🎧 Audio
📖 Script
The world’s largest nuclear power plant has resumed operations nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster in Japan. This decision has been made by the same company that managed the Fukushima facility, which was severely damaged by a tsunami in 2011. The plant, known as Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, is located in Niigata Prefecture and is operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). The restart of this plant is part of Japan’s strategy to balance its energy needs and reduce carbon emissions. However, the decision has sparked mixed reactions.
Many local residents have expressed concerns about safety, fearing a repeat of the Fukushima disaster. They worry that another natural disaster could lead to a similar situation, endangering lives and the environment. On the other hand, proponents argue that nuclear power is essential for Japan to meet its climate goals and provide a stable energy supply. They believe that with enhanced safety measures and strict regulations, the risks can be minimized.
The Japanese government has been under pressure to find sustainable energy solutions. After the Fukushima disaster, Japan shut down all its nuclear reactors and increased its reliance on fossil fuels. This move led to higher carbon emissions, which is contrary to global efforts to combat climate change. Restarting nuclear plants is seen as a way to address these issues, though it remains controversial.
TEPCO claims that they have implemented significant safety upgrades at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant. These include improved earthquake resistance, enhanced emergency protocols, and better training for staff. Despite these assurances, some local governments and residents remain skeptical. They demand more transparency and involvement in decision-making processes regarding nuclear energy.
In conclusion, the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant highlights the complex balance between energy needs, safety concerns, and environmental responsibilities. The situation in Japan serves as a reminder of the challenges many countries face in transitioning to clean energy while ensuring public safety.
📝 Vocabulary
- facility: a place designed for a specific purpose
例文: “The sports facility will open to the public next week.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- sports facility
- medical facility
- manufacturing facility
施設 - tsunami: a large ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption
例文: “The tsunami caused widespread damage along the coast.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- tsunami warning
- tsunami wave
- tsunami damage
津波 - carbon emissions: the release of carbon, especially in the form of carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere
例文: “Reducing carbon emissions is crucial for fighting climate change.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- reduce carbon emissions
- carbon emissions target
- carbon emissions policy
炭素排出 - regulations: rules made by an authority to control how something is done
例文: “The government introduced new regulations to improve air quality.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- safety regulations
- government regulations
- strict regulations
規制 - transparency: the quality of being open and honest; not secretive
例文: “Transparency in government operations builds public trust.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- financial transparency
- transparency in decision-making
- increase transparency
透明性
✏️ Grammar Point
Present Perfect Tense – “This decision has been made by the same company that managed the Fukushima facility.”
文法の日本語補足を見る
💡 使用場面
現在完了形は、過去の出来事が現在に影響を与えている場合などに用いられます。
📝 使用例文
“例: In a conversation, you might say: ‘I have visited Paris three times, and I love the city.’”
❓ Listening Questions
- True/False: The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant is operated by the same company that managed the Fukushima facility.
- MCQ: What is one of the reasons for restarting the nuclear power plant?
a) To increase the use of fossil fuels
b) To meet Japan’s climate goals
c) To reduce electricity costs
d) To build new nuclear plants - MCQ: What has TEPCO done to address safety concerns?
a) Reduced the number of staff
b) Built new reactors
c) Implemented safety upgrades
d) Increased the plant’s size
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
- True
- b) To meet Japan’s climate goals
- c) Implemented safety upgrades
📚 Reading Questions
- What is the name of the nuclear power plant that has restarted?
- Why do some local residents oppose the restart of the plant?
- What does “transparency” mean in the context of the script?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
- Kashiwazaki-Kariwa
- They fear another natural disaster could cause a similar disaster to Fukushima.
- Transparency means being open and honest, not secretive.
🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説
世界最大の原子力発電所である柏崎刈羽原子力発電所が、福島原発事故から約15年ぶりに再稼働しました。この決定は、エネルギー需要と炭素排出削減のバランスを取るための日本の戦略の一環です。しかし、地元住民からの安全性に対する懸念が根強く、賛否が分かれています。日本は福島事故後、化石燃料への依存を高めましたが、これにより炭素排出が増加し、再稼働はこれを解決する手段とされています。ただし、国民の信頼を得るためには、より多くの透明性と住民参加が求められます。
