Tag Archive: Japan News
UNESCO recognition aims to boost sake’s global appeal

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of beverages are commonly served at Japanese festivals or ceremonies? How are traditional beverages like tea or sake made? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. date back /deyt bak/ [phrasal verb] – to originate or start at a particular time in the past The tradition of storytelling dates back to ancient civilizations. fermentation /fur-men-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process by which microorganisms break down substances, especially sugars, into simpler compounds like alcohol or acid The fermentation of grapes is essential for making wine. container /kuhn-TEY-ner/ [noun] – a vessel or…
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Japanese nail artist combines creativity with environmental action

©REUTERS/Manami Yamada Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How important do you think it is to reduce plastic use and waste? Why are people hesitant to buy recycled products, even though they may help the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. salon /suh-LON/ [noun] – a place where professional services are offered, such as for beauty, hair, or nails She opened a new salon downtown, specializing in haircuts and styling. microplastic /MAHY-kroh-plas-tik/ [noun] – tiny plastic particles, typically smaller than 5 millimeters, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic waste Scientists are studying how microplastics affect…
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Japanese nail artist combines creativity with environmental action

©REUTERS/Manami Yamada Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. degradation /deg-ruh-DEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process in which the beauty or quality of something is destroyed or spoiled The degradation of the forest was evident after years of illegal logging. pivotal /PIV-uh-tl/ [adjective] – very important or crucial in determining the outcome of something The scientist made a pivotal discovery that changed the course of the research. vibrant /VAHY-bruhnt/ [adjective] – energetic, exciting, and full of enthusiasm The market was filled with vibrant stalls offering fruits, spices, and crafts. aesthetic /es-THET-ik/ [noun] – the principles or appreciation of beauty and art The architect focused…
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Japanese nail artist combines creativity with environmental action

©REUTERS/Manami Yamada Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. 講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。 Do you think people should do more to protect the environment? Have you ever bought a product made from recycled materials? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. 単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。 former /FAWR-mer/ [adjective] – of or in an earlier time; before the present time or in the past The former president gave an inspiring speech at the event. disc /disk/ [noun] – flat, circular object, typically made of a hard material, used for various purposes The computer stored files on a small, circular disc. attach /uh-TACH/ [verb] – to fasten,…
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Japan faces severe rice shortage amid extreme weather and rising demand

©REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What factors can lead to a shortage of essential goods in a country? Why is it important for researchers to develop new varieties of crops or products? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. endure /en-DOOR/ [verb] – to withstand or tolerate something difficult or unpleasant over a period of time She had to endure a long wait at the airport due to the flight delay. sharply /SHAR-plee/ [adverb] – in a sudden, severe, or intense manner. The temperature dropped sharply overnight, causing frost to form on the windows. stock…
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Japan faces severe rice shortage amid extreme weather and rising demand

©REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. inventory /IN-vuhn-tawr-ee/ [noun] – a complete list of items such as goods in stock or resources available The store manager checked the inventories to ensure all products were accounted for. withstand /with-STAND/ [verb] – to resist or endure something successfully without giving in The building was designed to withstand powerful earthquakes. ministry /MIN-uh-stree/ [noun] – a government department headed by a minister responsible for a specific area of public administration The health ministry announced new guidelines to improve public health and safety. premium /PREE-mee-uhm/ [adjective] – of superior quality or higher price; something that…
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Japan faces severe rice shortage amid extreme weather and rising demand

©REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. 講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。 Do you consider rice to be an essential food? Do you think researchers can find solutions to problems caused by environmental changes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. 単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。 serious /SEER-ee-uhs/ [adjective] – important or significant; requiring careful consideration or attention They had a serious discussion about the future of their business. quality /KWOL-i-tee/ [noun] – the standard or degree of excellence of something; how good or bad something is The quality of the materials used in the construction was very high. reserve /ri-ZURV/ [noun] – the supply…
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