Notes
by air 飛行機で;
spending power 消費力;
In addition to さらに:

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Many Americans are visiting Japan this year because the Japanese yen is so weak compared to the U.S. dollar. This makes traveling to Japan very cheap for Americans. For example, in the first five months of 2024, over 900,000 Americans visited Japan by air, which is 17.4% more than last year and 35.5% more than before COVID-19.The weak yen is a big reason for this increase, as it gives Americans more spending power.
In addition to Americans, the demand for travel is growing in the Asia-Pacific region, with many visitors from China and North America.American hotel companies like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and Choice are expanding in Japan by partnering with local companies. Airbnb also saw a 130% increase in bookings by Americans in 2023.
Airlines are adding more seats to their flights. For example, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines have all increased the number of seats available for travel to Japan this summer. (Read more on the Japan Times at this link )
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Notes
Mesoamerica with the Mayans and Aztecs メソアメリカ、マヤ人とアステカ人：中央アメリカの歴史的な地域で、古代のマヤ人やアステカ人が住んでいた場所です;
cacao bean カカオ豆;
pod ポッド 種子を含む植物の果実。カカオ豆はこの中にあります;
ferment 発酵;
grind 固い物を細かく粉状にする;
Artisan and single-origin 職人製・シングルオリジン：手作りや特定の場所からの材料にこだわった高品質な商品;
treat おやつ：特別な機会に楽しむ小さな食べ物や甘いもの

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Chocolate has a long history. It started in ancient Mesoamerica with the Mayans and Aztecs. They used cacao beans as money and to make a special drink. In the 16th century, Europeans made chocolate sweet.

To make chocolate, workers harvest cacao pods. They take out the beans and let them ferment. After that, they dry and roast the beans. Then they grind them into a thick paste. This paste is used to make different kinds of chocolate like dark, milk, and white.

Switzerland consumes the most chocolate per person. Other European countries also love chocolate. People enjoy chocolate in many sweets and drinks. It is a favorite treat worldwide.
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