- Discussion Week 12 -

 

- Friday the 23rd AND Tuesday the 27th of June -

                                   

- The Curse of Cash - 

 

This is a topic suggested by a student!

 

Apparently there is a book, within which I'm guessing a study has been conducted in which it has been discovered that if societies were to drop the use of larger cash bills/notes, the amount of cash related crimes would drop. 

Also, in relation to this, we will also talk about the idea of the introduction of virtual currency as well as the reasons why paying by cash is so much more popular in Japan in comparison to paying by card. 

 

Let's talk about that.

 

 

 - Discussion Week 11 -

 

- Friday the 16th AND Tuesday the 20th of June -

                                   

- House size regulations - 

 

In Japan, it is possible to rent a room which is quite small, yet you could live in there if you tried.

In other countries, the size of rooms that seen as acceptable in Japan would be considered almost inhumane to rent out to people.

Even in New Zealand I can recall a case where some investor had intended to build an apartment building with so-called "shoebox apartments" but was denied, as the size of the apartments were too small.

Do you think house size regulations should change to increase the minimum size of houses/rooms in Japan?

Why do you think houses/rooms have been allowed to be rented out/sold at such small sizes?

Japan's empty house crisis shows that there is more than enough room in the country for bigger rooms, why do small rooms continue to be built?

 

Let's talk about that.

 

 

 - Discussion Week 10 -

 

- Friday the 9th AND Tuesday the 13th of June -

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                                     NEW NEW NEW

- Paris Climate Pact - 

 

Well, he's done it again right?

We've already had 2 Friday discussions about this guy, but we'll have to look at him for a third time.

Trump has decided that he was to pull the U.S.A. out of the Paris climate pact (which is a kind of treaty). It seems he think the pact is unfair and wants to "negotiate a better deal".

Unfortunately for him though, treaties aren't deals that you negotiate in the same way as a business deal.

What affect on the world do you think will happen thanks to this?

The other "world leaders" have decided that they will even more fiercely protect the climate in response, do you think it'll be enough?

Do you think someone like Trump can be taught that climate change isn't just a conspiracy created by the Chinese? (to change his mind?)

 

Here are some links:

https://japantoday.com/category/world/update-7-trump-says-u.s.-to-quit-paris-climate-pact-allies-voice-dismay

https://japantoday.com/category/world/world-leaders-vow-to-defend-climate-pact-after-trump-pullout

https://japantoday.com/category/world/trump-critics-backers-march-around-globe-over-climate-and-russia

 

Let's talk about that.

 

 

 - Discussion Week 9 -

 

- Friday the 2nd AND Tuesday the 6th of June -

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- Stress Relief - 

 

This week we have a student suggested topic, so let's see what we know about this topic.

 

How can we reduce stress? What is the most effective method, and is it maybe better to prevent stress in the first place?

Is there an issue with stress in Japan?

What causes it?

Is there anything being done about stress for Japanese people?

 

Let's talk about that.

 

 

 - Discussion Week 8 -

 

- Friday the 26th of May -

 

- Music that glorifies criminal activity - 

 

In some music, the lyrics will talk about how doing drugs is good, or how shooting people is ok, or being a gang member is cool or how they want to rob someone or something like this.

 

The people who sing these lyrics are often seen as role models for young people.

 

Do you think music like this is ok to distribute?

Should it be regulated or in extreme cases even banned?

Why do you think these kinds of messages appear in music?

 

I apologise in advance, the following link contains course language.

This link is an example of lyrics that glorify crime.

https://genius.com/Kool-g-rap-and-dj-polo-crime-pays-lyrics

 

Let's talk about that.

 

 - Discussion Week 7 -

 

- Friday the 19th of May -

 

- Kumamoto Baby Door - 

 

In Kumamoto, there's a building with a little door.

The little door can be opened, and a baby can be placed inside anonymously.

 

This was done to provide a place for children that would have somehow been abandoned/neglected by the parents.

The parents may not have had the finances or means to care for or raise a child, but may be against the idea of having an abortion, or even, of course, no money for an abortion (it's expensive!)

 

Do you think institutions like this are a good idea?

What should be done if the parents have regrets and want the child back later?

 should more places like this exist in Japan?

 

Let's talk about that.