2025/3/22(土)*SMC*

Word of the Day: SM Takahata

“number”

[noun]

(1) (number) (C) a word or sign that represents an exact amount or quantity

 - They wrote various numbers on a large sheet of paper.

(2) (phone) (C) a phone number

(3) (in a set/list) (C) a number used to show the position of something

in an ordered set or list

-Answer question number 4.

(4) (for recognizing somebody/something) (C) a set of numbers used

to name or recognize someone or something

-Did you get the registration number of the car?

(5) (amount) (C, UC) an amount of something that can be counted

-The number of cars on our roads rose dramatically last year.

(6) (music) (C) a piece of popular music that forms part of a longer performance

-Madonna sang several numbers from her latest album.

(7) (magazine) (C) a copy of magazine or newspaper printed on a particular date

-back numbers of the ‘Times’

Singular or plural verb?

-You use a singular verb after the number of

 The number of people is increasing.

-You use a plural verb after a number of

 A number of issues were discussed.

[v]

(1) (vt) to give a number to something that is part of an ordered set or list

-All the seats in the theater are numbered.

(2) (vt) to count something

-Who can number the stars?

(3) (linking verb) if people or things number a particular amount, that is how many there are

-The population of the town numbered about 5,000.

[Idioms, phrasal verbs]

(1) Judy always had his number.

  [よく知っている（性格を熟知している) ]

(2) I really did a number on my ankle when I fell.

 　　　　　 [痛める]

She really did a number on her old boyfriend.

　　　　　　 [傷つける]

(3) He knows his days are numbered.

　　　　　　  [余命いくばくもない]

(4) When the plane started to shake, he thought his number was up.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　[絶体絶命だ]

Lecture: SM Yoko Narisawa

[A] Technical terms frequently used in newspapers and TV news programs

 * Please fill the blank with a suitable term

1. ( Impeachment ) --- a formal process where a government official is accused of misconduct

2. ( Sanctions ) --- an official order, such as the stopping of trade, which is taken against a country in order to make it obey international law

3. ( Recession ) --- a significant decline in economic activity lasting several months

4. ( Climate Change ) --- long-term alterations in temperature and weather patterns

5. ( Renewable Energy ) --- energy sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar and windpower

6. ( Pandemic ) --- a widespread outbreak of a disease across countries or continents

7. ( Cybersecurity ) --- the protection of digital systems from hacking and data breaches

8. ( Ceasefire ) --- an agreement, usually between two armies, to stop fighting in order to allow discussions about peace

[B] Riddles

 * Please solve the riddles.

1. How many letters are in the alphabet?

2. A is the brother of B. B is the brother of C. C is the father of D.

  So how is D related to A?

3. What are the next three letters in this combination? OTTFFSS

4. A girl has as many brothers as sisters, but each brother has only half as many brothers as sisters. How many brothers and sisters are there in the family?

5. How do eight eights add up to one thousand?

6. What connects two people, but touches only one?

7. What has a neck but no head, two arms, and no hands?

8. One day, a magician was boasting about how long he could hold his breath under water. His record was 6 minutes. A kid who was listening said, “ I can stay under water for 10 minutes using no equipment or air pockets!”

The magician told the kid if he could do that, he’d give him $10,000. The kid did it and won the money. How?

[ Answers]

1. There are 11 letters in the words “ the alphabet”.

2. A is D’s uncle.

3. ENT ( eight, nine, ten )

4. Four sisters and three brothers

5. 888 + 88 + 8 + 8 + 8 = 1000

6. A wedding ring

7. A shirt

8. He filled a glass with water and held it above his head for 10 minutes.

Table Topic Speech

1) What music do you listen to to lift your spirits when you're feeling down?

2) What white lies do you often tell?

3) What I would do if I knew I could not fail?

4) How to make fun every day in life?

Prepared Speech

1) Dogo Onsen and Taipei: SM Ishimura

Today, I'd like to share with you the fascinating connection between Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture and Taipei City in Taiwan. These two places have formed a sister city relationship that has fostered cultural exchange and strengthened bonds between Japan and Taiwan.

Dogo Onsen is not just a hot spring; it’s a piece of history and culture. It is famously featured in the novel "Botchan" by Natsume Soseki. One of the charming attractions of Dogo Onsen is the karakuri clock, which brings to life characters from the novel, such as Madonna and Yamaarashi. This clock is not just a symbol of the local culture but also a bridge to our sister city, Taipei. A replica of this clock was gifted to the Songshan District in Taipei City, symbolizing our deep connection. I vividly remember my trip to Taiwan a few years ago when I saw this clock. It was an emotional moment, feeling a piece of home in a foreign land.

Dogo Onsen is also renowned for its "Kenka Mikoshi" event held every October. This event, featuring fighting portable shrines, is a spectacle of energy and tradition. It draws visitors from far and wide, including the mayor of Taipei City and other officials, showcasing the close ties between our cities. The young people from Dogo also visit Taipei, engaging in cultural exchanges and fostering goodwill.

The relationship between Matsuyama and Taipei is enriched by the large number of pro-Japan sentiments in Taiwan. Taiwanese people have a deep appreciation for Japanese culture, which is evident in their cuisine, hospitality, and daily life. During my visit, I was impressed by the delicious food and the warmth of the people. The culinary delights alone are a reason to visit Taiwan again.

Moreover, Taiwan’s rich history and vibrant culture make it a fascinating place to explore. The night markets, historical sites, and modern attractions offer a unique blend of the old and the new. I believe this connection between Matsuyama and Taipei goes beyond official ties; it’s about people-to-people connections, shared experiences, and mutual respect.

In conclusion, the sister city relationship between Matsuyama and Taipei is a shining example of how cultural exchange can bring people closer. It’s a reminder that despite our differences, we share common values and aspirations. I hope that this bond continues to grow stronger, bringing more opportunities for exchange and understanding.

Thank you for listening, and I hope you get the chance to experience the beauty of Dogo Onsen and the charm of Taipei City.

2) Teacher Again: SM Kei Narisawa

As a high school teacher in Tokyo, I also taught English conversation to adults through Koukaikoza, an open school program. I took the job for both financial reasons and to improve my teaching skills beyond traditional classrooms. The teaching methods were different—I spoke only English and designed engaging activities like warm-up questions, word games, and prepared speeches to keep students motivated.

Two memorable episodes stood out: an elderly man humorously defined “modesty” by pointing at himself, and a student’s eagerness to practice English extended even to break times. The workshop was successful, running for ten years, and I gradually shared responsibilities with my wife.

Now retired, I’ve sought opportunities to teach adults rather than children. Finding suitable positions is tough, but I secured a role at Atsugi Culture Center, where I’ll teach English conversation. Though different from Koukaikoza, the job fulfills my passion for teaching.

3) Spring Equinox: SM Kaneko

 The spring equinox fell on March 20th this year. The equinox weeks have become more meaningful to me since both of my parents passed away. I visited their grave on March 18th to pay my respects. It was a pleasant day, so I went by bicycle.

  By the way, don’t you find terms like equinox and solstice a bit difficult to remember? In such cases, knowing their meanings—equinox means “equal night,” and solstice means “the sun stands still”—can be helpful.

  There is a Japanese saying: Neither summer’s heat nor winter’s cold lasts beyond the equinox. Although summer tends to linger longer in recent years, at least during this year's spring equinox period, the saying seems quite fitting.

  Warmer days are ahead. Please enjoy the season and take care of yourselves.

Meeting Schedule

In-person: 9:30 AM on Apr. 12 at Oyama Community Center (small conference room)

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

Zoom: 7:30 PM on Mar. 24, 31 and Apr. 7