MFWI Extension Writing Class

Imposing Wupatki was alone. Only blue, green and brown, Sand with a breeze, Earth air blew on my hands, Winds run through my face, Tasting the life of the Pueblo. I stepped forward firmly.

A trip is a special event in our life and tells a lot of new things. The Portland trip became one of my unforgettable and wonderful memories which I can't make at MFWI campus. The trip was beneficial for me because I learned plenty other of American culture and history in four days. My most impressive places and event are the Columbia George Discovery Center, Japanese-American Memorial and PSU (Portland State University) volleyball game. First, I expanded my knowledge at the Columbia George Discovery Center. One of the interesting things which I learned about there is Lewis and Clark. Although I had studied it before the trip in American West class, I got new interesting information about them. For example, Lewis and Clark had no doctor on their journey. I saw some tools to cure disease and injury. I was astonished that the ways to cure them were risky and painful. I realized how hard their journey was. Another new discovery of mine is the Great Horned Owl. A woman explained di

Last week, all Extension students went on the Portland trip. I learned Portland is famous for its weirdness. In this case, weird is not negative. They use 'weird' in the meaning of uniqueness. So they say 'Keep Portland weird'. I thought it was very interesting. So I am going to talk about three unique places I visited: Reed college, Saturday Market and Powell's bookstore. On the second day during the trip, I went to Reed college. This college is a private college so their tuition is quite high. But there are a bunch of advantages of being a student in the college. I learned the differences of this college from other colleges or universities from a woman who graduated from Reed College and now works there. What I was surprised at the most was Reed College doesn't have a grading system so that the students there don't have to be worried about their grades. I thought it was great because we can concentrate on our studies more without being worrie

    In my presentation, I will talk about the secret life of the homeless in Japan. There is a lot of unknown information about them. And also, we can’t count the exact number of the homeless because some of them hide inside, where we can’t easily see them. However, Japanese society doesn't seem to care about the homeless. We tend to consider that most of the homeless are lazy because of no jobs, and addicted to alcohol or drugs. Is it correct? I would like you to know how hard the life of the homeless is in Japan, and what happens to them, and at the end, sense that they live not in another world but in the same world as us.  

The purpous of this presentation is to let the audience know about the fascination of Kyoto confectionery. Kyoto confectionery is delicious and beautiful but, also, much more. Kyoto has a lot of unique points such as nature, history and culture that we can learn about through Kyoto confectionery. We can imagine "Kyoto" itself from confectionery. After listening to presentation, you would want to see and eat Kypto confectionery and would want to go visit Kyoto soon.

Kinkakuji-Temple  The purpose of this presentation is to describe for audiences the amazing temples in Kyoto. There are 2643 temples in Kyoto. Among them, three of them are very famous because they have interesting features. Kinkakuji-temple is beautiful, historical, and symbolic. Kiyomizudera-temple is a temple for all seasons. Ryoanji-temple is very simple, but that is the reason why it is popular. After listening to this presentation, you would be intrigued about visiting Kyoto temples.

Through this presentation, I would like the audience to know about the beauty of the geisha’s world and also its dark side. Geisha are Japanese traditional female entertainers. They are famous for their beauty and elegance and attract many foreigners from overseas. People find geisha so fascinating even books and movies are created about their lives. However, their lives are veiled in secrecy, rarely seen openly in public. After listening, you would discover how a girl becomes a geisha and the mysteries of their elegance.

How can I show the Grand Canyon? Sun is changing the color of rocks, breathing clear air, feeling a gentle breeze by my whole body, Sea mews are singing, tasting the surface of the earth, I am full of hope.

blog-imgs-22.fc2.com Both America and Japan have poverty problems, and homeless is one of the problems. However, the state of affairs is not the same. Through my presentation, I will tell you why people became homeless in Japan. Homeless people tend to be seen that they chose their life by themselves, but there are some social backgrounds which caused homelessness. I will also tell you about the images of homelessness which Japanese people have. My presentation will be a good opportunity for you to think about poverty problems.

The purpose of my presentation is to tell what Japanese business men and women do after 5p.m. It is common for businessmen and women to work overtime in Japan. The present situation of overtime work is a serious problem. Why do they work overtime? There are several reasons and some of them are related to Japanese history in the 17th century. Today, society overall is no longer like the 17th century, but in business we can see the influence of our history. Source: jalan.net. com

Experiencing the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Lovely flowers, bones, and shapes, Very white, clear, and natural smell, Standing in front of her painting, very green, feeling nature, Very black, calmly, her paints are breathing, Tasting very pink, sweet. The colorful Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

The purpose of my presentation is to show how Japanese Business men and women attend Drinking Parties as a way to further their careers and business relationships. There are three kinds: first is with superiors, second is with coreagues, and third is getting to know each other. They need one skill to get good relationships with their superiors. It is called "Nominication."

The purpose of this presentation is to show how culture in the Heian periodaffected the Tale of Genji: first, a new writing style; second, a new painting format; and finally, the life of the nobles. A fter you hear this  presentation, you will know not only the Tale of Genji, but also the culture of the  Heian period.

I was excited to go on the Portland trip because I could shop without taxes, but I learned many things from the trip besides shopping. This trip became one of my valuable experiences as an extension student. At first, I went to three American universities, and that was a precious experience for me because I could see the differences between American universities. First, I went to Columbia Basin College. It is a two-year university like SFCC next to MFWI. The campus was pretty small. I met Japanese class students, and I thought their Japanese listening and speaking skill were high level. Next, I went to Reed College. This college was also small, but students seemed positive about studying. The campus was filled with artistic drawings and the buildings were nice. Even in restrooms, there were lots of drawings, and I thought students in this college were imaginative. Third, I went to Portland State University. This university was quite huge, and the campus was part of the city. I did

I went to the Grand Canyon. Many animals live there, The wind blowed my hair, Foreigners talked in their language, Clean air applauded me, Tasting the earth, It gave me a special experience.

The purpose of my presentation is to introduce the Japanese fish market, fish market auction, and the market's present condition. Fish markets are interesting because it has many kinds of fish, and it has an interesting process. The number of Ichiba is decreasing, but Japanese people know Ichiba is a fun place, and it is an important traditional place. Therefore, it should exist forever. I hope listeners are interested in ichiba, and they want to go there.

My presentation is about the period of the Japanese Bubble Economy through the collapse of the bubble. In the1980s, Japan was filled with enthusiasm, because people earned and spent a lot of money. Today, Japanese people think that time was unusual. People couldn’t see the realities and they couldn’t imagine what would happen after that. The Bubble Economy is the biggest event in the history of the Japanese economy. Through this presentation, I hope you understand why people had exciting lives during the bubble and also the economical changes during the Bubble Economy.

It is hoped that you could understand the reasons for the collapse of the Bubble Economy in Japan. As the U.S. had a Bubble Economy in their history, Japan also had a Bubble Economy during the 1980s. Many people enjoyed their life while the bubble was expanding, but the collapse caused big problems for many areas in Japan. Several reasons are believed to have caused the collapse of the Bubble Economy. Through this presentation, you can see these reasons and find out the economical and emotional differences between Japan and the U.S. These differences might be the cause of the unusual economy that is still affecting Japan today.

My presentation is about the history of foreign loan words in Japan. Japan has a long history of borrowing words from other countries, especially from Europe, America and China. Japan has borrowed religious terms, medical terms and other kinds of terms from different countries. The use of foreign loan words was also affected by WWII. This was a time foreign words were even banned in Japan. From this presentation, you would learn that foreign loan words in Japan have a long history based on international relations.

The purpose of this presentation is for audiences to understand that foreign loan words can show a connection between America and Japan. American and Japanese people borrow words from each other. However, there are some interesting differences between the actual English words and the way we use English loan words in Japan. Also, foreign loan words affect the culture and society of the country in good ways and bad ways. Through this presentation, you would understand the cross-cultural implication of foreign loan words and how foreign loan words relate to globalization.

Through this presentation, I will demonstrate many interesting points of Japanese language. Japanese language has a lot of different characteristics from other languages. For example, it has a long history which tells us why the language is so unique. Japanese language includes peculiar features such as writing styles, gender expressions and honorific terms. Japanese language also has dialect, body language and foreign words, which show history and culture. From the presentation, you would get information about not only Japanese language but also Japanese culture and society.

Kaneitsuuhou The purpose of this presentation is to present the history of Japanese money. D ifferences because of social status will be seen clearly, which will let you know about Japanese individuality to respect others . Moreover, there is one kind of coin from the 1 7 th century called “Kaneitsuuhou”. Despite being fro m a l ong time ago, it still a ffects a city and prospers the city. Finally, b y comparing c ountries like America, Japan and China, you'll see how different and similar money in the world is. By listenin g to thi s presentation, you can know more abou t the background of money which you use everyday.

I have eaten a lot of food last semester and this semester in the US. I have eaten not only food at commons but also food at restaurant and my host family's house, and snacks in my dormitory room. Also I have traveled some places in the US and it means I had a lot of chance to have various area's food in the US. From such experiences, I noticed some features about American food. huge lunch!! First, I am still upset about the amount of each serving. If I order small size ice cream at an ice cream shop, I'll receive medium or bigger size one. It applies not only ice cream but also to most foods. I already learned such things last semester, but I was in Japan this summer for three months, so now I was shocked about it again. Also in America, it is not rare to use a take out box if we can't eat all of the food in the restaurant. However, in Japan, it is unusual to use it. Japanese children are taught that they shouldn't leave anything on their plates by their moth

The purpose of this presentation is to notice the existence of Ichiba and this place has a very important role in our lives. ‘Ichiba’ means ‘market’ in English. Recently, existence of Ichiba is dwindling. However, this existence is very important for our life. We often buy something at the supermarket or vegetable stores without giving it much thought, but there were many processes before we get these things. Ichiba has a very important role in society. If we don’t have Ichiba, we couldn’t eat fresh products like now. I hope you enjoy this presentation and become interested in Ichiba.

Through this presentation, you will learn how Japanese people feel and taste Wabi Sabi from three examples; Japanese Garden, Tea Ceremony and Japanese Flower Arrangement. Wabi Sabi is a peculiar Japanese aesthetic sense. It's a kind of feeling, an awareness, an appreciation of aspects of Japanese culture. However nobody can see it because it's your reaction of feeling to traditional Japanese culture, but you can see thing related to Wabi Sabi. You will exactly learn about three such examples in this presentation. How are these examples connected with Wabi Sabi? Why do Japanese feel it is beautiful? Why is this aspect of Japanese culture a little peculiar and simple? After listening to this presentation, your point of view and sensitivity may change.

Japanese school lunch Source: labaq.com My presentation topic is about Japanese elementary school lunch. Today almost all elementary school students eat the school lunch. The school lunch is very important for the development of Japanese national character. This system is a vital part of the school lunch system in education program in Japan. It is more than just a meal to Japanese.Through this presentation, I'll introduce that why the school lunch is important for Japanese education, and how it effects Japanese national character.

I went to Coeur d' Alene to take part in a SIDS run yesterday. At this time, all Extension students participated in this run as volunteers. Last week, we also took part in the Spokane Riverside clean-up as volunteers. I have experienced volunteering twice since I came back to Spokane. I learned there were various types of volunteering.  Beautiful Balloons for Children When I saw pictures of dead children before I ran, I felt that I should run while thinking about them. While running, I wanted to walk many times, but I didn't want to lose myself and realized I ought to run with my maximum power for them. My time wasn't good. However I'm proud that I didn't stop running and thinking about these children. When I went toward the Mukogawa bus, I saw a lot of balloons launched in the sky and garden lanterns in a river. Then I prayed these souls may rest in peace. I only can think about them and run for them, but I'm happy if it helps some peop

On October 7th, I took part in the SIDS Run. Before October 7th, my teacher told us what SIDS is. I had never heard about it. It was a good opportunity to know about SIDS. It is difficult for the parents to accept the fact that their children died and to overcome their sadness. If I were the parent, I would not be able to do that. However, this SIDS Run was a good event for the parents to be positive. I took part in this event because I thought it was good and a rare opportunity to communicate with native speakers, but I couldn't talk with any native speaker except Timothy. I expected a better situation, so I was a little disappointed. Actually, on the day of Spokane River Clean up, I had less chances to talk to native speakers. However, I enjoyed both events. I didn't talk with many native speakers, but I chatted with my group members while we were walking. Through that time I could know them better. It was very fun. I don't like exercising, but I really enjoyed walking

The purpose of this presentation is to understand Japanese religious culture and to know about the spiritual island of “Miyajima”. Miyajima plays an important role by showing Japanese religious history. Temples and shrines are built in the same area, so this island symbolizes the fusion of Shintoism and Buddhism. Moreover, Miyajima has been regarded as a  s acred island by people since ancient times. In 1996, Miyajima was chosen as a  W orld Cultural Heritage site. Therefore, Miyajima is a very famous tourist spot. Each year, over 3,500,000 people visit Miyajima . After you have listened to this presentation, you’ll be interested in Japanese religious  culture and you surely will want to visit Miyajima.

The purpose of this presentation is to introduce Murasaki Shikibu, author of "the Tale of Genji". "The Tale of Genji" has been read for over 1000 years. This presentation tells you what kind of person Murasaki Shikibu was, and why she could write such a legendary novel. Murasaki Shikibu wrote not only "the Tale of Genji" but also other well-known works. This presentation also tells what made the author to be such a great writer. Through this presentation, you will know how important Murasaki Shikibu is to Japanese.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage is the most famous pilgrimage in Japan. It includes a trip to 88 different temples in Shikoku Prefecture. There are many honorable traditions of the Shikoku Pilgrimage and it is supported by many citizens in Shikoku.Going on the pilgrimage requires many necessary accessories, a correct praying procedure. A pilgrim also experiences generous hospitality of the citizens of Shikoku. It is a time-honored tradition. After listening to our presentation, you might want to travel to Shikoku and experience the pilgrimage.

Classroom Chair and Desk source:  poitem.net/ The purpose of my presentation is to teach the audience how elementary school education develops Japanese national character. Japanese elementary schools are really meaningful. My three sub topics are federal control, types of subjects, and roles and aims of students. The standard of curriculum in Japanese Elementary schools is determined by the Ministry of Education. Students have many duties for study for six years. In addition, each student has roles in the class. Through this presentation, you can understand more about Japanese character, such as cooperation , unity, and duty.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage is the most famous pilgrimage in Japan. There are 88 temples which are related to this pilgrimage in Shikoku area. It has continued for a long time. The reason for its long life is related to Japanese history and culture. Also, there are some interesting differences between the pilgrimage in the past and now. Through this presentation, you can learn about its essential origin, historic development, and increasing popularity in modern times. After you listen to the presentation, you would understand the curious history of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

My presentation is Wabi Sabi. Wabi Sabi is Japanese aesthetic senses. It has deep meaning and a fascinating history. Wabi Sabi has various definitions and features. It is hard to understand the feeling of Wabi Sabi. However, there are some clear features and three clear definitions in it such as calmness, nostalgia and simplicity. Also, Wabi Sabi has an interesting history. After my presentation, you will understand the deeper meaning and interesting history of Wabi Sabi.

Japanese back-pack source: diamondblog.jp/sagane/?p=417 This presentation is about unique customs of Japanese elementary schools. These traditional customs have continued since the old days.  During six years of elementary school, students experience these conventional things, which helps develop their Japanese character. You will learn about their activities in class, school attire and accessories, and events. After you listen to the presentation, you would know more about Japanese elementary student life.

Through this presentation, you will learn about the Tale of Genji, Japan's classic love story of the early 11th century. There are 54 chapters, which are interesting but sometimes awful because of the characters' vengeful spirits. The most interesting fact is this story has been read for about 1000 years and most Japanese people know it. Can you believe it? If you listen to this presentation, you can learn why the Tale of Genji is so famous and why it has been a classic for 1000 years.

Through this presentation, you will learn about Japanese skills, design of paper money and the relationship between bank notes and Japanese character. Do you know many techniques exist to prevent counterfeiting in Japan compared to other countries? Have you ever seen Japan's beautiful paper money? These bank notes are related to Japanese values, which are not obvious, and are very different from America and other countries' bills . After you listen to this presentation, you will notice Japanese paper money is very interesting, and you can enjoy comparing these bank notes with American money.

The purpose of this presentation is to sh ow that Japanese coins have important meanings and techniques to protect them from forgery . There are imitation coins in every country as well as Japan. However, two kinds of Japanese coins have holes in them to protect them from forgery. Also the biggest coin of Japan has four methods to protect it from counterfeit, including "cutting-edge " and "world-first " techniques. Japanese coins have plants for images and all of them have interesting meanings. After listening to this presentation, you will be interested in not only Japanese coins but also your own country’s money.

The SIDS RUN is for babies who died. There were many people who wore T shirts with pictures of their dead babies. I felt so sad. I couldn't feel it was a fun event, but people smiled and enjoyed t his event. People ran for the babies, and people encouraged the families. They wanted to think positively. I walked and saw many children and adults with baby carriages. All people looked happy. I was glad they were positive. By the way, three miles was very short. Most of the time I walked, but it took only an hour. Sometimes the landscape was very beautiful. I want to go hiking in Coeur d'Alene. It is probably beautiful. When I was running, I was thinking these things . After I finished running, volunteers gave me some food and coffee and cocoa. It helped me very much. Then, there were auctions and a toy service which gave children toys. It was free. At first, I was moved and felt sad during this event. However, I wanted to encourage people who lost their babies. Enjoy

Today I joined the SIDS run with all of the Extension students. Before I decided to join this event I did not know about SIDS. I really like to run and I could not join BLOOMS DAY in last semester so I decided to run. This is not just fun so I must think about people who lost a child. I have never experienced such a sad accident so I cannot understand how sad they are. I think all of the people who joined think about this event very seriously because when I arrived at the park everyone was quiet except some children. While I was running I saw some people put pins their T-shirts. I was curious about what it was so I asked Jill later. She told me that pin is the symbol of people who lost a child. When I heard that I felt painful. To be honest, this morning I did not want to join this event because I wanted to take a rest and I wanted to finish all of my homework so I regretted applying for this event. However I do not regret joining this event now. Today, I learned about SIDS and how ser

About a month has pasted since I came to Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute in September. I thought I would not find new things at first, but I finally discovered new things in Spokane recently. There are three small surprising things in my life in Spokane. At Washington State University First, I have been really amazed to learn experiences how difficult it is to have conversation between second language learners. I'm immersed in studying English for sure now. When studying English, I listen carefully when I talk or hear something in English. I have realized my English has improved more than I thought because of my experiences at some universities. I visited  Washington State University  and met with international students a month ago. At that time, I talked with Taiwanese and Chinese students. I hoped to have a great time with them. However, I couldn't talk with them easily. We both have original accents, so it was difficult for me to understand what they said. I was a littl

The purpose of this presentation is to introduce Itsukushima shrine and to understand Japanese spirituality . Over a long period of history, this shrine has co-existed with Japanese people . Itsukushima shrine is  a symbol of culture and history. Also people of Japan believe there are many Gods around us. Why  do Japanese people think many Gods exist? What kinds of Gods live in Japan? After this presentation you will notice how interesting Japanese spirituality is .

S ky City is very close to heaven. The lovely blue spreading the whole sky, A feeling of freedom and full of nature, Closing my eyes, opening both hands, Just breeze sound, The wind brings the fragrance of air, water, and trees. Sky City is a holy place in the world.

I was struck by everything of the Grand Canyon. Exquisite blue sky, marvelous sunset and sunrise, and bright starlit sky, Cool and pleasant stones, A soft and comfortable breeze, A faint smell of nature. I couldn't think about anything because of the magnificence of the Grand Canyon.

The air before daybreak of the Grand Canyon encourages me. Lots of stars on the black canvas, Pleasant smell of nature, The cool gentle wind  makes  me pure, Hearing the sounds of dawn. Enjoying  my time with chocolate. I can refresh myself before daybreak.

There was the huge canyon. There was the amazing view which I had never seen. Nature was very close to me and wind carried green, Birds were singing, animals shook leaves, I couldn't imagine I was there, The air was clean and cold and dry. Grand Canyon is the best place to visit in my life.

I like star gazing. Millions of stars in the night sky, W ith a cup of coffee, My body is freezing except my heart, Silent, quiet, I sigh. Drink coffee and taste nature. Stars always heal me.

I know that the world is wide. Blue sky, bright sun, and red rock, I hold the camera, Fresh air spreading, Wind blows violently, I knew my world was narrow.

It is an inspiring landscape. Huge canyon and bright blue sky, Music of the trees, chirping of birds, The taste of pure air, AMAZING, surprising, A breathtaking, superb view . It is a prodigious work of nature.

I'm on the edge of the Grand Canyon. Orange sun becomes red, Trees are blown and wind carries smell of green, We're also blown by wind, and people gather , People sighed when we were covered with red. Tasting spirit of the earth. Sun changes its color and makes me and my heart warm.

I have had a lot of substantial opportunities this semester. It has been one month since I came here. I have had two exciting opportunities happen so far. exciting opportunity First, I could have more elevated feeling by going to Washington State University. On Tuesday, September 25th, I visited WSU and participated in a ESL student class. Every student in the class studies English as a second language, so they are same as me. I talked with four ESL students who are from China, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia. It has not been one year since they came to America, so almost all of them have been here just months. Then, I felt that conversation is difficult again. When I talk with my RA and teachers, they can understand what I want to say, because English is the first language for them. However, when I talked with these students at WSU, it was extremely difficult to understand each other. For example, when I said something, they didn't know I had to explain or use an easier ward. Al