Japan celebrates National Foundation Day

admin 2022年2月11日

Intermediate

Japan News, japan news - intermediate

Pre-reading questions:

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How do you celebrate National Foundation Day?
Why do people celebrate National Foundation Day?

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

struggle /STRUHG-uhl/

[noun] – a very difficult task that you can do only by making a great effort
It was a struggle for him to work with his manager.

encounter /en-KOUN-ter/

[verb] – to experience something, especially something unpleasant
When did you first encounter these?

patriotism /PEY-tree-uh-tiz-uhm/

[noun] – the feeling of loving your country more than any others and being proud of it
Patriotism is simply the love for your country.

tribe /trahyb/

[noun] – a group of people, often of related families, who live together, sharing the same language, culture, and history, especially those who do not live in towns or cities
The tribe followed a religion that was a blend of indigenous traditions and Christianity.

unite /yoo-NAHYT/

[verb] – to bring different groups or things together to become one, or to join together to become one
The thirteen American colonies united together to become the United States of America.

Article reading:

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National Foundation Day is observed in Japan every year on February 11th. This event serves as a reminder for the Japanese to remember Emperor Jimmu’s founding of Japan in 660 B.C. It is also known as Kenkoku Kinen No Hi, and it’s a good time to reflect on the struggles that the country’s founders encountered. This is an opportunity for the Japanese to renew their patriotism and cultivate their love for their country. Emperor Jimmu’s ascension to the throne in 660 B.C., which created the foundations for Japan, is commemorated on National Foundation Day. Jimmu was born in Miyazaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu.

He was recognized as one of history’s most courageous rulers. Jimmu began wars with almost every tribe in the area at the time, and he won every one of them. After defeating various clans, Jimmu united Japan. Emperor Jimmu’s legacy is told in the “Kojiki.” National Foundation Day was previously held on the same day as New Year’s Day, but the dates were changed somewhat when Japan transitioned from a lunar to a Gregorian calendar under the Meiji administration in 1873. As a result, the event has been rescheduled for February 11th. During World War II, the day was distinguished by strength and patriotism.

Comprehension questions

I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.

When is National Foundation Day observed in Japan?
What is National Foundation Day known as?
Where was Emperor Jimmu born?
Why was he recognized as one of history’s most courageous rulers?
Why was the celebration of National Foundation Day from New Year’s Day moved to February 11th?

Discussion questions