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≪FIRST HALF≫

Scorching Summer

Osaka has been experiencing an unusually hot summer, with daily heatstroke alerts issued by my iPhone. The extreme heat has made it difficult to engage in outdoor activities that were once commonplace during this season. Not only is it uncomfortable to be outside, but many events have also been canceled due to the scorching temperatures.

To mitigate the heat’s impact on athletes, the Summer Koshien high school baseball tournament has implemented an adjusted schedule for the first three days, dividing games into morning and evening sessions. The Japan high school baseball committee has even expressed concerns about potentially canceling some games if heatstroke alerts are issued for Hyogo prefecture. Event organizers across the region are facing challenges in determining whether to proceed with their events even in the extreme heat conditions.

<Questions>

Q1: For the icebreaker: Please share your tips for enjoying summer, even in severe heat.

Q2: What is difficult for you to do this summer that you were able to do in past summers?

Q3: If you were the organizer of a summer festival in your neighborhood this hot summer, under what circumstances would you cancel the festival? How would you design the festival to be safe and enjoyable, even in the heat? Please share your group’s ideas at the end of the discussion.

(If you have spare times please discuss below question)

Q4: Do you think Japanese companies should encourage workers working from home in order to prevent heatstroke?

<References>

高校野球 兵庫県に熱中症特別警戒アラートで試合中止含め協議 | NHK | #夏の全国高校野球

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240726/k10014525671000.html

When did summer in Japan stop being fun? – The Japan Times

When did summer in Japan stop being fun?

≪LATTER HALF≫

The Diderot Effect: How Acquiring New Possessions Can Lead to Unintended Purchases

In the 18th century, French philosopher Denis Diderot experienced a phenomenon that has since been named after him—the Diderot Effect. After receiving a luxurious new robe, Diderot found that his modest surroundings no longer matched the elegance of his new garment. This led him to replace many of his possessions, resulting in unplanned spending and a desire for further consumption. The Diderot Effect describes this chain reaction, where acquiring one new item triggers a cascade of additional purchases, driven by the desire for cohesion and aesthetic consistency.

In today’s consumer-driven society, the Diderot Effect is more prevalent than ever. It influences our buying behaviors, often leading us to make purchases that we hadn’t initially planned. For example, buying a new smartphone might prompt us to purchase a new case, accessories, or even other electronic devices from the same brand. This cycle of consumption can have significant impacts on our financial well-being and personal satisfaction. Understanding this psychological effect can help us become more mindful consumers, making rational choices rather than yielding to the temptation of making purchases for the sake of harmony of your belongings.

<Questions>

*Please be prepared to share a summary of your discussion on question 3.

1. Have you ever experienced the Diderot Effect in your own life? Share a specific instance where acquiring one new item led to additional, unintended purchases. How did you feel about those subsequent purchases?

2. Consider the psychological impact of the Diderot Effect on an individual’s well-being. How might the pursuit of matching and upgrading possessions contribute to stress or dissatisfaction in life? Are there psychological strategies or practices that could help individuals fight against the pressures of the Diderot Effect and find satisfaction with what they already have?

3. The Diderot Effect has become a powerful tool as a marketing strategy to drive repeat purchases and brand loyalty. Now, as a marketing specialist in a consumer goods company, do you believe the company has a responsibility to limit the potential for overconsumption?

■Video for a better understanding of the Diderot Effect

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