2023年4月19日(水)
先端半導体 輸出管理を厳格化
JAPAN TO TIGHTEN EXPORTS OF CHIP MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT
2023年3月31日のニュース
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What will export to China or other destinations not on the white list need each time?
- Exports to China or other destinations not on the whitelist will need the approval of the trade minister each time.
Whichi country has already strengthened export restrictions to China?
- The U.S. has already strengthened export restrictions to China.
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chip = semiconductor chip
tighten
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Japan is tightening export controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Other countries are taking similar measures due to growing concerns over security.
semiconductor
take measures
Exports of such equipment to China will face stricter procedures than to 42 listed countries and territories, including the U.S., South Korea, and Taiwan.
The restrictions will go into effect in July and will cover 23 items. Exports to China or other destinations not on the whitelist will need the approval of the trade minister each time.
go into effect
(Nishimura Yasutoshi / Japanese Trade Minister)
“This measure is aimed at preventing technology from being diverted to military use. We want to fulfill our responsibilities to the international community as a country with advanced technology. And we want to contribute to international peace and security.”
divert > be diverted to... 転換する
fulfill one's responsibilities to
The U.S. has already strengthened export restrictions to China. It has been calling for similar steps by other countries, especially Japan, which holds a large share of the chip manufacturing equipment market.
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★早くてよどみない英語
“This measure is aimed at preventing technology from being diverted to military use. We want to fulfill our responsibilities to the international community as a country with advanced technology. And we want to contribute to international peace and security.”
単語の真ん中の/t/が「ラ行の音」
★measure 「措置、対策」「寸法、大きさ、広さ」「程度、度合い、限界」
Other countries are taking similar measures due to growing concerns over security.
I bought a made-to-measure jacket.
> made-to-masure オーダーメイドの
beyond measure
above measure
Ohtani is talented beyond measure.
take one's measure
「～（人）の素質・才能を見定める」
When I first met John, I took his measure.
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2023年4月18日(火)
“ストレス受けたトマトは音を出す”
STUDY: TOMATOES 'SCREAM' UNDER STRESS
2023年4月1日のニュース
Now, before we go, something that might unsettle your stomach. Tomatoes can talk, or at least make sounds. A study has found they emit high-pitched tones when they experience stress. But you don't have to worry about a screaming salad, as the sounds are too high-pitched to be picked up by the human ear.
This is the tomato's “voice.” Researchers adjusted the tones to a frequency humans can hear. The sounds were recorded using ultrasonic microphones by scientists in Israel.
They placed tomato and tobacco plants inside a soundproof box and exposed them to various types of stress, such as water deprivation and stem snipping. The group says it's unclear what leads to the sounds, but suspects they're created when water columns in dehydrated stems break down, generating air bubbles.
It also says some insects and small mammals can detect the sounds and their behavior might be influenced by what they hear.
ーーーーー
2023年4月17日(月)
こども家庭庁が始動
JAPAN LAUNCHES NEW CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AGENCY
2023年4月3日のニュース
April is a season for new beginnings here in Japan. It's not just the start of the new fiscal year — it also marks the start of school for millions of kids. And this year, they're being overseen by a new government body.
An inauguration ceremony was held Monday at the Tokyo office for the Children and Families Agency.
(Kishida Fumio / Japanese Prime Minister)
“To create a society focused on children, the most important thing we can do is listen to their voices, take them seriously, and reflect their perspectives in our policies.”
The new agency covers some functions previously managed by the health and welfare ministry and other bodies. It's tasked with handling child benefits and support for people going through pregnancy and childbirth. It'll also handle nursery school services and issues facing kids like abuse, bullying, and poverty.
The government is hoping the agency and expanded childcare benefits will help raise Japan's plummeting birthrate.