Dear Ines,

My name is Nao Samejima, I go to an elementary school. I used to live in Tokyo but I live in Nagasaki now due to my father’s transference. I had a great chance to take a picture with you and Emiri-san when I went to the 2010 kick-off event. Do you remember me? I was really grateful that you posted it on your blog…. Thank you so much. I will be in Tokyo from August 17th. Could I see you sometime soon?

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直ちゃんへ

フランスから東京に昨夜帰国し、今朝直ちゃんからの手紙を読みました。連絡をくれて本当にありがとう、また東京に来る時は是非連絡をちょうだいね。今回直ちゃんに会いたかったけれど、おそらく既にもう長崎に帰っていると思うから、、、。

私から愛を込めてアドバイス。学校で頑張ってたくさん勉強してね！日本で良い教育を受けられることは、本当に感謝すべき贈り物なのだから。実際、世 界中には学校に通いたくても通えない子供達がたくさんいるのよ。良い本と新聞をたくさん読んで、世界で何が起きているのかを知る事が大切よ。若い時から脳 をたくさん使って直ちゃんの知性をたくさん磨いてね。

自分自身を信じて、いつも前向きに物事を考えてね。そして大きな夢を持ってちょうだい、そしたら直ちゃんの人生はとても素晴らしいものになるわ！

たくさんの愛を込めて、イネスより

Dear Nao chan,

I found your letter this morning when I arrived home from France. So sweet of you to keep in touch with me and to let me know when you are in Tokyo. I would have loved to see you but I suppose that you are already back in Nagasaki….

All my love, be serious at school, give the best of yourself! Because being educated is the best gift that your country Japan is giving you… do not take it for granted, in fact many children would love to be able to attend school anywhere n the world.

Read good books and newspapers. Be aware of what is happening in the world. Grow your brain and your intelligence now that you are still young.

Believe in yourself and think positive always. Dream big my little Nao and your life will be big and fabulous!

Much love, Ines