I enjoy reading Readers' Voice in the Weekly twice a month because I've learned a lot of things from other readers, whether I agree with them or not.

Not only the contents, but also I've learned English writing styles through reading the letters. At the same time, I've gotten strong motivation to write better next time.

In fact, I'm one of the readers who have opinions about articles in every Weekly. I'm very happy that I see my comments in the paper and see my errors corrected, free of charge. The Weekly helps us English learners study ourselves. I've appreciated your help and I'd like you to have a meeting for Weekly readers and The Japan Times to exchange opinions directly. Bilateral communication is important and it could lead the Weekly to having more variety of contents. I hope my dream will come true soon.

Also, regarding an article I read in the Weekly about employee cafeterias:

I agree with the advantages of using a company cafeteria, such as cost and healthier food.

Also, it is a good place to communicate with other workers.

However, such cafeterias are crowded with users who don't have enough time to talk with others while eating. I think companies should extend lunchtime in order to give workers more leeway.

Eating and chatting are fun, and reduce stress. I hope company bosses will think about current situations more seriously. If they do, workers won't have to eat so fast and likely get fatter. Workers' health is a big issue. In a nutshell, company bosses should also have more leeway, without only seeking profits.

If, in 2010, young people 18 or older will be allowed to cast ballots on whether to revise the Constitution — in my opinion a very important matter — means that in fact it has already been decided to lower the adult age to 18 from 20.

Of course, there are many doubts about whether 18-year-olds are even aware of the huge responsibility they will be burdened with and whether they are capable of handling it properly, especially when it comes to drinking, smoking, borrowing money and all the other things that belong in the realm of adulthood.

But that is no excuse to let these young people idle two more years of their youth away in often childish, irresponsible behavior just because they do not count as adults yet. Most 18-year-olds have a part-time job, are earning some regular money (which they, of course, use for their own pleasures as they are not adults yet with any responsibility) and many smoke or drink alcohol, albeit in secret.

I think it is the job of parents, teachers and all adults in young people's lives to teach them the proper way to be good adults and fit into society. The problem might be that such teaching and mentoring cannot be done all of a sudden but has to start in early childhood.

I was surprised to see a photo on the Spotlight page (July 26 issue) of a woman affected with elephantiasis, which was covered on the Science page of the June 21 issue. I've rarely seen a follow-up story before, though it was just a photo and not a story. I hope to see her smiling in a photo again after she completely recovers.

The Japan Times Weekly: August 16, 2008
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