燕市から米国への親善大使の座も目指す初めての燕市英語スピーチコンテスト、最優秀賞は母がおいらん役だった燕中等教育学校3年生に (2013.12.21)

最優秀賞の河上鈴華さんのスピーチ

The pride of Tsubame

Hello, everyone. My name is Suzuka Kawakami. I’m a student of Tsubame secondary educational school. I’m going to talk about the pride of Tsubame.

First Tsubame city is surrounded by nature. For example, there are cherry blossoms, mountains and rivers. In April, thousands of cherry blossoms bloom and Tsubame city is smothered in pink color. The sight is so beautiful and moving. We hold a parade called “Oiran” under the cherry blossoms every year. It is a tradition from the Edo period. Four courtesans and many other woman walk in Kimonos along “Okozubunsui”. Many people visit the countryside every year because it brings them good fortune. The woman perform their walking with a giant pride borne from a long history. I have seen this parade many times, and it becomes more beautiful with every passing year. My mother has performed as “Oiran” before. She is proud of the experience. So my dream is to perform as “Oiran” as well as her in the future.

Secondly there is a summer festival It is crowded, but we can see many smiles. Beautiful fireworks color the night sky during the festival. Many people say, “Wow, so beautiful !” they are delighted. Their bright smiles are part of Tsubame city is pride aren’t they ?.

Third I’ll talk about Mt.Kugami, which is known as a symbol of Tsubame. Mt.Kugami is fresh greenery in spring and colored leaves in autumn fascinate people. When it is sunny, this mountain is crowded people. Mt.Kugami is also famous for being saint Ryokan’s hometown. He lived in “Gogoan” and he loved nature, people, and children. He sometimes even loved a thief. He had a beautiful heart. I think that the people in Japan and especially in Tsubame, are proud of Ryokan. I also respect him.

Fourth Tsubame city has a river that many Japanese people are proud of. That’s the “Shinano River”. It is the longest river in Japan. Many years ago, the river often caused floods. The biggest flood called “Yokotagire” was a serious damage to Tsubame. But people didn’t give up. Now, “the Echigo plain” is protected by a moveable weir. I like to stand on the backs of Shinano River, and watch the river and cherry blossoms.

I think that I will protect this beautiful city forever. Because there are many things to be proud of here. I think we have to learn more about Tsubame and make use of it to the future. I hope to study English at university in Tokyo in the future. I want to use English in my future job. But I really want foreign people to know about the good points of Tsubame. A swallow is said “to bright happiness” that why Tsubame city is full of love. I’m proud of my hometown, Tsubame. I will love Tsubame city forever. Thank you for listening.