no :

Nap Time at School

Meifen :

　When I came to Japan from Taiwan,/I was impressed/that schools resumed classes/right after the lunch break. In fact,/it is customary to take an afternoon nap/in Taiwan. This custom is practiced/even in companies and schools. In my high school in Taiwan,/we have a 30-minute break/between lunch and afternoon classes. During this period,/everyone is encouraged/to take a short nap. Even if you don’t feel sleepy,/at least you have to lay your head on the desk/and try to relax.
　The custom is based on oriental medicine. It is believed/that sleeping twice a day/is essential for your health. It is also said/that a short nap after lunch/leads to high productivity/for the rest of the day. However,/some people believe/that schools should not force students/to take a nap.
　What do you think about having a nap time/at school? Do you think/Japanese schools should adopt this system?

Ken :

　I’m for that system/because I often fall asleep/in afternoon classes. According to a book I read before,/we tend to feel sleepy/about eight hours/after waking up. Therefore,/the book recommends/that we should take a nap/before feeling sleepy. Hearing about the Taiwanese custom,/I’m convinced/that students should take a nap after lunch. If this system were introduced,/I wouldn’t become sleepy any longer/and could focus more on afternoon classes.

Aya :

　Well, I understand/what you are saying, Ken. But I don’t think/we need an afternoon nap/in our school. This is because/I’d prefer spending the nap time on something else. In particular,/since we’re graduating soon,/I’d like to chat with my friends. Personally,/spending time with friends/is more important than sleeping.

Haruki :

　In my opinion,/setting a nap time at school/is worth a try. It would be helpful/to make up for my lack of sleep/and improve my concentration. University entrance exams are just around the corner. Although I study a lot,/I often feel it doesn’t bear fruit. That makes me feel more pressure,/and I end up staying up late. As a result,/I feel sleepy the following day/and can’t concentrate well. It’s a vicious circle. I think a nap would make the situation better.

Mai :

　I understand/the benefit of taking a nap after lunch. However,/to be honest,/I don’t want to take a nap,/laying my head on the desk. That would definitely cause a stiff neck/or stiff shoulders. I’m afraid/it might have a negative effect/on my health. If this system were introduced,/I’d like to sleep on a bed. But it’s not realistic, right? In a nutshell,/I’m against the system.

Ippei :

　I disagree with the system/because Aya’s and Mai’s opinions are persuasive. The most important point is/whether we have options. If you want to take a nap,/you can go ahead with it. If you don’t,/you can do whatever you like/as long as you don’t disturb people/who are sleeping. This sort of flexibility is crucial. I believe/each student’s free will should be respected. For this reason,/I’m opposed to the introduction of the system/if all students are required to sleep/during that time.

Meifen :

　Thank you very much/for such a heated discussion. It was nice to hear your opinions. I’d love to continue exchanging our thoughts/on Japanese and Taiwanese customs and cultures.