A1 Level – Elementary
1. Do you know Japan?
2. What is a famous city?
3. Do you like Japanese food?
4. What is a fast train?
5. Do you think the culture is very polite?
6. What is a long history?
7. Do you worry about the language barrier?
8. What is a popular cartoon?
9. Do you think it is a safe country?
10. What is a quiet temple?
11. Do you like high technology?
12. What is a simple bow?
13. Do you like clean cities?
14. What are three things Japan is famous for?
15. Do you think traveling there is expensive?
A2 Level – Pre-Intermediate
1. What is the difference between Tokyo and Kyoto?
2. Why are Japanese people known for being hard workers?
3. What are the good things and bad things about high-density city living?
4. How can a tourist show respect for local customs?
5. Should all people learn a few Japanese phrases before visiting?
6. Why is it important to understand the concept of hierarchy?
7. Do you think Japanese food is healthy?
8. What is the purpose of traditional tea ceremonies?
9. How does technology change daily tasks and convenience?
10. What is the difference between a traditional kimono and modern clothing?
11. Do you think the politeness is genuine or just a rule?
12. What are the problems when people talk loudly on the train?
13. When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?
14. What are two things that make the country unique?
15. How does a lack of space affect home design?
B1 Level – Intermediate
1. What are the simple ways to politely refuse a gift in Japanese culture?
2. How does the economy affect the high cost of living?
3. Should the government provide resources to preserve old traditions?
4. What is the difference between a simple shrine and a major temple?
5. Do you believe that Japan’s culture is becoming more globalized?
6. What are the challenges of learning complex written language?
7. How does focusing on perfection affect the quality of Japanese products?
8. What is the idea of “wa” (harmony)?
9. Is it fair when a person’s behavior is judged quickly for a small mistake?
10. How does a lack of natural resources affect the economy?
11. What are the basic steps for using a public bath (onsen)?
12. What is the value of finding deep meaning in simple objects?
13. Should the news talk more about the social issues (e.g., aging population)?
14. What are the simple reasons why some foreigners struggle to live there?
15. How does the history of isolation affect modern international relations?
B2 Level – Upper-Intermediate
1. What are the simple social problems caused by demanding high-level politeness?
2. What are the ethical issues when companies require extremely long working hours?
3. How does constant social media showing of the culture affect tourist behavior?
4. Should local businesses be legally required to provide English information?
5. How does the feeling of respect affect social harmony?
6. Who is responsible for addressing the stress on young workers?
7. What is your simple view on the practice of high formality in daily life?
8. What is the role of technology in automating public services?
9. How does the problem of cultural misunderstanding affect business deals?
10. What are the clear problems with allowing people to hide their real feelings?
11. What are the legal differences between general public courtesy and discrimination?
12. Do you think the main purpose of the culture is to promote efficiency?
13. What steps can individual citizens take to promote international exchange?
14. How does the lack of clear rules affect social interaction in a busy place?
15. What are the simple psychological effects of a very clean, orderly environment?
C1 Level – Advanced
1. Is it fair that the most necessary city jobs cannot afford city living?
2. What is the moral duty of a society to address worker stress and overwork?
3. How do global economic shifts affect the traditional job security model?
4. When should the government consider mandatory limits on working hours?
5. What are the simple ethical problems of companies profiting from a culture of extreme dedication?
6. How does focusing on group harmony affect the need for individual expression?
7. Discuss the effects of the aging population on the future economy.
8. How should leaders use policy to promote a better work-life balance?
9. What is the idea of “karoshi” (death from overwork)?
10. What are the long-term social effects when a whole generation avoids marriage and children?
11. What are the clear difficulties when courts try to decide if a foreign law is applicable there?
12. How does the desire for perfection affect the need for flexibility?
13. Do you think the most important thing is the preservation of cultural depth?
14. What are the simple moral rules a person should follow when dealing with cultural difference?
15. Should the government set a clear standard for ethical work practices?
C2 Level – Proficiency
1. What is the true difference between ritualistic politeness and authentic connection?
2. Should we eliminate the system that allows for massive social pressure and conformity?
3. How does the idea of national identity change with high technology and globalization?
4. What laws are needed to prevent major corporate disregard for worker mental health?
5. How do historical views of samurai, duty, and honor affect modern society?
6. How can a society ensure that empathy is shown to people struggling with social pressure?
7. Do you think total individualism would fix the problem of overwork?
8. What simple rules should guide people when they encounter deep cultural formality?
9. How can we stop people from using personal choice as an excuse for poor habits?
10. What did old thinkers say about duty, beauty, and the pursuit of harmony?
11. What will happen to the need for human service if AI automates all interactions?
12. How do people use the idea of “it’s tradition” to avoid discussing harmful practices?
13. How does the experience of a major natural disaster change a person’s view of community?
14. What is the power of a group to demand a total reform of work culture?
15. If scientists could create a perfect, harmonious city, what would happen?
