shima507

Defeat and Achievement

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October 16th 2007
The regional competition for the junior high school English speeches was last weekend in Matsuyama, a city about two hours south of me on mainland Shikoku. If you were reading my blogs at this time last year, you will remember that I went to this same competition last year with my student Emiko who left victoriously with second place. No such luck this time, although I thought at least one of the ... read more

Asia » Japan » Ehime » Ochi » Kamijima

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In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more