Continued: A Request to Middle and High School Students - English + Inquiry + Group Work

I believe that as middle and high school students, you are learning that 'reflection' is important in inquiry activities and other areas. However, the Japanese government does not reflect at all. There is no one trying to verify whether the measures they implemented were effective. If things continue this way, we might end up with meaningless measures the next time something similar happens. If you haven't decided on your summer vacation independent research project yet, please try verifying this on behalf of the Japanese government!

Report from the U.S. House Select Subcommittee

Over the course of two years, the U.S. House Select Subcommittee verified the federal and state-level responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the impact of social distancing and school closures. After 25 meetings, over 30 interviews, and the verification of more than one million pages of documents, they compiled a 520-page report and released it as their final report.

First, you need to look through this report, but since it is quite voluminous, I think it would be best to divide the work among a group. Try inviting friends who are good at English, such as returnee students. The report includes email exchanges and other evidence, making it quite interesting content.

Final Report

https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024.12.04-SSCP-FINAL-REPORT-ANS.pdf

Don't you think we need to conduct this kind of verification in Japan as well?

Measures in Japan

Various measures were implemented in Japan, such as shortening business hours until 8:00 PM and requesting the cancellation of events. Who decided on the time cutoff of '8:00 PM' or figures like 'events of up to 50 people are OK,' and what data were they based on?

For example, what was the basis for deciding on the relaxation measures below?

May 25, 2020 -
The 25th Tokyo Metropolitan Government COVID-19 Response Headquarters Meeting

During the COVID-19 pandemic, school events such as cultural festivals and school trips were also significantly affected.

In 2021, at the Olympics, even if there were infected people on a team, other members were allowed to compete if they cleared a test on the day. However, in many sports like high school baseball, if there was an infected person on the team, the entire team was forced to withdraw. Who decided these criteria, and how?

Now, in 2025, events can be held without restrictions, and it might seem like daily life has returned, but if you look around the city, it is not the same as it was before COVID-19.

In supermarkets and other places, many staff members wear masks all year round. How was it before COVID-19?

Many foreign tourists are visiting Japan now, but do you see them wearing masks?

I believe this situation is related to the fact that we have not properly verified our actions. Why are there no members of the National Diet in Japan who are trying to properly verify what they have done?

In the U.S. Congress, there are many members who investigate thoroughly and express their own opinions.

Since doing everything is difficult, it might be better to narrow the scope to things like school life, restaurants, or events. I would like junior and senior high school students from all over the country to conduct their own investigations and share the results with everyone. Please, I'm counting on you!!