Tag Archive: Japan News

Japan lowers growth estimate to 2.2% as consumer spending weakens

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do changes in the economy affect daily life, such as shopping or job opportunities? How do you think rising wages can help improve an economy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. estimate /ES-tuh-mit/ [noun] – an approximate judgment or calculation, as of the value, amount, time, size, or weight of something The cost estimate for the new building was higher than expected. consumer /kuhn-SOO-mer/ [noun] – a person who buys goods and services Consumers prefer affordable products with good quality. export /EK-sport/ [noun] – something that is exported The company…
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Japan lowers growth estimate to 2.2% as consumer spending weakens

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. 講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。 Do you think businesses should change their prices when the economy slows down? Have you ever noticed prices increasing or decreasing in your local stores? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. 単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。 demand /dih-MAND/ [noun] – a strong request or need for something There is high demand for fresh vegetables. annual /AN-yoo-uhl/ [adjective] – happening once every year The school holds an annual sports event. wage /weyj/ [noun] – money paid to workers for their job Workers receive their wages every Friday. progress /PROG-res/ [noun] – Improvement or movement forward….
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Japan lowers growth estimate to 2.2% as consumer spending weakens

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Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. persistent /per-SIS-tuhnt/ [adjective] – continuing to exist or happen, especially for longer than usual or desirable The persistent rain caused flooding in several areas of the city. dispute /dihs-PYOOT/ [noun] – a disagreement or argument between two or more people or groups The labor dispute between workers and the company lasted for several weeks. assert /uh-SURT/ [verb] – to state something in a strong and definite way She asserted her opinion confidently during the class discussion. resilient /ri-ZIL-yuhnt/ [adjective] – able to quickly recover from difficulties or adapt to change The city’s resilient economy recovered rapidly…
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UNESCO recognition aims to boost sake’s global appeal

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Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. multiple /MUHL-tuh-puhl/ [adjective] – more than one; several The company received multiple applications for the job opening. yeast /yeest/ [noun] – a type of fungus that is used in making alcoholic drinks such as beer and wine, and for making bread swell and become light Yeast is essential in the brewing process to create alcoholic beverages. ferment /fer-MENT/ [verb] – to undergo chemical change due to the action of yeast or bacteria, often in the production of alcohol or other fermented products The juice will ferment over several days to become wine. cocktail /KOK-teyl/ [noun] –…
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UNESCO recognition aims to boost sake’s global appeal

Sake

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. 講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。 Have you ever visited a brewery? Do you prefer traditional or modern drinks? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. 単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。 ancient /EYN-shuhnt/ [adjective] – of or from a long time ago, having lasted for a very long time The ancient city of Rome still fascinates historians today. method /METH-uhd/ [noun] – a particular way of doing something He has a unique method for solving complex problems. ceremony /SER-uh-moh-nee/ [noun] – a formal event, typically involving rituals or traditions, held to mark an important occasion They held a grand ceremony to…
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UNESCO recognition aims to boost sake’s global appeal

Sake

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of beverages are commonly served at Japanese festivals or ceremonies? How are traditional beverages like tea or sake made? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. date back /deyt bak/ [phrasal verb] – to originate or start at a particular time in the past The tradition of storytelling dates back to ancient civilizations. fermentation /fur-men-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process by which microorganisms break down substances, especially sugars, into simpler compounds like alcohol or acid The fermentation of grapes is essential for making wine. container /kuhn-TEY-ner/ [noun] – a vessel or…
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Japanese nail artist combines creativity with environmental action

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©REUTERS/Manami Yamada Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How important do you think it is to reduce plastic use and waste? Why are people hesitant to buy recycled products, even though they may help the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. salon /suh-LON/ [noun] – a place where professional services are offered, such as for beauty, hair, or nails She opened a new salon downtown, specializing in haircuts and styling. microplastic /MAHY-kroh-plas-tik/ [noun] – tiny plastic particles, typically smaller than 5 millimeters, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic waste Scientists are studying how microplastics affect…
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Japanese nail artist combines creativity with environmental action

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©REUTERS/Manami Yamada Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. degradation /deg-ruh-DEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process in which the beauty or quality of something is destroyed or spoiled The degradation of the forest was evident after years of illegal logging. pivotal /PIV-uh-tl/ [adjective] – very important or crucial in determining the outcome of something The scientist made a pivotal discovery that changed the course of the research. vibrant /VAHY-bruhnt/ [adjective] – energetic, exciting, and full of enthusiasm The market was filled with vibrant stalls offering fruits, spices, and crafts. aesthetic /es-THET-ik/ [noun] – the principles or appreciation of beauty and art The architect focused…
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