AshtonR26, Etsy"If you fall because of the ground, then you get up by using the ground. "
Dogen
Dogen
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
The blue skies of Mt. Tateyama! (Courtesy of Ry's camera)
The refreshing water of a mountain spring - unforgettable ~
Can you imagine how happy I was to see snow again? :)
Ry & her favorite ice-cream
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Remembering the Good Times At Mt. Tateyama~
Even though it rained in the morning....
The skies soon cleared up, revealing the majestic Kurobe Dam set against a light blue sky.
No words can capture the serenity of these waters..
Yet one picture is enough to remember the joy of many..
If only we can always look back with a smile,
And recall the warmth of summer's snow, I never know how it felt like...
but it may have just brought out the best smile in me.
As friendships were forged, we begin to accept new friends into our lives..
Yet, the good buddies are never too faraway (and willing to be a good joke)
Finally, when we open our hearts, the gems of our lives become brighter..
I have found them all..
Won't you smile along with me?
This is for the clouds that sit on mountains, 
And for the snow who would wait for a white cloud... 
Please also wait for me..**Some photos were originally taken by my friends Hina, Eni, Irfan and Aisyah. Thank you for the photos.
**:)
Monday, June 22, 2009
GRIPS Field Trip: Tomioka Silk Mill (Part I)
Located in the Gunma Prefecture, the Tomioka Silk Mill is Japan's oldest modern model silk reeling factory. It was established in 1872 with the help of French specialists. As we have learnt in class that silk was one of the most important exports of Japan during the Meiji period, it may be interesting to note that its quality of raw silk in Japan wasn't always high. Japan relied on foreign expertise and labor to implement high-quality manufacturing practices, and the Tomioka Mill is one such example. It was eventually privatized before ending its operations in 1987.
Also, the Tomioka Silk Mill is currently on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. It has met 2 of 6 of the required registration criteria as mentioned below:
1) It clearly reveals the important category of mankind and its merits for the advancement of architecture, technology, monument, city planning, and design for scenery in terms of cultural era of a certain world or time period.
2) It serves as an architectural or technical aggregate displaying the important stages of the history of mankind, or as a sample of outstanding landscape.
Being on the tentative list implies that it has reached the second stage of its application to become a World Heritage site. In the first stage, the site must be protected under sufficient municipal law. In this case, the Tomioka Silk Mill has already been designated as a historical landmark in 2005. In total, six stages have to be fully completed, with the last stage involving a judgement call made by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. For me, it was interesting to learn about the registration process for World Heritage sites. I really appreciate the efforts by Japan in creating awareness, sharing knowledge and the value of culture, tradition and historical economy with international tourists.
http://www2.city.tomioka.lg.jp/worldheritage/en/value/index.htm
The lovely rural streets of Japan never fail to strike a nostalgic chord in me.
Also, the Tomioka Silk Mill is currently on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. It has met 2 of 6 of the required registration criteria as mentioned below:
1) It clearly reveals the important category of mankind and its merits for the advancement of architecture, technology, monument, city planning, and design for scenery in terms of cultural era of a certain world or time period.
2) It serves as an architectural or technical aggregate displaying the important stages of the history of mankind, or as a sample of outstanding landscape.
Being on the tentative list implies that it has reached the second stage of its application to become a World Heritage site. In the first stage, the site must be protected under sufficient municipal law. In this case, the Tomioka Silk Mill has already been designated as a historical landmark in 2005. In total, six stages have to be fully completed, with the last stage involving a judgement call made by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. For me, it was interesting to learn about the registration process for World Heritage sites. I really appreciate the efforts by Japan in creating awareness, sharing knowledge and the value of culture, tradition and historical economy with international tourists.
http://www2.city.tomioka.lg.jp/worldheritage/en/value/index.htm
The lovely rural streets of Japan never fail to strike a nostalgic chord in me.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Exciting ideas, exchanges and discussions~
Recently, most of us have been working hard on our term papers and Independent study/thesis.
Thus far, working on my thesis has been most rewarding. It is definitely a challenge to create and scope a paper from scratch and carry out relevant analysis to support my case on FDI and domestic sector development. I am also thankful for a harmonious working relationship with my policy adviser Professor Kuwahara, who has been instrumental in explaining and refining my thinking with his broad picture concepts. I realized that while this paper is really my own creation and would be a testament of my efforts, the adviser also plays a key role in shaping and more importantly, testing the validity of key arguments made in the paper. In a way, if his expertise and knowledge in relevant fields can be tapped, it also serves to create a fuller picture while strengthening the theoretical basis for this paper.
Just today's 1-hour discussion from scatter plots, regression variables and plain functional equations have proven this. I had walked out of the room feeling slightly light-headed (because it takes me some time to understand the complexity/interaction of the functions) but also..very glad. This sense of fulfilment would be an important source of motivation for me to complete my paper, applying my utmost efforts.
On another note, my research on logistics, particularly airline deregulation, has attracted much of my attention recently. The Asian global air traffic is growing exponentially and its potential for future growth is all the more promising. However, until open skies agreements are taken up by more countries, it may be difficult to compete also, in the US/EU markets. Nonetheless, I am also proud to mention that my Professor for Transport Infrastructure holds Singapore Airlines in very high regard, especially in its sound business strategies for expansion and high customer service quality.
May the research process continue to illuminate new insights and rediscover the value of past efforts and ideas. Cheers!
Thus far, working on my thesis has been most rewarding. It is definitely a challenge to create and scope a paper from scratch and carry out relevant analysis to support my case on FDI and domestic sector development. I am also thankful for a harmonious working relationship with my policy adviser Professor Kuwahara, who has been instrumental in explaining and refining my thinking with his broad picture concepts. I realized that while this paper is really my own creation and would be a testament of my efforts, the adviser also plays a key role in shaping and more importantly, testing the validity of key arguments made in the paper. In a way, if his expertise and knowledge in relevant fields can be tapped, it also serves to create a fuller picture while strengthening the theoretical basis for this paper.
Just today's 1-hour discussion from scatter plots, regression variables and plain functional equations have proven this. I had walked out of the room feeling slightly light-headed (because it takes me some time to understand the complexity/interaction of the functions) but also..very glad. This sense of fulfilment would be an important source of motivation for me to complete my paper, applying my utmost efforts.
On another note, my research on logistics, particularly airline deregulation, has attracted much of my attention recently. The Asian global air traffic is growing exponentially and its potential for future growth is all the more promising. However, until open skies agreements are taken up by more countries, it may be difficult to compete also, in the US/EU markets. Nonetheless, I am also proud to mention that my Professor for Transport Infrastructure holds Singapore Airlines in very high regard, especially in its sound business strategies for expansion and high customer service quality.
May the research process continue to illuminate new insights and rediscover the value of past efforts and ideas. Cheers!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
GRIPS Bowling Tournament 2009
Last Saturday, the GRIPS ISC organized a bowling tournament for our fellow GRIPS friends.
The team games saw an amazing turnout of more than 40 students, alongside supporters and photographers! I was pleased to see that some of our Japanese friends, like Nakata-san also brought his children to enjoy the fun.
The energy levels of the players were running high as some began to cheer crazily on the bowling floor. It was indeed a first time for me witnessing such a competitive game amongst us here in GRIPS.
Here are just some photos of the event:
The few of us left that stayed till the last match that ended up as a 4.5 hour marathon game of bowling.. 
My lovely friends Nan and Ry who dropped by to wish me luck !
The Indonesian EPP team won with a total high score of 665!
The interesting Japanese students :)
Here's a picture of my favorite player of the tournament, Tashi from Bhutan.I felt that he truly embodied the spirit of the game which, in my opinion, essentially was about team spirit, enjoyment, skill and a sense of camaraderie with fellow peers. Also, his calmness in the 'storm' was definitely laudable. Go Tashi! :)
Nakata-san's children Masaya-chan and Tomoya-chan.
Taufik and his classic pose~
****
The team games saw an amazing turnout of more than 40 students, alongside supporters and photographers! I was pleased to see that some of our Japanese friends, like Nakata-san also brought his children to enjoy the fun.
The energy levels of the players were running high as some began to cheer crazily on the bowling floor. It was indeed a first time for me witnessing such a competitive game amongst us here in GRIPS.
Here are just some photos of the event:
The few of us left that stayed till the last match that ended up as a 4.5 hour marathon game of bowling.. 
My lovely friends Nan and Ry who dropped by to wish me luck !
The Indonesian EPP team won with a total high score of 665!
The interesting Japanese students :)
Here's a picture of my favorite player of the tournament, Tashi from Bhutan.I felt that he truly embodied the spirit of the game which, in my opinion, essentially was about team spirit, enjoyment, skill and a sense of camaraderie with fellow peers. Also, his calmness in the 'storm' was definitely laudable. Go Tashi! :)
Nakata-san's children Masaya-chan and Tomoya-chan.
Taufik and his classic pose~****
After an eventful match, I was pleased to invite my lovely friends from Indonesia, Phillippines, Japan etc. for a dinner at TIEC. We whipped up our best dishes to share with everyone else.
The night ended with us cycling to the Rainbow Bridge and back, followed by some random cycling in the TIEC square like kids all over again..
~My simple little dessert creation~
***