Pre-Reading Questions:
- Do you like taking the bullet train? Explain your answer.
- What do you think about Hello Kitty characters?
Vocabulary:
- region /REE-juhn/
- prefecture /PREE-fek-cher/
- exclusive /ik-SKLOO-siv/
- on the other hand /on thee uhth-er hand/
- round trip /round trip/
[noun] an area of a country
The army has been brought in to maintain order in the region.
[noun] a political region or local government area in some countries
Each prefecture is divided into cities, towns and villages.
[adjective] limited to only one person or group of people
You can watch exclusive video clips and audio clips on our website.
[phrase] from a different, conflicting, or contradictory point of view
My husband likes classical music. I, on the other hand, like rock music.
[noun] a trip from one place to another and back to where you started
Fares for round trips often have a discount.
Sanrio fans will love the new train designs of the West Japan Railway Co. or JR west. The train company will feature Hello Kitty in its special 500 series Kodama eight-car bullet train. They will also bring the Hello Kitty train to the Sanyo Shinkansen Line.
The Hello Kitty-themed train aims to help customers to connect to other regions in Japan. Tottori Prefecture and Shimane Prefecture will be the first regions to be featured. Two special cars called “Hello! Plaza” and “Kawaii Room” will also be available for use.
Passengers can purchase exclusive goods from different regions and watch videos that promote Western Japan in the “Hello! Plaza.” On the other hand, passengers can enjoy the interior of “Kawaii Room.” They can also take cute photos with a Hello Kitty stuffed toy at the photo booth.
It will make one round trip per day in between Shin-Osaka and Hakata stations. Passengers can ride the train with a regular train ticket. They can purchase it in advance or on the day of travel.
The Hello Kitty-themed train aims to help customers to connect to other regions in Japan. Tottori Prefecture and Shimane Prefecture will be the first regions to be featured. Two special cars called “Hello! Plaza” and “Kawaii Room” will also be available for use.
Passengers can purchase exclusive goods from different regions and watch videos that promote Western Japan in the “Hello! Plaza.” On the other hand, passengers can enjoy the interior of “Kawaii Room.” They can also take cute photos with a Hello Kitty stuffed toy at the photo booth.
It will make one round trip per day in between Shin-Osaka and Hakata stations. Passengers can ride the train with a regular train ticket. They can purchase it in advance or on the day of travel.
Comprehension Questions:
- What is the theme of the Hello Kitty train?
- What are the prefectures that will be featured in this train?
- How do they call the two special cars of the Hello Kitty bullet trains?
- When can the passengers purchase the train tickets?
- What can passengers do in the “Hello! Plaza?”
Discussion Questions:
- How important are trains in your country?
- Do you like long-distrance train journeys? Why or why not?
- Which do you prefer, regular train or bullet trains? Why?
- Would you consider riding a themed bullet train if you have the chance? Please explain your answer.
- Do you agree that Japan has a good transport system? Discuss.