2025/8/9(土)*SMC*

Table Topic Speech

(1) What confuses you?

(2) Are you more like your mom or your dad? In what way?

(3) Why must you love someone enough to let them go?

(4) Are you holding on to something that you need to let go off?

(5) What or who has been distracting you?

(6) How would an extra $1000 a month change your life?

(7) If you could relive yesterday what would you do differently?

Prepared Speech

(1) Trip to Nagano: SM Eda

(2) Me and English: SM Ishimura

Today, I’d like to talk about a rather curious companion in my life—English. We weren’t close friends at first. In junior high and high school, English felt like an uninvited guest in my textbooks. I didn’t dislike it, but Everything changed when I entered university in Osaka. One day, I happened to tune into NHK’s English radio program. At first, it was just background noise—but gradually, the phrases started catching my ear. That curiosity led me to join the ESS, or English Speaking Society. Honestly in between classes, I began to enjoy studying simple English with friends.

Another vivid memory is when I worked part-time at the International Trade Fair in Osaka. I joined a pump company—Ebara Manufacturing—for about 40 days. There, I met a gentleman from the Netherlands who often treated me to meals and warm conversation. Even after he returned home, I helped him gather catalogues and company information from Tokyo and sent them to him. Each time, he kindly rewarded me. Thanks to English, these exchanges were not only possible—they were meaningful.

After graduating, I joined a ship company run by a Norwegian man. We managed foreign cargo ships and tankers arriving in Japanese ports. Most vessels owners were from Scandinavian countries so their English was slow, clear, and perfect for a beginner like me. Once I understood the work, the language became less of a challenge.

Even after retiring, I joined an adult English club in Matsuyama, and now here in Sagamihara. I’m still contacts with Matsuyama’s guys frequently.  I’m now 82 years old, and English is a part of my daily life. Every day, I enjoy English programs on TV, smart phone. 

(3) Meeting again: SM Yoko Narisawa

The other day I saw my friend for the first time in a year. We meet once or twice a year and deepen our friendship each time. She used to be my colleague and worked as a part-time teacher at Hashimoto High School. Although she is now in her mid-fifties, we get along very well.

 Every year, we have lunch at the same restaurant, which is about a 10- minute drive from Hashimoto Station. However, we can’t stay there for more than two hours. Whenever she makes an appointment to meet, she always says she has a lot to catch up on. So two hours is never enough for us to talk over lunch.

 This time she shared many personal things that had happened over the past year. It was all new to me. Please allow me to talk about something personal -- you may have experienced similar things. I hope you will be patient and listen.

 One of things she told me is that she recently became a grandmother. Her daughter got married and gave birth to a baby girl, which was a very happy event. But when her daughter’s labor pains started, a fight broke out between my friend and her husband. As this was the birth of their first grandchild, her husband began sending e-mails to their relatives, giving a live report of the birth. My friend was furious when she found out. She felt he should have waited until after the birth.

 What made things worse was that she hadn’t been getting along with her mother-in-law and sister-in-law lately. She became so upset that she ran away from home. Luckily, her family owns a vacation house in Yamanashi Prefecture. She now works as a part-time calligraphy teacher at 日大三高. After work, she went straight to the vacation house and stayed there for three days, from Friday to Sunday. While she was away, her husband took care of his mother and their disabled daughter. He came to realize how hard his wife had been working. 

 Another thing she mentioned was her work situation. As I said before, she works at a private school and is paid by the hour. In addition to teaching calligraphy, she coaches the calligraphy club under a contract with the school. But the club activities often end later than expected -- and there is no pay for overtime. Still, she can’t leave halfway through. She feels dissatisfied.

 Even worse, believe it or not, salary payments are sometimes delayed. And regarding school supplies, even to get a piece of paper, a pencil or an eraser, she is requuired to submit a report to a clerical employee. When I worked at a prefectural high school, I could get all the necessary supplies freely. She’s confused by the strict management system of the private school.

 After lunch, we still had so much more to talk about, so we continued our conversation outside the restaurant. When we finally had to say goodbye, she looked refreshed, having let go of all of her feelings.

I was very glad to know that our meeting helped relieve her stress.

 We parted with a promise to meet again.

(4) Awakening the Entrepreneur in Us: SM Koizumi

At our last Speech Master Club meeting, our president talked about awakening the entrepreneur in himself. That idea really inspired me. It made me start thinking more seriously about my own role in our new enterprise. 

One idea that excites me is starting an English class for adults at a local community center. It could be like a small cultural center, run by SMC members. For example, I might be able to teach ballroom dancing in English. That would be both educational and fun!　To make this idea real, I need to prepare and practice. So today, I’d like to do a short rehearsal with you.

 There are many types of dances today, but I think ballroom dancing is perfect for people of all ages. Why? Because you can enjoy great music, beautiful clothes, and dancing with partners or friends—all at low cost. You just need music and a space.

 Another good point is that ballroom dancing isn't too hard. You can choose simple steps, and it’s something you can enjoy even in old age. I’ve already decided—I’ll keep dancing as long as I live. So, let’s ge started right away.

Let me show you one of the most enjoyable dances for beginners: Mambo.

 First, posture is very important.

Stand straight.

Turn your palms forward to naturally move your shoulders back.　Now, lower your shoulders gently. It should look like the wide base of Mt. Fuji.　Your spine becomes straight, and your head rests on top of it.　Your chest lifts slightly, and you’ll feel a proud, confident posture.　 Now, keep this posture—and let’s begin Mambo.

Mambo is danced on counts 2, 3, 4. Don’t step on 1.　There are two timing styles.　One starts like: 1,2,3,4 - 1,2,3,4.　The other waits on 1 and steps on 2, like: (wait) 1 - 2,3,4 - 1 - 2,3,4.　We use the second one, called “off beat.” Other dances like Rumba and Cha-Cha use this too.

 Step forward with your left foot on count 2.　Use count 1 to prepare—your weight is on your right foot.　Then, on count 2, step forward with your left foot.　Step back onto your right foot on count 3.　You don’t move your right foot—just shift your weight back.　This "step back on 3" is a key point of Mambo.

 Hold your position on 4.　Bring your left foot back next to your right foot.　Wait with your weight ready on the left foot for the next step.

 Now, step backward with your right foot on 2.　For the follower (facing the leader), this would be a step forward with the left foot.　Keep your steps small and sharp.　Let your hips move naturally with the rhythm.　Always keep your weight over the standing foot.　And finally, keep eye contact with your partner—and enjoy the rhythm!

 That’s my rehearsal today.　Let’s awaken the entrepreneur in us—through English, dance, and community!

(5) So-called “My Japan Syndrome”: SM Noro

I would like to refer to a personal or semi-humorous term used by an American writer (Mr. Gregory Khezrnejat) living in Japan to describe a psychological or emotional state that arises from his deep affection for Japanese culture, mixed with a bit of identity confusion or ambivalence toward fellow Westerners in Japan.

He explained, “When some rowdy American tourists came to my favorite hot spring resort, I felt a mixture of emotions: I wanted to distance myself from them, but also wanted to teach them proper etiquette when using the hot spring. And when the staff spoke to me in English, a complex mix of emotions welled up inside me. And I realized I was suffering from "My Japan Syndrome."

Generally speaking, this “My Japan Syndrome” seems to be a self-aware, tongue-in-cheek expression.

This expression is used to describe feeling like:

-       Wanting to distance oneself from Western tourists, perhaps because they seem superficial or stereotypical in their interaction with Japan.

-       Feeling a desire to defend or explain Japan to other foreigners.

-       Having a kind of “ownership” over Japanese culture, due to long-term immersion or affection.

-       Experiencing conflicted identity – not fully Japanese, but not quite aligned with foreign visitors either.

It’s similar in spirit to:

-       Expat guilt: When long-term foreigners feel conflicted about other short-term or “loud” tourists.

-       Cultural gatekeeping: Feeling like you’re the “right kind” of foreigner because of your deeper understanding or appreciation of the culture.

The name “My Japanese Syndrome” gives it a psychological twist – a kind of personalized cultural condition that combines admiration, pride, and a bit of alienation. These kinds of complicated feelings are not something that only foreign people can experience. Don’t you have “Your American Syndrome”?　

(6) Circadian Rhythm: Your Inner Clock : SM Kaneko

Hello everyone.Have you ever felt sleepy during a meeting, or wide awake at midnight even though you're tired?That’s not just a bad habit—it may be your circadian rhythm at work. It's your body’s natural 24-hour clock, and it influences your sleep, energy, and even your health.

Today, I’d like to briefly explain what the circadian rhythm is, and share three ways it affects your daily life.

First, the circadian rhythm controls your sleep-wake cycle.When the sun rises, your body says “Wake up.”When it gets dark, it produces melatonin to help you sleep.Light is the main signal that resets your body clock each day.

Second, it affects your energy levels and brain function.Many people feel most alert in the late morning and sleepy in the afternoon.Your rhythm influences when you focus best, and when you feel tired.

Third, if your rhythm is off—like from staying up late, or using screens at night—you may feel tired during the day, or have trouble sleeping.This is called circadian misalignment, and it can affect your mood, health, and productivity.

So how can you support your circadian rhythm?Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, get sunlight in the morning, and avoid screens late at night.When your body clock is in sync, your whole life works better.

Thank you.

(7) Tiny Little Piece of Advice on English: SM Kei Narisawa 

The author noticed that Ichiro’s English pronunciation is perfect but lacks the natural rhythm of native 

speakers, a problem also seen in Americans speaking Japanese. At church English classes, the author gives American missionaries tips for sounding more natural in Japanese, mainly by using a flatter intonation. 

Reversing this advice—adding proper stress and intonation can help Japanese learners sound more natural in English. Applying this principle can greatly improve 

clarity and naturalness in spoken English.

Meeting Schedule

In-person: 9:30 AM on Aug. 23 at Oyama Community Center (medium conference room)

(Coodinator: SM Yoko Narisawa)