Learn Japanese from the News

E1. Age of Legal Adulthood to Be Lowered to 18 in April

This April, Japan's age of majority will be lowered from 20 to 18. Follow along as we listen to this news story in Japanese, study the word "otona" (adult), and learn about the coming-of-age ceremony.

E2. People in Japan Donate 4 Billion Yen to Ukraine through Embassy

Follow along as we listen to a news story in simplified Japanese about people in Japan donating 4 billion yen (as of March 7) to Ukraine through its embassy in Tokyo. Our resident Japanese teacher explains the word "kifu" (donation) and breaks down how to count large numbers such as "man" (10,000) and "oku" (100 million). We also spotlight growing private-sector efforts to provide support to Ukraine, as well as middle school students folding "orizuru" paper cranes, a symbol of peace.

E3. Sightseeing Route Reopens in Owakudani Hakone

Follow along as we listen to a news story in simplified Japanese about the reopening of a popular nature trail in the Owakudani area of Hakone, a mountainous resort town with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. Owakudani is a volcanic valley known for its hot springs and close-up views of Mt. Hakone's billowing steam vents. The nature trail in question had been closed to tourists since 2015 due to increased volcanic activity.

E4. Researchers Develop Plastic That Decomposes After Use

Plastic pollution in the ocean has become a global environmental concern. Follow along as we listen to a news story in simplified Japanese about a new plastic developed by researchers at the University of Tokyo that is embedded with enzymes that cause it to naturally break down in water. We also consider the katakana loanword "purasuchikku" (plastic) and learn some related katakana words that are commonly used in everyday life.

E5. International Organization Formed to Fight Manga, Anime Piracy Sites

Internet piracy has become a major global issue. Follow along as we listen to a news story in simplified Japanese about copyright-protection groups and government agencies from 13 nations coming together to create an international organization to fight manga and anime piracy on the internet. We study words like "kaizokuban" (pirated version) and "chosakuken" (copyright) and consider copyright infringement pitfalls in the digital age.

E6. Frequent “Anomalous” Rainfall in Japan Caused by Rising Temperatures

An American scientific agency used AI to study Japanese precipitation data and found that the rising frequency of abnormal rainfall in Japan is mainly due to human-induced climate change. Follow along as we listen to the news story in simplified Japanese. With the rainy season upon us, we learn some rain-related expressions, as well as terms to know to be prepared for heavy rains and potential natural disasters.