学部・大学院FACULTY TAISHO
CATEGORY
英語表現・コミュニケーションコース
英コミ ２年生 Assignment 2 -Week 2 (April 18th)
Nuclear Power Protests in Japan
Many people in Japan seem to be speaking out against nuclear power. Ever since the problems at the Fukushima power plant, people have become worried about other nuclear plants in Japan.
On Sunday, April 10th, lots of people rallied in Tokyo to protest against nuclear power. Around Koenji Station, about 15,000 people gathered to protest. The event was organized by local shop owners. One shop owner said that the internet helped announce the rally.
“It’s become powerful because we joined hands over the internet,” said Hajime Matsumoto.
Check out http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110411a4.html for the whole story.
自粛
In the dictionary, “自粛” is said to mean “self-discipline / self-restraint”. It is customary for people in Japan to show self-restraint after an event like the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
Many parties have been cancelled along with other events. Usually at this time of year in Tokyo, you can see lots of people partying under the cherry trees in Ueno. But this year the crowds are not as large as usual. Some people feel guilty partying while so many people are suffering up north.
However, a sake brewer in Tohoku wants people to live life as usual. He says that the “self-restraint” is hurting his sake business, and will hurt other businesses in Tohoku.
"What I am asking is for people outside of the north to have a normal life and spend money on Tohoku products," says Kosuke Kuji.
Prime Minister Kan’s Message
Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan sent a message around the world. He wanted to give thanks for the international aid Japan has received since the March 11th earthquake and tsunami. His message was published in many newspapers, such as The Wall Street Journal and The International Herald Tribune.
The website for one of China’s newspapers, The People’s Daily, has posted Prime Minister Kan’s message. It was translated from Japanese to English by the staff at the newspaper.
“The ‘Kizuna’ given by friends all over the world greatly inspires us,” says Kan. “Relying on the Japanese people's potential and international community's assistance, Japan will be able to undergo rebirth, revival and achieve even greater prosperity.”
Check here to see The People’s Daily translation: