During the consecutive holidays

I went to Universal Studio Japan last Friday with my friends from kendo club. I visited there after a long time, so I felt something strange. I went there by myself and I found USJ is very near from my house! When I visited last time, about 4 years ago, I felt USJ is very far from Kobe. I think I grew up. ;)

 

We could ride a lot of attractions quite smoothly. It was great and we enjoyed talking while we were waiting. I rode Harry Potter for the first time and I was very surprised at the atmosphere of the area. They remained me of the scene which I saw in the movie.

 

In fact, I found myself that I am not very good at riding attractions, because I felt a little bit bad after I rode something…but I really enjoyed!!

 

We saw a kind of parade. The illumination was awesome! I couldn’t say anything. It was really gorgeous. I want everyone to see the show.

 

I really enjoyed the day, but unfortunately I caught a cold again. I have a sore throat and runny nose. It gets more cold day by day, so please take care!

Kobe Luminarie

Have you ever been to Kobe Luminarie? I hope you have heard the name. This is famous for its illumination. They are so beautiful. It is also famous for dating spot, but the purpose of this festival is not to forget 1.17: Hanshin-Awaji earthquake. Kobe Luminarie is held in December every year since the huge earthquake happened. I visit this festival almost every year and I am moved by the illumination every year. I like the moment when the switch on a light. The view is amazing. Their design changes every year, it is one of surprising facts, isn’t it? When we are wrapped in the light, we can hear a song, Shiawase Hakoberuyouni. The song was made as revival of Kobe. All of students in Kobe city can sing this song. There are so many people in the festival every year, but in fact, it is endangered. To save this festival, stuffs try to collect donation called ‘100yen Bokinn’. If each visitor donates 100yen, Luminarie will be able to continue.

I really want you to visit Kobe Luminarie!

 

 

 

How to Buy Happiness

These days, I’m interested in reading books. I read books when I commute, so I’m not bored in the train. I have read several books and I found very interesting article; How to buy happiness. I want to explain what I read about.

 Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton are psychologists and they study how the choices people make with their money affect our happiness. Most people dream of being rich, and those dreams tend to involve expensive status symbols like trophy homes and luxury cars. However these types of purchases don’t fulfill us in the long term. According to their research, there are two ways we can use our money to buy more happiness. The first is to spend money on experiences rather than possessions. Even though you buy something very expensive, it will no longer be a source of happiness. However we can always remember the days when we spent the experience. We will cherish these memories forever. The second finding was that we should spend money for people who we care about or people we like. If you buy someone a present or donate to charity, it is often more enjoyable than spending money on yourself. Buying dinner for your friends will give you pleasure.

This is very interesting, isn’t it? I decided to spend money for my experiences and person I like. So let’s go dinner with me. ;)

I am Sam

 

                        

 

 

           Have you ever seen a movie, I am Sam? I think this is very famous movie and I watched it in class when I was a high school student.

          The main character, Sam is a mentally retarded person. His mental age was only 7. In fact, he has a daughter. He had to raise his daughter by himself because his partner escaped after she gave birth. He managed raising his daughter with a lot of people although there were many problem. However when his daughter reached 7 years old, he was judged by the government that he has no ability to raise his daughter any more. Because of this judgment, his daughter was kept by the place run by government. To get back his lovely daughter, he fight various way.

          This is really wonderful story and you can’t watch this movie without crying. This is also focus on social problem, so this is good opportunity to know them.