© jobsinjapan.com
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you think is your country’s most important holiday? Please tell me more about it.
- What is your best holiday memory?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- imperial /im-PEER-ee-uhl/
- arguably /AAR-gyoo-uh-blee/
- mythology /mi-THOL-uh-jee/
- eternal /ih-TUR-nl/
- permit /per-MIT/
[adjective] – belonging or relating to an empire or the person or country that rules it
The historic castle stands as a reminder of the country’s imperial past.
[adverb] – used when stating an opinion or belief that you think can be shown to be true
For many, Ōtani Shōhei is arguably the best baseball player.
[noun] – a collection of myths, especially one belonging to a particular religious or cultural tradition
Izanagi is known as the creator god in Japanese mythology.
[adjective] – lasting forever or for a very long time
The couple promised eternal loyalty to each other.
[verb] – to allow something
Only authorized personnel are permitted entry.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Holidays remind us of our ties with our country’s history, culture, and tradition. One national holiday in Japan, however, has a unique celebration. Learn about the Emperor’s Birthday, a special day that changes depending on the date of birth of the nation’s present ruler.
With more than 1,500 years of rule, Japan’s imperial line is arguably the world’s oldest royal family. The country’s first ruler, Emperor Jimmu, is thought to have ascended the throne in 660 BC. He is said to be a direct descendant of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess in Japanese mythology. As a result, the Emperor’s birthday has always been a festive occasion. The celebration was originally known as “Tenchosetsyu” (天長節), or “Tencho Festival,” and was derived from a Chinese phrase that meant “The sky and the earth, the universe is eternal.” But when the royal family abandoned all political power after World War II (WWII), the name was changed to “Tenno Tanjobi” (天皇誕生). The present Emperor of Japan, His Majesty Naruhito, was born on February 23, 1960, which is the day of the festival.
The Emperor’s birthday celebration is one of only two times when the public is permitted entry to the Imperial Palace grounds in Chiyoda, Tokyo. Even though meeting the Emperor is not possible this year, February 23 will remain a holiday for many years to come.
With more than 1,500 years of rule, Japan’s imperial line is arguably the world’s oldest royal family. The country’s first ruler, Emperor Jimmu, is thought to have ascended the throne in 660 BC. He is said to be a direct descendant of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess in Japanese mythology. As a result, the Emperor’s birthday has always been a festive occasion. The celebration was originally known as “Tenchosetsyu” (天長節), or “Tencho Festival,” and was derived from a Chinese phrase that meant “The sky and the earth, the universe is eternal.” But when the royal family abandoned all political power after World War II (WWII), the name was changed to “Tenno Tanjobi” (天皇誕生). The present Emperor of Japan, His Majesty Naruhito, was born on February 23, 1960, which is the day of the festival.
The Emperor’s birthday celebration is one of only two times when the public is permitted entry to the Imperial Palace grounds in Chiyoda, Tokyo. Even though meeting the Emperor is not possible this year, February 23 will remain a holiday for many years to come.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What holiday in Japan changes dates depending on its current ruler?
- Who is Japan’s first emperor?
- What was the Emperor’s Birthday originally known as?
- From where was the term derived, and what did it mean?
- What can the public do on the Emperor’s birthday?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Please share your opinion on holidays that change dates.
- What can you say about Japan’s long history of the imperial line?
- If you were to choose, which is the better term, Tenchosetsyu or Tenno Tanjobi? Why?
- Are there any special events during the Emperor’s Birthday?
- Aside from visiting the interior grounds of the Imperial Palace, how does the general public celebrate the Emperor’s Birthday?