I really agree with increasing the price of tobacco. I have always thought that this kind of thing should be done in Japan as other countries have applied very high taxes on tobacco, making it extremely expensive. It seems to me that smokers are trying to commit suicide as it is common knowledge that smoking harms our health. Not only do smokers risk contracting diseases or even death, but they also expose others to secondhand smoke. If the bill to raise taxation on cigarettes is passed by the Diet and comes into force, it will also help Japan to reduce the burden on the national health insurance. It will also be a great deterrent, especially for young people who may be tempted to start smoking. It will also give those smokers who have been warned about health problems by their doctors one more reason to quit.

In November 2004, I visited Iran with 18 friends. Yes, there were mountains and hills with few bushes or trees to be seen. But the origin of the word "canal" comes from this area of the world. You may all of a sudden come across green fields thanks to their canal systems. I had no idea such endangered animals as Asiatic cheetahs existed until I read "Protection of Species Brings Foes Together in Iran," in the June 28 issue of the Weekly.

I also agree with the claim that working together for good causes can help nations to come together in the June 28 article. In February 2005, when Nagano City hosted the "Special Olympic Winter Games," I was honored to be a volunteer interpreter for the Iranian delegation chief.

I enjoyed reading the article "U.S. firm rescues golf in Japan" in the June 28 issue of the Weekly. Golf is one of the most popular entertainment industries.

My husband, in his 50s, goes golfing more than three times a month, so I'm a widow of the amateur golfer on weekends.

Such golfers are getting old, as shown in the article, and therefore hospitals or clinics adjacent to golf courses are necessary for them.

Even in frigid winter or sultry summer, they never mind playing and therefore, we, temporary widows are concerned about our partners' physical condition. Moreover, most of them drive cars to the courses but sometimes feel worse after playing, so accommodation facilities are also necessary.

This industry will focus on the younger generation and this is one solution to seek more profits. But baby boomers and those slightly younger are much richer than the young, and golf course owners should continue to focus on this older generation more.

I enjoy reading the Weekly as a way of studying to fulfill my dream of one day going to the United States as part of a study-abroad program. The translation notes make it easy to read and the wide range of topics helps me to build up my knowledge of global and local events. The price is also reasonable for a poor student like me. In future, I would like to see the Weekly run a feature on slang.

The Japan Times Weekly: July 5, 2008
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