Comments on: “Wild Boar”, Free Audio Book by Anthony Friedl

By: Eric Mesa

Eric Mesa — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:39:19 +0000

I like that the story has a haiku-like rhythm to it. His japanese speaking voice sounds neat.

By: Steve Friedl

Steve Friedl — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:35:45 +0000

Hmmm, I wonder if that wild boar would fit in my smoker…

By: Gary in GR

Gary in GR — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:34:54 +0000

So nice to hear Anthony’s voice! I agree, the Japanese version is better. A great “silly.” As a very beginner Japanese student, it is great to hear Anthony’s pronunciation. I even learned a new kanji for かるま! (車)
どうもありがとございます Anthony (& Jeffrey)!

By: Thomas

Thomas — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:43:36 +0000

that’s a great idea!!
we do have exactly the same problem with the girls on their way to school. they have to cross only 1 major street, and the traffic in our suburban village is by far less than the traffic in kyoto – but anyway there are a lot of interesting things which could get much more attention than cars, bicylces and the else.
every morning we remind them: ‘watch out for the cars!!’.
their reply couldn’t be more desinterested (
way of ‘stop boring us … NOW!!’
we’ll try the wild boar soon …

ps: i have just finished reading a very nice book about japan. written by a german guy who lives in japan since 1995. certainly you know him very well. according to his own book he is very often invited to the japanese tv (koko-ga hen-dayo! nihonjin with takeshi kitano). there is a chapter about bicycles on boardwalks in japan, it exactly describes your fears with anthonys daily walk to school. i really recommend his book to you, i have read the book within just 1 day, it was extremely interesting (iketenai-nippon nihonjin-no honto-no tokoro). his url is: noiman.com

By: Sonal, MN

Sonal, MN — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:34:59 +0000

Now that was so sweet! His voice and presentation is very good. It sounds very sing song like. I am tempted to learn Japanese now It is too good.
I also like the “watch out for wild boars” reminder. I give so many “be safe..” and such to my 6 yr old and I feel he is not listening. I will try something from Ben 10 or Gormitis. Thanks!!

By: Marcina, USA

Marcina, USA — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:55:25 +0000

Any chance of him doing an English version for the U.S. market? (Especially the U.S. Cousin Market).

That was fantastic sound quality. Did you do any tests – was there a perceptible difference from when you had the recorder in the bowl as opposed to just holding it? Or will these tests have to wait until the polypharmaceutical haze fades?

There was no test or anything… he wanted to read something, and I didn’t want to hold the thing, so I grabbed what was within arm’s reach (a fruit bowl; we were at the dining-room table), set one end in and the other over the edge of the bowl, saw that it pointed in about the right direction, pressed “record” and gave him the “go” sign. I don’t think we’ll be doing an English version… too much would be lost in translation (as my translation shows…. it’s not at all cute, but the Japanese is exquisitely so). Anthony is taking the time to learn his cousins’ language… can’t they be bothered to do the same for him? —Jeffy

By: Peter in Wales

Peter in Wales — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:27:38 +0000

I share your amazement at how well Anthony read that – exceptional.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:05:24 +0000

Now that was awesome!

By: britto

britto — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:10:20 +0000

The idea of, “watch out for wild boar”, is really wonderful. Nice one Fumie.

BTW, I am starting to become a fan of Anthony’s creativity. No doubt he won the creativity prize at school.