37 years ago Top Gun

According to the forecast, it will be sunny then cloudy on Saturday, March 4.

The maximum temperature in Tokyo will be 17 degrees Celsius.

Although the temperature fluctuates a lot depending on the day, it is gradually getting warmer.

You can also feel the spring-like atmosphere. Cherry blossoms are said to bloom in Tokyo in mid-March.

Spring is also the season for enrollment and employment, and it makes you feel restless.

I prefer winter to spring because I like the feeling of reluctance to get out of a cold room in the morning.

Well, enough about the weather. The topic of today's conversation is Top Gun.

Yesterday I watched the 1986 movie "Top Gun" on Amazon Video.

It is surprising that a sequel is being produced 37 years later, starring the same actor, Tom Cruise.

In the first half of the original story, the protagonist, Maverick, takes bold actions full of confidence, but the second half portrays his struggles after losing his best friend in an accident.

The finale has a great climax with a fighter plane battle between the F-14 and the Mig.

It is a very impressive work, but the process of the protagonist rising from his struggles and reaching the final fighter battle feels inadequate.

On the other hand, the new Maverick has credibility and successfully portrays a fighter battle that is suitable for entertainment.

I think Tom Cruise is one of the greatest actors, and if he became president, he could be the greatest president in U.S. history.

Top Gun: Maverick

March 3rd, Friday.

Today, March 3rd, is "Hinamatsuri" or "Doll Festival" in Japan. Hinamatsuri is one of the traditional events in Japan, and families with girls decorate their houses with "hina dolls" (also known as "Ohina-sama"), which are male and female pair dolls shaped like the emperor and empress.

It is said that the custom of displaying "hina dolls" dates back to the Edo period, although it is believed to have originated from the customs of the Japanese nobility. To confirm my knowledge and memory about the origin of "hina dolls", I asked ChatGPT.

Since there is no clear explanation for the historical origin of decorating with hina dolls at Hinamatsuri, there are several theories. Below are some representative theories.

One theory is that it originated from "Joshi no Sekku" or "Girls' Day," which was celebrated among aristocrats during the Heian period. According to this theory, aristocrats in the Heian period decorated peach trees or flowers and ate peaches on March 3 as a good luck charm to pray for the health and longevity of their children. It is said that this custom spread among the common people and eventually evolved into the display of Hina dolls.

Another theory is related to the development of culture during the Edo period. During this period, the warrior class, including the shogun's family, began to celebrate Hinamatsuri on March 3. At that time, it became fashionable to make Hina dolls, and it is said that the display of Hina dolls also became popular.

A third theory is that the custom of displaying Hina dolls spread among the common people in the middle of the Edo period. In the middle of the Edo period, hina dolls became popular among the common people and established themselves as a representative decoration for Hinamatsuri. According to this theory, the custom of displaying Hina dolls originated among the common people.

In modern Japan, it is common to eat diamond-shaped rice cakes called "hishimochi" or "chirashi sushi" (scattered sushi) and drink sweet rice wine called "amazake" to celebrate Hinamatsuri.

I plan to buy some amazake and celebrate Hinamatsuri today.

Yesterday I watched "Top Gun: Maverick" at a movie theater in Ikebukuro. This movie is a blockbuster starring Tom Cruise, and the previous movie was released 37 years ago in 1986. This movie was released on May 27 last year and is still being shown as of March 3, 2023, making it a super long-running movie.

I usually only watch animated movies, but I also watch live-action movies when they are big productions.

My impression of the movie I saw can be summed up in one word: overwhelming and amazing. The story, the direction, the aerial action and the visuals were all fantastic. I was completely immersed in the world of the movie. It was a dynamic movie that reminded me of Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible series he starred in. It was a very exciting movie that I can still enjoy even after watching it.

Actually, I haven't seen the previous installment. It's just too old. However, I intend to watch it now.

The latest installment in the Mission: Impossible series is scheduled to be released in 2023. I would like to see it in the theater.

March 2

Thursday, March 2.The second day of a 5-day consecutive holiday. I think a diary is something to be written at the end of the day. The purpose is to reflect and record the events of the day. In my case, however, I often write in the morning. This is because the purpose of my journal writing is to learn English, so I emphasize what I want to write about or how I'm feeling at the time. Also, I'm usually too tired to write at night.

Writing is very enjoyable. I often spend the whole day thinking, "What am I going to write today? But sometimes when I actually try to write, I can't think of anything. The readers of this blog are only me. But if I'm going to write, I want it to be something meaningful.

Yesterday in Tokyo, it was warm enough that I didn't need a jacket. It was really nice weather. I regret not doing laundry. Today also seems to be a warm day. However, there is a possibility of sudden rain.

I plan to watch a movie in Ikebukuro today starting at 17:55. Yesterday was a discount day for movies. Today is the discount day for app members of the theater I belong to. I'm going to see "Top Gun: Maverick" today. I'm sure I'll be able to watch the movie in a relaxed atmosphere.

I don't watch TV, but I often watch videos on the Internet. I have a favorite video on YouTube that I always watch.

ASMR is an abbreviation for something, but I can't remember what it is in Japanese because it's hard.

I often get a tingling sensation. It is so pleasurable that it produces a feeling of rapture and ecstasy.

A good substance must be released in my brain. I can relax and maybe my concentration increases. Of all the ASMR videos out there, this is the best for me.

That's all for this morning.

Three Wishes

The first of every month is Movie Day. I requested a day off on March 1st because I was aiming for that day. If I'm going to watch a movie anyway, I want to relax while watching it during the day.

I looked for different movies, but I didn't find any that I particularly wanted to see. However, a biographical movie by Spielberg will be released on March 3.

After considering various options, I decided to watch "The Arabian Nights: The Wishes of the Three Genies”.

My favorite movie theater is TOHO Cinemas Hibiya. As far as I know, it's the best movie theater in Japan. Everything is great there anyway.

The movie starts at 11:50 on Wednesday, a weekday. I thought there would be enough seats, but it was almost full. Is this movie a hit?

The genie in the movie can grant three wishes. The reason three is the number of wishes is because it is a sacred number. I see. But the protagonist doesn't try to get three wishes, and that's the story.

What I felt here was what I would wish for. Do I want money, health, or world peace? If such happiness came to me, I thought I would seriously organize and understand my wishes beforehand.

After watching the movie, I wanted to have coffee in a nice cafe. There are many nice cafes, but I am reluctant to go alone. Besides, it costs money, and if I eat sweets, I might gain weight... In the end, I gave up on the cafe and went home with a feeling of regret.

I want to be the kind of person who can enjoy a graceful time in a nice cafe without feeling shy, especially since I am in Tokyo. Should I make this one of my three wishes?

It's March from today.

It's March from today. 

Time really flies, doesn't it? 

What do you call the phenomenon where time seems to go faster as you age? 

I have a 5-day consecutive holiday from today. 

March 5th is my father's anniversary of passing, so I usually go back to my hometown in Hokkaido every year. 

However, my mother is currently hospitalized, so I plan to spend my time relaxing at home instead of going back this year.

I have plans to go to the cinema today and tomorrow, but I don't have any special plans for the other days.

I intend to study English carefully at home and not waste this valuable time.

The health benefits of apples

I love chocolate and coffee.

I always write about those two in my journal, but there are other things I like too.

Apples.

I didn't like them when I was a kid, but I grew to like them as an adult.

I used to eat them every day. They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

But lately the price has been high, so I haven't bought them for almost a year.

A useful podcast for learning English is the BBC's "6 minute English".

In the latest episode they talk about apples and how they are a super food.

EPISODE 230223 / 23 FEB 2023

They are not only delicious but also healthy.

Unfortunately, they are expensive.

To eat apples every day, I have to adjust my food budget.

I buy drip coffee at the grocery store every day, but I decided to give it up for apples. Coffee can be consumed at home.

I have also stopped buying sweet snacks. I think I can still eat an apple a day without changing my food budget.

I wish apples were cheaper.

音声

【VOA】Japan, Other G7 Leaders Step Up Russia Sanctions

 Title: G7 Leaders Impose New Sanctions on Russia
https://www.voanews.com/a/japan-other-g7-leaders-step-up-russia-sanctions/6978819.html

Script:(by GhatGPT)

The Group of Seven, or G7, leaders have imposed new sanctions on Russia over its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The sanctions target individuals and entities involved in the annexation of Crimea and the destabilization of Ukraine. The G7 leaders also expressed concern over Russia's actions in the Black Sea and human rights violations in the country. Russia has criticized the new sanctions and warned of retaliatory measures. This move marks a significant escalation in tensions between Russia and the West.

タイトル G7首脳がロシアに新たな制裁を発動

Script:

G7（主要7カ国首脳会議）は、ウクライナとの紛争が続くロシアに対し、新たな制裁を課した。この制裁は、クリミアの併合とウクライナの不安定化に関与した個人と団体を対象としている。また、G7首脳は、ロシアの黒海での行動や同国での人権侵害に懸念を表明した。ロシアは新たな制裁を批判し、報復措置を警告している。この動きは、ロシアと西側諸国の緊張を著しくエスカレートさせるものである。

ChatGPTが作成した憲法9条改正が必要な理由。

 何故、憲法9条の改正が日本の安全保障にとって必要なのかなどの問題についてChatGPTに解説をしてもらいました。


Q１:日本国憲法9条を改正し自衛隊を軍隊として法律に定義し、防衛力を高めるべき理由を3つあげて、それぞれの根拠について詳細に説明しなさい。

A1：日本国憲法9条を改正し、自衛隊を軍隊として法律に定義することについて、以下に3つの理由とその根拠を示します。

外部の安全保障環境が変化していること

現代の安全保障環境は、国際情勢の変化によりますます厳しくなっています。特に、アジア太平洋地域では、北朝鮮の核・ミサイル開発や、中国の軍事的な拡大が進んでいるため、日本も自衛のための防衛力を強化する必要があります。自衛隊が軍隊として法律に定義され、防衛力が強化されることで、このような安全保障環境に対応できるようになります。

国内の安全保障環境が変化していること

国内の安全保障環境も変化しています。例えば、自然災害による被害や、テロの脅威が存在しています。これらの問題に対応するためには、自衛隊の能力強化が必要です。軍隊として法律に定義され、防衛力が強化されることで、これらの問題に対応する能力を高めることができます。

同盟国との協力体制の強化が必要であること

日本は、アメリカ合衆国と安全保障条約を結んでおり、その上で、自衛隊の存在が許されています。しかし、日本が同盟国として責任を果たすためには、自衛隊の防衛力を強化する必要があります。自衛隊が軍隊として法律に定義され、防衛力が強化されることで、同盟国との協力体制をより強固にし、安全保障に対する責任を果たすことができます。

以上のように、自衛隊を軍隊として法律に定義し、防衛力を高めることは、現代の安全保障環境や国内外の脅威に対処するために必要であり、同盟国との協力体制を強化することもできます。

Q2:自衛隊が軍隊として承認されていない状態で軍事力を保持していることは危険なことであるとの立場に立って、その理由を3点あげ、それぞれについて詳細に説明をしなさい。

A2:自衛隊が軍隊として承認されていない状態で軍事力を保持していることについては、次のようなリスクが存在します。

民主的な統制が不十分である

自衛隊が軍隊として法律に明確に定義されていないため、軍事力の行使や拡大が民主的なプロセスに基づかず、不透明な形で行われる可能性があります。軍事力が民主的な統制の下にあることは、国家の安全保障政策を決定する政治家や国民の意思決定によってコントロールされることを意味しています。

国際社会との信頼関係が損なわれる

自衛隊が軍隊として承認されていないことは、国際社会との信頼関係を損なう可能性があります。国際法に基づき、国家は他国に対して軍事力を行使することができる唯一の場合は、自己防衛に必要な場合に限られます。自衛隊が軍隊として承認されていない場合、日本が他国に対して軍事力を行使する可能性があることが国際社会に認識され、信頼関係を損なうことになるでしょう。

自衛隊員の憲法的な権利が制限される

自衛隊員は、現在の憲法下での自衛隊の立場により、憲法的な権利が制限されています。例えば、言論の自由や労働組合の権利が制限され、民間人とは異なる待遇を受けることになっています。自衛隊が軍隊として法律に明確に定義され、自衛隊員が軍人としての権利と義務を持つことで、自衛隊員の憲法的な権利が改善される可能性があります。


Q3:現在、議論されているLBGT法案について。この法案が成立すると日本の伝統的な家族制度が崩壊するとの立場から反対する理由を3点あげ、それぞれの理由について解説しなさい。

A3:LGBT法案が成立すると日本の伝統的な家族制度が崩壊するとの立場から反対する理由を3点あげ、それぞれの理由について解説します。

LGBT法案に反対する立場からの意見を述べます。

伝統的な家族制度に与える悪影響

LGBT法案の成立により、同性婚が合法化されることになります。しかし、これは伝統的な家族制度に与える悪影響を引き起こす可能性があります。家族とは、父親と母親によって構成され、子供を育てることが本来の目的です。同性婚の合法化は、父親と母親という伝統的な家族の価値観を変えることになるため、伝統的な家族制度に悪影響を与えると考えられます。

社会に与える悪影響

LGBT法案の成立により、同性愛者が権利を持つことになります。しかし、同性愛者に特別な権利を与えることは、社会に悪影響を与える可能性があります。例えば、同性愛者が差別を受けた場合、その差別を受けた理由が同性愛者であることを主張することができ、不当な取り扱いを受けたという主張を行うことができます。これは、社会の秩序を乱すことになるため、社会に悪影響を与える可能性があります。

性行為の正当化

LGBT法案の成立により、同性愛者の性的指向が合法的であることが認められます。しかし、同性愛者の性的指向を正当化することは、社会に悪影響を与える可能性があります。例えば、同性愛者の性的行為を肯定することは、異性愛者の性的行為も同様に正当化することを意味するため、性的倫理観が低下する可能性があります。これは、社会にとって深刻な問題であるため、LGBT法案の成立には慎重に検討する必要があると言えます。


Q4:日本の放送事業は免許制であり、報道姿勢については特定の立場に変更することなく対立する意見がある場合には双方の意見を対等に報道するよう電波法で定められています。しかし日本のTV局は沖縄の反米活動運動の報道にあるように、非常に偏向した報道を繰り返しているとの意見があります。このようなTV局の姿勢を矯正するために、電波オークションを導入するべき理由を3点あげて解説しなさい。

A4:日本のTV局が偏向報道を繰り返していることは問題視されており、その解決策の一つとして電波オークションを導入することが提案されています。その理由を以下に示します。

競争原理に基づく報道の促進

電波オークションを導入することによって、TV局間の競争が促進され、偏向報道が減少する可能性があります。オークションで使用権を得た局は、視聴者から支持される報道を行うことで競争優位性を獲得できるため、偏向報道が少なくなる可能性があります。

メディアの多様化

電波オークションは、新しい放送事業者の参入を促進することができます。これによって、メディアの多様性が増し、偏向報道の問題を解決することができる可能性があります。

受信料の有効活用

受信料は、TV局が公正な報道を行うための財源となっています。しかし、偏向報道が問題となっている現状では、受信料の有効活用が困難です。電波オークションを導入することによって、公正な報道を行うTV局が優遇されるようになるため、受信料の有効活用が可能になると考えられます。

以上のように、電波オークションの導入によって偏向報道の問題が解決され、公正な報道が行われる可能性があります。

Look up at the night sky

Look up at the night sky

I try to take walks twice a day, in the morning and evening, on my days off. This is because I make it a point to walk more than 8,000 steps a day.

When I went out for a walk after 5:30 PM, it was already pitch black outside. As I looked up at the night sky, I saw a strange sight. The crescent moon, Venus, and another mysterious celestial body were lined up almost in a straight line.

I wonder what this could be.

When I got home and watched the live video on Weather News, it turns out that the other celestial body was Jupiter.

This was my first time seeing Jupiter. I was impressed by how bright it looked.

How to brew a delicious one-drip coffee.

I drink coffee every day because I have found that it helps me relax. 

I drink drip coffee at work and instant coffee at home. However, I became dissatisfied with instant coffee, so I considered buying a coffee maker. 

But it seemed like too much hassle, so I bought one-cup drip coffee instead. 

It's a little more expensive than instant coffee, but I think it's convenient and good. In fact, I think it's better quality than instant coffee when I taste it. 

Today, I found a video on YouTube that shows how to make one-cup drip coffee even more delicious, so I want to share it with you because it's a great video. 

According to the video, the type of coffee I drink is called "hook type". 

I used to pour in a little bit of hot water and stir for about 20 seconds, but the video says there's a trick to it. 

The trick is to pour 140 ml of hot water all at once and wait four minutes. If you have Amazon Echo, you can easily control the timer with your voice. 

Let's try making coffee with this trick starting today.

February 23th

 Today is Thursday, February 23, and the weather in Tokyo is cloudy with clear skies later. The high temperature is 14 degrees, which is much warmer than yesterday.

Today is a national holiday called the Emperor's Birthday. It's interesting that even though February only has 28 days, there are two national holidays in this month. I wonder what I should do today?

Since the weather seems to be good today, I want to do laundry and wash my sheets and blankets.

I plan to study English more than usual. I also have to file my tax return and apply for paid leave. There are many things to do, so I'll take them one at a time.

This month is almost over, and time seems to fly by so fast. If I'm not careful, my life could be over before I know it. I'm going to work hard to make the most of my remaining life.