Can the Japanese economy survive without manufacturing? 

This is an interesting topic; depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the Japanese economy can’t survive, at least not thrive, without manufacturing. Now let me explain the details.     

First, Japanese manufacturing still has many advantages: first, companies still hold countless valuable intellectual property and technologies. Second, they have excellent human resources, and some corporate researchers have even won Nobel Prizes for their achievements. They have all contributed to boosting Japan’s global competitiveness, and they will continue to do so in the future.     

Next, I understand some may argue that only 20% of the GDP comes from the manufacturing sector. However, this number demonstrates the success of Japanese manufacturing in globalization. In addition, the service and manufacturing industries are closely intertwined and impossible to separate. For example, Sony is involved in both equipment production and cóntent management, resulting in a synergy effect.           

Therefore, even though manufacturing output appears to be declining, it is still vital for Japan. So, we need to make more efforts to boost it. Thank you for your attention. [184 Words Type-N]

Should English be the official second language in Japan? 

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense. It’s important for any country to try to find the optimal policy, but in my view, any foreign language, including English, should not be the official second language in Japan. Now let me explain the details.     

First, we know that countries with many ethnic subgroups often have multiple official languages, for their convenience. But now, the foreign population in Japan is only one percent, and most of them are of Chinese or Korean origin. So, I would have to say that adopting English as the second language would help very few people.     

Next, I understand some may advocate for English as the official business language, but studies have shown that learning idiomatic English is not as easy for Japanese people as is commonly believed. That is why the government and schools are still struggling to provide qualified English teachers.           

Therefore, I disagree with what the topic suggests, and argue that Japan should focus on developing another useful policy for foreigners. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-K]

Does society make full use of the talents of senior citizens?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, society has made strides over the years, in making full use of the talents of seniors. Now let me explain the details.     

First, seniors today are a vital part of the workforce. Studies have shown that many seniors today are still productive and motivated. Even though many have retired, they still have valuable knowledge and skills that can support society. So many local governments in Japan are providing labor of seniors through “Silver Human Resource Centers.”     

Next, I understand some may argue that traditional practices, such as “mandatory retirement,” prevent seniors from participating in activities. Certainly, our aging society is still in the process of development. But without an adequate labor force, the economy may collapse. Thus, I am optimistic about the successful participation of seniors in society.     

Therefore, even though there is still room for improvement, I conclude that our society is making best effort, in order to make happy aging society with talented seniors. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-E]

Is the my-number-card system worth doing in Japan?     

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense. But as an information technologist, I believe that the my-number-card system is worth doing. Now let me explain the details.     

First, my-number-card system has many advantages. The biggest one is that it will accelerate Japan’s “digital transformation”, which makes complicated procedures more simple, speedy, and efficient for the public’s convenience. Unfortunately, statistics have shown that Japan is falling behind other OECD countries in digital transformation. So, it’s positive thing that Japan is going along with this global trend.     

Next, I understand some may have concerns about its security risks, and there are reported troubles as it is. So, I believe that the government should clarify the causes and move the system forward by overcoming its defects. Because this is important in countries such as Japan, where the aging population is leading to the nationwide labor shortage.           

Therefore, even though the system still has room for improvement, I conclude that we can be optimistic about its potential, and support it to achieve a cost-effective digital government. Thank you for your attention. [185 Words Type-O]

Agree or Disagree: The digital divide is still rélevant in Japanese society.

This is an interesting topic; depending on what we are and how old we are, the answers may well vary, but in my view, the digital divide is rélevant in Japanese society. Now let me explain the details.     

First, the digital divide is considered a global problem as it is, and many Japanese people today are suffering it. For example, we know that several seniors have trouble operating PCs and smartphones. In this way, a gap in digital skills prevail among different age groups. This is a problem in countries such as Japan, where the aging population results in an older workforce in most workplaces.     

Next, income gap in recent years has contributed to the digital divide. For example, to access digital information, you need terminal devices such as PCs and smartphones, as well as subscriptions to information providers. However, these services can be unaffordable for some people, exacerbating the digital divide in turn.           

In conclusion, while it is important to keep pace with global digital innovation, we should be mindful of its impact and take steps to reduce the digital divide in society. Thank you for your attention. [189 Words Type-N]

Is the privatization of public services good for the public? 

Depending on historical background and other national circumstances of countries, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, privatizing public services has its pros and cons, so we must see both sides of the issue. Now let me explain the details.     

Experts point out several advantages of privatization: first, it liquidates the business and brings temporary revenue. Plus, it can offer more cost-effective services. It is because private businesses usually have access to higher technology and expertise. So, people may well believe privatization improve public service quality.     

There are always cons to everything: one is that privatized services often lead to higher fees. For example, water supply companies often monopolize local demand and make excessive profits in many cities. This harms low-income urban residents, and violates their right to access to clean drinking water. As a result, in some cases, privatization has been halted.           

In this way, privatization has its pros and cons, depending on how it meets the public interest. Therefore, we must carefully consider those practices to find out the optimal policy. Thank you for your attention. [185 Words Type-B]

Is there sufficient public funding for social welfare? 

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, Japan’s public funding for social welfare is clearly insufficient, so Japan need more efforts to improve the current situation. Now let me explain the details.     

First, the media has reported that there is not enough funding provided to important social services, such as pensions and long-term care. So, many seniors who rely on pension are struggling to make ends meet, and many care workers quit jobs because of low wages. As a result, the government now recognizes that the current social welfare is inadequate.     

Next, I understand some may argue that the welfare budget has increased over the years, but excluding pensions, that amount drops significantly. That is why few people believe that the level of social welfare is adequate.     

With fewer workers in this field, Japan’s economy would stagnate, leading to a potential collapse of entire labor market and social systems in turn. Therefore, I conclude that the government should invest more in social welfare. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-A,D]

*As far as I can tell, the definition of social welfare includes pensions.

Is Japan Democratic?

This is an interesting topic; depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, Japan is no doubt a democratic country. Now let me explain the details.     

First, Japan has some typical democratic political systems. For example, it has “divided powers,” and each of them reflects the will of the citizens. One of them is “the parliamentary system,” in which citizens can vote for representatives who reflect their political views. Each system gives them power to control the government and ensure that policies meet the public interest.     

Next, following the constitution, Japan has principles to protect human rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. In addition, Japan has a strong civil society with many civic groups working toward promoting human rights and social justice. In other words, they are working hard to protect democratic systems in Japan.           

Therefore, even though there is still room for improvement, such as improving the treatment of minorities, I am happy to conclude that Japan is a democratic country. Thank you for your attention. [183 Words Type-C]

Can Japan’s rural communities be revitalized? 

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, it is a daunting challenge to revitalize Japan’s rural communities. Now let me explain the details.     

First, rural communities today are facing many significant challenges, such as an aging population, a declining labor force, and limited economic opportunities. While these issues are common in many developed countries, a fundamental solution to these negative trends is still yet to be found.     

Next, cultural factors are also contributing to this issue. For example, many young people are leaving rural areas for cities in search of more convenient and enjoyable lives. This results in a drop in local “industrial output,” which leads to another exodus of workers in turn.           

Without a feasible solution, the demographic trends will result in a serious depopulation, as seniors pass away. And with a reduced labor force, this could cause Japan’s economy to stagnate, leading to a drop in tax revenues and potential collapse of social systems in turn. So, we need more research, discussions, and action on this issue. Thank you for your attention. [186 Words Type-A]

Has urbanization in Japan gone too far?     

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, urbanization in Japan has not gone too far, at least at this time. Now let me explain the details. 

Urbanization has many advantages: so, it has been a global trend and experts estimate that by 2050, two-thirds of the global population will live in urban areas. For example, we know that urban life provides better access to important ínfrastructure, and many seniors need medical care and life support. That’s why urbanization in Japan cannot be considered excessive.     

Next, I understand some may argue that urbanization would inevitably harm the environment, but the government has managed land usage plan to control excessive development. In addition, Japan has many green technologies, such as geothermal, bíomass, and fuel cell, to protect the living environment.     

Therefore, I conclude that urbanization in Japan has not gone too far. However, urbanization has its pros and cons, depending on whether it enhances people’s quality of life. So, we must carefully manage them to achieve a better living environment. Thank you for your attention. [185 Words Type-B]

都市化はSDGsの課題なので、結論にこれを使うことも可。

Agree or Disagree: Urbanization inevitably leads to a lower quality of life.

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, urbanization does not necessarily lower the standard of living. Now let me explain the details.     

Urbanization has many advantages: so, it has been a coherent trend in history, and experts estimate that by 2050, two-thirds of the global population will live in urban areas. For example, we know that urban life provides better access to important ínfrastructure, and many seniors need medical care and life support. So, I would have to say urbanization has improved our quality of life.     

Next, I understand some may argue that urbanization has harmed the environment and raised the risk of epidemics, but it is still extreme argument that urbanization is responsible for a lower quality of life. Plus, modern cities adopt many green technologies to ensure a healthy environment, and stockpile medicines in case of epidemics.           

Having said that, urbanization has its pros and cons, depending on whether it enhances people’s quality of life. So, we must carefully manage them to achieve a better living environment. Thank you for your attention. [186 Words Type-B]

Problems of aging society with declining birthrate 

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but we know that these two problems are common issues in many developed countries, including Japan. While the issues are complex, let me explain the points.     

First, an aging society has two sides: the first is that the massive retirement of workers harms the productivity. The second is that the incréasing needs in healthcare services strains national welfare systems. Statistics also indicate an alarming expansion of social security costs.     

Next, a low birthrate also has negative impacts on children’s development. For example, with fewer children in a community, they will have fewer chances to communicate and develop social skills. Eventually, they may cause a shortage of skilled workers in the future.           

Without a feasible solution, the demographic trends will result in a decline in population, as the seniors pass away. And a reduced labor force could cause the country’s economy to stagnate, leading to a drop in tax revenues and potential collapse of social systems in turn. So, we need more research, discussions, and action on this issue. Thank you for your attention. [188 Words Type-A]

Causes and countermeasures for a super-aging society

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but we know that a super-aging society is a common issue in many developed countries, including Japan. While the issue is complex, let me explain the details.

First, studies have shown that a few factors, such as better medical technology, better nutrition, and less large-scale pandemics and wars, have contributed to longer life expectancy. While these are good things, an aging society can also have serious negative effects.

During the crisis, the government is trying to counter the trend. For example, it encourages seniors to continue working, and invests in robotics to replace manual labor. But, a fundamental solution has still yet to be found.

Without a feasible solution, the demographic trends will result in a decline in population, as the seniors pass away. And a reduced labor force could cause the country’s economy to stagnate, leading to a drop in tax revenues and potential collapse of social systems in turn. So, we need more research, discussions, and action on this issue. Thank you for your attention. [182 Words Type-A]