WEC Class Notes

Why Rice is Scarce in Japan’s Supermarkets Right Now If you’ve recently visited a supermarket in Japan, you may have noticed a surprising absence of rice on the shelves. Across the country, shoppers have been met with empty rice sections and signs limiting purchases to one bag per person. But what’s causing this sudden shortage in a country where rice is a staple food? The current scarcity is due to several factors, including concerns about a potential Nankai Trough earthquake, though there’s no need to panic, according to Hiroshi Itakura, a representative from the agriculture ministry. “Rice is an annual crop, and the main rice-producing regions typically begin harvesting in September, making August the month when supplies are at their lowest,” Itakura explained. He also noted that in the years following the pandemic, there was an excess supply of rice because fewer people were dining out. This year, however, that surplus has been used up, and demand has returned to normal levels. “Th...

  The Power of Storytelling in Business: The Case of Rideable Suitcases In an era where the market is flooded with products and services, standing out can be a monumental challenge. One way businesses can achieve this is through storytelling—an art that transcends simple marketing tactics and builds emotional connections. This approach has proven to be especially potent in transforming mundane items into memorable experiences. A prime example of this is the rideable suitcase, a product that has leveraged storytelling to capture the imagination of travelers and revolutionize the way we think about luggage. The rideable suitcase began as a clever invention designed to address a common traveler’s frustration: lugging heavy bags through crowded airports. At its core, it’s a suitcase with wheels that you can ride on, making airport navigation less of a chore. However, its success story isn't just about its functionality. It’s about how storytelling elevated this practical innovation int...

  The Randoseru: The Book Bag That Binds Japanese Society In the intricate tapestry of Japanese society, where cultural expectations are deeply ingrained and peer pressure holds sway, the   randoseru —a distinctive and sturdy school backpack—emerges as a powerful symbol of social conformity and tradition. More than just a practical item for carrying textbooks, the   randoseru   encapsulates the essence of Japan's educational values and the collective adherence to societal norms. The history of the   randoseru   dates back to the late 19th century, a period of rapid modernization in Japan. Originally derived from the Dutch word "ransel," meaning backpack, the   randoseru   was first introduced in Japan as part of the military's standard gear. It was later adapted for use in education, becoming a staple of the Japanese school uniform and a representation of discipline and structure in the classroom. Today, the   randoseru   is more than ju...

“Between Flatness and Depth: The Cultural Convergence of Eastern and Western Art in Painting and Video Games” The intersection between Eastern and Western art traditions, particularly in how they approach the representation of three-dimensional space on two-dimensional surfaces, reveals profound differences that have shaped both traditional painting and modern digital media, including video games. These differences are not just about technique but reflect deeper cultural philosophies and aesthetic values. Western art, especially since the Renaissance, has been dominated by the pursuit of realism, grounded in the use of linear perspective. This technique allows artists to create the illusion of depth, making a flat canvas appear as a window into a continuous, three-dimensional world. This approach aligns with the Western emphasis on rationality, order, and the accurate depiction of the physical world. It has deeply influenced not only painting but also the design of modern video games, ...

  Sapporo Set to Scrap 2030 Winter Olympics Bid The Japanese city of Sapporo, with its storied history in the Winter Olympics, has decided to abandon its bid to host the 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, as reported by Kyodo News. This decision comes nearly a year after Sapporo and the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) paused their bid in December 2022 due to a bribery scandal linked to the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games. Sapporo's relationship with the Winter Olympics is deeply rooted in its history. The city was originally slated to host the 1940 Winter Olympics, which would have made it the first non-European city to do so. However, the onset of World War II forced Japan to relinquish the Games, and they were eventually canceled. It wasn’t until 1972 that Sapporo had the chance to host the Winter Olympics, becoming the first Asian city to do so. The 1972 Sapporo Games were a momentous event, not only showcasing Japan’s recovery and modernization after World War II but also leaving a...

  George Orwell's   1984   has long been regarded as a cautionary tale, a dystopian novel that explores the dangers of totalitarianism, surveillance, and the manipulation of truth. Today, as we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the parallels between Orwell's fictional world and our reality are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. From the pervasive reach of surveillance technology to the rise of echo chambers on social media, and the pressures of modern capitalism on global economies,   1984   feels more relevant than ever. Orwell’s concept of "Big Brother," a regime that constantly monitors its citizens, is perhaps the most striking parallel to today's world. While we may not live under an overtly oppressive regime, the ubiquity of surveillance technology is undeniable. Governments and corporations alike have access to an unprecedented amount of personal data. Cameras monitor our public spaces, our online activity is tracked, and our personal...

  Many believe that the best time to learn a language is during early childhood when kids are naturally soaking up their first language. This belief has led to a push for introducing foreign languages as early as kindergarten. However, while there are benefits to early language exposure, there are also significant drawbacks to this approach, especially when it comes to teaching a second language in elementary school. Consider what a kindergartener is already facing. In that first year of school, children are expected to learn a lot—phonemic and phonological awareness, basic reading and writing skills, and adapting to a completely new environment. They're just beginning to grasp the sounds of their native language, learning to read simple words, and figuring out how to answer questions about a story. Adding another language to this already challenging mix can be overwhelming, both academically and emotionally. Mastering literacy in one language is tough enough and takes years; expec...

  "The Parts of Speech Poem": A Fun Foundation for Learning English The "Parts of Speech Poem" is a simple yet powerful tool for learning English grammar. It takes the tricky bits of the language and makes them easy to remember, much like how Dr. Seuss's   The Cat in the Hat   turns reading into an adventure. The poem is more than just a catchy tune; it's a smart way to help learners of all ages get a grip on the basics of English, making it a go-to resource in classrooms around the world. Why This Poem Matters in Learning English This poem does more than just list the parts of speech; it makes them stick. With its rhythm and rhyme, it turns nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections into something learners can easily recall. It's like having a mini-grammar lesson set to music, which makes it much easier to remember. But the poem doesn't stop at just naming the parts of speech; it gives examples that br...

 The Looking Glass: Culture Changers Culture in organizations is often discussed in terms of what it’s like to work somewhere — the atmosphere, the management style, or the hours employees put in. Common responses to the question, “What’s your team’s culture?” might include statements like “We work long hours,” or “We have a fun, friendly atmosphere.” While these descriptions are fine for providing a snapshot to an outsider, they fall short of capturing the deeper essence of what culture truly is. They are akin to describing the ocean simply by its color, missing the underlying currents and forces that shape it. The word “culture” itself comes from the root “cultivate,” meaning to grow with intention. Therefore, to truly understand a team’s culture, we must look beyond surface-level descriptors and ask a more probing question: “What beliefs drive your team’s growth?” Beliefs are the roots of actions; they explain why a team operates the way it does. For example, a team that works l...

  Sorry you feel that way: why passive aggression took over the world From Slack to the dinner table, honesty really is the best policy Nov 21st 2023 "Sorry You Feel That Way: The Rise of Passive Aggression in the Modern World" In a world increasingly dominated by indirect communication, passive aggression has become a subtle yet pervasive force in our personal and professional lives. Whether it's the silent treatment at the dinner table or a snarky comment during a team meeting, this form of veiled hostility has infiltrated our interactions, often leaving us bewildered and frustrated. Consider the scenario of Aaron and Jim, a couple whose evening plans were derailed by a work call. As Jim patiently waited for dinner, Aaron remained engrossed in business jargon that Jim, a musician, despised. When Aaron finally joined him at the table, his overly enthusiastic compliments on the now cold meal were met with a thunderous expression from Jim, who had lost his appetite. This e...

The Symbol of Medicine – The Legacy Behind the Snake, Staff, and Cross When an ambulance rushes past you, a few things might stand out: the urgency of its mission, the sirens blaring, and the symbols adorning it. In the U.S., you'll often see a six-pointed blue star with a white staff and snake at its center. This emblem is known as the Rod of Asclepius, an ancient symbol of medicine that has been embraced by medical organizations around the world. Alongside this, another symbol often associated with medical care is the Red Cross—or in some regions, the Red Crescent—both powerful icons representing humanitarian aid. The origins of the Rod of Asclepius are deeply rooted in Greek mythology. Asclepius, the god of medicine, was the son of Apollo, the god of light, music, and prophecy. His grandfather was Zeus, the king of the gods. Asclepius was trained in the healing arts by his father and the wise centaur Chiron, becoming a master of medicine. According to legend, Asclepius befriende...

Japan’s Economic Revival: High-Tech Solutions, Persistent Challenges, and the Global Significance of the Yen Japan is undergoing a significant economic revival, marked by soaring stock markets and a historic interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ). However, this resurgence is uneven, with a stark contrast between corporate prosperity and the ongoing struggles of many Japanese consumers and workers in smaller sectors. At the center of this economic narrative is the Japanese yen, a currency of immense importance in the global economy, influencing everything from international trade to global financial markets. In March, Japan’s labor unions secured the most substantial wage increases in over three decades, a move reflecting broader optimism driven by the BOJ’s decision to raise interest rates for the first time in 17 years. The Nikkei Stock Average reached new all-time highs, signaling a revitalized economic climate. Yet, for many, particularly those in smaller industries, these ga...

Exploring the Electric Salt Spoon: A High-Tech Solution to Cutting Sodium Intake In an innovative attempt to tackle Japan's rising health concerns related to excessive sodium consumption, Kirin, a leading Japanese beverage company, has introduced the "Electric Salt Spoon." This cutting-edge device is designed to enhance the flavor of low-sodium foods through a method of electrical stimulation. Priced at 19,800 yen ($126), the spoon reflects Kirin’s commitment to making healthier eating practices more appealing and accessible. The Electric Salt Spoon operates by passing a weak electric current through its tip, allowing users to choose from four intensity levels. This feature aims to create a personalized taste experience, which can help compensate for the reduction of salt in food. The technology builds upon Kirin’s previous research into taste alteration, including a chopsticks-like device developed with Professor Homei Miyashita of Meiji University. Miyashita, who earned...

Japanese 100-Yen Shop President Says Penny-Pinching Mindset Persists As Japan’s economic landscape shifts, Eiji Kawai, president of Seria, one of the country's prominent 100-yen store chains, remains confident that the demand for affordable goods will persist. Despite various efforts by businesses and the government to rejuvenate the economy and combat deflation, Kawai believes that consumers will continue to seek out low-cost options for their daily needs. Japan has been undergoing significant economic changes. The government, led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, has pushed for substantial wage increases as part of his "new capitalism" initiative. This year’s wage negotiations resulted in the highest pay raises in 33 years. Additionally, the Bank of Japan raised interest rates for the first time in 17 years on March 19, aiming to control inflation and stabilize the economy. Despite these measures, core inflation has remained above the 2% target for 23 consecutive months,...

  Seeing fewer customers, fast-food companies turn to loyalty apps The rising price of food is contributing to budget-conscious diners cutting back. The rising price of food is leading budget-conscious diners to cut back on their fast-food consumption, prompting companies to seek new strategies to retain their customer base. In both the U.S. and Japan, fast-food chains are increasingly turning to loyalty apps and point cards to attract and maintain customers. In the U.S., approximately 25% of low-income consumers—those earning less than $50,000 annually—have reported reducing their fast-food intake. Around half have also cut back on visits to fast-casual and full-service restaurants. This change comes amid a staggering 20% increase in food prices from January 2021 to January 2024. The Household Pulse Survey reveals that 50% of people earning less than $35,000 a year are struggling with everyday expenses, with nearly 80% feeling significant stress due to the price hikes. For instanc...

You finally made it to your overseases destination, but instead of running up the Eiffel Tower, you’re passing out in your soufflé. Blame jet lag, which occurs when your body’s circadian rhythm — its expected sleep and wake times — is out of sync with your new location, leaving you with brain fog at midday or insomnia in the wee hours. Not everyone has the same body clock, of course, and no two trips are exactly the same, but there are some tricks that could help you get your zip back quicker. The time differential and the direction you are traveling each contribute to jet lag, according to Jay Olson, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto Mississauga who has studied the phenomenon. Traveling westward, when you need to stay up and wake up later to match the new time zone, is easier for most people than traveling eastward, when you are expected to do the opposite. For shorter trips, it helps to make a gradual one-hour shift per day for the number of time zones you’ll cross, ...

Larry (born c. January 2007) is a British domestic tabby cat who has been Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office at 10 Downing Street since 2011. He is cared for by Downing Street staff, and is not the personal property of the prime minister of the United Kingdom. Larry has lived at 10 Downing Street during the premierships of six prime ministers: David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Keir Starmer. Larry was born as a stray cataround January 2007 and later came into the possession of the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. In 2011, he was adopted by Downing Street staff, initially intended to be a pet for Cameron’s children. He was described by Downing Street sources as a "good ratter" and as having "a high chase-drive and hunting instinct In 2012, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home said that Larry's publicity had resulted in a 15% increase in cat adoptions. Soon after he was taken in at Downing Street, a story circulated in the press purporting ...

  THE PARTS OF SPEECH POEM Every name is called a noun, As field and fountain, street and town. In place of noun the pronoun stands, As he and she can clap their hands. The adjective describes a thing, As magic wand or bridal ring. The verb means action, something done, As read and write and jump and run. How things are done the adverbs tell, As quickly, slowly, badly, well. The preposition shows relation, As in the street or at the station. Conjunctions join, in many ways, Sentences, words, or phrase and phrase. The interjection cries out, "Hark! I need an exclamation mark!"