My First Ikebana Class~

I attended my first Ikebana (flower arrangement)class today with Dechen. It was a simple session with beautiful flowers and I enjoyed myself alot. I realized I have so much to learn about the shapes and forms of flowers, but putting it all together is like weaving a story together.

This slightly cloudy Saturday afternoon, my heart is simply filled with gratitude. Thankful for this chance to come to Tokyo, to try so many things -- from exciting skiing, stage hosting with an adrenaline rush, serious presentations on politics and economic policy, fun-filled excursions with my friends to many places and the wonders of gardens... and today, I touched the soft petals and leaves of flowers and created my own work of art. This experience is indeed once-in-a-lifetime and I am beginning to see the changes in me slowly, but surely.

I look forward to attending my next Ikebana session with Chino-san.

****Some information about Ikebana*****

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, also known as kadō (華道?, the "way of flowers"). More than simply putting flowers in a container, ikebana is a disciplined art form in which nature and humanity are brought together. Contrary to the idea of floral arrangement as a collection of particolored or multicolored arrangement of blooms, ikebana often emphasizes other areas of the plant, such as its stems and leaves, and draws emphasis towards shape, line, form. Though ikebana is a creative expression, it has certain rules governing its form. The main(?) rule is that all the elements used in construction must be organic, be they branches, leaves, grasses, or flowers. The artist's intention behind each arrangement is shown through a piece's color combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and the usually implied meaning of the arrangement.

Another aspect present in ikebana is its employment of minimalism. That is, an arrangement may consist of only a minimal number of blooms interspersed among stalks and leaves. The structure of a Japanese flower arrangement is based on a scalene triangle delineated by three main points, usually twigs, considered in some schools to symbolize heaven, earth, and man and in others sun, moon, love & earth. The container is also a key element of the composition, and various styles of pottery may be used in their construction.>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikebana

I found them all~

Nan & me
Brother Taufik & me

P'Ry & me

Invisible support & me

I found them all, all the lovely jewels in my life here in Tokyo that would help me,

support me no matter what happens.

Each of them has their own special place.

I'm thankful I found them all.

A small happy light in me

A new beginning for the GRIPS Tribune

Today marks a new chapter for the GRIPS Tribune, a monthly newsletter for all students at GRIPS. As the chief editor, I was pleased to welcome 10 new Japanese GRIPS Tribune members of the Editorial and Writing Team, alongside my fellow international friends of the International student team.
As I was sharing the content, objectives and style of the Tribune, I thought about my predecessor Taku-san and his kind ways of explaining to us how the GRIPS Tribune works. Indeed, the newsletter hopes to capture memories of the beautiful but short time we can spend here in GRIPS through student activities and other events. As a friend would put it, it makes 'our student lives here more vivid'. I believe in the work that we do, more important I think we can and should enjoy this process.
As such, I am thankful to be part of a great team so far, and now with new members, I feel even more energized to create good publications for our fellow students. I hope to communicate the spirit of the GRIPS Tribune to our newfound friends who would, in turn share this with the future batches of students at GRIPS.

Inokashira Koen@ Kichijoji

After a long week poring over papers and books for my thesis, a Saturday spent in the wonderful gardens in the outskirts of Tokyo again proved to be more than a source of comfort, it simply has to be considered a way of life.

I'm thankful for this chance to live like this... I really like it.

***

To joan ~~~~~~~~ (all these waves represent my wishes for you...:)

To shan ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ can't wait to see you and give you a big hug. i'm missing you three buddies loads these days.

To seng ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ keep singing 'i don't want a boyfriend i want a real man'!!! it makes me laugh alot.

***

Back to work!!!

The Pride of a Singaporean

Just recently, I am pleasantly surprised to hear many compliments about Singapore from some of my foreign friends.
One from Bangladesh commended Singapore's healthcare system for its high quality. She pointed out that the affordable fees, together with Singapore's accessibility to the region hence convenience, and high service quality make Singapore a compelling and more importantly, reliable medical hub for some of our developing Asian countries. In particular, the intermediate to long-term care provided for the chronically sick is well-known for its dedication and commitment to the patient's recovery.
Another friend from Phillippines kindly noted that Singapore's technological products, ranging from cameras to mp3 players, are much cheaper than in his home country and even Japan. "Even though small, I still like it", he said. He bought 3 cameras from Sim Lim Square! Incidentally, he loved the Hainanese Chicken Rice too. Talking about all this local food gets me a little homesick. ;)

Nonetheless, it happens all too often, and perhaps it is also very natural, that when one is in the comfort of his or her own motherland, everything seems average and sometimes, we even focus on the weaknesses and faults of the existing system. But if we can look through the eyes of a foreigner, whose country is still in the process of infrastructural and institutional development, these high standards in our country are definitely worthy of pride. There remains much to be thankful for.

***

"Japanese Politics at a Turning Point:Challenges of the Forthcoming General Election and the Prospects Beyond"

Yesterday's GRIPS Forum saw two Lower House of Representatives members from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) engage in a joint dialogue about their policy platforms, recent changes to DPJ's leadership and the upcoming general elections (before mid-September).
Personally, it was very interesting for me as I watched how the two Diet members presented their own views regarding several issues like decentralization, foreign policy, economic stimulus packages (consumption tax hikes, social security systems etc) amongst others. The background knowledge that I had gained from my Japanese politics class sure came in useful in allowing me to understand, albeit still at a very superficial and beginner level, the implications of changes in leadership, vested interests, the likes of amakudari, literally meaning 'descent from heaven' where ex-bureaucrats will get lucrative high ranking posts in the private sectors. Indeed, in defining Japanese politics, the informal organs that are able to exert influence, for eg. in the case of how Ozawa's resignation as the DPJ's President doesn't actually preclude him from controlling behind the scenes, forces us to really look at what is happening and the undercurrents that guide public policy in Japan. Due to the complex relationships existing between the ruling party Diet members, local governments and electorate (both the urban and rural mix), lobby groups and bureaucracy, the stakeholders of this entire system create a shifting mix of power and influence that is dynamic and of course, interesting to watch.
In this aspect, I think I am learning alot and I'm grateful for this opportunity. :) I'm looking forward to next week's discussion on Japanese national security, or more specifically, a discussion on the Japan-US alliance.

【 About the GRIPS Forum 】
Since its establishment in 1997, the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), as the only independent graduate school in Japan specializing in policy research, has promoted education and research on a wide range of policy issues. The GRIPS Forum series was launched in April 2008, where by utilizing our vast policy network, we aim to challenge and inform public debate and understanding by inviting leaders from various fields including government, academia and business, to deliver lectures on current policy concerns and contemporary topics of interest. The GRIPS Forum is held twice a month on Mondays during school terms at our campus in Roppongi, and welcomes the attendance of academics, students, and interested members of the public.
Refer to: http://www3.grips.ac.jp/~gripsforum/e/

On Happiness

"The exclusive pursuit of one's own interests cannot bring true happiness. It is in striving for the sake of others that the great path to genuine happiness is opened. "
Daisaku Ikeda

Only for Ju~

Have a safe and meaningful trip my little bean!

In my eyes, you are really the best in this world... I can say this a hundred times over and again.;)

I am sure this whole process has been an incredible learning experience so far.

So no matter what happens, just keep going..

Lots of love from Tokyo, TIEC @ the Dusty Cubby Hole.

Hibiya Park @ Ginza

The intricate beauty of a rose, the infinite beauty of a garden of roses,

does the passer-by know that every rose was actually different? even every spring, the roses that bloom at the same places are different.. how could we think ever see each of them with the same eyes?

Tree Climbing@ Hibiya Park.

One day a long time later,

that would be: Joan-Shan-Sheryl-Seng :) hehehe..

For the weary traveller of life, please seek some shade on a bench under a tree.
May it bring you comfort on a sunny day.

Showa Kinen Koen

I have found it. Here in Japan. The very things that bring peace to my heart, the experience that makes me feel a part of nature, where time seems to standstill...
To me, these gardens are more than just random parks scattered across Japan, they are humble abodes to a wealth of beauty and peace for anyone who is willing to spend an afternoon admiring and soaking in its good energy.
I am looking forward to spending more time in these gardens in Spring:)

Interesting Happenings in Japan

From May 21st 2009, the lay judge system would take effect in Japan. Trials using lay judges are expected to begin as early as July or August 2009. Since the criminal trials would include an the views of ordinary citizens, judgements are now expected to contain an element of everyday commonsense, similar to the mixed courts in some European countries.
The challenge seems to be whether the citizens can make objective decisions based on facts and not be easily swayed by emotion. This is harder because of the lack of a foundation in legal knowledge. Just recently, a trial held in Tokyo found that citizens tended to have a hard time determining sentences. Lay judges also tended to mete out harsher punishments because they felt bad for the victims. In any case, this system is still under control of the judges who are able to adjust the decision.
***
The Lower House of Representatives will have to be dissolved by September 2009 for elections. Japan's bicameral structure now faces an interesting twist such that the Upper House majority is that of the Democratic Party of Japan while the Lower House is controlled by ruling party LDP. Given the recent weakening of the LDP and rise of DPJ in rural areas, many speculations abound that DPJ may be able to gain control of the Lower House this September. In my opinion, this seems ideal as it is a step in the right direction of creating a two-party system where there is good check and balance. Moreover, age-old pork barrel elements in politics (especially that of the rural areas) might be addressed. A revitatalization of policies based on party platforms may also enable Japan to overcome the current economic crisis without too much damage.
But amidst all the action, scandals are once again snagging the headlines. Secret love affairs or usage of the government JR pass for private purposes seem to trivalize the actual or potential good of a possibly new legislative branch. Ichiro Ozawa, widely respected as the man who brought DPJ to the front line through his presidential leadership, officially resigned earlier this week as president. Sounds like a pity but we also know that official resignations do not mean that they have lost total control of the situation. Such is the dynamic nature of Japan's politics. No one knows what would happen next. ;)
***
Japan and Russia have recently signed a nuclear energy cooperation agreement, marking an end to a two-year negotiating process betwee Tokyo and Moscow on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. To quote the Japan Times Online, "Cooperation between the two parties will be strictly limited to the peaceful use of nuclear power and will be undertaken within the current and future framework of cooperation between the two countries' governments, as well as the international framework for the peaceful use of nuclear power". The Japan-Russia nuclear agreement is expected to provide up to $100 million worth of Russian low enriched uranium for Japan's 53 reactors and is seen as an important step toward the government's eventual goal of having atomic power provide at least 40 percent of the nation's electricity by 2017, up from about 30 percent at present.
Expectedly, opposition by several anti-nuclear groups in Japan and Russia have raised concerns of possible sale of nuclear material to other developing countries, lack of access to nuclear facilities for monitoring etc. It seems to me that the regional security architecture of Asia is still continuing to change, as Japan charts its own route to realizing its own security while balancing its own economic concerns.
***
Recent news of swine flu, offensive against Taliban insurgents in the Swat Valley, civilians being used as human shields by the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka -- evidence of the world's continual changes, developments, problems... Discussions with friends from these countries sometimes leave us rather helpless that nothing more can be done at this point as the world continue its fight for survival and peace.
On another note, classes this semester are finally starting to get really interesting!!! My current favorite classes are those mostly related to Logistics -- national development and transport infrastructure, transport policy, transport economics.. heh. some theoretical background is helping me to understand the realworld situation much better.

Spring has come to GRIPS!

Autumn by Ryunosuke Akutagawa, A Short Story

This fine rainy afternoon I decided it's time to read some Japanese fiction, in particular short stories. I stumbled upon one named "Autumn", which speaks of a young lady's life, love and dreams to become a writer. It was definitely tastefully written and I especially enjoyed Akutagawa's keen attention to details of expressions, movement and environment as well as the storyline. Definitely worth the read.
http://www.asiaing.com/autumn-by-ryunosuke-akutagawa-a-short-story.html

About the author Ryunosuke Akutagawa, "Father of the Japanese Short Story".
He was born in 1892 in the Kyobashi district of Tokyo and was an active Japanese writer during the Taisho period of Japan. He is noted for his superb style and finely detailed stories that explore the darker side of human nature. "Akutagawa was an artist in the true sense of the word. Most introductions to his translated works note the perfect craftmanship of some of his short stories that can hardly be appreciated except in the language he used. Even still, though possibly mere shadows of the original work, the translations are definitely worth reading."