Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- exposition / ˌɛk spəˈzɪʃ ən / (n.) – a large international public event, exhibition, or show where new products, works of art, etc. are shown
Example:Many tech companies will join the exposition to show their latest inventions.
- plaster / ˈplæs tər / (v.) – to cover something such as an area or a surface with posters, signs, etc., often in large quantities
Example:The walls were plastered with posters from the band’s latest tour.
- abuzz / əˈbʌz / (adj.) – full of excitement, activity, and noise
Example:The office was abuzz with excitement after the new project was announced.
- jaded / ˈdʒeɪ dɪd / (adj.) – lacking or losing interest and excitement caused by having done something too many times
Example:After years of working in the same job, he felt jaded and unmotivated.
- pavilion / pəˈvɪl yən / (n.) – a large temporary structure that is used at public events, fairs, or shows
Example:The tech exhibition had pavilions from different countries, each showing their local scientists’ inventions.
Article
Read the text below.
Visitors to Tokyo and Kyoto might not realize it, but Osaka—one of Japan’s biggest and oldest cities, known more as a business hub than a tourist destination—is gearing up to host next year’s World Exposition.
The city has been plastered with the Expo’s red-and-blue “Myaku-Myaku” mascot for months and is abuzz with preparations. For many here, the excitement is mixed with nostalgia for the last World Expo hosted by Japan, back in 1970.
There are doubters, especially outside Osaka. Construction costs are turning out to be exponentially higher than expected. Preparations have been marred by political and business infighting. And many Japanese, jaded after Tokyo’s difficult experience hosting the Olympics during the COVID pandemic, question whether the idea of a World Expo is still relevant.
But in Osaka, many older residents say such events are more necessary than ever.
Many retain vivid memories of the 1970 Expo. They remember schoolchildren attending multiple times, particularly those from the Osaka area. There were long lines to see the moon rocks on view at the U.S. pavilion; prototypes of electric cars; displays featuring the first ethernet cables (LAN); and the introduction of Western foods like yogurt and baguettes.
It was a time when traveling abroad was still a dream for most, and Expo ’70 was a rare chance for ordinary Japanese to hear live performances by bands from around the world and visit a huge array of pavilions representing various nations and interests.
Mostly, though, the enduring impact was the chance for personal interactions with international pavilions and visitors.
“My experience as an interpreter at World Expo ’70 was transformative,” says Takahiro Shinyo, who went on to join the Japanese foreign service, serve as a Japanese ambassador to Germany, and is now a visiting professor at Kwansei Gakuin University, just outside Osaka.
“It opened my eyes to the power of international cooperation and the potential of human ingenuity,” he says.
And while a lot has changed since 1970, he says World Expos remain just as relevant today.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Do you think hosting major events like the Olympics or World Expo has more economic benefits than disadvantages? Why or why not? In what ways do the local communities benefit from hosting an international event like the World Expo? What are some pros and cons of hosting such events (ex. pro: global recognition, con: high costs)? Discuss.
- If your city or town would host the World Expo or any international event, what changes do you expect to see? How do you think people in your community can help to make it successful (ex. volunteer, promote the event)? Discuss.
Discussion B
- During the World Expo 1970, there was a chance for Japanese people to experience personal interactions with international pavilions and visitors. How do you think experiences in events like the World Expo affect local people’s worldview and behavior (ex. better understanding of different cultures)? Discuss.
- If you were to attend the World Expo next year, what would you like to see or experience from other countries’ pavilions (ex. food, technology)? Why? Discuss.
