We held English chatting society on August 12 in the midst of scorching heat. Luckily eight persons participated in our chatting society to brush up on their English. The English competency of the participants was very high, so they did not have any difficulties to communicate with each other in English.

First, we talked about the issue of English conversation skills, because we shared an article of “More emphasis on English conversation skills eyed” of The Japan Times ( August 3,2016). As some people had an experience of studying abroad for several years, they unanimously agree with the ideas of studying English from early ages. However, teaching methods have to be carefully examined among teachers of English in the classrooms. Elementary school children have to learn many subjects everyday, so they might be confused by what they learned within a short period of time. What matters most is that children can express their ideas clearly in Japanese. Then English comes second. Someone said that children can compare Japanese grammar with English one while studying both languages. However, teachers have to let them notice the differences of both languages in the classroom. As a matter of fact, such talented teachers are a small number in the Japanese classroom. Although the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and technology wants students to communicate well with foreigners as an educational goal, there is still a long way to go before achieving the goal.

Second, we dealt with the article of “Japanese travelers, in fear of the world” of The Japan Times (July 17, 2006). Several tragic incidents took place all the world over. One might say that more Japanese travelers may fall victim to terrorism if they don’t have a sense of risk management. The article says that pleading to the hostage-takers by saying ‘I am Japanese’ completely backfired (July 17, 2016). Shukan Shincho says that Japanese travelers had better memorizing such a phrase as “There is no God but Allah . . .” in Arabic to avoid the risk of being involved with terrorism. This might be a friendly tip of advice, but what matters most right now is not to visit the countries that people may have a risk of being involved with terrorism. In other words, Japanese should be independent travelers as a global citizen.

Finally, we discussed the issue of whether new governor, Koike can push her policy agenda efficiently in the metropolitan assembly. The Japan Times makes a full report of “Koike’s thorny relationship with the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, which she suggested was a hotbed of corruption ( August 2, 2016).” The English newspaper says that questions remain how Koike will manage ‘ bad chemistry ’ between her and the assembly from now on. Then, we had a debate whether Koike can push her policy agenda just as she promised to do in the election campaign on July.

The affirmative team indicated that she has had much experience about the world politics. The fact remains that she was elected as a new governor supported by 2.7 million voters at the election. She can be called the right person in the right place.

On the contrary, the negative team stressed that the LDP didn’t support her as an appropriate candidate of the Party. Her achievements as a politician are very limited such as the introduction of “cool biz” and entrance into Defense Ministry in the past. We voters are unconsciously led to what is called “the Koike Theater” because of her grand standing. Nobody knows how soon she can realize the ideal society where men and women work equally.

The negative team had a very good job in their constructive speech and cross-examination in the game. Therefore, I judged that the negative team won in the game.

As a conclusive remark, I would like to appreciate for the great efforts of all the participants, because we could drive the scorching heat away by our exciting discussions.




Junichi Saito