Documentary film “Tanaka-san Will Not Do Calisthenics”

Starting 2 July 2011

If one person can change the world, it is Tanaka Testuro, now 63 years old, who was fired from his job at a major electrical company for refusing to do morning calisthenics thirty years ago. Tanaka has been singing as a form of protest, every morning at the entrance to the company factory ever since. In his signature cowboy hat and guitar, with no mobile phone, internet or facebook, Tanaka continues his struggle and demands an apology and re-instatement every year.

25 years since his dismissal, Australian director Maree Delofsky discovered Tanaka’s activities by accident on-line, and came to Japan with the express purpose of making a documentary about him. With full houses and ovations in international festivals (Yamagata Documentary Festival 2009, Istanbul International Documentary Festival 2009, Cork Film Festival 2008, best in festival prize, Canadian Labour International Festival 2009).

Synopsis:

Tanaka-san Will Not Do Calisthenics presents a less-familiar view of an idiosyncratic Japanese nonconformist.

On the 29 June 1981 Tetsuro Tanaka, an engineer, was sacked by his employer, a large electronics company in Tokyo. One reason is that Tanaka san refused to re-locate to a factory far away from his home and family. Another reason is that as president of the company’s mandolin club, Tanaka-san had  supported 1350 workers who were made redundant and had refused to participate in group calisthenics. Despite being ostracised, losing members of his mandolin club and receiving lower wages, he continued to protest the company’s labour policies and ran against company-endorsed candidates in elections to the workplace union. The day after he was dismissed, Tanaka began a picket outside the entrance gate which has become the longest one-man protest in Japan’s history. The film meets the veteran campaigner for the 25th anniversary of his campaign, along with his comrades, Nezu Kimiko, a domestic science teacher who refuses to stand up and sing the now mandatory wartime anthem kimigayo in school, Ueda Yoshihiro, a retiree, and Tomayo, a young music student of Tanaka who is afraid to go to school.

Maree Delofsky

Maree Delofsky is a documentary maker who began filmmaking in London with the radical filmmaking workshop Cinema Action, and has now made several including The Trouble with Merle (2002), a documentary exploring the mysterious origins of the legendary film star Merle Oberon, A Calcutta Christmas (1998), a documentary portraying elderly Anglo-Indians living in a home in Calcutta, and Philippines my Philippines (1989), a feature length documentary. She currently teaches at Macquarie University in Sydney.

Tanaka Tetsuro

Tanaka Tetsuro, born 1948, Fukuoka prefecture, he graduated from Ube highschool in 1969 and gained employment at the Oki Electrical LSI management section. Head of the mandolin club, Tanaka was dismissed from the company in 1981 for refusing to move to a regional department. From that day on he has protested outside the Hachioji factory entrance, by singing songs against bullying. In 1987 he entered formal reconciliation with company representatives, who refused to acknowledge guilt or provide remuneration for lost income. In 1992, he was unsuccessful in his bid as an independent for a seat in local government in the 16th Tokyo municipal elections. In 1995 he lost at the highest court of appeal for unfair dismissal.  In 2005, he was awarded the Taka Yoko anti-authority human rights prize. He actively continues as a singer songwriter, runs a guitar shop and teaches music.

“I’m very happy. so many people have positive response to my struggle. Each one may have own struggle for social justice.
You have encouraged me . Thank you very much.
Sadly my translation speed isn’t quick but I would like do to Japanese.”

messages below

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hi tetsurosan,

Hajimemashite!
I saw the TV documentary about your oppression by OKI.
Firstly you have my utmost respect for your brave stand against
corporation fascism.
Secondly when I think of your struggle, I think of you as the
modern version of Gandhi (from India) or Mandela (from South
Africa). But do you realize your struggle is much more difficult
to overcome than theirs? Let me explain why.
Gandhi or Mandela has the support of the majority
crowd. They appealed to the poor which form the majority during
those eras. The poors have nothing to lose when supporting either
Gandhi or Mandela.
You are fighting for the middle class which dont form
the majority. Furthermore they dont identify with your struggle nor
they appreciate your efforts. Most of them are either just “cowards”
or they have alot to lose if they fight against corporation fascism.
Also you must remember corporation fascism is the new emperor
of the world (not just japan). You are fighting against a very
powerful beast that can even overthrow a small country and poses
significant threat to big countries.
So my point is if you want to fight this beast as a pacifist,
you somehow have to get the crowd to be sympathetic to your cause.
And that is the reason why your fight has taken so long to achieve
your objective.
I hope I have not discourage you anyway but you will now have
a clearer idea of what your future strategy should be. Anyway this
is just my humble opinion or analysis of your problem.
I wish you all success in your struggle. If you win the war one day,
you will not only bring a new world order in Japan but the whole world!
Your struggle will bring about a world peace greater than that can
bring by United Nations!
I also admired your wife and your Mom. They stand by you.
They are very beautiful women with a big heart. You should
be proud of them. Your kids are also very very brave.

Tomodachi,
Peter
11/03/2010

___________________________________

Hello Sir

I was fortunate to stumble upon a documentary on SBS tv sydney last night concerning you.

I was extremely moved by your story and just wanted to say how much I greatly admire what you have done and what you continue to do.

Your life story makes me very happy but at the same time very sad as well.

Sad because it hurts to watch people with great wisdom and knowledge be treated so badly.

Since I was a child I have always been fascinated with the Japanese people and their culture.

Mainly due to the technology and animation that your country produces.

I have always wanted to travel to Japan but had no real reason to justify polluting the atmosphere with jet fuel to get there.

After watching last nites film about you I have a very good reason to go to Tokyo.

One day I hope to be able to visit you.

However I must overcome some personal demons before I can be in a position to travel.

Your story has given me a motivation I have never felt before and I hope I can use it to kickstart my recovery.

Thank You Tanaka san

Kind Regards

Ash

P.S.
I am an aeroplane fanatic. Especially WW2  era. My signature below is a lyric from a song by a British electronic band called “The Prodigy”. It is not my intention to offend with a reference to war. Apologies in advance sir
–
If I was in World War II
They’d call me Spitfire
10/03/2010

___________________________________

HI Tetsuro

My wife and I watched the documentary about your struggle last night.
We live in Tasmania, she is Japanese and I lived and taught in Japan
for about ten years.
We are well aware of the problems of regimentation that all Japanese
workers face. Whether this regimentation is enforced by a company, or
a government agency, the aim is
always the same: to create an obedient, and therefore efficient and
non-questioning population.
I love Japan, I love the Japanese people. Maybe one day they will be
able to shake off the bonds of bureaucracy. We admired your struggle,
and that of the people who
supported you.
Maybe some day when we are visiting Japan we can come and see you in
action.
Take care, and good luck.

Sincerely

Brian
10/03/2010

___________________________________

Dear Tetsuro

I hope you are well. I watched the film about you on Australia television last night and just wanted to say that you are an inspiring man and I hope you keep up the struggle.

I also play guitar (not very well) and I used to live in Korea so I understand a little of the differing work cultures that exist in that part of the world and how it can adversely affect workers.

I work as a migration agent in Australia now obtaining visas for foreigners coming to Australia so if you or your family ever need advice please contact me.

All the best.

–
Regards,

Murray
10/03/2010

___________________________________

Hello Mr. Tanaka,

Last night on Australian television I saw the film featuring you, “Tanaka-san will not do callisthenics”.

I was very moved when I watched the film, and I wanted to take the time today to write to you to tell you how much I admire your drive and determination. I also admire your children, and the obvious love and support that they show you.

I especially liked your song “The Wind”.

Maybe one day you could move to Australia. We don’t like authority here, I think you’d fit right in J

Thank you for your time. Good luck with your continuing struggle. I wish you all the best.
David
10/03/2010

___________________________________

My husband and I saw documentary on your struggle last night on TV. We just wanted to send this email to you to pass on our support. It is a very brave stance you have taken but change can only happen when one person says “No”.

It must be a lot of work to translate your website into English but it worth it so we can respond. However on the page “Do you want to meet me” the link doesn’t go to the map ? thought you might like to know.

regards
Val and David
10/03/2010

___________________________________

Mr Tanaka,

I watched the documentary film on SBS tv in Sydney, Australia. I used to work in South Korea before migrating to
Australia, and I am 100 percent sympathetic to your experience and ordeal you have come through.

I support and cheer for your righteous activity!
Sent from my BlackBerryR smartphone on 3
Heewon
10/03/2010

___________________________________

Film I saw on SBS Australia
My Japanese comment was deleted as junkmail(is it because I included my website and mail address?). So I write in English this time. I also refused to sing Japanese national anthem during my high school days, and refused to attend graduate ceremonies both in Japan and Australia. As a uni student, I was involved in Student activism protesting against discriminations and Viet Nam war in particular. So when I heard you sing “international”, it brought back a flood of memories. Both my parents were devoted socialists who always gave to the less fortunate, and I grew up learning about negative aspects of Japan such as Feudalism, discrimination against the poor, women, untouchables, etc. With the idea of teaching a child to think for himself, to stand up with his own feet, I became a teacher in Japan. Needless to say, changing the educational system from within was not particularly easy! So I left Japan trotting around the world alone (this was not easy for a woman alone in 70′s) and now I live in Australia. It would be nice to be able to communicate with your fellow supporters to discuss issues reagarding education. My world view, my philosophy may be a little different from those of yours, but I think that there are so many similarities in our approach to our life (stubborness as well). I was moved by your film and also felt that I found a friend. I will post my contact details if requested. Kimie

10/03/2010

___________________________________

Dear Tanaka San – my apologies for not being able to communicate with you in Nihongo; I studied in Japan 30 years ago & have now forgotten everything!

I saw your Documentary last night & was extremely impressed by the DIGNITY of your Human Rights struggle against Corporate-Fascism in Japan … which is even more insidious than Corporate-Fascism in Australia.

Throughout the so-called First World working people are being reduced to the status of COMMODIFIED-DISPOSABLE FACTORS in the capitalist production process … your particular case is a classic exemplar of this insidious process.

Please keep up the good work.

Kind regards, Joe

10/03/2010

___________________________________

Dear Sir,

I have just finished watching the film made about your struggle. I admire you for your strength and determination. I have been to Japan twice during the past four years. I am very aware of how important it is for Japanese people to conform and to always do the “right thing”. Part of Japan’s economic success is probably due to the rigid control that the Japanese corporations have over their employees. But it is obviously at a terrible cost to those same employees.

My two visits to Japan have been to see my son and his family. He works as an English teacher at an International Kindergarten. He teaches children from 2 years old to 6 years old. His wife is Japanese and they have two beautiful children. The girl Hilda is 5, and the boy Simon is 2. Hilda speaks both Japanese and English. Simon speaks some Japanese and some English. He mixes them up a bit  And a third child is due in June!

My son loves Japan and the Japanese people. However, he does worry about his children growing up in such a rigid society. He is also a very stubborn person, like you He would like his children to grow up being able to question things and not have their personality suppressed. I remember when I was there last, about 6 months ago, we were discussing Japanese workers and his Japanese wife said that workers in Japan were like robots.

In the film you said that your sons never argued with you. Well, in Australia most children are not afraid to argue with their parents. I have 5 children and none of them are afraid to talk back to me Mind you, this lack of fear of authority has its disadvantages too.

I was a full time high school teacher but now I just do some part time teaching. Young people today have very little respect for authority so it makes teaching a very difficult job here. Just because children do as they like at home, they think they can do and say what they like at school too. Not all of the children are like this, of course.

I have read the material on your web site and have found it very informative. In fact, I will tell my son about it. He will be very interested.

I congratulate you on your struggles and wish you every success for the future.

Yours sincerely,

Ferdy
9/03/2010

___________________________________

Hello Tetsuro, & Family,
I watched the Film about your life, on Channel SBS Melbourne,  Australia

You are an Amazing man !!!!

We have  a name for you in our Culture,……… You are  a free spirit…
I admire you, & your Family very much…..

You’re a Hero in my eyes, & a Hero to many people around The World….

I have The Greatest Respect For your wife, & sons…….
You have an Amazing Family

Tetsuro you’re Fighting The Good Fight, And  You have WON !!!….
I send You Big Smiles ……. From Australia
With Respect   And   Smiles
Maree
9/03/2010

___________________________________

Dear, Tetsuro,
When The Going gets Tough
The Tough Get Going
maree
9/03/2010

___________________________________

Hi Mr Tanaka,
I just called you from Sydney, Australia while watching the television documentary on OKI Electric Co. I also wrote an email to them.

Regards.

Sandeep
9/03/2010

___________________________________

Bloody fanstastic
Hi Tetsura

I saw your movie last night and I thought it was great. You are an inspiration to oppressed workers in Japan and around the world. Your family are also great people. Keep up the good work. I’m not planning on coming to Japan but if I ever do I will visit you.

All the best and keep up the good fight.

Thanks

Murray
9/03/2010

___________________________________

Chief cook and bottle washer
Hello mate. Well I can see you are being deluged with mail from Australia. But I do hope you might get a chance to read this at some stage. I’ll probably be travelling to Ogikubo in August, and if I do, I would love to sit down and chat with you over a beer or two:)
You and I have had rather similar experiences, and we have reacted in rather similar ways. We’ve both been sacked for protesting against corporate fascism. We’ve both taken our struggle to court and seen how they are on the side of the corporations. But we will not give in . We are not beaten and we will not be beaten. We are happy to be ourselves rather than company robots.

I’d love to hear from you. You can write in English or Japanese, but if it’s in Japanese, my wife will have to translate for me.

Tony

Ps By your tenacity, you show that the human spirit is by nature free.

9/03/2010

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Hello Tanaka-san
I just wanted to say that when i hear a story like yours i am utterly inspired. It is rare to see a man of such deep conviction, if everybody had these values the world would be truly just. I wish you all the best in your battle.
Simon

9/03/2010

___________________________________

Kangaroo
You are a true inspiration thank you! A great film on SBS!

9/03/2010

___________________________________

Loved the film congrats to all who were involved I to join you in spirit Keep after the buggers David

9/03/2010

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Hello Tanaka-san,
Your documentary was very insightful. It is great to see that your actions can be seen around the world because of this documentary. I wish you all the best in the future and hope that you can win your fight against OKI.

Having seen the documentary on SBS, you are a very kind person. Although I live in Australia, I will join you in spirit at the front of the OKI building.

9/03/2010

___________________________________

Hello Tanaka-san
We also watched the show on SBS tonight and have great admiration for your struggle and strength of conviction. My view is that people like you help keep the wheels of democracy on track ever so slightly that it is impossible to derail without an uproar from all of us.
In many ways the truth of OKI is how many organisation treat people today – we don’t have calesthenics we have cubicles.
Well done and when we come to Japan we will see you.

9/03/2010

___________________________________

Dear Tanaka-san,
I also just watched your documentary on Australian television and was amazed by your tenacity. The footage from the stockholders meeting was especially frustrating and moving. I sincerely hope that this documentary succeeds in raising awareness about your efforts and shames Oki.

9/03/2010

___________________________________

Ganbarimasu!!
Hello Tanaka-san,
I just watched your documentary on SBS in Australia. Actually, I am from Bhutan and I studied in Japan for two years. I was there last year and I wish I had a chance to meet you then. I think you are a very special man and I wish you all the best. I also play guitar but I think you are better than me.
Take care,
Kinzang

9/03/2010

Orderly behaviour and rigid conformity have long been part of Japan’s work culture. Discipline and the “right” attitude promote reliability and drive economic miracles – which is probably why we’ve never had one. Tanaka Tetsuro was an engineer at Oki Denki, a Tokyo corporation, who believed in the work policies that had brought success to him and his employer. But when a new management structure was implemented, Tanaka rebelled. The revised corporate mindset demanded unswerving loyalty that amounted to submission. Tanaka said no, refusing to participate in compulsory calisthenics. He argued against other stupid company policies and stood up for unfairly dismissed workers. The firm responded by ordering his transfer to a distant regional facility. Again Tanaka said no and was sacked. For almost 25 years he has mounted a vigil outside the factory gates, demonstrating his individuality as an inspiration to others whose right to democracy within the workplace is being compromised. One determined man can make a difference.

——————

Daniel Bloom [ TVFIX 7 March 2010 ]

This documentary illustrates just how difficult one man’s struggle for truth and understanding can be.

If you’ve ever tired of the mindless drone of the nine-to-five, then Tanaka Tetsuro may just appeal to your anarchistic sensibilities. As a successful engineer for one of Japan’s many global corporations, Tanaka refused to take part in daily calisthenics classes that were deemed necessary by his corporate bosses. Furthermore, he was given the option (read: ultimatum) of moving from his current position to a position in a rural factory.

Tetsuro refuses to move and is subsequently sacked. What transpires after this is the story of how one man has the guts to question the corporate world — and in doing so begins a 25-year crusade to have his story heard at the company’s annual shareholder meeting. Tetsuro also manages to spend his days picketing his former employer’s building; this is something he has been doing for the past 25 years.

What makes this doco compelling viewing isn’t really the fact that one man has decided to challenge the status-quo in a country known for its strict and conservative ways. What’s more important is the journey into the human soul and how one man has never given up (despite the fact that he’s fighting an insurmountable battle). If there’s one thing we can learn from his battle it is simply this: the human soul is a mighty tool when utilised to its full potential.

——————

EnhanceTV [ http://www.enhancetv.com.au/ March 2010]

Tanaka-san Will Not Do Callisthenics, is a moving narrative that captures the courage and willpower of one remarkable man who believes that he can make a difference.

Tanaka Tetsuro was a successful engineer at a powerful corporation in Tokyo. The young man seemed to have had it all: a promising career with a dependable company, a loving wife and family, and a vibrant spirit that could not be trumped. That is, until the corporation he worked for acquired new management, fiercely forcing company loyalty and submission from their employees. Deep down, Tetsuro knew that his life would never be the same.

In his remaining days at Oki Denki, Tanaka Tetsuro stood for what he believed in. He supported unfairly dismissed workers, spoke against company policies and refused to perform mandatory stretches before beginning his work day. Finally fed-up with his antics, the corporation ordered Tetsuro to transfer to a far away location. When he refused, he was fired.

Since that fateful day, Tetsuro has been a human rights activist, standing outside the company gates each morning as employees mindlessly flow in. He prays, delivers speeches and sings songs all with the hope that more individuals will refuse to be controlled by their employers. It is his dream that one day democracy will be restored to the nation, and he firmly believes that he is making a difference.

This emotional documentary follows Tetsuro’s life as an activist for human rights in Japan. Cameras capture his struggle as he stands outside the factory each day, discusses human rights with his peers, attends Oki Denki’s annual shareholders meeting, and rallies support for his life’s mission. Intimate interviews with Tanaka’s wife and son’s reveal their admiration and support for his cause, yet also unveil their worries about his emotional and physical health as he refuses to give up on his dream.

——————

The week’s best TV: Kerrie Murphy [ The Australian 6 March 2010 ]

Tanaka Tetsuro was an engineer at Tokyo’s Oki Denko until he refused to participate in the company’s mandatory callisthenics programs, becoming a champion of employees’ rights. After refusing a transfer, he was fired and has since protested daily at the company gates for almost 25 years. That’s some hardcore windmill tilting. Australian filmmaker Maree Delofski explores his story within the bigger context of employee rights in a culture built on conformity.

——————

Jonathan Frey: All Movie Guide

Tanaka-San Will Not Do Calisthenics is a testament to the incredible power of the individual. Tesuro Tanaka, a man whose day job requires him to work at the Japanese Oki Electric Manufacturing Company but whose true passion is singing, decides to react to the news of the impending militarization of his job with what’s in his heart. Every day for 28 years, Tanaka stood outside his factory and, as a form of protest, sang. This documentary shows how Tanaka’s simple act exposed the corruption of an entire business.

Like a Drop of Water on a Stone

Q: Can you tell us your frank opinion about Tanaka-san’s method of resistance?

MD: I thought it was very individualistic, very unusual and fascinating. Such an interesting example of how a very small action for a very long time can have some effects. It’s like a drop of water on a stone. I admire his tenacity. It’s not the way I would do it, but he has made it into his life. And he seems to be a very happy man.

Q: Did you go through the entire filming without any interpreters?

MD: Yes. I didn’t try to raise any money because I didn’t want anybody telling me how to make the film. So I had very little money and I couldn’t afford to pay for an interpreter. Therefore I developed a method with Tanaka-san for interviews. I would ask him the questions in English and he would answer in Japanese and then in English. I would choose which one I would use in the editing. Interestingly, sometimes the English version was better to use because he had told his story before, so it would come out very mechanically in Japanese. In his answers in English, he would be struggling to find the words. I wouldn’t recommend it as a system, except not having an interpreter actually meant there was no barrier. We just had to struggle and find a way of communicating, and it meant that we developed a particular relationship and a lot of humor in the relationship.

Q: Did you have any conflict with Tanaka-san during the filming?

MD: Not real conflict, but it was difficult because Tanaka-san is a very bossy man. He doesn’t really know anything about filmmaking, but he would think that he did. So I had to be very strong with him. I said, “Tanaka-san, I am the director. I know. You don’t know about these things.” Sometimes I would get things wrong technically because it was my first time to use the camera. So I think he initially thought maybe I was an amateur. But he would laugh and accept it when I would say to him, “No, I know about this. You have to trust my skill.”

Q: What do you think about Oki, the company that fired Tanaka-san?

MD: I really didn’t want to focus on Oki. It just happens to be Oki. Tanaka-san focuses on Oki, of course, but I didn’t want to make a film that was a big polemic about Oki. That wasn’t my interest. My interest was in this man who keeps doing this thing outside this particular place for a very long time.

Q: How did the Australian audience respond when seeing this film?

MD: Very interesting. They tell me when the film begins they think Tanaka-san is a bit strange. They wonder if he is OK. And then as the film goes on, they grow to know him and to like him very much. I think they like him because a lot of Australians don’t like authority. They also say they like it because they see a side of Japan that they don’t normally see; it’s outside the stereotype. Some of them say if they were in Tokyo on the 29th of the month (when Tanaka-san does sit-in protest), they would go and meet him.

(Compiled by Murakami Yumiko)

Interviewers: Murakami Yumiko, Hozumi Maki / Interpreter: Goto Taro
Photography: Abiko Harue / Video: Morito Satoko / 2009-10-13

• Opening Sequence
• Tanaka-san receives Human Rights Award
• Buddhist Ceremony
• Singing at the Factory Gate
• Invitation to sit-in day
• Hiroyuki Tanaka: Song for Father
  

A poem by Hiroyuki Tanaka ©2006 Hiroyuki Tanaka

Now I’m living the life I dreamed of
There was not the warmth here which I hadn’t noticed at that time.
I notice a lot of things after I left home.
I became a little more adult when I passed 19.
I find my self being supple.
You hold three uncontrollable children
sweating barked at by the dogs
One sheet of flier
Including your heart your anger
You continued to shout
You over came
You have strong mind against unacceptable matter.
I inherited it
You dragged your tired body
And cradle us, spoilt children.
You hold us warmly with your wrinkled workers hands
You forgave me though I resisted you and repeated stupid behavior, even I felt your feeling

This song written by Tanaka-san’s son Hiroyuki plays a key part in the film where it is used three times

A poem by Hiroyuki Tanaka ©2006 Hiroyuki Tanaka

夢にまで見たこの生活になれてきた
今はこう思う
Now I’m living the life I dreamed of

あのころ気付かなかったぬくもりはここにはない
There was not the warmth here which I hadn’t noticed at that time.

あなたを離れて気付くことなどいっぱいあって
I notice a lot of things after I left home.

１９を過ぎて少し大人になり
I became a little more adult when I passed 19.
ナイーブな自分を見つける
I find my self being supple.

手を焼く子供３人かかえ
You hold three uncontrollable children

汗流し犬に吠えられて
sweating barked at by the dogs

一枚のビラに込めた
One sheet of flier
あなたの心あなたの怒り
Including your heart your anger

無意味にでも叫び続けた
You continued to shout

あなたは打ち勝った
You over came

許せぬ事に意志を持ち
You have strong mind against unacceptable matter.

怒りを持つこと
受けついでしまいました
I inherited it

疲れたからだひきずって
You dragged your tired body

わがままな僕らをあやした
And cradle us, spoilt children.

しわのよった働く手で
You hold us warmly with your wrinkled workers hands
温かく僕らを抱きしめて

横目で感じてたあなたの思いやりにはむかって

バカなことばかりしていた僕を
You forgave me though I resisted you and repeated stupid behavior, even I felt your feeling .
優しく許してくれましたね

This song written by Tanaka-san’s son Hiroyuki plays a key part in the film where it is used three times

The wind asks “Haven’t you forgotten?”
The wind asks, “Haven’t you give up?”
Your sadness isn’t yours alone.
Your anger isn’t yours alone.
It blows against the wall of history.
Even if you can’t see it now the wind moves the trees.

Let’s be the wind.
Let’s live as the wind.
Over the sea. Over the hate.

Your peaceful mind flies up to the blue sky.
It blows down the old leaves of oppression.
The wind is brought by your struggle.
The wind broadens your compassion.
It blows enveloping pain and efforts in vain.
Even if you can’t see it now the wind will live again.

Let’s be the wind.
Let’s live as the wind.
Over the sea. Over the hate.

My desire and my anger are contained in this flier.
My voice and my life are contained in this flier.
The iron gate lined with barbed wire tears workers solidarity.
One sheet of flier is a small chain linking the inside to outside the gate.

I fold in half. I fold in quarter. from small to secret.
hand it over hand it over hand over the fliers.
Please take it. I wish you’d take it.
I shout deep-felt words in my heart.
Please take it. I wish you’d take it.
hand it over hand it over hand over the fliers.

I’ll never forget I’ll never forget.
my friends hands taking the fliers with smiles.
I’ll never forget I’ll never forget. The delight of that day.
I’ll never forget I’ll never forget.
My friend’s cold shoulder passing by.

I will never cover it up. I will never cover it up.
The sadness of that day. my feeling of sorrow
I feel delight because I am struggling.
I feel sadness because I am struggling.

Naoyama is a very good tennis player.
He plays tennis every afternoon at the company’s tennis court.
Then one day no one returned his service ball. Not even his good friend

Could you return the shot? Could you return the shot? My shot?
Could you return the shot? Could you return the shot? My shot?

A friend of Yamamoto will have a wedding.

The friend came to his house with a bottle of whiskey and said.
I want to you to attend our wedding party, but if I invite you, I will lose my job.

I am sorry. I am sorry. I am sorry. Mr Yamamoto.
I am sorry. I am sorry. I am sorry. Mr Yamamoto.

Kawabata performed his experiment in the lab.
One day his work was thrown in to the garbage can.
When he protested all his remaining work was thrown in to the can as well.

Why did you. Why did you. Why did you throw it away
Why did you. Why did you. Why did you throw away my work.

I was the leader of the mandolin club.
We had been playing the instruments in togetherness.
The members quit the club one by one.
Because their bosses threatened them to quit.

Please don’t quit. Please don’t quit. Please don’t quit
Our mandolin club.
Please don’t quit. Please don’t quit. Please don’t quit
Our mandolin club.