Heart of Japan Collection of Essays from the Annual Japan Center Essay Competition (2005-2015) © The Japan Center at Stony Brook 2016 The Japan Center at Stony Brook Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY 11794-5343 stonybrook.edu/japancenter
[email protected] * The authors of the essays in this collection granted their copyrights to the Japan Center at Stony Brook. Printed by: Century Direct 15 Enter Lane Islandia,NY 11749 Contents Forward iv Preface v Acknowledgments vi Key Personnel viii Selected Essays 1 Memorable Moments 105 People 117 Epilogue 140 iii Foreword I extend my warmest congratulations and gratitude to the Japan Center at Stony Brook University for publishing this wonderful compilation of the selected essays from its 10 years of Essay Competitions. Through their participation, students had been given the opportunity to explore their interest in Japan, which can now be shared with readers far and wide. I hope many will find these essays a joy to read, as I have. With sincere appreciation, Reiichiro Takahashi Ambassador and Consul General of Japan in New York I would like to offer my appreciation to the Japan Center at Stony Brook University and all of the students involved with this wonderful program. As a global company and proud sponsor of the essay competition, Canon has been delighted to engage with so many young people who have expressed how Japan has positively influenced their life in one way or another. We recognize the enormous importance of uniting cultures and opening the minds of those who are the future of our world. Congratulations to all of the students! Sincerely, Joe Adachi Chairman & CEO, Canon U.S.A., Inc.