Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. optimism (n.) – hopefulness; the thought that everything will turn out well
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. optimism (n.) – hopefulness; the thought that everything will turn out well
Example: Despite failing the first project, he had optimism he will be successful.
2. household (n.) – a
group of persons living together in one house
Example: My parents and I are the only members of
our household.
3. adventurous (adj.) – having or showing a quality that is
exciting and not common
Example: The building’s triangular shape is a
very adventurous design.
4. uplift (v.) – to
fill with high or hopeful emotions
Example: The music was able to uplift his mood.
5. devastating (adj.) –
shocking or upsetting
Example: She received devastating news that her brother had died.
Article
Read the text below.
Hamilton Yokota, a Japanese-Brazilian
graffiti artist, brought optimism
to the residents of disaster-stricken Tohoku by painting the bare walls of their temporary homes.
Responding to an invitation from the The
Japan Foundation, the internationally recognized artist went to the Kasei
Temporary Housing Complex (Kasetsu Kaisei Danchi) in Ishinomaki to share his
talent. According to Yokota, the houses looked too emotionally cold, so he
wanted to paint the walls with colorful and warm pictures.
Within nine days, he was able to
create 15 wall paintings on the housing units shared by 200 households. Yokota drew flowers as
requested by some residents, but mostly used fish as the theme for his
artwork.
Kikuo Akiyama, a retired fisherman
and one of the residents, was really cheered up by Yokota’s unique art. Akiyama had been helping the community as volunteer coordinator, to relieve the sadness brought by the March 11
disaster and the death of his mother, who died of cancer. He said that he felt
brightened up by the adventurous
art.
Similarly, the paintings uplifted Hanayo Endo’s spirit.
Hanayo’s husband, Mitsuo Endo, died after not receiving proper dialysis
procedures because of the lack of hospital services in the days following the
earthquake and tsunami. She has to keep living for her husband, she said
tearfully. After seeing Yokota’s art on her house, she felt more encouraged.
Many other residents responded
positively to Yokota’s work. But even though Yokota was able to give
them some emotional comfort, the residents still face hardships that come
with living in the temporary homes.
Hanayo’s son-in-law, Masami Endo,
said rebuilding their homes will take a long time. Around 22,000 houses were
destroyed in Ishinomaki. By 2014, only 3,000 disaster-proof house units will
be built, which is just not enough, he stressed. The Miyagi prefectural
government is currently trying to find ways to increase the number.
As the residents struggle through the
devastating effects of the
disaster, Yokota’s art can at least provide some hope to their situation.
Yokota said that the residents inspired him even more as a graffiti artist, and
that they were very kind to him during his stay. They invited him to come
visit again, which he plans to do within the year.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
Do
you think art can really uplift someone’s spirit? Why or why not?
·
What
things make you happy whenever you are depressed?
Discussion B
·
How
is the government in your country helping the victims of the disaster? Do you
think enough help is being given to them?
·
In
your own way, how can you extend your help to those affected by disasters?