Discussion at Vivid Conversations

Moderator:Alright, let’s start with question number one. Imagine you’re on your way home and you suddenly find a suitcase full of money. What would you do? Would you keep it, turn it in to the authorities, or use it to help others? Why?

Speaker 1

If I found a suitcase full of money, I would turn it in to the police. Otherwise, I risk being arrested for theft. I mean, suddenly having a suitcase full of money sounds like a dream, but if it isn’t yours, you must do the right thing and report it.

Speaker 2

Also, without even opening it, you wouldn’t know if there’s really money inside. In my view, even if someone has placed money in your suitcase, it doesn’t automatically belong to you.Imagine if you could use that money for something good—say, to benefit society. There’s a part of me that dreams of using such a windfall to support educational reform, help young entrepreneurs, or fund research.In fact, I recently shared a new plan with my husband: if we could retire at 40, we’d have the freedom to enjoy life more fully. We’ve even talked about starting a new business. I’d love to travel with him, and I’m also very passionate about donating. Every year on his birthday, I make a donation. For instance, last year I supported a rural school in setting up a digital room with new computers. 

Speaker 3

Depending on the situation, I try to give what I can—and if I were to end up keeping some money from that suitcase, I’d divide it into three parts: one for future medical expenses, one for travel, and one for donations.

Even if the amount were something extraordinary—say, around 300 million yen—it would be amazing to split it evenly: 100 million yen for donations, 100 million for travel, and 100 million for our needs.

Moderator:Now, let’s move on to the next question.

Imagine you wake up one morning and discover that you can suddenly understand and speak every language in the world. How would you use this ability, and what impact would it have on your life?

Speaker 1:

That’s a tough one. If I could master every language, the possibilities would be endless. I’d be able to travel to numerous countries and communicate with locals in their own languages, which would make my experiences much richer. I’d also love to share Japan’s unique culture and current state with the world through social media—highlighting everything from our cuisine to our customs and achievements.

Speaker2:

With such a power, I’d consider working as a translator or even as a personal secretary for our president, who isn’t fluent in English and speaks only two or three languages. This way, he wouldn’t have to recruit a large team for international trips. In addition, I’d love to write a book and then translate it into every language myself. This would allow people around the world to read it almost immediately, bypassing the usual delays of traditional translation.

Speaker 3:

If I could speak every language in the world, I’d devote myself to promoting endangered languages—like the Ainu language or the traditional Ryukyuan (Okinawan) language. My parents even once mentioned that I might be related to a native tribe (I can’t recall the details clearly, but it stuck with me since childhood). I’d love to support efforts to preserve and promote these languages. For example, I have a cousin in Okinawa, and very few people there speak the traditional Ryukyuan language nowadays. Personally, I prefer warm climates—I’m not a fan of cold weather—so Okinawa’s relaxed atmosphere appeals to me. I believe I could help spread their language and culture.It’s amazing how much regional language diversity there is. Even if only around 6% of Okinawans speak the traditional language today, preserving it would be invaluable.