≪FIRST HALF≫
Recent Valentine’s Day Trends in Japan
In recent years, Valentine’s Day in Japan has been undergoing a significant transformation. The traditional custom of giving “giri-choco” (obligatory chocolates) is declining, while more personal and diverse ways of celebrating are becoming mainstream.
One of the biggest trends today is buying chocolates for oneself. Surveys indicate that around 60–70% of people plan to purchase chocolates as a personal treat.
Department stores and specialty shops actively promote chocolates as “rewards for yourself,” positioning Valentine’s Day as a form of self-care and self-appreciation.
Giving chocolates to friends, known as tomo-choco, remains popular. Valentine’s Day is no longer limited to romantic relationships; people also exchange gifts with friends and family. In addition, non-chocolate gifts such as baked goods, lifestyle items, and experience-based presents are gaining attention, allowing people to choose gifts that match their relationships.
<Questions>
1. What kind of gifts would you like to receive?
2. Do you buy gifts for yourself on special occasions?
3. Do you think the decline of giri-choco is a positive or negative change? Why or why not?
4. How necessary do you think obligatory relationships are in today’s society, and do you think their importance decreases as online communication becomes more common?
[No discussion result needs sharing.]
≪LATTER HALF≫
Are We Living Too Fast?
Modern society is more convenient than ever. Technology helps us work faster, communicate instantly, and access information anytime. However, many people feel busier and more stressed than before. Even though tools like smartphones and AI are designed to save time, they often make us feel that we are always “on” and never fully resting.
In the past, life was clearly less convenient. People had fewer machines, less technology, and fewer choices. However, they often lived closer to nature and followed slower daily rhythms. Without constant notifications or digital pressure, they may have had more time to rest, reflect, and connect with others.
Looking to the future, artificial intelligence is expected to change our lives even more. Some experts believe AI will reduce working hours by taking over repetitive tasks. Others worry that AI will push people to work even harder and faster. So, will AI take our jobs, or will it help us regain free time and mental space?
Finally, can technology really give us peace of mind? Or does it depend on how we live, work, and use technology in our daily lives? Being convenient does not always make people happy.
Do you think living more slowly comes not from technology itself, but from the choices we make every day?
<Questions>
1. How do you feel about your daily life today?
Do you feel more busy, more convenient, or both? Why?
(approx. 10 min)
2. People often say life was slower and more relaxed in the past.
What do you think people gained and lost as life became more convenient?
Were people actually happier in the past, or do we only remember the good parts?
(approx. 10 min)
3. How do you think AI will change our working lives?
Will it give us more free time, or make us work even more? Why?
(approx. 15 min, to be shared after discussion)
4. What choices can individuals make to create more mental space, even in a fast and convenient society?
(If there is spare time.)
<Reference>
Technology is stealing your time in ways you may not realise – here’s what you can do about it
現代人はテクノロジーに時間を奪われている、どうすればゆったりした時間を取り戻すことができるのか？(Gigazine)
https://gigazine.net/news/20231224-technology-stealing-your-time/
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| 01 | E's clubとは･ごあいさつ |
| 02 | サークルの８つのウリ |
| 03 | 学習会の流れ |
| 04 | レベルについて |
| 05 | スタッフ紹介・参加者の声 |
| 06 | 開催報告･過去の題材 |
| 07 | FAQ・会則 |
