Does sumo have a role to play in modern Japanese society?

I believe sumo has great values such as respect the loser and preserving Japanese tradition. Sumo should play an important role in today’s society.
Firstly, sumo plays a role to encourage people to enjoy traditional sports because it is the most popular sports in Japan, regardless of age and gender. For example, I will never forget three years ago, when I was hospitalized. Usually, inpatients have dinner separately but one day, sumo was on the TV and everyone was watching it. Regardless of age and gender, everyone was enthusiastic about the matches. Even old and young were talking to each other about their favorite wrestlers. There are no other sports as popular as sumo. It brings people together.
Secondly, sumo plays a role in preserving Japanese tradition. Sumo has a long history, longer than 1000 years. Sumo wrestlers dress as long as their origin. These traditions have been built up throughout Japan’s long history. Especially after world war two, Japan lost a lot of traditional heritage. However, sumo teaches and reminds us to those traditions.
In conclusion, I believe sumo has an important role in today’s Japanese society. It gets connection to our past and brings people together.

Graves disease and thyrotoxic ophthalmopathy.

In August 2007, when I wake up, I found myself that everything seems like diplopia. My right eye sees everything lower and left eye sees higher than the origin. So, everything seems like doubleness to me.
After an hour, my eyes become normal so I don’t consider my condition seriously.
However, in September my eyes need longer time to become normal view and my weight became patently lighter than before.
At the end of that month, I went to the hospital and I was diagnosed with the graves disease and the thyrotoxic ophthalmopathy. My weight was 10 kilogram lighter than before. It took two years to treat my serious symptoms.

New school year started!

In Japan, new school year starts from April. At our school, the opening ceremony was on April 6th. This date depends on the community. For example, Kakogawa city which is next to our city has opening ceremony on April 7th and some cities in our Hyogo prefecture even have it on April 8th. Of course, children are looking forward for this day and feeling a little bit nervous. There are interested in, “who is my teacher” and “who will be my classmates.” Without students, school is a sad place, and the spring holiday was so. Now, I’m looking forward to spend time with my students!

Is the family becoming less important in today’s world?

Nowadays, nuclear families are increasing as the number of extended families is in decline. People seem too busy to spend enough time with their family and families’ role seems to be declining in the society. However, I believe family is at the root of humanity and it still has crucial role in today’s world.
Firstly, children learn the difference between right and wrong throughout their childhood. Parents discipline their children when they do something wrong. Without discipline, children can not understand morals. If they do not acquire the morality, this can lead to juvenile delinquency when they grow older. In contrast, if parents disciple their children carefully with love, they will be able to make good relationships with other people and the society as a whole.
Secondly, families should take care of their elderly parents. In our aging society, people need help when they get old. Elderly people can depend on family’s help with less hesitation. Parents make great efforts to nurture their children, so children should repay the kindness when their parents need help. Of course, welfare systems such as elderly care facilities are needed in the society however families should help each other.
In conclusion, I believe families still have an important role in today’s world. People can not exist without family. Parents should educate their children and children should take care of their parents. Families should help each other without any hesitation.

Cherry trees are also in full bloom!

Cherry trees at Yumesaki river where is near to my home are about 70 to 80% in bloom. Probably within a week, it will be in 100% full bloom. In Japan, the beginning of cherry blossoms falling down in considered the most beautiful time because it looks like snows falling down. Cherry blossoms embody spring in Japan.

New school year has started.

Yesterday, April 1, was the opening day of the new school year in Japan.
Actually, students start their school life from April 6, the opening ceremony, but faculty members was announced our classes and segregation of duties by principle yesterday.
Students are enjoying the spring holidays, but for teachers, it is very busy days because we have to prepare for the new school year.

Himeji castle is under refurbishment.

The crane is building the stage to refurbish the Himeji castle.