The report of the meeting on 29/12/2018

On December 29, there were four members attended the last session in 2018.
It was a very cold day with snow almost all over the country.
After short speeches, we moved to Today's topic.

Looking back on this year, we talked about impressive (or memorable) and disappointing events to each. Then, we enjoyed the word game "What is this word?"

By the way, thanks to all the members, it has passed almost one year since we established our English conversation circle "STIE". And fortunately, our website seems to appear gradually in search results. It would be a hope that leads STIE to the next stage.
A new year is coming soon. Have a happy new year!
(Yuki)

The report of the meeting on 15/12/2018

There were four participants.
As usual, each of us gave a brief speech.
At that time, it became a topic that Japan and Poland naming methods are very different.
In the case of Japan, the way of naming is almost infinite, sometimes there are children named something to be problematic. In the case of Poland, based on the record of the saint's name, it was to choose a suitable name from there.

We talked on whether to allow the opening of the late-night retail store.
There was an opinion that shops open for 24 hours are convenient because it is possible to cope with the necessity of any urgent, but on the other hand, there is no need to open until midnight. Because it is waste of energy and crime is also likely to occur.

We talked about whether war could be justified. War should not be justified in principle, but we must make an effort to avoid it at all times.

Finally, we talked about whether police worked enough to fight crime.
At the moment, the police are almost fulfilling their responsibilities, but it is necessary to take measures to prevent frequent fraud cases beforehand and to be able to cope with crime using the Internet adequately.
（Libran）

The report of the meeting on 05/12/2018

We talked about bellow with 5 members tonight.
1. Have you played any music instruments before and have you continued playing it now?
Two female member experienced to play a harmonica and they can play a Okarina and an electric guitar. The other male members has loved music. It was nice coisidence. They used to play a euphonium, guitar and tenor sax before.

2. Which sport do you like best? Describe the most interested point in the game.
One member said the baseball game is not only group game (defense), but also man to man game (offence). The other member talked about a soccer, marathon, table tennis, and professional wrestling. One of them loves a rugby football game. He added that the player can't throw the ball in front is an attractive rule. And the oval-shaped ball is also interest and the direction of the bound ball is always hard to understand. Sometimes dangerous tackle are happen, this is fight by man vs man.
(Ue)

The report of the meeting on 24/11/2018

Four members attended the session on November 24.
A member talked about an auction website and an application to sell second-hand goods. He put many items up for sale, and some of them have already sold. He says it's easy to use that website and app. Speaking of apps, there are some smartphone apps to support dieting. You only record what to eat every day. The application automatically calculates how many calories you take a day and gives you advice. It sounds helpful and useful for dieters.

Then, we moved to Today's topics:
Is world becoming anti-globalization?
Will nationalism be spread for the next ten years?

Countries should respect and help each other because it is hard to exist in isolation in this world. However, there are some problems with terrorism, too many refugees, immigrants, etc. Therefore, some countries started to change their policies to protect themselves. They think they should protect their people first. For that reason, the thought of anti-globalization may have emerged recently. In the meantime, thanks for the Internet, ordinary people can contact others living overseas and exchange information without feeling a borderline or a great distance between them. We are living in the globalization era. Although sometimes nationalism may emerge in our mind to keep our own culture, lifestyle, the way of thinking, identity, and so on, I wish not only people but also countries would get along fine with each other.
(Yuki)

The report of the meeting on 17/11/2018

There were 4 participants in this session.

First of all, we discussed the question of whether progress in science will always benefit humankind. Science has brought about a significant contribution to humanity in general. For example, do not forget that it is a convenient electric appliance or transportation that is indispensable in our life. It is the fact that the development of science has made smile and enrich daily life is not negligible.

However, we must also consider that many evils have been born by the development of science. For example, inventions of weapons of mass destruction, or climate change are putting the human race in crisis.

As a second problem, we discussed the issue of whether financial support for art is necessary or not There were many quite critical responses to economic support to art. There is no need to subsidize for arts so much. The most opinion was that the budget should be used for more important things than art.
(Libran)

The report of the meeting on 03/11/2018

Three members attended the session on November 3.
During the early part of the session, there were only two attendees. One talked about her experience of studying English in the US about ten years ago.
After another member participated halfway in the session, we talked about today's topics:
Is higher education a key to a country’s prosperity? and
Will artificial intelligence be the threat of a jobless future?

Nowadays many young people tend to go to universities to get better jobs. There would occur a shortage of physical labors such as workers at construction sites, at assembly factories, and others. Those workers are necessary for economic growth. Considering this, higher education is not always a key to a country's prosperity.
However, industrial robots and artificial intelligence may solve such problems. Many simple or dangerous tasks will be done by robots near future. AI would have both sides of the good help and the threat to us in the working field. In order to make it clear that the human is different from the machine, we should exert our creativity, imagination, inventiveness, originality, and so on.
(Yuki)

The report of the meeting on 24/10/2018

This is today's “What’s new” by the members.
One of the members talked us about French.
The personality of the French are so stingy they say. They have loved old fashion bed and wearing old clothing. They wear a plastic bag on their head instead a umbrella in rainy day. Are they a frugal person or stingy?
The other member talked us about Halloween. It started on 1990, and it’s very popular in young generation nawadays. Originally it was a religious ceremony in past, but it changed to an event of the nation recently. He said “Time is changing”
One member spoke about the lunch box shop named Hokkahokka-tei. His favorite is Noriben. Inside of the Noriben are white steaming rice covered by laver and dried bonito shaving.
What a delicious it is!
(Ue)

The report of the meeting on 06/10/2018

There were four attendees at the session on October 6.
After "what's new, or how the week was", we talked about an article related to the Hello Kitty-themed bullet train.

According to the article, those trains connect to other regions in Japan such as Tottori and Shimane, sell exclusive goods, and provide videos.
Anyway, popularity of Hello Kitty seems to be steady, maybe because it's so cute - "Kawaii".

Unlike in the case of automobiles which sometimes come across traffic jams, trains in Japan are safe and really on time, so they are necessary for people, especially business persons.

Not only for workers but also for travelers, trains are very good transportation. You don't have to drive by yourself, and you can enjoy watching the scenery through the wondows. If you want to save travel time, you can choose Shinkansen bullet trains which run at absolutely high speed.
It's autumn now - a good season for traveling. Why don't you try to take Hello Kitty-themed bullet trains?
(Yuki)

The report of the meeting on 22/09/2018

The number of attendees is 5.
The central theme for the discussion was what "ART" means for each person.

As for the frequency of going to the museum or the concert hall, it varies from person to person. While one has opportunities to visit to enjoy the arts, the other can't have enough time to go see them even if they are interested in the arts.

Every attendee admitted not to have a talent for art. As a natural consequence, they belong not to be on the side of creating something artistic but to be on the side of evaluating or just viewing them.
(Libran)

The report of the meeting on 12/09/2018

The typhoon 21 has left big damages here and there in Kansai area. The area of our members got the damages not a little. Blow down a big trees, no electricity, no water, and so on. But we are getting recover little by little now.

After that we talk about manners which is today's topic. There are many kind bad manners. Commercial phone call. A person who caught a cold is no wearing mask. Driving manner (tailgating. etc). Break into the line (line cutting). Using a smart phone while doing something.

After that we talk about “lady first”. Is it easy or not to do it for Japanese men? Our thinking was separated. But I have thought・・・ In Japan we are under culture of a male supremacy for long term before, and the remains still has stayed even now. It will take long time to accept the manner "Lady first".
( Ue )

The report of the meeting on 01/09/2018

There were four attendees at the session on September 1.
We started from "What's new topic", and we talked about recruting new members. I would like newcomers to come to revitalize this circle, but since there are various methods, we are in the middle of discussing which is better.
This circle freely participate freely while staying at home and speak English. I hope many people will participate in the trial.

Next, We moved on to today's theme "Communication". In present days, many children are not familiar with school and many student are refusing to go to school.
I think that refusal to go to school is better regarded as a matter of school attitude rather than that of the student.
Fostering for our communication skills will have a big impact on our life. As it is a matter without a correct answer, I think that it is important for adults to discuss with children while discussing while trying them together.
(Maru)

The report of the meeting on 25/08/2018

There were three attendees at the session on August 25.
After "what's new, or how the week was", we talked about an article related to the health benefit of green spaces.

According to the article, increased exposure to green spaces leads to a lower risk of health conditions like 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and so on. Although it did not provide conclusive explanations about the connection, it seems that antibacterial properties in compounds produced by trees could be one of the explanations of the health benefits associated with green spaces.

I think humans are part of nature as well as plants. It is difficult for humans to live where plants do not exist. Humans have received many things from plants, such as food, healing, clean air, sunshades, dwellings, etc. since the dawn of time. That may be why we feel relieved and comfortable in green spaces, although we need to take care of them. Weeding, trimming, and others are a little bothersome, but we need to keep a give-and-take balance between humans and plants in green spaces.

Good sounds are also comfortable to listen; for example, sounds of waves, rushing creeks, birdsongs, and so on. Those could make us feel a peace. No wonder they are very effective for our good health.

Hot and humid days will continue for a while. However, autumn is coming sooner or later. In autumn, I'd like to walk to green spaces, and enjoy the good atmosphere there.
(Yuki)

The report of the meeting on 11/08/2018

There were 6 participants.
The main theme was "moments".
Though the phases of our lives are changing at any time, a lot of them were dealt with as mundane things. However, some of them were impressed deeply in our memories. Every member talked eagerly about their own experience in regards to "moments".

One said, "The most exciting moment is when my first son was born. That was the most precious moment in my lifetime". The other said, "The first 'I feel old' moment was when the athlete who is the same old as I am was called 'veteran'".
(Libran)

The report of the meeting on 21/07/2018

There were four attendees at the session on July 21.
We stated from "What's new topic". We talked about what happened recently in order.
The summer in Japan in recent years is abnormally hot, the talk about everyday may also tend to be decreasing talks that have been active outside.

Next, we moved on to today's theme "Vegan".
Vegan is a "full vegetarian" that does not mention all animal foods, including eggs and dairy products. In overseas, there have been cases of attacks by butchers on vehegunn arrests, and people who are getting extreme in thought are emerging. Members seem to have never seen vegan rarely, but many members who refrain from eating meat too much. We also talked that the Japanese people were vegetarians long ago.
I admire vegan people who value animals' lives carefully, but I am opposed to pressing ideas against others or taking excessive actions.
(Maru)

The report of the meeting on 14/07/2018

There were four attendees at the session on July 14. After "what's new, or how the week was", we talked about an article related to UK Students struggling to read traditional or analog clocks.

Nowadays, there are many digital clocks seen here and there; for example, clocks on displays of PCs and smartphones, wristwatches, alarm clocks, and so on. However, analog clocks are still seen in schools. According to the article, students in UK complaint a lot about analog clocks in the test rooms, because it is not easy for them to read such clocks for counting the remaining time they have. Digital clocks are really familiar to them. So there are some teachers who suggest analog clocks replace with disital ones in schools. There seems to be pros and cons about this opinion.

All attendees at today's session do not agree that opinion. The reason why the students cannot read analog clocks is just that they did not get a training to read analog clocks. They should not lose a chance to learn how to read them.
In elementary school days, teachers taught us how to read the analog clock by using a large clock model.

Nowadays, some skills taught by schools are already outdated. And some are not taught any more. However, an abacus shows how the numbers are calculated. While writing with a brush and ink in the calligraphy class, we are feeling calm. Also, analog clocks visualize the length of time, which makes us easy to know how long we have time left. I think those things are still useful and helpful.

Additionally, we should not forget two important skills: how to communicate and how to socialize with others. Today's students seem to be in urgent need to have those skills.
(Yuki)

The report of the meeting on 30/06/2018

There were four attendees in the session on June 30, 2018.
In this session, participants thought about the pros and cons of having to revive the extinct creatures.

First of all, everyone discussed the passenger pigeons extinct from the world about 100 years ago, with reference to the video.

The passenger pigeons were caught by people to be made into foodstuff, and also by rampant development, they were deprived of their habitat, and the number gradually decreased. At the beginning of the 20th century, the last one, Martha died, the passenger pigeons were completely extinct from the earth.

There are many creatures that have become extinct besides the passenger pigeons. The major extinction causes are human activities. However, the climate change will become extinction factor in the future.

Secondly, on the regeneration of extinct creatures, we came to the conclusion that everyone cannot agree with regeneration.
For example, how do we solve the issue of their habitat and food as mammoths are brought back to this world?

Although it may be technically possible to regenerate extinct creatures, we cannot take responsibility at all for them.
Regeneration of an extinct animal is nothing but a human ego.
(Libran)

The report of the meeting on 20/06/2018

There were six attendees at the session on June, 20.
Today's personal topic were full of earthquake happened on Jun 18.
When a mega-earthquake hit your area, how should you do at the moment??
So, I will show you the article I got from Web site. I hope this articie useful for you.

"Ten rules to remember in an earthquake" 「地震の心得１０ヵ条」
( Tokyo Metropolitan Government )
Remember the following ten rules to keep a cool head and be calm in the event of an earthquake:

Rule 1: Protect yourself and your family!
The initial strong shakes of an earthquake last only for one minute or so. Get yourself under a sturdy table, desk, etc. to protect your head from falling objects.

Rule 2: Turn off gas, oil heaters, etc. the second you feel the earthquake, and should a fire break out, put it out quickly!
Your quick action in putting out a fire will prevent a serious disaster. Make it a habit to switch off the gas, even in a minor earthquake.

Rule 3: Avoid rushing out of your house!
It is dangerous to rush out of your house. Carefully check the situation around you and try to act calmly.

Rule 4: Open the door to secure an exit! Especially in a reinforced-concrete apartment, the door may be deformed by a strong earthquake and cannot be opened, confining you in the room. To avoid this, open the door quickly to secure a way out.

Rule 5: When outside, protect your head and keep away from dangerous objects！ If you experience an earthquake while outside, you should protect yourself from falling concrete block walls and falling objects, such as windowpanes and signboards. Take refuge in a safe building or an open space nearby.

Rule 6: If you are in a department store, theater, or the like, follow the instructions of the staff! In place where there are a large number of people, some may panic. Avoid being caught up in such panic and try to keep your head.

Rule 7: Park your car on the left side of the street. Driving is prohibited in restricted areas! Driving for selfish reasons makes the confusion worse. Listen to the radio and take proper actions.

Rule 8: Watch out for falling rocks, landslides, and Tsunami(tidal waves)! In an area where there is a danger of falling rocks, landslides, or tsunami, seek refuge at a safe place immediately.

Rule 9: Evacuate on foot rather than by car, and carry only what you need! Driving could cause traffic jams and hinder fire-fighting and rescue and relief activities. So go to your refuge site on foot instead of by car. When evacuating, carry only what you need.

Rule 10: Avoid being misled by false rumors and try to obtain and act on correct information! In a disaster, one is apt to be misled by false rumors and incorrect information. Try to get correct information provided by mass media, municipalities, fire station, and police.
Thank you. (Ue)

The report of the meeting on 09/06/2018

There were five attendees at the session on June 9.
At first, we started from "Whats new topic". We talked about daily short topic in turn.

By the way, one person participated in our cession on trial on last Wednesday. I hope, even if only trial, many people will join STIE.

Next, We moved on to today's main topic "Freedom of the press and privacy."
We talked about "How much freedom of the press is allowed, What do you think about information of victimes when the incident occurs ?" and, also we talked about the privacy of celebrities. Many members said that it should not be publicized much about personal information of celebrities.
(Maru)

The report of the meeting on 02/06/2018

There were four attendees at the session on June 2.
After "what's new, or how the week was", we talked about an article "Small Talk and First Time Conversations".

Small talk means conversations about little things like weather and traffic.
It is not easy to talk with a person we meet for the first time. We worry about what to talk, because we don't know what he/she is interested in.
People tend to talk about themselves to impress others. But helpful tips for good conversations are to start by having small talk, observe the other person's body language, and be a good listener.

How about you? Is it easy for you to listen to other people?
(Yuki)

The report of the meeting on 19/05/2018

There were 4 participants in the meeting.
The main theme was Holiday Tour.

First, we talked about how to book holidays.
Although there are a number of ways to book accommodations such as reservation through online, calling to the hotels directly and so on, the majority relies on different ways for different destinations.
For instance, as for domestic travels, they tend to reserve hotels through online by themselves but in case of overseas travels, almost all go to the reliable the travel agent because of a problem with a language barrier and preventive measures not to be involved in troubles in unfamiliar places.

Most people prefer accommodations that can be stayed at affordable prices rather than luxurious hotels. The hotels located close to the station are better and there are a bath and a toilet in the room. Moreover, it is more desirable that they are providing breakfast.

The places participants highly recommend to foreigners who visit Japan for the first time are "Ise Shinto Shrine" and "Ninja Village".
Also, they should drop by the restaurant chain called "CoCo Ichibanya" to taste the typical Japanese curry.
(Libran)

The report of the meeting on 12/05/2018

There were four attendees at the session on May 12.
After "what's new, or how the week was", we talked about "personal motto".

Q1) What is your personal motto (sayings, proverbs, or good words to live by)?
-A journey of thousand miles starts with a single step.
-My motto is easy going. Because I try to avoid stress.
-Circumstances alter cases.
-One look truly is better than a million words.
-I want to spend time living out of a suitcase and seeing much of the world through the car window.
-One man's fault is another's lesson.
-It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.
-To be happy, drop the words 'if only' and substitute instead the words 'next time'.

Q2)2) What is the most impressive book in your life?
-Night and Mist
-Secret of the IROHA song
-Tannisho
-Training not to react easily

What about your motto?
When and how are they helpful to you, or encouraging you?
(Yuki)

The report of the meeting on 09/05/2018

There were 5 attendees at the session tonight.

Q1) We took about what is proud of your hometown.
They are proud of production their local farm products (an onions, rice) and many kinds fishes as well. And their hometown has nice sceneries.
The one of the place has big rivers which was represented Japan made a historical area along the river. And Japanese castles and big lake are also their pride. And the other place has been well-known as a founding area of Japanese old zaibatsu.
In my case that
I was born and grew up in Northern Siga Prf. The town faces the BIWA Lake which is the biggest in Japan. In order to that, the soil of this area has been brought high quality rice named Gosyu-mai or Omi-mai. The taste is so nice, we can eat the rice without any side dishes.
Moreover we have been blessed many kinds fishes. A sweet fishes, a crucian carps, the other many kinds. BIWA Lake is surround by many mountains, the natural water from the mountains makes the BIWA Lake. My home town has enjoyed a big benefits of BIWA Lake.

Q2) We took about a Pass Words
Recently we have to input the pass word many times in not only PC also smart phone. Thinking about security it may be unavoidable. So then it is important never forget it always. How do you manage your pass word?

The common way of the two members are
They write down it on the note before they forget. Moreover they write down it on one more note just to make sure.
The other members make memorize in their PC and further write down it on the note as well.
One member is using a soft-ware for memorizing his pass word.
In my case that
I have three pass words and I use one of three in turn. Even if I made a mistake two times, the rest pass word must be correct.

In some of soft-ware, if you input wrong pass word several times continuation, the real pass word will be invalid. We have to pay a big attention about inputting pass word.
Thank you. (Ue)

The report of the meeting on 05/05/2018

Four members attended today's session. This work was strangely held in the middle of Golden week in Japan. First of all, we talked about, "What's news? Or, How's going?"

Two of the members stayed home and did housework. The third man enjoyed his favorite TV dramas. The fourth one enjoyed computer game with her nephew. Also she liked a Japanese drama. Then, we talked about "the rare-earth metals".

According to him, this news was ironically a huge discovery because China had banned to export it to Japan. Also, her image was hydro-methane gas and the rare-earth metals were found. A member told that new type item was found four years ago, but that it was so few things. Shell gas produced oil in U.S.A. But it contains impurities, so they have to get rid of impurities. Also, Shell gas was produced in U.S.A, Canada, Peru, and South Africa. IT product complicated more and more, so, we need to produce rare-earth metals for such IT machinery and tools. Also, we need gold and silver to make steel and mobile.

The other one told that she did not think it a gold and jewelry. The last one told she felt happy to hear the news, but on the other hand, it was very difficult actually and it took long years to realize it. Also, a member told that Japanese company invests technology that can make an electric device. Recently, a car company invests an electric car without a gas. He hopes to use a natural resources. That's all.
(Tae)

The report of the meeting on 28/04/2018

There were four attendees at the session on April 28.
We started from "What's new topic".
Today is the first day of Golden Week. Each Member talked about plan of next week.

Next, we moved onto today's theme "YouTuber".
Recently, huge amount of YouTube movie is uploaded in the internet. Many of them are useful and helpful for us, and according to the report, YouTuber is listed as a profession that many children want to long for.
But, "YouYuber" have been making problems by taking extreme actions to attract people's attention. A system that enters money as long as you earn viewing counts may be a problem. We should not infringe freedom of expression, but some checking system may be necessary.
(Maru)

The report of the meeting on 21/04/2018

There were five attendees at the session on April 21.
After "what's new, or how the week was", we talked about an article "82-YEAR-OLD PROGRAMMER ADDRESSES UN".
(Reference source→ https://cgi2.nhk.or.jp/e-news/news/index.cgi?ymd=20180326 )

It is about a Japanese woman at the age of 82. She has enjoyed programming since she was 80. She created her own smartphone app. She says it's important for senior people to engage with digital technology.
As she mentions, by having digital skills, the elderly may feel empowered and stay more active. After reading this article, there were some members feeling encouraged. However, it seems to depend on persons. Some like something technological, but some don't. If you like new things or technology, you should not hesitate to start to engage with digital technology. If you like sawing, gardening, making haiku, painting pictures, and so on, you should enjoy such hobbies.

Everybody could not be a programmer, but using smart phone apps is not so difficult. We would like to get the benefit of technology and make a good use of it.
(Yuki)

The report of the meeting on 07/04/2018

Five participants in the regular meeting on April 7, 2018.
The main theme was about TV.
The information given by the television is somewhat unilateral compared with the information obtained on the Internet. On the Internet, viewers can express their own opinions, but for television, it is difficult to do so.
However, the TV has various channels such as NHK and private broadcasting stations, and there is an advantage that it is possible to watch the program we want to see immediately.

Television still plays a large role as a means of entertainment and education, but recently, due to the development of Internet technology and electronic devices, depending on contents, the number of the people prefer using computers, tablets or smartphones is increasing.
(Libran)

The report of the meeting on 28/03/2018

First of all I asked to all member who attended Wednesday chat tonight.
"How is the condition of cherry blossoms blooming in your area?"
It was depend on the area, three-quarter in bloom or in full bloom.
Blooming a cherry blossoms is one of the thing which is all Japanese eagerly looking forward throughout a year. But the life of the cherry blossoms is so short.
Therefore cherry blossoms may give us deeply impress.

Next, we talked about "Annoying things."
There are many kinds annoying things around us.
About Driving a car.
Traffic volume has been increasing and more people in a hurry, tailgating has become a big problem.　Tailgating is dangerous and against the law.
Unreasonable passing, getting clos a car and slaming 急に踏む on the brakes.
About smart phone.
Chatting while walking. Riding a bicycle while watching a smart phone.
Each member enumerated their annoying things.
Too many cards, their mother in law, traffic jam, the bad smell from the henhouse, selfie stick and chatter with noise in the movie theater. So many.

So, I asked again "how should we do against the annoying thing as the measure?"
"There was no good measures."
"Just endure."
"Even if you can't control yourself, we should have strong patience."
"It is difficult. We should get along with neighbors and friends."
The best way is that we should tell them the annoying thing.
Possibly, they haven't noticed giving us such an annoying thing.
Thank you.
(Ue)

The report of the meeting on 24/03/2018

Five members attended this session held on 24 March. The topic was "Thailand close famous beach to protect coral". First of all, we talked about the news of the week in turn. For example, the first person told about his elder brother's, the second one told about finished entering a marathon race and training full course, the third one told about that she bought her new shoes, the fourth one told about the difference of English expression and Japanese expression of the word of "kill". For instance, to kill time, to kill water, restrain breath, and ruin breath etc.

After that we talked about the question of topic. They told about the image of the beach, for example, Sensui islet in Tomonoura, Biwa lake, Baltic Sea, and so forth.
(Tae)

The report of the meeting on 17/03/2018

There were four attendees at the session on March 17.
We started from " What's new topic". During this time, the weather changed easily and the life changed to a new situation, so that topic came up.
Next, We moved on to today's topic. Today's theme is about "Hardworking". Although overwork is often criticized, but there are many people who work hard without stopping in order to live. To improve overwork, we will need to change our consciousness and a solid support system.
(Maru)

The report of the meeting on 10/03/2018

There were five attendees at the session on March 10.
After "what's new, or how the week was", we talked about a news article "JAPAN DEBUTS ELASTIC ON-SKIN DISPLAY".
(Reference source→ https://cgi2.nhk.or.jp/e-news/news/index.cgi?ymd=20180305 )

It is about a thin, elastic display showing data and video using micro LEDs embedded in a rubber sheet. The sheet can be pasted directly onto human skin. So far, it will be used in a medical scene. I felt excited to know this technology, because I thought it's an application with a lot of potential, as the leader of researchers says.

However, it seemed to be premature for us, normal people. One could not imagine how to use that technology. Another had feeling of nostalgia for the way of living without technology. I hope this technology will be developed more and be shown us how greatly it is used in our life. I'll expect its future.
(Yuki)

The report of the meeting on 24/02/2018

There were five attendees at the session. As usual, we started with "what's new?"

From 8:10, we began to talk about "paranormal phenomena" .
Even now, Modern human beings, especially Japanese people tend to believe in paranormal things like spiritual existence. For example, it is often said that people who lost their relatives meet their deceased parents or children in their dreams. In such cases, the spirits of the dead are not fearful but welcome and precious. In Osore-zan, Aomori pref., there are spirit mediums who are said to be able to call up spirits of the dead to communicate with them. Owing to the advancement of science, many kinds of paranormal things have disappeared and most happenings in our daily life seem be explicable. But still paranormal phenomena exist.
(Libran)

The report of the meeting on 21/02/2018

There were six attendees at the session.
First, we talked in turns on our own recent news or concerned matters. Then we talked about "what-if" situations such as "What would you do if you drifted ashore on a deserted island?" and so on. I was really impressed that every attendees made a positive judgment toward inexperienced incidents and tried to carry out with a cool head and in a practical way.
If you were a billionaire, what would you do? Most of them want to go abroad and experience the local culture different from our own country and learn English there.
(Libran)

The report of the meeting on 14/02/2018

There were 3 topics of that day's conversation:
1. Valentine's Day
I don’t know when this custom started in Japan. The boom of the Valentine’s Day is becoming not so popular compare before. The beginning of the Valentine’s Day, it was allowed to confess loving from a women to men at the day only. And it has been changing from confessing love to gifting chocolates with the times. In Europe area they present a flowers each other at the day.
In my case, at the day, if I couldn't be received a chocolate nothing, maybe I will feel lonely.

2. The Doomsday clock
It is a clock which express the time until the end of the world. The clock does not move but show us the risk level of the end of the world each time. For example, the risk level of the war between North Korea and USA is raising recently. In this case, the hands of the clock have approached to dial 12. The hands of the clock will move to relate with the situation of the world. The latest News Paper said that the doomsday clock showed us two minutes. If North Korea gave up to test of launch a missile, the clock will show us more than ten minutes. When this world fell into a dangerous, the hands of the clock will advance, on the contrary when the dangerous become small, the hands will be set back. The clock is one of the barometer of the peace of the world. All members of the STIE wish that the hands of the Doomsday clock will stay at the dial 9 forever.

3. Virtual currency (crypto-currency)
A virtual (crypto) currency has been quite sensational recently. The virtual currency is not actual currency like a Japanese Yen and Dollar. The price is decided by daily buying and selling in the exchange. This is one of the economic activity, it is natural decided by the balance between supply and demand. But there is no organization to maintain by making the value to be stable like a central bank. An account is used a smartphone or a PC. It has an account address that is equivalent to the account number of the bank. We all members of the STIE said thet this system has big precondition. Needless say it is high quality security.
(Ue)

The report of the meeting on 10/02/2018

There were four attendants. We talked about elementary school children's uniform in Tokyo. A principal in Tokyo Ginza announced that he decided to adopt the school uniform made in Armani in Italy. It is too expense for elementary school students.
Next, one of the members told about her presentation which she made a Poland journey. After that, we talked about today's topic "Polish climber Himalaya rescues in heroic rescue" We have an image that Himalaya is very dangerous mountain. Himalaya makes the climbers close. Therefore, it is still more attractive to the climbers. That's all.
(Tae)

The report of the meeting on 03/02/2018

There were four attendees at the session tonight.
We started from "What’s new topic."
I will omit it because it will be long if I write all contents of it, but sometime I can learn many things in this usual time, forexample, about cheapest and relaxable travel way to Tokyo.
Next, we move on to todays topic. First topic is about "Masked and true mind". It is said 「Honne to Tatemae」 in Japanese. Members opinion is Tatamae ,not true mind and social attudes is need for to do people relationsip smoothly.
Second topic is about Olympic. Some difficult problem have occurred, like, Doping , Huge cost. I would like to enjoy a pure sports festival.
(Maru)

The report of the meeting on 27/01/2018

There were six attendees at the session on January 27.
First, each person described what's new, or how the week was, and then we talked about a news article "KIMONO CUSTOMERS OUT OF POCKET".
(Reference source→ https://cgi2.nhk.or.jp/e-news/news/index.cgi?ymd=20180124 )

In Japan, the second Monday of January is a holiday in "Coming of Age Day". There are ceremonies held for new adults in each city in Japan on that day or the previous day. Many female new adults who attend the ceremony wear Japanese traditional kimono. A set of kimono, obi-belt, shawl, accessoties, etc. is very expensive. So, most of them rent from rental shops, although even rental kimono is also expensive. This year, an incident had happened. A kimono rental company "Harenohi" went bankrupt, and they suddenly closed their shops on the ceremony day. Many young women who could not wear kimono at the ceremony might be really depressed, because it is a once-in-a-lifetime event for them.

A STIE member said they don't have any ceremonies for new adults held by governments of cities or communities in her country. They are celebrated by their families at home. Some rent restaurants and their relatives get together for the celebration, where female new adults wear long dresses.

A coming of age is different between countries. In Japan it's 20 years old, but 18 in many other countries. Recently, a voting age was lowered to 18 in Japan too, though.
It may be difficult to say a definition of "adult". One says A person who has graduated from high school and been financially independent is an adult. However, University students who are financially supported by their parents seem to be exceptional.
Anyway, I hope every new adult will have a bright future.
(Yuki)


The link to the report of 2017
The link to the report of 2016
The link to the report of 2015