Tag Archive: japan news – intermediate

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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Japanese Era to reminisce

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you usually celebrate a holiday? What were the moments in your life that you want to reminisce about? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unlike /uhn-LAHYK/ [preposition] – different from Unlike his father, Dan is a very pleasant person. reflect /ri-FLEKT / [verb] – to think carefully, especially about possibilities and opinions The boss demanded time to reflect on what to do. debate /dih-BEYT/ [noun] – (a) serious discussion of a subject in which many people take part Education is the current focus of the debate. look back /look…
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Japanese researchers create electric chopsticks to boost salty tastes

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©Issei kato via Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you eat salty food? Do you use metal chopsticks? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. heighten /HAHYT-n/ [verb] – to increase or make something increase, especially an emotion or effect TV commercials heightened the interest in food products. sense /sens/ [noun] – an ability to understand, recognize, value, or react to something, especially any of the five physical abilities to see, hear, smell, taste, and feel Mina lost her sense of smell after catching a cold. intake /IN-teyk/ [noun] –…
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Japanese green tea leaves sell for nearly 2 million yen

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you prefer green tea to black tea? Why or why not? Where do you buy tea? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ensure /en-SHOOR/ [verb] – to make something certain to happen We need to ensure that all attendees are at the venue by 7:00 p.m. provide /pruh-VAYD/ [verb] – to give someone something that they need Our company’s goal is to provide useful products for everyone. fair /fair/ [adjective] – If something is fair, it is reasonable and is what you expect or deserve The athletes would like a…
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Studio Ghibli’s theme park to open in November 2022

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©Studio Ghibli via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What activities do you usually do during the fall season? Who is your favorite Ghibli character? What is the best thing about this character? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emotion /ih-MOH-shuhn / [noun] – a strong feeling such as love or anger, or strong feelings in general Christmas brings out many different emotions. divide /dih-VAHYD/ [verb] – to (cause to) separate into parts or groups Miss Sheena divided the class into three groups. recreation /rek-ree-EY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of making something exist or happen again…
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Japan celebrates National Foundation Day

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you celebrate National Foundation Day? Why do people celebrate National Foundation Day? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. struggle /STRUHG-uhl/ [noun] – a very difficult task that you can do only by making a great effort It was a struggle for him to work with his manager. encounter /en-KOUN-ter/ [verb] – to experience something, especially something unpleasant When did you first encounter these? patriotism /PEY-tree-uh-tiz-uhm/ [noun] – the feeling of loving your country more than any others and being proud of it Patriotism is simply the love for your…
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Thriving wildlife in deserted areas around Fukushima

Thriving wildlife in deserted areas around Fukushima (1)

©University of Georgia Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What animal best represents your character? Please explain. What particular animals have become famous in your country for some special skill or accomplishment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. abandoned /uh-BAN-duhnd/ [adjective] – left in a particular place or condition, usually forever The abandoned building is said to be haunted. calamity /kuh-LAM-i-tee/ [noun] – a serious accident or bad event causing damage or suffering That earthquake was the worst calamity in the country’s history. discharge /dis-CHAHRJ/ [verb] – to send out a substance, especially waste liquid or gas…
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3 splendid places to witness Tokyo’s fall colors

3 splendid places to witness Tokyo's fall colors

©Marufish/Flickr Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite season and why? What is the worst season for you and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. atmosphere /AT-muhs-feer/ [noun] – the character, feeling, or mood of a place or situation The hotel has a relaxed atmosphere. adore /uh-DAWR/ [verb] – to love and respect someone very much, or to like something very much I adore your shoes! Where did you buy that pair? magnificent /mag-NIF-uh-suhnt/ [adjective] – very good, beautiful, or deserving to be admired The Taj Mahal is a magnificent tourist spot. feast…
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