Welcome to "Learn Japanese from the News."

In this program, we'll learn Japanese and about the country through Japanese news stories.

Today's headline is: Japan's Weather Agency to Forecast Linear Rainbands.

"Senjoo-koosuitai" is a word that's
become part of our vocabulary.

Yes. It's a belt-like formation of dense rain clouds

that can dump lots of rain over one area and cause flooding.

The phenomenon became widely known after torrential rains caused a landslide disaster in Hiroshima back in 2014.

Now, before we listen to the story in Japanese, let's go over some key terms.

"saigai."

disaster or calamity.

"koosui."

rainfall.

"yosoku."

prediction.

OK, try to follow along.

The rainy season is coming.

When rain clouds line up and form a so-called linear rainband,

that means they will dump rain in the same place for a long time, increasing the risk of disasters.

Up until now, the Japan Meteorological Agency would issue an update when a linear rainband formed.

However, after a study of past cases,

they found that they were able to predict if a linear rainband will form within 30 minutes with 84% accuracy.

For that reason, starting May 25, the Japan Meteorological Agency will issue an update

when it predicts that a linear rainband will form within 30 minutes, in order to warn people

of rain-related dangers as early as possible.

Early warnings can give people time to prepare and take shelter, so this is great news.

Yes it is.

All right, let's review the following sentence from the story.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has decided to issue an update

when it predicts that a linear rainband will form within 30 minutes.

Now read along with me.

sanjuppun inai ni
senjoo-koosuitai ga dekiru to

yosoku-shitara
joohoo o dasu koto ni shimashita.

Today we'll learn some ways
to express conditions.

First, let's look at "tara"
in "yosoku-shitara".

Yes, you can use "tara" to make hypothetical or conditional statements,

much like we would use "if" or "when" in English.

Senjoo-koosuitai ga dekiru to yosoku-shi "tara", joohoo o dasu koto ni shimashita.
(They will issue an update or alert "when" they predict a linear rainband.)

This sentence is saying

they will issue an update or alert
"when" they predict a linear rainband.

What precedes "tara" is the condition
for the second clause to take place.

So in the news clip we also heard the sentence -

Senjoo-koosuitai ga dekiru "to" saigai no kiken ga takaku narimasu.
(When a linear rainband forms, the risk of disaster increases.)

This "to" also expresses a condition, doesn't it?

Yes.

We use "to" say a certain condition
will always lead to a specified result.

So "when" a linear rainband occurs,
the risk of disaster will "inevitably" rise.

It expresses how a linear rainband
relates to the risk of disaster.

Both "to" and "tara" come at the end
of the conditional clause.

"Tara" is used in a variety of situations,
and is sometimes interchangeable with "to".

It's time for a pop quiz.

In the following sentences, can "tara" be replaced with "to" ?

Follow along as Tokunaga-sensei asks Chiara!

Question one.

Natsu-yasumi ni nat "tara", Hokkaidoo ni ikoo.
(Come summer vacation, ‘I think' I'll go to Hokkaido.)

What do you think?

OK, so that would become - Natsu-yasumi ni naru "to", Hokkaidoo ni ikoo.

Mmm... that sounds weird, so no, that's not correct.

You got it!

"To" cannot be used with expressions
like "ikoo" and "ikitai",

which describe intention or desire.

Right. An example that uses "to" would be something like:

Natsu-yasumi ni naru "to" furusato no umi o omoi dashimasu.
(Come summer vacation, I'm reminded of the sea by my hometown.)

Yes.

If you want to say that
come summer vacation,

you're always reminded of the sea
by your hometown,

you would use "to".

Question two.

Kono botan o oshi "tara" mizu ga demasu.
(If you press this button, water will come out.)

What do you think?

So that would become - Kono botan o osu "to" mizu ga demasu.

Yes. Yes, that makes sense, that sounds right.

OK, "maru," it's correct.

Correct.

You're saying pressing the button
always makes the water come out.

So you can use "to".

So sometimes "tara" and "to" are interchangeable, but sometimes they are not.

Ha, conditional particles are tricky!

Between "tara" and "to", "tara" has
a wider range of applications.

So if you're not sure which to use,
I recommend going with "tara".

I see. So...

Mayottara "tara" o tsukaimasu.
(If I'm unsure, I will use tara.)

I think we've got it.

OK. Tokunaga-sensei, "arigatou gozaimashita."

"Arigatou gozaimashita."

"Inside Japan."

For the second half of our show today, we'll learn more about "senjoo-koosuitai(linear rainband)."

First, let's look at why this phenomenon can be dangerous.

Linear rainbands are formed when warm, moist air rises from the ocean surface,

cools, and condenses into rows of dense rain clouds.

Because these formations can remain for several hours over the same area,

they can cause flooding and landslides, resulting in catastrophic damage.

I see.

Today's news story mentioned that the weather agency can now predict the onset of linear rainbands up to 30 minutes in advance.

Now what's been driving these improvements in forecasting?

Good question.

We consulted an expert to find out more.

Kunii Masaru of the Japan Meteorological Agency says the improved accuracy of their forecasts is powered by advanced radar systems.

We have 20 weather radar stations
across Japan.

By updating the technology,

we can improve the precision
of our precipitation analysis.

He says that moving forward, the key to better forecasting ties in monitoring

the amount of water vapor carried inland by air currents.

To that end, the agency is also working on the infrastructure for making observations at sea.

They've teamed up with the Japan Coast Guard and the private sectors to operate 16 research vessels.

They're hard at work conducting observations and developing better tools

so that they can provide accurate advanced forecasting.

So lots and lots of data is essential for improving the accuracy of weather forecasting.

Exactly. And better forecasting will give people more time to prepare.

So if they issue an alert, keep an eye on weather updates

so you can evacuate if necessary before conditions become too dangerous.

Now, what are some things people should be aware of when evacuating?

Avoid wearing rain boots, because they can fill up with water and make it difficult to walk.

Wear sneakers instead.

Oh, that actually makes sense.

And is it better to evacuate by car or by foot?

Well, it may seem like evacuating by car would be quicker.

But low-lying areas, like an underpass, for example, are prone to flooding.

If water gets in your car, it could cause the engine to stop running.

So it's recommended that you evacuate on foot.

Now, if the rain is already too strong, or if it's the middle of the night,

it may be safer to take shelter on the second floor of your home - if you have one.

Right. So even if an evacuation order has been issued,

you should consider your situation and take the most appropriate action.

Exactly.

And for those who live in Japan, there is an app that provides

up-to-date disaster information on earthquakes, typhoons, and more in multiple languages.

OK, that's all for today.

We'll see you next time.

See you soon.