Dec.20 Short Sleeper

Article:

Japan’s Sleepless Prime Minister Sparks a National Debate

Japan’s Prime Minister recently surprised the public by revealing that she sleeps only about two hours a night—a claim that ignited a nationwide debate about work culture, leadership, and whether political stamina should really be measured by caffeine intake.

According to the Prime Minister, her unusually short sleep schedule is a necessary sacrifice to keep up with policy briefings, international calls, and the endless stream of meetings that seem to multiply like origami rabbits. She even joked that she has a better relationship with her alarm clock than with her own pillow. Many citizens laughed, but others wondered: is this dedication or danger?

Japan has long struggled with a culture of overwork. Salarymen taking “power naps” on the train are as iconic as sushi and cherry blossoms. The word karōshi—death by overwork—exists for a reason. That’s why the Prime Minister’s claim hit a nerve. Some supporters praised her for her tireless commitment, comparing her to historical leaders who barely slept during crises. Critics countered that chronic sleep deprivation can impair judgment, decision-making, and emotional control—qualities you might want your head of government to possess in full supply.

Experts chimed in quickly. One sleep researcher noted that only about 1% of humans can truly function well on just two hours of sleep, and “most of them are toddlers on a sugar high.” A Tokyo physician warned that bragging about extreme work habits “sets a dangerous example in a society already struggling with burnout.”

Meanwhile, on social media, the announcement sparked a wave of tongue-in-cheek commentary. One user wrote, “If my PM sleeps two hours a night, I want proof that she’s not secretly three tanukis in a trench coat.” Another suggested sending her a care package that included herbal tea and a weighted blanket.

Whether the Prime Minister’s sleepless schedule is heroic or hazardous remains up for debate. But one thing is clear: Japan’s conversation about work-life balance just got a dramatic jolt—ironically, from someone who apparently never sleeps.

Questions:

What do you think about this article?

Are you a short sleeper?

How many hours do you sleep on average each day?

Do you have any particular routines or preferences when it comes to sleeping?

Is there anything else you would recommend to others regarding health?

Is there anything you care about when it comes to work–life balance?

Dec.13 Gun and Weapon

Article:

Safety or Freedom? Japan’s Gun Dilemma

The debate over whether Japan should permit private gun ownership, as the United States does, often feels distant—something discussed only in politics or on the news. Yet when we bring the issue closer to everyday life, the question becomes more relatable: What kind of society do we want to live in, and what responsibility are we willing to carry to achieve it?

Japan is known for its exceptionally low gun-related crime rate, a result of strict regulations and a cultural emphasis on social harmony. For many Japanese citizens, guns remain abstract objects seen mostly in movies or video games. But imagine a more personal scenario: a friend tells you they are thinking of buying a firearm for self-defense. Even if you trust that friend, you might suddenly feel differently about visiting their home or letting your children play there. This discomfort often reveals our deeper values more clearly than statistics do.

On the other hand, advocates of gun rights argue that self-protection is a fundamental human right, and that relying solely on law enforcement is not always practical. Natural disasters, which Japan experiences frequently, can temporarily disrupt public order. In such moments, some feel that personal responsibility must extend to personal protection.

However, owning a gun is not just about protection—it demands discipline, training, and constant awareness. A firearm can prevent violence, but it can also escalate it. Just as we teach young people to drive carefully because a car can save lives or end them, owning a lethal weapon requires emotional maturity and social responsibility that not everyone may be prepared to accept.

Perhaps the real lesson lies not in choosing “yes” or “no,” but in understanding the values behind each choice. Whether Japan maintains its current restrictions or adopts a more permissive approach, the conversation reminds us that safety is a shared effort. It begins with how we treat one another, how we resolve conflict, and how deeply we understand the consequences of the freedoms we choose to embrace.

Questions:

What do you thin about this article?

Have you ever seen or touched a real gun?

Do you think owning a gun should be allowed in your country?

Have you ever gotten into dangerous situations in public places.

Do you think your country should own nuclear weapons?

Do you think your country's constitution about war should be changed?

Do you think World War III will happen during your life?

If a war happens in your country, do you want to become a soldier and fight?

Nov.29 Optimist vs Pessimist

Article:

Why Optimists and Pessimists Never Live in the Same World

Optimists and pessimists often look at the same situation and somehow see completely different worlds. Consider two coworkers standing in front of a broken coffee machine on Monday morning. The optimist cheerfully declares, “Great! Now we have a reason to try that new café around the corner.” The pessimist sighs, “Of course this would happen today. Mondays are cursed.” Same event, opposite universes.

Psychologists argue that these thought patterns shape not only mood but also behavior. An optimist is more likely to take risks, volunteer for new projects, and recover quickly from setbacks. A pessimist, on the other hand, may notice details an optimist forgets, prepare for obstacles, and protect a team from unrealistic expectations. In fact, some companies intentionally pair an optimist with a pessimist to create a balanced decision-making duo. One dreams big; the other stops the dream from exploding.

A classic example appears during road trips. When the navigation app announces a two-hour delay, the optimist calls it a “perfect chance for unexpected adventure.” The pessimist opens the weather app, checks for storms, and begins rationing snacks as if preparing for a small apocalypse. Annoying as it seems, both attitudes serve a purpose: enthusiasm keeps morale alive, while caution stops the car from ending up in a ditch.

Even in personal relationships, these roles appear again and again. A couple planning a vacation might experience a passionate debate: the optimist imagines sunshine, friendly locals, and magical discoveries; the pessimist envisions lost luggage, mosquitoes, and suspicious street food. Ironically, this contrast often produces better trips, because the pessimist’s concerns help the optimist pack realistically, while the optimist’s excitement prevents the pessimist from canceling everything.
Perhaps the most amusing illustration is the half-full, half-empty glass. The optimist smiles at the drink, the pessimist complains about it. In the end, our world needs both types to function.

Questions:

What do you think about this article?

Would you describe yourself as an optimist, pessimist? Why?

Which do you rely on, logic or intuition, when deciding things?

Would you describe yourself as a risk taker? Why? Why not?

Which do you prefer your partner being an optimist or pessimist?

What do you think is the key to success for your present self?

What life advice would you give to your younger self?

Have you ever read any self-help books? If so, did you find them useful? If not, why not?