Day 1st version2.First, we visited Hirado which is famous as the first location where St. Francisco Xavier arrived.Historically, this place is the origin of Christianity in Japan. I've wanted to visit there someday.At last, my dream comes true. It's surprising that they came to such a far east to proselytize Christianity.I'm not a Christian. I don't know any difficult creed of Christianity. But I'd like to shed light on its influence on the culture Japan.Anyway, I was so delighted to visit the church which is related to him.After that, we headed for Sasebo where we were supposed to stay. This is the city which has a sense of provincialism.I enjoyed a lot of distilled spirit -- shouchu. Food is yammy. Perfect!

Last week, we visited Nagasaki pref. as private trip. I've been to there on business trip. But this was the first time to hang around for sightseeing.I'm writing this travel record for a couple of days.Day 1st: At the Haneda air port, we were waiting for boarding at the gate. Coincidentally, I came across my colleague who usually works in Kagoshima.He was on his way to Nagasaki for his business trip. I came across another acquaintance in the plane.Actually, it's no surprising that I met a couple of colleagues. Because, the company I work for has several factories in Kyushu Island.So employees take air plane for granted as same as bus.

One of my colleagues and I discussed how to improve our English faculties. We concluded that we should have time using English as much as possible.It's a common sense. But as proverb goes, "To say is one thing ; to practice another" Finally, we came up with one idea that we should utilize our hobbies as leverage to improve our English abilities. For example, golf really takes him by storm. So, reading golf journals or books written in English would help us to touch English.I'll try and I hope this method works well.

Prime minister, Mr. Koizumi changed my image of politician. I support him and his regime. The reality is that a lot of people have some negative opinions. For example, politicians are greedy and tend to tell a lie. They alwayscheat money or something like that. In terms of Mr. Koizumi, manypeople are criticizing him and his policy. But I support him by showingtwo reasons.First, I feel his strong passion from his remarks in any case. For example, here is famous expression on Sumo tournament award ceremony. “You made it! I’m touched by your strong effort regardless your injury!” Some are criticizing this is just performance to catch voter’s favor. But I’ve never seen such a brisk politician like him.Second, he bears a lot of fruits. For instance, he visited North Korea twice by himself. As a result, he brought abductee back toJapan. Some are saying this is the worst outcome. But I consider thiskind of activity is a good step further. Who has ever handled thisabduction issue other than Mr. Koizumi? He made indelible work inhistory. Mr. Koizumi changed my negative image of politicians into positive one.However, here is Achilles heel. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi andSouth Korean President Roh Moo Hyun failed to bridge their gap overperceptions of history during their talks in Seoul. He should avoidunnecessary conflicts to build a good reciprocal relationship.

Yesterday, I joined the party for my friend leaving alone for job purposes to Osaka.The late father-in-law also spent half of his incumbent -- about 15 years.This temporary dispatch without family is very common in Japan. From job assignment or company's profitability point of view, this might be necessary.But is it truly worth dedicating themselves? I've been doubt it since my farther-in-law passed away.

"China may stop food aid to N.Korea."I strongly support this idea. There are two reasons here.First, China among six nation's party is the only leverage to deal a heavy blow to N.Kore.Relatively, China and N.Korea have been keeping a good relationship. N.Korea relies on the China's aid to cover 30 percent to 40 percent of its food shortage.Apparently, N.Korea can not ignore China's movement.Second, from an emotional point of view, there is a likelihood for N.Korea to accept China's suggestion. N.Korea will not lose its honor.Other members -- S.Korea, the U.S, Russia and Japan can't be clout over 6 nation's talks.It's no doubt China plays an important role.

My brother-in-law decided to leave the company he works for. One of my colleague will resign our company at the end of this month.a couple of my colleagues around my seat, they joined our company after they resigned their previous companies.The turnover rate in Japan has increased drastically. I wonder I can get by if I quit.Hmm, I don't have any confidence to make something of myself in my new job. Neither in my current job. Oh, boy!

Today, I left my office a little bit earlier than usual. Why? No big reason. But I wanted to do something for a change. I hung aroud Ikebukuro by myself. No where to drop in at. Eventually, I ended up buying a pint of Guinness at "HUB". That's all.

The benefit of media’s influence is that it has a huge power which creates public movement. The reality is that some criticize it’s an axis of evil fabricate the news to obtain higher ratings or broadcast sex and nudity scenes. But if you take the huge benefit into your consideration, those criticisms are trivial. The benefit of the media’s influence is verified by three factors.
First, the media’s influence plays an important role to represent the public opinion. For example, the ex-leader of Democratic Party -- Naoto Kan, was disdained on ground of not paying pension insurance fee by the public voice over the media’s frequent report.
Second, the media can provide useful information to rally volunteers. For example, in case of earthquake having hit Niigata, the media’s frequent notice for donation and volunteer activity inspired a lot of people. This volunteer movement would not have occurred without the media.
Third, the media has the economic influence on various areas. For example, just one TV program -- “Winter Sonata” hit Japan. This phenomenon leads the increase of sales for tourism, film industry, publication and so on.
There is no other tool to move public forward other than the media.
In conclusion, the benefit of media’s influence contributes to forming public movement.

Tomorrow, bonus will be paid to us. Generally, it's no doubt that it's a good incentive. But I wonder I 'm the person I'm entitled to get much money apart from monthly salary.This is a performance based system in our company. To tell you the truth, I'm fed up with the rating. I want to keep away from swinging from joy to sorrow.

Narrowly, I could watch a football match -- Japan vs. North Korea. I'm not so enthusiastic about football.But I wanted to watch it. It's just because I can follow the talk of the match among my colleagues.Especially, for the conversation with lunch mate. Recently, I haven't watched TV program. So lunch time is quite important for me to acquire various information.I'll bet I can follow the tomorrow's talk about the match.Anyway, tonight's match was a little bit dull, wasn't it?

Yesterday, we had a party in honor of winning the award in our division with bounty money. Despite "all you can drink", I couldn't drink a lot. This decline started a couple of years ago.
I could guzzle tons of beer ten years ago. But it seems I might be over the hill anymore. Oh, man...

I was inspired to improve my written skill by one mail magazine I found. It's "Blog in English" -- http://eigodeblog.com/mailmagazine.html
Definitely, I though it's a good idea for me to keep thinking in English. I hope this activity improves my English faculty.What does this blog title -- "Leather and Pruner" come from? My boss has his own web page to keep a diary. The title is "Dodemo iikoto" in Japanese.This expression implies the meaning of "make no difference", "Let it go" and "nonessential"
I sought an adequate expression for this meaning. At last, I reached "leather and prunella". It's cool, huh!?