Weekly News

November 22, 2001

Last Thursday, I was told about an interesting CM. CM is Japanese for a

television commercial. Anyway, in this CM, a little boy asks, "Why do I have to

study?" Next, so I was told, KU MON flashes on the television screen. The kanji

for KU could mean PAINFUL and the kanji for MON could mean QUESTION, so, PAINFUL

QUESTION. Also, KUMON is the name of a popular cram school in Japan.

>>> Painful Question <<<

1. Who asked the question?

A little boy asked the question.

Correct.

2. What does KU mean?

The pronunciation of "KU" mean Painful, but the kanji for KU mean Public.

The pronunciation of KU means painful, but the kanji for KU means PUBLIC.

3. Why do you think the question is a painful?

There are many cram school in Japan, and they become a big business now.

There are many cram schools in Japan, and they have become big businesses.

I agree that the study in the school is needed, but I wander that the cram

school is needed or not.

I agree that studying in school is needed, but I wonder if cram schools are

needed or not.

So, I think that the boy's question in this CM is a painful for the answer.

So, I think that the boy's question in the CM is painful to answer.

>>> Painful Question 2 <<<

Hi Howard,

1. Who asked the question?

In a Japanese TV commercial, a boy asked a question as to why he had to study.

Correct.

2. What does KU mean?

"Ku" in Japanese means "pain" or "suffering."

Correct.

3. Why do you think the question is a painful?

The question must be -- a painful one?

Well, as we all know, it's hard to study anything.

Particularly when one doesn't have a definite reason, it's even "painful" to

study.

Unfortunately, that is the exact situation for many young Japanese fellows.

Even I have no idea as to why I had to study the binomial theorem or

differential calculus back in schools.

I have never used them in my career as a semiconductor engineer for more than

ten years.

ALL CORRECT.

>>> Painful Question 3 <<<

1. Who asked the question?

A little boy did.

A little boy asked the question.

2. What does KU mean?

KU means painful in this sentence.

Correct.

The truth is that the kanji for KU of KUMON means OFFICIAL and the kanji for MON

means SENTENCE.

Correct.

3. Why do you think the question is a painful?

If this question is that "why do I have to study", I'm very difficult to answer

it and I'm painful to solve the question.

If you are asking, "Why do I have to study?" It is difficult for me to answer

it. And, it is a question that is painful for one to solve.

Note: Well, I think that it could be painful to the boy when he grows up if he

doesn't apply himself when he is young. And, it could be painful for the parents

if the boy fails to study when he is young, and he grows up having to beg his

parents for pocket change from time to time.

>>> Painful Question 4 <<<

1. Who asked the question?

A little boy asked the question.

Correct.

2. What does KU mean?

KU means PAINFUL.

Correct.

3. Why do you think the question is a painful?

Because it is painful to answer in short.

Correct.

Note: I hadn't thought of that. Some people think if one grows up without an

education, one might live a painful existence. I think that we all make the best

of what we have.

>>> Painful Question 5 <<<

1. Who asked the question?

A little boy asked the question.

Correct.

2. What does KU mean?

KU could mean painful.

Correct.

3. Why do you think the question is a painful?

I don't understand for this question.

I don't understand this question.

I believe that very well to study.

I believe that it is very well to study.

Here are some other answers.

>>> Painful Question 6 <<<

1. Who asked the question?

Ans

A little boy of CM asked it.

A little boy in the CM asked it.

2. What does KU mean?

Ans

Howard Thought,the Kanji for KU means English for painful.

Howard thinks that the Kanji for KU in English means painful.

3. Why do you think the question is a painful?

Ans

I think you are mistake.

I think you are mistaken.

The kanji for KU means PUBLIC and MON means SENTENCE.

Correct.

But KU and MON should does'nt divide.

And, KU and MON shouldn't be devided.

The KU-MON is human's name that Mr. Umon made a new study sustem.

KU-MON is a person's name. Mr. Kumon created a new studying system.

My old sun have learned KU-MON system more than ten years ago.

My own son learned with the KU-MON system more than ten years ago.

>>> Painful Question 7 <<<

1. Who asked the question?

A little boy in (a) KUMON television commercial asked.

2. What does KU mean?

KU means PAINFUL.

Correct.

3. Why do you think the question is a painful?

Because I think the question is difficult to ask.

I think it is painful, because I think that the question is difficult to ask.

>>> Painful Question 8 <<<

1. Who asked the question?

A little boy asked the question.

Correct.

2. What does KU mean?

Ku mean PAINFUL.

Correct.

3. Why do you think the question is a painful?

I think that,KUMON is the name of a popular cram school in Japan.

I think that KUMON is the name of a popular cram school in Japan.

>>> Painful Question 9 <<<

1. Who asked the question?

A little boy asked the question.

Correct.

2. What does KU mean?

KU means PAINFUL.

Correct.

3. Why do you think the question is a painful?

I think that a continuation of thinking why I have to study is a painful.

I think that continuing to think about why I have to study is painful for me.

>>> Painful Question 10 <<<

1. Who asked the question?

A littie boy asaked the question.

A little boy asked the question.

2. What does KU mean?

KU means a painful.

Correct.

3. Why do you think the question is a painful?

I think KUMON isn't PAINFUL QUESTION.

I think KUMON isn't a PAINFUL QUESTION.

>>> Painful Question 11 <<<

1. A little boy asked the question.

Correct.

2. It means painful.

Correct.

3. I don't know why the question is painful, because I've never seen the CM.

Correct.

There are many different Kanji for KU.

Correct.

The Kanji for KU of KUMON isn't the same Kanji that means painful.

Correct.

>>> Painful Question 12 <<<

1. Who asked the question?

A little boy asked the question.

Correct.

2. What does KU mean?

KU means PAINFUL.

Correct.

3. Why do you think the question is a painful?

The question expose japanese education system is a cram-type, painful and crazy.

The qeustion exposes the Japanese educational system as a cram-type, painful and

crazy system.

>>> Painful Question 13 <<<

1. Who asked the question?

A little boy asks the question.

Correct.

2. What does KU mean?

The kanji for KU could mean PAINFUL.

Correct. Actually, I heard that the "sound" of KU could mean painful, but I

don't know for sure.

3. Why do you think the question is a painful?

I think KUMON is the name of a popular cram school in Japan.

Correct.

>>> Painful Question 14 <<<

1. Who asked the question?

A little boy in this CM asked the question.

Correct.

2. What does KU mean?

KU means PAINFUL

Correct.

3. Why do you think the question is a painful?

I think because it is a difficult question to that an adult answer, or study is

painful to this little boy, so the question is in his pain.

I think, because it is a difficult question for an adult to answer, and studying

is painful for the little boy, the question is painful to answer.

>>> Painful Question 15 <<<

Philharmonic Babble

Weekly News

October 21, 2001

My wife and I recently attended a concert at Bunka Center in Nobeoka. The

conductor was Japanese born, but he had been raised in America. So, his words

were translated by a capable man living here in Nobeoka. Then, suddenly, the

conductor began to speak Japanese. Although I couldn't understand what he was

saying, I could recognize a few words and phrases. My wife, sitting next to me,

seemed to be enjoying herself as did the rest of the audience. However, after

the concert, I asked my wife if she had in fact understood what the conductor

had said in Japanese. My wife replied, "No, I didn't." When I asked her why she

couldn't understand, she said, "He was speaking only words and phrases. His

grammar wasn't sufficient." So, I asked her, "Why did you pretend to

understand?" My wife said, "We Japanese try to be kind to people."

<<< Philharmonic Babble 1 >>>

1. Where was the conductor born?

He was born in Japan.

Correct.

2. Who translated his words?

A capable man living in Nobeoka translated his word. (s)

3. My wife said, "He was speaking only words and what?"

This is "Phrases".

He was speaking only words and phrases.

4. What is your reaction to this story?

I don't like this way of thinking, but usually Japanese are thinking that

uniformity is important rather than individuality.

Correct.

<<< Philharmonic Babble 2 >>>

1. Where was the conductor born?

He was born in Japan.

Correct.

2. Who translated his words?

A capable man who is living in Nobeoka translated his words.

Correct.

3. My wife said, "He was speaking only words and what?"

Your wife said "And phrases".

Your wife said, "He is speaking only words and phrases."

4. What is your reaction to this story?

Sometime we Japanese pretend to understand if it's not important what he say.

Sometimes we Japanese pretend to understand if what he is saying is not

important.

And we think that it is kindly for him.

And, we think it is being kind to him.

<<< Philharmonic Babble 3 >>>

Dear Mr. Ahner,

I am answering the following questions.

1. Where was the conductor born?

He was born in Japan.

Correct.

2. Who translated his words?

A capable man living here in Nobeoka translated his words.

Correct.

3. My wife said, "He was speaking only words and what?"

She said, "His grammar wasn't sufficient."

Correct.

4. What is your reaction to this story?

I think that this is a tendency of Japanese.

Correct.

We Japanese amicably behave themselves. (ourselves)

<<< Philharmonic Babble 4 >>>

1. Where was the conductor born?

He was born in Japan.

Correct.

2. Who translated his words?

A capable man living in Nobeoka translated his words.

Correct.

3. My wife said, "He was speaking only words and what?"

She said, "He was speaking only words and phrases."

Correct.

4. What is your reaction to this story?

She points out the definite difference between Japanese and American and also

sometimes between people in the country and in the city.

She points out the differences between Japanese and Americans, and she sometimes

points out the differences between people living in the country and the people

living in the city.

<<< Philharmonic Babble 5 >>>

1. Where was the conductor born?

He was Japanese born.

Correct.

2. Who translated his words?

His word (s) were translated by a capable man living here in Nobeoka.

3. My wife said, "He was speaking only words and what?"

He was speaking only words and phrases.

Correct.

4. What is your reaction to this story?

I can understand why your wife said, "We Japanese try to be kind to people."

Correct.

Because I am Japanese too.

I can understand, because I am also Japanese.

<<< Philharmonic Babble 6 >>>

1. Where was the conductor born?

He was born in Japan.

Correct.

2. Who translated his words?

A capable man living in Nobeoka translated his words.

Correct.

3. My wife said, "He was speaking only words and what?"

She said, "He was speaking only words and phrases."

Correct.

4. What is your reaction to this story?

I think that we Japanese usually behave as your wife said. We don't want to

injure a guest's feelings in public. (in the public eye.)

Correct.

I have a question. How do American people behave in such (a) situation?

Correct.

Note: If the person is of a superior rank, they might bite their tongue. But, I

think, the average guy on the block behaves in a more direct manner. I am

American. I have always behaved as I felt. Behaving as I feel sometimes gets me

in hot water. But, I believe that honesty is the best policy. One thing

Americans have is that they don't mind giving it another shot. Whereas, Japanese

I feel, burn their bridges a little too early. However, I realize that I am not

qualified to make such a judgment, and perhaps, I never will be.

Recently, I came to a realization. It may not be possible for me to return to

America. After twelve years of living in Japan, I have developed a certain way

of speaking. I am a college graduate, and I used to be able to speak in an

academic and education fashion. But, recently I have noticed that my English

seems to have become more difficult to understand. One of my friends back in my

hometown told me that his friend said, "Howard must not be from around here."

<<< Philharmonic Babble 7 >>>

1. He was born in Japan.

Correct.

2. It was translated to (by) a capable man in Nobeoka.

3. She said (that) he was speaking only word and phrases.

4. The conductor has living long time in America.

The conductor lived a long time in America.

His thinking is consisting of same American, moreover he had forgotten Japanese

because he lost chance speak Japanese.

His way of thinking is consistent with the American way of thinking, moreover he

forgot his Japanese because he had few chances to speak it.

(Perhaps)

<<< Philharmonic Babble 8 >>>

Good morning to Howard,

1. Where was the conductor born?

The conductor was born in Japan.

Correct.

2. Who translated his words?

A capable man who is living in Nobeoka translated his words.

Correct.

3. My wife said, "He was speaking only words and what?"

Your wife said he was speaking only words and phrases.

Correct.

4. What is your reaction to this story?

I am not satisfied with what your wife said.

I think it is being kind to him.

Don't worry.

Correct.

<<< Philharmonic Babble 9 >>>

1. He was born in Japan.

Correct.

2. A capable man living in Nobeoka translated his words.

Correct.

3. She said, "He was speaking only words and phrases."

Correct.

4. I'm not sure(,) if I were there(,) (that) I would pretend to be enjoying

myself.

<<< Philharmonic Babble 10 >>>

1. Where was the conductor born?

A: He was born in Japan.

Correct.

2. Who translated his words?

A: His words were translated by a capable man living here in Nobeoka.

Correct.

3. My wife said, "He was speaking only words and what?"

A: This question's answer is phrases.

She said, "He was speaking only words and phrases."

4. What is your reaction to this story?

A: I can understand her sentiment.

Correct.

<<< Philharmonic Babble 11 >>>

1. Where was the conductor born?

The conductor was born in Japan, but he was raised in the US.

Correct.

2. Who translated his words?

A person in Nobeoka translated his words.

Correct.

3. My wife said, "He was speaking only words and what?"

Howard's wife said, "He was speaking only words and phrases."

Correct.

And his grammar wasn't sufficient, so that nobody understood what he really

meant.

And, his grammar wasn't sufficient, so no one understood what he really meant.

4. What is your reaction to this story?

Yes.

I do think we, Japanese, tend to be nice to others.

I do think we Japanese tend to be nice to others.

But, same situation may happen in the US.

But, the same situation may happen in the US.

If, in a very sophisticated concert hall, a foreign conductor spoke wrong

(incorrect) English, particularly after (an) excellent performance, do you say

"Excuse me. I don't understand?"

Note: Yes, I might shrug my shoulders. I might make a gesture to a person

sitting next to me. I might have an expression on my face that says, "Hugh?"

I don't think so.

My point being that it depends, either in Japan or in the US.

My point being that it depends on the circumstances in Japan and in the US.

<<< Philharmonic Babble 11 >>>

Dear Howard,

I'm sending you my answers to Weekly News #92.

1. Where was the conductor born?

The conductor was born in Japan.

Correct.

2. Who translated his words?

A capable man living here in Nobeoka translated his words.

Correct.

3. My wife said, "He was speaking only words and what?"

"We Japanese try to be kind to people."

Correct.

4. What is your reaction to this story?

I think I wish to speak English in a confident manner.

Correct.

<<< Philharmonic Babble 12 >>>

1. Where was the conductor born?

He was born in Japan.

Correct.

2. Who translated his words?

A capable man living in Nobeoka translated.

Correct.

3. My wife said, "He was speaking only words and what?"

He was speaking words and phrases.

Correct.

4. What is your reaction to this story?

I agree (with) her opinion very much.

When a concert was a poor one, I heard American people will get up from their

seats and go back.

When a concert is a poor one, I heard that Americans get up from their seats and

go home.

But I have never seen Japanese people did in such a way.

But, I have never seen Japanese behave in such a way.

We Japanese will go on sitting to the end of the concert.

Correct.

<<< Philharmonic Babble 13 >>>