Anime Series: Chibimaruko-chan

　　　Have you ever heard of Chibimaruko-chan? Was that a no?! Well, let me explain. The inspiration of author SAKURA Momoko, Chibimaruko-chan was first published as a comic strip in the popular girl teen magazine Ribon in 1986. Instantly becoming a sensation nationwide, Chibimaruko-chan quickly expanded into animation, with a television debut in 1990 followed by a big screen adaptation a few years later. Today Chibimaruko-chan is still hugely popular, and can be read in Ribon and various comics, as well as seen on television every Sunday from 18:00 to 18:30, with repeats every weekday from 17:26-17:56. So, now that you've caught up on the basics, let us delve a little deeper into just who Chibimaruko-chan is and what her stories are about.
　　　The title of the show and its main character are loosely based on the author herself - in fact, her nickname was "Chibimaruko-chan", hence the title's origin. For readers unfamiliar with Japanese names, this name can be broken down into three parts. Chibi, which stands for "shorty", maruko - the character's name, while chan is a commonly added suffix at the end of a girls name.
　　　So, what's the secret behind this anime's success? It all lies behind the fact that the story appeals to both young and old - and also provides a good laugh! The author took many of the adventures and happenings from her own childhood experiences, offering an interesting reflection of a typical Japanese family 30 years ago. Older fans can enjoy watching the show through nostalgic eyes. For instance, the fact that "Maru-chan" is a mad YAMAGUCHI Momoe fan, one of the most popular idols of the time, is likely to tease the memory of middle-aged viewers. And for children, many of the general themes of home and school life are unchanged today, so little folk no doubt recognize themselves in some of Maru-chan's deeds.
　　　Nine years old and possessing an A blood type, Maru-chan's key traits appear to be laziness and a tendency to come across as a complete scatterbrain. Despite these perceivable drawbacks, she constantly tries to swindle pocket money off her mother, and when she doesn't succeed, has little trouble coaxing her grandpa into buying whatever it is she wants. Other clever ploys include not starting summer vacation homework until the last night so that her family have to help her, or sleeping-in to avoid going to school. While perhaps not an ideal role model for children, many of the themes introduced in Chibimaruko-chan nevertheless resonate with young people today, and offer a moments respite from an increasingly stressful world.

Chibimaruko-chan's Family:
Mother:
She is a kind woman who always tries to prevent Maruko from putting her silly deas into practice.
Father:
He is a typical Japanese father, not overly concerned about his children. Apart from an interest in fishing, he does not do much beyond go to work.
Older Sister:
She is the opposite to Maruko, and therefore is always fighting with her. Intelligent and realistic, she never joins in Maruko's silly ideas.
Grand Father:
He understands Maruko well and likes to spoil her. His favorite love is writing haiku poems.
Grand Mother:
She is usually a mild and inconspicuous person, but when she gets angry, she is terribly frightening.

Maruko-chan's Classmates:
Tama-chan:
A kind and well-behaved girl, is Maru-chan's closest friend. They sit next to each other in class, and when Maruko forgets to bring her textbooks, Tamachan always shares hers' with her.
Maruo-kun:
As the class representative, he tries every possible means to be elected at the expense of his classmates. He always somehow wins the position, even when no one supports him. His favorite expression is "zubari soo desuyo!" (Exactly!).
Hanawa-kun:
He is extremely rich and always talks about his things boastfully. He sometimes tries to use English to impress others.
Nagasawa-kun:
He is a gloomy boy. As there was once a fire at his house, if he hears someone talking about fire, he automatically becomes very depressed. He often speaks ill of other classmates.

　　　By all means check out your local bookstore for a comic, or catch the show on TV. I'm sure you will enjoy watching it, and will no doubt pick up some colloquial Japanese while you're at it!


S. Hyodo

　Mini Promenade: Arashiyama

　　　Whenever walking around Kyoto, I can easily see how and why it was the capital of Japan for almost a thousand years (794-1868). I'm particularly referring to Arashiyama (嵐山), the old aristocratic heart of Kyoto and one of the most refined landscapes not just within the city, but Japan itself. While many of the temples and promenade courses in this area have previously been covered in Life in Kyoto, there are still a few as yet untouched. I would like to bring some of these to your attention.
　　　Take the Hankyu Arashiyama line, get off at Matsuo station (松尾駅), one stop before Arashiyama. After dropping into Matsuo Taisha Shrine (松尾大社), which was founded in its present location by a Korean priest called Hatauji in 701, start walking north along the Katsura River (桂川). Crossing over the Togetsukyo Bridge (渡月橋) you will soon notice the many handsome rickshaw men enthusiastically plying their trade. One asked us if we wanted to take a ride, but we declined, explaining that we wanted to walk for the purpose of writing this article. With a smile, he then recommended a few places that we might like to visit.
　　　Following the Katsura west you will soon come across a stall selling traditional Japanese sweets and tea. Take the path leading up the hill to the observatory in Arashiyama Park. From there you can look down on roofed yakatabune boats (see left) as they make their way slowly into the docking area, having departed from nearby Kameoka and passed through the small mountain rapids to Arashiyama. There is also a tourist train that shadows the river's course, offering spectacular views of the area. Watching the boats and trains arrive is somehow soothing, offering a moment to rest and slip into your own world. After leaving the observatory continue until you reach the sign stating "This is the end of Arashiyama Park" (嵐山公園、ここで終わり), then take the path going down to the right. For those who choose to continue to go up this path, at the end is Kiyotaki Falls (清滝). If you're not a regular hiker, you may find that section a little tiring. Although the first fifteen minutes are a leisurely walk, the path abruptly turns into ,a steep downhill mountain trail. Mind you, the beautiful scenery makes it worth the extra effort.
　　　This time, however, let's go right towards the trolley station, which you will reach in about 10 minutes. From there, head for the Ogura-ike pond. It won't be long before you will see the pond as it spreads out before you. You may even glimpse a common Indian kingfisher (small bird with long legs) standing on a piece of wood poking out of the water, reminiscent of scenes found in the works of HASEGAWA Tohaku, one of Japan's most formidable artists. This is a very tranquil place, why not take a moment to admire the trees and enjoy the passing of time.
　　　Continue along the path and you will come to a tea room next to a dolls studio, and a little further along, Jojakkoji Temple (常寂光寺: see above). To reach the temple and its fine view of the surroundings you must first go up several stairs. Near the temple's Main Hall you will find stalls selling packs of boiled and baby sardines with Japanese pepper. They are actually quite delicious! The famous priest, Nishinshonin, the son of a wealthy upper class noble, reputedly founded this temple in 1561 (although some believe it was not established as a temple until after his death in 1617). Nishinshonin studied at Honkokuji Temple (本國寺) from the age of fourteen, and by just his eighteenth birthday was already recognized as the head priest. He was a firm believer in the Hokke School of Buddhisms' strict principals of "receive nothing and give nothing". When TOYOTOMI Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉), the most powerful warlord at that time (16 C.), constructed a statue of Buddha at nearby Hokoji temple, Nishinshonin was invited to a special service for departed souls. However, he refused to attend the service, as Hideyoshi did not belong to the same school of Buddhism. Out of fear that his actions would be seen as an act of defiance, he retired from his position at Honkokuji so as not to bring any trouble to the temple. After leaving Honkokuji he moved to the current site of Jojakkoji temple and devoted himself to the expansion project of Oigawa River (Upper Katsura River).
Open 9:00-17:00, admission is \300,
for inquiries Tel. 075-861-0435.
　　　Crossing over to the other side of the temple grounds you will notice a monument for women who have lost their sweethearts or husbands in the Second World War. In most cases these women had ended up living by themselves and dying without any offspring or relatives. It might be considerate of you to pay your respects. Exiting the temple gate, continue straight (taking the middle lane) before a right turn will bring you to Rakushisha Hut (落柿舎) or the "House of the Falling Persimmons". This is where MUKAI Kyorai (向井去来: 1651-1704), a famous Edo period poet led his retired life and many of Japan's most talented haiku poets stayed. You can see Mukai's old straw hat and jacket hanging on the wall, perhaps he visting?! After leaving the house, follow the left path till you come to a T-intersection, where you make a right turn and head for Seiryoji Temple (清涼寺). This temple is alsoi. known as Sagashakado (嵯峨釈迦堂), for the oldest image of Buddha is enshrined within. Saga-Nennbutsu-Kyogen(嵯峨念仏狂言), a humorous pantomime telling of Buddha's teachings in the Kamakura era (12-14 C.) is held here every spring and autumn. The largest event, however, is the Otaimatsu Farmers' Festival on 15 March. It is free to enter the grounds, although a fee is required to enter the Main Hall.
Admission: \400, \300 (students),
Inquiries: Tel. 075-861-0343
　　　A little further on you will find Hokyouin Temple (宝きょう院: see right) founded by Emperor SHIRAKAWA (白河天皇1035-1129) in the Heian Period (平安時代 794-1185). There are two graves, KUSUNOKI Masatsura (楠木正行 14 C.), the son of KUSUNOKI Masashige,（楠木正成）one of the greatest warriors in Japanese history. Only his head is buried, so it is called kubizuka (首塚). The remains of the other person buried inside is Shogun ASHIKAGA Yoshiakira (足利義詮: 15 C.). T he garden is splendid, filled with many maple trees, azaleas, kerrias and so on, and given all the rain during May should be looking all the more lovely.
Admission: \400, Tel. 075-861-0610
　　　If you like tofu (bean-curd), I recommend you drop into the shop Moriyoshi (森嘉), a stall famous for its delicious take-away tofu. It's located just near the temple grounds. Walk to the south, on your right there is the house of music boxes, continue down the street and you will be facing the wall of Tenryuji temple (天竜寺). This temple was established by ASHIKAGA Takauji (足利尊氏) to pray for the peace of Emperor GODAIGA (後醍醐天皇: 14 C.), who Ashikaga feared had cursed him after he prevented the Emperor from becoming a governor. In order to obtain funds for the temple, ASHIKAGA had resumed trade with Sou (宋) - China in the 14th Century. The garden by Musokokushi (夢窓国師), a renown gardener of the time, impressively models the shape of the Arashiyama and Ogurayama mountain range, together with area's natural surroundings.
Admission: \600 (including the fee of the garden), \500 (only garden)
Inquiries: 075- 881-1235 (8:30 - 17:00).
Enjoy the historical wonders of Arashiyama!


I.Hashimoto

　Cheap Travel: What is Seishun 18 kippu?

　　　This is a discounted set of 5 one-day tickets allowing travel on local and rapid JR trains on either five consecutive or non-consective days. At 11,500 yen for a 'set', this means you can travel as far as you like for only 2,300 yen per day. 'One day' here is counted from 0 a.m. to midnight of the next day. Once you have had your ticket stamped, of course stopover on the way is allowed at any time. Furthermore, it is possible to share Seishun 18 kippu with your friends. For example, five people can use one set to do a day trip - a great option during the summer when you want to head to the beach. The only drawback being that a set of tickets cannot be separated, in other words, you always have to use the same train with your friend when sharing.
　　　The meaning of 'Seishun 18 kippu' is 'Youth 18 (years old) ticket' and the main purchasers' of this ticket are young students. Having said that, however, there is no restriction on the user's age, which is why this ticket is popular among all travelers. Seishun 18 kippu is available at all Midori no Madoguchi (Ticket counters) in JR stations, and other travel agencies throughout Japan. Please keep in mind that this is a seasonal ticket valid only during the vacation seasons.