過去のトピック
3/30 Sunrena, 1-2 lesson 1 of Modern Business English by Satoshi Sugita, Spring Issue (New book)
'New Normals' in a New Era Part 1-2 Discussion Questions
1) How has weather-related vocabulary changed in recent years? Have you noticed any new terms being used?
2) Are you prepared for a possible eruption of Mt. Fuji?
3) What societal changes since Covid have you noticed that have become a part of a "new normal"?
4) Please talk about any lifestyle changes that you would like to make.
3/23 Tamarena, 4-5 lesson 4 - Free or Free to Phone Part 4-5 Discussion Questions
1) What are the effects of allowing children to use smartphones, tablets, and computers freely?
2) Please talk about how smartphone dependency has changed your daily habits.
3) If a person has high-level multitasking skills, do you care if they use their device while interacting with you if they can listen and respond quickly like a normal exchange?
4) What strategies can help people develop healthier technology habits?
3/16 Sunrena, 2-3 lesson 4
1. Do you think banning smartphones in schools would help reduce cyberbullying? Why or why not?
2. What is the relationship between smartphone use, mental health, and academic performance?
3. If you were a school administrator, what kind of smartphone policy would you implement?
4. How important is it for parents to stay in contact with their children during and/or after school hours?
3/9 Tamarena, 5 lesson 3 & 1 lesson 4
1. What are some benefits of easing into retirement with part-time work or volunteer roles?
2. Besides financial planning, what other aspects of life should people consider when preparing for retirement?
3. Why do some people choose to continue working after retirement age even though they have enough money?
4. How can schools balance the benefits of technology with the need for an effective learning environment?
3/2 Tamarena, 3-4 lesson 3
1) What are some ways retirees can stay active and engaged in their post-work life?
2) Where are some domestic and abroad places to enjoy a "long stay" during a person's early or late retirement years?
3) How can people best prepare for unexpected economic and societal changes during retirement?
4) Describe the due diligence process that retirees should undertake to analyze whether an investment vehicle is a viable one or not.
2/23 Tamarena, 1-2 lesson 3
1. What can individuals do to better prepare financially for retirement?
2. Why is making smart investment choices important for retirees?
3. How important is it to choose the right place to live after retirement?
4. What are the major concerns related to retirement in modern society?
5. How should people go about developing their financial literacy in preparation for retirement?
6. Which universal design products benefit retirees most?
2/16 Sunrena, 4-5 lesson 2 NHK "Buy Second Hand"
1. Why do some people prefer slow food over fast food? How is this similar to slow fashion?
2. How can consumers communicate the message to retailers that they desire more sustainable fashion choices?
3. What societal or culture-related factors contribute to unnecessary shopping?
4. Please talk about the reasons for unnecessary shopping and which ones are true for you.
2/9 Tamarena, 2-3 lesson 2
1. Where does buying secondhand rank among your efforts to live sustainably?
2. What steps can individuals take to reduce their fashion-related waste?
3. Please talk about some of the misconceptions that people have about buying secondhand items.
4. How do you personally decide between buying a new or used product?
2/2 Tamarena, 5 lesson 1 & 1 lesson 2
1. How do social media and financial concerns impact young people’s happiness?
2. Do you agree with the idea that having pets can make people happier? Why or why not?
3. What challenges do people face when trying to buy used goods instead of new ones?
4. Have you ever purchased secondhand items? If so, what was your experience like
1/26 Sunrena 3-4 lesson 1
1. Do you think income inequality reflects the dedication to studying that people do, or is the inequality based on certain members of society having advantages over others?
2. What are the benefits of a strong social safety net? Are there enough of them in Japan?
3. Does being kind and generous to others make you happy?
4. Describe the role that education has played in your overall life satisfaction.
5. Please talk about the cultural values in different countries and how they influence what people consider to be happiness.
1/19 Sunrena, 1-2 lesson 1 Modern Business English by Satoshi Sugita, Winter Issue) "Happiness Is"
1. How do gender equality and social welfare policies affect happiness in a society?
2. What role do family, friends, coworkers, and associates play in achieving happiness?
3. Can money buy happiness?
4. In what ways could the lack of money be "The Root Of All Evil"?
1/12 Tamarena, 4-5 lesson 4
1. In what ways can individuals balance personal hygiene and environmental responsibility?
2. How can fabric types impact how often an article of clothing needs to be washed?
3. Do you think the "no-wash" movement would ever become popular in Japan with cleanliness being so stressed in society?
4. Other than sprays like Febreze, how else can odors be removed from clothes? How long can such methods be used for you until the smell becomes unbearable and you feel the need to wash the clothing item?
1/5 Sunrena, 2-3 lesson 4
1. What are some simple changes individuals can make to reduce water usage in their daily lives?
2. Do you think individual actions can significantly impact water conservation efforts? Why or why not?
3. Why is it important to educate the public about water conservation, and what strategies might be effective?
4. In what ways do industries contribute to water scarcity, and how can they reduce their impact?
12/29 No class
12/22 Tamarena, 5 lesson 3 & 1 lesson 4
1. Why do you think our culture encourages constant busyness instead of taking time to relax and do nothing?
2. How do societal expectations shape our feelings of guilt or discomfort when we take time to relax or do nothing?
3. What are the benefits of all-inclusive vacation tours with everything pre-planned?
4. Do you agree that things like reducing noise or adjusting the temperature can significantly impact stress levels?
12/8 Tamarena, 1-2 lesson 3
1. What do you think are the main benefits of taking a vacation focused on rest and relaxation?
2. How has the pandemic influenced people’s attitudes toward work-life balance and vacations?
3. If you could plan a “do-nothing vacation,” where would you go, and why?
4. Which would you prefer, a do-nothing vacation or a more active or adventurous vacation?
12/15 Sunrena, 3-4 lesson 3
1. What do you think are the main benefits of taking a vacation focused on rest and relaxation?
2. How has the pandemic influenced people’s attitudes toward work-life balance and vacations?
3. If you could plan a “do-nothing vacation,” where would you go, and why?
4. Which would you prefer, a do-nothing vacation or a more active or adventurous vacation?
12/1 Tamarena, 4-5 lesson 2
1. What challenges do international students face when applying to universities abroad, and how can these challenges be addressed?
2. Why is it important for universities to have a diverse student body, including international students?
3. How has the increased availability of online learning options affected decisions to study abroad?
4. In what ways can studying abroad contribute to personal growth and cultural exchange for students?
11/24 Tamarena, 2-3 lesson 2
1. How does the choice of major affect the potential return on investment of a college education?
2. Is the investment in state-of-the-art facilities, dormitories, and sports complexes necessary for universities, or does it unnecessarily increase costs?
3.In Japan, is a professor's salary high enough to make a K-12 teacher desire becoming one?
4. What can colleges and their surrounding neighborhoods do to make international students feel welcome?
11/17 Sunrena, 5 lesson 1 & 1 lesson 2
1. How does facing a “midlife crisis” lead to reevaluating one’s life goals and priorities?
2. In what ways can a midlife crisis be viewed as a positive transition rather than a negative one?
3. What health problems do you see developing the most among people during their mid-life years? How can they be avoided?
4. Do you think the benefits of a college education justify the financial burden for students? Why or why not?
11/10 Tamarena, 3-4 lesson 1 (new text)
1. How can parents best cope with having “empty nest syndrome” when their children leave home?
2. Has the pandemic changed your views about life and mortality?
3. What are some things that you would like to add to your bucket list?
4. Which suggestions about coping with a midlife crisis do you agree with the most?
11/3 Sunrena, 1-2 lesson 1 of autumn issue (new text)
1. Other than having fewer financial responsibilities, why do you think younger workers resign so quickly compared to workers in different generations?
2. At what age range do you think people are most likely to experience a midlife crisis, and what events or challenges often trigger it?
3. Have work conditions and flexibility changed enough for employees to have an adequate amount of happiness in their careers?
4. What are your thoughts regarding the rate of salary increases in Japan?
The last question is based on this information.
Japan average pay hike tops ¥10,000 for 1st time
https://japantoday.com/category/business/japan-average-pay-hike-tops-10-000-yen-for-1st-time-amid-inflation
10/27 Tamarena, 4-5 lesson 4
1. Talk about a time when curiosity about something led to a deep conversation.
2. How do you decide the level of vulnerability that you will have in your conversations with people?
3. Is social connection more important than wealth for you?
4. Where does your financial status rank among other aspects of your life in terms of your happiness?
A good article:
As global demand for nutrition and sustainability intensifies, generative AI is captivating leaders in agriculture and could be the impetus to create significant change.
https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/themes/feeding-the-future
Firms bring algorithmic trading to individuals in Japan | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20241016_B01/
I saw this news recently and it made me extremely paranoid.
Only Black Man Invited To Party Thrown By The Folks Ends Up Dead
https://www.youtube.com/live/eEC6JBl7m9g?si=OdV7H779r2vzPlf2
10/20 BBQ party at Suzuki san's house
10/13 no class due to Kakegawa festival
10/6 Tamarena, 2-3 lesson 4
1. How can one find the right balance between sharing enough and oversharing during conversations?
2. What are some examples of "big talk" questions that can lead to deeper discussions?
3. How can small talk contribute to overall happiness and well-being?
4. Since switching between languages during conversations helps to prevent dementia, should the elderly study foreign languages differently?
9/29 Sunrena, 5 lesson 3 & 1 lesson 4
1. How could the use of AI in agriculture change the labor demands for farmers?
2. Are you excited about the ways 3D printing can play a role in the agricultural sector?
3. Other than shyness, why do you think it is so hard for some people to start conversations?
4. Do you believe that modern technology, such as smartphones, has affected people's ability to engage in small talk?
9/22 Tamarena, 3-4 lesson 3
1. How important is finding new ways to produce food for you?
2. What are some machines or specialized techniques that you have seen farmers using to grow food recently that amaze you?
3. Should more apartments and condominiums in Japan allow vertical farming since only small amounts of soil are needed to grow food successfully?
4. Does the capacity to produce food need to be increased in this area? If so, what are good foods to grow, and where could they be grown?
9/15 Sunrena, 1-2 lesson 3
NHK Challenges of American Farmers Part 1-2
1. What are some ways farmers can adapt to increasingly hot weather conditions to protect their crops?
2. Where in Japan could vertical farming be done on a large scale?
3. Would you be willing to convert your traditional farm into a vertical farm?
4. What makes it difficult to attract younger generations to farming, and how does this affect the future of agriculture?
9/8 Sunrena, 4-5 lesson 2 Advisor: James
1. What industry do you think will be affected the most by labor shortage issues in the future?
2. Describe your perfect percentage balance for robots, automation, and immigration to address labor shortages in Japan.
3. How might more flexible work arrangements, such as better PTO and WFH options, influence the labor market and workforce participation?
4. Do major labor law changes usually have a positive or negative impact on labor participation rates?
9/1 No class due to typhoon
8/25 Tamarena, 2-3 lesson 2 Advisor: Musa
1. Which do you prefer at restaurants: paper menus or tablets?
2. What do you think about restaurants offering fewer menu options these days? For example, Saizeriya reduced its menu during a crisis.
3. What do you think about veganism? Do you think it’s good for our health?
4. Have you ever used food delivery services? If so, what did you think of them?
8/18 Tamarena, 5 lesson 1 & 1 lesson 2 Advisor: Musa
1.What do you usually do to make sure you're on time?
2.What are some important values or lessons that Japanese people learn from a young age?
3. Do you think restaurant workers in Japan, who earn around 1,000 yen per hour, make enough money? If not, how much do you think they should earn?
4. In some other countries, restaurant workers depend on tips for their income. What do you think about tipping?
8/11 No class due to Obon holiday
8/4 Sunrena, 3-4 lesson 1 Advisor: Musa Text 杉田敏の現代ビジネス英語 2024年夏号
1. How can we maintain a good balance for work and life?
2. Do you think career is important for everyone?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being punctual?
4. Have you ever been late to a meeting or an event? If so, how did you cover it up?
7/28 Tamarena, 1-2 lesson 1 (New text) Advisor: Musa
Unit 1 Best Advice Ever 1&2
1. How many years should students spend in university to become part of society?
2. Do you think intellectual curiosity is an important factor when applying to graduate school or a job opening? Why or why not?
3. There are many sayings about curiosity. Two famous examples are “Curiosity killed the cat” and “Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.” Which one resonates more with you?
4. Are there any sayings that have moved you deeply in the past? How did that saying change your life?
7/21 Sunrena, NHK CD book 4-5 lesson 8 Advisor: Musa
Text: NHK CD book
1-What is the most memorable bad thing a company or organization has done? How did you feel about it?
2-What would you do if a company lied to you about their products or service? How would you protect your rights as a consumer?
3-What is the most important part of a PR campaign?
4-Can you share a PR campaign you liked a lot? Why did it impress you?
7/14 Sunrena, NHK CD book 2-3 lesson 8 Advisor: Musa
Text: NHK CD book
1. What are some important factors to consider when making a public apology, according to Pearson?
2. Why do you think the number of public apologies has increased in recent years? Do you agree with Umemura's and Collins' viewpoints on the role of social media and human nature in this trend?
3. What are some cultural differences in how public apologies are made, as highlighted by Umemura? Do you think these differences affect how apologies are perceived?
4. Why do Collins and Pearson believe that simply saying "I apologize" or "I'm sorry" is not enough in modern public apologies? What additional elements might be necessary to make an apology sincere and effective?
7/7 No class
6/30 Tamarena, NHK CD book 5 lesson 7 & 1 lesson 8
1.. Have you ever sent an email that you later regretted? What did you learn from the experience?
2. How do you keep track of important emails and deadlines?
3. Please talk about the consequences of mishandled public apologies that surprised you most.
4. What are some of the common issues that have led to high-profile public apologies in Japan?
6/23 Tamarena, NHK CD book 3-4 lesson 7
1. Do you think it’s important to maintain high standards for grammar and spelling in emails? Why or why not?
2. Can you provide examples where spell-check has been both helpful and problematic?
3. How do you balance attention to detail with practicality in your own writing?
4. How do you think the speed of email communication impacts its effectiveness?
5. Will email remain a dominant form of communication in the future? Why or why not?
6/16 Sunrena, NHK CD book 1-2 lesson 7 Text: NHK CD book 1-2 lesson 7
1) In what situations do you prefer using email over other digital communication methods?
２) With your current workload or routine, how many emails can you read and respond to effectively?
3) Do you care if emails or messages from your friends are composed professionally?
4) Were you ever a procrastinator? If so, what helped you break out of the bad habit of procrastinating?
6/9 Sunrena, 4-5 lesson 4 杉田敏の現代ビジネス英語 4-5 lesson 4
1) Has walking or running been more effective for your fitness goals?
2) Where does Alzheimer’s rank for you in regards to debilitating condition concerns during elderly life compared to other conditions? Top of the list? Middle? Bottom?
3) Is there an aspect of AI or advanced technology that you want to learn about now?
4) Do you do the things that you love often enough?
6/2 Sunrena, 2-3 lesson 4
1)How do you decide the amount of money to give to the family of a deceased friend or relative?
2) What themes would you decide on for a 70, 80 or 90 years old birthday party?
3) Talk about a particular period in history that is very interesting for you?
4) Is there a new kind of food, supplement or exercise that you would like to try for longevity?
5/26 Tamarena, 5 lesson 3 & 1 lesson 4 Text: 杉田敏の現代ビジネス英語
1) What are the best ways to stay up to date on the latest trends in your field?
2) Is there anything that you want to get 3D printed?
3) Does your morning routine change based on the season?
4) What aspects of a person's life do you think should be celebrated during a homegoing celebration?
5/19 Sunrena, 3-4 lesson 3 NHK Jobs Of The Future
1) Which of your recent forecasts have been accurate or inaccurate? Why do you think it was right or wrong?
2) How will manufacturing roles change or expand due to factory automation becoming more widespread?
3) What areas in Japan do you think can begin doing drone deliveries the soonest?
4) Please talk about the dangers of autonomous cars in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
5/12 Sunrena, 1-2 lesson 3 Jobs Of The Future
1) Will the pace of new jobs being created by AI be equivalent to or less than the pace of jobs lost due to AI advancements?
2) How difficult will it be for the typical worker to upgrade their skills to secure a new job role created by AI?
3) What are the advantages of having an AI teacherbot instead of a human?
4) Should robot mechanics be taught as a priority area over programming since AI can assist with programming with LLMs and co-pilots?
5/5 Tamarena, 4-5 lesson 2 "Product Returns"
1) Are there enough rental services in place to prevent customers from purchasing items and then returning them after using them temporarily?
2) If you were a clothing retailer, where would you place a "do not remove" tag on an item?
3) What kind of product could you see yourself purchasing more than one of out of concern that one of them will not fulfill your needs?
4) How do your online shopping patterns compare to the shopping you do in person?
4/27 Tamarena, 2-3 lesson 2 "Product Returns"
1) Are return shipping costs worth it for retailers that do not have a brick-and-mortar store?
2) Do online retailers do enough to adequately inform customers about the exact characteristics of their products?
3) How often do shoes that are supposed to be your size not fit?
4) Please describe a shopping style for products that best ensures a satisfactory purchasing experience.
5) Is there anything that you buy online now that you used to purchase in a physical store?
4/21 Sunrena, 5 lesson 1 & 1 lesson 2 Sober Curious Lifestyle + Product Returns
1) How will the trend of young people not consuming so much alcohol affect the related industries?
2) In what situations do you turn down drinking with others?
3) How do return policies impact impulse purchases?
4) Why do product returns have a bad reputation in some countries while in others they are not frowned upon at all?
4/14 Sunrena, 3-4 lesson 1 "Sober Curious Lifestyle"
1) Are you interested in abstaining from alcohol for any particular amount of time?
2) Why is drinking alcohol so enjoyable for people?
3) How many drinks do you think are too much for one night out?
4) Please talk about how you decide which alcoholic beverage you will consume each time you drink.
4/7 Sunrena, 1-2 lesson 1 "Sober Curious Lifestyle"
1) Where are some of the usual and unusual places that you like to meet your friends to socialize, eat, or drink?
2) What do you and your friends enjoy doing together that doesn't involve alcohol consumption?
3) If transportation home after drinking alcohol wasn't so troublesome or expensive, would you go out more?
4) Do too many people's behaviors change for the worse after consuming alcohol? If so, after how many drinks?
3/31 Tamarena, 4-5 lesson 16
1) How is treating people with kindness similar to or different from treating people with respect?
2) Describe the steps that could be taken to change the culture of an organization or group of people if its tenets are not aligned with harmony or longevity.
3) What is the formula for success based on your idea of what success is?
4) Were there any values that you can specifically say were passed down by your parents or grandparents? Are there any values that you would like to pass down? If so, please talk about them.
3/24 Sunrena, 2-3 lesson 16
1) What are some of the things that your parents encouraged you to do?
2) Describe the social settings that you feel most comfortable talking to strangers in.
3) How often do you cave in to the things you crave? Please tell us what some of these things are.
4) Please talk about the small acts of kindness that you have witnessed recently or have done yourself.
3/17 Tamarena, 5 lesson 15 & 1 lesson 16
1) How can a hostile work environment be defined since people have different perspectives of what is and isn't acceptable behavior?
2) Where should companies display their policies to customers?
3) Describe how you go about deciding the kind words to share with someone during a time of bereavement.
4) Who do you think of or what do you do when you need motivation?
3/10 Sunrena 3-4 lesson 15
1) Who are some of the people that you consider to be your heroes or heroines? Why do you hold them in such high esteem?
2) Please talk about a TV or YouTube commercial that you think was very effective at marketing a product or service to potentially new customers.
3) Should employees never get comfortable in any position and always seek to upskill and be prepared to change jobs or careers due to the possibility of being laid off?
4) How can people best guard their peace of mind from others who consistently take out their frustrations on them?
3/3 Tamarena, 1-2 lesson 15
1, What word is best to describe the customer’s role in the business environment?
2. How can customer complaints be settled in situations where video footage of the alleged incident is not available?
3. Do you think the economy will recover quickly from the current recession?
4. Are employees valued enough by employers?
2/25 Tamarena, 4-5 lesson 14
1. Why is having a roommate normal in some countries but rare in others?
2. Is spending time alone better for mental health since human relationships are often toxic?
3. How can people switch from coming together to engage in unconstructive activities to constructive ones?
4. Does one's upbringing as a child have the biggest impact on feelings regarding being alone as an adult?
2/18 Tamarena, 2-3 lesson 14
1. Did you meet most of your lifelong friends in K-12, college or at work?
2. How have online conferences and seminars changed the nature of networking?
3. Please talk about big problems in the world that you would like to see the global community come together to solve.
4. Do too many people depend on others to help them cultivate their maximum potential?
2/11 Sunrena, 5 lesson 13 & 1 lesson 14
1. Other than practicing mindfulness or taking supplements, how can memory and concentration be strengthened?
2. Please talk about a decision you made in the past that you wish you would have made differently.
3. With the rise of massive open online courses and other alternative study methods, how will demand for college degrees be affected in the future?
4. What is the best way to expose young people to the wide variety of work opportunities available domestically, abroad, and online?
2/4 Tamarena, 3-4 lesson 13
1. What A.I. development do you think will be the most harmful for people?
2. Did early scandals involving cryptocurrency in Japan scare most people from wanting to invest in the sector?
3. Is shredding documents enough to protect your personal identifying information from scammers?
4. If families contacted each other using video calls, would the voice cloning problem be adequately abated?
1/28 Sunrena, back to our original text 1-2 lesson 13
1. How important has budgeting been for you throughout your life?
2. If you experienced a large overcharge being withdrawn from your bank account, would it make you avoid direct withdrawal payments forever?
3. Being that theft via fraud does not involve violence, do you agree that it is not penalized the same as armed robbery, for example?
4. What are the pros and cons of using checks for payments versus a check-less system for payments like Japan has?
1/21 Sunrena, NHK CD book 4-5 lesson 6
1. Please talk about a philosophy or way of doing something that you think is antiquated.
2. What items or tasks do you forget the most?
3. Is there a service or product that you think the price has become too inflated for?
4. How can brain power for analyzing rapidly changing financial investments be maintained as people age?
5. Will high-level scientific and technological advances make globalism unnecessary in the future?
1/14 Sunrena, NHK CD book 2-3 lesson 6
1. What topics do you like to joke about and chat about casually with your coworkers?
2. Do you feel like you have to carry around too many devices these days?
3. How much money a year do you think is necessary to live a good life for the average family with sporadic splurges?
4. Please talk about something that you used to cherish due to it being rare, but now it is easily accessible and is "a dime a dozen."
2024/1/7 Sunrena, NHK CD book 5 lesson 5 & 1 lesson 6
1. Please describe a cost-efficient way companies can provide onsite child care for their workers.
2. In your opinion, what are the highest expenses related to raising a child?
Part 1 Back In The Day
3. During what period of your life did you have the most fun?
4. What things do you think cause people to be so stressed out and uptight?
12/31 No class
12/24 Sunrena, NHK CD book 3-4 lesson 5
1. What kinds of activities or groups are best for children who aren't raised in a traditional family?
2. Have you ever lived alone at any point in your life?
3. How should people go about deciding who their roommate will be?
4. Please talk about any interesting things about your nuclear or extended family.
12/17 Sunrena, NHK CD book 1-2 lesson 5
1. What cultural etiquette rules do you not mind people breaking?
2. Please talk about some winter holiday-related words or customs that surprised you when you learned about them.
3. Do you prefer to entertain guests formally or casually?
4. Based on the behaviors that you have observed in millennials, do you think they value experiences more than accumulating material possessions?
12/10 Tamarena, 4-5 lesson 12
Topics of December 10, 2023
1. Where in your workplace, home, or neighborhood do you feel most comfortable with surveillance cameras being placed?
2. Which form of job-related harassment is the most difficult to prevent?
3. What societal issue would you like to see your local politicians address?
4. Do people around you usually give frank input during conversations?
12/3 Tamarena, 2-3 lesson 12
1. How should decisions be made about whether to have a pre-announced or surprise threat preparedness drill?
2. What areas of your life would you like to improve upon?
3. Describe the level of awareness of dangerous situations that you feel is necessary for your daily life.
4. Have you changed your strategy regarding something recently? If so, please talk about it.
11/26 Tamarena, 5 lesson 11 & 1 lesson 12
Topics of November 26, 2026
1. What approach would you take to develop animal translation technology?
2. Please talk about the kind of body language or gestures that you use or have seen people use to communicate with an animal.
3. Which human or natural threats should schools and workplaces in Japan prepare for the most?
4. Do you have enough items at work to help you feel warm and comfortable during the winter months?
11/19 Sunrena, 3-4 lesson 11
Topics of November 19, 2023
1. What are the pros and cons of buying a pet compared to adopting one?
2. Which areas of modern technology do you think will be most helpful to the lives of humans and animals?
3. Can you think of any surprising things that humans would learn from animals if we could communicate with them effectively?
4. How should budgets for projects regarding animal translation be decided upon?
11/12 Sunrena, 1-2 lesson 11
Topics of November 12, 2023
1. How much do you pay attention to body language compared to verbal language when communicating?
2. Please talk about any unique ways that you communicate with your pet or other animals?
3. What percentage of your total vocabulary do you use in the typical conversation you have with people?
4. Have you tried any new kind of tech-driven service recently that worked as advertised? If so, please talk about it?
11/5 Sunrena, 4-5 lesson 10
1. How much do you pay attention to body language compared to verbal language when communicating?
2. Please talk about any unique ways that you communicate with your pet or other animals.
3. What percentage of your total vocabulary do you use in the typical conversation you have with people?
4. Have you tried any new kind of tech-driven service recently that worked as advertised? If so, please talk about it.
10/29 Sunrena, 2-3 lesson 10
Topics of October 29, 2023
1. Are enough back up plans in place for remote workers to continue working if technical difficulties like cyberattacks occur?
2. Please describe the ideal remote workday that includes an adequate amount of exercise and interaction with others.
3. What are the characteristics of good management and bad management?
10/22 Tamarena, 5 lesson 9 & 1 lesson 10
Topics of October 22, 2023
1. How have the types of books that you are interested in changed overtime?
2. Do you think the bookshelf rental business model is sustainable? Any ideas to make it better?
3. In your opinion what kind of job is best suited for remote work?
4. Are remote and hybrid workers being unreasonable by saying they would quite if asked to work onsite full time?
10/15 Sunrina, 3-4 lesson 9
Topics of October 15, 2023
1. What kinds of comments or marks do you make in books?
2. Please talk about something that people say will happen in the future that you think will not happen.
3. Is there a topic that you could write a book about? If so, what is it?
4. Have you ever read two books about the same thing, but they contained conflicting details?
10/8 No class for Kakegawa Festival
10/1 Tamarena, 1-2 lesson 9
Topics of October 1, 202
1. Are you always happy when you appear to be in good mood?
2. How do you go about deciding whether to buy a digital or physical copy of a book?
3. Do you feel the same emotions when visiting a book store that you do when shopping for books online?
9/24 Tamarena 4-5 lesson 8
Topics of September 24, 2024
1. How many times do you usually reuse plastic bags?
2. In what disaster situations would you stay in your house for survival or go to an emergency shelter for survival?
3. Please talk about items that you reuse on a regular basis.
4. What 3D-printed furniture item from recycled waste would you like to have the most?
9/17 Tamarena 2-3 lesson 8
Topics of September 17, 2023
1. Would you comply with a mandatory composting measure without fuss?
2. How does the food markdown strategy of food retailers in Japan affect consumer behavior?
3. Please talk about your frustrations with being confused by food labels.
9/10 Tamarena 5 lesson 7 & 1 lesson 8
Topics of September 10, 2023
1. Is reading a company's earnings report or annual report a part of your due diligence for investments?
2. What topics would you like to be included in a newly designed media product?
3. What kind of waste would you like to cut back on?
4. Which groceries that you regularly buy are increasing the most in price these days?
9/3 Tamarena 3-4 lesson 7
Topics of September 3, 2023
1. Please talk about the civic engagement activities that you most participate in.
2. Since newspaper job classifieds have bee drastically reduced, what are the best ways to search for a job?
3. How do the average person's reading habits change during different phases of their life?
4. Is you r circle of influence large enough to expose you to a variety of opinions and perspectives?
8/27 Tamarena 1-2 lesson7
Topicsof August 27, 2023
1. If newspapers become totally obsolete, how would it affect the economy?
2. What aspects of the local news are most important to you?
3. Are you more likely to follow up on an online advertisement on digital media than one on print media since A.I. tailors ads to match your interests on digital media?
8/20 Tamarena 4-5 lesson 6
Topics of August 20, 2023
1. What skill would you like to relearn that you used to be proficient in?
2. In what situations do you think taking a "sad day" off from work would be appropriate?
3. Please describe what empathetic leadership means to you.
4. Is the average person serious enough about securing their devices and networks?
5. Do the advantages of smart home systems outweigh the disadvantages?
8/13 No class for obon holiday
8/6 Tamarena 2-3 lesson6
Topics of August 6, 2023
1. With technology advancing so rapidly recently, how should someone decide which "in-demand" skills to learn.
2. Which problems regarding remote working can be solved the most easily?
3. Please talk about your work tasks that you think could be automated.
7/30 Tamarena, 5 lesson 5 & 1 lesson6
Topics of July 30, 2023
1. Has this summer's extreme heat made you change any plans or your daily routine?
2. How reliable do you think the data regarding human activity's effect on the environment is?
3. Why are some people more willing to commit time and effort to re-skilling while others are not?
4. What percentage of total work hours would your current or past employer feel comfortable with you spending on re-skilling?
7/23 BBQ at Suzuki san house (no lesson)
7/16 Sunrena, 3-4 lesson 5
Topics of July 16, 2023
1. How secure do you think the food sources are that you depend on?
2. Please describe the steps that should be taken in a global effort to halt and reverse the detraction of the environment.
3. Are you prepared to live through a catastrophe? Which ones?
4. Do enough people understand, respect and appreciate the role that insects play in our biosphere?
7/9 BBQ at Suzuki-san house was postponed due to rain.
7/2 Tamarena, 1-2 lesson 5 杉田敏の現代ビジネス英語 夏号
Topics ofJuly 2, 2023
1. How much do one's lifestyle choices affect their local ecosystem?
2. Does your house or neighborhood have a natural habitat that is good for birds?
3. Could organic farming solve a considerable amount of the problems regarding habitat loss caused by conventional agricultural practices?
6/25 Sunrena, 4-5 lesson 4
Topics of June 25, 2023
1. Were you supposed to see how popular Karaoke become worldwide?
2. Where does umami rank among your favorite flavors?
3. What are the good and bad points of being a "head honcho" in the workplace?
4. Please talk about words that people often use that you think people shouldn't say.
6/18 Tamarena, 2-3 lesson 4
Topics of June 18, 2023
1. Which manga or anime do you think has the most distinctive style and design?
2. Please talk about an exhibition or conference that you would like to attend this year.
3. How would you compare reading manga to playing video games in regards to the acceptable ages to enjoy them?
6/11 Sunrena, 5 lesson 3 & 1 lesson 4
Topics of June 11, 2023
1. What things about the pandemic made you have stress?
2. Is there an English word that you think has become a part of the Japanese language because it is used so often?
3. Will being multilingual in computer languages become more popular or important than being multilingual in spoken languages soon?
6/4 Sunrena, 3-4 lesson 3
Topics of June 4, 2023
1. What work-related concerns does the typical present-day employee have?
2. Which industries that are experiencing a shortage of workers have jobs that are most difficult to replace with A.I. or robotics?
3. Please describe the qualities of a worker that companies want to keep.
5/28 Sunrena, 1-2 lesson 3
Topics of May 28, 2023
1. What are the best ways to keep workers motivated?
2. Is a toxic workplace or stagnant wages more of a reason someone would want to quit?
3. Will quiet quitting lead to technology like AI and robotics replacing workers sooner?
5/21 Sunrena, 4-5 lesson 2
Topics of May 21, 2023
1. What manners do you most often see people overlooking?
2. Is Japan's earthquake early warning system effective enough?
3. Are there any western superstitions that seem strange to you for some reason?
5/14 Sunrena, 2-3 lesson 2
Topics of May 14, 2023
1. What kind of evidence do you need to decide whether something is true or not?
2. Do you have any beliefs that are based on non-scientific superstitions? If so, please tell us about them.
3. Are there any situations that using the number four does not concern you in any way?
Topics of May 7, 2023
1. How has the recent pandemic affected young people’s mindset towards working in the healthcare industry in the future?
2. Give some examples of what it means to be an active participant in your healthcare.
3. Based on your experience, what determines compatibility among people the most?
5/7 Tamarena, 5 lesson 1 & 1 lesson 2
4/30 No class for Golden Week
4/23 Sunrena, 3-4 lesson 1
Topics of April 23, 2023
1. Do you worry about your blood type being available?
2. What kind of technology would be necessary to manufacture a suitable blood replacement?
3. Are there enough incentives to make someone want to give blood?
4/16 Class (18:30-20:15) + General mtg (20:15-20:30), Tamarena, 現代ビジネス英語 春号 1-2 lesson 1
Topics of April 10, 2023
1. Do people that you know really behave the way their blood type says they do?
2. Please talk about a course you would like to take to familiarize yourself with a particular topic.
3. Why is awareness regarding blood types so different from country to country?
4. How will feelings about blood donations change as more and more public health issues arise?
4/9 Tamarena, NHK CD book 4-5 lesson 4
Topics of April 9, 2023
1. Are there costs related to your lifestyle or living area that you think are too high?
2. How can food growers maximize their yields when space is limited?
3. Do you pay more attention to the aesthetics or the food production level of your garden?
4. Who or what has served as a source of inspiration for you recently?
4/2 Tamarena, NHK CD book 2-3 lesson 4
Topics of April 2, 2023
1. With which foods can you taste the difference in freshness the most?
2. What would it take to establish a decentralized food production and distribution system in Japan?
3. Is "eat, drink and be merry" a good philosophy to live by in your opinion?
3/26 Tamarena, NHK CD book 5 lesson 3 & 1 lesson 4
Topics of March 26, 2023
1. What policy or law would you like to see be enforced more strictly?
2. Where would you like to go for vacation this summer?
3. Please talk about travel destinations that have tour packages with good value for the money?
3/19 Sunrena, NHK CD book 3-4 lesson 3
Topics of March 19, 2023
1. What product that you regularly use would you like to operate more quietly?
2. Is there a product with an unusual balance between appearance, performance, functionality and sound that you would like to purchase?
3. Please talk about the level of noise in your home, office or workplace that is tolerable for you.
3/12 Sunrena, NHK CD book 1-2 lesson 3 (New York Series, Best Selection, 実践ビジネス英語 杉田敏著)
Topics of March 12, 2023
1. What noise bothers you the most?
2. Do hybrid cars make enough noise for pedestrians to know they are approaching?
3. How do you feel when people are boisterous on the train?
4. Is it usually quiet in your neighborhood all day?
3/5 Tamarena, 4-5 lesson 16
Topics of March 5, 2023
1. what healthy home-cooked meals do you like to eat this time of year?
2. Which un-ecological daily activities can people change the easiest?
3. How often do you take a close look at yourself to re-examine your life?
4. Please comment on what you think humans all around the world should do to make the planet better.
2/26 Tamarena, 2-3 lesson 16
Topics of February 26, 2023
1. What Japanese dishes do you think would taste good with a plant based meat alternative?
2. Would your life be or have been better if you worked at home and didn't have to commute?
3. Which ailments do you think could be diagnosed the easiest with telemedicine?
2/19 Sunrena 5 Lesson 14 & 1 Lesson 15
Topics of February 19, 2023
1. How should people judge whether or not others in their lives can be counted on?
2. Has staying in touch with family and friends been challenging for you even with modern day technology?
3. Was it easy or difficult for you to learn how to use remote communication systems and apps?
4. Would you be open to joining a clinical trial for a new mRNA product?
2/12 Sunrena, 3-4 lesson 15
Topics of February 12, 2023
1. Has stress from work ever affected your lifestyle habits?
2. Do you have a good handle over what you want to do with your time?
3. What everyday life situations that usually invoke negative responses should people handle with more emotional intelligence?
4. Please talk about some of the meaningful roles that seniors can play in society?
2/5 Sunrena, 1-2 lesson 15
Topics of February 5, 2023
1. Is your current exercise regimen effective enough for you to maintain a reasonable level of fitness?
2. Please talk about the devices you use to monitor your health?
3. What can people do to speed up their metabolism?
4. Is brain/mental health focused on enough when considering ways to extend one's health span?
1/29 Sunrena, 4-5 lesson 14
Topics of January 29, 2023
1. Why do people let small differences of opinions affect their relationships so much?
2. How should you respond when a friend doesn't reciprocate often enough?
3. When you share news articles or funny videos with others do they usually reply to them?
4. Do you always talk about the same topics with your friends or is there variety in your conversations?
1/22 Sunrena , 2-3 lesson 14
Topics of January 22, 2023
1. When you anticipate what someone will say next in a conversation do you usually guess well?
2. How often do you speak to people you don't know.
3. Has it been challenging for you to make new friends as you get older?
4. Do you have a close relationship with your neighbors?
1/15 Sunrena, 5 lesson 13 & 1 lesson 14
Topics of January 15, 2023
1. How will the increased use of holograms and the metaverse in the future change the way people view reality?
2. What animal would you adopt at the zoo if the opportunity presented itself?
3. Will being bilingual not matter as much in the future due to advanced language processing and translation technology?
4. Please describe the steps a person should take to develop their social skills and mindset to communicate more with strangers?
2023/1/8 Sunrena, 3-4 lesson 13
Topics of January 8, 2023
1. Based on you conscience what are the ways that animals should be used?
2. Please comment on the traditional Japanese diet compared to the modern day diet that people have in Japan?
3. Why do people have such a different perspective about their pets than they do about the animals they eat?
4. Are there enough protein sources other than meat readily available presently to provide enough nourishment for humans?
2023/1/1 No class
2022/12/25 Tamarena, 1-2 lesson 13 of 現代ビジネス英語 冬号
Topics of December 25, 2022
1）Should there be a limit on how long animals can be kept in a zoo?
2) What are some of your favorite animal parks or aquariums in Japan?
3) Please talk about new products released this year that you like and tell you like them.
12/18 Sunrena, 4-5 lesson 12
Topics of December 18, 2022
1. How can the ice be broken without joking?
2. What kind of jokes play best with people in your generation?
3. Do you sometimes laugh at people’s jokes just to make them feel good? If so, why?
12/11 Tamarena, 2-3 lesson 12
Topics of December 11, 2022
1. Is joke making considered time-wasting or distracting at your workplace?
2. How do your feel when people use derogatory terms in your presence?
3. If you were going to use self deprecating humor what would you joke about?
4. What subjects do you avoid making jokes about?
12/4 Tamarena, 5 lesson 11 & 1 lesson 12
Topics of December 4, 2022
1. What are the best present day strategies to attract and retain talent?
2. Are your jokes usually understood by people outside of your generation?
3. In what situations or settings do people feel the most reluctant to make a joke?
11/27 Tamarena, 3-4 lesson 11
Topics of November 27, 2022
1. Do the positives of having a four day workweek outweigh the negatives?
2. Which day would you like to take off if you were only working four days a week?
3. What are some things that you have seen prevent people from thriving at their job?
4. How much rest do you need to boost your productivity and creativity?
11/20 Sunrena, 1-2 lesson 11
Topics of November 20, 2022
1. Is the four-day work realistic style for your present or past work place?
2. How has your thinking about life and work changed since the pandemic has begun?
3. Would you like to change your lifestyle? If so how?
11/13 Tamarena, 4-5 lesson 10
Topics of November 13, 2022
1. How can people living alone use advanced technology to make their lives more convenient?
2. What kind of dining establishments do you feel most comfortable with eating at home?
3. Which appliances would you like to buy in a smaller size than normal?
4. Are most of the products that you buy for your family sold in quantities that are compatible for your lifestyle?
11/6 Tamarena, 2-3 lesson 10
Topics of November 6, 2022
1. How likely do you think it is that people at your job would sign a love contract?
2. What thing about being in a romantic relationship seem the most burdensome?
3. How is being single viewed in Japan for people in their twenties, thirties and forties?
10/30 Sunrena, 5 lesson 9 & 1 lesson 10
Topics of October 30, 2022
1. How can a person’s mental condition be effectively assessed?
2. Please talk about the kinds of job demands that you think are unreasonable?
3. What are the most common situations that cause one to want to rethink their career?
4. Is workplace romance on the rise because people feel it is safer than dating someone whose lifestyle they are not sure is safe or not?
10/23 Sunrena, 3-4 lesson 9
Topics of October 23, 2023
1. How would you spend your time if you had a mini sabbatical?
2. Would taking a “mental health” day be frowned upon where you work at?
3. If taking a “sad day” become acceptable, is the system likely to be abused?
4. Please talk about some of the deep problems that people have in modern day Japanese society?
10/16 Sunrena, 1-2 lesson 9
Topics of October 16, 2022
1. What are some of the best ways to deal with PTSD?
2. How should major business and life decisions be made with so much uncertainty in the world presently?
3. Why are stressful situations internalized in such varying ways?
10/9 No class
10/2 Sunrena, NHK CD Book lesson 2 4-5
Topics of October2, 2022
1) Is there a company that you think has an outmoded business model? If so , tell us about it.
2) With housing options expanding rapidly are the benefits of purchasing a traditional home still as advantageous?
3) In what situations are you most comfortable to interact with strangers?
9/25 Tamarena, NHK CD Book lesson 2 2-3
Topics of September 25, 2022
1. What percentage salary increase could the average company in Japan realistically give its employees?
2. Please talk about a new app or website that you use often these days.
3. How have your television watching patterns changed since the start of the YouTube era?
9/18 Sunrena, NHK CD Book lesson 1 5 & lesson 2 1
Topics of September 18, 2022
1. What businesses or other places give your area its charm?
2. Are you willing to rent or share anything instead of buying it?
3. Have perspectives towards home ownership changed in Japan over the past couple of decades? If so, how?
9/11 Tamarena, NHK CD Book lesson 1 3-4
Topics of September 11, 2022
1. Is it better for people with the same socio-economic status to live around each other only?
2. How do you see gentrification?
3. Are any areas in Shizuoka Prefecture experiencing divestment? If so, where?
4. Please talk about things you are not fond of regarding foreigners visiting or living in Japan.
9/4 (Sun) Tamarena NHK CD Book1-2 lesson 1
Topics of September 4, 2022
1. If you had to move to another part of the city you live in now how would you decide the area?
2. For people who don’t have to worry about gentrification what other issues regarding real estate concern them?
3. With investments becoming more complex is it worth the effort for seniors to seek income through speculation?
8/28 Sunrena, 4-5 lesson 8
Topics of August 28, 2022
1. Why are so many remote workers reluctant to return to working at their offices?
2. Would you be willing to receive a 3D printed body part as a transplant?
3. What percentage of cost savings from automated car production do you think will trickle down to consumers?
8/21 Sunrena, 2-3 lesson 8
Topics of August 21, 2022
1. Would you like to be tutored in any particular type of technology? If so, what?
2. What does the typical elderly person need help with at their home?
3. Does technology make you feel more or less connected to others?
8/14 No class for Obon Holiday
8/7 Sunrena, 5 lesson 7 & 1 lesson 8
Topics of August 7, 2022
1. What are your favorite washoku dishes?
2. Why are foods like sushi and ramen so popular overseas while many other delicious Japanese foods are looked over?
3. Will fintech transition the world into a cashless society?
4. How do you determine whether or not an e-commerce site is safe to shop-on?
7/31 Sunrena James 3-4 lesson 7
Topics of July 31, 2022
1. What are some of your “go to”healthy meals and drinks?
2. Please talk about the careers that you have seen people enjoying late in their lives.
3. Will robotics and other advanced technologies be enough to support the elderly in the future?
7/24 Sunrena James 1-2 lesson 7
Topics of July 24, 2022
1. What bedtime story or fairy tale is most memorable from your childhood?
2. Please talk about an interesting new trend that you heard about or noticed recently.
3. Is following a regular routine important for you?
4. Where are some good places to get excercise and fresh air in this part of Japan?
7/17 Tamarena James 4-5 lesson 6
Topics of July 17, 2022
1. With bikes becoming more and more sophisticated how confident do you feel about repairing one yourself? Very? Somewhat? Not very?
2. Would a bike kitchen be useful in your neighborhood?
3. What factors would you consider the most when deciding whether or not to buy a new bike?
4. How much money do you think the average person is willing to pay to become a member of a bike kitchen in Japan?
7/10 Tamarena James 2-3 Lesson6
Topics of July 10, 2022
1. Do you think bikers and other people enjoying outdoor activities should wear masks while doing so?
2. Does the cost of going somewhere by train ever make you want to choose a different method of travel?
3. Where in Japan would be a good place to visit using a group travel style with bikes and one car?
7/3 Tamarena James 5 lesson 5 & 1 lesson 6
Topics of July 3, 2022
1. What are the pros and cons to attending college in one’s home country versus attending abroad?
2. Please talk about how director indirect exposure to diversity has impacted your professional life.
3. How connected do you feel to people in other countries around the world?
4. In what ways is biking safer or more dangerous than driving?
5. Do you like to mix up the modes of transportation that you use?
6/26 Sunrena James 3-4 lesson 5
Topics of June 26, 2022
1. Which industries affected by Covid-19 are the most difficult to develop new operating models for?
2. For jobs that can’t be done remotely what work structure changes can you envision?
3. What are the most important financial and lifestyle steps people should take to prepare for retirement?
4. Should colleges lower tuition prices if lectures are not taught live or in person?
6/19 Tamarena James 1-2 lesson 5 (New text release on 6/14)
Topics of June 19, 2022
1. What is the best work style for present day societal conditions?
2. Please talk about constructive ways to express frustration regarding stressful home or work situations.
3. Do you have an intuitive or a scientific approach when making predictions?
6/12 Sunrena James 4-5 lesson 4
Topics of June 12, 2022
1. Are you a collector? If so, please talk about what you collect.
2. How do you feel when a bug that you have never seen before lands on you body?
3. Is there any new type of construction material or method that you would like to see be used more in Japan?
June 5：Lesson 4 (2) -(3) with James at Sunrena
Topics of June 5, 2022
1. Are there any bugs that you wouldn’t mind eating?
2. With geopolitical tensions being so high recently how worried should people be about their survival? Very? Somewhat? Not at all?
3. Please talk about the challenges of growing food organically in Japan?
4. Do you ever see organic produce being sold in supermarkets you shop at? (Produce=fruits & vegetables)
May 29: Lesson 3 (5) & Lesson 4 (1) with James at Sunrena
Topics of May 29, 2022
1. How can old drivers maximize their health condition so that they will be better equipped physically to drive?
2. Is there any particular phenomenon that you would like to see close up? If so, what?
3. Please talk about the bugs that are interesting to you or useful for your life like when gardening for example.
May 22: Lesson 3 (3)-(4) with James at Sunrena
Topics of May 22, 2022
1. What is the best way to teach road safety?
2. Would you like o see bicycle super highway be built in this area?
3. How do you feel about the possibility of technology taking choices away from your driving decisions?
May 15: Lesson 3 (1)-(2) with James at Sinrena
Topics of May 22, 2022
1. What is the best way to teach road safety?
2. Would you like to see a bicycle super highway be built in this area?
3. How do you feel about the possibility of taking choices away from your driving decisions?
May 8: Lesson 2 (4)-(5) with James at Tamarena
Topica of May 8, 2022
1. Do high tech scammers make you want to use smartphones and computers less?
2. Are phone based or internet based scams more concerning you you?
3. Will paranoia about being scammed by someone become a major mental health problem in the future?
4. At what age should personal finance classes begin to be taught?
May 1 : No class for Golden week holiday
April 24:Lesson 2 (2)-(3) with James at Sunrena 🌞
Topics of April 24, 2022
1. How do you judge whether or not someone is telling you the truth?
2. What percentage of money donated to charities do you think actually goes to people in need?
3. Are you ok with people sending you emails that have article links or unusual attachments?
April 17: Lesson 1 (5) & Lesson 2 (1j with James at Tamarena 🐳
Topics of April 17, 2022
1. What are the best ways to signal to someone you are ready to end a conversation?
2. Does your demeanor make others feel that you are friendly and aporoachable?
3. How can people stay up to date about the latest scams so that they can avoid being duped by them?
April 10: Lesson 1 (3) - (4) with James at Sunrena 🌞
Topics of April 10, 2022
1. What personal information are you OK to share with a stranger?
2. How should you decide a good topic to discuss with a person you are meeting for the first time?
3. In what situations or places do you feel most comfortable with opening up to people you don’t know so well?
April 3: Lesson 1 (1) - (2) with James at Sunrena 🌞
Topics of April 3, 2022
1. Do you have a fear that you have never been able to overcome?
2. How often do you speak to or acknowledge people who are total strangers?
3. Are you interested in taking a new course? If so, what do you want to learn about?
March 27 : Lesson 16 (4) & (5) with James at Sunrena 🌞
Topics of March 27, 2022
1. Please talk about something meaningful that you would like to experience while you are still healthy.
2. What trend would you like to see end?
3. How should people change their lifestyle if they want to retire early?
March 20：Lesson 16 (2)& (3) with James at Tamarena🐳
Topics of March 20, 2022
1. Please talk about a major or minor life change that you would like to make.
2. How has the lifetime employment work style affected Japanese companies’ profitability, agility and corporate culture?
3. In what ways do you think new technology like the Metaverse for example will change the way we work?
March 13: Lesson 15 (5) & Lesson 16 (1) with James at Tamarena 🐳
Topics of March 13, 2022
1. Who does tipping work in favor for the most?
2. What are some things that you would like to do in life that you would regret not doing?
3. Are the most enjoyable thing in life tree?
March 6: Lesson 15 (3) & (4) with James at Sunrena 🌞
Topics of March 6, 2022
1. What business styles and practices make you want to be a repeat customer?
2. Do you think tipping would change the quality of service if introduced in Japan?
3. Will increasing expectations for tips cause people to change their spending patterns?
4. How long do you think the no-tipping policy in Japan will remain in place?
February 27: Lesson 15 (1) & (2) with James at Sunrena🌞
Tpics of February 27, 2022
1. What is your price limit for a purchase that you feel comfortable paying a 50% tip for?
2. Has tipping become the norm at too many kinds of businesses?
3. In what situations do you feel comfortable paying in full for a product or service in advance?
February 20: Lesson 14 (4) & (5) with James at Tamarena🐳
Topics of February 20, 2022
1. How does owning a dog differ from having another kind of pet?
2. Is it better to keep a dog inside the house or outside?
3. What is the best type of diet for a dog?
4. Why do some people treat their pets like family members while others don’t?
February 13: Lesson 14 (2) & (3) with James at Tamarena🐳
Topics of February 13, 2022
1. How long do you feel comfortable outside in direct sunlight?
2. Would you like to train a dog to do something? If so, what?
3. What are the pros and cons of having a robotic pet versus a real one?
4. Are you willing to adopt a pet from an animal shelter?
February 6: Lesson 13 (5) & Lesson 14 (1) with James at Tamarena🐳
Topics of February 6, 2022
1. Are workplace friends essential for your mental health?
2. Please give examples of how the health and well-being of working people can be prioritized.
3. What roles do pets play in people’s lives?
4. Which professional skills do you think you could or could not learn at this current point in your life?
January 30: Lesson 13 (3) & (4j with James at Sunrena🌞
Topics of January 30, 2022
1. What kind of compromises are you willing to make to work more safely and comfortably?
2. Have most of your work relationships develop organically?
3. Why do some people have high carrier ambitions while others don’t?
4. Please talk about the good and bad aspects of someone’s closest friends being coworker?
January 23: New test book Lesson 13 (1) & (2) with James at Sunrena🌞
Topics of January 23, 2022
1. What can be done to make public transportation more germ free?
2. How does workplace morale and efficiency in Japan differ from countries where workers spent longer periods of time apart?
3. Have most of the people that you interact with been balancing their mental and physical health well during the pandemic?
January 16: CNN News Listening news 17-20 with James at Sunrena🌞
Topics of January 16, 2022
1. In your opinion what. should be the main purpose of space exploration?
2. What would it take to develop a reusable face mask out of a material that always looks new and blocks germs well?
3. Are present day dating services effective and safe?
January 9: CNN News Listening news 13 - 16 with James at Sunrena🌞
Topics of January 9, 2022
1. How do you think Shohei Otani will be remembered after his baseball carrier is over?
2. Will streaming new movie releases continue to gain stream even if the pandemic slows down soon?
3. Why do some content creators repeatedly produce culturally insensitive materials?
January 2, 2022 : No class for new year
December 26: CNN News Listening news 9-12 with James at Tamarena🐳
Topics of December 26, 2021
1. Other than birds what kind of wildlife would you like to see become popular in Kakegawa city?
2. What rare beverage have you drank or would like to drink someday?
3. Is there a historical event in Japan that you would like to see become a holiday?
4. Who would you like to see perform live?
December 19: CNN News Listening news 5-8 with James at Tamarena🐳
Topics of December 19, 2021
1. What are some reasonably priced and useful presents that you recommend this holiday season?
2. Is enough being done to prevent people from dying alone (kodokushi) without being noticed?
3. How long do you think one person should be allowed to rule a country?
December 12: CNN News Listening news 1-4 with James at Tamarena🐳
Topics of December 12, 2021
1. Does the global economy need to grow every year to remain viable?
2. Are you in favor of countries focusing on local or regional economies more than the global one?
3. Are there any industries where military rule is better than civilian rule?
4. Which world record would you be most interested in trying to break?
December 5 : No class
November 28 : Lesson 12 (4) & (5) with James at Sunrena 🌞
Topics of November 28, 2021
1. What kind of support do seniors need that is hard to get?
2. Please talk about industries that you think will have big shifts to automation that haven’t embraced technology in significant ways thus far.
3. Would you like the assistance of A.I. to help you predict anything?
4. Do you depend on A.I. driven weather forecasts in your daily life?
November 21 : Lesson 12 (2) & (3) with James
Topics of November 21, 2021
1. Are you looking forward to working side by side with a digital employee?
2. Can you think of any complex decisions that humans should always make?
3. Please describe what you think life will be like a decade from now due to the effects of A.I. on society.
November 14 : Lesson 11 The importance of Self-care (5) & Lesson 12 (1) with James
Topics of November 14, 2021
1. How would you compare modern parenting to parenting in your generation?
2. What topics are good and bad to make jokes about?
3. Is it too late for someone to master the main aspects of A.I. if they don’t know much about it right now?
4. Do you think you will ever benefit from A.I.?
November 7 : Lesson 11 The importance of Self-Care (3) & (4) with James
Topics of November 7, 2021
1. What type of yoga is most appealing to you?
2. Please talk about a new routine that you would like to start.
3. Are there any people or places that you avoid for hygienic reasons?
4. Is it always a good idea to weigh yourself everyday?
October 31: Lesson 11 The importance of Self-Care (1) & (2) with James
Topics of October 31, 2021
1. During which stage of your life did you gain the most weight?
2. Haw do you feel about discriminatory hiring practices based on appearance?
3. What are some ways that you keep your energy level up and your stress down?
October 24: Lesson 10 New Era of Shopping (4) & (5) with James
Topics of October 24, 2021
1. What month of the year do you shop the most?
2. Please talk about the stores that you would not like to see go out of business.
3. Have you ever prepared a meal at home that tasted as good as or better than it does in a restaurant?
4. Are big corporations gaining too much power over society as smaller firms go bankrupt due to the pandemic etc.?
October 17 : Lesson 10 New Era of Shopping (2) & (3) with James
Topics of October 17, 2021
1. If you were he owner of a restaurant right now how would you position it to be successful?
2. What items should shoppers pick up curbside instead of having delivered?
3. Do you plan to change your shopping habits after the pandemic is over?
October 10 : No Class
October 3 : Lesson 9 The Art of Small Talk (5) & Lesson 10 New Era of Shopping (1) with James
Topics of October 3, 2021
1) Please give of cues you have noticed people giving during conversations and w hat you think they mean.
2) Do you have any distinctive clothing items or possessions that others often like to talk about?
3) Will online grocery shopping ever become mainstream in Japan?
4) How often do you purchase items that you have a strong urge to buy?
September 26 : Lesson 9 The Art of Small Talk (3) and (4) with James
Topics of September 26, 2021
1. How long does it really take for you to get to know a person?
2. To what extent has reading increased you conversational capabilities?
3. Have you been more proactive about staying healty since the pandemic has began?
4. Is telling someone that you are an office worker a good answer when being asked about your job?
September 19 : Lesson 9 The Art of Small Talk (1) and (2) with James
Topics of September 19, 2021
1. How can people develop wit?
2. Hve you limited the amount of small talk you do because of the pandemic?
3. What is the best way to judge when small talk has gone on far too long when in a business setting?
4. Should small talk be used to judge trustworthiness?
September 12 : Lesson 8 Beyond Regular Eateries (4) and (5) with James
Topics of September 12, 2021
1. How do you prefer to pay when using an automated ordering system?
2. Please talk about the sanitation and safety measures that you require a dining establishment to have before eating there?
3. If masks were worn and everyone ate one by one would that make you feel comfortable enough to eat with people other than family members?
4. What food do you think are perfect pandemic options?
September 5: Lesson 8 Beyond Regular Eateries (2) and (3) with James
Topics of September 5, 2021
1. Please talk about some of the best and worst business models that you have seen during your career.
2. What kind of cuisine would you like to see being sold at a ghost restaurant?
3. Please describe your ideal dining experience.
4. How important is scenery to you when dining outdoors?
August 29 : Lesson 7 The office of the Future (5) and Lesson 8 beyond Regular Eateries(1j with James
Topics of August 29, 2021
1. If you had to negotiate for a new office lease now how many years would you prefer?
2. How can cities best utilize unused office space?
3. Please talk about an expert that you have sought assistance from for a business endeavor.
4. Have your takeout, delivery or meal kit options during the pandemic been satisfying?
August 22 : Lesson 7 The office of the Future (3) -(4) with James
Topics of August 22, 2021
1. Would you like to see your office or home be redesigned?
2. If “hot desking” was official policy at your job do you or your coworkers would still mainly sit at the same workspace everyday?
3. What do you like or dislike about having your own desk at work?
4. Is face to face interaction necessary for your job?
5. Please tell us about the kind of technology that could help you work from home more efficiently?
August 15 : No class for Obon holiday
August 8 : Lesson 7 The office of the Future (1) -(2) with James
Topics of August 8, 2021
1. What percentage of your companies’ workforce needs to come to the office for things to run smoothly?
2. Have you noticed any difference in treatment for people who work remotely?
3. Do managers have valid reasons for wanting to return to working in the office?
4. Why do some people have a hard time being creative or productive when working at a traditional workplace?
August 1 : Lesson 6 Culture of “Love and Profit” (4) - (5) with James
Topics of August 1, 2021
1. In the future will A.I., robotics or machine learning have the biggest impact on the industry you work(ed) in?
2. What kind of new product for a home office or exercising would you like to see be developed?
3. Does your companies’s business activities correspond with ita mission statement?
4. Which specific aspects of corporate culture have you seen help a company become successful?
July 25 : Lesson 6 Cultur of “Love and Profit” (2) - (3) with James
Topics of July 25, 2021
1. Please give some examples of corporate kindness that are effective at increasing customer loyalty and sales.
2. How has social media marketing changed marketing costs and marketing strategy?
3. What kind of volunteer work would you like to see being done in your community?
4. In what have expectations for employees changed for the better or worse since the pandemic began?
5. Please describe the kind of feedback from managers that you think motivate workers the most?
July 18 : Lesson 5 Lessons from the Pandemic(5) & Lesson 6 Culture of “Love and Profit” (1) with James
Topics of July 18, 2021
1. In the future will A.I., Robotics or machine learning have the biggest impact on the industry you work(ed) in?
2. What kind of new product for a home office or exercising would you like to see be developed?
3. Does your company’s business activities correspond with its mission statement?
4. Which specific aspects of corporate culture have you seen help a company become successful?
July 11 : Lesson 5 Lessons from the Pandemic (3) - (4) with James
Topics of July 11, 2021
1. Please give examples of the ways you like to show gratitude.
2. How do you feel about technology becoming increasingly a part of so many aspects of your life?
3. Is the human touch important to you when receiving health care services?
4. Are you ok with change or do you prefer to stick to a set rule?
July 4 : Lesson 5 Lessons from the Pandemic (1) - (2) with James
Topics of July 4, 2021
1. Have your spending habits changed since the pandemic began? If so, how?
2. What do you like or dislike about public parks?
3. Has the pandemic changed you in any way?
4. How can people best prepare economically for unforeseen events?
5. Why do some people do “random acts of kindness” while others don’t?
June 27 : Lesson 4 Next Generation Foods (4) - (5) with James
Topics of June 27, 2021
1. Is there any food that you think is weird that many people eat?
2. Please talk about a food that you didn’t like at first but over time you acquired a taste for.
3. Will the “yuck factor” be the main thing preventing most people from including insects in their diets?
June 20 : Lesson 4 Next Generation Foods (2) - (3) with James
Topics of June 20, 2021
1. What are some of the biggest challenges for consumers who wish to switch to a meatless lifestyle?
2. How often do you try new menu items at fast food chains?
3. With food shortages lingering in the future what steps should people take to secure their food supply?
4. Do you think you could ever get used to eating insects?
June 13 : Lesson 3 Navigating the New Normal (5) Lesson 4 Next Generation Foods (1)
Topics of June 13
1. What are your thoughts about the reasons that people have for not wanting to take experimental vaccines?
2. In what ways has horticulture been beneficial for you or other people you know during the pandemic?
3. Will people consume more meat alternatives in the future for health reasons, their personal morals or a shrinking supply of meat?
4. Is taste as important as the nutritional contents of the foods you eat?
June 6 : Lesson 3 Navigating the New Normal (3) - (4) with James
Topics of June 6, 2021
1. In what situations do you feel differently about someone wearing a mask or not?
2. Please talk about some of your experiences regarding “ social distance” during the present pandemic.
3. At the onset of the pandemic how long did you think it would last?
4. What do you miss most about the “pre-Covid” world?
May 30 : Lesson 3 Navigating the New Normal (1) - (2) with James
Topics of May 31, 2021
1. Is there another language that you would like to learn how to speak other than Japanese and English?
2. How do you feel about giving and receiving flattery?
3. Are some aspects of safety protocols in the new normal too strict?
4. Have restaurants, gyms and other businesses that customers are in close proximity done enough to make their establishments safe?
May 23, 2021: Text Lesson 2 What’s in a Name? (2)-(3) with James
1. What are some of your favorite name brands?
2. Why do you prefer certain brands over other ones in the same product category?
3. Do logo placements on name brand products affect your purchasing decisions?
4. How would your country and the world change for a better future?
May 16, 2021 : Text Lesson 2 What’s in a Name? (2)-(3) with James
1. If you could change your name would you do so? To what?
2. Are you ok with people making jokes about your name?
3. What is one of the most usual Japanese or foreign names that you have heard of?
4. Please talk about a law in Japan that you think is relatively unknown by the average citizen?
Topics of May 9, 2021
May 9 : Lesson 1 The Power of Diversity (5) and Lesson 2 What’s in a Name? (1) with James
1) In what ways is Asian culture different from other cultures?
2) Please talk about some of your experiences with social media marketing.
3) How do you identify or describe yourself other than by your name?
4) What steps need to be taken to bring about gender, class and racial equality?
May 2 : No Class for Golden week holidays
Topics of April 25,2021
April 25 : Lesson 1 The Owner of Diversity (3) (4) with James
(1) How hard is it to develop a diverse ad campaign with an authentic message?
(2) In what ways has COVID-19 made demographic trends better or worse?
(3) Please talk about an ideal or philosophy that you live up to?
(4) What can people do to stay up to date on politically correct terminology.
Topics of April 18, 2021
4/18 Lesson １ (1) - (2) Class Open : 18:30 ～ 20:30 (New Text!) with James
(1) How would a diversity marketing team be valuable for your organization?
(2) Does diversity create enough positive outcomes that outweigh the challenges of integrating so many different kinds of people into a particular group?
(3) Please talk about some of the ways that you have seen diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) be successfully implemented.
(4) Will overseas assignments end altogether if COVID-19 doesn't get under control soon?
(5) Please share some examples of effective marketing efforts that you have seen.
(6) How do you feel about using second hand products?
(7) Do you prefer to be formal or informal with names?
Topics of April 11, 2021
4/11 Lesson 22 (4) - (5) Class Open : 18:30 ～ 20:30
(1) Please describe how a germ free work environment should be designed in your opinion?
(2) How can a high level of corporate morale and worker relationships be sustained in the new normal?
(3) Has any rule or mandate that has been made during the pandemic been a bad idea in your opinion?
(4) Is there an eduational or corporate project that you lookforward to taking part in?