2025/1/25(土)*SMC*

Word of the Day: SM Eda

"would"

Let's translate it into Japanese!

1) used as the past form of will when reporting what sb said or thought

-He said he would be there at ten o'clock. = He said, "I will be here at ten o'clock."

2) used for talking about the result of an event that you imagine (仮定法過去)

-She would look better with shorter hair although she has long hair.

3) used for describing a possible action or event that did not in fact happen because sth else did not happen first (仮定法過去完了)

-If I had seen the advertisement in time, I would have applied for the job.

4) used for saying why sb does sth (so that の後)

-She burned the letters so that her husband would never read them.

5) used for saying what you want to happen (仮定法過去)

-I wish you would be quiet for a minute.

6) used to show that sb/sth was not willing or refused to do sth

-She would not change it, even though she knew it was wrong.

7) used to ask sb politely to do sth (仮定法過去的)

-Would you mind leaving us alone for a minutes?

8) used in polite offers or invitation (仮定法Whe過去的)

-Would you have dinner with me on Friday?

9) used to say what you like, love, hate, etc. (仮定法過去的)

-I would be only too glad to help.

10) used to give opinions that you are not certain about (仮定法過去的)

-I would imagine the job will take about two days.

11) used to give advice (仮定法過去)

-I would not have any more to drink, if iwere you.

12) used for talking about things that often happened in the past

-When my parents were away, my grandparents would take care of me.

13) used for talking about behavior that you think is typical (仮定法過去的)

-'She said it was your fault.' 'Well, she would say that, wouldn't she? She hates me.'

14) used to express a strong wish (仮定法過去完了= If only)

-Would that he had lived to see it.

注: sb: somebody sth: something

Lecture: SM Takahata

天声人語　2025.1.20

Fill in the blank with reference to the Japanese translation below.

1)   The Xunzi,” an ancient Chinese collection of philosophical writings by the third century B.C. philosopher Xun Kuang, contains a tale about the ancient state of Chu and its king, who was quite

*1 (p      ) to slender women. To win the king’s affection, *2 ladies-in-(w     g) would skip meals and some literally starved themselves to death. This gave rise to the *3 (m   ), “The king of Chu favors slim women and deaths by starvation occur during his reign.” It means that problems are bound to arise if subordinates fight among themselves to *4 curry (f     ) with the big boss.

On Jan. 20, Donald Trump *5was (s   ) in again as the U.S president. But where the nation’s pervading atmosphere is concerned, there is one huge difference between this time and eight years ago.

*1: like something very much

*2: female personal helper at a noble court

*3: saying

*4: to praise someone, especially someone in authority, in a way that is not sincere, in order to get some advantage for yourself:

*5: to make a formal promise when starting a new official job

2)   During his first term, Trump was *6(m   ) or (l   ) kept in check by politically savvy and experienced senior members of his administration. But there is no such hope this time. His Cabinet is filled with individuals *7swearing (a       ) to him. And even outside the inner sanctum, Trump has backers *8 with extremely deep

(p    s), such as the IT giants Meta and Amazon, which contributed $1 million (155.1 million yen) each toward the *9(i      ) ceremony. A cartoon satirizing this was denied   publication by The Washington Post.

*6: mostly

*7: to affirm royalty to

*8: having a lot of money

*9: installation ceremony

3)   What is going to happen to America’s common sense and decency—or the world’s, *10for that (m     )?

In the immediate aftermath of the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol building in 2021, Gen. Mark Milley, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reportedly told his subordinates to the effect, “What you witnessed may have been an *11(o   ) of something much worse to come.”

*10: used to show that a statement is true in other situation

*11: something that is considered to be a sign of how a future event will take place

4)   The American people’s collective sense of disappointment got Trump re-elected as their president.

While I fully accept this fact, I also pray with all my heart that Milley’s

unsettling “*12(p      )” will never come true.

*12: a statement that tells what will happen in the future

5)   What is to be expected of the leader of a nation? “The Xunzi” 13(p      ): First, learn courtesy. Anyone who cannot be courteous is incapable of *14(a     ing) by the law. It is as if the philosopher already knew what would happen 2,000 years later.

*13: to try to persuade other people to do or accept something

*14: to obey an agreement, decision or rule

1) 中国の古典『荀子（じゅんし）』に、こんな話が載っている。楚（そ）という国があり、王はほっそりとした女性を好んだ。王の寵愛（ちょうあい）を受けようと宮女たちは食事をとらず、ついに飢え死にする者が現れた

「楚王細腰（さいよう）を好み、朝（ちょう）に餓人（がじん）あり」という故事成語の由来である。上に立つ者に気に入られようと、多くが争ってこびへつらう――。トランプ政権をとりまく米国の雰囲気で、８年前との大きな違いは、ここにあるように思う

2)１期目は、政治経験の豊かな高官が大統領の暴走に待ったをかけたこともあった。２期目は望み薄だろう。閣僚にはトランプ氏への「忠誠」を誓う者が集められた。政権内だけではない。ＩＴ大手のメタやアマゾンは、きょうの就任式のために各１００万ドルを寄付した。それを風刺した一コマ漫画は、ワシントン・ポスト紙から掲載を拒まれた

3)この先、かの国の、いや世界の良識やルールはどうなってしまうのだろう。例の連邦議会襲撃事件の後、米軍の制服組トップだったマーク・ミリー氏は、部下に「きみたちが目撃したものは、将来のもっとひどいなにかの前触れかもしれない」と語ったそうだ

4)米国民の巨大な不満がトランプ氏を再び大統領に押し上げた。そのことは真摯（しんし）に受け止めつつ、どうかミリー氏の不吉な予言が当たらぬようにと祈るばかりだ

5) 国を治める者はどうあるべきか。『荀子』は説く。まず礼を体得すべし、礼が守れぬ者は法も守れない。何やら２千年後を見通していたかのような言葉である。

Answer: 1 partial 2: waiting 3: maxim 4: favor 5: sworn 6: more or less 7: allegiance 8: pockets

9: inauguration 10: matter 11: omen 12: prophecy 13: preaches 14: abiding

Table Topic Speech

1) How would you spend an ideal day?

2) Why men like action and women like romance movies

3) A woman marries a much younger man

4) Things you can make out of snow

5) The best TV show ever

6) My favorite meal

Prepared Speech

1) Kaibara Ekken: SM Ishimura

Today, I have the pleasure of speaking about one of Japan's most influential scholars, Kaibara Ekken, and his seminal work, "Yojokun," or "Instructions on Nourishing Life." Ekken, a Confucian philosopher and botanist of the Edo period, has left a lasting legacy through his teachings on health, morality, and the art of living.

Kaibara Ekken was born in 1630 in Fukuoka, Japan. He was a polymath who contributed extensively to philosophy, medicine, and natural science. His deep understanding of Confucianism and his practical approach to daily life made his teachings accessible and highly respected among both the educated elite and common people.

One of Ekken's most renowned works is "Yojokun." Written in 1713, this book is a comprehensive guide to health and longevity, blending Confucian ethical teachings with practical advice on maintaining physical well-being. Ekken emphasized that a healthy body is essential for a virtuous life, as health and morality are deeply interconnected.

"Yojokun" is structured around several key principles. Firstly, Ekken stressed the importance of moderation in all aspects of life. He advised against overindulgence in food and drink, advocating for a balanced diet and regular exercise. Ekken believed that moderation leads to harmony within the body and mind, thus fostering a longer, healthier life.

Secondly, Ekken's teachings highlight the significance of mental health. He encouraged practices such as meditation and reflection to maintain a calm and focused mind. Ekken argued that a tranquil mind is crucial for making wise decisions and leading a morally upright life.

Another vital aspect of "Yojokun" is the emphasis on prevention over cure. Ekken advocated for proactive measures to maintain health, such as proper diet, hygiene, and regular physical activity, to prevent illness before it arises. This forward-thinking approach was revolutionary for its time and remains relevant in modern health practices.

Ekken's work also delved into the concept of "Ki," or life force, which flows through all living beings. He believed that maintaining the balance of Ki within the body was essential for good health. His advice on lifestyle, diet, and mental practices aimed to ensure the smooth flow of Ki, thereby promoting overall well-being.

In conclusion, Kaibara Ekken's "Yojokun" is much more than a mere health guide; it is a holistic approach to life that intertwines physical health with moral and mental well-being. Ekken's teachings remind us of the timeless wisdom that a balanced, moderate, and reflective life leads to not only longevity but also a virtuous and fulfilling existence. As we reflect on his insights, let us strive to incorporate these principles into our daily lives, fostering harmony within ourselves and with the world around us.

2) Changes in the way words are used: SM Yoko Narisawa

 Words evolve with the times. Some words that were commonly used in the past have taken on new meanings or fallen out of use altogether. In a way, words are like living things.

 I’d like to talk about how words change over time. These changes can generally be divided into three 

patterns.

1. Words that have acquired new meanings or usages

Take the Japanese term 役不足 as an example. Its original meaning is "the role given to someone is too

insignificant considering thier abilities. A suitable example sentence might be: “ This job is too easy for you, so I’ll assign you a more 

challenging one.”

However, many people mistakenly use 役不足 to mean “ lacking ability”.

According to a public opinion poll, over 50% of Japanese misuse this term.

This widespread misuse has altered its perceived meaning over time.

2. Words that have gained new meanings or usages, often as youth slang or buzzwords

A good example is the word “ 引く”. Originally, it means to pull something or someone toward you. But today, especially, among younger 

generations, it is also used to express disappointment or discomfort, as in the phrase “ドン引き”, meaning “ completely turned off ” or “ disappointed”.

For example, “ I’m disappointed that you are so serious about that.”

This new usage has become so prevalent that it feels almost natural in conversation.

3. Words that are read differently from their original pronunciation

Consider the word “ 早急”. The correct reading is “さっきゅう”. But the misreading “ そうきゅう” has become so common that it is now listed in dictionaries as an acceptable pronunciation. What was 

once considered “ incorrect” is now a valid alternative.

 So far, I’ve focused on Japanese examples. But English is also evolving with the times.

One notable example is the word “ they”. We learned in school that “ they” is used as a plural pronoun. 

However, it is now widely accepted as a singular pronoun as well. For example: “ Everyone has their 

opinion.”

In 2019, the word “they” was chosen as the Word of the year in America, largely due to its role in promoting gender diversity.

 As we encounter new words and evolving usages, it’s impotant to approach them with flexibility and an open mind. 

3) Dream Life: SM M.G

I recently enjoyed a musical. That musical was like a dream world and made me reflect on how people create their ideal worlds. Some people try to make futuristic dream world and on the contrast, some people like to make simpler, self sufficient life community.

4) Separate Surnames: SM Kaneko

I gave my ideas about 'the optional separate surnames system for married couples（選択的夫婦別姓制度）' to ChatGPT to make an essay. And this is the result.

Title: Embracing the Optional Separate Surnames System for Married Couples

Introduction

The topic of adopting an optional separate surnames system for married couples has been widely debated in Japan. While this system has been embraced in many countries, Japan continues to adhere to the tradition of unified family surnames. This essay explores the cultural, personal, and societal impacts of allowing couples to retain their separate surnames, focusing on the preservation of rare surnames and the importance of individual choice.

Main Point 1: Reservation of Rare Surnames

One significant advantage of this system is its potential to help rare or endangered surnames survive. Surnames are more than identifiers; they are carriers of history, culture, and identity. Unique surnames such as "Goroumaru," "Kingyo," or "Busujima" are striking and leave lasting impressions. The thought of losing such expressive names is deeply saddening, as they contribute to the rich tapestry of society's cultural heritage.

Development: A Personal Perspective

Reflecting on my own experience, I adopted my father’s surname, "Kaneko," as required by Japanese law. However, I occasionally wonder what it would have been like to bear my mother’s maiden name, "Udagawa," which is rarer and holds a different kind of name value. This dilemma, common to many families, raises questions about identity and the emotional ties attached to names. While I cherish my father's surname, I cannot help but feel a tinge of regret for not being able to honor my mother’s lineage in the same way.

Main Point 2: Freedom of Choice and Social Acceptance

The proposed change reflects a broader shift toward valuing individual freedom and equality. Studies indicate that more than half of the Japanese population supports this reform, recognizing the importance of giving couples the autonomy to choose how their names represent their union. This flexibility fosters inclusivity and respects the personal significance of surnames, enriching society as a whole.

Conclusion

Adopting an optional separate surnames system for married couples is more than a matter of convenience; it is a step toward preserving cultural diversity and granting individuals the freedom to honor their identities. As Japan evolves, embracing such a system would reflect its commitment to both tradition and progress, ensuring that every name—no matter how rare—continues to thrive.

Meeting Schedule

In-person: 9:30 AM on Feb. 8 at Oyama Community Center (tea room)

(Coordinator: SM Takahata, Word of the Day: SM Kei Narisawa, Lecturer: SM Noro)

Zoom: 7:30 on Jan. 27, Feb. 3