Vocabulary
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- commemorate /kuh-MEM-uh-reyt/
- subdued /suhb-DOOD/
- customary /KUHS-tuh-mer-ee/
- lavish /LAV-ish/
- pampering /PAM-per-ing/
[verb] – to remember officially and give respect to a great person or event, especially by a public ceremony or by making a statue or special building:
We have a public holiday to commemorate the establishment of our country.
[adjective] – an event that is quiet and without a great show of excitement
The wedding was a subdued event with fewer than 30 guests.
[adjective] – traditional
Giving gifts to people on their birthdays is customary.
[adjective] – large in quantity and expensive or impressive
She received lavish clothing and jewelry as gifts.
[gerund] – giving someone special treatment, making that person as comfortable as possible and giving them whatever they want
She thoroughly enjoyed the pampering she received at the luxurious spa.
Article reading
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Many cultures commemorate the transition of their youth into maturity. The Coming of Age Day, or Seiji no Hi, is celebrated in Japan on a more subdued note. But at what age is a person considered an adult in Japan?
Genpuku, the ancient customary coming-of-age ceremony, first appeared during the Nara period (710-794). It had a slightly different approach than its contemporary equivalent, however. The age of adulthood has varied over the years, ranging from 10 to the current age of 20. The majority age in Japan changed from 20 to 18 on April 1, 2022, marking the first time in more than 140 years. However, it will still be illegal for anyone under the age of 20 to enter bars, purchase cigarettes, consume alcoholic beverages, or gamble. The pre-day makeover of the soon-to-be women can be considered a ceremony in and of itself, and a costly one at that. Young women dress in lavish, vibrant kimonos, which are often rented furisodes. Then, throngs of girls head to beauty parlors to have their hair and cosmetics expertly arranged. Young men, on the other hand, are frequently better off dressing in a basic black kimono with a fluttering hakama or a suit and tie. Following the pampering, they complete the formalities in a meeting room, a school gym, or, more recently, Tokyo Disneyland. Speeches, goal statements, certificates, and—the most eagerly awaited of all—presents are all included in these.
The age at which one must assume adult duties varies from culture to culture. When do you think true adulthood begins?
Genpuku, the ancient customary coming-of-age ceremony, first appeared during the Nara period (710-794). It had a slightly different approach than its contemporary equivalent, however. The age of adulthood has varied over the years, ranging from 10 to the current age of 20. The majority age in Japan changed from 20 to 18 on April 1, 2022, marking the first time in more than 140 years. However, it will still be illegal for anyone under the age of 20 to enter bars, purchase cigarettes, consume alcoholic beverages, or gamble. The pre-day makeover of the soon-to-be women can be considered a ceremony in and of itself, and a costly one at that. Young women dress in lavish, vibrant kimonos, which are often rented furisodes. Then, throngs of girls head to beauty parlors to have their hair and cosmetics expertly arranged. Young men, on the other hand, are frequently better off dressing in a basic black kimono with a fluttering hakama or a suit and tie. Following the pampering, they complete the formalities in a meeting room, a school gym, or, more recently, Tokyo Disneyland. Speeches, goal statements, certificates, and—the most eagerly awaited of all—presents are all included in these.
The age at which one must assume adult duties varies from culture to culture. When do you think true adulthood begins?
Discussion Questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What were you most excited about being an adult when you were younger?
- What do you least like about adulthood?
- If you were to turn back time, at what age would you like to return? Why?
- Should the Coming of Age Day celebration be livelier?
- In your opinion, which age is best considered adulthood: 18 or 20 years old? Please explain your answer.
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- transition
- vary
- costly
- frequently
- formality