A retired elementary school teacher from Kyushu has produced a rap music CD for children to master the multiplication table in English and Japanese.
"This has been used in classrooms and also at home in Kyushu. I hope not only Japanese students but also students within and outside Japan will enjoy the song," said Tadashi Tomomura of the CD's tune, "Shaboten Kukku," which is repeated in Japanese and English.
Tomomura, 56, from Nakama, Fukuoka Prefecture, took early retirement in March because of the aftereffects of colon cancer, for which he underwent surgery in April 2006. He said he was encouraged by his students who came to visit him at the hospital before the operation.