Jake's Kawaii Blog

  一番いい友達はKaidyn Ehrmanさんです。高校の時にEhrmanさんに会いました。とてもやさしくて楽しいひとです。今、IU Bloomingtonで勉強していますが、休みの時、家に帰って、いっしょに会います。それから、私は気持ちが悪い時、いつもでんわでしゃべてくれるし、アドバイスをしてくれるし、私の一番いい友達です。そして、私はEhrmanさんのかのじょの問題をきいてあげます。

  I thought it was very interesting to hear to the history behind kyudo, especially with the Shibata family and how they have been making bows for the Shogunate and now royal family for over 500 years. Additionally, I thought the idea Enso and the circular meditation of Zen Buddhism and how it relates to kyudo was very interesting. I like how such an idea can explain all of the movements of kyudo, and show how important the commitment and thoughtfulness to each step is. Lastly, the contrast between Kai and Hanare in the coming together of everything and then letting go is extremely profound, and I thought it to be very moving and applicable to obtaining peace in such a busy world.

  It seems that Kyudo is much more than archery - it is an art form that expects respect and dedication from one seeking to participate in the art form. The very act of firing the bow is broken down into eight different steps that reflects how one might go about self discovery. This is an example of the spiritual nature of Kyudo, which is also based in both Zen Buddhism and Shintoism. Additionally, in modern Kyudo, the main goal is the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty, which again, reflects the deep introspective nature of Kyudo. Overall, while Kyudo is used mostly at events and in celebratory displays nowadays, the dedication to the art form remains, and Kyudo still demands the respect it has deserved at all ages.

  ハロウィーンの日、ルームメイトと友達といっしょにコスチュームを着ました。みどりのおばけのコスチュームで、Clash Royaleというゲームのスピアーゴブリンです。みどりのシャツをきたり、グレーのズボンをはいたり、みどりのパイントをきたり、スピアーをつくったりしまた。コスチュームをきて、パーティーに行きました。とても楽しかったです。

  Over break, I went to see the Chainsaw Man movie, which was a continuation of the anime adaptation of the manga. I enjoyed the original season of the anime, but it wasn't really something I thought was amazing. This movie, however, was absolutely amazing. It has achieved a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and I believe it to be well deserved. The animation and story telling in this movie was spectacular, and it has one of the best soundtracks I have ever heard in a movie, which was composed by Kensuke Ushio. I don't think this series is for everyone, but if you are into the genre, this movie is definitely a need to watch. Additionally, I was trying to be diligent in listening to the Japanese, and I managed to pick out more than I thought I would, especially regarding some of the vocab we have been covering recently. Overall, seeing this movie was a definite highlight of my break.

The Izu Islands, which were hit by Typhoon 22 on the 9th of October, may be hit again by Typhoon 23. Typhoon 23 is heading North of the Eastern Sea of Okinawa, and is likely to hit Kagoshima Prefecture, causing lots of rain and potential flooding. After this, Typhoon 23 will likely head towards the Izu Islands, which was hit by Typhoon 22, which caused damage to buildings, water supply, and electricity supply. I realized when reading this article, I can look ahead, as this was written a few days ago. The Typhoon did hit Kagoshima Prefecture, and did head towards the Izu Islands, but the total damage and severity has not yet been stated.

イベントに行く前に、　へやで私はリーさんといっしょに行こうと思いました。リーさんにメールをおくって、私はメールをもらって、「うん、そうしよう」と言っていました。それから、リーさんに会って、イベントに行きました。イベントはとても楽しかったですよ。中国のポプリを作ったり、けんだまをしたり、たなばたを書いたりできました。そして、かんこくのふくをきて、しゃしんをとりました。East Asian Culture Dayが大好きでした。