お金 (okane) - money

 

https://learnjapanesefromanativejapanese.blogspot.com/

1. Today's Japanese words

**Currency:**

* お金 (okane) - money (general term)

* 円 (en) - yen (the currency unit)

* 現金 (genkin) - cash

* 硬貨 (kouka) - coin

* 紙幣 (shihei) - bill

**Amounts:**

* 1円 (ichi en) - one yen

* 100円 (hyaku en) - one hundred yen

* 1,000円 (sen yen) - one thousand yen (oneせん [sen])

* 10,000円 (man yen) - ten thousand yen (oneまん [man])

**Other:**

* お釣り (otsuri) - change (money received back after paying)

* 小銭 (kozeni) - small change (coins)

* 預金 (yokin) - savings

* 貯金 (chokin) - savings (verb - to save money)

* 払う (harau) - to pay

* 両替 (ryochoo) - currency exchange

**Additional notes:**

* While "sen" (sen) is technically a unit of currency, coins in denominations of sen are no longer used in everyday transactions. 

* Numbers for larger amounts are typically said in units of "man" (man) which means 10,000. So, 50,000 yen would be go man yen (五万 yen).

2. Today's topic

The official currency of Japan is the yen, denoted by the symbol ¥ and the code JPY. It's been around since 1871 and is issued by the Bank of Japan in denominations of ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000 and ¥10,000.

**Coins:**

* While the yen is divided into 100 sen, sen coins are no longer used in everyday transactions. 

* You'll find coins in denominations of:

    * ¥1 (aluminum)

    * ¥5 (brass)

    * ¥10 (bronze)

    * ¥50 (cupro-nickel)

    * ¥100 (cupro-nickel)

**Bills:**

* As mentioned, bills come in ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000.

* The ¥2,000 note is less common than others.

* For vending machines and paying for smaller purchases, it's good to have plenty of ¥100 and ¥500 coins on hand, as some machines might not accept larger bills.

**Other things to know:**

* Credit and debit cards are becoming increasingly accepted, especially in larger cities.

* When exchanging currency, be aware that some places might charge commission fees.

* Always check the condition of your bills before using them. Torn or damaged bills might not be accepted.

3- Today’s news

Japan to launch new banknotes on July 3, 1st design change in 20 yrs

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240630/p2g/00m/0na/009000c

News Navigator: Did Japan also carry out research to create atomic weapons?

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240628/p2a/00m/0op/002000c

Seiji (政治): Politics

 

1. Today's Japanese words

## Japanese Political Vocabulary (Romaji)

**Government Structure:**

* Seiji (政治): Politics

* Seifu (政府): Government

* Kenpou (憲法): Constitution

* Tennou (天皇): Emperor (lit. "Heavenly Emperor")

* Kogo (皇后): Empress

* Kokkai (国会): National Diet (Parliament)

* Shugiin (衆議院): House of Representatives (Lower House)

* Sangiin (参議院): House of Councillors (Upper House)

* Naikaku (内閣): Cabinet

* Sōri Daijin (総理大臣): Prime Minister

**Political Parties:**

* Tōu(党): Party

* Jiyū Minshu Tō (自由民主党, LDP): Liberal Democratic Party

* Yishin no Kai (維新の会): Innovation Party

* Kōmeitō (公明党): Komei Party

**Other Useful Terms:**

* Senkyo (選挙): Election

* Tōhyō (投票): Vote

* Hōritsu (法律): Law

* Seitou (政党): Political Party

* Seiji kaikaku (政治改革): Political Reform

**Phrases:**

* Seiken wo toru (政権を取る): To take power (form a government)

* Seihen (政変): Political upheaval

* Giin (議員): Diet member (member of parliament)

2. Today's topic

Japan's political system is a fascinating blend of tradition and democracy. Here's a breakdown of its key features:

**Constitutional Monarchy:**

* The Emperor is the symbolic head of state, representing the unity of the people. 

* Real power lies with the elected officials.

**Parliamentary System:**

* The National Diet is the highest body, wielding legislative authority.

* It consists of two houses:

    * House of Representatives (Lower House) - More powerful, with shorter terms.

    * House of Councillors (Upper House) - Provides more deliberation.

**Separation of Powers:**

* The Constitution divides power between the legislative (Diet), executive (Cabinet), and judicial branches.

**Political Parties:**

* Japan has a multi-party system, but the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has dominated for much of the post-war era.

* Other parties exist, and coalitions are sometimes formed.

3- Today’s news

Biden’s debate performance spurs Democratic panic about his ability to lead party against Trump

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15324268

debate performance punctuated by repeated stumbles, uncomfortable pauses, and a quiet speaking style that was often difficult to understand

Life-size model of anime robot Gundam to tower over Osaka Expo

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15322536

博覧会 (hakurankai): Exposition, world's fair

 

1. Today's Japanese words

Here are some Japanese vocabulary words related to expos, with romaji:

* 博覧会 (hakurankai): Exposition, world's fair  

* 展示会 (tenjikai): Exhibition, trade show  

* パビリオン (pavirion): Pavilion  

* ブース (būsu): Booth  

* 来場者 (raijōsha): Visitor  

* 出展者 (shuttensha): Exhibitor

* 開幕 (kaimaku): Opening ceremony

* 閉幕 (heimaku): Closing ceremony

* 開催 (kaisai): Holding (of an expo)

* 見所 (midokoro): Highlights, must-see attractions

* 混雑 (konzatsu): Congestion, crowdedness

* マスコット (masukotto): Mascot character

* 記念品 (kinenhin): Souvenir

* グルメ (gurume): Food

* 文化 (bunka): Culture

* 技術 (gijutsu): Technology

* 未来 (mirai): Future

2. Today's topic

The 2025 World Expo, officially known as Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, Japan, is an upcoming international exposition that will be held in Osaka, Japan, from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The theme of the Expo is "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," with three subthemes: "Saving Lives," "Empowering Lives," and "Connecting Lives."

The Expo is expected to attract around 28 million visitors and will feature pavilions from over 100 countries and organizations. The pavilions will showcase cutting-edge technologies, innovative ideas, and cultural experiences from around the world.

The Expo site is located on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay. The site is designed to be a sustainable and accessible exposition, with a focus on renewable energy and green spaces.

https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/

3- Today’s news

Emperor hopes Japan, Britain will ‘climb even higher’ together

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15320808

Iran, Pakistan give up on building own pavilions for 2025 World Expo in Osaka

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240625/p2g/00m/0na/034000c