2025年7月5日「モバイル英語学習」第886号(英語のエッセイ): The July 5th Disaster Rumor: What Happened and Why It Matters

Notes:
rumor: うわさ
disaster: 災害
explode: 爆発する
Japan’s weather agency: 日本の気象庁
fool: だます(うそを信じさせる)

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A popular manga called “Watashi ga Mita Mirai: Kanzenban” led to a big rumor that a huge disaster would happen in Japan on July 5, 2025. The manga talks about a dream where an underwater volcano explodes and causes a giant tsunami, much bigger than the Nankai Trough earthquake that experts have warned about.

Even though Japan’s weather agency said this is not true and there is no scientific proof, many people in other countries, like Hong Kong and Taiwan, became scared. Some people canceled their trips to Japan, and airlines cut back on flights.

Experts say this kind of rumor can cause real problems, like people rushing to buy things or feeling panicked. Sometimes, people want a big change in society, and that can make them believe scary stories more easily.

The real danger might not be the disaster itself, but how people react to rumors. We need to think carefully and not be fooled by things that sound scary but have no proof.
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2025年5月24日「モバイル英語学習」第880号(英語のエッセイ): France Fines Slow Drivers €35!

Notes
penalty – a punishment you get for breaking a rule – 罰則
fine – money you must pay as a punishment – 罰金
speedometer – the tool in a car that shows how fast it is going – スピードメーター
probationary license – a special license for new drivers – 仮免許
infraction – the act of breaking a rule or law – 違反


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In France, many people know that driving too fast can lead to a fine. But did you know that driving too slowly can also be a problem? If a car goes too slowly, it can be dangerous for other drivers. Because of this, drivers can get a fine if they are too slow.

On French roads, there are rules about how fast you can drive. In cities, the top speed is usually 30 to 50 km/h. On bigger roads, the limit is 80 to 110 km/h, and on some highways, it can go up to 130 km/h. New drivers must follow lower speed limits, and rain or snow can also change the rules.

There is also one rule for driving too slowly: on the fast lane of a highway, you must drive at least 80 km/h. If you don’t, you may get a €35 fine—but you won’t lose points from your license.
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