Author: Masaharu Tsubokura Editors: Izumi Yoshida, Mariko Irie 1. The problem is the “quantity” of exposure to radiation Due to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, we are now obliged to know about radiation. In this column, I would like to consider the knowledge of daily radiation. The most important thing is not whether your body has been exposed to radiation or not, but how much you were exposed. We should count it as a problem of “quantity.” Radiation cannot be smelled or visualized. This is similar to ultraviolet rays, which we are exposed to under the sun. The effects on the skin really depend on the situation because walking a bit under the sun in winter is much different fr
Use of an iconic grid instrument at a special education school in Japan for the musical engagement o
Authors: Yutaka Nakanish (1), Shingo Okada (1), Shizuka Sutani (2), Taichi Akutsu (1, 3) Affiliations: (1) Shujitsu University, Okayama, Japan; (2) Okayama University, Okayama, Japan; (3) Seisa University,Kanagawa, Japan Editors: Motoi Miura, Akihiko Ozaki 1. Introduction Music technology is defined as a tool to support musical instruction, communication and performance (Hoffer, 2009), and it has been suggested that it may deliver a tremendous impact on and positively influence the way we define music and music education, when used effectively (Frankel, 2010). Indeed, Rudolph (2004) described computer-controlled musical instruments as “the crayons for music class” (p.6). He compared the usag
Author: Hans Jesper Del Mundo Editors: Motoi Miura, Moe Hirohara Before leaving Japan to return to the Philippines, I accompanied Ms. Yuki Senoo to Iwaki city, which is located southeast of Fukushima. This trip was organized and made possible by Ms. Asaka Higuchi, Ms. Izumi Yoshida and their colleagues at the Tokiwa Foundation, which is based in Fukushima. Following the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster, which followed the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, radiation exposure was one of the primary concerns for the residents of said prefecture because of the possible radiation-related health threats. We Filipinos do not have this kind of problem or worry in the Philippines because, e
Author: Anup Uprety Editors: Motoi Miura, Akihiko Ozaki Among the many natural disasters that afflict Nepal, the recurring floods during monsoon season have the most catastrophic consequences every year. The year 2017 was no exception, as Mother Nature continued to show no mercy. Disaster struck Nepal’s southern plain, as it was still recovering from the 2015 earthquake and India’s ongoing economic blockade. According to the Home Ministry of Nepal, as of August 2017, 131 people were killed and 30 reported missing. The Ministry went on to announce the inundation of 50,000 houses in the plains and the displacement of more than 22,000 people. Finally, nearly 7,491 houses were utterly destroyed
