4 people joined the regular meeting held on June 1. After self-introduction, we discussed several latest topics as follows.

Two years ago, the internet shopping mall operator Rakuten, Inc. surprised the public by announcing that it would make English its official language by 2012. Now all their internal meetings are held in English and even cafeteria menus are written in English. All workers are ordered to achieve higher scores on TOEIC. Firstly, we discussed whether the Rakuten president’s policy is really appropriate for the company. The opinion of the affirmative side was that the workers should accept the rule as an employee of the global company. Higher level of TOEIC score is not unattainable target for those who are using English at their workplaces every day. On the other hand, we doubted the idea of using English in the meeting in which all attendees are Japanese, because they sometimes keep quiet even though they come up with good ideas. That will be a big loss for the company. Secondly, one of the participants posed another doubt on the relation between the business capabilities and the scores of TOEIC. It is said that the relation of the two is weak and only Koreans and Japanese are enthusiastically tackling TOEIC. It is funny!

Hashimoto asked all city workers if they have a tattoo and even suggested those who answered yes should quit the municipal government. We discussed if Hashimoto’s comment is reasonable. Affirmative opinion was that as it is an issue of the office dress code, which most of the organizations have, Osaka municipal office is not an exceptional case. Workers should follow the rule. There’s no need to show tattoos in the office, so they should hide them. Negative opinion was that as tattoo is a part of current fashion, prohibiting the tattoo is a violation against the freedom of expression. And it seems to be a violation against privacy to force all workers to answer the questionnaire. In addition, there should be a written rule authorized properly. But isn’t it excessive that Hashimoto’s order becomes a fixed rule?

Junichi Komoto, a member of popular comedian duo Jicho Kacho, apologized for letting his mother continue to receive welfare benefits after he earned enough income to support her. We discussed whether it is appropriate. Affirmative side said comedian was not a stable job. After all, it does not seem to be mandatory to support parents if they are living separately. Furthermore, the majority of parents do not want to fall to their children’s share. Negative side pointed out that the law enforces the relatives within 3rd degree kinship to provide support if they have enough income. And those who really need welfare benefit would not receive enough support if we allow the cases like Komoto’s.

About one month ago, Tokyo Governor Ishihara made a sudden announcement that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government planned to buy some of the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, administered by Japan but claimed by China and Taiwan. Some support Ishihara’s and others don't. For example, Asahi Shimbun and Kanagawa Governor Kuroiwa said Ishihara was irresponsible because if a military conflict between Japan and China erupted, he had no way to handle it. We watched a short film of history of Senkaku and then discussed if Ishihara's speech should be supported.

Affirmative side:
1. When Tokyo Metropolitan Government decides to buy Senkaku Islands, it is one of ordinary domestic business deals. Central government should not say anything about it.
2. It is necessary to make clear Japan's ownership of Senkaku Islands. Currently Senkaku Islands are owned by an ordinary people. Ishihara's plan will give courage to the owner.
3. It is good timing to show a strong attitude of resolution to international community including China and Taiwan. It should have been said by someone in higher position. Ishihara is an ideal person to do so.

Negative side:
1. It is a diplomatic issue. So, Ishihara is not an appropriate person. This kind of issue should be discussed by prime minister or foreign minister.
2. Ishihara's speech had a harmful effect on the relationship between Japan and China. It causes bad effects to Japanese economy.
3. Japan need US military backup to have a confrontation with China. But it is not good timing to expect US support because they have other important issues in the Middle East. In addition, the relation between US and Japan is not good because of Futenma issue.

Outcome of a debate match was almost even, but the argument of affirmative side was slightly persuasive. On the other hand, some interesting viewpoints were found in negative side.