Unfinished dream
a chrysanthemum blooms
in the tatami room
Yume samenu tatai ni kiku no sakishi kyo
Chiyo-ni (1703-1775)
JALT Past President Shigeo Imamura's name still comes up regularly in discussions about how JALT has managed to reach its silver anniversary. Recently however, I understand that he is in very poor health and therefore I write this short essay to inform JALT colleagues of his significance to JALT.
Shigeo Imamura coined our current name: Japan Association for Language Teaching. Past Vice President Don Modesto recently wrote on the Internet listserver JALTCALL, "Imamura Sensei suggested the name because the JA of L Teachers, translated into Japanese, sounds like a union. JA for L Teaching sounds like what we are."
Originally elected by the membership to be Vice President, Imamura stepped forward to become JALT president when the position was unexpectedly vacated in 1992. Many may remember Dr. Imamura standing valiantly to chair a packed and rather boisterous Annual General Meeting at Tokyo International University that year. Our meetings are perhaps quieter now thanks to his efforts at that turning point in JALT's administrative history. He had the ability to bridge the Japanese and foreign members' community in JALT.
When he went to celebrate the 20th anniversary of JALT at JALT94 in Matsuyama, he was able to attract many friends and colleagues including former president of JALT Deborah Foreman-Takano. He was mentor for many English students around Japan; many have gone on to be excellent teachers of English. Notably in Matsuyama, where he taught for many years, they regularly host parties in his honour. Shigeo Imamura is currently professor at Himeji Dokkyo University.
"Shig" as he is called by many friends in JALT may soon be stepping down, according to his physicians. But there's still time they say. Perhaps you would like to pass on a kind word to him. The Past President of JALT Matsuyama Chapter, Tsuyoshi Aono (t: 089-922-9520), William Balsamo, current president of JALT Himeji (<balsamo@kenmei.ac.jp>), and our JALT Central Office can provide you with additional information.
With respect for a JALT colleague,
David McMurray
JALT Past President
Editor's note: Sadly, on December 24, 1998, a few days after this eulogy was written Shigeo Imamura passed away. A full memoriam will be in the next issue of TLT.