Somalia: Peace Talks Continues Smoothly

Somalia reconciliation conference has entered its fifth day with hundreds of clan. On On Sunday, at least three of Somalia's five clans expressed their answers about how to resolve the country's clan conflicts. And in the conference, other clans mentioned each opinion. So, it is reported the conference ended peacefully.

(All Afria.com Jul.23,2007)

I don't know the problem and conflict involved with peoples. And I think these problem and conflict continue and are serious. But accoding to this news, the situation is gradually become good and it is grad for me.

Thousands workers continue protest against Nike

Thousands of workers continued to plan protest because Nike has threatened to halt the contract with two local suppliers and said that they could not maintain the quality of Nike products. The ringleaders are the employee at these suppliers sealed Nike.

(The Jakarta Post Jul.23,2007)

I am interested in the strike happen all over the world even developing coutries. Because in my image, workers in developing coutries just accept jobs. Therefore resisting employer by these people against employers is remarkable for me.

Inodnesia to increase AIDS fiunding by 75 percent,mostly for Papua

Indonesia will increase the amount of money which spends on fighting AIDS and it focus on hardest-hit Papua province. This cost is 75 percent over the next three years. Indonesia has one of Asia's fastest growing HIV rates, so the number of infections is 290,000. Especially, Papua is serious. In Papua, the infections are 15 times the national average. The cause of them is mainly the lack of knowledge about HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

(The Jakarta Post July.20,2007)

I have heard the damege by spread of AIDS is serious in Southeast Asia, but actually many people suffer from this disease. I am sad because this situation is caused by lack of education. And. this lack is caused by porvety. I hope many people can live healthy as fast as possible.

Acient house trapping dug up at burial mound

A set of ornamental horse trappings dating back to the early sixth century was excavated at a burial mound in Tokyo. Expert who saw it said it was rare for ancient trappings to be found in such good condition.

(The Yomiuri Shimbun Jul.15,2007)

I wonder why the house trapping was found at graveyard. And as I wrote other article, I was surprised these old things remaining.

Edo-period Noh costume restored

A noh costume dating back to the edo period which preserved by the Kongo family of Nor actors was restored to its original splendor for first time in about 350 years. This costume was woven with tea-colored thread because its color-fading is less noticeable.


(The Yomiuri Shimbun Jul.19,2007)


Reading this article, first I was surprised at the costume 35o years ago remaining. And I was inmpressed device for leaving the brand new condtion.

Philadelphia Museum show opens in Kyoto

A exhibition of masterpieces by Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and other renowned artists from the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art was held in Kyoto. The exhibition provides an overview of the artistic trends of the late 19th century and early 20th century in 77 works loaned by the U.S. museum.

(Yomiuri ShimbunJul.14,2007)


I love seeing art, so I feel like to going this exhibition. And in Kyoto , we can see many traditional building and culture. If I can go to Kyoto, I will enjoy many art of Europe and Japan. It is nice.

Japanse living in Britain nervous over terrorist thereat

In Britain, the terrorism oftern happane. And recently, the car bomb attack in Glasgow. In this city, Shunsuke Nakamura, JApanese famous soccer player live in. So, many Japanese vitit there. So, many Japanese people live in Britain are afrade.

My friend go to homestay this summer and she says the Britain is very dangerous. So, I am worry.

(Yomiuri Shimbun Jul.3,2007 )

Sri Lanka promises to work on human rights problem

The Sri Lankan government plans to actively engage with the countries human rights by an independent organization. And the organization comprises oversea lawyer to monitor government investigation into alleged cases of human rights violations.

(The Yomiuri Shimbun Jul.1,2007)

I think most of the recent concerns are diplomacy, environment, terriorism and so on all over the world. So, I haven't seen the human rights topic for long time, but the human rights is one of the most important issues.

Abe,Bush to cooperate on environmental problems

The Japanese government and U.S. government decided to cooperate on global warming and other environmental problems. According this joint document(tentantively titled "energy security", they will be engaged in innovation technologies, for example the retention technology to contain CO2 in the ground. The their aim is making it easier for U.S. to join Post-Kyoto activities. U.S.'s participation will be important because he is the world's largest producer of greenhouse gases.




I wonder why U.S. starts to think about environmental problems. I think U.S. should do earlier. Though this cooperation is great and they rather think about these problems than war. I don't agree with their military convention. But I want to support the cooperation like the article.

Abe sent offering to Yasukuni

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent an offering of 50,000 yen for Yasukuni Shirine in an annual spring festival in last month. Then Abe became the first prime minister to make offering since Yasuhiro Nakasone.
About this action, chief cabinet secretary refrained from making comment. Also, he denied public money was used for Abe's offering.And within the government and ruling parties, there are various reaction. A party agree with offering, but another criticize it. Many people concern about diplomatic relation to China, Korea and other countries. And it is matter concerning the private capacity of Prime Minister.

(May.9,2007 DAILY YOMIURI)





This problem is difficult for me, but I think Prime Minister Abe should think. As a person, going to Yasukuni is good. But he is the head of Japan, if many people in other countries misunderstand, it is not good.
I don't know war, Yasukuni and history of aggression. So I can't show my position about this problem and should study these things.

Drama to showcase lay judge system

Ahead of introduction of lay judge system in 2009, a play will run from this month to July. The name of the play is "Tokyo District Court Criminal Trial No,201" , it is based on an actual court case. Audience will be given materials, such as written indictment and a plan of the crime scene. And when the play ends, they vote on wheater the defendant is guilty. The aim of the play is that audience come to know what challenges will be faced by lay judges by watching, thinking and deciding.

(May.9,2007 DAILY YOMIURI)




I think it is interesting. Many people may not know lay judge system in detail. So, waching the play and thinking about real cases is good chance for people. But I don't think the play is not practical. Because the play will not treat many cases, it is not limitless.

Aging Shinnkabuki-za theater to close, reopen in 2010

Aging Shinkabuki-za theater in Osaka is to close by the end of March 2010. At this theater, many kind of plays and other shows featuring enka singer or movie star were performed. The new theater will open in 2020 and host similar type of entertainment to the exsisting theater.
Sugi Ryotaro, who was main perfomer in the theater, said: I'm sentimental about the theater closing,but there is no choice as it's become too old. The Shinkabuki-za will be the Shinkabuki-za, where it is.

(May.3,2007 DAILY YOMIURI )




I am impressed Sugi's comment. Reading it, I feel what the theater is like for Osaka people or those who like plays.
First, I think the cause of the theater closing is that young people don't go to play, but actually, because of being decrepit. I think even this theater renew, it will be loved by many people from now on.