2017年7月19日水曜日
A Milestone for an Aging Society
“What is life? Life is an allotment of time. How we use that time is up to us.”
So said Dr. Shigeaki Hinoharu, a medical practitioner and much-loved speaker, who passed away July 18 at the age of 105. Dr. Hinoharu was still treating patients after his hundredth birthday. As a speaker, his audiences included children as well as adults of all ages. It is fair to say he was a living example of everything he taught about how to live well: Be active. Use your allotment of time for yourself but also for others. Stay in touch with your body and get regular medical check-ups.
"Life is a river. Just as rivers flow to the sea, every life flows toward its eventual merger with a sea we call death."
So said Dr. Hinoharu, whose 105 years were a warm and loving tribute celebrating the gift of life.
2017年6月30日金曜日
Shogi, an Old Game with New Heroes
Shogi is a strategy board game played by two persons. It involves flat pieces arranged on a 9-square X 9-square board. With knights, foot soldiers, generals and a king whose imminent capture ends the game, it can be compared to chess. A Japanese traditional game, it is played today the same way it was played in the 16th century.
Professional shogi players are ranked, and the ranks are called “dan”. A certain number of wins is required before a player can have professional status. It is the victories that count, not the age of the player. Recently, a 4th “dan” professional player named Sota Fujii has been making headlines, for two reasons.
The main reason for the headlines is, Mr. Fujii has been undefeated since turning professional last year. That means 29 straight victories against other professional players. A string of victories that long is unprecedented. The second reason is, at age 14, he is still in junior high school.
In related news, makers of shogi boards are experiencing a burst of prosperity. Parents are buying shogi sets for their children. What a wonderful gift: a game that can be played without electricity, and one that requires another human being with whom to play.
Professional shogi players are ranked, and the ranks are called “dan”. A certain number of wins is required before a player can have professional status. It is the victories that count, not the age of the player. Recently, a 4th “dan” professional player named Sota Fujii has been making headlines, for two reasons.
The main reason for the headlines is, Mr. Fujii has been undefeated since turning professional last year. That means 29 straight victories against other professional players. A string of victories that long is unprecedented. The second reason is, at age 14, he is still in junior high school.
In related news, makers of shogi boards are experiencing a burst of prosperity. Parents are buying shogi sets for their children. What a wonderful gift: a game that can be played without electricity, and one that requires another human being with whom to play.
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