Hello Sister!! *waves* Thursday, July 30, 2009
Gratitude and Gifts~
Last Wednesday, I saw a beautifully wrapped present on my study table in GRIPS. A small note from Aisyah said, "Hey, this is a small thing for you. I hope that you like it and that it fits you".
To my most pleasant surprise, it was a baby blue colored yukatta (Summer style kimono) with pink flowers! I could wear it to watch the hanabi (fireworks) coming up in August! :) How lovely!
A Capricorn Hard Rock badge from Taufik~ :)
Sweet and juicy peaches and cherries from Daulet! :)
& of course, the bottles of Brand's Essence of Chicken that my dear Mother sent me... **
I just want to say a big thank you for your kindness and support during this last leg of our academic life here in GRIPS. My heart feels so warm to know that I am in the company of caring and loving friends and family.
:) Gambarimashooo!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Summer in Japan..
Yes, knee-length snow!
makes me miss the snow of winter!
There's much to accomplish before the term ends but for a while, let me indulge in the memories of the wonderful snow in Hokkaido!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sumida River Fireworks @ Asakusa
The Firework Troops! :)
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival 2009 was a night to remember. All 21,500 of them. I have never seen such beautiful fireworks before! 
Along the Sumida River.
Right after the sunset, fireworks began to light up a darkening sky.
Most girls were dressed in pretty yukattas for this occasion.
Much to everyone's pleasure and amazement, these fireworks gave the night sky everything they had. With every burst of color and light, it was as if time stopped and we could look back, just for a while - and in that moment we realized that yes, everything wonderful that has happened was great and beautiful. Even though the time for leaving Japan is nearing, this was and still is my life in Tokyo!
What bright and vivid memories!
The fireworks of our future~
Oksana as our tourguide with the brolly :)
Standing still in a passing crowd.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Happy Birthday Daulet!
I would like to wish my good friend Daulet a Happy Happy Birthday!May all your wishes come true my friend :)
Keep Smiling!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Some thoughts on the economic development of Japan
Brief outline of Japan's history
- 1603-1868: Edo Period - Establishment of a transport system, start of commerce through nationally unified markets of rice and other light industries like cotton.
- 1869-1912: Meiji Period - Goals of industrialization, political development (constitutional monarchy, promulgation of its constitution in 1889), militarism to expand its 'zone of influence'. This was also a time whereby Japan worked hard to 'catch up with the rest' and was able to successful export silk and cotton. Other heavy industries like locomotives, shipbuilding and electrical machinery also received government support in its development.
- 1912-1926: Taisho Period - The World War I (1914-1918) created a spike in demand for Japanese goods worldwide. This was good for Japan because it was simultaneously able to develop its Heavy and Chemical Industries (HCI) like steel. Joint ventures with Ford, General Electric and other Western counterparts allowed Japan to make great technological advances in production. However, it became clear that this increase in output was unsustainable and the bubble burst in 1920.
At the same time, Shidehara, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, wanted Japan to strive for global peace as a first class country. However, this was undermined by the military in the 1927 when troops were sent to China without informing the government.
- 1927: Showa Financial Crisis: To ensure the smooth functioning of the financial system despite the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, the government rediscounted 'earthquake bills' of banks. Unfortunately, only half of these bills were genuine. The collapse of the Bank of Taiwan (a colony of Japan) and Suzuki Shoten ( a large company ) triggered bank runs. In this year, more than 2000 banks were closed/merged, leaving only a dozen left. This crisis was key in modernizing Japan's financial sector.
- 1930-32: Showa Depression: The Great Depression in 1929 dampened prices and output worldwide and Japan also suffered during this period. Takahasi, also known as the Japanese Keynes, managed to pull Japan out of the crisis. But at this time, the military has gotten much stronger and launched a coup. While this failed, the Manchurian crisis of 1931 and subsquent war with China in 1937 completely changed Japan's economy.
- 1937-1945: It was a shift to a planned economy whereby military production and mobilization of human resources became key in fighting its wars in the Pacific. Singapore was occupied from Feb 1942 to Aug 1945.
- 1945-1951: Post-war recovery and the occupation by SCAP (The Supreme Commander of Allied Forces) Aid and subsidies were the pillars of Japan's post-war economy.
- Early 1950s - 1970s: The Korean War (1950-53) contributed to Japan's growth, together with
a sound industrial strategy executed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. They supported the private sector and enaged actively in industrial promotion efforts.
- 1970s-early 1980s: Japan's economy matured alongside its own social transformation where people switched from traditional paper-window houses to aparto (apartments). The Bretton Wood System collapsed in 1971 and the Japanese Yen floated. Of course, such structural improvements to its economy led to a devalued yen which caused trade friction with the US. (This is similar to US's assertion for a revaluation of the Chinese Yuan today)
- 1980s-1990s: Burst of the asset bubble and the start of Japan's Lost Decade. There are a few proposed causes for the sustained impact of the bubble - Inefficient banks in need of structural changes, pension systems, hollowing out of the manufacturing sector due to China etc.
- 2000-Today: Today, Japan's economy is marked by slow growth and high fiscal deficit.
(The Economic Development of Japan, Kenichi Ohno)
***
After having a chance to understand the historical, economic and political context surrounding Japan's economic development, I am definitely impressed with this country's ability to absorb foreign influences while preserving its own national identity (also the author's opinion). While it seems that the US free economy is superior in fostering innovation, the Japanese economy also encompasses important Asian values of long-term relationships, quality, teamwork and equity. It has also displayed great will and determination to recover after every crisis, through systematic implementation by the government in consultation with the private sector. The slow growth today may be partly attributed to the stagnation of the political system. However, as the upcoming elections might reveal, Japan's political system may be getting the revitalization it needs to kickstart its economy again.
- 1603-1868: Edo Period - Establishment of a transport system, start of commerce through nationally unified markets of rice and other light industries like cotton.
- 1869-1912: Meiji Period - Goals of industrialization, political development (constitutional monarchy, promulgation of its constitution in 1889), militarism to expand its 'zone of influence'. This was also a time whereby Japan worked hard to 'catch up with the rest' and was able to successful export silk and cotton. Other heavy industries like locomotives, shipbuilding and electrical machinery also received government support in its development.
- 1912-1926: Taisho Period - The World War I (1914-1918) created a spike in demand for Japanese goods worldwide. This was good for Japan because it was simultaneously able to develop its Heavy and Chemical Industries (HCI) like steel. Joint ventures with Ford, General Electric and other Western counterparts allowed Japan to make great technological advances in production. However, it became clear that this increase in output was unsustainable and the bubble burst in 1920.
At the same time, Shidehara, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, wanted Japan to strive for global peace as a first class country. However, this was undermined by the military in the 1927 when troops were sent to China without informing the government.
- 1927: Showa Financial Crisis: To ensure the smooth functioning of the financial system despite the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, the government rediscounted 'earthquake bills' of banks. Unfortunately, only half of these bills were genuine. The collapse of the Bank of Taiwan (a colony of Japan) and Suzuki Shoten ( a large company ) triggered bank runs. In this year, more than 2000 banks were closed/merged, leaving only a dozen left. This crisis was key in modernizing Japan's financial sector.
- 1930-32: Showa Depression: The Great Depression in 1929 dampened prices and output worldwide and Japan also suffered during this period. Takahasi, also known as the Japanese Keynes, managed to pull Japan out of the crisis. But at this time, the military has gotten much stronger and launched a coup. While this failed, the Manchurian crisis of 1931 and subsquent war with China in 1937 completely changed Japan's economy.
- 1937-1945: It was a shift to a planned economy whereby military production and mobilization of human resources became key in fighting its wars in the Pacific. Singapore was occupied from Feb 1942 to Aug 1945.
- 1945-1951: Post-war recovery and the occupation by SCAP (The Supreme Commander of Allied Forces) Aid and subsidies were the pillars of Japan's post-war economy.
- Early 1950s - 1970s: The Korean War (1950-53) contributed to Japan's growth, together with
a sound industrial strategy executed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. They supported the private sector and enaged actively in industrial promotion efforts.
- 1970s-early 1980s: Japan's economy matured alongside its own social transformation where people switched from traditional paper-window houses to aparto (apartments). The Bretton Wood System collapsed in 1971 and the Japanese Yen floated. Of course, such structural improvements to its economy led to a devalued yen which caused trade friction with the US. (This is similar to US's assertion for a revaluation of the Chinese Yuan today)
- 1980s-1990s: Burst of the asset bubble and the start of Japan's Lost Decade. There are a few proposed causes for the sustained impact of the bubble - Inefficient banks in need of structural changes, pension systems, hollowing out of the manufacturing sector due to China etc.
- 2000-Today: Today, Japan's economy is marked by slow growth and high fiscal deficit.
(The Economic Development of Japan, Kenichi Ohno)
***
After having a chance to understand the historical, economic and political context surrounding Japan's economic development, I am definitely impressed with this country's ability to absorb foreign influences while preserving its own national identity (also the author's opinion). While it seems that the US free economy is superior in fostering innovation, the Japanese economy also encompasses important Asian values of long-term relationships, quality, teamwork and equity. It has also displayed great will and determination to recover after every crisis, through systematic implementation by the government in consultation with the private sector. The slow growth today may be partly attributed to the stagnation of the political system. However, as the upcoming elections might reveal, Japan's political system may be getting the revitalization it needs to kickstart its economy again.
Ordinary Miracle By Sarah Mclachlan
It’s not that usual when everything is beautiful
It’s just another ordinary miracle today
The sky knows when its time to snow
You don’t need to teach a seed to grow
It’s just another ordinary miracle today
Life is like a gift they say
Wrapped up for you everyday
Open up and find a way
To give some of your own
Isn’t it remarkable?
Like every time a raindrop falls
It’s just another ordinary miracle today
Birds in winter have their fling
And always make it home by spring
It’s just another ordinary miracle today
When you wake up everyday
Please don’t throw your dreams away
Hold them close to your heart
Cause we are all a part
Of the ordinary miracle
Ordinary miracle
Do you want to see a miracle?
Its seems so exceptional
Things just work out after all
It’s just another ordinary miracle today
The sun comes up and shines so bright
It disappears again at night
It’s just another ordinary miracle today
***
While we are all working hard on our papers and revision for exams, let's not forget to be thankful for each day as it unfolds.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
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Unity in Diversity ~ TIEC Indonesian Day 2009
Yesterday, we celebrated Indonesian Day in TIEC with delicious Indonesian food, interesting presentations on Indonesia's geography and cultural practices, together with great music and dances! It was indeed an enriching and enjoyable day!
Enjoying the feast~
The Indonesian noodles, fried tofu and sweet Kueh Lapis reminded me so much of food back home! I miss my Dodo and Kueh Tutu very much.
The gentle notes of the Anklung that played the songs of Bengawan Solo also revealed the hard work of all the performers in coordinating their instruments to create such beautiful music!
The Pendet Dance.
Okay, it was our turn to join in the fun with the Poco Poco dance!!! :) 
Tanah Air~
Dinora playing hide and seek with her friends~
Karen with the high school girls~
Aisulu and me~ :)
Enjoying the feast~
The Indonesian noodles, fried tofu and sweet Kueh Lapis reminded me so much of food back home! I miss my Dodo and Kueh Tutu very much.
The gentle notes of the Anklung that played the songs of Bengawan Solo also revealed the hard work of all the performers in coordinating their instruments to create such beautiful music!
The Pendet Dance.
Okay, it was our turn to join in the fun with the Poco Poco dance!!! :) 
It was soon clear that just some simple dance moves and relaxing chill-out music of the Poco Poco dance were enough to make everyone smile. Indeed, the poco poco dance really fits the mood of summer in Japan!
Tanah Air~
Dinora playing hide and seek with her friends~
Karen with the high school girls~
Aisulu and me~ :)
Even though Singapore is located a short distance away from Indonesia, it was only yesterday that I realized how limited my knowledge of this wonderful country was. With 17,508 islands and a population of more than 237million, this 'emerald of the equator' is also home to the world's rare species of plants and animals. It also has a rich cultural history of dance, music, food and ethnic tribes. Through the pleasing tunes of the Angklung, the intensity of the Saman dance and the elegance of the Pendet dance, we managed to catch a glimpse of life in Indonesia and also perhaps increased our understanding of the way Indonesians think and feel. The Ambassador of Indonesia hoped that besides economics and politics, culture can also be used as a way to forge better relations between nations. It was no doubt that yesterday's event proved that this was an effective yet interesting and relaxing way to do so!
On a more serious note, it is most unfortunate that Indonesia had to endure another terrorist attack on Friday on its two Western hotels. Terrorism continues to be a worldwide threat that governments have to continue fighting against. Since it 'has no face' and knows no loyalty or nationality except to its cause, countering terrorism is one of the biggest challenges that governments face in order to ensure our security.
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