第２７９回 Workshop報告（５月２４日）

≪FIRST HALF≫

<Agenda>

How Much Do Cultural Differences Matter?

Recently, many books and online contents are highlighting cultural differences. However, I had an opportunity to rethink this after watching a Netflix documentary series called Indian Matchmaking. The show features Indian people in their 20s and 30s searching for a future partner.

At first, Indian culture seemed very different from Japanese culture. But it was interesting to see how their hopes and struggles were quite similar to what many people in Japan also experience.

This made me wonder:

Are cultural differences really as significant as we think? Or are they just surface-level?

Now that I’ve started working in an international environment, I often notice that cultural differences can distract us from identifying the real issue. Sometimes, we blame cultural gaps when the problem is actually something deeper or more universal.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

Please share your group opinion on Q.4 at the end.

<Questions>

1. Have you ever experienced a culture shock? What surprised you the most?

2. Have you ever expected big cultural differences but ended up finding more similarities than you thought? Can you give an example?

3. How do cultural differences impact the way teamwork with others or deal with challenges?

4. In a multicultural setting, what helps people stay focused on the real issue?

Reference:

「海外で結果を出す人は、「異文化」を言い訳にしない」(グロービス、高橋亨著)

≪LATTER HALF≫

Osaka Public High Schools Struggle as Enrollment Falls Below Capacity

In recent years, many public high schools in Osaka have been struggling to fill their student quotas. According to the Osaka Prefectural Board of Education, 65 out of 128 full-time public high schools, including some prestigious schools such as Neyagawa, Yao, and Otori high school, had fewer applicants than available seats in 2025.

One major factor behind this trend is Osaka’s tuition-free high school policy, which was implemented before the national government adopted a similar policy. While this policy was intended to reduce the financial burden on families, it also made private schools more accessible. As a result, more students are choosing private over public schools—even though private schools still require additional expenses such as uniforms, facility fees, and school trips.

Public schools are now facing serious challenges: declining birth rates, budget constraints, aging facilities, and the risk of closure if they fail to maintain enrollment. Under current policy, any school that fails to reach full capacity for three consecutive years may be subject to restructuring or shutdown.

Some experts argue that public schools need to do more to differentiate themselves and highlight their strengths. Others argue it is unfair to compare public schools, which are limited by tight budgets, with private schools that can invest heavily in branding and facilities.

This situation raises important questions about how families choose schools, the fairness of educational policies, and how public schools can adapt in a competitive environment.

<Questions>

1. Even though tuition is free, private schools still cost more overall. What other factors, beside costs, might be driving students to choose private high schools over public ones?

2. Do you agree with the Osaka’s education policy that mandates schools failing to fill capacity for three consecutive years may face restructuring or closure? Why or why not?

3. With limited funding and aging facilities, how can public schools realistically compete with private schools to attract more students? Share your group’s opinion at the end of the workshop.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

私たちと一緒に英語コミュニケーション能力を鍛えませんか？

ご興味を持たれた方は、

入会申込フォーム

ご入会申込みフォーム

よりお申し込みください。お待ちしています。

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::