Doraemon Movie Released in China

July 3, 2015

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. tension / ˈtɛn ʃən / (n.) – the state of having disagreement between two people or groups
Example: The tension between the two countries has finally ended.

2. dispute / dɪˈspyut / (n.) – a quarrel or disagreement
Example: The two nations have been on a dispute since 2012.

3. gross / groʊs / (v.) – to earn or make money
Example: The movie grossed $70 million after being released for only a week.

4. adaptation / ˌæd əpˈteɪ ʃən / (n.) – a book, play, or movie produced and presented in a different form
Example: I like the movie adaptation of the book.

5. commemorate / kəˈmɛm əˌreɪt / (v.) – to remember or celebrate an event or a person by doing something special
Example: The event was organized to commemorate the life of the famous artist.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
Chinese authorities have allowed the hit Japanese movie called Stand By Me Doraemon to be shown in the country in May this year.

The movie is the first new Japanese movie to be shown in the country since its tension with Japan started in September 2012. The tension between these two countries resulted from their dispute regarding the Senkaku Islands.

The Chinese government is also very strict when it comes to showing foreign movies in the country. Despite this, censorship authorities allowed the release of the movie because of its family-oriented approach.

Stand By Me Doraemon, a movie in 3D computer graphics, was released in Japan in August 2014. The movie grossed 8.38 billion yen, making it the second highest-grossing Japanese film for fiscal year 2014.

The movie was an adaptation from the original manga and anime series Doraemon. Doraemon is about a robotic cat from the 22nd century who went back in time to help his owner’s great-grandfather have a better life by using gadgets from the future. The movie was created to commemorate the life of the late Fujiko F. Fujio, the creator and manga artist of Doraemon.

The movie has already been shown in different countries all over the world. Among the countries that have released the movie are South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Italy, and the United States.

Even outside Japan, the movie proved to be successful. In Hong Kong, for instance, the movie grossed $5.15 million. The movie also earned $3.2 million in Italy, $3 million in Indonesia, $2.7 million in South Korea, and $1.2 million in Thailand.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Why do you think Doraemon was such a big hit in Japan?
·         In your opinion, why is China strict when it comes to releasing foreign movies in the country?

Discussion B

·         What are some reasons why countries do not get along?
·         How can countries in dispute resolve their issues with each other?

July 3, 2015