takako-m

@miho_flathill Hope you enjoy the film as well as the book.

@takako_pine I'm reading "Hamnet" now.

In the 1580s, a couple in Stratford had 3 children. The boy, Hamnet, died, aged 11. 4 years later, the father wrote a play Hamlet. (Historical note) The film Hamnet brings alive Shakespeare's time. Lots of it is imaginary but it's plausible. The scene at the Globe is amazing.

"The Widow" by John Grisham. A lawyer who had been asked by a wealthy widow to draft her will was arrested on suspicion of murdering her -- based only on circumstantial evidence. But it was wrong. The case raises questions about the flaws in the jury system. A page turner.

Watched the British film 'Old Oak,' by Ken Loach. It depicts the conflicts and interactions between the people who gather at the only pub in a small town and Syrian refugees. It explores division and conflict, while also portraying hope for accepting differences and coexisting.

Today, 30 years since the agreement to return the US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station was announced. Yet, the base still stands in the heart of the town, many issues remain unresolved. Anxiety about the future is growing in Okinawa. It's an issue that concerns the entire nation.

A monument titled "Statement of Respect for the Indigenous People of the Land on which Hokkaido University is Located" has been erected near the main gate. The Ainu had once lived on the land for many generations. Hokudai is now being called upon to address its past actions.

The British Parliament has abolished the hereditary system for members of the House of Lords. This brings to an end to a system that has been in place for centuries and criticized as undemocratic, feudal, and patriarchal. It appears that some issues still remain, though.

The NPB introduces a 'Replay Center.' Video reviews of plays for which a "request" has been made will be conducted centrally at the 'Replay Center' in Tokyo. The aim is to improve the accuracy of calls & reduce the burden on umpires. The pro baseball season will start tomorrow!

At the 98th Academy Awards ceremony, Warner Bros. won many awards. The long-established film studio, which has been the subject of reports since last year regarding the acquisition of its parent company, demonstrated its true strength at the industry's premier awards ceremony.

It is truly unpleasant to watch the PM's flattering attitude to Trump. It's an embarrassment to the world. More than anything, I can't help but worry about the direction Japan will take from here on out. We must not repeat the history of war.

The Czech players seemed to be thoroughly enjoying baseball at the WBC, which was very impressive. Warm interactions with Japanese fans were also seen. Beyond competing for wins and losses, spreading the appeal of sport is a major significance of international tournaments.

The attack on Iran by the United States and Israel is a preemptive strike that violates the UN Charter and international law, and is an outrageous act. It is an attempt to forcibly impose regime change from outside. It is the people of that country who determine its fate.

The WBC is finally set to begin. This remains fundamentally an MLB event. The issue of Netflix's exclusive streaming rights is an extension of that. If the WBC were a truly international tournament, it should demand free, public, universal access like the Olympics.

embraced → embracing

Enjoyed the Olympics. I was moved by the sight of athletes embraced one another, celebrating each other's efforts and respecting each other as friends, regardless of nationality or ranking. It showed how sports can connect us all. That's the very spirit of the Olympics.

Winter in Ukraine is cold and harsh. Repeated attacks on energy facilities are making the situation even more severe. Four years have passed since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Feb 24, 2022. There is no path to peace in sight.

Words from Mr. Bruno Marcotte, coach of #りくりゅうペア: "You can't change the past. What you can control is what happens in the future." (Don't waste time regretting failures; focus your mind on future actions.) "If you want to turn things around, always stay positive."

Canadian PM Carney's speech in Davos is drawing attention. He warned that the 'rules-based international order' has collapsed, stating, "Great Powers are increasing economic pressure to get what they want. Middle powers must unite." Trump's high-handedness is accelerating.

The greatest enemy of democracy is 'division.' A wave of populism is spreading, gaining popular support through xenophobia and bold assertions. This is also a reflection of dissatisfaction with daily life and the distortions in politics and society. Where is Japan headed?

Playground by Richard Powers. Deep-sea exploration and ecology, AI advancement and its impact on the world. These themes are woven together with love and friendship. A tale brimming with mystery and wonder, pursuing literature's potential in the face of Singularity.