What's New at Kyoto NHK ESS?

Dear ESS members,

This is an announcement of the practice I will hold on Oct. 12.
Genre: Song practice
Contents:
I will bring my ukulele and some lyrics cards. This time, we will sing some songs that are familiar to many Japanese people.
First, I will sing to my ukulele on behalf of you. If you know the song, please sing with me.
Then, we will have some discussion time. If you are not sure about the pronunciation and meanings, ask the other members. Maybe I will bring some questions to discuss.
Finally, everyone who want to sing will sing to my ukulele.

Regards,
Atsushi Kato

Hello , everyone of ESS members

I am also studying English in some places.
Do you know SEKAI Cafe in Kyoto? I usually enjoy studying there.
Foreign students are working there . I saw 6 foreigners there.
This time my practice is translating English into Japanese.
I will put some materials on this topic.

T.Kuchinaka

Hello, E.S.S members,

This is the announcement of the practice on 10/26.

Discussion about 'Uniform'

We have many kinds of uniforms in our life.
Some members of E.S.S have experience wearing Uniforms in the workplace.
And some have memories of school life in 'Gakuran'.
We can enjoy the uniforms of major league teams, too.
Today we want to talk about "Uniforms" together.

1.We need school uniforms or not. Why?
2.If yes, we should be able to choose pants or skirts for all students.
3.Tell about your experience wearing uniforms in your workplace. Good or bad?
4.Nowadays many uniforms are changing in 10 years. How? Why?
5.What do you think about business suits for Japanese businessmen like 'Uniforms' for them?

Let's enjoy the discussion together!

Naomi Tanahara

Hi, ESS members!
This is an announcement for coming ESS latter half ;practice on Nov. 2nd 2024

I found interesting topic for our discussion though shortly before US Presidential Election Day.

Since so many articles and news would prevail increasingly for the election, I decided to choose” Thucydides' Trap” as our hot agenda for discussion.

Make several groups as usual so that we will have 3-5 members for each group.

I would distribute papers to serve as informative material for discussion on Nov. 2nd.
Maybe you can find abundant sources on the topic if you go the Internet in your spare time.

Below is the definition from Wikipedia.

The term describes the theory that when a great power's position as hegemon is threatened by an emerging power, there is a significant likelihood of war between the two powers.[1][2] In Graham Allison's words:
Thucydides' Trap refers to the natural, inevitable discombobulation that occurs when a rising power threatens to displace a ruling power...[and] when a rising power threatens to displace a ruling power, the resulting structural stress makes a violent clash the rule, not the exception.[13]: xv–xvi 

１） Confirm what the topic is.
２） Do you think any future war between US and China likely?
３） Do you believe economic interdependence can prevent war?
４） Do you believe either US or China will give up Taiwan?
５） What is Thucydides’ Other “Traps”?
６） What do you feel as reasonable policy response for this situation?

See you soon！

Yours
Osamu MINAMIHASHI

Hello, my friends,

I'm happy to announce the second half of the practice on November 9.

Title of the practice: Our future lives living with robots
Category of the practice: Discussion

First you will watch a video of “Meet Spot, the robot dog that can run, hop and open doors.” at our online meeting for the second half practice on November 9, which will be conducted online.

That science fiction future where robots can do what people and animals do may be closer than you think. Marc Raibert, founder of Boston Dynamics, is developing advanced robots that can gallop like a cheetah, negotiate 10 inches of snow, walk upright on two legs and even open doors and deliver packages. Join Raibert for a live demo of SpotMini, a nimble robot that maps the space around it, handles objects, climbs stairs -- and could soon be helping you out around the house.

Then I would like you to discuss following items.
1. Have you ever been given any services or assistances by robots?
2. Show your unique proposals for social applications of the robots to make our lives convenient and happier?
3. Do you have any concerns or worries about being with future robots?

I hope you’ll enjoy the practice.

Makoto NISHIMURA