Al Jazeera, Japan

Jonathon Davis

0:00

Documentaries

Description

I did the narration for quite a few Al Jazeera documentaries based in Japan. I speak Japanese fluently and helped to translate the script and also consulted with the documentary maker to ensure that the style of writing matched the voice of the subjects interviewed.

Language

English

Voice Age

Middle Aged (35-54)

Accents

North American (US General American - GenAM)

Transcript

Note: Transcripts are generated using speech recognition software and may contain errors.
My name is Ma. Hi. I make spinning tops and other wooden toys. I'm the fourth generation craftsman. I learned to do this from my father and it's been passed down the family. It's not because I like the spinning toss that got me involved. It was my destiny. But I love making things rather than drawing up a design. My hands would move first. I'm 80 now, but I feel fresh when I start to work on something new, I've grown older so I don't have as many ideas as I used to, but they still come up to mine. My head is always full thinking about spinning tops. Cutting edge technology is fun. But it's a pity if Children become absorbed only in those toys. There are traditional toys and traditional ways to play in Japan. One of them is the spinning top. I'm sad to see so many old toys become obsolete around the world. I can only wish that Children continue to play with both new and old toys. There are many spinning tops that I made that would make you laugh like the powdering one. Although they only spin for 10, 20 seconds, I think there's drama. The dolls eat noodles. If that went on for hours, how boring would that be? I love their finite gestures that last only for a few seconds. All I have in my mind when I'm working is that I want the spinning top to go just another second longer. Balancing is difficult. I go through a lot of pain to achieve that. Wood pieces have age rings and their weights are different where it's light. I adjust it with metal parts and give it balance when it doesn't go. Well, I work hard for days and days until it's completed. I've never given up. I'd keep on going. I'd get up in the middle of the night and get back to work. I want to make people who buy my toys, laugh and make toys that anyone old and young men and women can enjoy. The time has gone by in a flash. We're given such little time. I wish I could live to 200. I can work hard and do a better job.