Tag Archive: japan news – intermediate

Even though Hachiko was born 100 years ago, he still makes people happy

【#東京】渋谷忠犬ハチ公の像

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What dog breeds do you like? What is his story? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. statue /STACH-oo/ [noun] – a three-dimensional work of art, as a representational or abstract form, carved in stone or wood, molded in a plastic material, cast in bronze, or the like. The king’s statue was again set up in Guildhall, London, and the state arms were taken down. northern /NAWR-thern/ [adjective] – lying toward or situated in the north. Last week, we covered a home being built in northern Italy. interest /IN-ter-ist/ [noun] – the…
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Discover the hidden gem of Tokyo’s Minami-Azabu District

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some popular dishes served at Chinese restaurants? How important is the ambiance of a restaurant to you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. impress /im-PRES/ [verb] – to cause someone to admire or respect you During her presentation, the new student impressed her classmates with her knowledge and confident delivery. culinary /KYOO-luh-ner-ee/ [adjective] – connected with cooking or kitchens The culinary arts program at the local college is highly regarded and attracts aspiring chefs from all over the world. feature /FEE-cher/ [noun] – a typical quality or an important…
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Hiroshima hosts G-7-themed “Okonomiyaki” meals

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you eat okonomiyaki? What food is popular in your country? Please describe it. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. survival /ser-VAHY-vuhl/ [noun] – the act or fact of surviving, especially under adverse or unusual circumstances. The survival rate for younger cancer patients has improved dramatically. atomic /uh-TOM-ik/ [adjective] – of, pertaining to, resulting from, or using atoms, atomic energy, or atomic bombs: an atomic explosion. Here is an atomic power plant. healing /HEE-ling/ [noun] – the process in which a bad situation or painful emotion ends or improves…
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The Emperor’s Birthday: A Celebration of Tradition and Unity

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever visited Japan during a public holiday? Which holiday was it, and what was your experience like? Which public holiday in Japan do you think is the most important? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a belief, principle, or way of acting that people in a particular society or group have continued to follow for a long time, or all of these beliefs, etc. in a particular society or group We have a tradition of baking gingerbread cookies together every holiday season. current /KUR-uhnt/…
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Labor Thanksgiving Day

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite holiday? Have you already written a thank you letter? If so, could you tell me about it? If not, to whom would you like to write a letter? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. aware /uh-WAIR/ [adjective] – knowing that something exists, or having knowledge or experience of a particular thing Were you aware that something was wrong? originally /uh-RIJ-uh-nl-ee/ [adverb] – first of all The idea originally emanated from his brother. harvest /HAHR-vist / [noun] – the time of year when crops are cut and…
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Japan to lift its limits on foreign visitors

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How effective are travel restrictions? Which country would you like to visit? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. domestic /duh-MES-tik/ [adjective] – relating to a person’s own country Domestic fuel bills are set to rise again in the autumn. scheme /skeem/ [noun] – an organized plan for doing something, especially something dishonest or illegal that will bring a good result for you They hope to get government funding for the scheme. amusement park /uh-MYOOZ-muhnt pahrk/ [noun] – a theme park The amusement park is open from May through October. strengthen…
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The purrfect cheesecakes

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© PR Times via Live Japan Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you eat sweets? What dessert is popular in your country? Please describe it. Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. eager /EE-ger/ [adjective] – wanting very much to do or have something, especially something interesting or enjoyable The students in the class seem eager to learn. property /PROP-er-tee/ [noun] – a quality in a substance or material, especially one that means that it can be used in a particular way The medicinal properties of these herbs are still unknown. packaging /PAK-uh-jing/ [noun] –…
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A guide to Children’s Day in Japan

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you usually do on May 5 every year? What toys did you play with as a child? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. growth /grohth/ [noun] – The growth of a person, animal, or plant is its process of increasing in size. Robbie’s sisters were proud to witness his growth. symbol /SIM-buhl/ [noun] – a sign, shape, or object that is used to represent something else The four-leaf clover is a symbol of luck. power /POU-er/ [noun] – strength Everyone looked up to Julian for his power and kindness….
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Get in touch with nature on Greenery Day

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like tea? Why? Do you like gardening? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reputation /rep-yuh-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the general opinion that people have about someone or something His work in Congress earned him a reputation for being dependable and hardworking. harvest /HAHR-vist / [verb] – to pick and collect crops, or to collect plants, animals, or fish to eat Winter wheat is harvested in the early summer in the United States. gardening /GAHRD-ning/ [noun] – the job or activity of working in a garden, growing and taking care…
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A day to experience history

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How is the Constitution Memorial Day usually celebrated in Japan? What do you know about Japan’s constitution? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sovereignty /SOV-rin-tee/ [noun] – the power of a country to control its own government The question of who should have sovereignty over the island is being debated. symbol /SIM-buhl/ [noun] – something that is used to represent a quality or idea Water is a symbol of life. state /steyt / [noun] – a country or its government The drought is particularly severe in the state. human rights /HYOO-muhn…
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