace after that we went shopping. I bought a Toya wood

sword. I bought two wood swords. My new wood sword is very nice. I wanted to battle

with my friends ,so I invited my three friends. Our wood swords god some damage in

that time. That battle was really fun and really exciting.

Second, wood swords are very cool and good things. Where do you think I

bought it. I bought wood sword in Date ,so my first wood sword is the real thing. It has

other memories. This is the ten years ago. I went to Date. I looked old, but that was

great. I went to buy souvenirs. The souvenir was a wood sword. This color is black, But

this was very expensive. First, I asked my parents… Then my dad said. “No, this is not

what I want. You have to buy another souvenirs.” But, I never gave up. “I ask! I want to

buy it!” Maybe I said. Then… my parents bought me the woods sword. My wood sword

in that memory.

This wood sword is on my book case. This wood sword is important. I have

some great memories with my wood swords.

16

7. Living on the street

3-1-11 Arisa Shinoda

There are many problems in the world. For example, global warming, land

mines and war. I think the issue of street children is one of the most difficult problems

in the world. I think so because I watched a street boy on TV. I‟m interested in what

causes street children and the present situation of street children. I want to do

something for them for the future.

When I enjoyed summer vacation, I watched twenty four hour TV. I like it, so I

watch it every year. On twenty four hour TV, Maki Horikita who is one of the most

famous actresses in Japan covered a story about street children. She met a street boy.

He was abused by his parents but he still wants to live with them. Finally he was

deserted by his parents. Soon an officer who worked in an orphanage protected him. I

didn‟t know there were so many street children in the world before I watched it. I felt

so sad and angry. I want to know more about it. So I‟m curious about it.

Let me tell you about the present situation of street children. There are thirty

million to one hundred million street children in the world. They have no houses so

they have to live or work on the street to live by themselves. How cruel!!

What is the cause of street children? For example, poverty of their parents,

war and violence from their parents. Most of their parents had no formal education, so

they can‟t have it either. This causes a vicious circle and most developing countries

are trapped in it.

What should we do for the future? First, we must cut it off and they have to

have formal education. It is the way to escape from poverty. Next, we have to make an

environment in which street children can have it. For instance, found schools for them

and give them some stationeries. Lastly we must support their lives, such as their

houses, their eating habits and learning. Officers who work in an orphanage must

protect them right now and give them warm foods. I want to see a world which has no

street children.

For the reason, I think street children are one of the hardest problems in the

world. I learned a lot of things from the street boy on TV. I want to know about what

causes street children and the status quo of them. I want to support their lives with

collection of contributions for them for the future. I want to save them for the future.

I wish they will be nice grown-ups and be actively involved in the world.

17

8. ENERGY

3-2-22 Sanita Ukiana

On 3.11, 2011 the East Japan Earthquake confused Japan and we had many

energy problems. But I think that we don‟t know how to use energy or how to make

energy. We‟re mostly thinking about the present energy situation and new energy.

First, we have used a lot of energy in Japan now. And we make energy and

atomic power. Atomic power represents more than 20 percent of all energy and has

become essential for all people. And atomic power supports our lives and our

techniques. For example life is getting more and more practical by using atomic

power.

Second, why do we use a lot of energy and atomic energy? A long time ago,

humans used a little energy for their living. This energy was provided by only fire.

But humans progressed and helped their own lives with time. At last in England, the

Industrial Revolution happened 200 years ago. That means we started to use many

resources for development. Then we had to make a lot of energy because people

dreamed of a useful world. Also we can say the same thing about Japan after WW2.

Third, there are a few different points between Japan and the world about

energy. For example, coal reserves. Continental countries have a lot of oil, but island

countries like Japan don‟t have enough oil resources. But atomic energy is used by

people all over the world. Because we can make a lot of energy by using a little

resources which is U. However, we depend on that so much. And we notice that.

Japanese have special knowledge about atomic energy. For example, that causes

sickness and gives shocks from radioactivity. And these have stolen our lives. So we

should share that knowledge with the world.

Finally, we must think about atomic and new energy. We use many resources

and get a lot of energy. But we are losing the most important thing, the earth. We

must stop that so we must think about new energy right away. Actually, some people

have thought about that. For example, solar energy, sea energy, wind energy and

using animals. But we won't use them for some years. So we should think about what

kind of energy is best. It's important to answer that question using our own brains.

For example, in the present conditions, we still use oil, natural gas and coal. Lately,

methane gas and so on, too. But we can‟t use them forever because these have a limit.

And these are causing global warming. It‟s not easy to solve the problem. But

everyone‟s connection helps with energy problems.

However, 3.11 has shown us many problems with atomic energy and now we

have many expenses. We have to give up atomic power, but it's impossible to do this

right away, so we should think about energy for the future. So, the future will be

better than now with more than 100 million ideas. And that makes people who can

think about the whole. By the way, what do you think about atomic energy? Some

think that atomic energy is necessary and some think that atomic energy shouldn't

be used. Also energy has many problems and we have to take measures, but I want to

believe in new energy.

18

9. Happy Eating Habits

3-1 Yukari Aramachi

African children can‟t even find food to eat tomorrow. Do all of you know the

eating habits of African children? There is food only for a small share of people in the

world. However, when I buy it needlessly, I leave it, and there are people with nothing.

We enlarge our field of vision a little more and should think about our eating habits in

the future.

African children are always hungry. They share the food when it finally comes.

I watched children divide one chicken distributed to them at Christmas on TV into

many pieces and shared it with 5-6 people. They live a life at present that we could not

imagine. They want to eat meat and fish, snacks until their stomachs become full. The

children in the period of rapid growth do not have such things. They who look at food

in a photograph lose weight. I hardly think they are the same age. There are not only

a few children starving to death in Africa.

According to some books, there is actually enough food for all the people of

the world. Then why are there children suffering from starvation and famine? It is

because there are people wasting food.

How about Japanese children? Japanese children have many likes and dislikes.

They throw away things they hate unconcernedly. However, they eat a lot of snacks

and chocolate. I watched some people whose favorite food is fruits and cakes and at

school leave the food they don‟t like. It is not a bad thing to eat a snack. However,

there are people suffering from famine. We should eat all whether you like it or not.

When I read an article of Ami Shibuya, I was awfully shocked. There was a rule

to have to throw away even the bread which was baked only a few minutes ago when a

shop closed in her part-time job. If the expiration date passed even as for one minute,

it seemed to be thrown away. How do African children wait for it? We should be more

concerned about their food for the future of African children. Should we not think

about reducing waste just a little?

I think that it is happy to eat. Therefore, I want all people to be happy to eat.

Children are decreasing steadily as it is in Africa. We should try to stop this. Let‟s think

about our eating habits once again to save them! Pray for the future when all people

can have happy eating habits.

19

10. My strict and beautiful world

3-2-19 Natsumi Yoshida

Do you know ballet? Not volleyball! The most important thing to me is classic

ballet. What image do you have about ballet? Swan Lake? The lady that smiles while

dancing? There is no doubt about that, but ballet‟s substance is very strict. However, I

am able to be strong by doing ballet. So, I like ballet!

One of the most important things in ballet is proportion. As far as I

know, that is the steady truth. Have you ever seen foreign country‟s ballet school‟s

students? Probably, almost all people say “No”. They are very thin. To get thin is

important in ballet. So I have to worry about my weight. Next, most of the ballet

dancers have supple bodies. Because it is indispensable to dance. So I should keep

suppleness in order to do my best in my ballet lessons. Doing ballet is very fun, but as

I have said, to do ballet is so strict.

I started ballet 12 years ago. At first, I commuted to a small ballet

school. But I wanted to learn genuine ballet. So I commuted a big ballet school when I

was 8 years old. I was shocked when I entered there. Because everyone was good at

ballet. And teacher was very strict. I often cried after class by giving heed bay my

teacher. “Why can‟t you do such a thing!?” I was told this by her every time. But now,

she sometimes praises me for my exertion. I learned both ballet and patience from

her. I thank her for teaching many things tome.

I‟ll appear on a very big stage to represent my ballet school. However, at first

I couldn‟t get a nice part on ballet school‟s stage. At that time, I deeply regret that I

couldn‟t be a good dancer. So I tried harder and harder. Therefore, I like my own

dance. But I am not content with things as they are.

In the future, maybe I won‟t become a ballet dancer, Because, I am very short.

And I haven‟t a nice proportion. But I want to keep on doing ballet. Why? I love ballet.

I thank ballet for changing me. If I become an old woman, I hope to do ballet. Doing

ballet is not special. It‟s like club activities in my school, but ballet is a little different

compared them. There are two reasons. First, I can express my everything with my

whole body. Second I can play part of “someone”. For example, a fairy, a princess, a

villager. So I enslaved by ballet.

Ballet‟s substance is very strict. And my ballet‟s teacher is strict, too. But she

is my best teacher now. I respect her. And I am able to be strong by doing ballet. In the

future, I‟ll keep on loving ballet. Ballet gave me a lot of important things. Finally, I

want to say “Thank you” to my mother, because she taught me the existence of ballet.

20

11. Connection between People

3-3-10 Orie Suzuki

In the world, some sad things happen. They happen by violence and terrorism

and natural disasters. But I think we should tell our ideas and opinions to each other

to reduce even a few of these tragedies.

September 11th

, 2001. Do you know this number and remember what

happened that day? In America, two jets struck the Twin Towers of the World Trade

Center in Manhattan. The people who died had happy families, bright futures and

thrived on work. But they died in a moment. And the world lost a lot of people‟s lives

and smiles. We swore to ourselves never to let those things happen again but we still

live with terrorism.

However, tragedies can happen not only by human hands but also by natural

disasters like on March 11th,

last year. A big earthquake hit Japan, you know. That

occurrence made Japanese scared. And a lot of people died, and still many people

have difficulties in their lives. And we need volunteer workers and much time to

reshape our confused society.

For ten years since September 11th

, maybe a lot of people, not only people

from America but also people from other countries wished for peace and various

nations tried to understand each other. It is difficult to completely understand but

governments and nations will try to do their best. There are similarities between

September 11th

, 2001 and March 11th

, 2011. We must never forget those things and

the families who lost someone continue to be sad and regretful. I think every person

who lives on the earth has to know and teach through people‟s words.

We should tell our ideas and opinions to each other. Recently, not everyone is

putting forth their opinions, so conflicts are born between peoples. If everyone tries

to care for each other, surely everyone would understand each other. Also the

ancients left us something. I watched the news of March 11th

. “Don‟t build houses

below here” was on a sign built in the forest. The houses that were built above those

markers suffered no damage but ones built below were destroyed. So if we listen

carefully, we can head off unfortunate events before they happen. The experience and

wisdom of the ancients , really served modern Japanese well and saved many lives in

the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami of March 11th

.

How about thinking about peace and the future of earth? I believe, in order

to lessen the frequency and impact of terrorism and natural disasters we should

understand and help each other. If some sad things disappear, heart and health

damage can be softened. And we can make an earth on which we can live peacefully

and happily.

21

12. The important thing for Japan

3-1-9 Minami Sasaki

Recently, the total number of nuclear power generators in Japan grows yearly.

The volume of power generation is much larger than other power sources, but a few

countries don‟t use nuclear power because of the risks. Everyone knows, Japan is

facing a very serious problem. Prompted by this problem, I‟m asking myself “Is

nuclear power generation necessary for us?”

Japan has the most earthquakes in the world, and is unfavorably located for

nuclear power generation. But, why do we have nuclear power generation in Japan? I

thought, it is because it makes a lot of energy and it is cheap. Japan‟s consumption of

electric power is too much, so it‟s essential not only to have a lot of power but also to

have it at a low cost. Therefore, the nuclear power generation accounts for the volume

of power in Japan.

There was a big earthquake in Tohoku and a Tsunami struck at the

Fukushima Nuclear Plant. Radioactivity leaked from there by this accident and nuclear

power fell out of favor with the Japanese people. I didn‟t think seriously about the leak

of radio activity, but little by little I understood the seriousness of it through TV and

newspapers. I am always moved to tears when I watch the people on TV who work

themselves to the bone in the Fukushima Nuclear Plant in order to stop the leak of

radioactivity

The people who work in the Fukushima Nuclear Plant are working hard for

Japanese people‟s safety, but radioactivity is still leaking. If more radioactivity leaks it

will affect our bodies. It heightens our cancer probability. For Example, after the

Chernobyl atomic power plant, there were a lot of thyroid gland cancer patients. I

think Japan is capable of getting like Chernobyl. Then, more radioactivity leaks will

influence a lot of food, too. The vegetables and the fruits which were grown near the

Fukushima Nuclear Plant were contaminated, so the farmers can‟t ship them. I

thought “They weren‟t bad, but why did they have to receive this damage?” I went to a

supermarket the other day. They were selling fruits which were from Tohoku. Near the

fruits, there was a label with the Government‟s signature and it said “These were

tested for radiation and are below the normal”. While I was surprised, I saw the real

damage of rumors with my own eyes.

The future of Japan, the important thing is to take account of safe power

generation. I think nuclear power generation should change to clean energy like solar

power and wind energy power. These are expensive and the volume of power

generation is controlled by the weather, but they don‟t have harmful effects on human

health if a natural disaster occurs. Even if it costs more, we should put priority on our

safety. It is what we hope for and what we learned from the accident. In the future, we

ourselves recommend safe power generation. Then, I think, we can build a secure

Japan that never makes the same mistakes again!

22

13. Over the Horizon

3-1-30 Taiga Shimizu

34000 in 29000. 46000 in 1999. Do you know what these figures are? These

are the numbers of Japanese students who went abroad to study. As the figures show,

the number has decreased by 30% during the past 10 years. What would it mean to

Japan? How can we promote study abroad? But to begin with, why do we need to study

abroad?

Let‟s give a thought first to why number of students who go abroad to study

is decreasing drastically. One of the reasons would be economic stagnation. We hear

parents saying they cannot afford to have their children go overseas for higher

education. We also hear college students saying they just need to focus on finding a

job in Japan. I am concerned about the situation. I understand it would not be easy for

anyone study abroad these days. But if you want to have a good life for yourself, you

need to broaden your knowledge by studying other views of other peoples.

Another reason is the passive attitude of the young people, which is called

„in-ward looking.‟ They just don‟t seem to be interested in what is happening in the

world. Some students even think studying abroad involves more risk than return.

Ms. Drew Gilpin Faust, the president of Harvard University says, “there used

to be a lot of Japanese students in Harvard. They have in fact built the present Japan.

The drastic drop in the number of Japanese student overseas is not a good sign for the

future of Japan. Japan may become isolated from the world.” I completely agree with

her view.

To chart my future, I want to see the world, and I want to see the Japan from

the world. I believe I‟ll be able to expend my perspective by learning views of others. I

also think it is important to experience a variety of cultures and differences, and I

want to see how I will grow in them.

We all know Japan is facing many issues: the low birth rate, the aging

population, and the stagnant economy. We need to think creatively and try to come up

with ideas that help cope with these issues. We, the young people, are the ones who

will build the future of Japan. Let us turn our eyes outward. Let us see the world, and

let us lead the world.

23

14. Bright and Vigorous City Again

3-4-18 Hiroe Hayakawa

Yubari City is the No.1 place where people don`t use money freely and the city is

getting older. What image do you have about Yubari. Coal? A Yubari melon? I am going to tell

you my ideas through the past, present, and future.

At first I`ll tell you about my past. I had many chances to go to Yubari. This story is

about 10years ago. I went to a hot spring with my family. I fell down and above my left eye was

injured because of running there. So I went to a hospital right away. I had to sew up the

affected area but there was not a surgeon and there was only an internist there. After all, I

could only protect the affected area with gauze. The next day I had an operation in Sapporo.

The backstage of this story was hidden by economic deterioration. Yubari prospered through

coal, but it was dangerous and they stopped mining. Therefore they held out for the tourist

industry. For example an amusement park was built there. I went there many times but few

people were there. They have saved a deficit since then and Yubari declined. And then the

money didn`t function for medical facilities and it became one of the reasons that I didn`t

have an operation.

Now because of deficit financing, young people move to the city. As a result, the ratio

of young people and the ratio of the aged population is No.1 in big cities. Moreover a medical

institution is in a dangerous state so aging societies become more and more anxious. But

there are some hopes in Yubari. First is Yubari melon. Yubari`s residents have various

difficulties, but they overcome. And the mayor changed in 2011. Naomithi Suzuki is the new

mayor at 30 years old and is becoming one hope for a bright future.

But only Yubari melon and the mayor changed, I think they won`t accomplish

Yubari`s revival. I told you many times that Yubari especially needs medical treatment because

of advance aging. So I suggest students like us to go to Yubari and directly volunteer. Because

residents increasingly are dying alone in Yubari. Someone has to go to the old people`s

houses and talk or take care of them to decrease the lonely deaths. Also old people are glad to

meet young people. So it is good we only talk with them. And the young generation can know

about the present situation of Yubari. If we buy something or stay in their lodgings finally this

will contribute to the city. And we will know the present state, someone may be interested in

Yubari, that Yubari may accomplish a revival.

Only Yubari`s medical treatment needs regeneration, I don`t think we can dissolve

the deficit much. So I think the tourist industry and industry will be successful. “MOUNTLEYSUI

SKIING GROUND” is one of the successful tourist industries. Retsumeikan First-year high

school students go there every year. The other is the hotel “HIMAWARI”. I think the business in

the black in Yubari are hotels, so tourists who travel in Hokkaido and stay in hotels at Yubari

are good. And “HANABATAKE STOCK FARM” opened a store recently. When the store opened so

many people came that many people waited more than 1 hour. So if a big supermarket or

department store will be built, maybe people will increase. And not only Yubari melon but also

other crops should be sold, because there are many direct sales stores, also many crops don`t

use agricultural chemicals. They are safer than other crops in a word. Of course, Yubari melons

are holding out, too.

For these reasons, I convey facts and my feeling through the past, present and future

about Yubari. Present situations of medical treatment, finances and aging societies are tense.

These problems still aren`t solved but I believe Yubari will be a bright and vigorous city again.

24

15. HUMAN LIVES

3-3-9 Nozomi Sato

This theme is one of the most unbearable things to hear. But I think we

should think about it now. Every year in Japan more than thirty thousand people kill

themselves. Do you believe it? When I heard this I couldn‟t believe it. And in August,

one boy who was still a junior high school student killed himself in Sapporo. Then I

think this is a very close theme for me and you too. What causes this to happen? How

do we stop it? I think about the suicide of children.

Most children have their problems myself included. By rights the teacher,

family, friends, many people can help them. The schools have measures to prevent

suicide. They try to root out the cause of suicide so they carry out surveys about

bullying and tell students that suicide is a sad thing. But then why does it happen?

Think cell phones and computers have a bad influence. Most junior and

senior high school students have them and always use them. They can‟t see each

other‟s faces, can‟t feel emotions so they say bad things very easily. These new

technologies can cause some problems. Some children think that words on the phone

or in e-mails don‟t mean anything. Can you think about the weight of words? Saying

bad things makes other people worried and sad even if they are jokes. And it becomes

bullying. Bullying can be a cause of suicide in the end. The junior high school student

also killed himself because of bullying. But it is not the only reason children get

depressed. Sometimes closer people with them don‟t notice their problems, and these

problems are often about those people. Closer people around children say to them “If

you have problems please tell me, OK?”I think these words have something missing.

Does it make children hope?

Actually people who think about suicide don‟t want to open their hearts to

anyone. They are alone, think or hold problems too much and want to select “die”. But

we can help them! First we always stay with them. I think we should never leave them

alone. Second let‟s talk! In short have communication while looking in each other‟s

eyes. Third we notice their problems. We should listen to their voices then try to say

“You look sad. What happened?” And you shouldn‟t forget to smile. Some of cases

need specialist or a window of advice. We have to make our way to solve and help each

other with all of our associates.

There is a very sad truth to children‟s suicide, but we can help them. Why

don‟t you talk to someone who looks sad and say “What happened? Keep smiling!”It‟s

a very little thing but it‟ll save lives and hopes! I hope every person in the world finds

their own bright way in the future.