Mai Mikawaguchi
I live in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan. I go to Tokoha university
where I major in English. I have English classes every day. I like to
speak English so I entered this university. I didn't join a sports
club in my high school days, but now, I'm a member of the badminton
club.
My hobby is listening to music. My favorite music is Japanese pop
music. However, I also listen to foreign music.Now I like to sing
Christmas songs in English. These days, I'd like to decorate my room
with some posters and pictures.
At clear night, I often look at the sky because I like watching
stars very much!! Someday, I'd like to see the Southern Cross.
Japanese Culture:
Obon
During the summer, Japan has a
traditional summer holiday. The name is "Obon". We welcome the
spirits of our ancestors in these days. For this event, we make 2
dolls of vegetables. The shapes are a horse and cow. We offer them in
front of the household Buddhist altar.
And we make and eat "Ohagi". It's
made from "Mochi" (pounded sticky rice) and topped with "Anko" (sweet
bean paste). In the evening, we make a fire to guide our ancestors
into our house. This is because they cannot find the house in the
darkness. Many relatives gather in almost all houses. This is the
best event during summer for Japanese.
Africa: Cameroon
- I'll explain about Cameroon.
Cameroon is a one of the African countries. It's in the west of
Africa, bounded by Chad, the Central African Republic, Congo,
Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria. It is shaped like an
elongated triangle.
- At first, I'd like you to know
the meaning of Cameroon's flag. It has three colors, green, red
and yellow. Green means the southern zone of forest. Yellow means
the northern savanna. And then, red and the star symbolize the
unification of the whole country.
- Next, about the animals. There
are many kinds of animals in Cameroon. This is a pair of them,
savanna baboon and hippopotamus.
- Their main agricultural products
are coffee, cacao, tobacco, cotton and bananas. But they also
produce pineapples, macaroni, palm oil and corn. Their diet is
mainly potatoes, millet, fish and milk. These are difficult to
transport and store in this country so they eat foods which they
can get in their region.
- Next, please look at this carving
and mask. In Cameroon, the traditional art isn't simply decoration
but it has a special use. The carving has a religious meaning.
Dancers wear masks in special events, and when they don't use
them, they put them away in their sacred place.
- You know, Cameroon's national
game is soccer. Many young people play it everywhere. Compared to
other amusements, soccer has a high popularity.
- By the way, do you know which
country made the territory of Cameroon? In 1960, after World
WarÖÝ, Cameroon become independent from France. The
background of history has affected their education. After World
WarÖü, U.K had a territory of eastern Cameroon and
France had western Cameroon. So in the school lessons, they use 2
languages. In addition, native people use more than 200 languages.
- Like the languages, there are
several kinds of believers. In a formula, 40% of Cameroon's
population worship traditional religion, 40% worship Christ and
20% worship Islam.
- Finally, Cameroon is a stable
country in society. Because after becoming independent, they
didn't experience any domestic wars, hunger, or refugees. It is
rare in other African countries, so I hope this country is safe
and peaceful forever.