【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. restriction / rɪˈstrɪk ʃən / (n.) – a rule that puts a limit on something
Example: The company has many restrictions on selling shares.
2. retiree / rɪ taɪˈri / (n.) – a person who has stopped working, usually because of age
Example: Jake is a retiree who worked in a bank for thirty years.
3. devastate / ˈdɛv əˌsteɪt / (v.) – to be destroyed
Example: The organization will rebuild the houses that were devastated by fire.
4. successor / səkˈsɛs ər / (n.) – the next person to take someone’s role or position
Example: The employees hope that their boss’s successor will also be humble.
5. transition / trænˈzɪʃ ən / (n.) – the act of moving or changing from one thing to another
Example: The firm will start its transition next year.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Japan Post will be going public this November.
In September, plans for an initial public offering (IPO) of the government-owned company were approved by the Tokyo Stock Exchange. This was done in hopes of increasing their investors and removing government restrictions.
Aside from offering postal services, Japan Post also has insurance and banking units. With around 24,000 branches around Japan, it is well-known locally and is a brand favored by the older generation, as it is where many Japanese retirees withdraw their pension payments.
The company plans to list its shares in Tokyo on November 4. Its combined IPO, which includes the parent company’s stock, along with its insurance and bank divisions, will most likely amount to ¥1.4 trillion ($11.6 billion) in sales. This will be one of the biggest sales done by a government-owned company in almost 30 years. Part of the IPO's profits will be used to financially rebuild areas in Japan devastated by the 2011 tsunami.
In line with the IPO, the Japanese government is on the hunt for a new president to take the lead at Japan Post. Once the first part of the IPO process has been done, Taizo Nishimuro, current Japan Post president and former Toshiba chairman, is expected to have hired his successor.
Yasuaki Takemoto, the president of Search Firm Japan, an executive search company not directly involved with the hiring, has commented on the qualities that the next Japan Post president should possess. According to him, Japan Post’s next leader should be experienced in the public sector, has the ability to manage a company in transition, and is able to hone internal talent.
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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
· Do you agree with Japan Post’s plan to go public? Why or why not?
· Where do you think is the best place for Japan Post to look for its next president? Why?
Discussion B
· What do you think would make a good leader in this kind of company?
· If you made a lot of profit from your own company, what would you do with it and why?
