Japan

Letters to My Wife: New Book out in Japanese

My new book is out in Japanese and English, dedicated to my wife of 11 years. I decided what better way to honor her than to write a letter to her every weekend and publish a book in her honor in Japanese and Engish. Available for purchase here:

The title of the book is:

照れくさい手紙が嫌いな妻へ: 52通の、ありがとう

To My Wife Who Hates Embarassing Letters: 52 Letters of Thanks

本の紹介:

妻との11年目の結婚生活へ向けての1年間、毎週土曜日に妻へ手紙を書くことにした。本作は、妻と子と、神に対するあふれんばかりの感謝を込めた52通の手紙を収めたものである。それぞれの手紙は11年の結婚生活を記念して11文で構成されている。妻をどれだけ愛しているか、妻に対してどう感じているのか、彼の気持ちを彼女に伝えるのに、あと10年待ってからでは遅すぎる。彼は書いた。手紙は夫婦の絆を深めうるということに彼は気付いたのだ。手紙を書くことで、彼の心に彼女が広がり、感謝の気持ちが湧いてくる。週末ごとに、彼はそんな特別な方法で夫婦として繋がることができた。まだ小さくて活発な、二人の男の子(7歳のジョンと4歳のマックス)の共働きの親として、お互いに自分の時間の確保が難しい日々。彼が土曜日の朝に書き続けたこの手紙は、苦楽を共にしてくれた妻へ感謝を表すと共に、妻が彼にとってどれだけ特別な存在か再確認する機会となった。絵理子は彼の愛する妻であり、友人であり、同僚でもある。

After 10 years of marriage, I decided to write a letter to my wife each Saturday of the week for an entire year. This was the start of 52 letters to my wife. Each letter is composed of 11 sentences to commemorate 11 years of marriage. The letters touch upon themes of family, faith, and children. I simply wanted to express how I felt about my wife and I did not want to wait another 10 years to tell her how much I love her. I learned that a simple letter could strengthen our relationship further. I could express my feelings more intimately. It allowed her access into my heart and feel appreciated. We were able to connect each weekend as a married couple in a special way. As the busy parents of two young, energetic boys (John aged 7 and Max aged 4), we often do not have time for ourselves let alone each other. My Saturday morning letter writing ritual gave me an opportunity to express my gratitude and carve out a space to let the person who has been by my side through ups and downs know how special she is to me. I am truly blessed to have a loving wife and friend and confidant. Sending you 52 letters with love.

 

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Dual Citizens Bring Nations Closer

Dual citizens bring nations closer.  I argue this in my book LoveBothKeepBoth: Passport to Peace, Prosperity and Strengthened Diplomacy.  Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson agree.  The couple officially became dual citizens this week by obtaining Greek citizenship.  Congratulations!

Using this occasion to share one of my favorite Tom Hank’s quotes: “If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it.  It’s the hard that makes it great.”

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Helping the Homeless and Urban Poor

What a day to be grateful for if you have your health, family and a means to financially support yourself and loved ones. Not everyone is so fortunate. It is a blessing to be able to share one’s wealth and knowledge to alleviate in some way the pain and suffering of others. The spirit of volunteerism is also very American and alive and well. It is a spirit I treasure. I created this business proposal long before the COVID-19 outbreak precisely to see how I could assist the urban homeless in Japan. Why? The homeless aren’t someone else’s problem. They are us. They are human. It is never too late to reaffirm our common humanity through kindness and acts of charity. I hope one day some brave soul will take this business proposal and implement it. It’s free. One less homeless person on the streets is a legacy we can all be proud of – whether Japanese or American or both. Have a great week and know that your health ultimately rests on the health and well-being of others. One human family.

http://kenreiman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Japan-Urban-Homeless-Project.pdf

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The Year’s First Dream – What Did You Dream About?

In Japan, it is believed that the first dream of the New Year is important because it tells you what the year holds for you. What did you dream about? Here’s a haiku poem by Itō Shōu in English and Japanese below.

The year’s first dream –

a secret I spoke to no one,

smiling to myself.             ― Itō Shōu (1859-1943)

 

初夢や

秘めて語らず

一人笑む        ―伊藤松宇

The Japanese poet Itō Shōu was a poet of the Meiji era (1868-1926). He was a contemporary of another great Haiku poet Masaoka Shiki. Both wrote during a time when Japan opened its doors to the world and quickly learned about Western culture and technology.

 

On a journey, I’d have

as my companion on the road,

a butterfly.                            ―Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902)

 

道づれは

胡蝶をたのむ

旅路かな        ―正岡子規

Posted by reimanko in International Relations, Quotes, Writing, 0 comments

Japan Urban Homeless Project – Share with Others

When we help the homeless we help ourselves, our country, and our community. The strong and fortunate have a responsibility to help the weak and poor. Isn’t that what true power is? When we think about how we can utilize our talents to help the oppressed we are reminded of our obligations to one another.

Isaiah 58:7:  Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

Here is a business proposal I created in my spare time to help Japan’s urban homeless. I wanted to find a way to address a social issue while utilizing the talent of Japan’s seniors.  I make no money off of this business idea. I simply wanted to share with others so that even one homeless person can get off the streets. That is reward in and of itself.  This was my attempt to create a business solution to address a social problem. Just trying to play my part as I can’t physically be in Japan to implement this.  Check the link below to read the proposal.

Japan Urban Homeless Project

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People Need a Voice and a Choice Let Yours Be Heard!

“Sometimes the person who has not been able to speak or be heard has the most powerful message to deliver.” Quote by Ken Reiman

Thanks to everyone who purchased my book and allowed me to share my experience with others. I hope it will inspire others to share their hopes and dreams too!

 

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Laziness and Life

Throw away laziness like seeds from a summer watermelon, you don’t need it!

 

 

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Quote of the Day

Today’s loss leads to tomorrow’s gain!

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