I don't know if this will work for you but when I click on this link, the website appears.
The text is all in Japanese though I found if I click on the translation at the top, a rather strange translation comes up.
The first section is about Tokyo Union Church and the last part is Wally Higgins. I think what he said was a bit easier to translate ... at least makes a bit more sense.
https://www.nhk.or.jp/ shutoken/ohayo/report/ 20161224a.html
I can't see the English transcript on my PC. If someone can send it to me, I'll copy edit it and I can even maybe ask NHK to use it as a substitute...thanks!
ReplyDeleteI can't figure out where the translate button is. I've clicked several things, but, nothing comes up to ask what language I want.
ReplyDeleteHere is my rough translation of the transcript:
ReplyDeleteThis morning, we are featuring “the allure of Tokyo” from the eyes of two long-time foreign residents of Japan.
(Caption: Omotesando, Tokyo)
Omotesando Avenue in Tokyo is where every year you can enjoy the glowing Christmas lights.
Along this avenue is a unique building—Tokyo Union Church.
A majority of those who attend the church are foreigners.
Their services are in English and people hailing from over 40 different countries join for worship.
We spoke to a few of the members there. One (a gentleman from India) says, “I teach English at a cram school. I have my work, and have my church, and my friends. I love Tokyo.” Another (a woman from Liberia) says, “I am a diplomat. I work at the Embassy. I’m excited to see the changes that will come about as Tokyo gears up for the 2020 Olympics.”
The church was founded in 1872. At that time, this church built by donations from European and American diplomats and traders was frequented by many long-term foreign residents of Tokyo.
One member, Julie Fukuda, arrived in Japan 53 years ago.
Originally from Ohio, USA, Julie was 27 years old when she married Ryusuke (Paul) Fukuda, who was studying abroad, in her hometown, then moved to Japan. Together they raised six children.
Among those children, who are now all grown, five have moved away from Japan.
Although her husband, Ryusuke (Paul) passed away in January (2016), Julie intends to continue living in Tokyo, on her own.
In Tokyo, there are many who support her quilting activities.
“This is a quilt that I made from the fabric of yukata (summer kimono). I buy some of the fabric myself, but most of it was given to me by friends.”
Julie’s made her first quilt shortly after her arrival in Japan, when living in a wood-frame apartment building without a bath.
“I made my first quilt to keep warm. At that time, the apartment was so cold in the winter. A tailor had given me a bunch of wool trimmings, so I made a quilt from them. My first quilt was made as a bed cover to keep warm during the night.”
Her group of friends who support her quilt making are what made it possible for her to keep up the hobby for so long.
She enjoys teaching them how to make quilts and giving her hand-sewn quilts to people as gifts.
Julie is even still in contact with friends in Tokyo from those early days.
“She’s my friend. We’ve known each other for a long time. How many years? About 53?” (Julie)
Julie’s neighbor, Shizuko Kanazawa, is always watching out for her.
“Especially since her husband passed away this year…” (Shizuko)
“Thank you.” (Julie)
Julie says, “I love Tokyo. I have the church, my friends, and my quilt group…To me, Tokyo is my home. I’m happy here.”
Thank you for this transcript! Julie is an inspiration! I lived in Tokyo for only 2 years... but will never forget Julie - her quilting, and her kindness!!
DeleteThank you fukuda n so much for the whole translation , I copied and pasted into Google translate but did one part at a time. 53 years a good long time for a true friendship. I have one friend since 1954!!! 62 years. We started when we were pupils at High School. This was so nice Julie to see you there, and read a little more about your early life in Japan.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure where the translation button is either - so thank "fukuda n" (Norie?) for me for the translation. And thank you, Julie - for the link. It's interesting to hear stories from so many years of memories - and it's a wonderful addition to your "Quilt Diary" - ;))
ReplyDeleteThanks for the translation. What a nice feature of a special friend.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome! My pleasure! (Yes, it's Norie :-) )
ReplyDeleteHope 2017 brings you lots of fun and laughter x
ReplyDeleteHello, thank you for the link (and the translation!). I pasted the address of the NHK page into Google translate (in the box on the left) and then clicked on the link it gave me in the box on the right: the page had been automatically translated into (some sort of) English. Good enough for me! Two great stories. Thanks to Tanywa for the heads up about the programme and thank you for putting the link in your blog, Julie. Your love for the city and its people shines through.Take care.
ReplyDelete