©GaijinPot
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- de facto /dee FAK-toh/
- down memory lane /doun MEM-uh-ree leyn/
- marvel /MAHR-vuhl/
- array /uh-REY/
- bucket list /BUHK-it list/
[adjective] – existing in fact, although not necessarily intended or legal
English is pretty much the world’s de facto common language nowadays.
[idiom] – looking back to the past
My mother visited her old high school for a trip down memory lane.
[verb] – to show or experience great surprise or admiration
We all marvelled at the city’s breathtaking architecture.
[noun] – a large group of things or people, esp. when shown or positioned in an attractive way
The new store has a splendid array of clothes to choose from.
[noun] – a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplished during their lifetime
Visiting Australia is one of the things listed on my bucket list.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation./div>
Kamakura is home to Buddhist Zen temples and Shinto shrines. Located on Sagami Bay, the city is a tourist hotspot for those who delight in seaside activities and history. But the temples and shrines aren’t the only nostalgic places you can visit in this former de facto capital of Japan. With a little extra effort — and love for retro games — you can discover Kamakura’s secret haven that can lead you down memory lane.
The Secret Retro Base is a games shop where visitors can not only marvel at the old-school video games and consoles, but play them as well. The shop can accommodate up to eight people who can play their choice of game and console simultaneously. Visitors can choose between the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the Nintendo Super Famicom Entertainment System (SNES) consoles, and each has an impressive array of games to list. Some of them include the classics like Space Invaders, Super Mario, Street Fighter, and Mario Kart. If you’re a foreigner, don’t fret: the all-knowing shop owner will help you out with the basic instructions and rough translations.
Not a fan of 16-bit games? No worries, the shop has board games to play, too. You can play English and even Japanese board games in your stay. There are also historical picture books that you and your friends can page through while enjoying your drinks and snacks. The shop has its own mini snack bar, but visitors are allowed to bring in their own refreshments.
The nostalgia doesn’t end here in Kamakura. There are other old toy shops lined up in the city like a shop that specializes in miniature furniture, and a souvenir shop that resembles a weapon shop from a game. There’s also a shop that makes and sells matryoshka kokeshi dolls. Kamakura truly does bring out the “old-fashioned” atmosphere, so make sure to add your visit to the city in your bucket list when you travel to Japan!
The Secret Retro Base is a games shop where visitors can not only marvel at the old-school video games and consoles, but play them as well. The shop can accommodate up to eight people who can play their choice of game and console simultaneously. Visitors can choose between the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the Nintendo Super Famicom Entertainment System (SNES) consoles, and each has an impressive array of games to list. Some of them include the classics like Space Invaders, Super Mario, Street Fighter, and Mario Kart. If you’re a foreigner, don’t fret: the all-knowing shop owner will help you out with the basic instructions and rough translations.
Not a fan of 16-bit games? No worries, the shop has board games to play, too. You can play English and even Japanese board games in your stay. There are also historical picture books that you and your friends can page through while enjoying your drinks and snacks. The shop has its own mini snack bar, but visitors are allowed to bring in their own refreshments.
The nostalgia doesn’t end here in Kamakura. There are other old toy shops lined up in the city like a shop that specializes in miniature furniture, and a souvenir shop that resembles a weapon shop from a game. There’s also a shop that makes and sells matryoshka kokeshi dolls. Kamakura truly does bring out the “old-fashioned” atmosphere, so make sure to add your visit to the city in your bucket list when you travel to Japan!
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What can tourists enjoy in Kamakura?
- What is Kamakura home to?
- How many people can Secret Retro Base accommodate to?
- According to the article, what other shops are lined up in Kamakura?
- What else can visitors do in Secret Retro Base if they do not enjoy video games?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Do you think it is wise to include retro video games in the lineup of nostalgic shops in Kamakura? Please share your opinions and ideas.
- What do you think is the importance of having such shops in a city?
- Do you enjoy visiting nostalgic places? Why or why not?
- How often do you feel nostalgic? Please cite some examples.
- What is your most unforgettable memory?