Japan’s economy is the third largest in the world. Japanese workers have a reputation for working very hard. They often work overtime without pay and rarely take holidays. Perhaps it is this work ethic that helps make Japan such a successful and prosperous country. But what is the price of this success?
An unfortunate effect of all this hard work is that sometimes people will work themselves into an early grave. There is even a word for this in Japan, ‘karoshi.’ In one case, the Japanese government provided compensation to the wife and family of a man who died from overworking. The government has tried to introduce new regulations to limit overtime but they have little effect.
Perhaps the answer to this problem is for big companies to change the way they work and for the government to enforce new regulations. Everyone wants to work hard to support their family and enjoy their life but it is important to find a balance between work and free time so you can stay healthy at home and at work.
Directions: First repeat after your tutor and then read aloud by yourself.
課題: 先生の後に続いてくり返した後、今度はひとりで発音してみましょう。
Directions: Read the questions aloud and answer them.
課題: 質問を声に出して読んだ後、答えてみましょう。