I spend the whole Saturday watching online drama and tweaking layouts. And venturing into Hatena. Not something productive physically I tell you, but lazying around do give me some blissful feeling.
I am not sure whether it is the sign of aging or maturity that get me thinking I am getting lazier and lazier, day by day. I used to have habit in diligently drilling into html or xml codes to get what I want for the layout, sadly, I am no more near that feeling. Just upload the downloaded templates from the Internet, add some Blogger gadgets and Twitter/Facebook widgets, gotcha here I am. Simple, I don't even have blogroll now.
I remember I signed up with Blogger service since 2002, and have been blogging ever since although I changed URL few times and lost my early archives. This blog has seen my ups and downs in life. I have been tempted to switch to WordPress and Movable Type, for reason that they have cooler features and designs, but true what people said, first love remains forever. I first fall in love with Blogger and for that reason, I decided to keep blogging in this platform.
Even after I found Hatena and their cool features like Diary(the blog service, with some cute layouts to drool), Fotolife (replacement of Flickr and so on), Haiku (similar like Twitter), Ugomemo(you can create your own drawings and scribbles; normally by Nintendo DS, big thing in Japan) and Bookmark(like you share links on Facebook), I keep with my decision, to stay blogging in English, in Blogger.
As a non-native English speaker, I used to suck in English (in fact I still do), mispronouncing words is my common habit, when I was in elementary school, I cannot understand any English fiction I read and I don't score much in my high school English exam. I started blogging initially just to share my own thought, and like others do, to improve my writing skill in English. Without realizing it, blogging does improve my English skill.
When I come to Japan, one problem that I have to face is the challenge of maintaining the English skill (which already broken prior coming here, unfortunately) and yet at the same time, improve the skill in Japanese. I bet it is common challenge to all foreigners here (who interested to learn Japanese and has not gave up yet, obviously).
So I decided to start blogging in Japanese, for the same initial reason when I start blogging in English. It is the same feeling, embarrassed by limited vocabulary and broken grammar rules, but learning is never an easy process. It's like climbing the mountain, they said, you stopped to take your breath, then continue walk up the path.
My Hatena user ID is groover58. Yoroshiku.
p/s- One of Hatena blogger that I love.
作詞：Kiyosaku Uezu
作曲：MONGOL800
広い宇宙の数ある一つ
青い地球の広い世界で
小さな恋の思いは届く
小さな島のあなたのもとへ
あなたと出会い 時は流れる
思いを込めた手紙もふえる
いつしか二人互いに響く
時に激しく 時に切なく
響くは遠く 遥か彼方へ
やさしい歌は世界を変える
ほら あなたにとって大事な人ほど
すぐそばにいるの
ただ あなたにだけ届いて欲しい
響け恋の歌
ほら～ ほら～ ほら～
響け恋の歌
あなたは気づく 二人は歩く
暗い道でも 日々照らす月
握りしめた手 離すことなく
思いは強く 永遠誓う
永遠の淵 きっと僕は言う
思い変わらず同じ言葉を
それでも足りず 涙に変り喜びになり
言葉にできず ただ抱きしめる
ただ抱きしめる
ほら あなたにとって大事な人ほど
すぐそばにいるの
ただ あなたにだけ届いて欲しい
響け恋の歌
ほら～ ほら～ ほら～
響け恋の歌
夢ならば覚めないで
夢ならば覚めないで
あなたと過ごした時 永遠の星となる
ほら あなたにとって大事な人ほど
すぐそばにいるの
ただ あなたにだけ届いて欲しい
響け恋の歌
ほら あなたにとって大事な人ほど
すぐそばにいるの
ただ あなたにだけ届いて欲しい
響け恋の歌
ほら～ ほら～ ほら～
響け恋の歌
English translation:
In this wide universe, there is
A big world in a blue earth
A small memory of love will reach
You who are living in a small island
Time has passed since I met you
The letter with my piled up feelings increases
Without us realising, it is already echoing between us
Sometimes we’re full of intensity,
sometimes we’re full of sadness
These feelings echoes distantly
This gentle love song will change the world
Look, the person who is important to you
Is right beside you
I just want you to receive
This echoing love song
Listen, listen, listen to this echoing love song
You’ve realized even when we walked
In the dark, the moonlight will shine on us
I won’t let go of you hand
I swear that these strong feelings will last for eternity
In the depths of forever, I’ll definitely say
These same words without any change of feelings
Even if it’s still not enough, it’ll change into tears
And it’ll change into joy that I can’t put into words
I’ll just hold you, I’ll just hold you
Look, the person who is important to you
Is right beside you
I just want you to receive
This echoing love song
Listen, listen, listen to this echoing love song
If it’s a dream don’t wake up, if it’s a dream don’t wake up
The time I’ve spent with you will become an everlasting star
Look, the person who is important to you
Is right beside you
I just want you to receive
This echoing love song
Look, the person who is important to you
Is right beside you
I just want you to receive
This echoing love song
Listen, listen, listen to this echoing love song
Original live version:
Cover by anonymous Youtube user, slower guitar version:
The Sony Walkman Play You CM (this song is a background song, but sing by Aragaki Yui):
I know it's winter and depressing, but enough with melancholic songs for now. Headbanging in winter not feel that bad though.
No. It's not suppose to be read as resume as in curriculum vitae, but as resume or continue.
First. It is hard to resist all the laziness feeling during winter since coldness will only help you gain some fat due to excess in sleeping and eating activity (unfortunately the theory does not work for me).
Second. The pilates class in my campus ended yesterday and the next session will only started next spring semester. Since the class basically just cater the needs for general attendees without considering the level of each student, it can be said that it's pretty basic and refreshing. Nonetheless, some of the movement did hurt my abs muscle.
Third. Am also done with JLPT Level 2. Don't wanna talk more about it since I didn't read the question properly (due to my slow kanji reading :p). I'm pretty much sure that I will fail it, but hey yeah, I still believe in lady luck and hope some miracle will still exist next February (when the result is announced).
Fourth. This week I've become a proud owner of Karrimor Flyer 55L backpack.
Now I'm ready to hit the road for backpacking! Backpacking plan so far:
Anybody here is a member of Hostel International? or Japan Youth Hostel? Wanna apply for their membership card, but dunno how it gonna benefit my trip plan.
Fifth. Drooling over Docomo Smart Series phone. But still wanna keep my Softbank number and iPhone. Geez, temptations people!
Sixth. Going to reactivate Flickr and start using hatena.
Till the next post people.
First. It is hard to resist all the laziness feeling during winter since coldness will only help you gain some fat due to excess in sleeping and eating activity (unfortunately the theory does not work for me).
Second. The pilates class in my campus ended yesterday and the next session will only started next spring semester. Since the class basically just cater the needs for general attendees without considering the level of each student, it can be said that it's pretty basic and refreshing. Nonetheless, some of the movement did hurt my abs muscle.
Third. Am also done with JLPT Level 2. Don't wanna talk more about it since I didn't read the question properly (due to my slow kanji reading :p). I'm pretty much sure that I will fail it, but hey yeah, I still believe in lady luck and hope some miracle will still exist next February (when the result is announced).
Fourth. This week I've become a proud owner of Karrimor Flyer 55L backpack.
Now I'm ready to hit the road for backpacking! Backpacking plan so far:
1. Hong Kong stopover for 3 days this coming February! I know it's a bad timing since my travel date will coincide with Chinese New Year celebration, but I hope the festive season would do me some cheer moments (looking forward to the spectacular fireworks and pyrotechnics show). Any supportive advice for Hong Kong would be much appreciated.
2. Istanbul! This city always in my travel list and there is no way I'm gonna skipped Istanbul in my whole lifetime! Hopefully the plan with Dolly next coming Golden Week goes well.
3. Snowboard trip to Nagano. One of my lab friends, Nishiiri hails from Nagano, famous for its mountainous area and ski (Nagano once hosted Winter Olympics) and hope I can go there this coming January!
4. North Japan summer backpack trip. Initial plan is Tokyo-Sendai-Hakodate-Sapporo-Furano-Akita-Tokyo. Options so far is Seishun 18 Kippu or Hokkaido Pass. Really wanna try hitchhiking in Hokkaido (heard it's pretty popular there, but dunno whether I have enough guts to show my thumb and stop the stranger's car for a lift, somehow it feels scary yet exciting)
Anybody here is a member of Hostel International? or Japan Youth Hostel? Wanna apply for their membership card, but dunno how it gonna benefit my trip plan.
Fifth. Drooling over Docomo Smart Series phone. But still wanna keep my Softbank number and iPhone. Geez, temptations people!
Sixth. Going to reactivate Flickr and start using hatena.
Till the next post people.
(picture taken from last.fm)Cassandra Steen - Darum leben wir (That's What We Live For)
Wenn es dunkel wird, sagst du zu mir // When it gets dark outside, you tell me
Das darf nie zu Ende sein // this can never end
Und wenn es hell wird, sag ich zu dir // and when a new day dawns, I tell you
Geh nicht, lass mich nicht allein // don't go, do not leave me alone
Denn wir sind doch eins // because we're One
Nichts geschieht ein zweites Mal // nothing happens for a second time
Das kann nicht sein // that can't be
Alles ist nur einmal da // everything exists only one time
Auch wenn es nicht so scheint // even when it doesnt seem like it
Und ich sag zu dem Moment: geh nicht vorbei // I say to this momemt: dont pass
Bleib noch // stay
Du bist viel zu schön // you're too beautiful to go (the moment)
Und darum leben wir // and that's what we live for
Wir leben um da zu sein // we live to be there
Leben um wahr zu sein // live to be true
Und darum leben wir // and thats why we live
Und wir nehmen alles mit // we take everything with us
Jeden Schmerz und alles Glück // every pain and every joy
Der Welt // of the world
In jeder Nacht bricht der erste Tag // in every night the first day dawns
Vom Rest unseres Lebens an // for the rest of our lives
Und jeden Morgen springen wir // and every morning we jump straight to the
Direkt auf die Umlaufbahn // orbit
Wenn nicht heute jetzt und hier // if not today here and now
Wann und wo denn dann // when and where, then?
Keiner kann die Zukunft sehen // nobody can see the future
Kennt den großen Plan // nobody knows the full "plan"
Auch du hast es gesehen genau wie ich // you also saw it like I did
Den Schmetterling im Schnee den Tunnel voller Licht // the butterfly in the snow, the tunnel full of light
Du hast so wie ich das Tal durchwandert // you, like me, wandered through the valley
Und es gab keinen Weg zurück // and there was no way back
(lyrics and English translation from allthelyrics.com)
******************
It's been a while since I listen to any German songs. The last one definitely by Xavier Naidoo or Soehne Mannheims. I just encounter Cassandra's songs from YouTube, and I like her voice instantly. And pretty good lyrics too.
I should brush up my German again but definitely I need to finish learning Japanese first, especially this JLPT Level 2 never ending kanji drill and stuff. 一生懸命頑張りましょう！
Link:
Watch the official Youtube video.
More about Cassandra in Wiki and her official website (only in German though).
picture taken from impresscreative. One of my favourite photos of late Kak Yasmin.I attended the Tokyo International Film Festival last week to watch Muallaf (The Convert), one of the controversial films of arwah Kak Yasmin (it has been banned in Malaysia before but insyaAllah will be screened this December with some lines muted). Was my second time watching it, the first time when it first released in Singapore. Although my favourite Yasmin's piece is still Gubra, I admit Muallaf has the aura as well.
Muallaf is a story of three souls finding a solace in religion. Started with the tale of two sisters who runaway from home, they become the subject of attention in school where Rohana, the younger sister studying, as they appear to be weird for some people. Rohana frequently chants some number (with later appear to be versus from Bible, Quran and also Tao Te Ching) and Rohani, the elder ones, is been rumored to work in a pub. Both of them are fan of comparative religion and theology, and discuss it publicly. Then comes another character Brian, Rohana's teacher, who always received call from his mother on Sunday reminding him to go to church, but Brian lost his faith in Christianity because he was humiliated by his late father who is a strict Catholic when he was 12 years old.
I was hoping someone could direct her upcoming project, Wasurenagusa (a Japanese movie, means 'Forget Me Not'), since I heard from Kak Orked (Yasmin Ahmad's younger sister, who came to represent Yasmin in Tokyo International Film Festival) that the script has been completed before she died. Ho Yuhang maybe?
The Tokyo International Film Festival organizer this year made some special tribute to the late Yasmin (read about it here).
We are after all just a normal human being. What I love about late arwah Kak Yasmin's works is the way she reminds us that we are all finding God in our way and everyone wants to find happiness in their life. She always starts her movie with the verse BismillahiRahmanniRahim (in the name of God, the Most Merciful and Most Gracious) and in Muallaf the Bismillah is written in Chinese (奉大仁大慈真主的尊名). I recall encounter some Japanese article about her, ヤスミンアハマド：早すぎる死ぬ / Yasmin Ahmad: Gone Too Soon, and realized she created a strong fanbase here in Japan. Everyone still expecting more from her, but without plan and agenda, she left.
"If I could paint a sad goodbye;
I’d paint your eyes a clear blue sky.
Pluck you grace from a pale faced moon
And slumber down this tattered room.
If I could find an amber train;
Lord I’d ride it to the bitter end.
Passing hope in the summer bloom;
Passing dreams and a fading tune.
If I should stray amid crimson rose…
Whither angels on wings of gold?
Who for flowers in the month of May?
Who for you on your winter’s day?
Who for flowers in the months of May?
Who for you?"
-Pete Teo's Who For You, the ending song for Gubra.
Can't hardly wait for the bronze autumn leaves season (紅葉）to come.
My friend, Nauwar asked me whether I can be contributor (co-author) for her entertainment blog covering the news and updates of Japan music industry, considering that I am currently dwelling in Japan and my interest in Japan entertainment industry. I posted my first post (in Bahasa Melayu, mind you, what a biggest challenge to write in my own mother tongue :p) about weekly song ranking in Music Station. You can read the post here.
Another challenge is the WordPress platform. I have been a loyal Blogger user since the year 2002 (although I have changed blog and address few times) and when I first write my post in WordPress, I really had difficult time to find the way how to publish it. I have been considering to change my blog platform from Blogger to WordPress (especially because of their super cool layout) and also Hatena (the Japanese blog service, I think they have pretty cool layout and intergration service as well), but with my problem is getting used with the new blogging service make me daunting.
Too many things in my head right now. About whether I should change my blog platform to Hatena or WordPress. About whether I should get that Canon G11. Whether I should subscribe to Yoga Journal and Monocle.
I reckon what I need is Decision Making 101.
My friend, Nauwar asked me whether I can be contributor (co-author) for her entertainment blog covering the news and updates of Japan music industry, considering that I am currently dwelling in Japan and my interest in Japan entertainment industry. I posted my first post (in Bahasa Melayu, mind you, what a biggest challenge to write in my own mother tongue :p) about weekly song ranking in Music Station. You can read the post here.
Another challenge is the WordPress platform. I have been a loyal Blogger user since the year 2002 (although I have changed blog and address few times) and when I first write my post in WordPress, I really had difficult time to find the way how to publish it. I have been considering to change my blog platform from Blogger to WordPress (especially because of their super cool layout) and also Hatena (the Japanese blog service, I think they have pretty cool layout and intergration service as well), but with my problem is getting used with the new blogging service make me daunting.
Too many things in my head right now. About whether I should change my blog platform to Hatena or WordPress. About whether I should get that Canon G11. Whether I should subscribe to Yoga Journal and Monocle.
I reckon what I need is Decision Making 101.
picture taken from Selectism
I personally feel the limited edition Burberry Alligator watch is indeed sleek and awesome looking, especially the green ones. Albeit the fact that my birthday has been belated for quite few weeks, can I have this for my birthday? Anyone?
And the craving for Canon Power Shot G11 and Cole Haan bags is haunting me again. I need help.
ps- Forgive me for such a short and unrelated updates. I have so many things to blog, about comparative religion, recent issues and so on, but let me stay in this solemn state for few more days.
picture taken from flickr@hiromyまぶしい光に 憧れた
その日 殻にヒビが入った
思い切って のぞいて
初めて見た高い空
嬉しくもなって 手をのばした
同時に怖くもなった
この羽の使い方は
とてもじゃないけど解らない
小さく小さく 風に負けても
信じきってみたい
青い空に高く 今なら飛べるかな
もしこのまま 落下しても
今はそれでもいい
宝を持ったこと 幸でもあり
欲望にのまれたりもする
こんなはずじゃなくて 何度も言った
素直な気持ちだった
小さな世界をやぶって
大きく君を愛したい
青い空に高く いろんな景色を見て
もしこのまま 落下しても
今はそれでもいい
朱く泣く道しるべ
心は透き通って
いつか大きくうなずく
青い空に高く
今なら飛べるかな
もしこのまま 落下しても
今はそれでもいい
青い空に高く
今なら飛べるよね
もしこのまま 落下しても
今はそれでイイ
-大塚愛 「羽ありたまご」
For those who dream big, and want to make it a reality. Good luck.
(unrelated picture: the new prime minister of Japan, Hatoyama Yukio and his wife, Miyuki when they were young. Picture taken from The Independent)
Albeit the fact that I am supposed to write a 2 A4 pages essay for Panasonic Essay Contest, I ended up writing some nonsensical stuff here. Writing in Japanese is quite a new thing for me, considering my shaky intermediate level of the language, especially in kanji/漢字(the Chinese character) and bunpou/文法(grammar). I admit I still have a long way to go in mastering Japanese verb conjugation and bombastic vocabulary.
And I'm dying to read Murakami Haruki pieces in its original language.
I am currently reading the online homepage of Al-Jazeera regarding concern voiced over climate change all around the world. News in Japan has focused on their new prime minister, Hatoyama Yukio speech in United Nation meeting in New York regarding Japan's upcoming 25% CO2 reduction by 2020 compared to 1990 level. Some commented that it is a very high aim for Japan to cut that much, especially with pressure from the industrial sector (like Keidanren/経団連/Japan Business Federation) and current economic condition.
Whether Japan will succeed on its vision to save the earth, it all depends on the succeeding plan and strategy. Japan is known as one of the most energy efficient in the world, just look to their dedication towards hybrid car and energy efficient air-cond.
Putting Japan outside the frame, how about other major emitters that supposed to take similar or stronger action regarding greenhouse gas emission? United States for example, has been criticized globally for their unwilling act on ratification of Kyoto Protocol, despite their image as the sole power in United Nation. China, who is the largest emitter, has made a better move by ratifying the protocol, but response to critic against their energy policy as unjust and not fair, with regards to their gigantic population (they made one-fifth of total human being on this globe).
It is a good news to know that these powers has started to voice their concern regarding the climate change issue and ready to take necessary action on it. On the other note, topics regarding food and energy security and also world peace need further attention as well. Referring to the speech made my the president of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi on recent United Nation meeting, he called for major reformation in Security Council, quoting the 'Security Council' as 'Terror Council' due to his view that the decision taken by Security Council does not reflect the stand point of the other 192 member of United Nation. And as expected, Gaddafi's speech has been lambasted by African and Middle East media for the reason he did not mention anything about climate change in spite of the focus of the meeting.
If we look at Malaysia as another sample study case, comparing the verbal action voiced over and physical action taken with regards to any issues of concern, you will observe a high discrepancy there. Issue regarding illegal immigrants has been in the media for ages, with thousands of response and opinions heard. But I would feel sorry to realize nothing much has been done to solve it.
Being vocal is necessary. Taking action is undeniably would be much better.
Will the great powers unite to tackle the climate issue? Finger crossed.
Will the world be at peace forever like the Snow White ending? I doubt it would be possible in recent years to come.
Will the illegal immigrant issue in Malaysia be solved? A stronger reinforcement would do (I am an immigrant myself now in this foreign land, but at least I'm legal)
Will I manage to complete the essay in Japanese? Maybe I should just translate this thing back to Japanese. Sigh.
It is second day of Raya and here I am at lab, connecting to the Internet since I lost my connection at home (serve me right for stealing, sigh). Too lazy to upload Eid pics to Facebook, instead I spend the day reading the news and blogs I missed since last week. Not much of updates, in Japan mostly it's all about the new Hatoyama line up and his plan to cut out CO2 up to 25%. The new environment minister, Sakihito Ozawa would soon pass the basic bill to Diet regarding the emission trading system and environment tax to meet Hatoyama emission vision.
And my fingers not really in the mood of typing. In my mind now:
1. internet connection at home (thinking of NTT Flets Hikari),
2. English teaching certification,
3. Copenhagen and aurora trip (watching aurora in front of my eyes is one of my life must-see list and I always want to backpack to Scandinavian country albeit its crazy super expensive cost), 4. Olympus Pen EP-1 (oh, that Panasonic GF1 looks good too),
5. autumn peacoat at Hanjiro (definitely must buy),
6. United Arrows's Green Label Relaxing chronograph (surprised to know their sunglass and wrist accessory collection are not that expensive),
7. walk around Ochanomizu neighborhood (to look for sax and some cheap CD title include My Favourite Ennio Morricone presented by Junichiro Koizumi) and Ueno.
8. Panasonic essay contest (still deciding what to write though, sigh)
On another note, Murakami Haruki's Norwegian Wood is awesome. Still few chapters more to complete, what a difficult book to put down. Murakami Haruki definitely one of my favourite author to date, especially in modern Japanese literature. Really can't hardly wait to be able to read his pieces in Japanese though I know that need a lil bit of hard work (kanji, and so on, sigh again)
I'm trying my very best to stop listening to Raya songs this few days, but still can't stop listening to Amy Mastura's Setahun Sekali
and Black Dog Bone's Cahaya Aidilfitri.
And the new Yuzu's Niji comes in between.
Have a lovely day everyone.
And my fingers not really in the mood of typing. In my mind now:
1. internet connection at home (thinking of NTT Flets Hikari),
2. English teaching certification,
3. Copenhagen and aurora trip (watching aurora in front of my eyes is one of my life must-see list and I always want to backpack to Scandinavian country albeit its crazy super expensive cost), 4. Olympus Pen EP-1 (oh, that Panasonic GF1 looks good too),
5. autumn peacoat at Hanjiro (definitely must buy),
6. United Arrows's Green Label Relaxing chronograph (surprised to know their sunglass and wrist accessory collection are not that expensive),
7. walk around Ochanomizu neighborhood (to look for sax and some cheap CD title include My Favourite Ennio Morricone presented by Junichiro Koizumi) and Ueno.
8. Panasonic essay contest (still deciding what to write though, sigh)
On another note, Murakami Haruki's Norwegian Wood is awesome. Still few chapters more to complete, what a difficult book to put down. Murakami Haruki definitely one of my favourite author to date, especially in modern Japanese literature. Really can't hardly wait to be able to read his pieces in Japanese though I know that need a lil bit of hard work (kanji, and so on, sigh again)
I'm trying my very best to stop listening to Raya songs this few days, but still can't stop listening to Amy Mastura's Setahun Sekali
and Black Dog Bone's Cahaya Aidilfitri.
And the new Yuzu's Niji comes in between.
Have a lovely day everyone.
(picture from my own collection, taken during Panasonic Orientation for new scholars, April 2009)Two days before Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Or known globally as Eid or some called it Lebaran. I am not coming back to Malaysia and celebrate Eid there this year because I just feel that it is better for me to stay here since I already know the feeling of celebrating Eid back home. And back home, I come to realize that I am no longer have 'kampung' like I used to back in childhood days, since my grandmother of my mom side passed away few years back. And my grandmonther from my dad side is no longer stay in Johor, she's in KL now.
It has been a while since I feel any joy celebrating Raya. For me, every year, Raya turned out to be a simple celebration, our small family just celebrate it in KL and everyone knows what KL should look like during Raya days, empty and spacey. And ever since I celebrate it, for me Raya always has this sad image, depressed and melancholic songs (although there are cheerful Raya songs out there, but my mind always associate the feel of Raya with sorrowful feel). And for that I take it that I didn't really appreciate Raya as I supposed to 25 years back.
But I do have beautiful memories during Raya. They said Raya is for the kids, and I can't hardly argue that is so true. My childhood Raya memories was always look beautiful in my mind, the joy of balik kampung (going back to hometown of dad and mum side), spending the time with cousins and relatives, glorious Raya foods, fireworks and awesome TV shows. And not forgotten the euphoria feel of getting duit Raya. But year by year, when I start to grow up, the feel is slowly fade away, left me with the feel of assuming that Raya just like other ordinary holiday in my life.
This year marks my first Raya celebration away from family, abroad. To think it will be the same feeling like previous years, I don't dare to make any pre-assumptions yet. But I do miss my family, friends and somehow the sensation of Raya back in Malaysia. Some said you will appreciate thing more when you lost it. Which I feel so true.
"Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri buat mak, abah and adik di Kuala Lumpur. Kupohon kemaafan zahir dan batin andai ada tersilap kata mahupun perbuatan. Tidak lupa juga buat saudara-mara, teman-teman akrab, sahabat handai yang mengenali diri ini. Semoga Hari Raya tahun ini lebih berkat dan menjadikan diri kita insan yang lebih baik dan berkualiti daripada sebelumnya"
-Fid Anuar, Tokyo, Japan September 2009
(picture taken from flickr@sinkdd)Summer will be leaving us soon, goodbye heat, and welcome coldness. Welcome chilly wind, welcome melancholy.
And I will be leaving Tokyo tomorrow, to one place called Nagoya/名古屋. Interesting fact about Nagoya:
1. Stuck between Tokyo and Osaka, it is one of the most populous area in Japan after Tokyo-Yokohama and Osaka-Kobe region.
2. I have been informed that it is also one of the area where girl is said to be uglier than other part in Japan (日本三大ブス), the other two includes girl from Sendai/仙台 and Mito/水戸. No pun intended anyway. So, where have all the beautiful girls gone? They are all said to be concentrated in Akita/秋田, Kyoto/京都 (the reason why it is famous for geishas maybe?) and Ishikawa/石川, three areas called 日本三大美人 in Japanese. Boys, now you know the place of interest to visit when you're in Japan.
3. Contrary to the above fact (if I can call it a fact), the cost for wedding ceremony in Nagoya is the the most expensive in Japan. A contradictory statement I reckon. Uglier girl costs you more money in Japan. Again folks, no pun intended. I'm just making a conclusion based on the pool of information I received from local friend.
4. Home to one of the largest automotive industry in the world, Toyota. Nagoya also base to many manufacturing company in Japan, instead of textile image for Malaysian. Oh, Nagoya also the birthplace of pachinko, the Japanese version of pinball.
Welcoming autumn, I am expecting beautiful yellowish leaves on ground, more attractive wool sweaters and cardigans and also a pair of Timberland boot. More on fashion talk, UNIQLO, the Japanese version of Gap is going chic with their recent collaboration with Jil Sanders, in a project called +J UNIQLO.
And Armani Xchange watches and shades are super attractive. Not within my current budget anyhow, I should stop dreaming and read more books.
Off to Nagoya people. I'll be reading Miyuki Miyabe's All She Was Worth and Murakami Haruki's Norwegian Wood and listening to Arashi's One Love, With You I'm Born Again by Mariah Carey and John Legend, Yuzu's new single, Niji and my favourite Kobukuro's pieces, Niji/虹 and Toki no Ashioto/時の足音 along the journey. At least as a replacement to food I cannot consume during Ramadhan. The travelogue will be posted after the journey.
I didn't go to the lab today because I'm waiting for the postman to deliver my halal meat to my door. And suddenly my door bell chimes, and when I open my front door, two 40-ish Japanese lady stand in front of me and greet.
They are actually Christian missionaries. It is pretty normal sight in Japan especially during weekend that these missionaries come knocking your door and preaching about Bible and Christianity. Some people might be annoyed, and that including me because I don't like to be disturbed during my own personal quality time. But being me, I am not that rude to simply ignoring these people or reject them away.
So there I was. Listening to their words and voice out my thoughts here and there. And they look surprised because they said they rarely heard about Islam in Japan, let alone seen any Quran with Japanese translation. I quickly bring my Quran (but with Indonesian translation), and they totally amazed to see Quran for the first time. I said I will try to find Quran with Japanese translation and give them to read next time.
Later I found myself thinking, where have all the Islam missionaries been? I encounter few situations before regarding local people who really wants to know certain issues about Islam to solve their religion conundrum and since they know I am Muslim, they seek the answer from me. I admit I myself not a good resource but I'm trying my best to explain. Muslim is not a big community in Japan, but I think it would be much better if people who concern to know more about Islam can easily access Japanese website that can provide them with true and authentic information they looking for. And since many local here browse the Internet from their 携帯/keitai/mobile phone, a website accessible from mobile phone would be very informative indeed. Any website to recommend? Wikipedia excluded please.
And now where I can buy the Quran with Japanese translation in Tokyo?
They are actually Christian missionaries. It is pretty normal sight in Japan especially during weekend that these missionaries come knocking your door and preaching about Bible and Christianity. Some people might be annoyed, and that including me because I don't like to be disturbed during my own personal quality time. But being me, I am not that rude to simply ignoring these people or reject them away.
So there I was. Listening to their words and voice out my thoughts here and there. And they look surprised because they said they rarely heard about Islam in Japan, let alone seen any Quran with Japanese translation. I quickly bring my Quran (but with Indonesian translation), and they totally amazed to see Quran for the first time. I said I will try to find Quran with Japanese translation and give them to read next time.
Later I found myself thinking, where have all the Islam missionaries been? I encounter few situations before regarding local people who really wants to know certain issues about Islam to solve their religion conundrum and since they know I am Muslim, they seek the answer from me. I admit I myself not a good resource but I'm trying my best to explain. Muslim is not a big community in Japan, but I think it would be much better if people who concern to know more about Islam can easily access Japanese website that can provide them with true and authentic information they looking for. And since many local here browse the Internet from their 携帯/keitai/mobile phone, a website accessible from mobile phone would be very informative indeed. Any website to recommend? Wikipedia excluded please.
And now where I can buy the Quran with Japanese translation in Tokyo?
(picture taken from Linda Sieg's Reuters blog)
I am not gonna talk about any disaster or whatnot but more about the current political updates here in Japan. As some of you already read the news, Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ, Minshutō - 民主党) lead by Yukio Hatoyama has won the Lower House election on 30th August 2009. This marks a new history in Japan political landscape where the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP, Jimintō - 自民党) who had ruled Japan since its formation in 1955 (post-war period) had lost goverment, and only manage to win 26.7% of lower house of Diet of Japan's seat.
That means a landslide victory for Hatoyama and his party, DPJ. And following normal Japanese response towards responsibility, Taro Aso is going to step down as LDP leader to take full responsibility for his party's defeat.
I'm not normally blog about politic since my topic of interest ranges from music, movie and daily personal stuff. Although I love to read about environment and sustainability things, still I'm not really keen to blog about those two topics either. All this while my life has been exposed to Malaysian political scene (since my dad is a huge fan of that :p), but I rather label Malaysia political milieu is a bit disappointing.
Nevertheless, observing foreign political process when I have the chance to (since here is where I'm studying now) is somehow interesting, with regards to comparing it with our political scene back in Malaysia. Watching all parties campaign in mass media (each parties have their own TV commercial, and equal coverage in news).
It is somehow feel like deja-vu to see DPJ landslide victory over LDP as the most recent election in Malaysia seen a close call to that situation. The different part is just UMNO, the Malaysia's ruling party since our independence in 1957 was not defeated, but lost its two third majority, the first time in our history as well. And Pak Lah didn't stepped down immediately in response to that.
Albeit their triumph over the current election, most Japanese I known (and went voting) says they're not really happy Hatoyama wins. They're quite unsure whether DPJ has enough financial ability to perform what they promised in their manifesto, and in today's Yomiuri Shinbun survey shown 66% respondents believe LDP will regain back their power, just mere 2 days after election. Frustration and exasperation aside, now people have to wait for the next 4 years to elect the government again.
Thus, place your vote wisely. Not based on manifestos, emotions, branding or image.
Cool fact: Taro Aso known for his fond interest in comics and anime, and Yukio Hatoyama is known as E.T (the alien) among his supporters and opposition alike.
PROLOGUE: Al-Fatihah to the late Yasmin Ahmad and Asri Ibrahim. May Allah blesses their soul. For all the good deeds they did to our world and humankind.
And I am finally back at blogging. After months of dreadful life.
All praises to Allah, I pass the entrance exam and officially belong here. Although some people said the entrance exam is just a formality to be accepted in, but I know I had tried my best and worked very hard for it. And for sure now, I feel liberated that I already passed one stage of my life here.
Another six months to go before I started my postgraduate course. Six months full of plans. Six months packed with pursuing my interests, exploring cultures, learning new stuffs. And start thinking about the direction of my research.
I am a man of planning. Detailed and organized. Not a multitasker. Some people said it complicated and wasting time, but I can't helped being myself because it's in my gene. I prefer to do job one at a time. And since I settled with the exam thing, now is the time for doing the next task and make it work.
In my list include: back at blogging (let this be the first post to start with), resume my reading list (The Second World: How Emerging Powers Are Redefining Global Competition in The Twenty-first Century by Parag Khanna is on my currently reading status), continue yoga (my last stretch is last year, what a long time. Miss the pretzel-ing moment), prepare for JLPT Level 2 this December and aiming to read Murakami Haruki's 1Q84 (of course in Japanese, so far no English translation yet) at least by the time I pass JLPT Level 1 next year. Pick up at least one blowing instrument before April next year, jazz saxophone is in my mind now. So much of a list, I questioned myself whether I can keep up with that or not.
But no harm listing, I said to myself. Having goals is way better than having nothing at all. Than living aimlessly.
I am happy and content that all of you are here with me; families, friends and acquaintances. We might not living within reach, but somehow I can feel the connection to make me less feel that I am so far away from home.
"My yesterdays are all boxed up and neatly put away
But every now and then you come to mind
Cause you were always waiting to be picked to play the game
But when your name was called, you found a place to hide
When you knew that I was always on your side"
-Always On Your Side by Sheryl Crow feat. Sting, 2005.
EPILOGUE: August 2006, London, United Kingdom. The moment when my life ended, and started again.
And I am finally back at blogging. After months of dreadful life.
All praises to Allah, I pass the entrance exam and officially belong here. Although some people said the entrance exam is just a formality to be accepted in, but I know I had tried my best and worked very hard for it. And for sure now, I feel liberated that I already passed one stage of my life here.
Another six months to go before I started my postgraduate course. Six months full of plans. Six months packed with pursuing my interests, exploring cultures, learning new stuffs. And start thinking about the direction of my research.
I am a man of planning. Detailed and organized. Not a multitasker. Some people said it complicated and wasting time, but I can't helped being myself because it's in my gene. I prefer to do job one at a time. And since I settled with the exam thing, now is the time for doing the next task and make it work.
In my list include: back at blogging (let this be the first post to start with), resume my reading list (The Second World: How Emerging Powers Are Redefining Global Competition in The Twenty-first Century by Parag Khanna is on my currently reading status), continue yoga (my last stretch is last year, what a long time. Miss the pretzel-ing moment), prepare for JLPT Level 2 this December and aiming to read Murakami Haruki's 1Q84 (of course in Japanese, so far no English translation yet) at least by the time I pass JLPT Level 1 next year. Pick up at least one blowing instrument before April next year, jazz saxophone is in my mind now. So much of a list, I questioned myself whether I can keep up with that or not.
But no harm listing, I said to myself. Having goals is way better than having nothing at all. Than living aimlessly.
I am happy and content that all of you are here with me; families, friends and acquaintances. We might not living within reach, but somehow I can feel the connection to make me less feel that I am so far away from home.
"My yesterdays are all boxed up and neatly put away
But every now and then you come to mind
Cause you were always waiting to be picked to play the game
But when your name was called, you found a place to hide
When you knew that I was always on your side"
-Always On Your Side by Sheryl Crow feat. Sting, 2005.
EPILOGUE: August 2006, London, United Kingdom. The moment when my life ended, and started again.
It's been ages since I update anything here, pardon me for being so busy with mathematics and studies (like that is something bad to do, sigh). My entrance exam will be one month from now. And I already prepared my research plan presentation slide and receive a good feedback from fellow labmates and my supervisor. I really hope everything will turn out well (of course with the math too :p)
So what I am going to confront in this entrance exam? Starting on 25th August, until the following four days, I will face TOEFL in the first day, written examination (comprises of 300 words environmental essay and two questions that can be chosen from math, physics, chemistry, biology and geoscience-time duration 2.5 hours) on the second day, five minutes presentation on research plan and undergraduate thesis on the third day, and the last day for interview and results!
So wish me luck people!
There are so many things I want to update, but I just don't have energy to write to tell you the truth. My life everyday is full of numbers and math formula cheat sheets, that utterly complete my lost of words. During my hiatus I have been to Kansai (Osaka region, which includes Kyoto, Hyogo, Kobe, Wakayama and the surrounding area), been to Universal Studios in Osaka, watched my first Kabuki performance in National Theatre in Hanzomon, Tokyo and many more things. My elaborate updates will only begin after the exam ended people, so just hang in there.
On another matter, I received an sms about Yasmin Ahmad passed away and was totally shocked. Thank God the rumor was not true, and apparently she stopped breathing after a stroke attack during her presentation in TV3 and now stabilizes to coma. My prayer for her, ya Allah. I really love the endless creative idea that comes from her movie and commercial.
My favourite Yasmin Ahmad movie is still Gubra. I remember I watched it four times in cinema (yes, I was that pathetic) and I still remember the ending part dearly.
Beautiful.
And from the same movie, comes my favourite line from Malaysian movie, the script when the people from different faith prays and that time you realize that no matter what God do you pray for, we all still pray for the happiness in life and forgiveness of all the sin we had done.
"Have mercy on me, oh God...
Maka ampunilah bagi kami segala dosa kami
According to your unfailing love
According to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions, wash away all my iniquity,
dan hapuskanlah dari kami segala kejahatan kami
and cleanse me from my sin
Wahai Tuhan kami,
berikanlah pada kami apa yang telah Engkau janjikan melalui Rasul Mu
dan janganlah hinakan kami pada Hari Kiamat
Sesungguhnya Engkau tidak menyalahi janji"
-Gubra, Yasmin Ahmad 2006 (the English lines come from Psalm 51, and the Malay part comes from Ali-Imran 192-194).
Short rants, short rants...
I just could not figure out the right title to fill the empty space in the title field, so let it be. I am super busy with maths, Panasonic Summer Seminar (going for 8 hours bus ride to Kyoto tomorrow's night!) in Awaji Island in Hyogo prefecture, Tanabata Party in Kashiwanoha Future Village (I am sooo looking forward to 花火/hanabi/fireworks tonight, but the 梅雨/tsuyu/rainy season makes me worried)
It's already July and there will be only one month and few weeks left before the 入学試験/nyuugaku shiken/university entrance exam in August. Wish me all the best in the world people! I really have to pass this, so that I feel totally belong here!
...and to make all my other plan works out.
I saw Natsuo Kirino's new novel, In in Kinokuniya Nagareyama last few days and contemplating to buy it. It is in Japanese of course ;p. The Summer sale craze already started here, and I manage to do some quick bargain. Love my new silver snickers from Zara!
Away to Kansai region peeps! Will be back next Sunday, and the entrance exam mode will be switch on to full blast after that!
Later.
I just could not figure out the right title to fill the empty space in the title field, so let it be. I am super busy with maths, Panasonic Summer Seminar (going for 8 hours bus ride to Kyoto tomorrow's night!) in Awaji Island in Hyogo prefecture, Tanabata Party in Kashiwanoha Future Village (I am sooo looking forward to 花火/hanabi/fireworks tonight, but the 梅雨/tsuyu/rainy season makes me worried)
It's already July and there will be only one month and few weeks left before the 入学試験/nyuugaku shiken/university entrance exam in August. Wish me all the best in the world people! I really have to pass this, so that I feel totally belong here!
...and to make all my other plan works out.
I saw Natsuo Kirino's new novel, In in Kinokuniya Nagareyama last few days and contemplating to buy it. It is in Japanese of course ;p. The Summer sale craze already started here, and I manage to do some quick bargain. Love my new silver snickers from Zara!
Away to Kansai region peeps! Will be back next Sunday, and the entrance exam mode will be switch on to full blast after that!
Later.
I woke up yesterday and did my usual routine, breakfast and coffee, reading news Utusan Malaysia, Yomiuri Shimbun and Reuters online. But before I managed to type the URL and press enter, Najib buzzed me through IM.
'Michael Jackson has gone'
I was numb as usual. No feeling. I know he is like the King of Pop and the most phenomenal thing this music industry can offer. But I just woke up from sleep and didn't have the mood to feel lost.
But, it would be a lie if I don't feel moved at all. Being 80's baby, I grew up listening to his songs. I agree I ain't really a die hard fan, but some of his songs somehow blends in me.
I personally love him back in The Jackson 5 days. The era where he is still young, naive kids who hasn't done any weird changes to his face yet. It reminds me much about my childhood years. Listening to 'I'll be There' brings a lot of glowing memories inside me.
It was very unfortunate for him to not able to make the comeback before he passed away. The bankruptcy issue and many other lawsuit against him did make me sad. And when he said he wants to embrace Islam and live in Middle East, I can feel the joy felt by his Muslim fan.
So long MJ. Rest in peace.
"Even though the pain and heartache
Seems to follow me wherever I go
Though I try and try to hide my feelings
They always seem to show
Then you try to say you're leaving me
And I always have to say no..."
-Never Can Say Goodbye, The Jackson 5, 1971.
I had read 'The Art and Wisdom of Management: His Life and Management Philosophy' by Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic and Matsushita Corporation. And it is not just my other normal reading, which I do just to fill my empty pastimes and to kill the time, this one is more like a homework. I need to submit a report, sort of a blurb and comment regarding the management style of Matsushita-san and a bit about the history of his life.
One of the Matsushita management style is 'Sunao' mind. Sunao, as described by Matsushita-san himself that there is no direct translation for the word in English, is actually the level of human mind where it becomes free, transparent and able to decide and think without any prejudice. The sunao mind, he said, is the main factor for Matsushita successful business and management style all this while. He claimed that by having sunao mind, it had give him the opportunity to decide the best decision for his company and business, no matter how hard the economic and political situation that affect the business.
I found Matsushita-san philosophy has many similarities with the Islamic philosophy of life. By having unbiased and no prejudice mentality and state of mind. By having the attitude that everyone has their own responsibilities to the society. And to know that everyone has their own limitation and thus, don't go overboard.
It saddened me to realize that some Muslim doesn't even practice this philosophy in their life, let alone in their business. It frightened me even more to realize that some Muslim do the total opposite things than one's should follow in Islamic way, but then claimed their wrong act to be Islamic. What a shame.
I was at first thought that this one will just end up as other normal assignments and normal report writings. Man, was I wrong. I finished the last page with new perspective of life, a fresh thoughts on my mission, and of course, seed of a sunao mind just started growing inside of me.
p/s-
1. On a more personal note, I'm still busy revising my math for the entrance exam this August. がんばれ，がんばれ，もっとがんばれ！
2. Done with Murakami Haruki's Kafka on The Shore. Awesome, my big applause. Really wanna read his latest 1Q84. Really.
It is almost impossible for me to skip this. I am a big fan of Takuya Kimura, Josh Hartnett and Shawn Yue and all of them is in this movie. Finally something to anticipate to drag my lazy bones to Japan's cinema.
Forgive me for being a lazy blogger. I did have a lot of fun in my life during my hiatus time, but my sluggish trait just hold my thoughts from being spilled here for much a longer time.
One of the big and major news clouding over Tokyo is the past few weeks include the spreading case of swine influenza in Kantou area (Kantou covers the Tokyo and its suburbs area), starting with Hachioji and Kawasaki. Both areas are located near Yokohama and Kanagawa Prefecture, which is pretty far from my location in Chiba and Kashiwa. But the fast H1N1 virus spreaded fast to Saitama Prefecture in just mere days, and since Saitama is even closer to Chiba, supposedly I think, the time has come to get freaky.
But apparently it was not. The number of people wearing mask in the train or in the busy street of Shibuya is just normal, and it is perhaps due to the slowing outbreak (I think there is no more new cases reported around Kantou, and the government starts to announce that things are getting better). Nevertheless, the virus is still around, so it is better to stay safe and alert.
I am currently on a marathon run of reading all Murakami Haruki's psychotic fiction but since my life is more preoccupied of academic thesis, IPCC reports and IEA journals, the fiction reading activity has been slowing down a bit. Murakami's new anticipated novel, 1Q84 (which can be pronounced as 1984 in Japanese) is a hit before it even reaches the bookstore's shelf. The publisher got 480,000 orders for first run copy and that is really quite a number. Too bad I still haven't attempted to read any Japanese fictions yet, so I can only let my finger crossed on 1Q84 to be translated to English as soon as possible.
On a more personal note, the entrance exam is getting near. I really need get my hands done on every essential mathematics before the burden comes.
Wish me luck and have a nice day.
ps. picture of 1Q84 in bookstores, courtesy of Japan Times/AP
Sunday is always on lazy mode for me, and I believe for everyone else too. The cloudy, rainy and windy weather here in Kashiwa make the feel even stronger. I love sipping the coffee at home and watching the minutes go by, just like that. Unproductive, you tell me, but somehow I feel good doing that.
I had a busy and full of activity last week where I need to present two papers in my lab's seminar. The first one is about McKinsey&Co.'s Pathway to Low Carbon Economy paper and the second one os International Energy Agency's Carbon Capture and Storage paper. The former paper is all about economic terms and et cetera, so I had a tough time wiki-ing and googling all those terms. Both presentations went well though. Praise to Allah.
My university campus ground supposedly had a BBQ party last week but it was canceled due to crazy wind in Kashiwa. God, I never feel this windy before. It almost made me change the lane in my bicycle ride. Oh yes, I have the bicycle now. Just like I want it, slightly smaller 20-inch type. So cute, just like the rider.
I found the video about Copenhagen City of Cyclist promo and I find it absolutely cool. Bicycle is a normal transportation here in Japan although everyone knows Japan is one big leader in automotive manufacturer. I certainly feel it is good if Malaysia should be the same, everyone cycles to work/school everyday, less traffic congestion and lesser carbon emission, of course.
Oh I'm listening to the free tracks of Coldplay from the album of Left Right Left Right. Awesome tracks and it's free! Download now from here. Can't wait to watch them in action if they come here in Tokyo.
May is already halfway and it means my time for preparing for the entrance exam is getting less and less day by day. I really need to focus and getting my nerves back on math.
ps. My June want list grows to Levi's skinny jeans, Muji yoga mat and clothing, francfranc laundry basket, and stuff from ettusais men and Lush handmade cosmetics!
pss. Kansai region (specifically Kobe prefecture) has their first H1N1 influenza case. Don't you dare to hit Kantou, Mr. Influenza. Please.
I had a busy and full of activity last week where I need to present two papers in my lab's seminar. The first one is about McKinsey&Co.'s Pathway to Low Carbon Economy paper and the second one os International Energy Agency's Carbon Capture and Storage paper. The former paper is all about economic terms and et cetera, so I had a tough time wiki-ing and googling all those terms. Both presentations went well though. Praise to Allah.
My university campus ground supposedly had a BBQ party last week but it was canceled due to crazy wind in Kashiwa. God, I never feel this windy before. It almost made me change the lane in my bicycle ride. Oh yes, I have the bicycle now. Just like I want it, slightly smaller 20-inch type. So cute, just like the rider.
I found the video about Copenhagen City of Cyclist promo and I find it absolutely cool. Bicycle is a normal transportation here in Japan although everyone knows Japan is one big leader in automotive manufacturer. I certainly feel it is good if Malaysia should be the same, everyone cycles to work/school everyday, less traffic congestion and lesser carbon emission, of course.
Copenhagen - City of Cyclists from Colville Andersen on Vimeo.
Oh I'm listening to the free tracks of Coldplay from the album of Left Right Left Right. Awesome tracks and it's free! Download now from here. Can't wait to watch them in action if they come here in Tokyo.
May is already halfway and it means my time for preparing for the entrance exam is getting less and less day by day. I really need to focus and getting my nerves back on math.
ps. My June want list grows to Levi's skinny jeans, Muji yoga mat and clothing, francfranc laundry basket, and stuff from ettusais men and Lush handmade cosmetics!
pss. Kansai region (specifically Kobe prefecture) has their first H1N1 influenza case. Don't you dare to hit Kantou, Mr. Influenza. Please.
And finally Japan get his shares on H1N1 influenza strain. Two students and one teacher who returning back from a student exchange program in Canada complaining that they have flu-like symptoms and quickly quarantined once they arrived in Narita.
And coincidently, Canada reported their first death of the influenza strain.
World without borders. Globalization. That's the fact of world we live in today. If knowledge, cultures and sex tapes can spread all over the globe in split seconds, why can't a virus do the same thing?
More on the global note, Pope Benedict XVI had called for an interfaith reconciliation, on his second day tour of Middle East. Al Jazeera reported him quoting 'He said Muslims and Christians must strive to be seen as faithful worshippers of God "because of the burden of our common history" that has often been marked by misunderstanding'. I'm not his fan, let alone a Christian but I do agree with him about the fact that all of us need to love each other and reconcile. Hating each other and killing people is just beyond insanity. The fact that many Muslims, Christian and even Jews had been killed by the name of war is something that need to be stopped.
Spread the love and today's Mother's Day. To my mum...
'Happy Mother's Day, Mak!. Untuk Mak paling hebat di dunia (overrated I know, but who cares, she's my mum!), Daus sayang Mak dunia dan akhirat dan mengucapkan mak berada dalam kesihatan yang baik dan kekal muda selalu dengan SKII! :)'
My Malay now sounds a bit rusty. The effect of talking Japanese, English and slang-ish Malay for so long. Masa untuk memperkasa bahasa ibunda, mungkin?
'Hanya cinta yang 'kan selalu
menyembuhkan sgala luka
Hanya cinta yang 'kan selalu
bisa membuktikan semua
keindahan hidup'
-Marcell, Hidup 2008
I am so bad at blogging and I don't feel like updating any longer. But there'd been lots of tremendous things going around me and I kinda like to blog the snippets here.
1. My golden week holiday was filled by a road trip to beaches of Kamogawa in Chiba and exposure to Japanese pottery art in Kasama, Ibaraki.
2. I am going hiatus again after this. Perhaps a long one. Busy with academic matters, entrance exam, seminar's presentations etc.
3. I swear I want to learn and do everything I want after the hell of entrance exam is over (with the good outcome of course) and I don't want to procrastinate this thing anymore. Let's start with saxophone, shakuhachi, climbing Fuji mountain and being a loyal yoga practitioner.
4. I really need to learn the art of organizing my financial matters and sorting out my ever growing need and want list.
5. I start to realize that you won't get any possibility of brighter skin when living in a temperate climate countries. Yes, I was that conservative.
6. I predict I am going to dream more about climate change and carbon dioxide after this. Geez.
7. Apart from my busy schedule of entrance exam this August, I do have plan to go to Hokkaido this summer. Looking forward to that.
8. There are rumors spreading around that Panasonic will release Lumix LX6 in third quarter of 2010. I don't think I can wait that long if I still stick to L-series for my wanted photography gear.
9. Volunteering, part-time jobs, freelancing and being a climate activist are few things that keep rotating in my mind right now.
Have a good life, peeps.
Thank you for blessing the road I walk on
That I’m walking on
I’m sorry for every mistake I fall on
Can’t help but fall
You’ve changed this heart in me
And I know, I can always count on You
To give me the signs
In the wind on my face
Each time I try to run
From the sight of Your grace
From the wrongs I have done
You shine down your light
each time I need a guide
I say to hearts in despair
There’s an answer to a prayer
Give me true love in my life, a peaceful mind
Save me from harm
Pull me back if I ever try to walk away
Don’t let me stray
You’ve changed this heart in me
And I know I can always count on You
To give me the signs
In the wind on my face
Each time I try to run
From the sight of Your grace
From the wrongs I have done
You shine down Your light
Each time I need a guide
I say to hearts in despair
There’s an answer to a prayer
Say to all hearts in despair, there’s an answer to a prayer
You’ve changed this heart in me
And I know I can always count on You
To hear my prayers
You shine down Your light
And I know there’s an answer to a prayer
You shine down Your light
Each time I need a guide
I say to hearts in despair
There’s an answer to a prayer
Still in the mood of holiday since it's long break called Golden Week in Japan. No, I'm not feeling anything near despair, but I feel this song by Anggun soothes my feeling and rejuvenate me. Whatever faith you hold and whatever religion you believe in, always remember that there's an answer to a prayer.
At least I believe in that.
I'm sorry for not writing for quite a while. It's not that I'm have nothing to write, I do have so much to tell about, but maybe I'm just lazy.
There are two major news that keep floating around the news in Japan recently, the pandemic swine flu and one of SMAP's member arrested by police for being heavily drunk and nude in public.
The swine flu pandemonium started in Mexico and soon after it spreads to United States and Canada. The outbreak happens fast and quick, and in a very short time, there are many cases already reported all over America and certain parts in Europe. The virus strain origin remains unknown but it is believed that the virus strain migrated from Asia or Europe through people and migratory birds, although many speculated that it comes from pig factory farms in Mexico. The virus developed to be infectious from human to human contact (and no longer through animals like it used to) and that starts the pandemic warning globally.
The WHO has give few recommendations to prevent the outbreak of swine flu (especially in affected country):
1. Avoid crowded places
2. Avoid close spaces
3. Avoid salutations with the hand and kisses
4. Wear tissues to cover mouth and nose
5. Go to the doctor at the minimal sign of flu
6. Enhance your immunologic system
7. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently
8. Sneeze in the arm, under the elbow, instead of doing it in the hand
9. Try to stay at home.
10. Never self-medicate
11. Eat fruit and do not drink alcohol nor smoke
12. Avoid sick people
And the next major news is the arrest of one of the SMAP member, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi. He was arrested for public indecency, appear naked in public (in Akasaka, Tokyo to be exact) after been heavily drunk (he was believed to consumed more than 10 mugs of beer and shochu, the Japanese traditional wine). It brings the shock to Japanese media (considering the massive popularity of SMAP in Japan and also because of the gentle and clean image of Kusanagi throughout his career in Japanese media industry.
Unlike the West part of the world, such behavior normally would increase the popularity of the artist (for example, Paris Hilton sex video) but it is almost impossible to see the same effect happen to celebrity in Asia. Especially Japan, which famous for the clean image of every public figure and the strictness of being a role model of the society (remember Shoichi Nakagawa case? Where he was drowsy and slurring his words during G7 meeting), such case as public indecency is a big no-no. The effect of Kusanagi bad move; all his commercials and feature in media has been taken back and he receives critiques from all over the country.
Some of my Japanese friends has asked me why Islam prohibits the Muslim to eat pork meat and consume alcohol. I let Kusanagi and swine flu to answer that.
I know it is a bit late to post this, but classic pieces do sells sometimes. As I am currently reading Murakami's Kafka on The Shore and starting to list Murakami and his work in my favourite list, I decided to post his acceptance speech during Jurusalem Prize Award last January 2009 in my blog. Realizing I never post this, and wondering why I haven't post this back in January, probably I was a bit busy with Japan immigration (visa etc.) at that moment, so I totally forgotten about this great speech.
日本語オリジナル：
『常に卵の側に』
村上春樹
今、僕はエルサレムにやって来ました。小説家、すなわち嘘の紡ぎ手として。
嘘をつくのは小説家だけではありません。政治家も——失礼、大統領閣下——外交官も嘘をつきます。でも、小説家は他の人たちとは少し違っています。僕たちは嘘をついたことで追及を受けたりしません。賞賛されるのです。しかも、その嘘が大きくて立派であるほど、賞賛も大きくなります。
僕たちの嘘と彼らの嘘との違いは、僕たちの嘘は真実を明るみに運び出すためのものだ、ということです。真実をそっくりそのままの形で把握するのは難しいことです。だから僕たちはそれをフィクションという形に変換するのです。でもまず手始めに、自分たち自身の中のどこに真実が潜んでいるかを明らかにしなければなりません。
今日、僕は真実をお話ししようと思います。僕が嘘をつくことに従事しないのは年に数日だけですが、今日はそのうちの一日なんです。
受賞の申し出を受けたとき、僕はエルサレムへ行かないようにという警告を受けました。僕は自問自答しました。イスラエルに行くのは適切なことだろうか？ 当事者の一方を支持することにならないだろうか？ そして、圧倒的な軍事力を解き放つという選択を下した国家の政策を是認することになってしまわないだろうかと。考えた末に、僕は来ることに決めました。たいていの小説家と同じように、僕もまた、人から言われたのと正反対のことをするのが好きなんです。やれやれ、これは小説家としての性みたいなものですね。小説家というのは、自分の目で見て、自分の手で触れたものしか信じることができないんです。だから僕は、自分の目で見ることを選びました。黙っているよりも、ここへ来て話すことを選びました。それは、僕がいつも心に留めていることです。小説を書くとき、いつも心に留めているのです。紙に書いて壁に貼ろうとまで思ったことはありませんが、僕の心の壁には刻まれています。言ってみれば、こういうことですーー
『硬くて高い壁と、そこにぶつかって行く一個の卵があったとしたら、たとえ壁がどんなに正しくても、卵がどんなに間違っていたとしても、僕は卵の側に立つ』
僕らはみんな、一人ひとりが一個の卵なのです。壊れやすい殻に入った、唯一無二の魂なのです。僕らはみんな、高い壁に立ち向かっています。壁とはつまりシステムのことです。しばしば一人歩きを始めて、私たちを殺したり、冷たく、効率的に、システマティックに他人を殺すように、私たちに仕向けたりするシステムのことです。
僕にとって、小説を書く目的はひとつだけです。それは、個人が持つ独自の尊厳を引き出すことです。独自性を満たし、システムにからめ取られないようにすることです。だから——僕は、生命の物語を、愛の物語を、人を笑わせ、泣かせる物語を書くのです。見た限りでは、私たちには希望が無いように思えます。壁はあまりに高く、あまりに強い。もし私たちに勝利への何らかの希望があるとすれば、それは私たちの完全なる独自性を信じることと、魂を結び合う温もり※から来るものでなければならないでしょう。 私たちひとりひとりには、形ある、生きた魂があります。システムにはそんなものはありません。システムに私たちをコントロールさせてはいけないのです。システムが私たちを作るのではありません。私たちがシステムを作ったのです。
イスラエルの皆さん、僕の本を読んでくださったことに感謝します。僕たちが意義のある何かを共有できていれば嬉しいです。あなたたちこそ、僕がここへ来た最大の理由です。
English version:
Always on the side of the egg
By Haruki Murakami
So I have come to Jerusalem today as a novelist, which is to say as a professional spinner of lies.
Of course, novelists are not the only ones who tell lies. Politicians do it, too, (sorry, Mr. President) as we all know. Diplomats and military men tell their own kinds of lies on occasion, as do used car salesmen, butchers and builders. The lies of novelists differ from others, however, in that no one criticizes the novelist as immoral for telling them. Indeed, the bigger and better his lies and the more ingeniously he creates them, the more he is likely to be praised by the public and the critics. Why should that be?
My answer would be this: Namely, that by telling skillful lies - which is to say, by making up fictions that appear to be true - the novelist can bring a truth out to a new location and shine a new light on it. In most cases, it is virtually impossible to grasp a truth in its original form and depict it accurately. This is why we try to grab its tail by luring the truth from its hiding place, transferring it to a fictional location, and replacing it with a fictional form. In order to accomplish this, however, we first have to clarify where the truth lies within us. This is an important qualification for making up good lies.
Today, however, I have no intention of lying. I will try to be as honest as I can. There are a few days in the year when I do not engage in telling lies, and today happens to be one of them.
So let me tell you the truth. A fair number of people advised me not to come here to accept the Jerusalem Prize. Some even warned me they would instigate a boycott of my books if I came.
The reason for this, of course, was the fierce battle that was raging in Gaza. The UN reported that more than a thousand people had lost their lives in the blockaded Gaza City, many of them unarmed citizens - children and old people.
Any number of times after receiving notice of the award, I asked myself whether traveling to Israel at a time like this and accepting a literary prize was the proper thing to do, whether this would create the impression that I supported one side in the conflict, that I endorsed the policies of a nation that chose to unleash its overwhelming military power. This is an impression, of course, that I would not wish to give. I do not approve of any war, and I do not support any nation. Neither, of course, do I wish to see my books subjected to a boycott.
Finally, however, after careful consideration, I made up my mind to come here. One reason for my decision was that all too many people advised me not to do it. Perhaps, like many other novelists, I tend to do the exact opposite of what I am told. If people are telling me - and especially if they are warning me - "don’t go there," "don’t do that," I tend to want to "go there" and "do that." It’s in my nature, you might say, as a novelist. Novelists are a special breed. They cannot genuinely trust anything they have not seen with their own eyes or touched with their own hands.
And that is why I am here. I chose to come here rather than stay away. I chose to see for myself rather than not to see. I chose to speak to you rather than to say nothing.
This is not to say that I am here to deliver a political message. To make judgments about right and wrong is one of the novelist’s most important duties, of course.
It is left to each writer, however, to decide upon the form in which he or she will convey those judgments to others. I myself prefer to transform them into stories - stories that tend toward the surreal. Which is why I do not intend to stand before you today delivering a direct political message.
Please do, however, allow me to deliver one very personal message. It is something that I always keep in mind while I am writing fiction. I have never gone so far as to write it on a piece of paper and paste it to the wall: Rather, it is carved into the wall of my mind, and it goes something like this:
"Between a high, solid wall and an egg that breaks against it, I will always stand on the side of the egg."
Yes, no matter how right the wall may be and how wrong the egg, I will stand with the egg. Someone else will have to decide what is right and what is wrong; perhaps time or history will decide. If there were a novelist who, for whatever reason, wrote works standing with the wall, of what value would such works be?
What is the meaning of this metaphor? In some cases, it is all too simple and clear. Bombers and tanks and rockets and white phosphorus shells are that high, solid wall. The eggs are the unarmed civilians who are crushed and burned and shot by them. This is one meaning of the metaphor.
This is not all, though. It carries a deeper meaning. Think of it this way. Each of us is, more or less, an egg. Each of us is a unique, irreplaceable soul enclosed in a fragile shell. This is true of me, and it is true of each of you. And each of us, to a greater or lesser degree, is confronting a high, solid wall. The wall has a name: It is The System. The System is supposed to protect us, but sometimes it takes on a life of its own, and then it begins to kill us and cause us to kill others - coldly, efficiently, systematically.
I have only one reason to write novels, and that is to bring the dignity of the individual soul to the surface and shine a light upon it. The purpose of a story is to sound an alarm, to keep a light trained on The System in order to prevent it from tangling our souls in its web and demeaning them. I fully believe it is the novelist’s job to keep trying to clarify the uniqueness of each individual soul by writing stories - stories of life and death, stories of love, stories that make people cry and quake with fear and shake with laughter. This is why we go on, day after day, concocting fictions with utter seriousness.
My father died last year at the age of 90. He was a retired teacher and a part-time Buddhist priest. When he was in graduate school, he was drafted into the army and sent to fight in China. As a child born after the war, I used to see him every morning before breakfast offering up long, deeply-felt prayers at the Buddhist altar in our house. One time I asked him why he did this, and he told me he was praying for the people who had died in the war.
He was praying for all the people who died, he said, both ally and enemy alike. Staring at his back as he knelt at the altar, I seemed to feel the shadow of death hovering around him.
My father died, and with him he took his memories, memories that I can never know. But the presence of death that lurked about him remains in my own memory. It is one of the few things I carry on from him, and one of the most important.
I have only one thing I hope to convey to you today. We are all human beings, individuals transcending nationality and race and religion, fragile eggs faced with a solid wall called The System. To all appearances, we have no hope of winning. The wall is too high, too strong - and too cold. If we have any hope of victory at all, it will have to come from our believing in the utter uniqueness and irreplaceability of our own and others’ souls and from the warmth we gain by joining souls together.
Take a moment to think about this. Each of us possesses a tangible, living soul. The System has no such thing. We must not allow The System to exploit us. We must not allow The System to take on a life of its own. The System did not make us: We made The System.
That is all I have to say to you.
I am grateful to have been awarded the Jerusalem Prize. I am grateful that my books are being read by people in many parts of the world. And I am glad to have had the opportunity to speak to you here today.
How I adore him.
Self note:
1. I have two presentations need to be done starting end of this month in my lab's seminar. First, about my degree graduation thesis. Considering the thesis itself was presented three years ago, presenting it now need proper preparation and definitely I need to read my thesis back. Sigh. Not an interesting thing to do after all. Secondly is about a paper by McKinsey & Co. Climate Desk regarding Pathways to a Low-Carbon Economy: Version 2 of the Global Greenhouse Gas (Abatement Cost Curve) where I am required to present about the topics of Chemical, Transport and Buildings.
2. Still slowly reading Kafka on The Shore. Watching Swing Girls directed by Shinobu Yaguchi because of my mood to learn how to play the sax. And on my heavy rotation is Aqua Timez's Kira-Kira ~original ver.~ (from Kirin's TV commercial) and Arashi's Season (from au TV commercial where Sakurai Sho innit). Yes, I am a commercial freak.
Have a nice weekend, people.
No, this is not the post about her new album. But more about the song with the same title by her, in that album. Many people just can't understand my weird taste of music, I almost can listen to every genre (from kroncong, dangdut, jazz, hip hop, rock and Mozart's pieces). I admit Ayumi's voice not the best on her class, but she has this unique sound and beautiful tunes and lyrics that make me love her even more.
My favourite song from Ayumi is none other than Naturally (from the album I Am...). The lyric drives me, and so with the rhythm. And since Naturally, all her songs start to bore me a bit, due to some experiment she did to her following album after I Am. And then comes Next Level, her new album, and I starting to like the melody and lyric of the song with the same title as her new album. It just suit my situation right now and my flowery purpose to come to this land.
My favourite song from Ayumi is none other than Naturally (from the album I Am...). The lyric drives me, and so with the rhythm. And since Naturally, all her songs start to bore me a bit, due to some experiment she did to her following album after I Am. And then comes Next Level, her new album, and I starting to like the melody and lyric of the song with the same title as her new album. It just suit my situation right now and my flowery purpose to come to this land.
動き出す次のステージへ向けて
僕たちは歩き続ける
どこまでも続くこの一本道を
僕たちは光り続ける
ここからもう一度
始まってくスタートを
どんなふうにきっていけるのかな
空を見上げたらふわり笑顔がこぼれたよ
恐くないよ大丈夫だよって聞こえた
空を見上げたら不意に涙がこぼれたよ
過去に残した傷跡さえ今は愛しい
響いてる未来を告げる合図が
僕たちは瞳合わせる
高鳴るこの鼓動
何を選び、描いて
どんな地図が出来上がるのかな
風を感じたらぎゅっと強く手を握ろう
多くの言葉なんてもう必要ないから
風を感じたらぐっと強く歩き出そう
同じ速度で同じ景色眺めて行こう
空を見上げたらふわり笑顔がこぼれたよ
恐くないよ大丈夫だよって聞こえた
空を見上げたら不意に涙がこぼれたよ
過去に残した傷跡さえ今は愛しい
風を感じたらぎゅっと強く手を握ろう
多くの言葉なんてもう必要ないから
風を感じたらぐっと強く歩き出そう
同じ速度で同じ景色眺めて行こう
We start to move for the next stage
We keep on walking
On this endless, straight road
We keep on shining
I wonder how I'll be able to
Make a start again
From this point
* I looked up at the sky and smiled softly
I heard, "Don't be afraid, it's all right"
I looked up at the sky and tears rolled from my eyes suddenly
Even the scar left in my past is dear to me now
I hear the signal sound for the future
Our eyes meet each other
My heart is throbbed with excitement
I wonder what I'll choose and draw
And what kind of map will be made up
** When we feel the wind, let's clench our hands tightly
Because we don't need many words any more
When we feel the wind, let's make a strong step
Let's go with the same speed, looking at the same scenery
* (repeat)
** (repeat)
Being away from Malaysia does not mean that I do not know what is going around back home. In the age of internet and globalization, everything in the world is connected.
Below is the line up of new cabinet under the leadership of Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak, the new appointed Prime Minister of Malaysia. I personally like the line up, especially the new Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water.
I wish every best to the new Prime Minister and his line up to work hard for the country. Having to live in country like Japan, where Malaysia is left behind comparatively, make me strongly believe that the spirit of Malaysia Boleh should be instilled back to our citizen. Like the Japanese says, 'がんばってください’(ganbatte kudasai) when they are wishing somebody for the best of luck, although it is not directly translated as good luck, but wishing ones a hard work in what their do. Comparing our level with Japanese, do we have time to relax and stay left behind?
Some personal note:
1-I'm still reading Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore and enjoying it. I need to start reading some Japanese reading stuff, and I found Kitajima Kosuke's autobiography, 夢，はじまる。。 (Dream, Begin...) is a good read. Yes, I'm a big fan of Kitajima (although I am not really a swimmer myself, but everytime I see Kitajima's face, I feel spirited and bersemangat)
2-Attending the advance Japanese class make me even spirited to brush up my Japanese level to a more advance level. My lab mate, Tanaka-san said my Japanese is good, but I know that is not really true. There are still thousands of kanji that I don't understand and so many words that slowed down my conversation with my Japanese friend. がんばります！
3-So far, there are only four Malaysians in my campus, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa Campus, including me. And from these four, two of them are Malay (again including me). I've get the opportunity to mingle with the international student community here in my campus, and few of them are saxophone player. I always find saxophone as interesting and sexy. Maybe I should learn how to blow a sax than oboe since the variety of tunes the sax can fit in.
Below is the line up of new cabinet under the leadership of Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak, the new appointed Prime Minister of Malaysia. I personally like the line up, especially the new Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water.
Prime Minister and Finance Minister 1: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak
Deputy PM and Education Minister: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
Ministers in Prime Minister’s Department
Unity and Performance Management: Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon
Law and Parliament: Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz
Religious Affairs: Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Datuk Jamil Khir Baharum
Economic Planning Unit: Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop
Deputies: Datuk Liew Vui Keong, Senator Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim, Datuk SK Devamany, Ahmad Maslan, Senator T. Murugiah
Finance
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak
Finance Minister II: Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah
Deputies: Datuk Chor Chee Heung, Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussein
Education
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
Deputies: Datuk Wee Ka Siong, Datuk Puad Zarkashi
Transport
Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat
Deputies: Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri, Datuk Robert Lau
Home
Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein
Deputies: Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop, Jelaing Mersat
Information, Communications, Arts and Culture
Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim
Deputies: Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, Senator Heng Seai Kie
Energy, Green Technology & Water
Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui
Deputy: Noriah Kasnon
Plantation Industries and Commodities
Tan Sri Bernard Dompok
Deputy: Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin
Rural and Regional Development
Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal
Deputies: Datuk Hassan Malek, Datuk Joseph Entulu
Higher Education
Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin
Deputies: Dr Hou Kok Chung, Saifuddin Abdullah
International Trade and Industry
Datuk Mustapa Mohamed
Deputies: Datuk Muhkriz Mahathir, Datuk Jacob Dungau
Science, Technology and Innovation
Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili
Deputy: Fadillah Yusof
Natural Resources and Environment
Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas
Deputy: Tan Sri Joseph Kurup
Tourism
Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen
Deputy: Datuk Seri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abdul Taib
Agriculture and Agro-based Industries
Datuk Noh Omar
Deputies: Johari Baharum, Rohani Abdul Karim
Defence
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Deputy: Datuk Dr Abdul Latif
Works
Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor
Deputy: Datuk Yong Khoon Seng
Health
Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai
Deputy: Datuk Rosnah Rashid Shilin
Youth and Sports
Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek
Deputies: Datuk Razali Ibrahim, Wee Jeck Seng
Human Resources
Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam
Deputy: Datuk Maznah Mazlan
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri
Deputy: Datuk Tan Lian Hoe
Housing and Local Government
Datuk Kong Cho Ha
Deputy: Lajim Ukin
Women, Family and Community Development
Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil
Deputy: Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun
Foreign Affairs
Datuk Anifah Aman
Deputies: Datuk Lee Chee Leong, Senator A. Kohilan Pillai
Federal Territories
Datuk Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin
Deputy: Datuk M. Saravanan
I wish every best to the new Prime Minister and his line up to work hard for the country. Having to live in country like Japan, where Malaysia is left behind comparatively, make me strongly believe that the spirit of Malaysia Boleh should be instilled back to our citizen. Like the Japanese says, 'がんばってください’(ganbatte kudasai) when they are wishing somebody for the best of luck, although it is not directly translated as good luck, but wishing ones a hard work in what their do. Comparing our level with Japanese, do we have time to relax and stay left behind?
Some personal note:
1-I'm still reading Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore and enjoying it. I need to start reading some Japanese reading stuff, and I found Kitajima Kosuke's autobiography, 夢，はじまる。。 (Dream, Begin...) is a good read. Yes, I'm a big fan of Kitajima (although I am not really a swimmer myself, but everytime I see Kitajima's face, I feel spirited and bersemangat)
2-Attending the advance Japanese class make me even spirited to brush up my Japanese level to a more advance level. My lab mate, Tanaka-san said my Japanese is good, but I know that is not really true. There are still thousands of kanji that I don't understand and so many words that slowed down my conversation with my Japanese friend. がんばります！
3-So far, there are only four Malaysians in my campus, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa Campus, including me. And from these four, two of them are Malay (again including me). I've get the opportunity to mingle with the international student community here in my campus, and few of them are saxophone player. I always find saxophone as interesting and sexy. Maybe I should learn how to blow a sax than oboe since the variety of tunes the sax can fit in.
I used to have some perception regarding Japanese movie; they tend to be draggy, slow and monotonous. If they are scary type of movie, the ghost is easily predicted or recognized. A long rebonded hair is so Japanese type of spook. Or in general we can call it Asian type of ghost. If they're melancholic type of story, it must be one of the main cast is dying for serious illness. Yada yada yada.
I know about Okuribito long before I came to this land of Japan. I know it wins the Oscar. And I know Ryoko Hirosue is in it. But perception does influence me to temporize watching it. Although deep inside I do think it's gonna be a good watch.
And finally I downloaded it. And yes, now I know why they deserve the Oscar. It is like the same feeling when I first watched Volver (by Pedro Almodovar).
I do not want to further explain about the plot line and so on. Watch it yourself. I highly recommend it.
My favourite quote from Okuribito:
"Working here for a long time make me think
that death... is a gateway.
Death doesn't mean the end
but leaving the present, heading for the next stage.
Truly a gateway.
As a gatekeeper..
I've seen off many people
"Have a nice trip, and see you again"
I would say."
that death... is a gateway.
Death doesn't mean the end
but leaving the present, heading for the next stage.
Truly a gateway.
As a gatekeeper..
I've seen off many people
"Have a nice trip, and see you again"
I would say."
No, I am not busy. Maybe not yet. But to post something about what's on my mind is somehow kind of complicated. There are so many things in my mind right now that not easily composed in one complete essay. So, for the time being, let list it down to few points:
1. I love shinkansen (the bullet train). Contrary to popular belief and my own otherworldly mind, it is not really feel fast inside the train. Yes, you can still see the view from the window and read the letters from sign board and so on. But I believe the train runs fast from outside view.
2. I love Land Rover bicycle and I want it for my ride. Forget about Freelander folks. They are too pricey for my current financial flow right now, and I am going environmental. Not talking about saving another whales, but living eco-friendly life and stop releasing another CO2. Yeah, and I didn't even bother to switch off the light during Earth Hour campaign because I was totally forgotten that campaign. Sigh.
3. I have Konosuke Matsushita: His Life and Management Philosophy book to review (and to write report to Panasonic as well) and Kafka on the Shore by Murakami Haruki to read now. Finally. I have been hesitating to read Murakami's for almost 2 years because there's too much to read in my reading list and I just don't bother to read in train sometimes (back in my working life back then).
4. I listen to Ayumi Hamasaki new album, Next Level and Koda Kumi's Out Works and Collaboration recently. They're good.
5. I just downloaded Okuribito, the Japanese film who won the Oscar. Some of the cinemas here is still rolling it but I don't want to watch it alone and I don't want to spend another 1500 yen for it. And please somebody upload Talentime as soon as possible because I am desperately want to watch it too.
6. Another so called sustainability stuff. I love it when the bus driver here turned off the engines when they stopped in traffic light. That's super awesome. Malaysian (and the rest of the world too) should follow this good move.
I am extremely exhausted. Off to bed people. Have hanami date tomorrow.
1. I love shinkansen (the bullet train). Contrary to popular belief and my own otherworldly mind, it is not really feel fast inside the train. Yes, you can still see the view from the window and read the letters from sign board and so on. But I believe the train runs fast from outside view.
2. I love Land Rover bicycle and I want it for my ride. Forget about Freelander folks. They are too pricey for my current financial flow right now, and I am going environmental. Not talking about saving another whales, but living eco-friendly life and stop releasing another CO2. Yeah, and I didn't even bother to switch off the light during Earth Hour campaign because I was totally forgotten that campaign. Sigh.
3. I have Konosuke Matsushita: His Life and Management Philosophy book to review (and to write report to Panasonic as well) and Kafka on the Shore by Murakami Haruki to read now. Finally. I have been hesitating to read Murakami's for almost 2 years because there's too much to read in my reading list and I just don't bother to read in train sometimes (back in my working life back then).
4. I listen to Ayumi Hamasaki new album, Next Level and Koda Kumi's Out Works and Collaboration recently. They're good.
5. I just downloaded Okuribito, the Japanese film who won the Oscar. Some of the cinemas here is still rolling it but I don't want to watch it alone and I don't want to spend another 1500 yen for it. And please somebody upload Talentime as soon as possible because I am desperately want to watch it too.
6. Another so called sustainability stuff. I love it when the bus driver here turned off the engines when they stopped in traffic light. That's super awesome. Malaysian (and the rest of the world too) should follow this good move.
I am extremely exhausted. Off to bed people. Have hanami date tomorrow.
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