2025/7/12(土)*SMC*

Table Topic Speech

(1) Are you holding onto something that you need to let go of?

(2) Right now, at this moment, what do you want most?

(3) When should you reveal a secret that you promised you wouldn't reveal?

(4) Can you describe your life in a six word sentence?

(5) If the average human lifespan was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

(6) What do you owe yourself?

(7) If you could you live the next 24 hours and then erase it and start over just once, what would you do?

(8) Is the reward worth the risk?

(9) What makes you weird?

Lecture

(1) Fill-in-the-blank question: SM Takahata

(1) A: What happened to that TV actor?

B: He’s decided to ^*1 step out from the (s       ) because of the sex scandal.

A: For crying out loud! He ^*2 had the (w     ) at his feet. 

*1: = to retire from show business

    =（芸能界を去る）

*2: = to be extremely successful and admired by large number of

people = (世間からもてはやされる)

 Answer: *1 (spotlight) *2 (world)

(2) A: Are you moving on to ^*1 greener (p      )? Are you really going to quit your job?

B: Shhh. ^*2 (W    ) have ears. Someone may be listening. Yes, that’s what I intend to. 

*1:= a new situation that is better than the previous one

 = (今よりも良い環境)

*2:= said to warn someone that is not safe to speak at that particular time because other people might be listening = (壁に耳あり障子に目あり)

 Answer: *1 (patures) *2 (Walls)

(3) A: I’m going to take over the post of president from my dad next month. 

B: Congrats!

A: Not really. I don’t imagine the company staff will ^*1 (r   ) out the (r   ) carpet for me.

*1: = to welcome someone as a very important person or guest

= (大歓迎する)

 Answer: *1 (roll) (red)

(4)A: Did you break up with Yuta? What happened?

B: Well, he said he wants to ^*1 play the (f    ) while he is still young. His attitude threw a chill over my affections. 

*1: = to hold an interest in a number of people or things, especially to become romantically or sexually involved with a number of partners  = (色々な人と付き合う)

Answer: *1 (field)

(5)A: I copied down the gist of the press conference.

B: ^*1 No (o     ) to you, but your handwriting is hard to read.

  A: Sorry, bad writing is ^*2 in my (b     ). 

*1:= used when you say something that might upset or annoy someone = (気を悪くしないでほしいのですが)

*2: = if an ability or skill is in someone’s (b    ), they have it naturally, usually because it already exist in their family = (親譲り)

 Answer: *1 (offense) *2 (blood)

(6) A: I hear Ryota is ^*1 a (l    ) at home and a (m    ) outside. 

B: No, you do him wrong. He is a very caring husband. While his wife was pregnant, he ^*2 waited on her hand and (f    ). 

*1: = confident with his family but shy in social situation= (内弁慶)

*2: = to do many things for her = (まめに世話を焼く)

Answer: *1 (lion) (mouse) *2 (foot)

(2) Crossword Puzzle: SM Ishimura

Prepared Speech

(1) Sukesan Udon – A Delicious Journey: SM Koizumi

Recently, dining out has become more popular than ever. At the same time, the competition in the restaurant industry is heating up. Many companies are launching new shops and menus. Skylark Holdings, for example, is known for restaurants like Gusto, Bamiyan, Shabu-Yo, and Ohana (which serves Hawaiian food). And now, they’ve introduced a new branch of "Sukesan Udon" in Ryogoku. I had always wanted to visit.

 I bought a JR One-Day Pass at Shinjuku Station and started my little travel adventure.　This JR Pass costs 760 yen and allows unlimited rides on many JR lines for one day—a great deal!

I headed to JATD　Dance Studio in Sugamo first for my dance lesson. After that, I went to Shin-Okubo for lunch and tried a sushi conveyor belt restaurant called “Sushimatsu” for the first time.　Next stop: Kinshicho. I did a little shopping in the basement food section of Marui department store. And finally, it was time—off to Ryogoku to visit Sukesan Udon!

 Sukesan Udon started in Kitakyushu. It was founded by Akisuke Onishi, with the help of a dedicated staff member, Mr. Ito. Thanks to their efforts, the business grew and eventually became part of the Skylark Group, making it possible to open stores across Japan. Their slogan is “A bowl full of happiness,” and they pride themselves on serving fresh, tasty food. I was very curious.

 The Ryogoku branch opened on February 23 this year. It’s about a 14-minute walk from the east exit of Ryogoku Station—not too close, but that made it even more interesting to visit. After a walk, I finally spotted the waving banners with the Sukesan Udon logo. I climbed the stairs to the second floor, sweating a little but excited.　Inside, the display case at the entrance was filled with many types of udon dishes—so many that it was hard to choose! One of their most popular dishes is the "Goboten Udon," which comes with burdock root tempura. It’s very affordable—three pieces of burdock tempura cost only 464 yen, and five pieces cost 519 yen (before tax).

 The restaurant had a spacious cafeteria-style layout. You order at the counter, pay when you receive your dish, and then eat at one of the large tables. I ordered the “Kashiwa Goboten 3-Piece Udon” for 710 yen and the “Happiness Set,” which includes meat goboten udon, a mini katsudon, and a mini rice cake dessert, for 1060 yen.　The udon noodles were soft and smooth, and the broth was light yet flavorful—I enjoyed it very much. The katsudon and rice cake were also delicious. There were many other items on the menu too, like oden, soba, yaki-udon, hot pot udon, rice balls, oyakodon, tempura bowls, curry, and more.

 Although Ryogoku is a bit far for me to visit often, I heard they plan to open more locations in other areas. I left the restaurant feeling full and satisfied—both in body and spirit. 

(2) What Would Happen If the Earth Suddenly Stopped Rotating?: SM Noro

If the Earth were to suddenly stop rotating, the consequences would be catastrophic. Here’s what could happen:

1.    Massive Inertia Effects:

Everything on the Earth’s surface—people, buildings, oceans, and even the atmosphere—is moving with the Earth’s rotation at hundreds of meters per second (about 1,670 km/h or 1,040 mph at the equator). If the rotation stopped instantly, this momentum would cause everything to continue moving eastward at that speed. It would result in massive destruction, with strong winds, tsunamis, and debris being flung across the surface.

2.    Mega Tsunamis:

Oceans would surge violently due to the sudden stop. The water would continue to move, creating enormous tsunamis that could flood entire continents.

3.    Atmospheric Chaos:

The atmosphere would keep moving, generating superstorms with hurricane-force winds far stronger than anything we currently experience. These winds could flatten cities.

4.    Extreme Day and Night Cycles:

If the Earth stopped rotating but kept orbiting the Sun, one side would face the Sun for six months, resulting in extreme heat and desert-like conditions. The other side would be in darkness for six months, leading to freezing temperatures.

5.    Magnetic Field Collapse:

The Earth’s magnetic field is partly generated by its rotation. If rotation stops, the magnetic field might weaken or collapse, leaving the planet vulnerable to harmful solar and cosmic radiation.

6.    Geological Upheaval:

The redistribution of water and mass could trigger massive earthquakes and volcanic activity worldwide.

In short, the sudden stop of Earth’s rotation would trigger global-scale natural disasters and make life as we know it impossible. Fortunately, such a scenario is physically impossible under natural conditions.

(3) How to spend a comfortable time during hot summer: SM Yoko Narisawa

   What are you doing to survive this hot summer? As for me, I have made some efforts to stay comfortable. In summer, my appetite tends to decrease. I can eat cold noodles but if I eat only cold noodles, I can’t get enough nutrition. Generally speaking, we need to have a well-balanced diet that includes fish and shellfish, meat, vegetables and fruits. It is said that a little umeshu or a small amount of wine can improve our appetite. What’s more, adding some lemon juice or vinegar can enhance the flavor of fried beef and vegetables.

 The other day, I went to my friend’s house and she treated me to her homemade dishes using vinegar and shiso juice. Each one was very delicious. I was inspired by her cooking and made some plum juice and pickled celery. I rarely eat cerely, but I came to like it after pickling it. Eating well helps us get through the hot summer. It seems these efforts have improved my appetite. 

 In addition, it is essential for all of us to take measures against heat stroke. The most important things are to stay hydrated regularly and use a parasol to avoid direct sunlight. At the same time, we need to be mindful of our salt intake. When I go out, I bring a bottle of cold drink, some salt candies and cool my neck with a freezer bag.

 When I stay home, I use an air conditioner. But in Japan there is a wonderful item that helps us feel cool --- a wind chime. Its sound brings an indescribable sense of coolness and comfort. How about hanging a wind chime in your window? 

 Another thing that reminds me of summer is the firefly. It’s not something that makes us feel cooler, but it brings a strong feeling of summer. The other night, several fireflies were flying in my garden. It is said that fireflies can only live near clean water. There is an irrigation canal behind my house, so I can see fireflies there every year. They always make me feel something special.

 Summer has just started. Let’s spend each day comfortably. 

(4) Saiko-no-hara (The Field of Saiko): SM Kaneko

  The Sagamihara Citizens' Song begins with these words: "Saiko no hara no mukashi yori..." (“Since the distant past of the Saiko fields…”). Watch the song here

  I used to hear this song often in my younger days, especially while attending municipal elementary and junior high schools. Since then, however, I don’t think I’ve heard it for decades.

  Recently, an event reminded me of this song—and of the plant mentioned in its opening line. It was held at Hikawa Shrine, near the Oyama Public Hall, as part of a movement to preserve Mishima Saiko (a standardized name for the plant). The species is now endangered due to overharvesting. The event offered a great presentation that helped me better understand what Saiko (柴胡) actually is.

  I love both the song and the plant. They make me feel proud to express my affection and respect for my hometown.

(5) Why I Study Jokes: SM Kei Narisawa

Good morning, everyone.

Let me begin with a joke I found online.

A man traveling through Idaho came across a Native American village. A young local urged him to meet 

the chieftain, known for his amazing memory. The traveler asked, “What did you have for breakfast on

 June 7th, 1963?” The chief replied, “Two eggs.”

Twenty years later, the man returned and greeted the chief with “How!” The chief immediately replied,

 “Fried.”

“How” was misunderstood—not as a greeting, but as “How were the eggs cooked?” Clever, right?

So, why do I study jokes?

Two reasons. First, jokes have helped me survive tricky moments. Second, they make speeches more fun and engaging.

When I was teaching at Machida High School, I gave a talk about an adult English program. Nervous and 

unsure, I added a small joke —and it worked. People laughed, and even a short pun afterward made someone call me “binkan,” meaning “sensitive” in Japanese. That simple moment made my speech memorable.

Jokes can break the ice, especially at the start of a talk. For example:

“What do you call someone who speaks three languages?”

—Trilingual.

“Two languages?”

—Bilingual.

“And one?”

—An American. (Or Japanese!)

Let me close with one more:

A teacher asked, “Can anyone tell me what irony means?”

A student said, “Yeah—it’s like when the fire station burns down.”

Thanks for listening. And remember: when in doubt, tell a good joke!

(6) Keys to Successful Teaching of English: SM Eda

(7) Tips for giving a great speech: SM M.G

Meeting Schedule

In-person: 9:30 AM on Jul. 26 at Oyama Communication Center (medium conference room)

(Coordinator: SM Takahata)