News Discussion
Factory Sightseeing: The Kawasaki 'White Castle'

Weekly News Digest
産経オンライン英会話 ニュースディスカッション教材

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Factory Sightseeing: The Kawasaki 'White Castle'

Directions: Read the following article aloud.

The brilliant lights of the "White Castle" recycling factory against the night sky add to the enigmatic atmosphere of the industrial landscape of Kawasaki.

The coastal area of Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki City is renowned for its factory night views. And one of the buildings has captured the attention of onlookers. Standing at an impressive height of around 60 meters (197 feet), equivalent to a 20-story building, is the factory of the major chemical manufacturer Resonac. Factory enthusiasts call the building "White Castle" for the striking contrast of its brilliant white glow against the night sky.

Despite its imposing appearance, the factory is making a positive impact on the environment. In fact, it operates as a recycling facility. By using heat, it breaks down plastic and extracts carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The carbon dioxide is then put to use in various applications, including dry ice production. The hydrogen serves as a valuable raw material for chemical products.

If you're looking for an interesting weekend outing, factory sightseeing might just be the ticket.



Source:Factory Sightseeing: The Kawasaki 'White Castle'
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Key phrases and vocabulary

Directions: First repeat after your tutor and then read aloud by yourself.
1. be renowned for ~で名高い・有名である・よく知られている
The musician is renowned for his exceptional guitar skills and captivating performances.
2. equivalent to ~に相当する、~と同等である、~と等しい
In this recipe, one cup of sugar is equivalent to eight tablespoons.
3. against ~を背景に、~にもたれて、~に反対して、~に逆らって・そむいて・違反して、~に対して不利に
Against the backdrop of a stunning sunset, the couple shared their first dance at the wedding.
4. make an impact on ~に影響・衝撃・インパクトを与える・及ぼす・もたらす、~に波及する、~に響く
Teachers’ guidance and encouragement can make a significant impact on their students' future success.
5. outing 外出・お出かけ、遠出、散歩・遠足、小旅行
The family planned a fun outing to the zoo on the weekend to see the animals.

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Questions

Directions: Read the questions aloud and answer them.
1. What makes the "White Castle" factory in Kawasaki stand out among the industrial landscape?
2. How does the factory positively impact the environment despite its imposing appearance?
3. Have you ever visited an industrial factory or a recycling facility before? If yes, what was your experience like?
4. In your opinion, how important is it for industries to adopt recycling and eco-friendly actions?

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夜空に輝く〝ホワイト・キャッスル〟 川崎

工場夜景で有名な川崎市川崎区の沿岸部で、異彩を放つ建物に目を奪われた。大手化学メーカー「レゾナック」のプラントで、高さは20階建てのビルに相当する約60メートルもある。

リサイクル事業として、使用済みプラスチックを熱で分解し、二酸化炭素と水素を取り出している。二酸化炭素はドライアイスなどに、水素は薬品の原料に活用されているという。

夜空に白く輝くその様子から、一部の工場夜景ファンから「ホワイト・キャッスル」(白い城)と呼ばれているという。物々しい見た目とは裏腹に、地球環境に優しい施設だ。

出典:夜空に輝く〝ホワイト・キャッスル〟 川崎
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