My artifact thing

Thing that gives me power

My artifact is misanga. I was given it when I was in the second year of high school. My friend who was in the same club in high school gave it to me. Misanga can be made by ourselves without buying.This color is red, white and black. The size is about the middle finger. I used to wear it on my left wrist until high school, but after graduating I put it on this bag. 

I belonged to a badminton club when I was a high school student. I started playing badminton in high school. Our team had four people of the same grade. There were two experienced people and two beginners including me. One of the members made missangas for four members. There was a reason she made misanga. In the second year of the second year of high school,  we have an important tournament. Our team practiced hard because we wanted to take first place. So, she made missangas to achieve that goal. The days of practice were so hard that I tried to give up many times. However, I was able to continue hard practice because I had good teammates. When I saw teammates practicing hard, I thought I would do my best. The day of the tournament has come. I’m usually nervous on the day of an important tournament, but  I wasn’t nervous that day. Perhaps, practice days gave me confidence.

“ Let’s do our best and take first place." Our captain said.

“ Ok! we can do it! “. Another member said.

I was very excited because of the adrenaline. I still haven’t forgotten my feelings at the time. In badminton, when you serve, you always look at your wrist. So, I was very cheered up thanks to the minsanga on my wrist during the game. We went on to win steadily, and my team could get first place. So, this misanga reminds me of the days I practiced  hard with team mates and gives me courage. Now everyone is in a different place. I’m sad but I think everyone cherishes their own misanga.

In Japan, people tend to entrust their wishes to some things. This is an important culture in Japan. The most famous example is the amulet. Japanese go to a shrine to buy amulets when taking an examination or giving birth. Japanese people believe that if you have an amulet, you will be protected by God. I think this culture is very important for Japan. Because we can learn the importance of valuing things. Some people buy amulets not only for themselves but for others. It’s very nice to buy an amulet for someone, and the person who receives it can feel that he or she is cherished.

There is a decline in the club activity participation rate of high school students in Japan. At my school, there is a rule that first graders must join some club activities. So, there were many people who quit when they were in the second grade. Before entering high school, I didn’t intend to do club activities in high school. However, I am glad I did club activities now. You can have a lot of experience in club activities. And, it is important to keep exercising while you’re young. Because doing a lot of exercise when you are young can strengthen your bones and lungs. Recently, the number of highschool students who work part-time without club activities is increasing. I think it is a big social problem because young people have lost the opportunity to exercise.