◇Homestay English Part2◇

When does a typhoon occur around Japan?

Typhoons frequently hit Japan in late August and September. They are violent storms similar to hurricanes. Some parts of the country suffer heavy damage to crops and buildings every year.

Is Japan a volcanic country?

Yes, it is. There are many active volcanoes throughout Japan. Volcanic eruptions sometimes occur and devastate surrounding areas. These phenomena are closely related to earthquakes.

What seasons are there in Japan?

There are four seasons in Japan; spring, summer, autumn and winter. We have a rainy season in early summer. It begins in about the middle of June and ends in July. In early fall, big typhoons hit some areas and cause damage to crops, houses, etc.

At what age are you allowed to vote?

Anyone over 20 years of age became eligible to vote in any election just after World War II in Japan. Strictly speaking, it was not until 1947 that women had the right. But the voting rate of the younger generation is not always as high as the others. I feel ashamed that some young people squander their right to vote.

How do you elect the Prime Minister or the President?

We have a Prime Minister as head of the Cabinet, not a President. He is elected by the Diet. The leader of the biggest political party will usually be Prime Minister. He can dissolve the House of Representatives, while the Diet can dismiss the Cabinet.

How do you elect the Diet members?

We elect them by direct vote. The Diet consists of the House of Representatives and the House of Councilors. A candidate for the latter as well as for prefectual governor should be over 30 years old. The others must be 25 years or older.

What is the main industry in Japan?

Drastic changes in the industrial structure have taken place since World War II, making the manufacturing industries such as electrical equipment, automobiles and the information-related sectors the most powerful today.

What does Japan import mainly?

There are few natural resources in Japan in spite of it being one of the biggest industrial countries in the World. So we need to import foreign raw materials and energy resources as well as food needed to feed our big population.

What does Japan export mainly?

Sales of high quality goods produced in Japan, especially in the area of technology, automobiles and electrical appliances, have been expanding in the world markets. But, as a result, the trade surplus of Japan has caused trade friction.

What is the unemployment rate in Japan?

With companies struggling to recover from a long recession, the unemployment rate actually rose to 4.8% in 1999. In particular, companies that they want to be employed by.

At what ate Japanese children supposed to begin school?

Children who have reached the age of six are suppose to begin school. After nursery school or kindergarten, they enter the first grade at elementary school. Compulsory education lasts nine years in total: six years of elementary school and three years of junior high school.

513 words