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1. Tell me about a family member, colleague, friend, friend of a friend or neighbour who you think gossips too much. Please don't use their real name (e.g. "I have a colleague, let's call him 'Dave'").
2. Have you ever bought or read a "shukanshi" (weekly gossip) magazine or tabloid newspaper? If yes, what did you think? If no, why not?
3. Do you ever watch gossip ("wide show") programs on TV? Why or Why not?
4. The media often exposes affairs involving pop stars, actors, actresses, politicians or sports personalities. Tell me about an affair that shocked Japan - who was it between? What happened? Were you shocked? Why?
5. Often politicians, leaders and personalities have to make public apologies for things they have done wrong. Please think of a public apology that you have seen on TV. Who was apologising? What had they done? Do you think they were forgiven? Why or why not?
6. Tell me about a famous personality who you think has been treated unfairly by the media in your country.

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Question 1

I honestly can't think of anybody here in Japan. When I was working in Boston at a restaurant, all of the waitresses loved to gossip.

Question 2

I have never bought a "shukanshi". I usually flip through them while waiting at the doctors office. I think buying them is a waste of money.

Question 3

I never watch "wide show" programs on TV. I don't understand Japanese well enough to understand the programs.

Question 4

I was surprised when the head of Nissan was arrested for tax evasion.

Question 5

I remember when Bill Clinton had an affair in the White House. He first denied it, but then he had to admit it, after he was found guilty.

Question 6

I think that Bill Clinton was treated unfairly. Many past presidents had affairs, but they were never revealed to the public.

Tough Vocabulary