Vocabulary:
- patron /PEY-truhn/
- chime /chahym/
- carriage /KAR-ij/
- showcase /SHOH-keys/
- passenger /PAS-uhn-jer/
[noun] to be a regular customer of a shop or restaurant, etc.
The artistic restaurant has many patrons like artists and writers during the 1920s.
[noun] a ringing sound
I was woken up by the chimes of the cathedral bell.
[noun] any of the separate parts of a train in which the passengers sit
The Queen’s carriage headed the procession.
[verb] to show the best qualities or parts of something
They showcase the work of some of the most gifted artists in the world.
[noun] a person who is travelling in a vehicle but is not driving it, flying it, or working on it
She was the only passenger in the bus.
West Japan Railway Co. or JR West will feature Hello Kitty trains starting June 30. It will be running on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line for a limited time only. The company’s aim is to bring communities and patrons of Hello Kitty together.
Two carriages called “Hello! Plaza” and “Kawaii Room” will display signature products from the Western region. Videos promoting various areas in Japan will also be showcased in one of its cars. Passengers can also take social media-worthy pictures at the photo booth. There will also be a special chime that would alert everyone when the train is ready to leave the station.
It will make a round trip from Shin-Osaka to Hakata Stations everyday. Passengers can ride the train with a regular train ticket. They can purchase the ticket in advance or on the day of their travel.
Two carriages called “Hello! Plaza” and “Kawaii Room” will display signature products from the Western region. Videos promoting various areas in Japan will also be showcased in one of its cars. Passengers can also take social media-worthy pictures at the photo booth. There will also be a special chime that would alert everyone when the train is ready to leave the station.
It will make a round trip from Shin-Osaka to Hakata Stations everyday. Passengers can ride the train with a regular train ticket. They can purchase the ticket in advance or on the day of their travel.
Comprehension Questions:
- What kind of bullet trains will be covered with Hello Kitty designs?
- What is West Japan Railway Co. known for?
- What are the names of the carriages?
- What will be showcased in one of the carriages?
- What shinkansen line will the Hello Kitty trains run?
Discussion Questions:
- In your opinion, can themed trains like the Hello Kitty trains boost tourism in your country?
- If you could choose the next theme for the JR West trains, what would it be?
- What do you think is the safest form of transportation? Please elaborate.
- Do you think that governments should encourage public transportation more? Please explain your answer.
- Do you think private cars should only be driven within city limits? Why or why not?