LETTER OF INTRODUCTION

Hello! I’m Saori. I am 21 years old. I am a junior and I’m learning English at Kumamoto Gakuen university.  I belong to calligraphy club. There are about 150 persons in the club. Sometimes, we go to training camp. We write a lot of words, and we hold an exhibition. And, we do a lot of club activities, for example, go to beautiful places, go to the sea, go bowling, go to a Karaoke place, and so on. I enjoy club activities.

I am talking very slowly, but I like talking. I want to enjoy talking with you. I like to travel abroad. I want to go to a lot of foreign countries. I also want to study abroad.

My hobbies are watching movie, listening to music, go shopping, driving, and traveling. My favorite movies are High School Musical and Twilight. Because I belonged to the cheer dance club when I was a high school student, we danced to the music of the high school musical. Sometimes I went to a baseball game; we cheered my high school baseball team. I like dancing. And, I listen to music sometime when I go out and in the bath. And, I like to go to concerts and listen to music. I went to a lot of places with my friends after I graduated from the junior high school because I like travel. I went to a lot of places, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Oita, Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo in Japan. I went to a trip to Australia with my elder sister and my cousin last December. Although this was my first time traveling abroad, Australia was amazing and I was very happy to visit there. I had no fear going to a foreign country because of this travel. I like to go beautiful places. I also like to go for a walk. If it is possible, I would like to go to some places with you while I stay in your country. But I like to stay home as well.

I am looking forward to seeing you. Thank you.

347words/8592words

What do you enjoy doing when you have free time?

What do you enjoy doing when you have free time?  I enjoy playing with my friends. We went to some places. For example, we went to Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Aso, and Kumamoto city in Japan. Another time, we go shopping, walking and driving. Sometime, I cook a meal for my family. I like making hamburgers, miso soup, some sweets, and so on. I also like stay my house.

When you think of the United States, what intrigues you?  What do you find attractive or interesting about this country?   Each country has its own customs. I want to know about the customs in America. I think Americans are very friendly, kind, and open. I want to know the different life style. I’m really interested about that.

What concerns or fears do you have about coming here?  I talk very slowly, and I am not good at speaking English. I worry about talking with my host family. But I will try my best.

 

161words/8245words

What are your interests and hobbies?

I have some hobbies. My hobbies are going shopping, listening to music, cooking, going for a walk, and so on. Sometimes, I go to a shopping mall with my friends, and I do window shopping. And I like foreign musician. For example, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Ke$ha, Backstreet Boys and LMFAO. My favorite Japanese musician is Shota Shimizu. He has a very sweet voice. His voice makes me happy.

69words/8084words

Briefly describe your family

I have father, mother, old sister, younger brother, and a dog. My father is working as a policeman and my mother is working as a home helper. And my sister is working as a public health nurse and my brother is High school student. My father is strict, he is a person with warm heart. My mother is very kind and is a person who perseveres. My sister has a calm character and my brother is argumentative but, he is a gentle man.

83words/8015words

This is my mother's birthday present from me and my older sister and younger brother. I bought in America. This summer vacation, I went to Minnesota for a month. I wanted to give coach's bag. I said I want to search my mother's birthday present. My host mother took away big store. I am a irresolute character, so I couldn't decide it. We saw walk round three times. Finally, I could find very good one. My mother looks very happy. I also felt very happy.
89words/7932words

BR2-7: The Elves and the Shoemaker

"Once, an old shoemaker lived with his wife in a room above their workshop."(p.3)

This is a shoe maker story. This story has eight chapters. I like the chapter 1. this title is "Making shoes". This is first story. It wrote a how to make a shoes. Old shoemaker hand made shoes. For example, draw shoe shaepes, cut the leather, cut out more leather, cut out thick soles, sewed the soles onto the shoes. He had really thrown himself into his work. People watching his work. But nobody could go past his shop without looking in. One day, people bought his shoes. Everyone thought his shoes are very good, but didn't go inside. But old shoemaker was caught up in some trouble. A cart passed by the window with cheap shoes painted on the side. He didn't know what to do. Another day, he was so tired, so he fifn't finished working. But tommorow morning finished making shoes. He was surprised.
Daynes, Katie(2004)The Elves and the Shoemaker, London, Usborne
150words/7843words

BR2-6:TITANIC

"In the early 1900s, there were no passenger planes."(p.5)

Do you know this story? It isn't true everything, but made a true story. A large British passenger ship which was people considered impossible to sink, but which hit an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean on its first journey in 1912. And as a result sank, killing more than 1500 of its passengers. It is a very suddly event. I watched this movie when I was child. This main character is Leonardo DiCaprio. He was young and very cool man. I admired to him. I thought true story, but I had known it when I was freshman. I made like this story in my class, but it was very difficult. Made story from true event. I think Titanic is very wonderful story because this story popular for years and years. This picture book is short. It has six chapters only. If you don't read, you try to read.

Anna,Claybourne(2006)Titanic, London, Usborn
150words/7693words

Minnesota Essay

My part time job is wedding hall stuff, so my favorite presentation was America Wedding Customs. For example, often get two kind of ring, congratulatory gift isn’t money and different type of wedding ceremony. I thought difference between America and Japanese wedding so much. They are difference only country.

   American and Japanese are different culture and habit. I think our thinking and American thinking are difference. I search it.

Special day of a couple, man say a proposal of marriage. Investigation results of Japan wedding magazine, propose from husband 83.5%, from wife 2.0% and nothing is 14.0%. About 80% people propose from men, so men have a leadership of propose. And Japanese propose in home, at the restaurant and at the sea.

Men send Engagement ring. Japanese engagement ring is simple, but recently don’t send it. A couple had anniversary ring and cheap ring in return or don’t buy. A wedding band too. About 70% people send, didn’t send is 30%. A few people sent other gift. For example, give a watch and a necklace.

Japanese say “June bride” but it is not true. The Ministry of Health announcement Japanese wedding ceremony season is March, next November. Spring and autumn season is popular season.

Average wedding total costs is \3885000. A bride clothes cost is \430000, Engagement and wedding rings costs are \578000, Flowers costs are \220000, food costs are \1190000 and so on.

Japanese traditional style is a wedding ceremony and a wedding reception. There are five type of wedding ceremony. First, a wedding ceremony held at a Shinto shrine. This is generally wedding native style to Japan. I will explain how to do it.

First, “Sanshin” the bride and groom walk into the shrine with Japanese ancient court music. Second, “Shubatsu-Purification Rite” to begin the ceremony, this is done to purify the mind and body. Third, “Kensen Rite of presentation of food to god” this is a rite in which god is offered rice, rice wine and other foods. Fourth, “Norito-soujyou reading of sacred words” bride and groom from this point on become spouses, they appeal to the god, they give thanks to the god and pray for a long, happy life together. Fifth, “Sankon-no-gi-Exchanging of nuptial cups” together a large, middle sized and small cup of rice wine is drank and the spouses then promise to love each other. The groom drinks the small cup, then the bride drinks the small cup. The bride drinks the middle cup, then the groom drinks the middle cup. The groom drinks the large cup, then the bride drinks the large cup. Sixth, “Mikushi-azuke-no-gi-Entrusting of the comb” the bride entrusts a comb, a symbol of a woman in ancient ages,to the groom. With this, they are united as one and promise to trust and help each other in their new life going forward. Seventh, “Seishi-houdoku reading of the vows” the rite where the spouses face the god and personally state their vows. The groom using his right hand and the bride her left, together they hold the vows paper. Eighth, “Tamagushi-houten tamagushi rite” the bride and groom pray from the heart and place their feelings into the Tamagushi, offer it before the god and worship. Ninth, “exchange wedding rings” the bride and groom consecrate their vows. Tenth, “Tamagushi-houten tamagushi rite” the match maker or family representative prays for a long, happy life for the spouses and offering the Tamagushi, worships before the god. Finally, “Shinzoku-Keppai” bond tying rite. The relatives of the spouses pour and exchange cups of rice wine before the god tying the bonds of the relationships of friends and family. This rite started 1900. It is traditional Japanese style.

Other kind of wedding are a church wedding, a temple wedding, a home wedding, a nonreligious wedding. Recently, many Japanese people get married in church.

The boy decide proposal day, a couple does special dating. For example, they eat splendid dinner. Generally, a man says “Will you marry me?” It is same to Japan. If it is yes, man gives Engagement ring. It has a big jewel. A wedding ceremony, husband send Wife’s wedding band and wife send husband’s wedding band. Another day, Engagement ring and Wife’s wedding band stick.

   American also say “June bride” because it is very good climate season. This tradition came to Europe. And it has other mean “bride of June”. June is Juno’s month of marriage and woman’s god. If woman get married this month, she became a happy life.

   Average wedding total cost is $25,449.00(\2086,818). Average wedding dress cost is $1,025.00(\84050). Engagement and wedding rings costs are $6066.00(\497,412). Flowers costs are $1,103.00(\90,446). Cake cost is $525.00(\43050). Generally, all American wedding cake is real, isn’t fake. Reception costs are $9286.00(\761,452). American wedding cost is a bit cheap. Japanese wedding ceremony need a lot of minor expenses.

   This is certainly easily understood since the United States was originally populated by immigrants from many lands, primarily Europe.  These immigrants brought their own wedding traditions with them, and these traditions, stirred in the melting pot of the United States, have slowly evolved into the traditional American wedding ceremony. There are a few things that all U.S. weddings have in common.  To begin with, U.S. wedding ceremonies may be either religious or civil.  Most brides prefer a large and rather elaborate ceremony if it is their first wedding Marriages are not arranged. A typical U.S. wedding takes place between two people who have sought out a partner and have found someone whom they believe they can share their life with.  In other words, in the United States marriages are based on LOVE.  They are not arranged to strengthen family business or influence.

   There are Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Flower girl and Ring bearer in ceremony. Bridesmaids are bride’s sisters, cousin and so on. They help to bride and act as a foil for the bride. Groomsmen are also brother, cousin and so on. They are an attendant for groom and act as a foil for the groom. Flower girl is a niece the young people. She walk in front of bride with strew to flowers and hold a bouquet. Ring bearer is a nephew. He carries a wedding ring.

   There is a tradition that a bride wears “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.” It is called “Something Four.” If a bride wears them, became a happy marriage life. Something Old prove an ancestor and tradition. Something New express a couple new life to begin from now. Something Borrowed express the relationship with friends and the neighbors. Something Blue express the blue that is symbol color of the Virgin Mary that is purity.

   There are bouquet toss and garter toss in the party. A bridegroom enters the skirt and takes off the garters which a bride puts on in the body and throws it, and it is said that the single man who received it can marry next. American gift of wedding isn’t money. Everyone give to need newly married life. Everyone do dancing a long time after the party.

   Recently, there is interest wedding style. It is a drive-through wedding. I heard it, I was very surprised. A signature is given it for the blessing of the clergyman and the kiss of the oath, a certificate with getting into a car and I finish a wedding ceremony in no time and can put it away.

 

  

I think Japan wedding ceremony is a solemn ceremony. Japanese not dancing, not showy organize. But Japanese wedding ceremony style based on the American model. For example, give Engagement and wedding rings, say “June Bride”, “something four”, and get married in church.

An overall impression, American wedding is free and like party. Japanese wedding is strict and serious rite.

1339words/7543words

BR2-5: Christmas around the world

"Early in December, the streets sparkle with lights. Christmas is coming..."(p.13)

Do you like Chiristmas day? I like Chiristmas because around December, change the beautiful street and many happy things. Christmas is 25 December, the day when Christmas celebrate the birth of Christ. Christmas day is coming soon. I feel exciting and nervous because I don't have time to job huting. But I want to read. My kindergarten and high school are Christian, so I'm interested in knowing this story. I did perform a play Christian story. I was a narrator, so I know this story. I thought it is a wonderful story. One day, a baby was born in a stable. Some people came to there. They said the baby is a god's baby. The baby is a Christ. And Christmas is the day to calebrate the birth of Christ. This book has four chapters and christmas recipes. I like cooking very much. I want to cooking this sweets.

Sims, Lesley(2005)Christmas around the world, London Usborn
152words/6204words

BR:2-4 Beauty ＆the Beast

"Kneeling before her was a handsome prince." (p.58)

Do you know this story? I know I like this story. I watched this movie many time. It mede by Disney. I love Disney story, especialy I like it. When I found this book, I decided read this. This story has seven chapters. This is a love story between beautiful girl and a beast. Oneday, they met in a castle. Her father was attacked by the Beast. But Beast said give me his daughter. Another day, she went to Beast's castle. Finally, his spell is broken. He is a really handsome prince. They ware married. The end is happy. My favorite chapter is chapter seven. this title is "Dying". She returned the castle, Beast was lying. He said he is dying. But his spell was broken. I like this story's fairy because it is cute. If you have never read this story, you should try reading this.

Stowell, Louie(2007)London, Usborn
149words/6052words

BR2-3: The clumsy crocodile

Cassy Green was on her way to work.(p.3)

I choose this book because this picture is funny.
This book has six chapters. First chapter is Everglades, second title is A cross boss, third title is Getting it right, fourth title is Cassy in charge, fifth title is Disaster!, final title is Cassy the hero. Myu favorite chapter is first because this chapter is funny. This main character name is Cassy Green. She is a very own my way. She started new job in the biggest and best store in town. First, she worked in the China Department. First guest is a very rich lady. Cassy had mistake. Next, she worked Toy Department. She was afraid to accidents, but she had a mistake. And she worked the Food Hall. But she tripped over a stool. Cassy's boss said go to my office. She did her best, but she had a lot of mistake. It is funny for me.

Felicity, Everett(2002)London. Usborn
150words/5903words

Letter for Joel in MN

I wrote a letter for my Minnesota teacher Joel. He is a very kindful person. Everyone likes him. He taught about a American joke every day. It is very funny.
I wrote this letter.

I think you are very funny and humorous person. Everyday, you makes us smile. I thought you are very good husband of Linda. Because Linda and you are look very happy. I felt happy. Thank you very much.
72words/5753words

MR3: Twilight

This movie is from the best-selling book “Twilight” by Stephenie Mayer. It made in 2008 by Summit Entertainment. This movie is known all over the world and is very popular. The first movie was “Twilight”, the second as “New moon”, the third was “Eclipse”, and the fourth was “Breaking dawn”. I watched part 1, 2 and 3. I introduce about TwilightⅠ. This movie is a love story between a vampire boy and a human girl.

 

Bella is a female high school student. Her mother will remarry, so she goes back to live with her father. They start living in Forks. This city has a lot of rain and fog. She is a quiet character, so she could not get on well with the school and found herself isolated. One day, she met a perfect boy. His name is Edward. He is a vampire boy. Bela has an attractive point to him. It is her smell. Her smell is a very attractive smell, especially to him. He drinks only animal blood, but her smell is attractive. And he has the power to read people’s thoughts, but he can’t read her thoughts. These points were an attractive to him.

 

On another occasion, she had an accident, but he saved her. She thinks maybe he has a special power. She is interested in his true colors. She checked on his background. She found out that he is a vampire. She asked him if he was a vampire. He said yes and asked if she was afraid. But she fell in love. They started a friendship. But it is prohibited between a vampire and human. And they have a lot of dangerous experiences.

 

I like this movie series. My favorite “Twilight” scene is in the forest, when she asked Edward if he was a vampire. It is very surprising scene. I watched it with my heart pounding fast. But it is good way for them. This scene did change their friendship, so I like this scene. I haven’t watched “Breaking dawn”, so I want to watch it.

347words/5681words

 

 

 

year book

   I went to Minnesota this summer vacation. Finally, I wrote year book. I will write  my essay. 

   I really enjoyed staying in Minnesota. It was my first American trip, but I wasn't nervus. I was looking forward to going to MN.

    I studied a lot of things in the Bethel University. Everyday, I enjoyed this program. We had a lot of opportunity to listen to presentation. Especially, I was interested in presentation of weddings in America, because I think my Essay topic is it. Between America and Japan are a lot of different things. For example, American's buy a wedding dress, but generally Japanese wear rental. I thought it is wonderful! I think I want to buy own wedding dress in hte future.

   I enjoyed every activity. Especially, my favorite activity was canoeing . The day, we did family picnic after canoeing. Mycanoeing partner was Yukino, and guide was Byron. He is a funny person and she is a good friend, so I enjoyed canoeing.

   My host family, Shiori's host and Yusa's host family are very good friends, so we spent a lot of time. For example, went picnicking, held an Olympic party, watched hourse racing, held Japanese party, went to an amusemen park, Twins game, and so on. I really enjoyed everything. My host family was Kim and Rolie the dog. She always makes me happy. One day, I asked her do you have any worriesabout hosting. She said I'm worry about whether you are happy. I thought I'm a lucky person. Everyday, I was very happy.

   Through this MN life, I think I can listen and speak English better.

   Thanks for the lovely time. I love U.S.A. I love MN. I love Joel, Linda, Peggy, and Katie. Special thanks Kim and Rolie. I love you. I would like to come back MN again.

312words/5334words

Letter for Mark in MN

I had a very good time in MN. Thank you for mathching my host family and me. I really enjoyed studying every program. My favorite activity is canoeing. It was very tired but my partner was good friend and my gide was veery funny. I really enjoyed canoeing very much. After that we held family picnic. We had to do skit. I was nurves, but everyone laghting. I have a very good time. Thank you very much. See you soon.

80words/5022words

MR2: Drumline

This is a little old movie, it made in 2002. It is an African American movie.

  

I will introduce  this story. The main character is Devon. His parents are separated, so his mother raised him all on her own. He is a person who is frivolous and likes to be the center of attention.

  

After the graduation ceremony, Devon sent a bunch of flowers and he went to meet his father. He wanted father to come to the graduation ceremony, but his father couldn’t send an invitation card. Devon said he would continue drumming, but his father  couldn’t continue it.

   He will go the school’s marching are on a losing streak for 4 consecutive years. In  college, he finds his favorite girl. Her name is Leila. It is the first meeting of them.

  

Then, they held a meeting of the persons wishing to join the Drumline. The new members should wear a white T-shirt and read the book of rules. They have a curfew, but they didn’t get back home before. Next morning, they should wake at 4:30 o’clock, but Devon’s roommate couldn’t wake up, so he didn’t get up. This club has a teaching that is “One band, One sound”. He was against it, and he continued in a rude manner to the leader Sean.

  

Every day, they should practice on a sound basis. At the graduation of new persons, he couldn’t say rule on the final page, so he has to cut his hair. He doesn’t want to, so he refused it, but he decided cut his hair. Next day, they did a qualifying competition. Devon became a main member of a P1. He gets carried away, so Sean said you have the solo part. It was a success, but club supervisers were angry. And he told Sean to polish the drums.

  
    Another day, the supervisor found out that he can’t read sheet music, so he became a reserve player. At alumni day, he participation with the alumni. But he got in a fight. He couldn’t be in this club, so he thought he would join another team. But this supervisor said wants to get information of A＆T. He gets depressed to hear it.

  
   One day, he got some tapes of drumming. He realized the pleasure of drumming. And Sean and Devon became a good friend. Sean teachs how to read  music, and they work together. This title was difficult with Devon’s participation. And A＆T and MB were won at the same time, so Devon participates in solo confrontation. Finally, A＆T won.

  
   I remembered my high school life because I belonged to a cheer dance club. I like cheer dancing, so I want to dance again. My favorite scene is the final one. I thought drumming, dancing and all the audience became one. It is very beautiful. University people have difficulty to renew one’s character, but this story of people has a big emotional growth. I could remember to do my best. I think I will try studying new things.

508words/4942words