4 Held Over Software to Copy DVDs

Four employees, including one executive, of a Tokyo-based publisher were arrested Tuesday for allegedly selling a DVD-copying guidebook bundled with software able to remove DVDs' copy protection. The Metropolitan Police Department arrested Yoshiaki Kaizuka, 43, an executive of Chiyoda Ward publisher Sansai Books Inc., and three other company employees on suspicion of violating the Unfair Competition Prevention Law, and sent papers on the firm to the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office. According to a senior police official, these are the nation's first arrests over the distribution of software to remove copy protection.

Harry Potter heads to Universal Studios Japan

Harry Potter has conquered the world with books and then with movies. Now he's doing the same with theme parks. Universal Studios Japan on Thursday will unveil plans to build the first international version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the blockbuster attraction that has drawn millions of fans to Universal's Orlando resort and is coming to Los Angeles. The Osaka destination -- expected to begin construction in the next few weeks with a planned opening in late 2014 and an expected cost of about $500 million -- brings Hogwarts Castle and rides including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey to the boy wizard's biggest market outside of the United States. The eight Potter movies grossed nearly $900 million in Japan -- more even than in his home country of Britain. Products including magic wand chopsticks have made the Harry Potter brand Japan's most successful movie-based consumer products line of the last decade.

Lady Gaga auctions teacup to help Japanese artists

TOKYO — Fans bidding in a charity online auction to buy a teacup used once by pop diva Lady Gaga had offered more than four million yen ($50,000) by Tuesday, with five days left before the hammer falls. The china cup and saucer set was used by the star at a press conference in Tokyo three months after the massive tsunami of March last year swamped a large stretch of coastline. Lady Gaga told reporters at the time that she would auction the cup, marked with her lipstick and bearing the Japanese message “We pray for Japan” along with the star’s autograph. All the money raised will be used to help young Japanese artists who want to study in the United States. The cup was put on “Yahoo! Japan Auctions” at midday Monday, with the starting price of one yen. The auction is set to finish midnight Sunday.

Southampton remembers the Titanic

A southern port city in Britain has commemorated those who died in the sinking of the Titanic with a series of events. The events were held in Southampton on Tuesday, the 100th anniversary of the ship's departure from the city for New York. About 500 children took part. The luxury liner sank in the North Atlantic after hitting an iceberg. More than 1,500 people died. Southampton was home to most of the ship's crew. Children paraded through the city center carrying placards bearing the names and images of the deceased.

Maid cafe waitresses show off their scientific know-how

Girls dressed in French maid outfits running craft classes on soldering, of all things, might seem like something out of Japanese anime. But this is Akihabara, Tokyo's "Electric Town," and home to all things anime and "otaku," meaning geeks. The workshops are the brainchild of electronics parts retailer Wakamatsu Tsusho Co. Akihabara has long been home to many electronics parts shops. But nowadays, it also serves as "ground zero" for otaku culture and attracts thousands of enthusiasts of anime, videogames, cosplay and other pop culture trends. Wakamatsu came up with the idea of craft classes run by waitresses in maid costumes to revive interest in the science behind electronic gadgets. The company, established 36 years ago, hosted a free craft session in March at Akihabara Network & Embedded Technology Center, Akiba NET-kan, in the Sotokanda area of Chiyoda Ward. In addition to Wakamatsu Tsusho workers and specialists close to Japan's leading semiconductor manufacturer, Renesas Electronics Corp., it included Erika Kurosaki and Shion Arimura from Togenkyo maid cafe as instructors to offer tips on soldering. Twelve people, ranging from a 6-year-old girl, who is set to attend elementary school this spring, to a 62-year-old man, joined the session. After they were given basic tips on soldering, they worked on a heart-shaped circuit board to complete an LED flasher that plays music.

Sky Tree to offer world's highest bungee jump

Tokyo's newest and biggest visitor attraction, the 634-meter-high Tokyo Sky Tree in Sumida Ward, will open to the public on May 22. And if 11th-hour contract negotiations bear fruit, visitors to the Sky Tree may soon have the opportunity to plummet 430 meters (over 1,400 feet) toward terra firma, in what is claimed to be the world's highest commercial bungee jump. The new service, it was learned, has been quietly undergoing safety tests late at night. If arrangements can be finalized within this month, the first customers may be able to take death-defying dives from the Sky Tree from around mid-June. Because the project is still tentative, it has been kept under heavy wraps. To maintain secrecy while the negotiations are underway, test jumps have been conducted in the small hours of the morning, starting in January.

IELTS SPEAKING PRACTICE 9

PART 1

                The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies and other familiar topics.

Entertainment ·         Do you prefer relaxing at home or going out in the evening? Why? ·         When you go out in the evening, what do you like to do? ·         How popular is this with other people in your country? ·         Is there any kind of entertainment you do not like? Why? Why not?

IELTS SPEAKING PRACTICE 8

PART 1

                The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies and other familiar topics.

Colour ·         What’s your favourite colour? Why? ·         Do you like the same colours now as you did when you were younger? Why? Why not? ·         What can you learn about a person from the colours they like? ·         Do any colours have a special meaning in your culture?

Denim becomes the perfect fit for Tokyo’s Ginza

Denim and the tony Ginza district in Tokyo never before seemed the right fit, but for one day, they were tailor-made for each other. An outdoor fashion show was held in the Ginza district on March 24 to showcase clothes and other fashion items made of quality denim produced in Japan. More than 150 models walked the 100-meter catwalk covered in denim for the event, the Ginza Runway, on Ginza's central street. The show, watched by crowds of shoppers and passers-by lining both sides of the runway, featured about 200 items by popular brands by apparel companies and students at fashion schools in Japan. The items ranged from pastel-colored jeans, luxurious dresses with frills and kimono, to headwear and bags. The show was the brainchild of a Ginza department store and others, intended to cheer people up after the nation marked the one-year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11. The denim made in Japan was chosen because it is widely used by top fashion houses around the world because of its high quality. Children from the disaster-stricken Sendai and Tokyo’s Chuo Ward, where the Ginza is situated, made appearances in the show's finale.

The Weekend Xbox Japan Conquered Akihabara

On a chilly afternoon this past weekend, well over 100 people waited in line in Akihabara to see Microsoft’s “Xbox 360 Kansyasai in Akiba” (Xbox 360 Festival of Thanks in Akihabara). The event was a joint effort between Microsoft and Capcom, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Japanese release of the original Xbox (February 22nd, 2002), and to promote some of the upcoming titles to the Xbox 360. Aside from game demo machines, the event included a raffle, on-stage interviews, and demonstrations for Dragon’s Dogma, Crimson Dragon, Diabolical Pitch, Biohazard Operation Raccoon City and Steel Battalion.

AKB48 thanks China for 3/11 aid with Beijing concert

BEIJING — Six members of pop idol group AKB48 staged a special show in Beijing to thank the Chinese public for its support after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. The members of the all-girl group performed three songs in front of around 500 fans Friday, at an event held to demonstrate Japan's gratitude for China's post disaster assistance and also to support devastated areas in Tohoku by displaying local specialties. "Thank you for supporting us at the time of the disaster," AKB48 member Ayaka Umeda said. "We'd like to perform live concerts all over the world this year, including in China." AKB48 is popular in China and around 14,000 fans applied for the 500 seats at the concert, according to the Japanese Embassy in Beijing. The group was scheduled to hold another concert China's capital Saturday before moving on to Shanghai and then Hong Kong to perform at similar events. Source: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120219a6.html?

VOCABULARY

1.       Staged (v) - to arrange and perform a play or show

2.       Demonstrate (v) - to show that you have a particular ability, quality, or feeling

3.       Gratitude (v) - the feeling of being grateful

4.       Post (adj.) - happening or existing after

5.       Devastated (adj.) - feeling extremely shocked and sad

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1.       Do you like AKB48? Why? Why not?

2.       What kind of music do they play? Popular songs?

3.       Do you think holding a concert is a good way to thank people? Explain.

4.       Name other celebrities who did the same.

5.       How is Tohoku region 1 year after the devastating earthquake?

Whitney Houston dies at 48

On the eve of the 2012 Grammy Awards, Whitney Houston was pronounced dead. The singer was found at least partially submerged in her bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Houston had been preparing at the hotel to make an appearance at Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy Awards night. The singer was actually found by her aunt, Mary Jones. Mary had laid out Whitney’s dress for the evening on the bed and then left for about a half hour. When Whitney didn’t come out of the bathroom, Mary entered, pulled Whitney out of the tub and began administering CPR. Her family were told the 48-year-old may have died before she became fully submerged — after consuming a combination of drugs and booze. Pictures emerged showing a meal, empty Champagne glass and can of beer Whitney had moments before her death. The star ordered a hamburger, fries, a turkey sandwich and jalapenos, according to reports. She ate her burger and chips, but took the rest into the bathroom. Although the cause of death is unknown, Whitney may have fallen asleep or lapsed into unconsciousness in the bathtub and drowned. Tributes and prayer have poured in from the all over the world. "Although she is gone too soon, we remain blessed to have been touched by her beautiful spirit, to have the legacy of her music to cherish and share forever."

VOCABULARY

1.       Pronounce (v) - to officially state that something is true

2.       Submerge (v) - to cover something completely with water or another liquid

3.       Administering (v) - giving someone a medicine or medical treatment

4.       Booze (n) - alcoholic drink

5.       Lapsed (v) - to go into a quiet or less active state

6.       Tribute (n) - something that you say, do, or give in order to express your respect or admiration for someone

7.       Legacy (n) - something (such as property or money) that is received from someone who has died

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1.       What do you know about Whitney Houston?

2.       Do you like her music? What song is your favourite?

3.       What do you think is the reason why many music stars and actors take drugs?

4.       Is there anything suspicious about her death? Explain.

5.       How did your country pay tribute to Whitney Houston?

Poll: Over 50% expect Olympic medal for Nadeshiko

The Yomiuri Shimbun - A majority of people expect the Nadeshiko Japan women's soccer team to win a medal at the London Olympic Games scheduled to start on July 27, according to a recent Yomiuri Shimbun poll. Following Nadeshiko Japan's victory at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany last summer, 52 percent of respondents picked women's soccer as the most likely category for Japan to win a medal among women's events to be held at the Olympics. Respondents were allowed to pick multiple sports fields in the survey. Among other women's sports, the marathon was second most popular with 33 percent, followed by judo with 28 percent and volleyball with 18 percent. In men's sports, gymnastics was the top choice among respondents at 50 percent, followed by judo with 39 percent and swimming with 26 percent. Rounding out the top four was men's soccer with 19 percent. Seventy-five percent of respondents indicated they were "interested" in the London Olympics, with 36 percent saying they were "very much interested." The results were almost identical to that of a similar February 2008 poll taken before the Beijing Summer Olympics. At the time, 74 percent of respondents said they were interested in the Beijing Games. Of those polled, 72 percent said they support the idea of Tokyo hosting the 2020 Summer Olympics. When asked which sports they like to watch, professional baseball took the top spot for the 18th consecutive year with 47 percent, followed by high school baseball with 33 percent and the ekiden long-distance relay with 32 percent. Respondents were allowed to pick multiple sports categories for this question. The Yomiuri Giants topped the list of favorite baseball teams for the 21st straight year with 22 percent. The survey was conducted on Jan. 21 and 22 in a face-to-face interview format. In the survey, 3,000 eligible voters were randomly picked at 250 locations around the country. Of these, 1,638, or 55 percent, gave valid answers. Source: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120206004127.htm

VOCABULARY

1.       Majority (n) - most of the people or things in a group

2.       Poll (n) - the process of finding out what people think about something by asking many people the same question, or the record of the result

3.       Respondent (n) - someone who answers questions, especially in a survey

4.       Marathon (n) - a long race of about 26 miles or 42 kilometres

5.       Indicated (v) - to show that a particular situation exists, or that something is likely to be true

6.       Eligible (adj.) - someone who is eligible for something is able or allowed to do it, for example because they are the right age

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1.       Talk about the Nadeshiko team in Japan.

2.       If you were asked to vote, which sports would you choose?

3.       What can you say about Tokyo hosting the Olympics?

4.       Discuss about the sports and teams that you like.

The beginner's guide to Japanese drama

J-dramas are daily or weekly broadcasts that make up a great deal of Japanese television programming. These are comparable to sitcoms and dramas that run in America, but they have their own distinct flavour. J-drama incorporates many different genres, from medical dramas to romantic dramas, and frequently features Japan's most prominent stars in key roles. An average J-drama will be televised in Japan as a three-season run. Shows that are expected to be especially popular are scheduled for weeknight broadcasts, similar to how prime-time shows work in the states.   J-drama became really popular in Japan in the late 1980s, when writers and directors found success with an approach nicknamed "trendy drama," which simply meant shows that tapped into real-life issues in Japan such as the bubble economy of that time  Japan has been adapting manga or anime to live action drama, capitalizing on fans of the stories in their original form. Some of the most popular J-Drama shows are these types of adaptations, such as "Great Teacher Onizuka," which featured a large cast of young, well-known stars and told the story of a gang member-turned-teacher and his students. "Gokusen" was also set in a school and documents a young idealistic teacher's attempts to straighten up a class of delinquents. As Japanese spend so much of their life on education, the school theme is very popular, especially high school dramas. Source: http://geekout.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/23/the-beginners-guide-to-japanese-drama/

VOCABULARY

1.      Sitcoms(n) - programmes on television

2.      Genres (n) - a style, especially in the arts, that involves a particular set of characteristics

3.      prime-time (n) - in television and radio broadcasting, the time when the largest number of people are watching or listening

4.      trendy (adj.) - modern and influenced by the most recent fashions or ideas

5.      bubble economy(n)  - an economy that becomes very successful very quickly, and which usually fails very suddenly:

6.      adaptations (n) - a film or television programme that is based on a book or play

7.      Featured (v) - to include or show something as a special or important part of something, or to be included as an important part: Ex: The exhibition features paintings by Picasso.

8.      Idealistic (adj.) - believing that you should live according to high standards and principles, even if they cannot really be achieved, or showing this belief. Ex: idealistic young doctors

9.      Delinquents (adj.) - behaving in a way that is illegal or that society does not approve of

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1.      Do you watch drama? What is your favourite drama?

2.      Talk about dramas in your country.

3.      What can you say about other country’s drama?

4.      How does drama influence people’s life?