rebannen5150

[rebannen5150]

Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's intertpreter

I've had a question on my mind for a while about Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, Mr. Mizuhara. He not only translates but also serves as a driver and practice partner as you know. Besides, during games, he's always seen showing Ohtani something on a tablet while they discuss. I think they're not just analyzing opponents' data but also reviewing recordings of Shohei's swings and pitches. I've never seen other players doing this. Shohei seems to be the only one who can constantly check his own performance and opponents' data. He could even ask Mizuhara to check specific things during the game. Maybe nobody has questioned it because Mizuhara is an interpreter. Even if Shohei didn't need an interpreter, having someone constantly there would still help. I've felt it's unfair, even though nobody else has brought it up. If Shohei's next interpreter doesn't do the same, it might affect his performance. But I believe Shohei will still do well, even without Mizuhara or an interpreter. #shoheiohtani

#shohei ohtani #mlb #los angeles dodgers

[rebannen5150]

Bad Robot

The woman sitting at the reception was wearing a mask. After all, it had been a while since I went out on a trip, so everything visible seemed fresh to me.

"I will take your request," the woman said in a flat tone.

"I had a car wash reservation, K. It was for 3:30, but I arrived early."

Facing someone and talking in person after a long time, and being overwhelmed by the slightly distant atmosphere of the luxury car dealership, I laughed at my own nervousness.

"Please follow me this way," the woman guided me to the sofa and offered me a drink as usual.

I received a cup of apple tea and elegant Belgian cookies. The accompanying hand towel seemed too precious to open; I thought about taking it home to use later. Such towels, brought home with such intentions, often ended up drying out in a drawer, unused for years.

I had just started reading a magazine when the woman returned.

"The car wash is done."

Less than twenty minutes later, the woman returned. I hurriedly got up. She handed me the car keys and turned around, leading me to the car. As I followed her, I realized I had forgotten to finish my apple tea and take the hand towel back before leaving the store. However, I didn't have the courage to go back for them now. Perhaps most customers wouldn't mind, I thought, pitying my frugal nature.

Under the scorching sun, the woman stepped onto the road in front of the store, checked the flow of traffic, and signaled for me to depart. Then she bowed.

(It's like she's a robot.)

I couldn't recall how many times I had been to this store, but it was the first time I had this impression. It might have been partly due to her mask, but was that all?

There was nothing wrong with her interaction, as if following a manual. However, I couldn't sense any trace of her emotions.

Had she been treated harshly by a man or experienced some kind of misfortune with a family member recently? No, if the customer were someone wealthier than me, someone who owned a higher-tier car rather than the entry-level series, would her attitude have been different? Or if she had bought other products along with the free car wash as a birthday present, or if she had come for negotiations for a new car... I pondered these thoughts while sitting in the now spotlessly clean car, on my way back home.

Was I becoming paranoid?

It had been three years since I stopped working. On TV, they mentioned broadly that a shut-in refers to someone who only goes out for hobbies or necessities, visits nearby convenience stores, and leaves their room but not the house, or hardly leaves their room at all, and has been in a state of isolation for more than six months. It applied to me as well. Unknowingly, I might be suffering from a mental disorder. I remembered the casual words of a friend during an online conversation that had deeply affected me.

Maybe it's time to try something new. My current shut-in life is undeniably comfortable. I rarely wake up in the middle of the night, and waking up in the morning brings excitement for the events of the day. I go for a walk every day, do pull-ups on the park's bars, and rarely experience any physical discomfort. It's a perfect life. However, without realizing it, like grains of sand peeling off a dam's surface, a small distortion might be occurring in my heart.

I realized I was thinking such things and quickly dismissed them.

I had stopped searching for problems.

What good would it do to find problems that haven't even occurred yet? Instead of wasting time and energy on that, it's more mentally beneficial to do things that make me happy several times over.

I turned to my computer and ordered the complete DVD set of an American TV series I had been eyeing for a while.

#original novel #short story #short shorts #literature #my writing #books #novel

[rebannen5150]

Is Shohei Ohtani humble?

At first, I also thought Shohei Ohtani was humble. And He would pick up trash on the field during games and embodied the virtues of a Japanese person.

But it was around the time he stepped onto the mound at Tokyo Dome during the WBC that I began to see another side of him. It was something I had never seen in anyone else before; to put it in words, he exuded an air of regal comportment, like that of a king.

He would ask players he met for the first time during the WBC about their age. When he found out they were younger, he would smile and say, 'Oh, you're younger then.' In the United States, age doesn't matter in that way. There's no seniority system, and players don't even know each other's ages or make a big deal out of it. Resumes don't have photos or age written on them.

It seemed strange to me that someone who had been in the US for five years would be so concerned about age.

During the game when they were trailing by three runs, while other players seemed to be in a resigned mood or trying to encourage their teammates with loud voices, Ohtani was in the bullpen, as usual, smiling and relaxed. I felt like I saw his true worth.

He places his goals far higher than ordinary people can imagine. All his actions are directed toward that. So, no matter how well he pitches or hits, it's just a stepping stone for him. He never looks back to praise himself, which makes him appear humble to others.

However, if he were to show that side of himself in Japan, he would be criticized for being arrogant. To avoid that, he intentionally asks about people's ages and behaves more familiarly with those who are younger.

He could play baseball well in an ordinary way, but he is not satisfied with that. He is aiming for something no one else can achieve (I believe he has already reached it, though).

Mr. Kuriyama also said "Shohei wants to do everything better than anybody else has ever done it. That's the underrated part of Shohei Ohtani."

My prediction: His current goal is the World Series MVP.

#Shohei Ohtani #humble #mlb #mvp #baseball #japan #japanese #my writing

[rebannen5150]

Unified Lifestyle

In the workplace or at home, it's natural for anyone to feel down when something unpleasant happens. At times like these, it's good to vent to close friends and take a break by going out, but when you're really feeling down, you may not even have the energy to do that. In the past, I used to turn to alcohol for help without hesitation. It certainly worked temporarily, but I couldn't keep drinking every day.

Here's what I found helpful:

   Surrounding myself only with things that lift my mood. If I turn on the TV, I'm only going to see news that makes me feel worse, like robberies, scammers, fraudsters, dumb politicians, annoying YouTubers, and so on. So I change the channel. I know that watching these things would envelop me in anger or sadness, and those emotions would unconsciously affect my mood. I also only watch dramas or movies that I really find interesting and listen to music that I want to hear. My favorite artist right now is Em Beihold. Her voice and lyrics are so gentle.

   Avoiding places and situations that I don't want to be in. Not doing things that I don't want to do.

   Making an effort not to think about unpleasant things.

   Immersing myself in my hobbies.

Right now, I'm really into baseball. The Major League and Japan Professional Baseball season just started, so I watch every game and sports news that I can. I try to have as much enjoyable time as possible while minimizing the chance for negative emotions to creep in.

Finally, the most important thing is sleep. I'm constantly trying different things to see what helps me sleep soundly. I turn off my smartphone and shut out all other stimuli, just to sleep comfortably.

Of course, you have to work unpleasant jobs and meet unpleasant people to make a living. But you try to minimize those times and increase the times when you can be in a good mood. This is the first step towards a unified lifestyle that I believe in.

#lifestlye #baseball #shohei ohtani #em beihold

[rebannen5150]

母

あなたがいなくなったあの日から

世界は暗闇に包まれた 昔あなたと共に歩んだ道は遠く 共に暮らした家は暗く沈んで見える

母子という絆は、思ったよりもはるかに強く

それが失われたとき、

私は、孤独という深い闇に落ちた

しかし、今、私は前を向く あなたの思い出を胸に刻み 自分自身を強く持ち、 自分のために生きていくことを決めた

あなたが生きていたときに そばにいてくれたように これからはあなたをそばに感じよう

今から自分自身と向き合い 自分自身の支えとなって生きていく

あなたは今、私の心の中に生き続ける あなたが望んでいたように 前向きに生きていこうと決意する

失った悲しみは消えないだろう しかし、私は、あなたの思い出を胸に刻み それを力に変え、 前に進むことにした

#poem #original poem #詩 #自作詩

[rebannen5150]

Water Under The Bridge

(Verse 1)

I left my family, my wife and my home For my daughter, I didn't want to be alone But now she's gone, she won't talk to me I don't know who she is, or who she wants to be

(Chorus) It's water under the bridge, that's what they say But the memories still haunt me every day I miss my daughter, but I can't go back I've got to move on, and leave it at that

(Verse 2) I thought I was doing what was right But now I realize, I gave up the fight I let my selfishness take control And now my heart is paying the toll

(Chorus) It's water under the bridge, that's what they say But the memories still haunt me every day I miss my daughter, but I can't go back I've got to move on, and leave it at that

(Bridge) Sometimes I wonder, what she's doing now If she's happy, if she's found her own crowd I wish I could be there, to share in her life But I know it's not my place, to cause her more strife

(Chorus) It's water under the bridge, that's what they say But the memories still haunt me every day I miss my daughter, but I can't go back I've got to move on, and leave it at that

(Outro) It's time to let go, and find my own way To start a new chapter, and live for today The past is gone, and I can't change what's been But I can shape my future, and start again.

#original song #original lyrics #original music

[rebannen5150]

The Dancing Cats

It was a quiet afternoon in the city when the cats started dancing. No one knew quite how it started, or why, but suddenly the streets were alive with cats of all shapes and sizes, twirling and jumping to an invisible beat. Some people stopped and stared in wonder, while others hurried on their way, too busy or too afraid to join in.

One man, however, was intrigued. His name was Takashi, and he had always been drawn to the strange and unusual. As he watched the cats, he felt a familiar sense of curiosity stirring inside him. Without a second thought, he stepped into the circle of dancing felines, and began to move with them.

It was like nothing he had ever experienced before. The cats swirled around him, their bodies brushing against his legs, their eyes glowing in the sunlight. And as he danced, he felt something shifting within him, as though the world around him was changing, becoming more vibrant and alive.

As the sun began to set, the cats slowly dispersed, leaving Takashi standing alone in the empty street. He felt a sense of loss, as though something precious had been taken from him. But then, as he turned to leave, he heard a soft meowing coming from a nearby alley.

Curious once again, Takashi followed the sound, and found himself face to face with a small black cat. It looked up at him with bright green eyes, and Takashi felt a sudden connection between them.

For the rest of that evening, Takashi wandered the city with the black cat by his side, exploring all the hidden corners and secret places that he had never noticed before. And as he walked, he knew that his life would never be the same again. For he had found something magical in the dancing cats, and he would never forget it.

#fiction #novel #short novel

[rebannen5150]

Success Story of Lars Nootbaar

Lars Nootbaar is a talented American baseball player who made history by becoming the first foreign-born player to join the Japanese professional baseball league. This documentary follows his journey from a promising prospect in the United States to a successful player in Japan.

The documentary begins by introducing Lars Nootbaar and his background, including his upbringing in Southern California and his impressive career at the University of Southern California. It then follows Nootbaar as he makes the decision to pursue his dreams of playing professional baseball in Japan.

Upon arriving in Japan, Nootbaar faces numerous challenges, including cultural and language barriers, as well as the pressure of performing at a high level in a new and unfamiliar environment. The documentary chronicles his struggles and triumphs on and off the field, as he works tirelessly to earn the respect of his teammates and fans.

Through interviews with Nootbaar, his coaches, teammates, and family members, the documentary explores his passion for the game of baseball, his work ethic, and his unwavering determination to succeed. It also delves into the unique aspects of Japanese baseball culture, including the intense focus on teamwork, discipline, and respect.

As the season progresses, Nootbaar excels on the field, impressing fans and earning the nickname "The American Samurai." The documentary captures some of his most memorable moments, including clutch hits, game-winning home runs, and outstanding defensive plays.

Ultimately, the documentary celebrates Nootbaar's success in Japan and his impact on the league as a foreign-born player. It highlights the important role that baseball plays in bringing people together across cultures and celebrates the unique experiences and opportunities that arise from pursuing one's dreams.

#lars nootbaar #wbc2023 #samurai japan

[rebannen5150]

Women are like the stock market. You put your money in a high performing mutual fund and you just leave it alone. You don't pull it out and invest in some sexy startup. 99% of those companies fail and you will get fucked. Leave your money where it is

The Affair

#financial #stock market #LifeLessons #relationship

[rebannen5150]

You judge and have your opinion. Speak out about it to others.  Then, it would save many people including yourself. Even if you've done that because you had been ordered to do so, every one of us will see the consequences. If it is, we should keep ourselves in our minds from the beginning and act accordingly.

Yoshiaki Nakada

#pow #prisonofwar #pacific war

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What does not kill you makes you stronger

Friedrich Nietzsche

#friedrich nietzsche #quotes

[rebannen5150]

Blood just makes us relatives but loyalty makes us family

anonymous

#quotes

[rebannen5150]

My song "A Song of Notoriously Vicious and Intemperate Disposition" available on Sep 11. In most Western movies and even in real lives, honorable men come to be outlawed, yet their shadow does not shrink. Life isn’t fair, but it is worth living. This is the song about a man of notoriously vicious and intemperate disposition. It’s written for those who have had been mistreated.

#clint eastwood #jessiejames #masakoda #rock music #randy rhoads #original song #heavy metal #guitar #shohei ohtani #jeff beck #Youtube

[rebannen5150]

The one constant through all the years has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It's been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt, and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game. It's a part of our past. It reminds us of all that once was good, and it could be again.

Field of Dreams

#mlb #shohei ohtani #field of dreams #baseball

[rebannen5150]

To oppose something is to maintain it

The Left Hand Of Darkness

#the left hand of darkness

[rebannen5150]

It is odd that in the less primitive society, the more sinister note was struck.

The Left Hand Of Darkness

#the left hand of darkness

[rebannen5150]

Thanks to coronavirus, I have been in very depressed over the last few months.  Although it's nothing new humans feeling a little bit rough around the edges, sometimes feeling a little low, harming our life, right now, we all are weathering through our pain which we‘ve never experienced before.

When I get hurt, such as when I get disappointed in a relationship or when I've been offended by someone, I feel depressed easily. And I'm liable to stay at the bottom of my heart because I lost my motivation and can't do anything. After a while, I try to recover from depression. I'm likely to feel like I've got to prove them who has hurt me were wrong about me.  I know such an idea isn't positive or healthy. But at least, it pushes me to do something, hopefully, something positive.

Mind you, I have no obligation to anybody, no job, no wife, no girlfriend, no family members to feed or whatsoever right now. I'm financially stable and I have savings set aside. I often think I'm lucky, but sometimes it's kind of hard for me to find the motivation to do anything.  Now I realized that my problem is all about finding motivation within myself.  

The daily English program is coming to an end. I've learned a lot about English and have got some good friends through it. It's time to make the most of it. What am I going to do now? Many people have gone through a harsh time all over the world. If you're distracted by your mental health whether it's to do with other people and feeling unmotivated or  it's to do with the past 18 months of all our lives that have been pretty tough, any changes you've been going through, I would like to share them with you.

Besides, I have something that I want to accomplish shortly. I want to leave something behind even after I'm dead, like my legacy. Then, what would I do to fulfill those things above , sharing life struggles and making my legacy, using English?

The first thing that came into my head is the music that I created. I used to think that music was simply entertainment that we can enjoy in our free time. But in the pandemic, it turned out that music was essential to me. I can live without a lot of things but music is not one of them.  It would be great to make a song now. I'll compose it and write the lyrics in English so that some people can relate.  Even if it's musically not good, I think I could feel satisfied. And if I could make a good song, it might prove that everything I've ever done was right.  I'm sure that I want to prove myself right, not to prove others wrong. It's easier said than done, though.

#coronavirus #ramblings #myproject #music #original song #randy rhoads #englishstudy