---

Opening Thought by TM Mukai; "Remaining Winter Season."

Doll's festival is near at hand and we're feeling the coming of a spring a little. In winter, the snow supplies water resources to Hokkaido, so we may not encounter the water shortage in the summer. Hokkaido produces many winter sports athletes, skiing, skating,..etc. Mr. Mouri, astronaut just came back from the space. He's born and raised in Hokkaido's severe climate. His perseverance were created by this climate.
There is still a month for the spring's coming, let's enjoy the winter in here!

Table Topic session by TM Uraguchi; "Imagination Games"

He chaired this session and held a time limited inspiration game. First you see the word written on the card and try to explain it without using gestures. We counted the time to hit the answer.

Current Issue Session by TM Ota; "Nuclear Power Plant Construction Plan had canceled."

Yesterday, the governor of MIE prefecture announced not to construct the Ashihama nuclear power plant in KUMANONADA coastal zone. Chubu electric power company, residents and related organizations are evaluating the effect of its construction for 36 years. This was the first time in Japan that the local governor banned new construction. The opposition town and the town who are agreed to the power plant were arguing over and over again, but didn't concluded to specific agreement. 81,000 people were signed to the opposition.
Most toastmasters are fearing about the leaking of radiation, since the Japan experienced an accident in Tokai Village last year. Also nuclear waste is a problem.
TM Firkola pointed out that Japan was know as good quality products and it was good in terms of safety, too. But the situation has changed. We doubt about them.
TM Komata introduced the availability of wind energy in Japan. In southern area of Hokkaido, one town made a windmill comprised of tens of little wind vane. Local company made this small components. As the coastal regions facing to Japan Sea are windy all the year, it's suitable for wind power generations. Two factors: weather and costs should be improved in the near future.

Prepared Speech by TM Kono; "Cultural Differences or Personal Character?"

She talked about two cases to consider;
The first one is one husband divorced to Japanese wife because of wife's father's problems. He urged the husband to do so many things. This is typical to Japanese traditional family.
The second one is her host family when she studied in America. The host family were too much caring about her that she couldn't concentrate on her study. Soon after she found a new host family and started a new life with an old woman. Every day after having dinner together, the old woman released her and told her to go to her room. As a result, she was able to study and enjoyed her life there. The old woman supported her not to rescue.
Rescuing the person is sometimes creates bad results, she realized the importance of supporting.

Prepared Speech by TM Sado; "Manner Difference between Japan and abroad."

At first, she compared the way of greetings with lots of gestures based on her experiences. The western people shake hands when they meet first, but Japanese are just bowing and smiling. If you meet your friends after a long time, South American people hugs each other, European people kisses to cheeks. They are the ways to express hospitality and varies depending on the region and culture.
Next, she distributed print outs of "How to bowing formally". That is extracted from some manual of Japanese business activities. Companies teach new employees using such materials. There're three types of bowing: easy bowing, normal bowing and polite bowing. You have to bend upper half of the body 15deg., 30deg., 45 to 60deg. on each occasion. This is the basic Japanese bowing. Did you know?

Prepared Speech by TM Firkola; "Brilliant Speech."

He listened ten speeches these days and found characteristics for good speeches. He introduced the Steve Jobs' speech which was held on MAKUHARI Messe event hall in Chiba. Some of you know, Steve Jobs is a CEO of the Apple Computer. He talked about the trends and future of computers. He showed up on casual wear with jeans, always walking around the stage, looking people's faces and continued 90 minutes. Regardless of relatively longer time, everybody relaxed and enjoyed his speech.

TM Firkola learned the followings from his speech;
1. Casual style is effective -- no notes
2. Telling and showing is powerful -- slides, video and demonstrations are great example.
3. Content is key -- state goals, useful information
4. Focus on audience interest and needs -- J Fonts (Japanese new character)
5. Passion is contagious -- create atmosphere

YOUR SPECIAL DATES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

PLEASE contact Yuko Komata,

Newsletter editor, and let her know what's going on that is important to you.