The Limits of Locavorism

 Do you know Locavorism? It means to eat food produced in neighborhood. It’s appreciated because it seems beneficial to the environment and our health. First, it doesn’t require long-way transportation, so it uses less fossil fuel, and emits less greenhouse gases. Second, in Locavorism, produce are made by individual farmers. They use less drug, so it’s healthier than produce made in big factories. However, according to the Week (12/14/13), those believes are wrong. First, it emits less greenhouse gases to plant a certain produce to a proper area which the produce prefers. Second, individual farmer are not good at control produces’ conditions, so they more likely have some matter which may cause people illnesses.

Previously, I tended to support Locavorism because it looks like good. I know it’s a childish reason, but I did. Although I need much information of gas emission and food-borne illnesses to make sure whether Locavorism is a good idea, I appreciate this skepticism. In addition, I used to think that Locavorism is to eat food produced in neighbor farms, and not to force produces to be planted in inappropriate areas. Maybe, I should check its origin and how it has widespread. This article gave me a good inspiration for my first essay.

Is democracy the best form of Japanese government?

Scene 1

 A teacher (T) ‘Does anybody oppose to this idea?’

 Students (S) ‘……’

 T ‘O.K. It passed.’

Scene 2

 T ‘Does anyone want to be a class representative?’

 S ‘……’

 T ‘No one? So, can you become a representative, Ichiro? You seem to have a lot of friends.’

 Ichiro ‘Really? Um…that’s not bad. I’ll do if no one does.’

 T ‘Does anyone have objections?’

 S ‘……’

 T ‘O.K.’

 Have you ever encountered those situations above? Maybe, you have.

Why do students keep silent? They have a sore throat? They’re hungry? No. From my experiences, in many cases, they’re less interested in the topic and scarcely consider about it. In those situations, as you saw, all decision are decided by a teacher who controls discussions.

I guess that the same situations are occurred in the society. Do everyone check bills introduced to the Diet? Do everyone pay attention to who will be a prime minister? The answer is No. The leaders of Japan know that some people are apathetic toward politics, and some of them seem less interested in Diet, and just hang from each party. Therefore, the discussion is likely lack of its fundamentals. Democracy is originally based on a discussion by everyone. In modern society, it’s nearly impossible, however; we could pay attention to the discussion.

Now, the democratic system doesn’t work well due to a mere shell of democracy. I can’t say that democracy is the best form of Japanese government.

Dr. Paul Wadden's lecture

Dr. Paul Wadden’s lecture was really informative, and I want to share the most impressive idea and my opinion.

 I’ve heard that American university students study harder than Japanese ones, but I didn’t notice the both universities’ function are different. Dr. Paul Wadden stated that American high school students have lots of freedom and hang out a lot while Japanese ones are required to obey school rules and study all the time, and then, Japanese university students have lots of freedom and hang out a lot while American ones are studying. It’s difficult to decide which is the best style of education for students, and also for me. In reality, there’re two arguments around me. First, my father and grandfather insist that I should join in a club and hang out with my friends to make huge relationships for my future job. Second, my mother asserts that study is priority, and university exists for study. Hearing their opinions, I tend to support second opinion because study seems more respectable than going out with friends. However, hearing Dr. Paul Wadden, I’m ashamed that I’ve never been free and independent. For instance, at high school, I always tried to be a good students which adults likely desire in spite of its liberal ethos. Therefore, I scarcely know how to act without dominant rules which guide me. I have to fix this situation. As a result, study is priority for me, however; I want to be independent with participating in a club, and hanging out with friends during 4 years at ICU. 

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger

 We sometimes face to a difficulty, and think like we can't overcome it. However, we're still alive even though we experienced those severe moments. We could notice this obvious fact from the proverb 'What doesn't kill you makes you strong.' I've never heard it, but I like it because it will encourage me. For example, it would give me a power to write my essay when I were bothered by it.
 If you have some problems, don't let your fears go on. You can overcome them! Also, those experiences make you stronger. Don't worry, you're alive.

What Is the Perfect Day?

• In the morning, I wake up by my self a few minutes before my alarm rings. 
• I have a time to exercise or do yoga before I go out. If I can do one of them, I feel pretty good, and it become easier for me to concentrate on some works.
• When I come to intersections, the traffic lights are always green. That's great! I feel like being welcomed by the lights.
• I get to a station 5 minutes before a train arrives. I don't want to wait 10 minutes, similarly, I don't want to rush into a train. 5 minutes before is the best.
• I focus on studying, and finish my works by noon. 
• I have an ice cream or a piece of cake after lunch. Something sweet makes me absolutely happy, especially when it's an unexpected present from someone.
• Small dinner is perfect. I prefer to eat much in the morning than at night, so it's desirable that I'm a little hungry when I go to bed.
• I exercise again after taking bath. It makes my body supple.

This is my perfect day! It's too difficult to achieve all of them, but I feel comfortable even if I can do one of them.