Writing
Topic
Suppose you had the power to make one
important change in the government of your country. What change would you like
to make, and why?
☆Hints for Points
1 money politics (“seiji to kane” no mondai): Corrupted politicians are supported in
elections by interest groups
(big businesses) in return for
doing favor for them. For decades, they have weakened Japanese economy mainly by allocating
large part of the budget for building unnecessary airports, bridges, roads, and
other facilities whose construction even the local people question. Anti-corruption laws have been enacted but there are loopholes. Part of the problem is that those who make these laws
are the
very people who are regulated by them, politicians. Also, whistle-blowing will cost one’s job. To establish a
committee which is totally independent from the government and which makes
original budget plans and has authority to intervene government spending might
be an idea to solve the problem.
2 absence of accountability: Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, it
has become clearer than before that no one in the cabinet can take a real
initiative and responsibility, while everyone trying
hard to hide information from the public. Group-orientation and custom of dodging responsibilities is the foundation of the Japanese system and therefore it is not likely to change easily.
3 decentralization
(chihoubunken): Japan is a highly centralized state where government
bureaucrats take the initiative. While this practice might be generally suitable
for this small country, the drawback is less freedom in local governments and
political apathy. The government should partly shift authority in some areas
such as education, welfare, and development
4 revitalization of
the disaster-stricken areas: Disaster victims such as those hit by the Great
East Japan Earthquake and the Tsunami have been suffering since then. We have
to think of some viable measures for them to be able to build a new life.
5 care for migrant
workers: Japan has decided to accept a large number of migrant workers due to
shortage of workforce, yet it has done little to provide the workers with good
conditions in their lives in Japan. Foreign workers suffer from discrimination
and ill-treatment from their employers. Many disappear for better conditions.
Death toll, including those of suicides, is extremely high. Also, there are
already 40,000 children of foreign descent who need support in studies in
Japanese but do not receive it. It is imperative for the government to take
action now to make Japan a successful multi-ethnic society.
6 disarmament: As the
only country which has been bombed with atomic weapons, Japan should be more
assertive in disarmament. When most of the people who actually experienced the
attack and the aftermath are no longer with us, we should more consciously try
to pass down the memory of the history to the next generation and keep
requesting world peace based on diplomatic relations between countries.
7 the gap between the
rich and (the) poor: Wealth gap has been getting bigger in Japan, which was
famous as a relatively equal society till a decade ago. It has been proved that
income inequality causes many kinds of problems. Therefore, the government
should work on the problem more seriously. For example, basic income, free
education, and free medicine will help greatly the disadvantaged and the
country, which will lead to vitalized economy and stabilized society.
8 sharing the rights
to use Takeshima and Senkaku Islands with other countries that insist their
rights to possess them. This will soften the tension between involved countries
and enrich all. （People’s Peace Johan Galtung）
☆Let’s make a presentation
Make a presentation
of the change you would like to make in your town.
Ask each other
questions.
☆Sample Essay Structure
【Introduction】
【Present situation】
【Change you would like to make】
【Counterargument- treatment】
【Conclusion】
☆Your Essay Structure
【Introduction】
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