Pre-reading questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What are some important holidays in your culture? Please tell me more about them.
- What do you like the most about your culture?
Vocabulary
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- figure /FIG-yer/
- admission /ad-MISH-uhn/
- encourage /en-KUR-ij/
- distinguished /dih-STING-gwisht/
- recipient /ri-SIP-ee-uhnt/
[noun] – an important or well-known person
He wasn’t a public figure, but he had a lot of influence.
[noun] – the money that you pay to enter a place
Teachers can visit most attractions and museums with free admission.
[verb] – to make someone more likely to do something, or to make something more likely to happen
They frequently give out awards to encourage the pupils.
[adjective] – used to describe a respected and admired person, or their work
She is a distinguished modern historian as well as a writer.
[noun] – a person who receives something
He wasn’t the supposed recipient of the award.
Article reading
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Musashi Miyamoto, one of Japan’s most famous and cherished historical figures, once said, “Perceive that which the eye cannot see.” Culture Day is the perfect opportunity to give this sentence a little more serious thought.
Culture Day (文化の日) is celebrated every year on November 3. It was first observed in 1968 as a day to honor the birthday of the reigning Emperor Meiji. It is recognized as the nation’s yearly celebration of traditional Japanese culture and the ideals of freedom and peace. On this day, several museums across the country offer free admission to let people learn more about Japanese history and culture. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the festivals held in different prefectures of Japan. The main event of Culture Day is the Order of Culture Award Ceremony, which takes place at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. It is a Japanese medal awarded to distinguished individuals in sectors such as science, technology, academics, and the arts for contributing to the advancement of Japanese culture. The prize recipients are greeted personally by the Emperor, who also gives them certificates of appreciation.
Culture offers us a sense of belonging and is a reflection of a society or a country. It has been a part of our lives for many generations and will continue to be for a very long time.
Culture Day (文化の日) is celebrated every year on November 3. It was first observed in 1968 as a day to honor the birthday of the reigning Emperor Meiji. It is recognized as the nation’s yearly celebration of traditional Japanese culture and the ideals of freedom and peace. On this day, several museums across the country offer free admission to let people learn more about Japanese history and culture. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the festivals held in different prefectures of Japan. The main event of Culture Day is the Order of Culture Award Ceremony, which takes place at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. It is a Japanese medal awarded to distinguished individuals in sectors such as science, technology, academics, and the arts for contributing to the advancement of Japanese culture. The prize recipients are greeted personally by the Emperor, who also gives them certificates of appreciation.
Culture offers us a sense of belonging and is a reflection of a society or a country. It has been a part of our lives for many generations and will continue to be for a very long time.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Who is Musashi Miyamoto?
- When was Culture Day first observed?
- What do many museums offer on this day?
- Where does the Order of Culture Award Ceremony take place?
- Who gives the prizes and certificates to the recipients of the ceremony?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Other than your own, what other cultures do you find interesting? Why?
- What song, outfit, and dish best represent the culture of your nation? Please explain each one.
- If you had a foreign friend visiting Japan, what would you advise him or her?
- Do you think all countries should have a culture day?
- What celebrations are held in your area on Culture Day? Do you participate in them? Please tell me more about it.