Tag Archive: japan news – intermediate

Mount Fuji struggles with overtourism

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you already know or associate with Mount Fuji, both in terms of its physical characteristics and its cultural significance? What role does Mount Fuji play in Japanese culture or history? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. strain /streyn/ [noun] – a force or influence that stretches, pulls, or puts pressure on something, sometimes causing damage The bridge showed signs of strain after the heavy storm, prompting engineers to assess its structural integrity. descend /dih-SEND/ [verb] – to go or come down The hikers carefully descended the steep mountain trail,…
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Japan’s teamLab is set to launch an updated digital museum in Tokyo’s mega complex

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©Reuters/KIM KYUNG-HOON Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the term “digital museum”? How do you imagine it might be different from a traditional museum? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. beneath /bih-NEETH/ [preposition] – in or to a lower position than someone or something, under someone or something The treasure was hidden beneath the old oak tree. construction /kuhn-STRUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the work of building or making something, especially buildings, bridges, etc. The construction of the new bridge is progressing ahead of schedule. medical /MED-i-kuhl / [adjective] – related to…
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Tokyo remembers earthquake from 100 years ago, urges preparedness

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think of ‘earthquake’? What are the potential consequences of a major earthquake? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tragedy /TRAJ-i-dee/ [noun] – a very sad event or situation, especially one involving death or suffering The earthquake was a great tragedy, resulting in the loss of many lives and widespread destruction. claim /kleym/ [verb] – to cause the death of or take the lives of a significant number of people The deadly virus claimed the lives of thousands across the country. beneath /bih-NEETH/ [preposition] – in…
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Yamanashi governor proposes light rail system for Mount Fuji

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about Mount Fuji? What do you think makes Mount Fuji a popular destination for both tourists and locals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. propose /pruh-POHZ/ [verb] – to offer or suggest a possible plan or action for other people to consider The committee will propose a new policy to address the environmental concerns raised by the community. ease /eez/ [verb] – to make or become less severe, difficult, unpleasant, painful, etc. The company introduced new software to ease the process of managing inventory…
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Bolder brown bears roam freely in Sapporo’s urban areas

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you seen bears in person? Can you share any distinctive features or characteristics that come to mind? Where specifically in your country can you encounter wildlife? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. steady /STED-ee/ [adjective] – gradual and consistent, without significant fluctuations or sudden changes Her steady dedication to her studies paid off, as she consistently achieved high grades throughout the semester. link /lingk/ [verb] – to connect or join one thing to another The scientists found that the rise in sea temperatures was linked to the decline in the…
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Japanese sushi chain adopts digital conveyor belts amid ‘sushi terrorism’ concerns

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©FOOD and LIFE COMPANIES Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When you hear the term “digital conveyor belts” in the context of a sushi chain, what do you think it might involve? How do you think this digital technology could change the way sushi is served and enjoyed? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. concern /kuhn-SURN/ [noun] – a worried or nervous feeling about something or something that makes you feel worried Her concern for her friend’s well-being led her to call and check on them. device /dih-VAHYS/ [noun] – an object or machine that has been…
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Mechanical ‘Monster Wolves’ roar to guard crops

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of robot wolves before? What do you think they might be used for? Why do you think farmers might be worried about wild animals in their fields? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. chaos /KEY-os/ [noun] – complete disorder and confusion, often resulting in a state of upheaval or turmoil After the hurricane hit, the town was in chaos, with houses damaged and streets flooded. mechanical /muh-KAN-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – relating to or operated by machinery or a machine The mechanical arm on the robot could perform precise…
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Japan implements a tourist tax at the famous ‘floating shrine’ to combat overtourism

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to your mind when you hear about a shrine that appears to float on water? What do you think makes such a place unique or special? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. implement /IM-pluh-ment/ [verb] – to start using a plan or system The changes to the national health system will be implemented next year. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to He emphasized that all the people taking part in the research were volunteers. preserve /pri-ZURV/ [verb] – to…
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Japan pushes for Tottori Sand Dunes conservation

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are sand dunes? Should natural wonders be protected? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. preservation /prez-er-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of keeping something the same or of preventing it from being damaged The preservation of historical landmarks ensures that future generations can appreciate and learn from the past. erosion /ih-ROH-zhuhn/ [noun] – the fact of soil, stone, etc. being gradually damaged and removed by the waves, rain, or wind The geological site showed clear signs of erosion, with layers of rock gradually wearing away over time….
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World’s most expensive ice cream is from Japan

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©Cellato Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most expensive food you have tried? Do you think spending 880,000 yen for a scoop of ice cream is just right? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. currently /KUR-uhnt-lee/ [adverb] – at the present time I am currently studying for my exams, so I can’t go out tonight. decorative /DEK-er-uh-tiv/ [adjective] – made to look attractive She placed a decorative vase on the shelf as a centerpiece. ensure /en-SHOOR/ [verb] – to make something certain to happen The airline takes strict measures to…
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