News Mash-up: Japanese Exports

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Category: Business

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. buzz / bʌz / (n) – excited and usually positive talk about someone or something
    Example:

    There’s been a lot of buzz on social media about the band’s new song.


  2. captivate / ˈkæp təˌveɪt / (v) – to attract and hold someone’s interest or attention
    Example:

    The children were captivated by their teacher’s stories.


  3. gross / groʊs / (v) – to earn a certain amount of money before taxes, expenses, etc. are taken from it
    Example:

    The movie grossed $10 million on just its opening night.


  4. robust / roʊˈbʌst / (adj) – strong and unlikely to fail
    Example:

    Analysts say that the economy is robust and will continue to grow next quarter.


  5. solid / ˈsɒl ɪd / (adj) – strong and steady
    Example:

    The company attracted new investors because of its solid performance the previous year.


Article

Read the text below.

Japan’s record-breaking anime film Demon Slayer lands in US cinemas


The record-breaking Japanese anime film Demon Slayer: Mugen Train carried over its box-office buzz to the U.S. on Feb. 26, captivating Florida fans in its first screening.


The Demon Slayer film, based on a popular manga and TV anime series, has grossed over $350 million (¥37.3 billion) at theaters in Japan, despite COVID-19 restrictions, surpassing Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winner Spirited Away in just over two months to become the most successful Japanese anime of all time.


“It exceeded my expectations. I cried so much,” said 20-year-old Miami resident Alex Acosta. “The animation was so good. It was a great storyline, for sure. I loved it,” she said. (Reuters)


Toyota group tops global auto sales in 2020


Toyota Motor Corp. group ranked top in global auto sales in 2020 for the first time in five years on a robust pickup in sales in China and the United States, overtaking Volkswagen AG of Germany, data showed Jan. 28.


Toyota said it sold 9.53 million vehicles globally last year, including those sold by its group’s mini-vehicle maker Daihatsu Motor Co. and truck manufacturer Hino Motors Ltd., down 11.3% from a year earlier.


A Toyota official said the company’s aggressive sales strategy, which saw it roll out a series of new models, contributed to relatively solid sales in 2020 compared to other automakers. (Reuters)


These articles were provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Do you think that “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” became the most successful Japanese anime of all time despite the COVID-19 pandemic or because of it? Why? Discuss.
  • When Japanese anime are shown at overseas theaters, do you think it’s better to show subtitled versions or dubbed versions? Why? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • In your opinion, was 2020 a good year to buy a car? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What do you feel is the most important thing when buying a car (ex. price, fuel efficiency)? Why? Discuss.