Maps & Misrepresentation

Hello, language learners. Although it is September and fall is quickly approaching, the temperature is still scorching in Nagoya!  I hope you all are surviving this intense heat and finding time to relax.  Personally, I wish I were in a cold place like Greenland right now.  

By the way, have you ever noticed how big Greenland looks on most maps?  It is very interesting how different areas around the world are represented, and today, we will discuss how leaders in Africa are trying hard to change the way the continent is shown on maps.  

The African Union (AU) is asking the world to stop using the Mercator map, which has been the most common map for hundreds of years. The map was first made in 1569 and later became the international standard for sailors in the 1700s. Even though it is still widely used today, the Mercator map does not show the true size of countries. Nations farther from the Equator, like Europe or Greenland, appear much bigger than they really are. Meanwhile, countries near the Equator, like those in Africa, look smaller. This makes Africa, one of the largest continents, seem less important.

Leaders of the AU say this is a serious problem. Africa is actually the world’s second-largest continent and has over one billion people, yet the Mercator map makes it look tiny. The AU supports a campaign called Correct the Map, which calls for designs that show Africa and other continents in their real size. A non-profit group called Africa No Filter agreed, saying the Mercator map has been “the world’s longest misinformation campaign.” This means people have been given the wrong idea about the size and importance of different places for centuries.

Other groups, like Speak Up Africa, believe people should use newer maps instead. For example, the Equal Earth map, created in 2018, shows the world more accurately. On this map, Africa looks 14 times larger than Greenland, which is the truth. By promoting maps like this, the AU and other organizations hope people will have a better understanding of Africa’s true size and importance in the world.

What do you think of this situation?  Please share your thoughts on this interesting when you visit BRIDGE again. 

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Matcha Boom!

Hello everybody!  I can't believe it's already August and time for Obon!  Will you visit your family or just relax at home?  Whatever you decide to do, please enjoy this special time and stay cool.  

Today, we will discuss the worldwide matcha boom and interesting details connected to this trend!  As almost all of you know, matcha is a special green tea powder from right here in Japan. Interestingly, people around the world are drinking it in lattes, smoothies, and using it in desserts. Recently, it has become so popular that there is not enough to go around. Most matcha is made in Japan, but very hot summer weather damaged the tea plants and reduced the harvest.

Because farmers picked fewer leaves, the price of matcha has gone up to the highest level ever. One farmer from Uji, Kyoto said he usually harvests two tons of tea leaves, but this year he could only get 1.5 tons. Last year’s extreme heat damaged the bushes, so they couldn’t harvest as many leaves.

Tourism is making the shortage worse. Many visitors to Japan buy matcha to take home, sometimes in large amounts. Social media has also made matcha more famous than ever. Some stores say demand has grown tenfold, and they often sell out quickly. Even traditional Japanese tea ceremonies are having trouble getting enough matcha.

On one hand, the popularity of matcha across the world is great for the preservation of Japanese culture and tradition. On the other hand, this growing interest in matcha has created a shortage and caused prices to sharply increase both inside and outside of Japan.  

What do you think about this situation?  Are you surprised by this matcha boom?  Please tell us what you think when you come to BRIDGE again.  Have a great Obon and take care. 

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Voting Age in the UK

Hello everybody!  Many students have already started their summer breaks, and people are planning to travel around and outside of Japan.  Please stay safe in this heat but have a great time!  

Recently, Japan had a major election, and the results were surprising.  It seemed like more young people became interested in politics, and they decided to vote in the election.  Around the world, many different countries are trying to encourage young people to become more involved in the political process.  Today, we will look at a new idea that is being introduced in the UK.  

The British government has decided to lower the voting age to 16. Before this change, people had to be 18 to vote. This new rule is part of a plan to make voting fairer and to get more young people involved in choosing their leaders. Teenagers who are 16 or 17 years old will be able to vote for the first time in the next big election in the UK. The government said they want to update democracy for the 21st century and help more people trust the system.

Some people are happy about this change. They say that 16-year-olds already have jobs and pay taxes, so they should have a say in how the country is run. Prime Minister Keir Starmer agrees and said that if young people pay taxes, they should also get to vote. Another government leader said young people work hard and even join the military, so it makes sense to let them vote on things that matter to them.

However, not everyone thinks this is a good idea. Some people believe 16-year-olds are still too young to make such important choices. They point out that teens at that age can’t drink alcohol, buy lottery tickets, or get married without their parents’ permission. These people wonder why someone too young for those things should be allowed to vote.

What do you think about the UK's decision?  Should Japan lower the voting age, too?  Please let us know what you think when you come to BRIDGE in the future. 

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