Exploding piggy-bank aims to scare Japanese into saving
Thu Nov 8, 10:19 AM ET
TOKYO (AFP) - Greying Japan has a new weapon to scare people into saving for their retirement -- an exploding piggy bank.
The "Savings Bomb," which goes on sale in Japan next week, "explodes" and scatters coins if users fail to save for a long time, toy manufacturer TOMY Co Ltd said Thursday.
The battery-powered toy -- designed as a cartoon-style, ball-shaped black bomb with a skull and crossbones logo -- lights up, makes a noise, shakes violently and scatters coins if it is not topped up for a long time.
"Users must pick up and collect the scattered coins and reflect on their laziness," the Japanese company said.
Japan has the world's oldest population and one of the lowest birthrates, raising fears of a future demographic crisis with a smaller pool of workers financially supporting a growing number of elderly.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071108/lf_afp/lifestylejapantoyoffbeat;_ylt=AleNTT8lkkH_HjBY85HJc8wDW7oF
VOCABULARY LIST :
greying - aging, becoming old or dull
piggy bank - a child's coin bank (often shaped like a pig)
DISCUSSION POINTS :
1. What do you think of the "exploding" piggy bank?
2. If you were an owner of this piggy bank, will it scare you into saving?
3. Do you have a piggy bank at home?
If yes, describe its design. How often do you put money in it? How long have you been using it?
If not, why don't you like piggy banks?
4. Do you think piggy banks are helpful for children? What about for older people? Why or why not?