2025/5/24(土)*SMC*

Table Topic Speech

(1) What do you think is worth waiting for?

(2) What is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards and just do what you know is right?

(3) What personal prisons have you built out of fears?

(4) When was the last time you lost your temper? About what?

(5) If you were forced to eliminate every physical possession from your life with the exception of what could fit into a single backpack, what would you put in it?

(6) What did you learn recently that changed the way you live?

Prepared Speech

(1) The Death Railway Bridge, The Memorial of World War II: SM Ishimura

I went to Bangkok for sightseeing several years ago with my wife and visited The Death Railway Bridge, - also known as  the Bridge  on the River Kwai or 戦場にかける橋 in  Japanese., is a  powerful  historical symbol of resilience and suffering during World War II.

Background and Purpose

 The railway was built by Japan in 1943 to support its military operations in Burma.

It stretches 415 kilometers from Thailand to Burma, passing through dense jungles and rugged terrain.

The Japanese sought to create a land route for transporting troops and supplies, avoiding dangerous sea routes vulnerable to Allied attacks.

Construction and Forced Labor

 The railway was constructed using forced labor, including 60,000 Allied prisoners of war (POWs) and 180,000 Asian civilians Workers endured extreme conditions, including malnutrition disease, and brutal treatment.

 The death toll was staggering – over 100,000 laborers lost their lives due to exhaustion starvation and abuse.

 The phrase “one life per railway sleeper” became a grim reality, as each wooden sleeper laid on the tracks seemed to cost a life.

Hellfire Pass and Brutality

 One of the most infamous sections was hellfire Pass, where workers had to carve through solid rock using primitive tools.

 The work continued day and night, with torches casting eerie shadows – hence the name “Hellfire”

 Japanese and Korean guard were known for their extreme cruelty, subjecting workers to beating and torture.

Post-War Consequences

 After the war, 111 Japanese military officials were tried for war crimes related to the railway with 32 sentenced to death.

 The railway was largely dismantled in 1947, but parts of it were later restored for tourism and remembrance.

 Today, cemeteries and museums in Thailand and Burma honor those who perished, ensuring their suffering is never forgotten.

Cultural Impact

 The story of the railway was immortalized in the 1957film “The Bridge on the River Kwai” which brought global attention to the tragedy.

Survivors have shared the experiences in books and documentaries, ensuring future generations understand the horrors of war.

I have seen the movie and I recall it with the melody of Kwai River March. The Japanese commander must complete the bridge by a set date, with scarce materials and a shortage of labor. British prisoners of war are forced to work under poor sanitary and food conditions. The British commander judges that the bridge cannot be completed by the set date using the Japanese construction methods, and proposes building it using their own methods.  The Japanese commander rejects this humiliating proposal, but eventually accept the British method. The bridge was completed just in time for the opening ceremony. Ironically, however, they must blow up the bridge they built themselves because they must stop the Japanese soldier and falls onto the dynamite that they set. The train carrying the Japanese high commanders is blown up and falls off the bridge, and the film ends. It reflects great tragedy and human dignity in extreme circumstances. It’s a very impressive movie.

(2) Nanafushi - Walking Stick Insects: SM Kaneko

This is an example of a speech featuring nanafushi by ChatGPT.

Introduction Hello everyone! Today, I want to share something curious and beautiful—walking stick insects, or nanafushi in Japanese. I chose this topic because when I first saw one, I thought it was just a twig. But then it moved! I was amazed that an insect could look so much like a plant. That moment made me want to learn more.

Points – Similarity to Plants Walking sticks are experts in disguise. Their long, thin bodies look exactly like twigs or stems. Some are green, some brown, and some even have small bumps like the knots on a branch. They don’t just look like plants—they behave like them too.

Body – Figures, Behavior, Eggs Their movement is slow and gentle, like a branch swaying in the wind. When they feel danger, they freeze. This trick makes them nearly invisible to predators like birds. Even their eggs look like seeds, helping them stay hidden on the forest floor. And like seeds, their eggs can wait months before hatching, quietly blending into nature.

Conclusion – What Can We Expect? So, what can we take from the life of walking sticks? First, they show that you don’t need to be loud or strong to survive—sometimes being still and quiet is the best way. Second, they remind us to protect nature. If we lose the forests they depend on, we might lose these amazing creatures too. Finally, they teach us to look more carefully—because even something that looks like a twig could be alive.

Thank you for listening.

(3) Ojisan Trading Cards (quoted by The Guardian and Fukuoka TNC News): SM Noro

In Kawara Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, a unique local initiative called the “Ojisan Trading Cards” has become a surprising hit among children.

These trading cards feature real local middle-aged men, each portrayed with humorous nicknames, fictional powers, and character stats. For example, a former fire chief named Mr. Honda is known as “Fire Wall,” and a community volunteer named Mr. Fujii is called “All-Rounder.” Each card includes playful descriptions of their personality traits and skills. The project was launched by community coordinator Eri Miyahara to help bridge the gap between generations and strengthen ties within the town. As of March 2025, there are 47 different cards, 28 of which feature actual local residents.

A card designer, Ms. Hiroe Nishiu explained, “I used a photo of each person and gave them the anime treatment, so they all look a bit like AI versions of themselves.”

The game has been a success. Locals say more children are involved in community activities, and the invisible barriers between the generations are beginning to come down. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Children actively seek out these “card characters” in real life, which has led to more participation in community events and stronger connections between the younger and older generations.

The initiative has even gained media attention both within Japan and internationally. Is Japan an interesting country where such initiatives are possible, isn't it? I hope SM Narisawa may have an interest in this topic.

Please visit to the following YouTube program; (https://youtu.be/S9WhC0RccFs?si=S4GYs83RBbd7EPsN)

(4) Watching a J1 Soccer Match - Unusual Spectacle: SM Koizumi

It all started with a special invitation email—an offer for discounted tickets to watch a J1 League match at the National Stadium. I made up my mind to go. The match was between Kawasaki Frontale, the team representing the city I live in now, and the top-ranking Kashima Antlers.

 I went online to choose my seat. The Antlers were designated the home team, taking the north side of the stadium, while Frontale would be on the south side. The supporters of each team would gather on their respective ends. I ended up in block 313, row 17, seat 353—picked the third tier.　Since my seat was closer to the south, I figured I should dress in Frontale’s colors—blue. I didn’t have a jersey, which costs over 20,000 yen, but I chose a blue shirt from my wardrobe.

 The recommendation was to arrive by 11 a.m.—two hours before kickoff. As I got closer to Sendagaya Station, even before 11. When I arrived, I was stunned. The area was already packed. The broad walkway was lined with food stalls, and people were queuing for lunch. It was mostly a red sea of Antlers fans. The blue Frontale fans were there, but far fewer. To someone like me, new to all this, the whole scene felt surreal—absolutely abnormal. I noticed lots of young men, women, couples, and families. Everyone had a gleam in their eyes. It was such a lively, almost overwhelming sight. Again—an unusual scene. It was more festive than a festival.

 After about 30 minutes of exploring, I made my way to the E2 gate, which led to the third tier. After a bag check, I climbed a long flight of stairs. When I reached the third floor, it was packed. I found my block, explored the nearby concessions and restrooms, grabbed some fries, and finally entered the stands. The view was breathtaking—a vast stadium, a lush green pitch. A beautiful sight.

 The players came out to warm up, and a cheering battle erupted. Supporters jumped in place, shouted loudly, blew horns. The entire stadium suddenly burst into life. It was chaotic. It was, again, an unusual sight.

The opening ceremonies ended, and the match began. The cheering only grew louder. The quality of the play was top-level—fluid no-trap passes, fierce one-on-one battles, and skilled attempts at goal. Every buildup was exciting.

 Kawasaki Frontale, fresh from the ACL Elite final in Saudi Arabia just five days prior, came out strong. They scored early in the first half. The south side of the stadium erupted in blue joy. A wild scene. I wanted to celebrate too, but… The man on my left, quietly dressed, turned out to be an Antlers fan and groaned, “Oh no!” The red-clad supporter on my right also let out a loud wail. I had no choice but to sit silently, torn inside. The stands were in chaos, but I couldn’t express it. My heart was caught in this strange in-between. It was… another unusual feeling.

 Just before halftime, the Antlers scored from one of their few chances. The roar of the crowd was deafening. Even my neighboring fans, despite their initial restraint, shouted “Yes!” in joy. Another abnormal moment.

 The match was now 1-1. The tension was high.

Then, in a flash, the Antlers created a no-mark opportunity. A shot—GOAL.

“No way!” I gasped aloud without thinking. How could that happen?　Frontale had been dominating and had more shots on goal. But… that was it.　That goal became the decider. Kashima Antlers won, 2–1.

 Looking around, I noticed that about three-quarters of the stadium was red. Only about a quarter, mostly the south side, was blue. The red dominated. Still, the blue supporters gave it their all. Both sides had cheered, jumped, shouted, and waved flags for over two hours straight—30 minutes before kickoff and 90 minutes during the match.

 You can watch the players’ skills on TV. But this incredible energy—the passion, noise, and duration of the cheering—is something you can only experience live.　Then came the announcement—59,754 in attendance. A full house.

 I realized then: the real thrill of J1 soccer isn’t just the match. It’s the whole live experience—the sheer number of people, the stadium split in two red and blue halves, the nonstop energy of the supporters. That overwhelming, almost surreal intensity—that was the most unforgettable part.

Watching was fun. But becoming one of those supporters?That, I realized, is something I could never do.

(5) Disasters and Heroes: SM Eda

(6) Lecture: SM Takahata

(1) A: I’m *1 getting (c    ) feet over having a baby.

B: No worries! *2 Whatever will be, (w   ) (b  ). As a parent, sleepless nights often *3 come with the (t     ), but raising kids is so much fun.

*1: = to suddenly become nervous or scared about doing something

    =（おじけづく）

*2: = Que sera, sera = (なるようになるさ)

*3: = to be a natural and accepted part of a particular job, situation, place etc. = (その分野、仕事、職業にはつきものである)

(2) A: *1 My heart (s    ) a beat every time I see Shun.

B: I guess you are not good at 2 (s   ing) up people. The other day, he was 3 (s     ing) his mouth off about his recent *conquest.

*1:= used to say that someone is suddenly very surprised, excited or nervous about something = (胸が高鳴る)

*2:= to look at or consider a person or situation and make a judgment about them = (判断する、評価する、品定めする)

*3: = to talk too much in a loud and uncontrolled way = (自慢げに話す)

　　　　　*conquest: 口説き落とすこと

(3) A: The whistleblower’s testimony in court *1 hit a (r   ) nerve.

B: Definitely! The day of the hospital doctor’s arrest for malpractice is *2 (in      g) closer and closer.

*1: = to upset someone = (痛いところを突く)

*2: = to move slowly = (刻一刻と近づく)

(4)A: How is your wedding preparation going?

B: It’s been frustrating. Keiko still can’t decide which dress she will wear. She keeps *1 getting (h    ) up on minor details.

*1: = to be extremely interested in or worried by a particular subject and spend on unreasonably large amount of time thinking about it

= (こだわる)

(5)A: I haven’t been paid extra for overtime for the past three months.

B: What! You should raise your voice against it; otherwise, you will *1 be compelled to (s      ) in silence.

*1:= to be compelled to accept something without saying anything

     = (泣き寝入りする)

Answer: (1) *1 cold, *2 will be, *3 territory, (2) *1 skips, *2 sizing, *3 shooting, (3) *1 raw, *2 inching

(4) *1 hung (5) *1 suffer

Meeting Schedule

In-person: 9:30 AM on Jun. 14 at Oyama Community Center (small conference room)

(Coordinator: SM Kaneko)