I think reading about Japanese history is one of the more worthwhile things I did in my life.Although I doubt I'll take up a degree on Japanese studies,that doesn't mean learning about history is no use.There's many cool things,some even suggesting how some words and folktales of Japan came about.For example ...

神風 (KAMIKAZE)

We all know them as the suicide pilots of Japan during WWII.But how did it came about.Why associate the team "divine wind" to pilots who fill their planes with explosives and just enough fuel to fly to their final destination?This is the story ...

Kublai Khan,grandson of the legendary Genghis Khan lost 2 battles in his quest to conquer Japan.The 1st attack came in 1274.The Japanese was caught unexpected but was "saved" when a violent storm blew up,causing the Mongols heavy casualties and forcing a retreat back to inland China.7 years later Kublai Khan launched another attack,with a much much larger force than his 1st attack attempt.Despite the Japanese being much more prepared and well-armed than last time,it seems like a losing battle.YET another storm blew up,dealing more damage to the Mongols than last time.A retreat was called.Although part of this historic battle won was due to the undying spirit of the Japanese,the two unexpected storms definitely aided them.It was then which the Japanese felt that their country was the "land of the gods" and attacking them was akin to declaring war with the gods.The storms were the "wrath of god".Therefore the term "kamikaze" was given to the 2 storms that protected Japan.

The suicidal pilots of WWII was also given the term "kamikaze" because of their fearlessness to sacrifice their lives to protect the "land of the gods".

I know this might be controversial but hey.This is all about Japan.Legends of gods MUST be believed if u are prepared to learn about the religions,the lifestyles and just about anything of a country.

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History aside,I was informed that 高橋先生,my much-respected teacher in Hougang Japanese School might not be teaching us after out current lesson ends.And there's a chance that we have to go all the way to Hougang to take up lessons.This is just a horrible shocker!!!Now I more or less understand why our parents tend to visit the same clinic or pharmacy when they have a 病気(illness).The affinity is there.The respect is there.The trust is there.To be taught Japanese by a teacher other than Takahashi-sensei is hard to imagine,and even more when that seems to become true.

I wonder how did Emperor Akihito react when his tutor Elizabeth Vining returned to England in 1950,after 4 years of teaching him?

It must suck.No doubt about that =(