【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. representative /ˌrɛp rɪˈzɛn tə tɪv/ (n.) – someone who represents a group or institution
Example: He was the country’s representative in the international peace forum.
2. ceremony /ˈsɛr əˌmoʊ ni/ (n.) – formal activities done during an important occasion
Example: There will be a ceremony to honor war heroes.
3. abolition /ˌæb əˈlɪʃ ən/ (n.) – the act or process of getting rid of something
Example: The president called for the abolition of war in the country.
4. commemorate /kəˈmɛm əˌreɪt/ (v.) – to honor the memory of something
Example: The shrine was built to commemorate the victims of the disaster.
5. abide /əˈbaɪd/ (v.) – to accept or tolerate
Example: We must abide by their rules while we are on their property.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Representatives from various nations, including those from the European Union, attended this year’s Hiroshima Peace Memorial.
This year’s ceremony had around 100 foreign representatives in attendance. First-time attendees include ambassadors from Afghanistan, Monaco [MON-uh-koh], Sri Lanka, [sree LAHNG-kuh] and the Philippines. Representatives from four out of the five countries with the most number of nuclear weapons, namely Britain, France, Russia, and the United States, were also present. The fifth nation, China, did not send any representative to the event.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial was first held in 1947, but it was only in 1998 that representatives from the five major nuclear powers were first invited. In 2010, the participants increased to 74 after US President Barack Obama called for the abolition of nuclear weapons in a speech held in Prague [prahg] the year before.
Another highlight from the 2010 ceremony is the attendance of officials from Britain, France, and the US for the very first time.
A few days after the ceremony, Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, also commemorated the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Nagasaki. To mark the anniversary, the prime minister renewed his pledge to keep Japan free from the use of nuclear weapons.
During the event held at Nagasaki Peace Park, Prime Minister Abe also promised to abide by Japan’s non-nuclear policy. Composed of three principles, the policy states that Japan will not own, create, or even allow the presence of nuclear weapons in the country.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· What other methods can Japan use to promote a world free from nuclear weapons?
· Would you agree with the total removal of nuclear weapons from the world? Why or why not?
Discussion B
· What do you think are some reasons why some nations still possess nuclear weapons?
· Do you believe that a nation needs other nations’ help to achieve a certain goal? Why or why not?
