In Japan, we have a song for new comers to the school: "When I attend to the school, could I get a hundred of friends?" Ordinary, to get to know so many people is very difficult, especially for foreign students. When the language is different from one's mother tongue, it seems to be unable.

But, if someone asks that question to me, I will answer: "YES, I came here two month ago, of course here the language is different from mine, and now I have a HUNDRED of friends!"

I could do that because of the song. I like singing, and I was joining in some choirs in Japan. When I came to Finland, I joined to both a male choir and a mixed one. The former has over 80 persons, and the latter has about 30 persons. So, I already have over 100 friends!

As a member of choir, I have experienced many things which ordinary student cannot do. I already have 5 concerts by now. In mixed choir, I sang at the main church in Tampere, also at Temppeliaukio church. And in male choir, I joined with its Concert tour. I travelled in Karelia region with choir members, and we had concert at the main church in Joensuu and the music hall in Imatra. They were very good times for me. I wonder that I might be the first Japanese who sings in there places!

Of course there are many persons in the choir, so to get to know all in a few days is not easy. But in these concerts, I had so much time with them. So I could get to know most of members in the choir. And sometimes we meets at streets or in some building in the University. I have never supposed before that it is so much fun to exchange greetings!

When I came to Finland in September, I have no friends to talk with, to laugh with, to eat with, to complaint with. In fact, I had so many problems at first, but I did not have anyone to talk with them. It made me so much sad. Sometimes I shed tears in loneliness in my room, and even on the street .

But now, no more tear. Instead of it, I have friends more than a hundred. It makes me smile!