No.488日本語例会 10/26 (桜坂・武蔵小杉 合同例会)
In the absence of Musashikosugi TMC President K, the meeting was called open by VPE K. Guided by the warm and engaging TM I as Toastmaster of the Day (TMOD), the meeting unfolded seamlessly. Key roles were filled by dedicated members: TM Y from Sakurazaka as Timer, TM S from Musashikosugi as Ah Counter, TM F from Musashikosugi as Vote Counter, and TM O from Musashikosugi as Grammarian, who introduced the word of the day, “味わう,” meaning “savor” or “appreciate.” This word set the stage for a gathering rich in heartfelt stories and thoughtful insights.
One of the meeting’s highlights was the induction ceremony, where TM Y was welcomed as a new member and TM M was re-inducted. This moment underscored the club’s commitment to building warm bonding between the members, and making the new members feel genuinely welcomed in an atmosphere of support and cooperation.
The Table Topics segment, expertly led by TM T from Sakurazaka, invited spontaneous reflections on the theme of “ご縁.” Members shared personal anecdotes that beautifully illustrated the connections that shape our lives. TM Y’s story about a life-changing conversation with his boss during a challenging work period resonated deeply. TM M humorously discussed her memory lapses, while TM Y offered a quirky take on superstitions related to sports. This engaging segment not only showcased the speakers’ spontaneity but also earned TM Yoshimura the title of Best Table Topics Speaker.
In the Prepared Speech segment, five speakers captivated the audience with their unique perspectives. TM O kicked off with "王 子恒の恒," reflecting on the significance of his name and pivotal moments in his journey—from carefree college days filled with gaming to his current professional accomplishments, all rooted in perseverance. His heartfelt narrative earned him positive feedback from evaluator TM H. Next, TM O from Sakurazaka delivered “I found my groove ~商標~,” exploring the role of trademarks in distinguishing products and emphasizing the value of the Toastmasters brand. His engaging delivery and informative content resonated well with the audience. TM S then shared his passion for supporting children through a new initiative that offers vocational experiences to youth in care facilities. His heartfelt commitment struck a chord, and TM A’s evaluation encouraged him to weave more personal stories into his presentations. Following this, TM O from Sakurazaka brought a playful touch with “ケツを磨こう,” highlighting the importance of self-care through humor and practical tips. Her engaging approach made a lasting impression, ultimately earning her the title of Best Speaker. Finally, TM O from Musashikosugi wrapped up the segment with “不知の知 リターンズ,” reflecting on self-awareness and the importance of acknowledging one’s limitations while building confidence. TM I’s evaluation encouraged TM O to enrich his narrative with more personal experiences.
The meeting culminated in a thoughtful evaluation segment led by General Evaluator TM T from Musashikosugi, who provided constructive feedback on the speakers and the overall flow of the meeting. The awards ceremony celebrated the contributions of various members, with TM Y being honored as Best Table Topics Speaker, TM O as Best Evaluator, and TM O as Best Speaker.
Additionally, important announcements included updates on the new BaseCamp (Pathways) system from VPE K and an invitation from TM I (Sakurazaka TMC) to attend the upcoming newcomers' contest on November 24.
This meeting beautifully embodied the essence of ‘ご縁,’ highlighting the invaluable connections we form in our lives that go on to define our success and happiness.