Tag Archive: japan news – intermediate

Japan faces heatwave impacts on various industries and public health

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What challenges do communities face during extreme weather conditions? Aside from extreme temperatures, what other effects of climate change have you observed recently? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. throughout /throo-OUT/ [adverb] – in every part, or during the whole period of time The tradition of celebrating cherry blossom festivals is observed throughout Japan. equipped /ih-KWIPT/ [adjective] – provided with necessary items or equipment The new laboratory is equipped with the latest technology to conduct advanced research. cool down /kool doun/ [phrasal verb] – to decrease in temperature; to become cooler…
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Senior breakdancing takes center stage in Japan ahead of 2024 Paris Olympics

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©REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If given the chance to influence the Olympics, what new sport or activity would you propose and why? What factors might influence a person to explore a completely new physical discipline later in life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. seize /seez/ [verb] – to take something quickly and keep or hold it After years of contemplation, she decided to seize the chance to travel around the world. exclusive /ik-SKLOO-siv/ [adjective] – restricted or limited to a select group of people The boutique offers exclusive designer clothing that is…
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New rules for hiking Mount Fuji to protect environment and ensure safety

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think makes Mount Fuji an important place in Japan? What are some challenges you think hikers might face when climbing Mount Fuji? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. overcrowding /oh-ver-KROW-ding/ [noun] – when too many people are in one place, making it uncomfortable or unsafe The concert was canceled because of overcrowding. walk-in /WAWK-in/ [noun] – a person who arrives without an appointment The restaurant was so popular that even walk-ins had to wait for a table. financially /fi-NAN-shuh-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that relates to money…
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Controversy surrounds barrier blocking Mt. Fuji view amid tourist influx

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©REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think popular tourist destinations can affect the local communities and environments where they are located? In what ways do you think a surge in tourism could benefit a country’s economy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. obscure /uhb-SKYOOR/ [verb] – to hide or conceal from view The thick fog obscured the view of the mountains, making it difficult for hikers to see the trail ahead. nuisance /NOO-suhns/ [noun] – something or someone that annoys you or causes trouble for you Loud neighbors can be a significant…
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Japan turns to coastal eelgrass in pioneering effort to neutralize carbon emissions

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©REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What environmental impacts or changes related to climate change do you observe or feel in your local area? What shifts in behavior or lifestyle choices do you think could have a positive impact on the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. critical /KRIT-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – extremely important or essential The surgeon’s quick decision-making was critical to the success of the operation. restore /ri-STAWR/ [verb] – to return something or someone to an earlier good condition or position After years of neglect, the community worked together to restore…
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Rakuten faces financial strain from mobile launch

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©REUTERS/Anton Bridge Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What services or products do you know Rakuten for? What aspects of Rakuten’s services or products do you find particularly impressive or satisfying? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rushed /ruhsht/ [adjective] – done in a hurry, or feeling that you must do something quickly She made a rushed decision without considering all the consequences. suffer /SUHF-er/ [verb] – to experience or show the effects of something bad The business suffered significant losses due to the economic downturn. debt /det/ [noun] – something, especially money, that is owed to…
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Japan aims for lunar success with the ‘Moon Sniper’ landing mission

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think might be some reasons why scientists and space agencies would embark on a mission to explore the moon? How do you imagine a mission to explore the moon could impact our understanding of space and our own planet? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. target /TAHR-git / [noun] – a specific location or goal selected The explorer marked an ancient city ruin as the target for their archaeological expedition, eager to uncover hidden secrets and artifacts. potential /puh-TEN-shuhl/ [noun] – the inherent capacity or possibility for growth,…
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Japan finds dangerous bird flu at farm, plans to cull 40,000 birds

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©Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are your initial thoughts or concerns about the concept of a dangerous bird flu outbreak? How do you think the dangerous bird flu might affect both animals and humans? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. affected /uh-FEK-tid/ [adjective] – influenced or touched by an external factor The affected community struggled to recover after the devastating tornado. agriculture /AG-ri-kuhl-cher/ [noun] – the practice or work of farming Sustainable agriculture is crucial for ensuring food security and environmental conservation. cabinet /KAB-uh-nit/ [noun] – a small group of the most important people…
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Elfyn Evans clinches a sensational victory, leading Toyota’s podium sweep in the World Rally Championship finale

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©REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a World Rally Championship involves? What might be the key elements or challenges that participants face in this type of competition? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. demonstrate /DEM-uhn-streyt / [verb] – to show or make something clear The chemistry teacher asked the students to demonstrate their understanding of the experiment by conducting it themselves. maintain /meyn-TEYN/ [verb] – to continue to have, to keep in existence, or not allow to become less The janitor maintained the cleanliness of the school, ensuring a hygienic environment for…
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Japan announces 10% of its people are 80 or older on Respect for the Elderly Day

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think of Japan? What do you think the role of older people is in Japanese society? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. citizen /SIT-uh-zuhn/ [noun] – a person who is a member of a particular country and who has rights because of being born there or because of being given rights, or a person who lives in a particular town or city John was born in this country, so he is a proud citizen with all the rights and responsibilities. highlight /HAHY-lahyt/ [verb] – to…
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