Author Archive: admin
The Marie Kondo style of decluttering expenses

Photo by © AP Photo/Seth Wenig via The Mainichi Pre-Reading Questions: Do you know the KonMari method? Where do you usually spend your money? Vocabulary: tidy /TAHY-dee/ [verb] to make a place or collection of things clean Tidy up a bit before we go to the movies. goal /gohl/ [noun] a purpose, or something you want to achieve Dave has already achieved many of his goals. afterwards /AF-ter-werds/ [adverb] after the time mentioned We can play now but we must clean the house afterwards. spend /spend/ [verb] to give money as a payment for something My friends are spending too much money. carefully /kair-fuh-li/ [adverb] adverb The project must be…
Read more
The Marie Kondo style of decluttering expenses

Photo by © AP Photo/Seth Wenig via The Mainichi Vocabulary: myriad /MIR-ee-uhd/ [noun] a very large number of something There’s a myriad of possibilities regarding the project so I’m lost on where to start. clutter /KLUHT-er/ [noun] of objects in a state of being untidy How can you work properly when you have so much clutter on your table? envision /en-VIZH-uhn/ [verb] to imagine or expect that something is a possibility in the future So far, the architects don’t envision any problems with the newly established building. automate /AW-tuh-meyt/ [verb] to make something operate automatically by using machines or computers Nowadays, a lot of banks have begun automating their customers’…
Read more
The Marie Kondo style of decluttering expenses

Photo by © AP Photo/Seth Wenig via The Mainichi Pre-Reading Questions: Where do you usually spend your money? Why? Do you keep track of your expenses? Why or why not? Vocabulary: system /SIS-tuhm/ [noun] a way of doing things; a method Romaji is a Japanese writing system using the Latin alphabet. visualize /VIZH-oo-uh-lahyz/ [verb] to imagine something by forming a picture in your mind It’s hard to visualize how this carpet would look in our living room. expense /ik-SPENS/ [noun] something that makes you spend money According to our records, our largest expense this year was our Christmas party celebration. automatically /aw-tuh-MAT-ik-lee/ [adverb] if a machine or device does something…
Read more
Research recommends eating rice to fight obesity

Vocabulary: obesity /oh-BEE-si-tee/ [noun] the fact of being extremely fat, in a way that is dangerous for health Eating unhealthy foods and not exercising can lead to obesity. conform /kuhn-FAWRM/ [verb] to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour that are expected by a group or society It is hard for him to conform to his fiancee’s high standards in marriage. ingestion /in-JEST-shuhn/ [noun] the process of absorbing nutrients or medications into the body by eating or drinking them Too much ingestion of alcohol may cause liver problems. end result /end ri-ZUHLT/ [noun] a result of a series of events or a long process The end result of their…
Read more
Research recommends eating rice to fight obesity

Pre-Reading Questions: What do you usually eat when you are hungry and why? Is dieting good or bad? Why or why not? Vocabulary: avert /uh-VURT/ [verb] to prevent something bad from happening; avoid She didn’t say a word during the forum to avert any conflict. analysis /uh-NAL-uh-sis/ [noun] the study of something in detail During physical examinations, the employees provide urine and blood for analysis. uncertain /uhn-SUR-tn/ [adjective] unclear, or not sure Paula is still uncertain about working and living abroad. data /DEY-tuh/ [noun] information collected to be examined The data from the election returns was transmitted electronically. decrease /dih-KREES/ [verb] to become less, or to make something become less…
Read more
Research recommends eating rice to fight obesity

Pre-Reading Questions: Do you like eating rice? What is your favorite food? Vocabulary: gain /geyn/ [verb] to increase in weight, speed, height, or amount She gained a lot of weight during her vacation. meal /meel/ [noun] an occasion when food is eaten I am on a diet, so I only eat one meal a day. gram /gram/ [noun] a unit of mass equal to 0.001 kilograms The article says that a person can eat 400 grams of rice per day. adult /uh-DUHLT/ [noun] a person or animal that has grown to full size and strength She is now considered an adult after she turned 18. fit /fit/ [adjective] healthy and…
Read more
Tokyo’s Bunkitsu: A gallery-like bookstore

Photo by © LIBRO PLUS via The Japan Times Pre-Reading Questions: Do you like reading books? Do you like going to bookstores? Vocabulary: clearly /KLEER-lee/ [adverb] certainly; obviously; without a doubt As you can see, that restaurant is clearly famous. magazine /mag-uh-ZEEN/ [noun] a type of thin book with a paper cover that is published regularly and usually contains articles and photographs My sister bought a fashion magazine yesterday. customer /KUHS-tuh-mer/ [noun] a person who buys goods or a service Mr. Sato is a regular customer at our restaurant. miss /mis/ [verb] to fail to do, see, or experience something You will miss your chance if you just sit here…
Read more