Topic 1: Eight years have passed since the Great East-Japan Earthquake.This week I think almost all of us watched the TV programs about the earthquake.
The earthquake not only severely damaged the lives of people in Sanriku area of Tohoku but also influenced us.
1. Where did you experience the earthquake and what did you think about during or soon after the earthquake?
Then I was in my office in Osaka and surprised at the earthquake.
I worried about my parents and relatives in Wakayama and checked the epicenter.
2. What in your life or thinking has changed since the earthquake?
3. The earthquake has impacted on Japanese society and economy.
Please talk about what you think it is.
4. Sometimes we watch the reconstruction of the areas devastated by the tsunami on TV. What do you think about the status quo of the reconstruction?
Topic 2: Consumption Tax. Do you support it or not?
The consumption tax rate will be raised from 8% to 10% in October 2019.
We may become thriftier than now.
1. In April 2014, the tax rate has been raised from 5% to 8%.
(1) Please tell us what you bought just before the tax raise.
(2) Did the tax raise influence your behavior in consumption?
2. Do you support the consumption tax raise from 8% to 10%? Please tell us the reason of supporting or not?
3. The main reason for the raise is for improving the fiscal condition of our government.
Meanwhile, the expenditures of our government has been increasing. The amount of our governmental debt, too.
In addition to the tax raise, do you think what our government should do to turn itself around?
Material1
https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Abe-set-to-confirm-Japan-consumption-tax-hike-for-late-2019
Material2