Tag Archive: japan news – beginner

Students refuse going to school

Japan - Beginner

  Pre-reading questions: Do you like going to school? / Did you like going to school? Why should children go to school?   A number of students nowadays are not interested to go to school anymore. A lot of reasons are being considered by teachers and administrators. Some students just want to go to school once or twice a week. The principal have known a clear cause and it’s the mother who always says OK when the student doesn’t want to go. Schools said that it is difficult for them to deal with the situation.   Vocabulary: consider – [verb] to think about carefully twice – [abverb] two times difficult…
Read more

Overworking Issue

Japan - Beginner

Pre-reading questions: What is your dream job? What are the most popular companies in your country? In Japan, working conditions are too strict and sometimes they cause employees to commit suicide. An employee from Dentsu Inc. was reported to have committed suicide due to overworking. Overworking can cause depression according to the health office. Now, authorities are inspecting the company and its branches because of the situation. They are also going to have on-site inspections to almost all companies in Japan. Vocabulary: strict – 厳しい[adjective] used to describe a rule or command that must be obeyed employee – 従業員[noun] a person who works for another person or a company for…
Read more

Halloween celebrations in Tokyo

Japan - Beginner

  Pre-reading questions: Are you afraid of ghosts or monsters? Do you know Halloween is?   Most of the Halloween celebration this year is spent over the weekend. People join the Kawasaki parade with 2,600 people dressed up. This is not a traditional celebration in Japan but it has been followed since 20 years ago. People all over the world participate in a Halloween party every year with costumes and heavy make up. Places in Tokyo are also decorated with different halloween theme like pumpkins, ghosts and many more.   Vocabulary: Halloween – ハロウィーン [noun] the night of October 31 when children dress up with costumes and go to houses…
Read more

More low-cost options for smartphones

Japan - Beginner

  Pre-reading questions: What is your favorite smartphone brand? Would you like an expensive phone or a cheaper one? Why?   Cell phone companies in Japan want to offer low-cost services. Customers can choose from a lot of services. NTT Docomo Inc. and KDDI Corp. will be offering low-cost smartphones. People who do not make phones calls often may choose the low-cost smartphones. Monthly fees can be lowered for many people. The monthly fees will be fixed. The new plan is also very good for people who always want to see videos but worry about their bills.   Vocabulary: offer- 提供する [verb] give low-cost- 安い [adjective, adverb] not expensive; cheap…
Read more

Nintendo gives sneak peek at new portable console

Japan - Beginner

Pre-reading questions: Do you play video games? What is your favorite video game? Nintendo posted a short video about their new product. Nintendo calls its new product “Nintendo Switch.” It is a gaming device that can be played in any place. The Nintendo Switch is like a tablet, but with controllers. It will be sold in March next year. Vocabulary: post – 投稿する [verb]- make information available on the Internet product – 製品 [noun] something that is manufactured call – 呼ぶ [verb] to name gaming device – ゲームをするための機器[noun] a gadget used for playing (games) controller – コントローラー [noun] a device that manages or directs (the flow of data) True or…
Read more