2024/1/13(土)SMC

President's Remark: SM Kei Narisawa

He made an announcement that we had another wonderful addition to our club. Mis Odasima or SM Odasima. Plus, the missionaries were absent today.

Word of the Day: SM Noro

"Digital Nomad"

Definition (noun): a person who works remotely while traveling for leisure, especially when having no fixed, permanent address. He performs their occupation entirely over the Internet while traveling.

Japan is a popular destination for digital nomads due to rich culture, advanced technology and reliable internet connection. In terms of work-life balance and job security, digital nomad is so attractive, especially for the people who are free from possession.

Example sentences with the word, “nomad”:

-     At the other end of the spectrum, small, tourism-dependent nations are opening their arms to digital nomads fleeing pandemic-stricken countries.

-     We spent four years studying “digital nomads”, a vanguard known for using remote working tools to earn income while they travel the world.

Opposite: Settler who lives in the same place permanently

Compare: Road warrior who travels frequently especially on business

The following proverbs resonate with this lifestyle.

1.   A rolling stone gathers no moss.

2.   Home is where the heart is.

Lecture: SM Takahata

Read the notes * below and fill in the blank.

(1) A: Every time I have dinner with Yuki, she always makes me

*1 pick up the (tab).

B: *2 Do I have to (paint) a (picture) for you? She is only

interested in your money.

*1: = to pay for something, especially for what someone else has

bought or used

*2:= Do I have to explain it in very simple or basic terms?

(An annoyed response to someone who doesn’t understand

 what the speaker is alluding to, especially when the speaker

believes it to be obvious)

(2)My colleague got a used condo but I heard that he*1 paid through

the (nose) for it. He said he tried to get the price down but the salesperson*2 drove a hard (bargain).

*1: = to pay too much money for something

*2: = to strongly defend a position that is very much to your

advantage when reaching an agreement.  

(3)The only way you are going to be rich is by 1 working yourself to the (bone). Remember what happened in Las Vegas. You*2 lost your (shirt) paying poker.

*1: = to work to an excessive or overly intensive degree

*2: = to lose a lot of money, especially as a result of bet

(4)His EV must have *1 cost a pretty (penny). As far as I know, his life

is 2 no bed of (roses). He 3 knocks himself (out) everyday to *4 bring

home the (bacon). I wonder who paid the bill.

*1: = to be very expensive

*2: = It is not always pleasant and there are difficult things to deal with

*3: = to devote all his energy

*4: = to earn money for a family to live on

(5)  A: You are*1 pulling a (long) face. What’s up?

B: I’ve just had to *2 (cough) ) up 15,000 for speeding.

A: You are such a speed freak. You’re *3paying the (piper).

*1: = to look sad or disappointed

*2: = to give someone money, information etc. when you really don’t

want to

*3: = to pay for one’s pleasures or bear the consequences of one’s

actions

(6) A: The rumor is that the mayor *1 (tipped) off the media about his

rival’s scandals of the past.

   B: I guess it is not entirely *2 (groundless). He *3 stops at (nothing) to

win the election.

*1: = to supply with private or secret information

*2: = to be not based on evidence and unlikely to be true or valid

*3: = to be prepared to do anything

(7)The designated hitter was *1 put on (notice) that the baseball club could *2 (waive) him because he hit just .155 with only two homeruns in 40 games this season.

*1: = to give a warning in advance that it is going to happen

*2: = to not demand something you have a right to, or not cause a rule

to be obeyed

(8)The new CEO is tasked with implementing a five-year

*1 (turnaround) plan. In the board meeting, she *2 made no (bones) about cost-cutting and job-shedding to *3 return to (profitability).

*1: = restructuring plan

*2: = to not try to hide something and say you’re sorry about it

*3: = to turn a good profit

Table Topic Speech

(1) What is your favorite place on earth?

(2) What's the best decision you've ever made?

(3) How many friends do you have in real life that you talk to regularly?

(4) What's your biggest phobia?

(5) What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud?

(6) When was the first impression of someone totally wrong?

(7) What is the number one quality that makes someone a good leader?

(8) What bad habit do you want to break?

(9) Unexpected disasters that can happen

Prepared Speech

(1) My case of New Year’s Day in Japan: SM Koizumi

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and dear friends, a warm welcome to you all. Today, I am delighted to share with you my delightful New Year's Day experience in Japan, a day filled with joy, tradition, and hope.

The dawn of the New Year brings with it a sense of renewal and positivity. In Japanese culture, we not only welcome the New Year with open arms but also celebrate the Chinese zodiac, with this year being the auspicious Year of the Dragon. May this year bring us courage, strength, and success in our endeavors.

On the first day of the year, surrounded by the warmth of family, I enjoyed a delightful feast featuring hot Japanese sake, sparkling wine, and the exquisite "Osechi-ryouri" and "Ozouni" dishes. It was a moment of togetherness and appreciation for the culinary traditions that make this season so special.

A visit to the shrine is an integral part of our New Year's traditions. I took the opportunity to offer my prayers, seeking blessings for the year ahead, and selected a fortune slip, providing guidance for the path that lies ahead.

New Year's Day in Japan also involves the exchange of heartfelt greetings. I received New Year's Greeting Cards from dear friends and relatives, extending warm wishes for a prosperous year. In turn, I sent greetings to dance customers and associates through Line, a modern twist on our age-old tradition.

Allow me to take a moment to share a glimpse into our unique fortunetelling culture. The 12 zodiac signs, each representing a different animal, play a significant role in guiding our expectations for the year. This year, as the proud owner of a small dragon ornament, I embrace the positive energy and opportunities that the Year of the Dragon brings.

Speaking of fortunetelling, I received two predictions for the year ahead—one from the shrine's slip and the other from TBS radio. The shrine's slip spoke of good fortune, encouraging meticulous attention and unwavering determination for success in all endeavors. It serves as a reminder to approach each task with diligence and focus.

運気盛んにして事をなすに良い。万事細やかに気をつけて、一度思い定めたことはわきめもふらずに一心になさい。何事も成功します。

The TBS radio’s fortunetelling is “Sakko no happy uranai” and it says for those born in April.

It seems like your energy is in full swing. In the first half of the year, when you decide to do something, take action right away. It's easier to give birth than worry, so don't hesitate.

It appears that there is potential for upgrading the skills you have cultivated so far. Moreover, whether it's in your work or hobbies, these matters seem likely to be beneficial to others. Your skills are likely to bring joy to people.

It might be a good opportunity to start a side job. Since it takes time, try tackling things you haven't been able to do easily before. It is also recommended to tidy up and declutter the parts of your home that bother you. Creating paintings or sculptures, or cooking a dish slowly and carefully from the morning, are also good ideas. By taking on new challenges, the skills you develop will be useful in the times to come.

              エネルギー全開で動けそうです。前半では思い立ったら、まず行動。「案ずるより産むが易し」です。あなたがこれまで培ってきたことに対して

スキルアップが望めそうです。また、仕事や趣味など、その事柄が人の役に立ちそうです。あなたのスキルが人を喜ばせるでしょう。

これをきっかけに副業するのも良いでしょう。そして、時間がかかるため、なかなかできなかった事を思い切ってやってみましょう。

家の気になる部分の片付けや断捨離もオススメです。絵画や彫塑の作品作り、朝からじっくり煮込むお料理なども良いでしょう。

新しいことに挑戦すると、これからの時代に自分の使えるスキルとして役に立ちます。

In conclusion, as we embrace the New Year with open hearts, let us take inspiration from the traditions and customs that shape our culture. May the Year of the Dragon bring each of you prosperity, joy, and success.

Thank you, and a Happy New Year to you all!

(2) Disaster Relief Volunteer activity: SM Kakisu

On New Year's Day, a big earthquake hit the Noto Peninsula, resulting in a major disaster. Japan is a country with many natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons and volcanoes.

Next week, the 17th is the 29th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. I have a bitter memory that I cannot forget when I see a big disaster news.

At the time of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, I was on secondment to a government ministry, which was a personnel exchange program between the private sector and the government. My duty was to conduct as a liaison with the universities regarding student affairs.

One week after the catastrophe occurred, I received a consultation from the university. The consultation was about a student who wanted to take a day off from school to go to Kobe to volunteer for disaster relief. The university was in the middle of exams at the time. The students asked for a follow-up exam after they finished volunteering.

The university was against admitting the students because they just did not want to take the exam and wanted to go to the volunteer program.

And the university explained that the students were unserious, with many absences from classes. I responded that this issue was not for the government matter to decide, but for the university itself to decide.

I later learned from the university that the students had gone to volunteer for disaster relief without permission from the university.

Later I got information that there were many foreign students volunteering in Kobe. In Japan, disaster volunteerism did not exist at that time, but it was a common activity in other countries.

I was ashamed that I did not understand the feelings of the students and it left a big scar on my heart.

Fifteen years later, the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred.

Remembering the activities of students at Kobe area, I decided to take the initiative in volunteering for disaster relief.

My organization had a volunteer leave system. I applied to the Human Resources Department at headquarters for disaster volunteer leave.

The person in charge said, "You are the first person among our 5,000 employees to apply for disaster volunteer leave. Are you bored because you don't have a job?

I said to him "It is bad not use the system when it is available. I explained to him that if I use this system, the next generation of young people will be able to go and volunteer with peace of mind.

Incidentally, the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake is said to be the first year of disaster volunteer activities in Japan.

(3) What would you say if you were Yuriko Koike?: SM Yu. Narisawa

The article I came across discusses Japan's economic challenges, emphasizing housing value depreciation and the nation's decline since the 1980s. The author criticizes Yuriko Koike's response to the gender gap, expecting administrative action instead of her individual experience. In class, students  suggest encouraging bilingualism or advocating for public efforts to eliminate gender discrimination when addressing such concerns.

(4) Matsuyama Castle: SM Ishimura 

  Allow me to share general information about Matsuyama Castle.

The castle, constructed over 400 years ago, took 25 years to complete, incorporationg turrets, gates, and numerous stone walls.

Unlike Western castles, Matsuyama Castle was built of wood.

Unfortunately, it was struck by lightning and burnt down, but it was later restored to its current state.

Today, only twelve castle towers, including Matsuyama Castle, still exist as they were in the Edo Period (or the Shogunate era) in Japan.

 I’d like to tell some legends associated with the castle.

On the way to Matsuyama Castle, there is a flat area called Richman’s Square.  A long time ago, a very poor man lived in this area. Day in and day out, he prayed to the deity to make him rich.

 Eventually, his wish was fulfilled, and he became very wealthy. For a while, he enjoyed his wealth, but soon his relatives and friends, who had paid no attention to him before, started to flatter him and ask for money.

 Disgusted, he regretted his wealth and prayed to the deity to make him poor again. He became as poor as can be and starved to death. The name Richman’s Square originates from this legend.

 Another legend is The Head Washing Pond.

A soldier from another castle tried to sneak into Matsuyama Castle a long time ago and was captured. Despite being a smart soldier, he refused to betray his own lord.

 Unable to persuade him, the castle men took him to a pond nearby. One of the castle men raised his sword over the soldier’s head and said, “ Say yes before I count to 10, otherwise, I’ll cut off your head,” and began to count.

 Suddenly, the soldier broke out laughing. However, when the castle man counted to ten, he cut off the soldier’s head and washed it in the pond water. Since then, when anyone counted to ten by the pond, the soldier’s laughter was heard.

 Scared of it, local people called it the Head Washing Pond and avoided approaching it.

If I had time, next time, I would like to introduce you to the inside of the Castle.

(5) My mother: SM Kei Narisawa

He talked about his beloved mother. She had been always on his side no matter what happened and he thought she was the most impeccable and compassionate woman. He described how she had lived in a funny sort of way.

(6) Horders: SM Odashima

The term "hoarders" evokes thoughts of individuals accumulating excessive possessions, often due to a mental health disorder. In Japan, hoarding is prevalent, especially among older individuals and certain professions. The rise in hoarding cases is attributed to factors like online shopping convenience and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Loneliness plays a significant role, emphasizing the need for positive connections and support systems. Solutions involve addressing underlying psychological distress, fostering community engagement, and balancing virtual and in-person interactions.

(7) January 3: SM Eda

Meeting Schedule

In-person: 9:30 AM on Jan. 27 at Oyama Community Center (tea room)

(Coordinator: SM Yu. Narisawa, Word of the Day: SM Takahata, Lecturer: SM Eda)

Zoom: 7:30 PM on Jan. 15 and 22