Do the mass media play a positive role in society? 

This is an interesting topic; depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, mass media plays multiple roles in society. Now let me explain the details.     

First, the media have several advantages: first, news programs keep us informed about current events across the world. Second, cultural programs on science and history make us more intelligent and knowledgeable. In addition, the media offers enjoyable entertainment for our leisure time. These are positive roles of the media.     

Next, I understand some may argue that the mass media often spreads false or biased information. Certainly, it is vital for us to have media literacy. But we must also respect “freedom of the press.” Because excessive regulation can hurt freedom of speech, which can damage a healthy democracy in turn.           

Therefore, we cannot assume that the media is “always” good or “always” bad. Finding the balance between the usefulness and harmfulness of the media is an important yet challenging matter. So, we need to consider them carefully to find out the optimal approach. Thank you for your attention. [185 Words Type-F]

How has the Internet changed the mass media? 

Depending on what we are and where we live, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense. Now, I would like to share my thoughts on how the Internet has changed on the media.     

First, the Internet has allowed us to access more information than ever before. For example, we can easily read a vast amount of news from around the world, no matter where we are. Plus, it is simple to share those stories with others. In addition, everyone can report events and break news online as “citizen journalism,” which can promote democracy.     

Next, the Internet has also been transformed news reporting. In the past, people used to send text articles by telex, check on paper, and then print. Moreover, international reporting used to rely on satellite communication, but now everything is done online, leading to faster and more efficient news reporting.     

In this way, the Internet has changed the mass media significantly. So, if we understand the pros and cons of online media to use it properly, it will help many people. Thank you for your attention. [181 Words Type-M]

break news: 伝える

The pros and cons of self-employment    

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, self-employment has its pros and cons, like all other businesses. Now let me explain some of them.     

Self-employment has several advantages, so, it attracts many ambitious people in all ages: first, you can set your own labor amount and choose proper workstyle. Next, starting your own business will improve your financial skills, as you should be responsible for inventory control, accounting management, and tax calculations. In addition, self-employment allows creating your unique brand, which can be a source of pride.     

There are always cons to everything: first, you must inevitably take on all financial risks when running your business. Next, you must calculate your own taxes, which can take a long time and be confusing. In addition, staying motivated can be difficult when you work for yourself.           

Self-employment is the oldest style of business in history: if we understand its pros and cons and promote it in proper way, it can help lead us to success. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-M]

Is the consumption tax a good way to raise government revenues?

Depending on the economic situation of the countries, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the consumption tax can be a good way to raise government revenues in some situations. Now let me explain the details.     

First, the consumption tax is the largest source of tax for now, so, raising the tax simply means more government revenue. Plus, it is also a stable revenue because it is applied to people’s everyday necessities that don’t fluctuate. In contrast, income and corporate taxes tend to be influenced by economic climates.     

Next, I understand some may argue that this concept does not hold true when the economy is down. Certainly, in such cases, the government should not rush to restore tax revenues, but should try to revive the economy by reducing the consumption tax. In this way, you can recover your tax revenues eventually. Since Keynes, most economists have generally supported this argument.           

Therefore, I conclude that the consumption tax raises total revenue, depending on the economic situation. So, the government must consider the theory to control the economy better. Thank you for your attention. [189 Words Type-B]

Should Japan’s wealth be distributed more evenly among its citizens?

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

First, the income gap index, often referred to as Gini-coefficient, has increased in Japan. Plus, an OECD survey has shown that Japan is one of the worst member countries in terms of income gap. This means that more people have difficulties making ends meet. In other words, with more wealth équity in society, poverty would decline. This would help prevent social unrest in turn.     

Next, I understand some may argue that people are free to improve their standard of living, but as it is, no study exists to support this argument. Instead, the current system take away the economic opportunities from low-income people. That’s why the UN Sustainable Development Goals have listed “eliminating poverty” as one of their key challenges.           

Therefore, I conclude that the government should redistribute its wealth fairly, to build a robust and prosperous society. Thank you for your attention. [186 Words Type-D]

Do you think that incréasing the progressiveness of the tax would have a positive or negative effect?

Depending on when we modify tax progressiveness, the answers may well vary, and they all have both positive and negative effects on society at the same time. This is a complicated and sometimes controversial issue, but let me explain some details.     

Economists point out some advantage of the progressive taxation: first, it can help reduce the income gap in the country. In these cases, the government redistributes money to low-income individuals, which stabilizes public emotions and social security in turn. Plus, it can help stimulate the economy by bringing retired money back into circulation. This tax policy is particularly effective when the economy is up.     

There are always cons to everything: one is that tax progressiveness can encourage tax avoidance, where wealthy citizens may move their funds and assets to foreign tax havens, which ultimately harms the local economy.           

What I have said has only outlined the issues: in fact, several other political and economic factors may have a complex impact. So, the government must consider the situation carefully to lay down the optimal tax policy. Thank you for your attention. [181 Words Type-I]

Is increasing taxes a good way to improve public services?

Depending on when we raise tax rates, the answers may well vary, and they all have both positive and negative effects on society at the same time. In my view, funding public services is an efficient ways to raise taxes, but not vice versa. Now let me explain the details.     

First, when the economy is up, raising tax rates has many positive effects. For example, it does not only incréase quality of public services, but also create more job opportunities. In this way, investing in public services boosts the economy, some of which will increase future tax revenue.     

Next, I understand some may argue that this concept does not hold true when the economy is down. Certainly, in such cases, the government should not rush to restore tax revenues, but should invest in public services by national bonds. Thus, you can recover your tax revenues eventually.           

What I have said has only outlined the issues: in fact, several other political and economic factors may have a complex impact. So, the government must consider the situation carefully to lay down the optimal tax policy. Thank you for your attention. [188 Words Type-I]

Do you think that raising tax rates will have a positive or negative effect? 

Depending on when we raise tax rates, the answers may well vary, and they all have both positive and negative effects on society at the same time. This is a complicated and sometimes controversial issue, but let me explain some details.     

First, when the economy is up, raising tax rates has many positive effects: first, it can incréase government revenue, which leads to many good policies in turn. Second, raising taxes can prevent the economy from overheating and crashing, resulting in investor losses. By raising taxes, you can avoid such “an economic bubble.” These are benefícial outcomes of increasing tax rates.     

Next, I understand some may argue that this concept does not hold true when the economy is down. Certainly, in such cases, the government should not rush to restore tax revenues, rather should try to revive the economy by lowering tax rates.           

What I have said has only outlined the issues: in fact, several other political and economic factors may have a complex impact. So, we must consider them carefully to find out the optimal strategy. Thank you for your attention. [182 Words Type-I]

Have Japanese companies improved working conditions in Japan?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the companies have made strides over the years, in improving their working conditions. Now let me explain the details.     

First, many Japanese companies have introduced new work arrangements such as “nursing leave,” and “childcare leave.” They are common progress in many developed countries, where women’s workforce is becoming important than ever to modern society with aging and declining population. Plus, improvements in AI, business automation, and robotics have freed workers from many dangerous and tedious tasks. Surely, they are positive outcomes.     

Next, I understand some may argue that challenges remain, such as “working overtime” and “income gap.” But as it is, more foreigners are coming to work in Japan, and Japanese work hours have gradually reduced in recent years. They have shown that working conditions in Japan are steadily improving these days.           

Therefore, even though there is still room for improvement, I conclude that Japanese companies have made their best efforts to improve their working conditions. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-E]

Do you think company loyalty is outdated?

Depending on companies’ philosophy and other situations, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, while workers’ loyalty is becoming outdated, executives’ one is still necessary. Now let me explain the details.     

First, modern companies no longer need workers’ loyalty, because the employment model has changed. In the past, workers had lifelong employment and received seniority pay, which encouraged their loyalty to the company. Nowadays, however, both companies and workers are seeking different paths. While employees switch jobs for improved pay and working conditions, companies seek personnel with up-to-date knowledge and skills.     

On the other hand, the law still requests corporate executives to be loyal to the company, to secure shareholders’ trust. If executives feel free to betray the company, it will not only harm the company’s reputation, but also damage shareholders. Thus, executive loyalty should be a requirement as long as the LLC system exists in our world.           

Therefore, I conclude that while workers’ loyalty to the company is disappearing, management should remain loyal to the success of the company. Thank you for your attention. [182 Words Type-Z]

Seniority system versus performance-based pay system   

Depending on what we are, answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but come to think of it, it’s important to look into the both sides of these two systems for optimal corporate strategies. Now let me explain the details.     

First, seniority system is appropriate for non-profit organizations, such as government agencies, because it discourages competition among workers. If government agencies pursued profits, the public would doubt their integrity and fairness. On the other hand, the performance-based pay helps most private businesses to keep them productive. Because it motivates workers to actively compete for higher profits.     

There are always cons to everything; one is that seniority system deprives workers of ideas and morale, which wastes talented people in turn. In addition, it harms job mobility. On the other hand, the performance-based pay system undervalues some kinds of workers, such as seniors, women in child-rearing age, and people with disabilities, who should be a significant part of workforce in our aging society.           

In this way, both systems have their pros and cons depending on each company’s strategy, philosophy, and purpose. Thank you for your attention. [186 Words Typpe-B]

Are labor unions necessary in the modern workplaces?

This is an interesting topic; depending on our ideologies, answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, unions are still necessary even in the modern workplaces. Now let me explain the details.     

First, unions have several advantages: first, they represent and unite workers to negotiate with employers for, such as better salaries, allowances, and other working environments. Without unions, workers might lose their negotiating power. Second, unions can form a broader coalition over companies and industries, making their power even stronger.     

Next, I understand some may argue that companies are already working to improve their working conditions, but it is also important for workers to validate it by themselves. It is especially important in countries such as Japan, with an aging workforce in most workplaces.           

Therefore, while the power of union is declining across the world, I conclude that workplaces still need unions. On this point, The UN Sustainable Development Goals have listed “promoting decent work” as one of their key challenges. So, we must unite to improve our working environment and labor conditions. Thank you for your attention. [184 Words Type-G]

Should the retirement age be raised or abolished?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the mandatory retirement should be abolished in Japan as soon as possible. Now let me explain the details.     

Experts argue that abolishing mandatory retirement is a global trend, as it has two significant drawbacks: first, it forcefully kick out skillful workers of companies. Second, it puts pressure on social security. On the other hand, studies have shown that many seniors today are healthy, productive, and willing to work as long as possible. Considering a labor shortage in the future, it is better for companies to retain such workers as long as possible.     

Next, I understand some may argue that mandatory retirement helps companies to take in new talent, but the loss of experienced workers will offset any benefits. Plus, mandatory retirement is considered ageism, going against modern ideas of équity and increasing welfare costs.           

Therefore, even though mandatory retirement still has some advantages, I conclude that we should eliminate it to build a happy aging society. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-C,D]

Is outsóurcing a positive phenomenon?

Depending on what we are and where we live, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, outsourcing strategy is mostly positive phenomenon. Now let me explain the details.     

First, outsourcing has many advantages: first, it allows companies to use specific skills and resources they lack now, making them more efficient and productive. Plus, companies do not have to employ or train workers, and be able to expand or contract its operations more easily and quickly.     

Next, I understand some may argue that outsourcing can lead to domestic job losses to foreign workers, but outsourcing can bring in new investments and job opportunities for many developing countries with cheaper labor force. On this point, the UN Sustainable Development Goals have listed “promoting economic growth” as one of their key challenges. Outsourcing can promote this by transferring a part of economic activities of developed countries to developing countries.           

Therefore, even though outsourcing has its pros and cons, we can be optimistic about its advantages and adopt it to find out the better corporate strategies. Thank you for your attention. [184 Words Type-O]