Donations and Welfare

 1. Today's Japanese words

## Japanese Vocabulary Related to Donations and Welfare (Romaji) **Donations:** * **寄付 (kifu):** Donation, contribution * **寄付金 (kifukin):** Donation money * **募金 (bokkin):** Fundraising, collection * **募金活動 (bokkin katsudou):** Fundraising activity * **慈善活動 (jizen katsudou):** Charity activity * **ボランティア (borantia):** Volunteer * **ボランティア活動 (borantia katsudou):** Volunteer activity **Welfare:** * **福祉 (fukushi):** Welfare, public assistance * **社会保障 (shakai hoshou):** Social security * **生活保護 (seikatsu hogo):** Livelihood protection (welfare program) * **最低賃金 (saitei chingin):** Minimum wage * **雇用保険 (koyo hoken):** Unemployment insurance * **年金 (nenkin):** Pension * **児童手当 (jidoteate):** Child allowance * **ホームレス (homuresu):** Homeless **Related Verbs:** * **寄付する (kifu suru):** To donate * **募金する (bokkin suru):** To fundraise * **福祉を受ける (fukushi o ukeru):** To receive welfare * **生活保護を受ける (seikatsu hogo o ukeru):** To receive livelihood protection * **年金を受け取る (nenkin o uketoru):** To receive a pension **Phrases:** * **寄付のお願い (kifu no onegai):** Donation request * **社会福祉制度 (shakai fukushi seido):** Social welfare system * **生活困窮者 (seikatsu kongyuusha):** People in economic hardship * **貧困 (hinkon):** Poverty * **格差 (kakusa):** Gap, disparity 2. Today's topic The relationship between donations and perceived laziness in Japan Cultural factors: Emphasis on self-reliance: Japanese culture traditionally emphasizes self-reliance and personal responsibility. This can lead to skepticism towards handouts, with a belief that relying on donations discourages individuals from working hard and taking care of themselves. Social stigma: Receiving welfare or relying heavily on donations can carry a social stigma in Japan, leading to concerns about laziness or dependence. Practical considerations: Concerns about abuse: As with any system, there are concerns about potential abuse of donation systems. This can lead to worries that some people may take advantage of donations instead of seeking employment or other solutions. Generalizations: Attributing laziness solely to receiving donations is a harmful generalization. Many factors contribute to someone's motivation and work ethic. Individual experiences: People's experiences with donations and their perceptions of laziness can vary greatly. Evolution of attitudes: Attitudes towards donations and social welfare are evolving in Japan, with growing awareness of the need for support systems and the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals. Instead of focusing on perceived laziness, it's more helpful to consider: The reasons why someone might need donations: Individuals may face challenging circumstances beyond their control, such as illness, disability, or economic hardship. The potential benefits of donations: Donations can provide crucial support for those in need, helping them get back on their feet or access essential services. The importance of a balanced approach: A healthy society requires both individual hard work and effective social support systems. 3- Today’s news Photographer Shinoyama of ‘Double Fantasy’ fame dies at 83 https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15103251 LA Dodgers & Ohtani Donate $1M To Victims Of Japanese Earthquake MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani and the LA Dodgers pledged to donate $1 million to help those impacted by the recent earthquake in Japan. The 7.6-magnitude quake struck Japan’s Noto peninsula on New Year’s Day, killing 94 people and forcing 33,000 from their homes. It also triggered a tsunami, which covered 296 acres of land, according to Japan’s land ministry. "The Dodgers announced that, in collaboration with Shohei Ohtani, they are donating $1 million to support the victims of the New Year’s earthquake in Japan," Talkin’ Baseball posted on X. Over 200 people are still missing in the aftermath as search and rescue teams patrol the vast area for survivors. Ohtani signed a record $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2023 after enjoying a successful spell with the Angels. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1tGw6irCPh/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== https://youtu.be/SvLevejci5s?si=-hHWXQbJ_eOKAFAa