Photo by © KYODO via
The Japan Times
Vocabulary:
- appoint /uh-POINT/
[verb] to choose someone officially for a job or responsibility
The company’s stockholders will appoint a new chairman.
- recognition /rek-uhg-NISH-uhn/
[noun] public appreciation for a person’s or group’s achievements
He received recognition because of his outstanding performance in the company.
- spouse /spous/
[noun] a person’s husband or wife
Mr. Sato goes to work every day while his spouse does the household chores.
- associate /uh-SOH-shee-it/
[verb] to be connected with something in some way
Common health problems are associated with poor lifestyle.
- endorse /en-DAWRS/
[verb] to make a public statement of your approval or support for something or someone
The prominent magazine is endorsing a new face in the entertainment industry.
Wasao, an Akita dog known in northern Japan, was appointed as a stationmaster for Ajigasawa Station on the JR Gono Line in Ajigasawa, Aomori. He was appointed to promote tourism in the town from the current fiscal year to March 2020. A ceremony was conducted on April 6, 2019 for the issuance of the letter of appointment. The recognition was done publicly with the presence of Ajigasawa Mayor Mamoru Hirata. Wasao wore the cap of a stationmaster after the ceremony and waited for passengers on a platform.
Wasao became popular after he starred in his own film that has almost the same storyline as Hachikō. His spouse Tsubaki, the deputy station master, and his daughter Chome, the sales section chief, will be joining him. The three dogs are known as the Wasao family. They are accommodating and seeing passengers off of the popular Resort Shirakami train. The person associated with the East Japan Railway Co.’s Akita Branch Office stated that the Wasao family makes everybody smile and the officials wanted them to do their best to endorse tourism. Around 120,000 people visit the town every year and Wasao would be a big help to welcome tourists according to the town’s tourism association.
True or False:
- Wasao is the preceding stationmaster for Ajigasawa Station on the JR Gono Line in Ajigasawa Aomori.
- The acknowledgment was done secretly along with the mayor of the city.
- Wasao portrayed Hachikō in a true to life film.
- The three dogs are known as the Wasao clan.
- The Wasao family will entertain tourists by showing them the ancient story of their city.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you think is the reason why Wasao become the stationmaster? Explain your answer.
- In your opinion, do you think Wasao can be an effective stationmaster? Why or why not?
- Do you think the Wasao family can advertise tourism? Why or why not?
- In your own opinion, is dog really “a man’s best friend”? Tell me more about it.
- Do you agree that a dog can save a human’s life? Why or why not?
Express Your Opinion:
- “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” – Roger Caras
- “Wherever we travel to, the wonderful people we meet become our family.” – Lailah Gifty Akita
- “The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.” – M.K. Clinton
※レッスン教材に関するアンケートのお願い
[verb] to choose someone officially for a job or responsibility
The company’s stockholders will appoint a new chairman.
[noun] public appreciation for a person’s or group’s achievements
He received recognition because of his outstanding performance in the company.
[noun] a person’s husband or wife
Mr. Sato goes to work every day while his spouse does the household chores.
[verb] to be connected with something in some way
Common health problems are associated with poor lifestyle.
[verb] to make a public statement of your approval or support for something or someone
The prominent magazine is endorsing a new face in the entertainment industry.
Wasao became popular after he starred in his own film that has almost the same storyline as Hachikō. His spouse Tsubaki, the deputy station master, and his daughter Chome, the sales section chief, will be joining him. The three dogs are known as the Wasao family. They are accommodating and seeing passengers off of the popular Resort Shirakami train. The person associated with the East Japan Railway Co.’s Akita Branch Office stated that the Wasao family makes everybody smile and the officials wanted them to do their best to endorse tourism. Around 120,000 people visit the town every year and Wasao would be a big help to welcome tourists according to the town’s tourism association.