Dual monitors provide me with a soothing air

I wrote an article about my room before, at which I installed a monitor stand and an iPad holder on my desk. I got new stuff on the desk this time: another monitor stand and another monitor.

I’ve been thinking that I have so many tasks, such as writing journals, gaming, and watching films, at the desk. One monitor of the computer seemed too small to deal with the tasks. I came up with an idea: the use of an extra monitor that I hadn’t used for a long time. I, therefore, bought another monitor stand initially, and then, I installed another monitor.

Osu Vol.3 -Temples at times, strongholds at other times-

The construction of Nagoya castle in 1610 led to the redevelopment of Nagoya city. Osu, which was located between Nagoya castle and Nagoya port, must have been the first priority for the redevelopment as the main gate of Nagoya. The lord at the time ordered some temples and shrines to move into Osu in rebuilding the town in order to protect the area from enemies. Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines at the time were regarded as citadels or fortresses in case of emergencies. Osu Kannon temple and Banshouji temple were also moved with such a purpose.

Osu Vol.2 -a town of particular cultures-

I was going to write a journal about Buddhist objects; however, before the journal, let me introduce an intriguing aspect of Osu: particular cultures that particular people get into.

Osu has a famous retailer which carries mangas and related goods, MANDARAKE. You must get surprised at the staff members in animation costume right after you enter the building. After becoming startled at them, thousand of comics, which include valuable ones published long time ago, welcome you at the first floor. Glitzy costumes or wigs are displayed and attract you at the upper floor. Some people show respect for animation characters by copying them.

Osu Vol.1 -a town of Buddhist altar-

We have an attractive town in our region. It is Osu, which has been combined ‘tradition’ and ‘subculture’. I had a chance to learn about Osu. This time, let me introduce you a topic about Osu: Buddhist altars,butsudan.

It is said that Osu is famous for Buddhist altars and Buddhist objects. According to the oldest records, the specialized store offering Buddhist altars called ‘Hiroya’ kicked off its business in 1695. Ever since, a lot of Buddhist craftsmen and artisans came together for business settled down in Osu.

This year is coming to a close

This year is coming to a close. I nearly missed posting new year cards. Now I’m sitting at the desk and looking back what I did this year.

How was your 2012? Me, as for my work, I was under extremely deadly situation. Because of my terrible mistake, a lot of people became burdened with serious damage, which drove me crazy and withdrew into myself. Thanks to someone’s help, I had a narrow escape from a tragic censequence. Thanks.

Let me confess something. I just escaped from the grim reality of a vicious circle and hid behind something called ‘English language’, like a child sobbing behind his/her mother. Ironically, I had a bunch of valuable experience through the ‘escape’ and had wonderful friends who came from other countries.

One more thing, I’d like to tell you about my achievement at a contest in Osaka. I won the first place! I attended a local festival as an interpreter until the previous day of the contest, which was a tough but fruitful task for me. I was a bit exhausted, though, I visited Osaka and enjoyed the contest.

In December, I was given to have a chance to sit on the stage in my town as an English rakugo storyteller. This was my first time to show my rakugo alone. I’d like to get another chance to show more rakugos at a lot of places.

As for an English speaker, it looked wonderful. I do hope I’ll have a more incredible year and write a magnificent article saying ‘it was a great year’ at the end of the next year.

Thank you for dropping by my blog and reading my article. May your 2013 become wonderful and fruitful.