這是我最近的日文作文分數紙連評語. 老師指出我的作文有兩個文法錯誤. 一個是 「うちに」 之前需要用動詞的終止形, 不能用過去式. 第二個文法錯誤是在「少ない」和「である」 之間需要用 の 連接. 作為一個學了多年日文的超超齡學生, 能夠在作文取得作文七十五分, 都算是對自己有一個交代. 我曾在時間, 精神和金錢上付出了不少. 現在能寫出一些老師看得明的日文句子, 都算是一種小小成果.2009年9月30日 星期三
2009年9月28日 星期一
豐田汽車回收
Recently NHK News reported the following:
２９日、トヨタはアメリカで販売する乗用車について、運転席のフロアマットがずれてアクセルペダルの透き間に挟まり、アクセルが戻らなくなる不具合があり、死亡事故につながるおそれがあるとして、リコールを検討していることを発表しました。対象となるのは、２００７年から２０１０年モデルのカムリや、２００４年から２００９年モデルのプリウス、２００７年から２０１０年モデルのレクサスＥＳ３５０など、あわせて３８０万台余りです。これは、トヨタが１９５７年にアメリカで乗用車の販売を開始して以来、最大規模のリコールとなる見込みです。トヨタによりますと、問題となっているマットはアメリカで販売されているもので、日本で流通しているものは直接は関係ないとしています。トヨタでは、車の所有者に対して、フロアマットを取り外すとともに、万が一、アクセルが戻らなくなった場合には、ギアをニュートラルに入れたり、エンジンを切ったりするなどの措置を取るよう呼びかけており、来週までにどのような修理を行うか、詳細を発表する方針です。
On the 29th, Toyota announced that the floor mat at the driver seat of passenger cars sold in the United States could shift, and it might be stuck at the in-between narrow space of the gas pedal, causing the accelerator unable to return to its normal position. Because that might cause a fatal accident, they announced a recall to review the situation. The target was 2007 to 2010 Camry model, and 2004 to 2009 Prius model, and 2007 to 2010 Lexus ES350 model, involving a total of 3.8 million cars. This was expected to the biggest recall since Toyota began the sales of passenger cars in the United States in 1957. According to Toyota, the problematic mats were sold in United States and had no direct relationship with those mats circulating in Japan. Toyota suggested all car owners to all together remove the floor mat, in the extremely unlikely event that the accelerator could not return to its normal position, tried to take measures of shifting the gear into neutral position and stopping the engine. It was decided that details on how to carry out the repair would be announced next week.
It is unthinkable that even for reliable brand name cars such as Toyota, car safety could be affected by something as trivial as floor mats.
２９日、トヨタはアメリカで販売する乗用車について、運転席のフロアマットがずれてアクセルペダルの透き間に挟まり、アクセルが戻らなくなる不具合があり、死亡事故につながるおそれがあるとして、リコールを検討していることを発表しました。対象となるのは、２００７年から２０１０年モデルのカムリや、２００４年から２００９年モデルのプリウス、２００７年から２０１０年モデルのレクサスＥＳ３５０など、あわせて３８０万台余りです。これは、トヨタが１９５７年にアメリカで乗用車の販売を開始して以来、最大規模のリコールとなる見込みです。トヨタによりますと、問題となっているマットはアメリカで販売されているもので、日本で流通しているものは直接は関係ないとしています。トヨタでは、車の所有者に対して、フロアマットを取り外すとともに、万が一、アクセルが戻らなくなった場合には、ギアをニュートラルに入れたり、エンジンを切ったりするなどの措置を取るよう呼びかけており、来週までにどのような修理を行うか、詳細を発表する方針です。
On the 29th, Toyota announced that the floor mat at the driver seat of passenger cars sold in the United States could shift, and it might be stuck at the in-between narrow space of the gas pedal, causing the accelerator unable to return to its normal position. Because that might cause a fatal accident, they announced a recall to review the situation. The target was 2007 to 2010 Camry model, and 2004 to 2009 Prius model, and 2007 to 2010 Lexus ES350 model, involving a total of 3.8 million cars. This was expected to the biggest recall since Toyota began the sales of passenger cars in the United States in 1957. According to Toyota, the problematic mats were sold in United States and had no direct relationship with those mats circulating in Japan. Toyota suggested all car owners to all together remove the floor mat, in the extremely unlikely event that the accelerator could not return to its normal position, tried to take measures of shifting the gear into neutral position and stopping the engine. It was decided that details on how to carry out the repair would be announced next week.
It is unthinkable that even for reliable brand name cars such as Toyota, car safety could be affected by something as trivial as floor mats.
2009年9月26日 星期六
本地新鮮水果
我對面鄰居的兒子今年九月開始到卑詩省內陸一個叫 Okanagan 的地方讀大學. 它是位於溫哥華東面,大約四小時多車程距離. 最近他在那裡陪伴兒子逗留了十多天後回來. 送給我相片中的生果. 計有布林,葡萄和蘋果, 都是在當地果園摘取, 物輕情意重. 因為是本地出產. 額外有親切感. 有關 Okangan 這個地方的資料, 我在一些旅行雜誌看到以下的描述:
"Canada's best known fruit belt is the Okanagan Valley. Lake water is used for irrigation and combined with huge amounts of sunshine, creates a lush garden. Apple, peaches, plums, grapes, cherries, apricots and pears, are all grown here in abundance. The area is also known for its wine-making, sandy beaches and lakes . . . It is a popular resort area."
2009年9月25日 星期五
長者互助
Recently the NHK News reported the following:
職後の生きがいや健康問題など、高齢の世代が抱える悩みに同じ世代の人たちが答える電話相談が、２６日と２７日、全国８か所で行われます。 この一斉相談は、高齢の世代が充実した生活を送れるよう、講演会を開いたり、地域活動の中心となる人を養成したりしている「全国シニアライフアドバイザー協会」が、毎年行っているものです。運営に当たっているのは、ほとんどが高齢世代の人たちで、介護や年金といった制度や、高齢者の住まい、健康問題などについて、専門家から研修を受けた人たちが電話相談に応じます。最近は、男性の高齢者から「妻を亡くしたあと、外に出ようとしても気が合う人が見つからない」といった、孤立感を訴える相談が目立つということです。
On the 26th and 27th, eight locations in the country will appoint old age people to do telephone counseling for the same generation old people, both parties may be facing similar worries on retirement life and on their health conditions etc. In its yearly coming together meeting, the "Nationwide Senior Life Adviser Society" holds lectures so that the aged generation may spend their life fully, and to train people to become the central point of regional activities. Most of its activities are for the aged generation, including telephone counseling done by professionally trained people on topics such as nursing, pension system, senior citizen's accommodation and health matters etc. Recently, in the counseling, the popular complaint made by male senior citizens is on feeling isolation "after the death of my wife, I cannot find someone that I can get along even if I go out to try".
As far as telephone counseling for the aged is concerned, I think it is a good idea that both the counselor and the client are from the same generation. At least it would reduce the distance in thinking between these two parties.
職後の生きがいや健康問題など、高齢の世代が抱える悩みに同じ世代の人たちが答える電話相談が、２６日と２７日、全国８か所で行われます。 この一斉相談は、高齢の世代が充実した生活を送れるよう、講演会を開いたり、地域活動の中心となる人を養成したりしている「全国シニアライフアドバイザー協会」が、毎年行っているものです。運営に当たっているのは、ほとんどが高齢世代の人たちで、介護や年金といった制度や、高齢者の住まい、健康問題などについて、専門家から研修を受けた人たちが電話相談に応じます。最近は、男性の高齢者から「妻を亡くしたあと、外に出ようとしても気が合う人が見つからない」といった、孤立感を訴える相談が目立つということです。
On the 26th and 27th, eight locations in the country will appoint old age people to do telephone counseling for the same generation old people, both parties may be facing similar worries on retirement life and on their health conditions etc. In its yearly coming together meeting, the "Nationwide Senior Life Adviser Society" holds lectures so that the aged generation may spend their life fully, and to train people to become the central point of regional activities. Most of its activities are for the aged generation, including telephone counseling done by professionally trained people on topics such as nursing, pension system, senior citizen's accommodation and health matters etc. Recently, in the counseling, the popular complaint made by male senior citizens is on feeling isolation "after the death of my wife, I cannot find someone that I can get along even if I go out to try".
As far as telephone counseling for the aged is concerned, I think it is a good idea that both the counselor and the client are from the same generation. At least it would reduce the distance in thinking between these two parties.
2009年9月23日 星期三
2009年9月21日 星期一
M.C. Perry and Japan (XIII)
Thursday, July 14, 1853 was the day of the ceremony. On shore the Japanese had built two tents among the trees. On board the American ships everything was ready, guns were trained at the place of reception.1 Soon two Japanese boats approached the squadron and stopped next to the Susquehanna. Kayama Yezaimon came on board with two interpreters, followed by Nagashima Saberosuke. They were received and led to the quarter-deck. Within half an hour the American who were required to take part in the ceremony on shore, including two bands, were seated in 15 boats with Captain Buchanan in the lead. This American flotilla was flanked by two Japanese boats that carried the governor of Uraga and the vice-governor.2 As these boats were about halfway from the shore, the salute of 13 guns were fired by the Susquehanna. It was also the moment when Perry stepped into his barge for the shore. When Captain Buchanan reached the landing wharf, he sprang ashore, becoming the first American officer ever to set foot on Japanese soil. The boats that carrying about one hundred marines also arrived, and they were followed by the sailors and the bands. In total the formation had about 300 men. The number of Japanese on shore was over 5,000, they were well armed with swords, spears, and matchlocks. At the front was the Japanese infantry, archers, and lancers, with a large body of cavalry behind in a distance. Behind the Japanese soldiers there was a large number of local inhabitants, many of them were women. They were looking on with intense curiosity.3 Upon the arrival of Perry, the American procession marched toward the house of reception following the lead of Kayama Yezaimon and his interpreter. Walking before Perry were two boys in ceremonial dress carrying a box which contained the letter from the US president. On the either side of Perry, there was one tall, well-built negro, armed to the teeth to act as Perry's body guard. Soon the US party reached the house of ceremony which was made of timbers and pine wood while the entrance was a kind of tent. Perry and his suite were seated in armchairs at the right side of the venue.4 (to be continued)
Notes:
1. Perry, Matthew Calbraith ed. by Sidney Wallach. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. NY: Coward-McCann, 1952, page 74.
2. Ibid., page 76
3. Ibid., page 78
4. Ibid., page 80
Notes:
1. Perry, Matthew Calbraith ed. by Sidney Wallach. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. NY: Coward-McCann, 1952, page 74.
2. Ibid., page 76
3. Ibid., page 78
4. Ibid., page 80
2009年9月20日 星期日
日本人口老化
Recently the Excite News reported the following:
総務省は２０日、敬老の日に合わせて６５歳以上の高齢者人口の推計値（１５日現在）を発表した。６５歳以上の女性は全女性人口の２５．４％と初めて２５％を超え、女性の４人に１人が高齢者となった。また、６５歳以上の男性も全男性人口の１９．９％となり、男性のほぼ５人に１人が高齢者となった。
６５歳以上の高齢者は２８９８万人（男性１２３９万人、女性１６５９万人）で前年より８０万人の増。総人口の２２．７％を占め、人数、割合とも現行の統計方式が始まった１９５０（昭和２５）年以来、過去最高を更新した。７０歳以上は２０６０万人（総人口の１６．１％）、７５歳以上は１３７０万人（同１０．７％）、８０歳以上は７８９万人（同６．２％）で、いずれも過去最高だった。
On the 20th of this month, being a Respect the Aged Day, the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications announced the estimated population figure on senior citizen who were over 65-year-old (as at 15th). Women over 65-year-old represent 25.4% of total population which was for the first to exceed 25%, and that meant one woman in four became a senior citizen. Moreover, men aged over 65 represented 19.9% of the total population, which meant almost one man in five became a senior citizen.
People aged over 65 was 28.98 million (12.39 million men and 16.59 million women) representing an increase of 80 million compared with the previous year. It accounted for 22.7% of the total population, which was a new height both in terms of people number and ratio since the present statistical method was started in 1950. People aged over 70 was 20.6 million (16.1% of total population), aged over 75 was 13.7 million (10.7%) and aged over 80 was 7.89 million (6.2%), all figures were the highest compared with the past records.
From the above news, it seems that Japan has an aging population. How to care for these senior citizen would be a challenge to the government, in particular during the present economic downturn.
総務省は２０日、敬老の日に合わせて６５歳以上の高齢者人口の推計値（１５日現在）を発表した。６５歳以上の女性は全女性人口の２５．４％と初めて２５％を超え、女性の４人に１人が高齢者となった。また、６５歳以上の男性も全男性人口の１９．９％となり、男性のほぼ５人に１人が高齢者となった。
６５歳以上の高齢者は２８９８万人（男性１２３９万人、女性１６５９万人）で前年より８０万人の増。総人口の２２．７％を占め、人数、割合とも現行の統計方式が始まった１９５０（昭和２５）年以来、過去最高を更新した。７０歳以上は２０６０万人（総人口の１６．１％）、７５歳以上は１３７０万人（同１０．７％）、８０歳以上は７８９万人（同６．２％）で、いずれも過去最高だった。
On the 20th of this month, being a Respect the Aged Day, the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications announced the estimated population figure on senior citizen who were over 65-year-old (as at 15th). Women over 65-year-old represent 25.4% of total population which was for the first to exceed 25%, and that meant one woman in four became a senior citizen. Moreover, men aged over 65 represented 19.9% of the total population, which meant almost one man in five became a senior citizen.
People aged over 65 was 28.98 million (12.39 million men and 16.59 million women) representing an increase of 80 million compared with the previous year. It accounted for 22.7% of the total population, which was a new height both in terms of people number and ratio since the present statistical method was started in 1950. People aged over 70 was 20.6 million (16.1% of total population), aged over 75 was 13.7 million (10.7%) and aged over 80 was 7.89 million (6.2%), all figures were the highest compared with the past records.
From the above news, it seems that Japan has an aging population. How to care for these senior citizen would be a challenge to the government, in particular during the present economic downturn.
2009年9月18日 星期五
美日防禦合作
Recently the Mainichi News reported the following:
来日中のキャンベル米国務次官補は１８日、東京の米国大使館で会見し、核持ち込みに関する日米間の密約問題について、「すでに（米国で）開示されている証拠の文書がすべてを物語っている」と語り、「歴史的事実」との立場を示した。この日の岡田克也外相との会談で、密約問題解明への協力を求められたことも明らかにした。また、今年１１月のオバマ米大統領の初めての日本訪問に関連し、「今のところ大統領が広島を訪れる計画はない」と述べた。海上自衛隊によるインド洋の給油活動打ち切り問題については、「日本がアフガニスタンの平和と安定のためにさらにどんな貢献ができるか考えてほしい」と述べ、米国として打ち切り容認の姿勢であることを示した。
On the 18th, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Campbell who was visiting Japan had an interview in the United States embassy in Tokyo. He said that regarding the question of secret agreement on Japan-US nuclear holding relationship "the evidence in documents already disclosed by the US had told everything" , and maintained the viewpoint that "historical facts" had been made clear. It was understood that on the day when the conference with Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada was held, requests had been raised to seek cooperation to clarify questions on the secret agreement. Moreover, it was reported that regarding the first Japan visit by U.S. President Obama in November this year, "at present there is no plan that the president would visit Hiroshima". About cessation of the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean by the Maritime Self-Defense Force, it was said that "it is hoped that Japan would further consider making possible contribution to the peace and stability of Afghanistan", even the United State had showed understanding to the discontinuation.
The above news shows that Japan's new government is trying to readjust itself as far as US-Japanese relationship is concerned.
来日中のキャンベル米国務次官補は１８日、東京の米国大使館で会見し、核持ち込みに関する日米間の密約問題について、「すでに（米国で）開示されている証拠の文書がすべてを物語っている」と語り、「歴史的事実」との立場を示した。この日の岡田克也外相との会談で、密約問題解明への協力を求められたことも明らかにした。また、今年１１月のオバマ米大統領の初めての日本訪問に関連し、「今のところ大統領が広島を訪れる計画はない」と述べた。海上自衛隊によるインド洋の給油活動打ち切り問題については、「日本がアフガニスタンの平和と安定のためにさらにどんな貢献ができるか考えてほしい」と述べ、米国として打ち切り容認の姿勢であることを示した。
On the 18th, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Campbell who was visiting Japan had an interview in the United States embassy in Tokyo. He said that regarding the question of secret agreement on Japan-US nuclear holding relationship "the evidence in documents already disclosed by the US had told everything" , and maintained the viewpoint that "historical facts" had been made clear. It was understood that on the day when the conference with Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada was held, requests had been raised to seek cooperation to clarify questions on the secret agreement. Moreover, it was reported that regarding the first Japan visit by U.S. President Obama in November this year, "at present there is no plan that the president would visit Hiroshima". About cessation of the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean by the Maritime Self-Defense Force, it was said that "it is hoped that Japan would further consider making possible contribution to the peace and stability of Afghanistan", even the United State had showed understanding to the discontinuation.
The above news shows that Japan's new government is trying to readjust itself as far as US-Japanese relationship is concerned.
2009年9月16日 星期三
日本航空減支出
The Excite News recently reported the following:
日本航空が策定中の経営改善計画の全容が１４日、明らかになった。国際線のうち中国線をはじめとする２４路線の廃止・減便など国内外の路線見直しにより、２０１１年度までの３年間に航空関連事業の売上高で０８年度に比べ２割縮小する。営業費用も３割削減。不採算の国際線は海外の航空会社との共同運航に委ね、国内線の収益強化を軸にした再建を目指す。計画の柱の一つである人員削減は、約６千人に拡大する。
On the 14th of this month the content of the management improvement plan of Japan Airlines was made known. Among the international flights, 24 routes to China would be reduced or canceled. In the three years up to 2011, total air routes would be reduced by 20% compared with the business height of 2008. The operating expense would be reduced by 30 percent. As for that non-profitable international flights, the company would arrange join operation with overseas airlines, the aims of this restructuring was to enhance domestic flight income. One of the pillars of the plan was to downsize which would affect about 6,000 people.
After reading the above, I am wondering how long it would take for Japan Airlines to make its air travel business profitable again.
日本航空が策定中の経営改善計画の全容が１４日、明らかになった。国際線のうち中国線をはじめとする２４路線の廃止・減便など国内外の路線見直しにより、２０１１年度までの３年間に航空関連事業の売上高で０８年度に比べ２割縮小する。営業費用も３割削減。不採算の国際線は海外の航空会社との共同運航に委ね、国内線の収益強化を軸にした再建を目指す。計画の柱の一つである人員削減は、約６千人に拡大する。
On the 14th of this month the content of the management improvement plan of Japan Airlines was made known. Among the international flights, 24 routes to China would be reduced or canceled. In the three years up to 2011, total air routes would be reduced by 20% compared with the business height of 2008. The operating expense would be reduced by 30 percent. As for that non-profitable international flights, the company would arrange join operation with overseas airlines, the aims of this restructuring was to enhance domestic flight income. One of the pillars of the plan was to downsize which would affect about 6,000 people.
After reading the above, I am wondering how long it would take for Japan Airlines to make its air travel business profitable again.
2009年9月13日 星期日
2009年9月12日 星期六
日航業務改組
Recently the Excite News reported the following:
経営再建中の日本航空に米デルタ航空が５００億円程度を出資する方向で調整していることが 12日、分かった。日航はデルタ側から役員を受け入れることも検討。経営幹部を米国に派遣し、デルタとの資本・業務提携交渉を本格化させる。協力関係にある欧州の航空大手エールフランス―ＫＬＭからも数十億円の資本を導入する方向で交渉しているとみられ、欧米勢との提携を経営改善計画の柱にする方針。
On the 12th of this month it was understood that the US Delta Air Lines would invest about 50 billion yen in Japan Airlines which was currently under management restructuring. Japan Airlines also had considered accepting staff from Delta Air Lines, sending senior management staff there, and intensifying negotiations on capital and business connections. It was also noticed that Japan Airlines, now already had business relationship with Europe's big airline companies Air France and KLM, was negotiating on capital injection from them up to billions of yens. Cooperation with European and American companies would be the major direction in Japan Airlines' improvement plan.
After reading the above, I am wondering if Hong Kong airline companies would work out some plans to cope with the sluggish business activities world wide.
経営再建中の日本航空に米デルタ航空が５００億円程度を出資する方向で調整していることが 12日、分かった。日航はデルタ側から役員を受け入れることも検討。経営幹部を米国に派遣し、デルタとの資本・業務提携交渉を本格化させる。協力関係にある欧州の航空大手エールフランス―ＫＬＭからも数十億円の資本を導入する方向で交渉しているとみられ、欧米勢との提携を経営改善計画の柱にする方針。
On the 12th of this month it was understood that the US Delta Air Lines would invest about 50 billion yen in Japan Airlines which was currently under management restructuring. Japan Airlines also had considered accepting staff from Delta Air Lines, sending senior management staff there, and intensifying negotiations on capital and business connections. It was also noticed that Japan Airlines, now already had business relationship with Europe's big airline companies Air France and KLM, was negotiating on capital injection from them up to billions of yens. Cooperation with European and American companies would be the major direction in Japan Airlines' improvement plan.
After reading the above, I am wondering if Hong Kong airline companies would work out some plans to cope with the sluggish business activities world wide.
2009年9月10日 星期四
M.C. Perry and Japan (XII)
The discussion lasted for about three hours and the Governor left the vessel at 1 pm in order to consult his senior authority.1 In the afternoon the Governor returned with his two interpreters and held discussion for over two hours. During this meeting Perry agreed to be received by a Japanese high officer from Yedo who held a rank corresponding to that of Admiral in the US. Perry was told that no discussion would take place when he met this official on shore. Knowing that a quick reply was not possible, Perry disclosed that he would left Japan for a few months before returning to get a reply.2 When the meeting was over, the Japanese politely accepted the refreshment offered by the Americans. They seemed to relish in particular the whisky and brandy.3 In the eyes of the American they were educated: they could speak Dutch and Chinese, they know the world's geography. When they saw a terrestrial globe, they could quickly focus their attention on the United States and knew the location of Washington and New York. They also knew the locations of England, France, Denmark, and some other European countries.4 After finishing the refreshment, the Governor and his interpreters were invited to tour around the ship. They were amazed at the big guns and the the engines. They departed at about 7 pm. The next day, July 13, the governor visited again at 4 pm. The governor showed Perry a letter written by the Emperor of Japan to his highness, Toda, Prince of Izu who was appointed to receive Perry's letters on shore. It was agreed that the next day, July 14, Perry would land on shore between 8 - 9 am. In order to prepare for any possible treachery on the part of the Japanese, Perry ordered that his squadron should anchor in line in front of the place of reception early next morning.5 (to be continued)
Notes:
1. Perry, Matthew Calbraith ed. by Sidney Wallach. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. NY: Coward-McCann, 1952, page 62.
2. Ibid., page 66
3. Ibid., page 67
4. Ibid., page 68
5. Ibid., page 73
Notes:
1. Perry, Matthew Calbraith ed. by Sidney Wallach. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. NY: Coward-McCann, 1952, page 62.
2. Ibid., page 66
3. Ibid., page 67
4. Ibid., page 68
5. Ibid., page 73
2009年9月8日 星期二
M.C. Perry and Japan (XI)
In response to Perry firmness, the governor said he would send a message to Yedo for further instruction and it would take four days to have a reply. This official then offered to provide fresh water and food to the squadron but was told that such things were unnecessary. He left the ship. The next day, July 10th the Americans could notice preparation were underway on the shore with soldiers being moved busily. Meanwhile the squadron was busily mapping the bay with surveying boats dispatched up the bay. When this act was queried by the governor of Uraga, Perry replied that American laws commanded him to discharge such a duty. Perry further impressed the governor that unless the purpose of his mission was accomplished, he would return in the coming spring with a larger force.1 On July 12 the Governor Kayama Yezaimon arrived with 2 interpreters, Hori Tsunosuke, the principal, and Hatshisuko Tokushumo the assistant. They were greeted by Captains Buchanan and Adams. Prior to this meeting, Perry had written a letter to the Emperor to request for an interview.2 In the subsequent discussion, governor said that a building would be erected on shore to receive Commodore and his suite, and a Japanese high official appointed by the Emperor would be present to receive Perry's letters. But as to the reply to these letters, they would be transmitted to Nagasaki, the only port that Japan had open to foreigners. On the spot Perry gave his response which was translated in Dutch to the Governor. It said that "The commander-in-chief will not go to Nagasaki . . . He has a letter from the President of the United States to deliver to the Emperor of Japan, or to his secretary of foreign affairs, and he will deliver the original to none other:- if this friendly letter . . . is not received and duly replied to, he will consider his country insulted, and will not hold himself accountable for the consequences".3 (to be continued)
Notes:
1. Perry, Matthew Calbraith ed. by Sidney Wallach. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. NY: Coward-McCann, 1952, page 59.
2. Ibid., page 61
3. Ibid., page 62
Notes:
1. Perry, Matthew Calbraith ed. by Sidney Wallach. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. NY: Coward-McCann, 1952, page 59.
2. Ibid., page 61
3. Ibid., page 62
2009年9月6日 星期日
M.C. Perry and Japan (X)
Perry adopted a tactic that was different from those used by people who had hitherto visited Japan. He demanded, as a matter right, acts of courtesy which were due from one civilized nation to another. He assumed a resolute attitude towards the Japanese government.1 Perry held the view that the more exclusive he could be, the more unyielding he might on insisting his declared intention, and the more respect he could command from the Japanese. Perry felt that "in Japan, as the representative of his country and the accredited guardian of the honor of that flag which floated over him . . . it was well to teach the Japanese . . . to respect the country from which he came, and to suspend for a time their accustomed arrogance and incivility toward strangers".2 So far the situation had proved Perry's tactic was working: his squadron was left free from any interference, an unprecedented event in the past two centuries.3 Early in the next morning, 9th July 1853, a Japanese boat approached the Susquehanna. These people were artists who made sketches of the squadron and had no intention of coming on board. At 7 am two boats came, with the interpreter who spoke Dutch announcing that the highest ranking official in the city had arrived. At that moment Perry wanted only to speak to the counsellor of the Empire and therefore he asked his assistants to receive this official, although with the presence of Perry. This Japanese official said that their laws made it impossible to receive Perry's presential letter at Uraga or to give any reply to it here. At this point Perry, through his assistance, made it clear that "if the Japanese government did not see fit to appoint a suitable person to receive the document in his possession addressed to the Emperor that he, the Commodore, whose duty it was to deliver them, would go onshore with a sufficient force and deliver them in person, be the consequences what they might". 4 (to be continued)
Notes:
1. Perry, Matthew Calbraith ed. by Sidney Wallach. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. NY: Coward-McCann, 1952, page 50.
2. Ibid., page 51
3. Ibid., page 52
4. Ibid., page 55
Notes:
1. Perry, Matthew Calbraith ed. by Sidney Wallach. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. NY: Coward-McCann, 1952, page 50.
2. Ibid., page 51
3. Ibid., page 52
4. Ibid., page 55
2009年9月5日 星期六
M.C. Perry and Japan (IX)
In one of the Japanese boats alongside the flagship there was a man holding a scroll of paper. He was asked to read out the the content which was found written in French, it conveyed an order that the squadron should leave and not to anchor here at their own risk.1 Afterwards an official made signs for the gangway ladder to be let down so that he could come aboard the Susquehanna. This request was refused. Then Mr. Williams the interpreter and Mr. Portman, a Dutch, told the man that Perry would only meet an official of the highest rank in the area. Suddenly someone in the boat in very good English said that he could speak Dutch. Mr. Portman began to talk with him in Dutch as that man's English seemed to have been exhausted in his first sentence. This man asked if they were Americans and it seemed that the Japanese had expected the Commodore's arrival. He then said that because the the vice-governor of Urage was in the boat and proposed that the Commodore should appoint an officer of comparable rank to speak to him. Perry after some deliberate delay, agreed to the suggestion and appointed Lieutenant Contee to receive the vice-governor. When the gangway ladder was lowered, the vice-governor, Nagashima Saberosuke, accompanied by his interpreter, Hori Tatsunosuke who spoke Dutch came aboard. They were directed to the captain's cabinet to hold a conference with Contee while Perry acted like an observer and kept himself secluded.2 The Americans told vice-governor that they were on a friendly mission to Japan, and they had a letter from the President of the USA addressed to the Emperor of Japan and wished to deliver this letter personally to the Emperor, although a copy was available to be delivered to a senior Japanese officer in the region. Perry also told the guests that he would not permit their guard boats staying around the squadron, and said that if they did not disperse, he would use force to do so. While this wish was conveyed through the interpreter, the official suddenly left his seat and went to the gangway to order the guard boats to return to the shore. These boats did as ordered right away.3 The vice-governor shortly afterward took his leave and said that an officer of higher rank was on his way to the region. (to be continued)
Notes:
1. Perry, Matthew Calbraith ed. by Sidney Wallach. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. NY: Coward-McCann, 1952, page 48.
2. Ibid., page 49
3. Ibid., page 50
Notes:
1. Perry, Matthew Calbraith ed. by Sidney Wallach. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. NY: Coward-McCann, 1952, page 48.
2. Ibid., page 49
3. Ibid., page 50
2009年9月4日 星期五
M.C. Perry and Japan (VIII)
Perry had invited two artists to keep a picture record of this dinner. Mr. Hein at a small table made a sketch of the group while Mr. Portman took a portrait of the regent.1 After the dinner the guests smoked their pipes and later offered one pipe with the tobacco pouch to Perry to try. During the dinner, the band played on the deck. When the guests left the Susquehanna after the dinner, they were given a salute of three guns. In the morning of July 2nd, 1853 Perry left Napha with four vessels: two steamers (Susquehanna and Mississippi) and two sloops of war the Saratoga and the Plymouth. 2 At sunset on Thursday, July 7, the squadron was about 40 miles away from Cape Nagatsuo, or Idzu. Soon eight to ten junks appeared and two or three after a while returned back to the shore, probably to report the arrival of the Americans. Perry's steamers were going at eight to night knots with all sails furled even there was the wind. It was the first time for steamers to sail in Japanese waters.3 Crossing the mouth of the bay of Sagami, with Oshima Island on the starboard, the squadron moved towards Cape Sagami. The cone like summit of Fuji was now visible. At this moment, Perry ordered the squadron in a war ready position: guns placed in position, ammunition arranged, small arms made ready, men were at their posts. At about 5 pm the squadron anchored off the city of Uraga at the west side of the Yedo bay. They were about 1.5 miles from the promontory guarding the entrance of Yedo bay. All Japanese batteries in the bay and two major towns nearby were now within the range of the squadron's guns. The Americans soon noticed two guns were fired from a neighboring fort. Even before anchoring, some Japanese guard boats had tried to approach the squadron and send people on board. Perry, before his arrival, had already decided to limit the visitors to those who came for official business, and on each occasion the number was restricted to three people. Now he ordered that all communication were to be directed to Susquehanna only, not to him or his flag ship the Mississippi. 5 No sooner, another gun was fired from one of the forts on shore. A large number of guards boats came and some Japanese wanted to climb up the vessels but were checked at the sight of pikes, swords and pistols.6 (to be continued)
Notes:
1. Perry, Matthew Calbraith ed. by Sidney Wallach. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. NY: Coward-McCann, 1952, pages 40-41.
2. Ibid., page 42
3. Ibid., page 43
4. Ibid., page 44
5. Ibid., page 45
6. Ibid., page 46
Notes:
1. Perry, Matthew Calbraith ed. by Sidney Wallach. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. NY: Coward-McCann, 1952, pages 40-41.
2. Ibid., page 42
3. Ibid., page 43
4. Ibid., page 44
5. Ibid., page 45
6. Ibid., page 46
2009年9月3日 星期四
優先注射流感疫苗人士
Recently Mainichi Daily News reported the following:
厚生労働省は４日、新型インフエンザワクチン接種の実施案を公表した。医療従事者や基礎疾患のある人など約１９００万人が優先接種対象で、その他の対象者として小中高校生や高齢者約３５００万人を挙げた。１０月下旬に出荷が始まる国産ワクチンは原則として優先に接種に使い、その他の対象者には１２月下旬以降に使用可能になる輸入品を接種する。６日から１週間、厚労省のホームページなどで意見を募り、９月中に正式決定する。厚労省はワクチン接種の目的を「死亡や重症化を減らすこと」と定義。必要な医療を確保するため、インフルエザの診療に携わる医療従事者を最優先にした。次いでリスクの高さから、妊婦と基礎疾患のある人を２番目に、１歳から就学前の小児と、１歳未満の小児の両親を３番目に位置づけた。また、小学校低学年（１０歳未満）も、可能なら優先接種対象にするとした。
On the 4th the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor disclosed its plan on implementing the new type influenza vaccination. About 19 million people from the medical sector and those people with chronic illness would be given a high priority to receive vaccination, other potential recipients would include old age people and students from primary and secondary schools totalling 35 million. By late October when the vaccine produced in Japan is on the market, as a matter of principle, they would be used according to the priority. By the end of December, other targeted recipients would receive injection using imported vaccine. In the week starting from the 6th, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labour would use its web home page to collect opinions, and a decision would be made in mid-September. The Ministry's purpose to do vaccination is 'to reduce death and serious illness'. For the purpose of ensuring the proper functioning of the health care system, medical personnel working on the influenza would be given the highest priority. Second high on the list were pregnant women and people with chronic illness. The third were children older then one but before schooling age, and also parents with infant children under 1 year old. Also junior primary school students (under 10 years old) may be a target for priority vaccination.
After reading the about, I wonder if the health authority in Hong Kong should begin working out a similar priority list. Would they work it out with some kind of public consultation?
厚生労働省は４日、新型インフエンザワクチン接種の実施案を公表した。医療従事者や基礎疾患のある人など約１９００万人が優先接種対象で、その他の対象者として小中高校生や高齢者約３５００万人を挙げた。１０月下旬に出荷が始まる国産ワクチンは原則として優先に接種に使い、その他の対象者には１２月下旬以降に使用可能になる輸入品を接種する。６日から１週間、厚労省のホームページなどで意見を募り、９月中に正式決定する。厚労省はワクチン接種の目的を「死亡や重症化を減らすこと」と定義。必要な医療を確保するため、インフルエザの診療に携わる医療従事者を最優先にした。次いでリスクの高さから、妊婦と基礎疾患のある人を２番目に、１歳から就学前の小児と、１歳未満の小児の両親を３番目に位置づけた。また、小学校低学年（１０歳未満）も、可能なら優先接種対象にするとした。
On the 4th the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor disclosed its plan on implementing the new type influenza vaccination. About 19 million people from the medical sector and those people with chronic illness would be given a high priority to receive vaccination, other potential recipients would include old age people and students from primary and secondary schools totalling 35 million. By late October when the vaccine produced in Japan is on the market, as a matter of principle, they would be used according to the priority. By the end of December, other targeted recipients would receive injection using imported vaccine. In the week starting from the 6th, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labour would use its web home page to collect opinions, and a decision would be made in mid-September. The Ministry's purpose to do vaccination is 'to reduce death and serious illness'. For the purpose of ensuring the proper functioning of the health care system, medical personnel working on the influenza would be given the highest priority. Second high on the list were pregnant women and people with chronic illness. The third were children older then one but before schooling age, and also parents with infant children under 1 year old. Also junior primary school students (under 10 years old) may be a target for priority vaccination.
After reading the about, I wonder if the health authority in Hong Kong should begin working out a similar priority list. Would they work it out with some kind of public consultation?
2009年9月2日 星期三
日新型流感蔓延
Recently NHK News reported the following:
厚生労働省によりますと、８月３０日までの１週間に新たに報告された新型インフルエンザの集団感染は、全国で１３３０件に上りました。これは８９７件だった前の週のおよそ１．５倍で、厚生労働省がすべての感染者の把握をやめて集団感染の監視を始めた７月下旬以降、５週連続で増加しています。都道府県別にみますと、東京都が１６７件と最も多く、次いで、北海道が９３件、大阪府が７８けん、沖縄県が７２件など、これまで感染が拡大していた沖縄だけでなく全国的に集団感染が広がっています。厚生労働省感染情報管理室の中嶋建介室長は「学校の新学期が始まるなどして感染か広がっていると思われるので、うがいや手洗いなどの感染予防に加えて、もしもし感染したら週りの人にウイルスを広げないよう、学校や職場に行かないでほしい」と呼びかけています。
According to the Ministry of Health Welfare and Labor, in the week ending 30th August, the reported new cases of group influenza infection in the country was 1330 cases. This was 1.5 times more than the 897 cases reported last week. Since late July when the Ministry of Health Welfare and Labor stopped monitoring every case of infection and instead monitoring group infection, the number of cases continued to rise for 5 weeks. Looking at the new cases by administrative regions, Tokyo Metropolis had the highest number of 167 cases, next was Hokkaido with 93 cases, Osaka had 78 cases, Okinawa had 72 cases, it was not only in Okinawa that the number was increasing, it was the country as a whole that group infection was rising. Mr. Nakashima, the in charge of the infection information management office called for the attention that 'It is expected that infection would increase in schools after the new school year starts. Gargling and hand washing would enhance infection prevention. If infected, for the purpose of not spreading the virus to people around, do not go to school or office'.
After reading the above, I am wondering if schools in Hong Kong have adequately prepared themselves to cope with the possible spread of swine flu among students.
厚生労働省によりますと、８月３０日までの１週間に新たに報告された新型インフルエンザの集団感染は、全国で１３３０件に上りました。これは８９７件だった前の週のおよそ１．５倍で、厚生労働省がすべての感染者の把握をやめて集団感染の監視を始めた７月下旬以降、５週連続で増加しています。都道府県別にみますと、東京都が１６７件と最も多く、次いで、北海道が９３件、大阪府が７８けん、沖縄県が７２件など、これまで感染が拡大していた沖縄だけでなく全国的に集団感染が広がっています。厚生労働省感染情報管理室の中嶋建介室長は「学校の新学期が始まるなどして感染か広がっていると思われるので、うがいや手洗いなどの感染予防に加えて、もしもし感染したら週りの人にウイルスを広げないよう、学校や職場に行かないでほしい」と呼びかけています。
According to the Ministry of Health Welfare and Labor, in the week ending 30th August, the reported new cases of group influenza infection in the country was 1330 cases. This was 1.5 times more than the 897 cases reported last week. Since late July when the Ministry of Health Welfare and Labor stopped monitoring every case of infection and instead monitoring group infection, the number of cases continued to rise for 5 weeks. Looking at the new cases by administrative regions, Tokyo Metropolis had the highest number of 167 cases, next was Hokkaido with 93 cases, Osaka had 78 cases, Okinawa had 72 cases, it was not only in Okinawa that the number was increasing, it was the country as a whole that group infection was rising. Mr. Nakashima, the in charge of the infection information management office called for the attention that 'It is expected that infection would increase in schools after the new school year starts. Gargling and hand washing would enhance infection prevention. If infected, for the purpose of not spreading the virus to people around, do not go to school or office'.
After reading the above, I am wondering if schools in Hong Kong have adequately prepared themselves to cope with the possible spread of swine flu among students.
2009年9月1日 星期二
M.C. Perry and Japan (VII)
The regent's house was spacious. While Perry and his assistances sat at the highest table on the right side, the regent and his colleagues sat at the left. In total there were seven tables, each with a pair of chopsticks at the corner. At the center was a pot of sake, surrounded by cups. Each table had about 20 dishes of food, including sliced boiled eggs, fish made into rolls and boiled in fat, cold baked fish, slices of hog's liver, fragments of fried lean pork etc. The feast started with cups of tea handed around, followed by small cups of sake. In total there were 12 courses, soup constituted seven of them. After finishing the 12th course, the American respectfully took leave, though they were assured that 12 more would come. During the feast, Perry rose and proposed a toast to the health of the queen mother and the young viceroy. Later he also proposed the health of the regent and his colleagues. The interpreter of the regent was a young native who had been educated in Peiping for 3 years. He could speak some English although Chinese was the language of communication between the two sides. When the feast was over, the Americans took their departure in the procession as before.1 The whole procession returned to the ships by 2.30 pm. During the stay at Lew Chew, naval drills were regularly performed in the Napha harbor. There was a boat inspection with 17 boats, all fully manned and equipped, and five of them carried 12 and 24 pounders. Later there was a death incident on board the Susquehanna. When Mr. Williams came from China to join the squadron, he brought along an old Chinese who was his former teacher. He smoked opium but was trying to abandon such a habit. But this effort and his seasickness made him sank into a state of nervelessness and semi madness and he eventually died.2 On June 28, the regent and treasurer aboard the Susquehanna at the invitation of Perry (this is a new regent at the age of about 45, the one whom Perry had met in the palace was said to have been deposed). At dinner time the guests were guided into Perry's cabin where the table was set. Perry was accompanied by Mr. Williams and Dr. Bettelheim, they were both guests and interpreters. The regent also had his interpreter Ichirajichi who stood behind him during the dinner.3 (to be continued)
Notes:
1. Perry, Matthew Calbraith ed. by Sidney Wallach. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. NY: Coward-McCann, 1952, page 33.
2. Ibid., page 36.
3. Ibid., page 39.
Notes:
1. Perry, Matthew Calbraith ed. by Sidney Wallach. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. NY: Coward-McCann, 1952, page 33.
2. Ibid., page 36.
3. Ibid., page 39.
訂閱：
文章 (Atom)