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。
Haruki Murakami honored in New York
Haruki Murakami visited New York in early December to receive special honors for his long writing career. The 76-year-old Japanese author won a Lifetime of Excellence in Fiction Award from the Center for Fiction. He also received a prize from the Japan Society for helping bring Japan and the United States closer together.
Murakami is famous for novels such as Kafka on the Shore and The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. His stories often talk about loneliness, identity and memory. Fans also know his love of jazz, baseball and beer.
At one event, singer Patti Smith introduced him and talked about how his writing inspired her. Another event, called “Murakami Mixtape,” mixed music, readings and talks, with a strong focus on jazz. Murakami shared his thoughts about New York and Japan, saying Japanese culture is now more visible and appreciated around the world.
(AP)
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。
special honor
特別賞
a special recognition given to someone because they did something important or impressive
She received a special honor for her hard work at the event.
彼女はそのイベントで努力が認められ、特別賞を受けました。
bring ... closer together
（人や組織、国など）をより密接に結び付ける
to make people, groups, or countries feel more connected or have a better relationship
Traveling together brought our family closer together.
一緒に旅行をしたことで、私たちの家族の絆はより深まりました。
inspire
～を刺激する
to give somebody the desire, confidence or enthusiasm to do something well
The beautiful music inspired his imagination.
その美しい音楽は彼の想像力を刺激しました。
visible
目立つ
can be seen
He wore a bright red jacket, so he was very visible in the crowd.
彼は明るい赤いジャケットを着ていたので、人混みの中でとても目立っていました。
appreciated
高く評価された
understood how good something is
She is an appreciated worker because she always does her job well.
彼女はいつも仕事をしっかりするので、高く評価されている社員です。
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。
Who is Haruki Murakami?
What does Haruki Murakami like?
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 any Haruki Murakami's novels?
Do you have a favorite book? What is it about?
Do you like jazz, baseball, or beer? Why or why not?
Do you think books can help people understand other cultures? Why?
Do you think Japanese culture is popular around the world? Why do you think so?