Okinawa 2 (I love Okinawa)

I visited Okinawa last month. Okinawa hosts 74 % of the U.S. bases on 0.6 % of the land. Despite overwhelming opposition, the Japanese government is taking the lead in efforts to build a new U.S. military base in Henoko Bay, emphasizing the deterrence value of the U.S. bases in Japan. Our policy makers want to proceed with the construction "shuku shuku to (calmly and solemnly)."
It is shockingly mindless and undemocratic to disregard the Okinawans' will. Here are some of useful websites on anti-U.S. base acitivities and protests (see the Japanese version – four of eleven sites are in English).

1. 辺野古（新基地阻止）基金
• [[http:tamutamu2011.kuronowish.com/sosikikin.htm|Tamu Tamu @ Kuro no wish]]
2. 辺野古への土砂搬出反対　協議会が発足
   （辺野古に埋め立てる土砂が足りず、多府県からけずって運搬する。すべては米軍のために　―　なんとも馬鹿げている）
• [[http:www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article.php?id=117820|Okinawa Times Journal]]
3. 映画が描く沖縄基地問題と日本の選択
• [[http:www.videonews.com/marugeki-talk/738/|Video News]]
4. 『戦場ぬ止み(いくさばぬとぅどぅみ)』劇場予告編
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo4nzhwdlx0|Youtube video]]
5. 三上智恵監督インタビュー
• [[http:rooftop.cc/interview/150523185939.php?page=3|Rooftop News]]
6. New Wave to Hope宮島玲子さんらの活動
• [[http:ja-jp.facebook.com/New.Wave.to.HOPE.okinawa|Facebook Japan News]]
7. 米軍基地はもういらない〜辺野古の海を守る人々
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYRhHcaof6w|Youtube video]]
8. チョムスキー氏「反基地に奮闘する県民、県政を強く支持」
• [[http:ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-243527-storytopic-3.html|Ryukyu Shimpo Journal]]
9. "All Japan" versus "All Okinawa" - Abe Shinzo's Military-Firstism 「オール・ジャパン」対「オール沖縄」　安倍晋三の軍事最優先主義
• [[http:japanfocus.org/-Gavan-McCormack/4299/article.html|Japan Focus Journal]]
10. Economics of U.S. base redevelopment sway Okinawa mindset
• [[http:www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/17/national/politics-diplomacy/economics-u-s-base-redevelopment-sway-okinawa-mindset/#.VWg8NFIppf6|Japan Times Journal]]
11. Looking at Flaws in the Henoko Landfill Permit Process from the Standpoint of the Right to Self-determination
• [[http:japanfocus.org/events/view/250|Japan Focus Journal]]

Kitano Takeshi’s Elementary Schools and Japanese Schools in Benin

About three months ago, I wrote a blog article on the children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Malawi and the importance of education as a critical instrument for social and economic development (or human development).  Admittedly, what I wrote may be too crazy or too utopian to be realized.
But, we humans sometimes think alike.  By chance, I learned about a Japanese guy who has already put the similar ideas into practice.  That is Mr. Takeshi Kitano (Beat Takeshi)!  What?! Is he an activist beside being a filmmaker and a comedian?
According to these Youtube, Takeshi Kitano used to have a TV show called “This is what is strange about the Japanese people.”  A hundred foreigners living in Japan were invited to voice their observations about weird and negative aspects of Nihon.  One of the guests was Mr. Zomahoun Idossou Rufin (known as Zomahon), from the Republic of Benin in West Africa.

That was how Zomahon met Takeshi twelve years ago or so.  With the help of Takeshi, Zomahon built four schools in his country including Takeshi’s Elementary School and Takeshi Japanese School.

In the school lunch program in Benin, according to Takeshi, it costs 25 yens (about 25 cents in the USA) and there are kids who can afford it and those who cannot afford it.  “It is cruel that those kids have to watch the others eating.” So, they have established a sort of child sponsorship.  Becoming a sponsor, a supporter in Japan receives a photograph of the child and vice versa, and that’s how they make a bond of friendship.

In their elementary schools, they provide free education and free lunch for kids.  They also help the local people to grow agricultural products.  Among the graduates from these schools, those who have mastered the language are sent to Japan, trained to be medical doctors and other professionals, and they work in Japan for certain years.  They eventually return to Benin and work for their country.

"Suppose, some kids succeed in graduating from universities and become important one day.  It is cool if s/he visits Japan to meet a person who has treated to lunches, isn't it?,” Beat Takeshi remarks.

In Youtube, you will see that some Beninese graduates prostrate themselves on the ground to show their gratitude.  Humble Takeshi seems to get self-conscious and in order to hide that, he makes a joke, “Zomahon sometimes does the same thing when we meet.  And, it makes me look bad like a bully!”

Okinawa 2 (I love Okinawa)

I visited Okinawa last month. Okinawa hosts 74 % of the U.S. bases on 0.6 % of the land. Despite overwhelming opposition, the Japanese government is taking the lead in efforts to build a new U.S. military base in Henoko Bay, emphasizing the deterrence value of the U.S. bases in Japan. Our policy makers want to proceed with the construction "shuku shuku to (calmly and solemnly)."
It is shockingly mindless and undemocratic to disregard the Okinawans' will. Here are some of useful websites on anti-U.S. base acitivities and protests (see the Japanese version – four of eleven sites are in English).

1. 辺野古（新基地阻止）基金
• [[http:tamutamu2011.kuronowish.com/sosikikin.htm|Tamu Tamu @ Kuro no wish]]
2. 辺野古への土砂搬出反対　協議会が発足
   （辺野古に埋め立てる土砂が足りず、多府県からけずって運搬する。すべては米軍のために　―　なんとも馬鹿げている）
• [[http:www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article.php?id=117820|Okinawa Times Journal]]
3. 映画が描く沖縄基地問題と日本の選択
• [[http:www.videonews.com/marugeki-talk/738/|Video News]]
4. 『戦場ぬ止み(いくさばぬとぅどぅみ)』劇場予告編
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo4nzhwdlx0|Youtube video]]
5. 三上智恵監督インタビュー
• [[http:rooftop.cc/interview/150523185939.php?page=3|Rooftop News]]
6. New Wave to Hope宮島玲子さんらの活動
• [[http:ja-jp.facebook.com/New.Wave.to.HOPE.okinawa|Facebook Japan News]]
7. 米軍基地はもういらない〜辺野古の海を守る人々
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYRhHcaof6w|Youtube video]]
8. チョムスキー氏「反基地に奮闘する県民、県政を強く支持」
• [[http:ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-243527-storytopic-3.html|Ryukyu Shimpo Journal]]
9. "All Japan" versus "All Okinawa" - Abe Shinzo's Military-Firstism 「オール・ジャパン」対「オール沖縄」　安倍晋三の軍事最優先主義
• [[http:japanfocus.org/-Gavan-McCormack/4299/article.html|Japan Focus Journal]]
10. Economics of U.S. base redevelopment sway Okinawa mindset
• [[http:www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/17/national/politics-diplomacy/economics-u-s-base-redevelopment-sway-okinawa-mindset/#.VWg8NFIppf6|Japan Times Journal]]
11. Looking at Flaws in the Henoko Landfill Permit Process from the Standpoint of the Right to Self-determination
• [[http:japanfocus.org/events/view/250|Japan Focus Journal]]

Kitano Takeshi’s Elementary Schools and Japanese Schools in Benin

About three months ago, I wrote a blog article on the children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Malawi and the importance of education as a critical instrument for social and economic development (or human development).  Admittedly, what I wrote may be too crazy or too utopian to be realized.
But, we humans sometimes think alike.  By chance, I learned about a Japanese guy who has already put the similar ideas into practice.  That is Mr. Takeshi Kitano (Beat Takeshi)!  What?! Is he an activist beside being a filmmaker and a comedian?
According to these Youtube, Takeshi Kitano used to have a TV show called “This is what is strange about the Japanese people.”  A hundred foreigners living in Japan were invited to voice their observations about weird and negative aspects of Nihon.  One of the guests was Mr. Zomahoun Idossou Rufin (known as Zomahon), from the Republic of Benin in West Africa.

That was how Zomahon met Takeshi twelve years ago or so.  With the help of Takeshi, Zomahon built four schools in his country including Takeshi’s Elementary School and Takeshi Japanese School.

In the school lunch program in Benin, according to Takeshi, it costs 25 yens (about 25 cents in the USA) and there are kids who can afford it and those who cannot afford it.  “It is cruel that those kids have to watch the others eating.” So, they have established a sort of child sponsorship.  Becoming a sponsor, a supporter in Japan receives a photograph of the child and vice versa, and that’s how they make a bond of friendship.

In their elementary schools, they provide free education and free lunch for kids.  They also help the local people to grow agricultural products.  Among the graduates from these schools, those who have mastered the language are sent to Japan, trained to be medical doctors and other professionals, and they work in Japan for certain years.  They eventually return to Benin and work for their country.

"Suppose, some kids succeed in graduating from universities and become important one day.  It is cool if s/he visits Japan to meet a person who has treated to lunches, isn't it?,” Beat Takeshi remarks.

In Youtube, you will see that some Beninese graduates prostrate themselves on the ground to show their gratitude.  Humble Takeshi seems to get self-conscious and in order to hide that, he makes a joke, “Zomahon sometimes does the same thing when we meet.  And, it makes me look bad like a bully!”

Okinawa 2 (I love Okinawa)

I visited Okinawa last month. Okinawa hosts 74 % of the U.S. bases on 0.6 % of the land. Despite overwhelming opposition, the Japanese government is taking the lead in efforts to build a new U.S. military base in Henoko Bay, emphasizing the deterrence value of the U.S. bases in Japan. Our policy makers want to proceed with the construction "shuku shuku to (calmly and solemnly)."
It is shockingly mindless and undemocratic to disregard the Okinawans' will. Here are some of useful websites on anti-U.S. base acitivities and protests (see the Japanese version – four of eleven sites are in English).

1. 辺野古（新基地阻止）基金
• [[http:tamutamu2011.kuronowish.com/sosikikin.htm|Tamu Tamu @ Kuro no wish]]
2. 辺野古への土砂搬出反対　協議会が発足
   （辺野古に埋め立てる土砂が足りず、多府県からけずって運搬する。すべては米軍のために　―　なんとも馬鹿げている）
• [[http:www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article.php?id=117820|Okinawa Times Journal]]
3. 映画が描く沖縄基地問題と日本の選択
• [[http:www.videonews.com/marugeki-talk/738/|Video News]]
4. 『戦場ぬ止み(いくさばぬとぅどぅみ)』劇場予告編
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo4nzhwdlx0|Youtube video]]
5. 三上智恵監督インタビュー
• [[http:rooftop.cc/interview/150523185939.php?page=3|Rooftop News]]
6. New Wave to Hope宮島玲子さんらの活動
• [[http:ja-jp.facebook.com/New.Wave.to.HOPE.okinawa|Facebook Japan News]]
7. 米軍基地はもういらない〜辺野古の海を守る人々
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYRhHcaof6w|Youtube video]]
8. チョムスキー氏「反基地に奮闘する県民、県政を強く支持」
• [[http:ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-243527-storytopic-3.html|Ryukyu Shimpo Journal]]
9. "All Japan" versus "All Okinawa" - Abe Shinzo's Military-Firstism 「オール・ジャパン」対「オール沖縄」　安倍晋三の軍事最優先主義
• [[http:japanfocus.org/-Gavan-McCormack/4299/article.html|Japan Focus Journal]]
10. Economics of U.S. base redevelopment sway Okinawa mindset
• [[http:www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/17/national/politics-diplomacy/economics-u-s-base-redevelopment-sway-okinawa-mindset/#.VWg8NFIppf6|Japan Times Journal]]
11. Looking at Flaws in the Henoko Landfill Permit Process from the Standpoint of the Right to Self-determination
• [[http:japanfocus.org/events/view/250|Japan Focus Journal]]

Kitano Takeshi’s Elementary Schools and Japanese Schools in Benin

About three months ago, I wrote a blog article on the children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Malawi and the importance of education as a critical instrument for social and economic development (or human development).  Admittedly, what I wrote may be too crazy or too utopian to be realized.
But, we humans sometimes think alike.  By chance, I learned about a Japanese guy who has already put the similar ideas into practice.  That is Mr. Takeshi Kitano (Beat Takeshi)!  What?! Is he an activist beside being a filmmaker and a comedian?
According to these Youtube, Takeshi Kitano used to have a TV show called “This is what is strange about the Japanese people.”  A hundred foreigners living in Japan were invited to voice their observations about weird and negative aspects of Nihon.  One of the guests was Mr. Zomahoun Idossou Rufin (known as Zomahon), from the Republic of Benin in West Africa.

That was how Zomahon met Takeshi twelve years ago or so.  With the help of Takeshi, Zomahon built four schools in his country including Takeshi’s Elementary School and Takeshi Japanese School.

In the school lunch program in Benin, according to Takeshi, it costs 25 yens (about 25 cents in the USA) and there are kids who can afford it and those who cannot afford it.  “It is cruel that those kids have to watch the others eating.” So, they have established a sort of child sponsorship.  Becoming a sponsor, a supporter in Japan receives a photograph of the child and vice versa, and that’s how they make a bond of friendship.

In their elementary schools, they provide free education and free lunch for kids.  They also help the local people to grow agricultural products.  Among the graduates from these schools, those who have mastered the language are sent to Japan, trained to be medical doctors and other professionals, and they work in Japan for certain years.  They eventually return to Benin and work for their country.

"Suppose, some kids succeed in graduating from universities and become important one day.  It is cool if s/he visits Japan to meet a person who has treated to lunches, isn't it?,” Beat Takeshi remarks.

In Youtube, you will see that some Beninese graduates prostrate themselves on the ground to show their gratitude.  Humble Takeshi seems to get self-conscious and in order to hide that, he makes a joke, “Zomahon sometimes does the same thing when we meet.  And, it makes me look bad like a bully!”

Okinawa 2 (I love Okinawa)

I visited Okinawa last month. Okinawa hosts 74 % of the U.S. bases on 0.6 % of the land. Despite overwhelming opposition, the Japanese government is taking the lead in efforts to build a new U.S. military base in Henoko Bay, emphasizing the deterrence value of the U.S. bases in Japan. Our policy makers want to proceed with the construction "shuku shuku to (calmly and solemnly)."
It is shockingly mindless and undemocratic to disregard the Okinawans' will. Here are some of useful websites on anti-U.S. base acitivities and protests (see the Japanese version – four of eleven sites are in English).

1. 辺野古（新基地阻止）基金
• [[http:tamutamu2011.kuronowish.com/sosikikin.htm|Tamu Tamu @ Kuro no wish]]
2. 辺野古への土砂搬出反対　協議会が発足
   （辺野古に埋め立てる土砂が足りず、多府県からけずって運搬する。すべては米軍のために　―　なんとも馬鹿げている）
• [[http:www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article.php?id=117820|Okinawa Times Journal]]
3. 映画が描く沖縄基地問題と日本の選択
• [[http:www.videonews.com/marugeki-talk/738/|Video News]]
4. 『戦場ぬ止み(いくさばぬとぅどぅみ)』劇場予告編
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo4nzhwdlx0|Youtube video]]
5. 三上智恵監督インタビュー
• [[http:rooftop.cc/interview/150523185939.php?page=3|Rooftop News]]
6. New Wave to Hope宮島玲子さんらの活動
• [[http:ja-jp.facebook.com/New.Wave.to.HOPE.okinawa|Facebook Japan News]]
7. 米軍基地はもういらない〜辺野古の海を守る人々
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYRhHcaof6w|Youtube video]]
8. チョムスキー氏「反基地に奮闘する県民、県政を強く支持」
• [[http:ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-243527-storytopic-3.html|Ryukyu Shimpo Journal]]
9. "All Japan" versus "All Okinawa" - Abe Shinzo's Military-Firstism 「オール・ジャパン」対「オール沖縄」　安倍晋三の軍事最優先主義
• [[http:japanfocus.org/-Gavan-McCormack/4299/article.html|Japan Focus Journal]]
10. Economics of U.S. base redevelopment sway Okinawa mindset
• [[http:www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/17/national/politics-diplomacy/economics-u-s-base-redevelopment-sway-okinawa-mindset/#.VWg8NFIppf6|Japan Times Journal]]
11. Looking at Flaws in the Henoko Landfill Permit Process from the Standpoint of the Right to Self-determination
• [[http:japanfocus.org/events/view/250|Japan Focus Journal]]

Kitano Takeshi’s Elementary Schools and Japanese Schools in Benin

About three months ago, I wrote a blog article on the children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Malawi and the importance of education as a critical instrument for social and economic development (or human development).  Admittedly, what I wrote may be too crazy or too utopian to be realized.
But, we humans sometimes think alike.  By chance, I learned about a Japanese guy who has already put the similar ideas into practice.  That is Mr. Takeshi Kitano (Beat Takeshi)!  What?! Is he an activist beside being a filmmaker and a comedian?
According to these Youtube, Takeshi Kitano used to have a TV show called “This is what is strange about the Japanese people.”  A hundred foreigners living in Japan were invited to voice their observations about weird and negative aspects of Nihon.  One of the guests was Mr. Zomahoun Idossou Rufin (known as Zomahon), from the Republic of Benin in West Africa.

That was how Zomahon met Takeshi twelve years ago or so.  With the help of Takeshi, Zomahon built four schools in his country including Takeshi’s Elementary School and Takeshi Japanese School.

In the school lunch program in Benin, according to Takeshi, it costs 25 yens (about 25 cents in the USA) and there are kids who can afford it and those who cannot afford it.  “It is cruel that those kids have to watch the others eating.” So, they have established a sort of child sponsorship.  Becoming a sponsor, a supporter in Japan receives a photograph of the child and vice versa, and that’s how they make a bond of friendship.

In their elementary schools, they provide free education and free lunch for kids.  They also help the local people to grow agricultural products.  Among the graduates from these schools, those who have mastered the language are sent to Japan, trained to be medical doctors and other professionals, and they work in Japan for certain years.  They eventually return to Benin and work for their country.

"Suppose, some kids succeed in graduating from universities and become important one day.  It is cool if s/he visits Japan to meet a person who has treated to lunches, isn't it?,” Beat Takeshi remarks.

In Youtube, you will see that some Beninese graduates prostrate themselves on the ground to show their gratitude.  Humble Takeshi seems to get self-conscious and in order to hide that, he makes a joke, “Zomahon sometimes does the same thing when we meet.  And, it makes me look bad like a bully!”

Okinawa 2 (I love Okinawa)

I visited Okinawa last month. Okinawa hosts 74 % of the U.S. bases on 0.6 % of the land. Despite overwhelming opposition, the Japanese government is taking the lead in efforts to build a new U.S. military base in Henoko Bay, emphasizing the deterrence value of the U.S. bases in Japan. Our policy makers want to proceed with the construction "shuku shuku to (calmly and solemnly)."
It is shockingly mindless and undemocratic to disregard the Okinawans' will. Here are some of useful websites on anti-U.S. base acitivities and protests (see the Japanese version – four of eleven sites are in English).

1. 辺野古（新基地阻止）基金
• [[http:tamutamu2011.kuronowish.com/sosikikin.htm|Tamu Tamu @ Kuro no wish]]
2. 辺野古への土砂搬出反対　協議会が発足
   （辺野古に埋め立てる土砂が足りず、多府県からけずって運搬する。すべては米軍のために　―　なんとも馬鹿げている）
• [[http:www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article.php?id=117820|Okinawa Times Journal]]
3. 映画が描く沖縄基地問題と日本の選択
• [[http:www.videonews.com/marugeki-talk/738/|Video News]]
4. 『戦場ぬ止み(いくさばぬとぅどぅみ)』劇場予告編
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo4nzhwdlx0|Youtube video]]
5. 三上智恵監督インタビュー
• [[http:rooftop.cc/interview/150523185939.php?page=3|Rooftop News]]
6. New Wave to Hope宮島玲子さんらの活動
• [[http:ja-jp.facebook.com/New.Wave.to.HOPE.okinawa|Facebook Japan News]]
7. 米軍基地はもういらない〜辺野古の海を守る人々
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYRhHcaof6w|Youtube video]]
8. チョムスキー氏「反基地に奮闘する県民、県政を強く支持」
• [[http:ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-243527-storytopic-3.html|Ryukyu Shimpo Journal]]
9. "All Japan" versus "All Okinawa" - Abe Shinzo's Military-Firstism 「オール・ジャパン」対「オール沖縄」　安倍晋三の軍事最優先主義
• [[http:japanfocus.org/-Gavan-McCormack/4299/article.html|Japan Focus Journal]]
10. Economics of U.S. base redevelopment sway Okinawa mindset
• [[http:www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/17/national/politics-diplomacy/economics-u-s-base-redevelopment-sway-okinawa-mindset/#.VWg8NFIppf6|Japan Times Journal]]
11. Looking at Flaws in the Henoko Landfill Permit Process from the Standpoint of the Right to Self-determination
• [[http:japanfocus.org/events/view/250|Japan Focus Journal]]

Kitano Takeshi’s Elementary Schools and Japanese Schools in Benin

About three months ago, I wrote a blog article on the children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Malawi and the importance of education as a critical instrument for social and economic development (or human development).  Admittedly, what I wrote may be too crazy or too utopian to be realized.
But, we humans sometimes think alike.  By chance, I learned about a Japanese guy who has already put the similar ideas into practice.  That is Mr. Takeshi Kitano (Beat Takeshi)!  What?! Is he an activist beside being a filmmaker and a comedian?
According to these Youtube, Takeshi Kitano used to have a TV show called “This is what is strange about the Japanese people.”  A hundred foreigners living in Japan were invited to voice their observations about weird and negative aspects of Nihon.  One of the guests was Mr. Zomahoun Idossou Rufin (known as Zomahon), from the Republic of Benin in West Africa.

That was how Zomahon met Takeshi twelve years ago or so.  With the help of Takeshi, Zomahon built four schools in his country including Takeshi’s Elementary School and Takeshi Japanese School.

In the school lunch program in Benin, according to Takeshi, it costs 25 yens (about 25 cents in the USA) and there are kids who can afford it and those who cannot afford it.  “It is cruel that those kids have to watch the others eating.” So, they have established a sort of child sponsorship.  Becoming a sponsor, a supporter in Japan receives a photograph of the child and vice versa, and that’s how they make a bond of friendship.

In their elementary schools, they provide free education and free lunch for kids.  They also help the local people to grow agricultural products.  Among the graduates from these schools, those who have mastered the language are sent to Japan, trained to be medical doctors and other professionals, and they work in Japan for certain years.  They eventually return to Benin and work for their country.

"Suppose, some kids succeed in graduating from universities and become important one day.  It is cool if s/he visits Japan to meet a person who has treated to lunches, isn't it?,” Beat Takeshi remarks.

In Youtube, you will see that some Beninese graduates prostrate themselves on the ground to show their gratitude.  Humble Takeshi seems to get self-conscious and in order to hide that, he makes a joke, “Zomahon sometimes does the same thing when we meet.  And, it makes me look bad like a bully!”

Okinawa 2 (I love Okinawa)

I visited Okinawa last month. Okinawa hosts 74 % of the U.S. bases on 0.6 % of the land. Despite overwhelming opposition, the Japanese government is taking the lead in efforts to build a new U.S. military base in Henoko Bay, emphasizing the deterrence value of the U.S. bases in Japan. Our policy makers want to proceed with the construction "shuku shuku to (calmly and solemnly)."
It is shockingly mindless and undemocratic to disregard the Okinawans' will. Here are some of useful websites on anti-U.S. base acitivities and protests (see the Japanese version – four of eleven sites are in English).

1. 辺野古（新基地阻止）基金
• [[http:tamutamu2011.kuronowish.com/sosikikin.htm|Tamu Tamu @ Kuro no wish]]
2. 辺野古への土砂搬出反対　協議会が発足
   （辺野古に埋め立てる土砂が足りず、多府県からけずって運搬する。すべては米軍のために　―　なんとも馬鹿げている）
• [[http:www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article.php?id=117820|Okinawa Times Journal]]
3. 映画が描く沖縄基地問題と日本の選択
• [[http:www.videonews.com/marugeki-talk/738/|Video News]]
4. 『戦場ぬ止み(いくさばぬとぅどぅみ)』劇場予告編
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo4nzhwdlx0|Youtube video]]
5. 三上智恵監督インタビュー
• [[http:rooftop.cc/interview/150523185939.php?page=3|Rooftop News]]
6. New Wave to Hope宮島玲子さんらの活動
• [[http:ja-jp.facebook.com/New.Wave.to.HOPE.okinawa|Facebook Japan News]]
7. 米軍基地はもういらない〜辺野古の海を守る人々
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYRhHcaof6w|Youtube video]]
8. チョムスキー氏「反基地に奮闘する県民、県政を強く支持」
• [[http:ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-243527-storytopic-3.html|Ryukyu Shimpo Journal]]
9. "All Japan" versus "All Okinawa" - Abe Shinzo's Military-Firstism 「オール・ジャパン」対「オール沖縄」　安倍晋三の軍事最優先主義
• [[http:japanfocus.org/-Gavan-McCormack/4299/article.html|Japan Focus Journal]]
10. Economics of U.S. base redevelopment sway Okinawa mindset
• [[http:www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/17/national/politics-diplomacy/economics-u-s-base-redevelopment-sway-okinawa-mindset/#.VWg8NFIppf6|Japan Times Journal]]
11. Looking at Flaws in the Henoko Landfill Permit Process from the Standpoint of the Right to Self-determination
• [[http:japanfocus.org/events/view/250|Japan Focus Journal]]

Kitano Takeshi’s Elementary Schools and Japanese Schools in Benin

About three months ago, I wrote a blog article on the children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Malawi and the importance of education as a critical instrument for social and economic development (or human development).  Admittedly, what I wrote may be too crazy or too utopian to be realized.
But, we humans sometimes think alike.  By chance, I learned about a Japanese guy who has already put the similar ideas into practice.  That is Mr. Takeshi Kitano (Beat Takeshi)!  What?! Is he an activist beside being a filmmaker and a comedian?
According to these Youtube, Takeshi Kitano used to have a TV show called “This is what is strange about the Japanese people.”  A hundred foreigners living in Japan were invited to voice their observations about weird and negative aspects of Nihon.  One of the guests was Mr. Zomahoun Idossou Rufin (known as Zomahon), from the Republic of Benin in West Africa.

That was how Zomahon met Takeshi twelve years ago or so.  With the help of Takeshi, Zomahon built four schools in his country including Takeshi’s Elementary School and Takeshi Japanese School.

In the school lunch program in Benin, according to Takeshi, it costs 25 yens (about 25 cents in the USA) and there are kids who can afford it and those who cannot afford it.  “It is cruel that those kids have to watch the others eating.” So, they have established a sort of child sponsorship.  Becoming a sponsor, a supporter in Japan receives a photograph of the child and vice versa, and that’s how they make a bond of friendship.

In their elementary schools, they provide free education and free lunch for kids.  They also help the local people to grow agricultural products.  Among the graduates from these schools, those who have mastered the language are sent to Japan, trained to be medical doctors and other professionals, and they work in Japan for certain years.  They eventually return to Benin and work for their country.

"Suppose, some kids succeed in graduating from universities and become important one day.  It is cool if s/he visits Japan to meet a person who has treated to lunches, isn't it?,” Beat Takeshi remarks.

In Youtube, you will see that some Beninese graduates prostrate themselves on the ground to show their gratitude.  Humble Takeshi seems to get self-conscious and in order to hide that, he makes a joke, “Zomahon sometimes does the same thing when we meet.  And, it makes me look bad like a bully!”

Okinawa 2 (I love Okinawa)

I visited Okinawa last month. Okinawa hosts 74 % of the U.S. bases on 0.6 % of the land. Despite overwhelming opposition, the Japanese government is taking the lead in efforts to build a new U.S. military base in Henoko Bay, emphasizing the deterrence value of the U.S. bases in Japan. Our policy makers want to proceed with the construction "shuku shuku to (calmly and solemnly)."
It is shockingly mindless and undemocratic to disregard the Okinawans' will. Here are some of useful websites on anti-U.S. base acitivities and protests (see the Japanese version – four of eleven sites are in English).

1. 辺野古（新基地阻止）基金
• [[http:tamutamu2011.kuronowish.com/sosikikin.htm|Tamu Tamu @ Kuro no wish]]
2. 辺野古への土砂搬出反対　協議会が発足
   （辺野古に埋め立てる土砂が足りず、多府県からけずって運搬する。すべては米軍のために　―　なんとも馬鹿げている）
• [[http:www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article.php?id=117820|Okinawa Times Journal]]
3. 映画が描く沖縄基地問題と日本の選択
• [[http:www.videonews.com/marugeki-talk/738/|Video News]]
4. 『戦場ぬ止み(いくさばぬとぅどぅみ)』劇場予告編
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo4nzhwdlx0|Youtube video]]
5. 三上智恵監督インタビュー
• [[http:rooftop.cc/interview/150523185939.php?page=3|Rooftop News]]
6. New Wave to Hope宮島玲子さんらの活動
• [[http:ja-jp.facebook.com/New.Wave.to.HOPE.okinawa|Facebook Japan News]]
7. 米軍基地はもういらない〜辺野古の海を守る人々
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYRhHcaof6w|Youtube video]]
8. チョムスキー氏「反基地に奮闘する県民、県政を強く支持」
• [[http:ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-243527-storytopic-3.html|Ryukyu Shimpo Journal]]
9. "All Japan" versus "All Okinawa" - Abe Shinzo's Military-Firstism 「オール・ジャパン」対「オール沖縄」　安倍晋三の軍事最優先主義
• [[http:japanfocus.org/-Gavan-McCormack/4299/article.html|Japan Focus Journal]]
10. Economics of U.S. base redevelopment sway Okinawa mindset
• [[http:www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/17/national/politics-diplomacy/economics-u-s-base-redevelopment-sway-okinawa-mindset/#.VWg8NFIppf6|Japan Times Journal]]
11. Looking at Flaws in the Henoko Landfill Permit Process from the Standpoint of the Right to Self-determination
• [[http:japanfocus.org/events/view/250|Japan Focus Journal]]

Kitano Takeshi’s Elementary Schools and Japanese Schools in Benin

About three months ago, I wrote a blog article on the children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Malawi and the importance of education as a critical instrument for social and economic development (or human development).  Admittedly, what I wrote may be too crazy or too utopian to be realized.
But, we humans sometimes think alike.  By chance, I learned about a Japanese guy who has already put the similar ideas into practice.  That is Mr. Takeshi Kitano (Beat Takeshi)!  What?! Is he an activist beside being a filmmaker and a comedian?
According to these Youtube, Takeshi Kitano used to have a TV show called “This is what is strange about the Japanese people.”  A hundred foreigners living in Japan were invited to voice their observations about weird and negative aspects of Nihon.  One of the guests was Mr. Zomahoun Idossou Rufin (known as Zomahon), from the Republic of Benin in West Africa.

That was how Zomahon met Takeshi twelve years ago or so.  With the help of Takeshi, Zomahon built four schools in his country including Takeshi’s Elementary School and Takeshi Japanese School.

In the school lunch program in Benin, according to Takeshi, it costs 25 yens (about 25 cents in the USA) and there are kids who can afford it and those who cannot afford it.  “It is cruel that those kids have to watch the others eating.” So, they have established a sort of child sponsorship.  Becoming a sponsor, a supporter in Japan receives a photograph of the child and vice versa, and that’s how they make a bond of friendship.

In their elementary schools, they provide free education and free lunch for kids.  They also help the local people to grow agricultural products.  Among the graduates from these schools, those who have mastered the language are sent to Japan, trained to be medical doctors and other professionals, and they work in Japan for certain years.  They eventually return to Benin and work for their country.

"Suppose, some kids succeed in graduating from universities and become important one day.  It is cool if s/he visits Japan to meet a person who has treated to lunches, isn't it?,” Beat Takeshi remarks.

In Youtube, you will see that some Beninese graduates prostrate themselves on the ground to show their gratitude.  Humble Takeshi seems to get self-conscious and in order to hide that, he makes a joke, “Zomahon sometimes does the same thing when we meet.  And, it makes me look bad like a bully!”

Okinawa 2 (I love Okinawa)

I visited Okinawa last month. Okinawa hosts 74 % of the U.S. bases on 0.6 % of the land. Despite overwhelming opposition, the Japanese government is taking the lead in efforts to build a new U.S. military base in Henoko Bay, emphasizing the deterrence value of the U.S. bases in Japan. Our policy makers want to proceed with the construction "shuku shuku to (calmly and solemnly)."
It is shockingly mindless and undemocratic to disregard the Okinawans' will. Here are some of useful websites on anti-U.S. base acitivities and protests (see the Japanese version – four of eleven sites are in English).

1. 辺野古（新基地阻止）基金
• [[http:tamutamu2011.kuronowish.com/sosikikin.htm|Tamu Tamu @ Kuro no wish]]
2. 辺野古への土砂搬出反対　協議会が発足
   （辺野古に埋め立てる土砂が足りず、多府県からけずって運搬する。すべては米軍のために　―　なんとも馬鹿げている）
• [[http:www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article.php?id=117820|Okinawa Times Journal]]
3. 映画が描く沖縄基地問題と日本の選択
• [[http:www.videonews.com/marugeki-talk/738/|Video News]]
4. 『戦場ぬ止み(いくさばぬとぅどぅみ)』劇場予告編
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo4nzhwdlx0|Youtube video]]
5. 三上智恵監督インタビュー
• [[http:rooftop.cc/interview/150523185939.php?page=3|Rooftop News]]
6. New Wave to Hope宮島玲子さんらの活動
• [[http:ja-jp.facebook.com/New.Wave.to.HOPE.okinawa|Facebook Japan News]]
7. 米軍基地はもういらない〜辺野古の海を守る人々
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYRhHcaof6w|Youtube video]]
8. チョムスキー氏「反基地に奮闘する県民、県政を強く支持」
• [[http:ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-243527-storytopic-3.html|Ryukyu Shimpo Journal]]
9. "All Japan" versus "All Okinawa" - Abe Shinzo's Military-Firstism 「オール・ジャパン」対「オール沖縄」　安倍晋三の軍事最優先主義
• [[http:japanfocus.org/-Gavan-McCormack/4299/article.html|Japan Focus Journal]]
10. Economics of U.S. base redevelopment sway Okinawa mindset
• [[http:www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/17/national/politics-diplomacy/economics-u-s-base-redevelopment-sway-okinawa-mindset/#.VWg8NFIppf6|Japan Times Journal]]
11. Looking at Flaws in the Henoko Landfill Permit Process from the Standpoint of the Right to Self-determination
• [[http:japanfocus.org/events/view/250|Japan Focus Journal]]

Kitano Takeshi’s Elementary Schools and Japanese Schools in Benin

About three months ago, I wrote a blog article on the children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Malawi and the importance of education as a critical instrument for social and economic development (or human development).  Admittedly, what I wrote may be too crazy or too utopian to be realized.
But, we humans sometimes think alike.  By chance, I learned about a Japanese guy who has already put the similar ideas into practice.  That is Mr. Takeshi Kitano (Beat Takeshi)!  What?! Is he an activist beside being a filmmaker and a comedian?
According to these Youtube, Takeshi Kitano used to have a TV show called “This is what is strange about the Japanese people.”  A hundred foreigners living in Japan were invited to voice their observations about weird and negative aspects of Nihon.  One of the guests was Mr. Zomahoun Idossou Rufin (known as Zomahon), from the Republic of Benin in West Africa.

That was how Zomahon met Takeshi twelve years ago or so.  With the help of Takeshi, Zomahon built four schools in his country including Takeshi’s Elementary School and Takeshi Japanese School.

In the school lunch program in Benin, according to Takeshi, it costs 25 yens (about 25 cents in the USA) and there are kids who can afford it and those who cannot afford it.  “It is cruel that those kids have to watch the others eating.” So, they have established a sort of child sponsorship.  Becoming a sponsor, a supporter in Japan receives a photograph of the child and vice versa, and that’s how they make a bond of friendship.

In their elementary schools, they provide free education and free lunch for kids.  They also help the local people to grow agricultural products.  Among the graduates from these schools, those who have mastered the language are sent to Japan, trained to be medical doctors and other professionals, and they work in Japan for certain years.  They eventually return to Benin and work for their country.

"Suppose, some kids succeed in graduating from universities and become important one day.  It is cool if s/he visits Japan to meet a person who has treated to lunches, isn't it?,” Beat Takeshi remarks.

In Youtube, you will see that some Beninese graduates prostrate themselves on the ground to show their gratitude.  Humble Takeshi seems to get self-conscious and in order to hide that, he makes a joke, “Zomahon sometimes does the same thing when we meet.  And, it makes me look bad like a bully!”

Okinawa 2 (I love Okinawa)

I visited Okinawa last month. Okinawa hosts 74 % of the U.S. bases on 0.6 % of the land. Despite overwhelming opposition, the Japanese government is taking the lead in efforts to build a new U.S. military base in Henoko Bay, emphasizing the deterrence value of the U.S. bases in Japan. Our policy makers want to proceed with the construction "shuku shuku to (calmly and solemnly)."
It is shockingly mindless and undemocratic to disregard the Okinawans' will. Here are some of useful websites on anti-U.S. base acitivities and protests (see the Japanese version – four of eleven sites are in English).

1. 辺野古（新基地阻止）基金
• [[http:tamutamu2011.kuronowish.com/sosikikin.htm|Tamu Tamu @ Kuro no wish]]
2. 辺野古への土砂搬出反対　協議会が発足
   （辺野古に埋め立てる土砂が足りず、多府県からけずって運搬する。すべては米軍のために　―　なんとも馬鹿げている）
• [[http:www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article.php?id=117820|Okinawa Times Journal]]
3. 映画が描く沖縄基地問題と日本の選択
• [[http:www.videonews.com/marugeki-talk/738/|Video News]]
4. 『戦場ぬ止み(いくさばぬとぅどぅみ)』劇場予告編
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo4nzhwdlx0|Youtube video]]
5. 三上智恵監督インタビュー
• [[http:rooftop.cc/interview/150523185939.php?page=3|Rooftop News]]
6. New Wave to Hope宮島玲子さんらの活動
• [[http:ja-jp.facebook.com/New.Wave.to.HOPE.okinawa|Facebook Japan News]]
7. 米軍基地はもういらない〜辺野古の海を守る人々
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYRhHcaof6w|Youtube video]]
8. チョムスキー氏「反基地に奮闘する県民、県政を強く支持」
• [[http:ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-243527-storytopic-3.html|Ryukyu Shimpo Journal]]
9. "All Japan" versus "All Okinawa" - Abe Shinzo's Military-Firstism 「オール・ジャパン」対「オール沖縄」　安倍晋三の軍事最優先主義
• [[http:japanfocus.org/-Gavan-McCormack/4299/article.html|Japan Focus Journal]]
10. Economics of U.S. base redevelopment sway Okinawa mindset
• [[http:www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/17/national/politics-diplomacy/economics-u-s-base-redevelopment-sway-okinawa-mindset/#.VWg8NFIppf6|Japan Times Journal]]
11. Looking at Flaws in the Henoko Landfill Permit Process from the Standpoint of the Right to Self-determination
• [[http:japanfocus.org/events/view/250|Japan Focus Journal]]

Kitano Takeshi’s Elementary Schools and Japanese Schools in Benin

About three months ago, I wrote a blog article on the children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Malawi and the importance of education as a critical instrument for social and economic development (or human development).  Admittedly, what I wrote may be too crazy or too utopian to be realized.
But, we humans sometimes think alike.  By chance, I learned about a Japanese guy who has already put the similar ideas into practice.  That is Mr. Takeshi Kitano (Beat Takeshi)!  What?! Is he an activist beside being a filmmaker and a comedian?
According to these Youtube, Takeshi Kitano used to have a TV show called “This is what is strange about the Japanese people.”  A hundred foreigners living in Japan were invited to voice their observations about weird and negative aspects of Nihon.  One of the guests was Mr. Zomahoun Idossou Rufin (known as Zomahon), from the Republic of Benin in West Africa.

That was how Zomahon met Takeshi twelve years ago or so.  With the help of Takeshi, Zomahon built four schools in his country including Takeshi’s Elementary School and Takeshi Japanese School.

In the school lunch program in Benin, according to Takeshi, it costs 25 yens (about 25 cents in the USA) and there are kids who can afford it and those who cannot afford it.  “It is cruel that those kids have to watch the others eating.” So, they have established a sort of child sponsorship.  Becoming a sponsor, a supporter in Japan receives a photograph of the child and vice versa, and that’s how they make a bond of friendship.

In their elementary schools, they provide free education and free lunch for kids.  They also help the local people to grow agricultural products.  Among the graduates from these schools, those who have mastered the language are sent to Japan, trained to be medical doctors and other professionals, and they work in Japan for certain years.  They eventually return to Benin and work for their country.

"Suppose, some kids succeed in graduating from universities and become important one day.  It is cool if s/he visits Japan to meet a person who has treated to lunches, isn't it?,” Beat Takeshi remarks.

In Youtube, you will see that some Beninese graduates prostrate themselves on the ground to show their gratitude.  Humble Takeshi seems to get self-conscious and in order to hide that, he makes a joke, “Zomahon sometimes does the same thing when we meet.  And, it makes me look bad like a bully!”

Okinawa 2 (I love Okinawa)

I visited Okinawa last month. Okinawa hosts 74 % of the U.S. bases on 0.6 % of the land. Despite overwhelming opposition, the Japanese government is taking the lead in efforts to build a new U.S. military base in Henoko Bay, emphasizing the deterrence value of the U.S. bases in Japan. Our policy makers want to proceed with the construction "shuku shuku to (calmly and solemnly)."
It is shockingly mindless and undemocratic to disregard the Okinawans' will. Here are some of useful websites on anti-U.S. base acitivities and protests (see the Japanese version – four of eleven sites are in English).

1. 辺野古（新基地阻止）基金
• [[http:tamutamu2011.kuronowish.com/sosikikin.htm|Tamu Tamu @ Kuro no wish]]
2. 辺野古への土砂搬出反対　協議会が発足
   （辺野古に埋め立てる土砂が足りず、多府県からけずって運搬する。すべては米軍のために　―　なんとも馬鹿げている）
• [[http:www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article.php?id=117820|Okinawa Times Journal]]
3. 映画が描く沖縄基地問題と日本の選択
• [[http:www.videonews.com/marugeki-talk/738/|Video News]]
4. 『戦場ぬ止み(いくさばぬとぅどぅみ)』劇場予告編
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo4nzhwdlx0|Youtube video]]
5. 三上智恵監督インタビュー
• [[http:rooftop.cc/interview/150523185939.php?page=3|Rooftop News]]
6. New Wave to Hope宮島玲子さんらの活動
• [[http:ja-jp.facebook.com/New.Wave.to.HOPE.okinawa|Facebook Japan News]]
7. 米軍基地はもういらない〜辺野古の海を守る人々
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYRhHcaof6w|Youtube video]]
8. チョムスキー氏「反基地に奮闘する県民、県政を強く支持」
• [[http:ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-243527-storytopic-3.html|Ryukyu Shimpo Journal]]
9. "All Japan" versus "All Okinawa" - Abe Shinzo's Military-Firstism 「オール・ジャパン」対「オール沖縄」　安倍晋三の軍事最優先主義
• [[http:japanfocus.org/-Gavan-McCormack/4299/article.html|Japan Focus Journal]]
10. Economics of U.S. base redevelopment sway Okinawa mindset
• [[http:www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/17/national/politics-diplomacy/economics-u-s-base-redevelopment-sway-okinawa-mindset/#.VWg8NFIppf6|Japan Times Journal]]
11. Looking at Flaws in the Henoko Landfill Permit Process from the Standpoint of the Right to Self-determination
• [[http:japanfocus.org/events/view/250|Japan Focus Journal]]

Kitano Takeshi’s Elementary Schools and Japanese Schools in Benin

About three months ago, I wrote a blog article on the children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Malawi and the importance of education as a critical instrument for social and economic development (or human development).  Admittedly, what I wrote may be too crazy or too utopian to be realized.
But, we humans sometimes think alike.  By chance, I learned about a Japanese guy who has already put the similar ideas into practice.  That is Mr. Takeshi Kitano (Beat Takeshi)!  What?! Is he an activist beside being a filmmaker and a comedian?
According to these Youtube, Takeshi Kitano used to have a TV show called “This is what is strange about the Japanese people.”  A hundred foreigners living in Japan were invited to voice their observations about weird and negative aspects of Nihon.  One of the guests was Mr. Zomahoun Idossou Rufin (known as Zomahon), from the Republic of Benin in West Africa.

That was how Zomahon met Takeshi twelve years ago or so.  With the help of Takeshi, Zomahon built four schools in his country including Takeshi’s Elementary School and Takeshi Japanese School.

In the school lunch program in Benin, according to Takeshi, it costs 25 yens (about 25 cents in the USA) and there are kids who can afford it and those who cannot afford it.  “It is cruel that those kids have to watch the others eating.” So, they have established a sort of child sponsorship.  Becoming a sponsor, a supporter in Japan receives a photograph of the child and vice versa, and that’s how they make a bond of friendship.

In their elementary schools, they provide free education and free lunch for kids.  They also help the local people to grow agricultural products.  Among the graduates from these schools, those who have mastered the language are sent to Japan, trained to be medical doctors and other professionals, and they work in Japan for certain years.  They eventually return to Benin and work for their country.

"Suppose, some kids succeed in graduating from universities and become important one day.  It is cool if s/he visits Japan to meet a person who has treated to lunches, isn't it?,” Beat Takeshi remarks.

In Youtube, you will see that some Beninese graduates prostrate themselves on the ground to show their gratitude.  Humble Takeshi seems to get self-conscious and in order to hide that, he makes a joke, “Zomahon sometimes does the same thing when we meet.  And, it makes me look bad like a bully!”

Okinawa 2 (I love Okinawa)

I visited Okinawa last month. Okinawa hosts 74 % of the U.S. bases on 0.6 % of the land. Despite overwhelming opposition, the Japanese government is taking the lead in efforts to build a new U.S. military base in Henoko Bay, emphasizing the deterrence value of the U.S. bases in Japan. Our policy makers want to proceed with the construction "shuku shuku to (calmly and solemnly)."
It is shockingly mindless and undemocratic to disregard the Okinawans' will. Here are some of useful websites on anti-U.S. base acitivities and protests (see the Japanese version – four of eleven sites are in English).

1. 辺野古（新基地阻止）基金
• [[http:tamutamu2011.kuronowish.com/sosikikin.htm|Tamu Tamu @ Kuro no wish]]
2. 辺野古への土砂搬出反対　協議会が発足
   （辺野古に埋め立てる土砂が足りず、多府県からけずって運搬する。すべては米軍のために　―　なんとも馬鹿げている）
• [[http:www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article.php?id=117820|Okinawa Times Journal]]
3. 映画が描く沖縄基地問題と日本の選択
• [[http:www.videonews.com/marugeki-talk/738/|Video News]]
4. 『戦場ぬ止み(いくさばぬとぅどぅみ)』劇場予告編
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo4nzhwdlx0|Youtube video]]
5. 三上智恵監督インタビュー
• [[http:rooftop.cc/interview/150523185939.php?page=3|Rooftop News]]
6. New Wave to Hope宮島玲子さんらの活動
• [[http:ja-jp.facebook.com/New.Wave.to.HOPE.okinawa|Facebook Japan News]]
7. 米軍基地はもういらない〜辺野古の海を守る人々
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYRhHcaof6w|Youtube video]]
8. チョムスキー氏「反基地に奮闘する県民、県政を強く支持」
• [[http:ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-243527-storytopic-3.html|Ryukyu Shimpo Journal]]
9. "All Japan" versus "All Okinawa" - Abe Shinzo's Military-Firstism 「オール・ジャパン」対「オール沖縄」　安倍晋三の軍事最優先主義
• [[http:japanfocus.org/-Gavan-McCormack/4299/article.html|Japan Focus Journal]]
10. Economics of U.S. base redevelopment sway Okinawa mindset
• [[http:www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/17/national/politics-diplomacy/economics-u-s-base-redevelopment-sway-okinawa-mindset/#.VWg8NFIppf6|Japan Times Journal]]
11. Looking at Flaws in the Henoko Landfill Permit Process from the Standpoint of the Right to Self-determination
• [[http:japanfocus.org/events/view/250|Japan Focus Journal]]

Kitano Takeshi’s Elementary Schools and Japanese Schools in Benin

About three months ago, I wrote a blog article on the children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Malawi and the importance of education as a critical instrument for social and economic development (or human development).  Admittedly, what I wrote may be too crazy or too utopian to be realized.
But, we humans sometimes think alike.  By chance, I learned about a Japanese guy who has already put the similar ideas into practice.  That is Mr. Takeshi Kitano (Beat Takeshi)!  What?! Is he an activist beside being a filmmaker and a comedian?
According to these Youtube, Takeshi Kitano used to have a TV show called “This is what is strange about the Japanese people.”  A hundred foreigners living in Japan were invited to voice their observations about weird and negative aspects of Nihon.  One of the guests was Mr. Zomahoun Idossou Rufin (known as Zomahon), from the Republic of Benin in West Africa.

That was how Zomahon met Takeshi twelve years ago or so.  With the help of Takeshi, Zomahon built four schools in his country including Takeshi’s Elementary School and Takeshi Japanese School.

In the school lunch program in Benin, according to Takeshi, it costs 25 yens (about 25 cents in the USA) and there are kids who can afford it and those who cannot afford it.  “It is cruel that those kids have to watch the others eating.” So, they have established a sort of child sponsorship.  Becoming a sponsor, a supporter in Japan receives a photograph of the child and vice versa, and that’s how they make a bond of friendship.

In their elementary schools, they provide free education and free lunch for kids.  They also help the local people to grow agricultural products.  Among the graduates from these schools, those who have mastered the language are sent to Japan, trained to be medical doctors and other professionals, and they work in Japan for certain years.  They eventually return to Benin and work for their country.

"Suppose, some kids succeed in graduating from universities and become important one day.  It is cool if s/he visits Japan to meet a person who has treated to lunches, isn't it?,” Beat Takeshi remarks.

In Youtube, you will see that some Beninese graduates prostrate themselves on the ground to show their gratitude.  Humble Takeshi seems to get self-conscious and in order to hide that, he makes a joke, “Zomahon sometimes does the same thing when we meet.  And, it makes me look bad like a bully!”

Okinawa 2 (I love Okinawa)

I visited Okinawa last month. Okinawa hosts 74 % of the U.S. bases on 0.6 % of the land. Despite overwhelming opposition, the Japanese government is taking the lead in efforts to build a new U.S. military base in Henoko Bay, emphasizing the deterrence value of the U.S. bases in Japan. Our policy makers want to proceed with the construction "shuku shuku to (calmly and solemnly)."
It is shockingly mindless and undemocratic to disregard the Okinawans' will. Here are some of useful websites on anti-U.S. base acitivities and protests (see the Japanese version – four of eleven sites are in English).

1. 辺野古（新基地阻止）基金
• [[http:tamutamu2011.kuronowish.com/sosikikin.htm|Tamu Tamu @ Kuro no wish]]
2. 辺野古への土砂搬出反対　協議会が発足
   （辺野古に埋め立てる土砂が足りず、多府県からけずって運搬する。すべては米軍のために　―　なんとも馬鹿げている）
• [[http:www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article.php?id=117820|Okinawa Times Journal]]
3. 映画が描く沖縄基地問題と日本の選択
• [[http:www.videonews.com/marugeki-talk/738/|Video News]]
4. 『戦場ぬ止み(いくさばぬとぅどぅみ)』劇場予告編
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo4nzhwdlx0|Youtube video]]
5. 三上智恵監督インタビュー
• [[http:rooftop.cc/interview/150523185939.php?page=3|Rooftop News]]
6. New Wave to Hope宮島玲子さんらの活動
• [[http:ja-jp.facebook.com/New.Wave.to.HOPE.okinawa|Facebook Japan News]]
7. 米軍基地はもういらない〜辺野古の海を守る人々
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYRhHcaof6w|Youtube video]]
8. チョムスキー氏「反基地に奮闘する県民、県政を強く支持」
• [[http:ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-243527-storytopic-3.html|Ryukyu Shimpo Journal]]
9. "All Japan" versus "All Okinawa" - Abe Shinzo's Military-Firstism 「オール・ジャパン」対「オール沖縄」　安倍晋三の軍事最優先主義
• [[http:japanfocus.org/-Gavan-McCormack/4299/article.html|Japan Focus Journal]]
10. Economics of U.S. base redevelopment sway Okinawa mindset
• [[http:www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/17/national/politics-diplomacy/economics-u-s-base-redevelopment-sway-okinawa-mindset/#.VWg8NFIppf6|Japan Times Journal]]
11. Looking at Flaws in the Henoko Landfill Permit Process from the Standpoint of the Right to Self-determination
• [[http:japanfocus.org/events/view/250|Japan Focus Journal]]

Kitano Takeshi’s Elementary Schools and Japanese Schools in Benin

About three months ago, I wrote a blog article on the children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Malawi and the importance of education as a critical instrument for social and economic development (or human development).  Admittedly, what I wrote may be too crazy or too utopian to be realized.
But, we humans sometimes think alike.  By chance, I learned about a Japanese guy who has already put the similar ideas into practice.  That is Mr. Takeshi Kitano (Beat Takeshi)!  What?! Is he an activist beside being a filmmaker and a comedian?
According to these Youtube, Takeshi Kitano used to have a TV show called “This is what is strange about the Japanese people.”  A hundred foreigners living in Japan were invited to voice their observations about weird and negative aspects of Nihon.  One of the guests was Mr. Zomahoun Idossou Rufin (known as Zomahon), from the Republic of Benin in West Africa.

That was how Zomahon met Takeshi twelve years ago or so.  With the help of Takeshi, Zomahon built four schools in his country including Takeshi’s Elementary School and Takeshi Japanese School.

In the school lunch program in Benin, according to Takeshi, it costs 25 yens (about 25 cents in the USA) and there are kids who can afford it and those who cannot afford it.  “It is cruel that those kids have to watch the others eating.” So, they have established a sort of child sponsorship.  Becoming a sponsor, a supporter in Japan receives a photograph of the child and vice versa, and that’s how they make a bond of friendship.

In their elementary schools, they provide free education and free lunch for kids.  They also help the local people to grow agricultural products.  Among the graduates from these schools, those who have mastered the language are sent to Japan, trained to be medical doctors and other professionals, and they work in Japan for certain years.  They eventually return to Benin and work for their country.

"Suppose, some kids succeed in graduating from universities and become important one day.  It is cool if s/he visits Japan to meet a person who has treated to lunches, isn't it?,” Beat Takeshi remarks.

In Youtube, you will see that some Beninese graduates prostrate themselves on the ground to show their gratitude.  Humble Takeshi seems to get self-conscious and in order to hide that, he makes a joke, “Zomahon sometimes does the same thing when we meet.  And, it makes me look bad like a bully!”

Okinawa 2 (I love Okinawa)

I visited Okinawa last month. Okinawa hosts 74 % of the U.S. bases on 0.6 % of the land. Despite overwhelming opposition, the Japanese government is taking the lead in efforts to build a new U.S. military base in Henoko Bay, emphasizing the deterrence value of the U.S. bases in Japan. Our policy makers want to proceed with the construction "shuku shuku to (calmly and solemnly)."
It is shockingly mindless and undemocratic to disregard the Okinawans' will. Here are some of useful websites on anti-U.S. base acitivities and protests (see the Japanese version – four of eleven sites are in English).

1. 辺野古（新基地阻止）基金
• [[http:tamutamu2011.kuronowish.com/sosikikin.htm|Tamu Tamu @ Kuro no wish]]
2. 辺野古への土砂搬出反対　協議会が発足
   （辺野古に埋め立てる土砂が足りず、多府県からけずって運搬する。すべては米軍のために　―　なんとも馬鹿げている）
• [[http:www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article.php?id=117820|Okinawa Times Journal]]
3. 映画が描く沖縄基地問題と日本の選択
• [[http:www.videonews.com/marugeki-talk/738/|Video News]]
4. 『戦場ぬ止み(いくさばぬとぅどぅみ)』劇場予告編
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo4nzhwdlx0|Youtube video]]
5. 三上智恵監督インタビュー
• [[http:rooftop.cc/interview/150523185939.php?page=3|Rooftop News]]
6. New Wave to Hope宮島玲子さんらの活動
• [[http:ja-jp.facebook.com/New.Wave.to.HOPE.okinawa|Facebook Japan News]]
7. 米軍基地はもういらない〜辺野古の海を守る人々
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYRhHcaof6w|Youtube video]]
8. チョムスキー氏「反基地に奮闘する県民、県政を強く支持」
• [[http:ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-243527-storytopic-3.html|Ryukyu Shimpo Journal]]
9. "All Japan" versus "All Okinawa" - Abe Shinzo's Military-Firstism 「オール・ジャパン」対「オール沖縄」　安倍晋三の軍事最優先主義
• [[http:japanfocus.org/-Gavan-McCormack/4299/article.html|Japan Focus Journal]]
10. Economics of U.S. base redevelopment sway Okinawa mindset
• [[http:www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/17/national/politics-diplomacy/economics-u-s-base-redevelopment-sway-okinawa-mindset/#.VWg8NFIppf6|Japan Times Journal]]
11. Looking at Flaws in the Henoko Landfill Permit Process from the Standpoint of the Right to Self-determination
• [[http:japanfocus.org/events/view/250|Japan Focus Journal]]

Kitano Takeshi’s Elementary Schools and Japanese Schools in Benin

About three months ago, I wrote a blog article on the children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Malawi and the importance of education as a critical instrument for social and economic development (or human development).  Admittedly, what I wrote may be too crazy or too utopian to be realized.
But, we humans sometimes think alike.  By chance, I learned about a Japanese guy who has already put the similar ideas into practice.  That is Mr. Takeshi Kitano (Beat Takeshi)!  What?! Is he an activist beside being a filmmaker and a comedian?
According to these Youtube, Takeshi Kitano used to have a TV show called “This is what is strange about the Japanese people.”  A hundred foreigners living in Japan were invited to voice their observations about weird and negative aspects of Nihon.  One of the guests was Mr. Zomahoun Idossou Rufin (known as Zomahon), from the Republic of Benin in West Africa.

That was how Zomahon met Takeshi twelve years ago or so.  With the help of Takeshi, Zomahon built four schools in his country including Takeshi’s Elementary School and Takeshi Japanese School.

In the school lunch program in Benin, according to Takeshi, it costs 25 yens (about 25 cents in the USA) and there are kids who can afford it and those who cannot afford it.  “It is cruel that those kids have to watch the others eating.” So, they have established a sort of child sponsorship.  Becoming a sponsor, a supporter in Japan receives a photograph of the child and vice versa, and that’s how they make a bond of friendship.

In their elementary schools, they provide free education and free lunch for kids.  They also help the local people to grow agricultural products.  Among the graduates from these schools, those who have mastered the language are sent to Japan, trained to be medical doctors and other professionals, and they work in Japan for certain years.  They eventually return to Benin and work for their country.

"Suppose, some kids succeed in graduating from universities and become important one day.  It is cool if s/he visits Japan to meet a person who has treated to lunches, isn't it?,” Beat Takeshi remarks.

In Youtube, you will see that some Beninese graduates prostrate themselves on the ground to show their gratitude.  Humble Takeshi seems to get self-conscious and in order to hide that, he makes a joke, “Zomahon sometimes does the same thing when we meet.  And, it makes me look bad like a bully!”

Okinawa 2 (I love Okinawa)

I visited Okinawa last month. Okinawa hosts 74 % of the U.S. bases on 0.6 % of the land. Despite overwhelming opposition, the Japanese government is taking the lead in efforts to build a new U.S. military base in Henoko Bay, emphasizing the deterrence value of the U.S. bases in Japan. Our policy makers want to proceed with the construction "shuku shuku to (calmly and solemnly)."
It is shockingly mindless and undemocratic to disregard the Okinawans' will. Here are some of useful websites on anti-U.S. base acitivities and protests (see the Japanese version – four of eleven sites are in English).

1. 辺野古（新基地阻止）基金
• [[http:tamutamu2011.kuronowish.com/sosikikin.htm|Tamu Tamu @ Kuro no wish]]
2. 辺野古への土砂搬出反対　協議会が発足
   （辺野古に埋め立てる土砂が足りず、多府県からけずって運搬する。すべては米軍のために　―　なんとも馬鹿げている）
• [[http:www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article.php?id=117820|Okinawa Times Journal]]
3. 映画が描く沖縄基地問題と日本の選択
• [[http:www.videonews.com/marugeki-talk/738/|Video News]]
4. 『戦場ぬ止み(いくさばぬとぅどぅみ)』劇場予告編
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo4nzhwdlx0|Youtube video]]
5. 三上智恵監督インタビュー
• [[http:rooftop.cc/interview/150523185939.php?page=3|Rooftop News]]
6. New Wave to Hope宮島玲子さんらの活動
• [[http:ja-jp.facebook.com/New.Wave.to.HOPE.okinawa|Facebook Japan News]]
7. 米軍基地はもういらない〜辺野古の海を守る人々
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYRhHcaof6w|Youtube video]]
8. チョムスキー氏「反基地に奮闘する県民、県政を強く支持」
• [[http:ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-243527-storytopic-3.html|Ryukyu Shimpo Journal]]
9. "All Japan" versus "All Okinawa" - Abe Shinzo's Military-Firstism 「オール・ジャパン」対「オール沖縄」　安倍晋三の軍事最優先主義
• [[http:japanfocus.org/-Gavan-McCormack/4299/article.html|Japan Focus Journal]]
10. Economics of U.S. base redevelopment sway Okinawa mindset
• [[http:www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/17/national/politics-diplomacy/economics-u-s-base-redevelopment-sway-okinawa-mindset/#.VWg8NFIppf6|Japan Times Journal]]
11. Looking at Flaws in the Henoko Landfill Permit Process from the Standpoint of the Right to Self-determination
• [[http:japanfocus.org/events/view/250|Japan Focus Journal]]

Kitano Takeshi’s Elementary Schools and Japanese Schools in Benin

About three months ago, I wrote a blog article on the children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Malawi and the importance of education as a critical instrument for social and economic development (or human development).  Admittedly, what I wrote may be too crazy or too utopian to be realized.
But, we humans sometimes think alike.  By chance, I learned about a Japanese guy who has already put the similar ideas into practice.  That is Mr. Takeshi Kitano (Beat Takeshi)!  What?! Is he an activist beside being a filmmaker and a comedian?
According to these Youtube, Takeshi Kitano used to have a TV show called “This is what is strange about the Japanese people.”  A hundred foreigners living in Japan were invited to voice their observations about weird and negative aspects of Nihon.  One of the guests was Mr. Zomahoun Idossou Rufin (known as Zomahon), from the Republic of Benin in West Africa.

That was how Zomahon met Takeshi twelve years ago or so.  With the help of Takeshi, Zomahon built four schools in his country including Takeshi’s Elementary School and Takeshi Japanese School.

In the school lunch program in Benin, according to Takeshi, it costs 25 yens (about 25 cents in the USA) and there are kids who can afford it and those who cannot afford it.  “It is cruel that those kids have to watch the others eating.” So, they have established a sort of child sponsorship.  Becoming a sponsor, a supporter in Japan receives a photograph of the child and vice versa, and that’s how they make a bond of friendship.

In their elementary schools, they provide free education and free lunch for kids.  They also help the local people to grow agricultural products.  Among the graduates from these schools, those who have mastered the language are sent to Japan, trained to be medical doctors and other professionals, and they work in Japan for certain years.  They eventually return to Benin and work for their country.

"Suppose, some kids succeed in graduating from universities and become important one day.  It is cool if s/he visits Japan to meet a person who has treated to lunches, isn't it?,” Beat Takeshi remarks.

In Youtube, you will see that some Beninese graduates prostrate themselves on the ground to show their gratitude.  Humble Takeshi seems to get self-conscious and in order to hide that, he makes a joke, “Zomahon sometimes does the same thing when we meet.  And, it makes me look bad like a bully!”

Okinawa 2 (I love Okinawa)

I visited Okinawa last month. Okinawa hosts 74 % of the U.S. bases on 0.6 % of the land. Despite overwhelming opposition, the Japanese government is taking the lead in efforts to build a new U.S. military base in Henoko Bay, emphasizing the deterrence value of the U.S. bases in Japan. Our policy makers want to proceed with the construction "shuku shuku to (calmly and solemnly)."
It is shockingly mindless and undemocratic to disregard the Okinawans' will. Here are some of useful websites on anti-U.S. base acitivities and protests (see the Japanese version – four of eleven sites are in English).

1. 辺野古（新基地阻止）基金
• [[http:tamutamu2011.kuronowish.com/sosikikin.htm|Tamu Tamu @ Kuro no wish]]
2. 辺野古への土砂搬出反対　協議会が発足
   （辺野古に埋め立てる土砂が足りず、多府県からけずって運搬する。すべては米軍のために　―　なんとも馬鹿げている）
• [[http:www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article.php?id=117820|Okinawa Times Journal]]
3. 映画が描く沖縄基地問題と日本の選択
• [[http:www.videonews.com/marugeki-talk/738/|Video News]]
4. 『戦場ぬ止み(いくさばぬとぅどぅみ)』劇場予告編
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo4nzhwdlx0|Youtube video]]
5. 三上智恵監督インタビュー
• [[http:rooftop.cc/interview/150523185939.php?page=3|Rooftop News]]
6. New Wave to Hope宮島玲子さんらの活動
• [[http:ja-jp.facebook.com/New.Wave.to.HOPE.okinawa|Facebook Japan News]]
7. 米軍基地はもういらない〜辺野古の海を守る人々
• [[http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYRhHcaof6w|Youtube video]]
8. チョムスキー氏「反基地に奮闘する県民、県政を強く支持」
• [[http:ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-243527-storytopic-3.html|Ryukyu Shimpo Journal]]
9. "All Japan" versus "All Okinawa" - Abe Shinzo's Military-Firstism 「オール・ジャパン」対「オール沖縄」　安倍晋三の軍事最優先主義
• [[http:japanfocus.org/-Gavan-McCormack/4299/article.html|Japan Focus Journal]]
10. Economics of U.S. base redevelopment sway Okinawa mindset
• [[http:www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/17/national/politics-diplomacy/economics-u-s-base-redevelopment-sway-okinawa-mindset/#.VWg8NFIppf6|Japan Times Journal]]
11. Looking at Flaws in the Henoko Landfill Permit Process from the Standpoint of the Right to Self-determination
• [[http:japanfocus.org/events/view/250|Japan Focus Journal]]

Kitano Takeshi’s Elementary Schools and Japanese Schools in Benin

About three months ago, I wrote a blog article on the children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Malawi and the importance of education as a critical instrument for social and economic development (or human development).  Admittedly, what I wrote may be too crazy or too utopian to be realized.
But, we humans sometimes think alike.  By chance, I learned about a Japanese guy who has already put the similar ideas into practice.  That is Mr. Takeshi Kitano (Beat Takeshi)!  What?! Is he an activist beside being a filmmaker and a comedian?
According to these Youtube, Takeshi Kitano used to have a TV show called “This is what is strange about the Japanese people.”  A hundred foreigners living in Japan were invited to voice their observations about weird and negative aspects of Nihon.  One of the guests was Mr. Zomahoun Idossou Rufin (known as Zomahon), from the Republic of Benin in West Africa.

That was how Zomahon met Takeshi twelve years ago or so.  With the help of Takeshi, Zomahon built four schools in his country including Takeshi’s Elementary School and Takeshi Japanese School.

In the school lunch program in Benin, according to Takeshi, it costs 25 yens (about 25 cents in the USA) and there are kids who can afford it and those who cannot afford it.  “It is cruel that those kids have to watch the others eating.” So, they have established a sort of child sponsorship.  Becoming a sponsor, a supporter in Japan receives a photograph of the child and vice versa, and that’s how they make a bond of friendship.

In their elementary schools, they provide free education and free lunch for kids.  They also help the local people to grow agricultural products.  Among the graduates from these schools, those who have mastered the language are sent to Japan, trained to be medical doctors and other professionals, and they work in Japan for certain years.  They eventually return to Benin and work for their country.

"Suppose, some kids succeed in graduating from universities and become important one day.  It is cool if s/he visits Japan to meet a person who has treated to lunches, isn't it?,” Beat Takeshi remarks.

In Youtube, you will see that some Beninese graduates prostrate themselves on the ground to show their gratitude.  Humble Takeshi seems to get self-conscious and in order to hide that, he makes a joke, “Zomahon sometimes does the same thing when we meet.  And, it makes me look bad like a bully!”