Posted on February 11, 2009 [Permalink]

I now have last night's NHK Commentary program uploaded to the 'Media' section of the woodblock.com website.

I'm already getting requests for a translation, but you'll just have to hang on a bit; I've got to get this print out the door first, before I can fool around with this other stuff ...

Two of the episodes in my 'A Story A Week' series talk about the making of this program. First one is here, followed by the next one.

[Update: OK, here's that English version of the audio track. Don't bother trying to match it to the Japanese exactly line by line, but it's based on the same outline ...]

Added by: Bette Wappner on February 11, 2009

Thanks for sharing. I liked the part when you said "I have the best job in Japan". ;-)

Added by: Jacques on February 13, 2009

Even though I cannot understand much of what you are saying - but know from your audio .mp3 file previously added to the RoundTable what it is you are talking about -, I think your presentation at NHK looks great: it elegantly combines a fine quietness (you almost whisper your words at times) with an obvious enthousiasm for the topic that you are discussing. And all that exactly in the ten minutes time that were alloted to you.

One thing I wondered while watching your TV appearance is this: somewhere I heard or read that Japanese people seem to find large arm movements threatening. Is that really true?

Added by: Dave on February 13, 2009

large arm movements

Well at this 'distance', it's certainly no problem. Everybody here is well used to seeing people on TV give speeches (especially after that long US campaign season) so arm movements like that are just accepted as being 'what those foreigners do ...'

Face to face is a bit different I guess, but I don't think I would move like that if there was somebody right in front of me. From my perspective, the camera lens was around 2.5~3 meters away, so perhaps I moved in ways that felt 'natural' for a target at that distance. Interesting point ...