レッスンを予約する
Step 1
Read the Article
Read the article to understand the main idea.
記事を読んで、おおよその内容をつかみましょう。
ONE PIECE — The undisputed king of the manga and anime world
Many young people overseas start watching Japanese anime from a young age, captivated by the powerful stories and skilled graphics that make it one of the most respected artistic genres in the world. These children dream of one day visiting Japan, a place they have so far only seen on a screen. And without a doubt, the undisputed king of the anime world is ONE PIECE.
Like most anime, ONE PIECE started out as a manga. In fact, it is the best-selling manga of all time, selling far more copies than other manga legends like Dragon Ball, Detective Conan, and NARUTO. Created by Eiichiro Oda, ONE PIECE has sold over 500 million copies around the world since its debut in 1997. It is so popular that it has been translated into more than 30 languages!
This beloved manga was turned into an anime series in 1999, and since then, more than 1,000 episodes have been aired. While it goes without saying that it is very popular in its native Japan, it is also available in many countries around the world. And in 2023, a ONE PIECE original drama series began on Netflix.
So why exactly is ONE PIECE so popular? For one, the ever-changing, well-written storyline always keeps readers on the edge of their seats. In addition, ONE PIECE also addresses social issues that many fans can relate to. But perhaps the biggest reason for its popularity is its lovable characters. Chopper, Luffy, Sanji, and the others have distinct personalities that inspire love from their fans and keep people cheering for them throughout the story.
As for me, I must admit that I don’t know all that much about anime or manga. But after reading up on the charm of ONE PIECE, I can’t wait to check it out and find an oshi for myself!
(The Japantimes Alpha)
Step 2
Check the Vocabulary and Phrases
Check the following vocabulary and phrases.
以下の単語やフレーズの発音、意味、使い方を確認しましょう。
undisputed
誰もが認める
That cannot be questioned or proved to be false; that cannot be disputed
He is the undisputed champion of the tournament.
彼はその大会の誰もが認めるチャンピオンだ。
captivate
魅了する
To attract and hold the interest and attention of
Her performance captivated the audience.
彼女の演技は観客を魅了した。
detective
探偵
A person employed by somebody to find out information about somebody/something
The detective questioned several witnesses to solve the mystery.
探偵は謎を解くために何人かの目撃者に質問しました。
on the edge of one's seat
引き込まれて夢中になって
To be very excited, interested, or involved in something, so that you are paying full attention and can’t relax
The novel was so interesting that I read for hours on the edge of my seat.
その小説はとても面白くて、夢中になって何時間も読み続けました。
distinct
（他のものと）はっきりと異なる
Clearly different or of a different kind
The region has four distinct seasons, each with its own beauty.
その地域には四つのはっきりと異なる季節があり、それぞれに独自の美しさがあります。
Step 3
Comprehension Questions
Answer the following questions based on the article.
理解度問題に挑戦しましょう。
Why is ONE PIECE considered more successful than other famous manga like Dragon Ball or Naruto?
What makes ONE PIECE one of the most admired artistic genres globally?
Step 4
Discussion
Share your opinions on the following questions.
以下の質問について、自分の考えを述べてみましょう。
Have you ever read or watched ONE PIECE? What did you think of it?
Who are your favorite characters from comic books or anime? Why do you like them?
What themes in stories (friendship, adventure, love, justice) do you enjoy most, and why?
Do you think stories from other countries can help you understand their culture better? Why or why not?
Do you think comic books or anime can teach readers or viewers important lessons?