2024年7月10日「モバイル英語学習」第834号 (英語のエッセイ): New Japanese Banknotes Issued on July 3, 2024

Notes
banknote 紙幣, 銀行券;
portrait 肖像;
featured 描かれる;
tetanus 破傷風;
numeral 数字;


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Japan has new banknotes for the first time in 20 years. The portraits on the new bills have changed: The ¥10,000 bill now features Eiichi Shibusawa, known as the “father of Japanese capitalism.” He was a business leader who helped start about 500 companies and organizations. The ¥5,000 bill now features Umeko Tsuda, a pioneer for women’s education in Japan. She started a women’s college called Joshi Eigaku Juku (now Tsuda University) and was one of the first female students sent to the U.S. by the Japanese government. The ¥1,000 bill now features Shibasaburo Kitasato, who found a way to treat tetanus and discovered the plague bacillus. He also started the Institute for Infectious Diseases and the Kitasato Institute.
The new banknotes have larger Western numerals in the center to make them easier for tourists to recognize.

Many people are happy about the new banknotes, but some businesses are worried. They need to update ATMs, vending machines, and other equipment, which may cost a lot of money.
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2024年6月30日「モバイル英語学習」第833号 (英語のエッセイ): More people are visiting Japan

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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