This time we feature a news story about the climate conference COP28 in Dubai, where countries showcased their decarbonization efforts. 14 Japanese firms participated and exhibited their latest tech. Later on, we spotlight one of those technologies: a next-generation solar cell based on a class of materials called perovskites, which can convert sunlight into electricity. We also learn about the Japanese word "kaihatsu" (development).
Welcome to "Learn Japanese from the News."
In this program, we'll learn Japanese and about the country through Japanese news stories.
Our headline for today is:
Japanese Firms Showcase New Tech at COP28.
COP28, which was held in Dubai,
is the UN conference on climate change.
Yes, but aside from discussing policy, it's also a great place for different countries and organizations
to showcase the latest research and to promote renewable technology.
But before we listen to the news story in Japanese, let's go over some key terms.
"kikoo."
climate.
"nisanka-tanso."
carbon dioxide.
"taiyoo-denchi."
solar cell.
OK, see if you can follow along.
COP28, a conference on the Earth's climate,
was held in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
At the venue,
the countries of the world showcased technologies
aimed at reducing the emission of carbon dioxide.
This time, 14 Japanese companies
showcased new technologies.
Panasonic showcased a solar cell
that uses materials called perovskites,
which convert sunlight into electricity.
This solar cell was developed by Japan.
With this solar cell,
electricity can be generated even on the walls
of buildings where (conventional) cells can't be placed.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries showcased
a technology that uses hydrogen to reduce
CO2 emissions from gas-fired power plants.
The company hopes to generate electricity
using only hydrogen by around 2030.
With all the heat waves and extreme weather we've all been experiencing,
it's clear that a lot more has to be done to reduce global CO2 emissions.
Yes. At COP28, 118 nations pledged to triple the world's renewable energy capacity by 2030.
OK, now let's review the following sentence from the story.
This solar cell was
developed by Japan.
Now read along with me.
"kono denchi wa
Nippon ga kaihatsu-shimashita."
The story mentions that Japan
has developed a solar cell
based on a material that converts
sunlight into electricity.
"Kaihatsu-suru" means "to develop"
a new technology or product.
Chiara, could you describe this
in terms of "kaihatsu-suru?"
So, they look like they're researching some kind of medical thing. So maybe...
"kusuri o kaihatsu-shiteiru."
([they're] developing drugs.)
"atarashii kusuri o kaihatsu-suru."
(develop new drugs.)
"atarashii kusuri o kaihatsu-suru."
(develop new drugs.)
"Kaihatsu" can also refer to utilizing
land or natural resources
in order to promote the development
of local industry and transportation.
Yes. In that context you'll often hear it used with the prefix "sai," which means again.
"sai-kaihatsu" means re-development.
So for example, "machi o sai-kaihatsu-suru"
refers to constructing new buildings or infrastructure in a town to make it more modern.
"Kaihatsu" is also used to refer to
enhancing a person's abilities.
"nooryoku o kaihatsu-suru."
(develop one's abilities)
OK, the next question is more difficult.
Chiara, what do we call it when
a company trains their employees
in order to strengthen
the organization as a whole?
Well... "shain no nooryoku wo kaihatsu suru" means to "cultivate the abilities of your employees,"
which in English we usually call "human resource development."
So, I believe in Japanese that would be "jinzai-kaihatsu."
"jinzai-kaihatsu."
(human resource development)
"Jinzai" literally means
"a capable, talented person."
"Jinzai-kaihatsu" is an expression.
It's a good term to remember.
Bite-size Japan.
So here we have the solar cell mentioned in today's story.
It's a thin film based on a class of materials called "perovskites."
This propeller is currently being powered by the lights here in the studio.
It's generating electricity even in weak light.
That is amazing.
And just look how thin and flexible this solar cell is!
Wow, that's impressive.
It's widely seen as a promising next-generation solar cell.
This technology was developed by professor Miyasaka Tsutomu,
who's been nominated for a Nobel Prize several times.
We spoke with him to learn more.
Professor Miyasaka believes perovskites have the potential to transform society in the coming years.
Conventional silicon-based solar panels are heavy and rigid, which limits where they can be installed.
Professor Miyasaka's work has expanded the possibilities.
The cells can be attached
to windows and walls,
or to bags and clothes,
things like that.
There are still some hurdles to overcome,
but he's working on making the cells more resistant to moisture, and improving durability.
If we can install perovskite
solar cells on a wide scale,
we can generate our own energy.
We ourselves can create
an energy-efficient society.
My dream is for this technology to help
bring about a sustainable world.
Here in Japan, companies aim to make the technology commercially viable by around 2025.
Right now, the Tokyo government is working with a chemical manufacturer to test the efficiency of the cells.
The professor mentioned the term
"shoo-ene,"
which is commonly used in the context
of talking about environmental issues.
"Shoo," means "to cut down."
"Ene" is short for "enerugii," that is, "energy."
"Shoo-ene" is used in sentences like...
"Shoo-ene no tame, denki o keshite kudasai."
(Plese turn off the light to save energy.)
"Shoo-ene no tame, denki o keshite kudasai."
(Plese turn off the light to save energy.)
Another word you'll often hear is "eko,"
which means "environmentally friendly."
It comes from the English word "ecology."
Are there compound words in English
that contain "eco-"?
Yes, there's eco-friendly, "eko furendorii" and ecotourism, so "eko tsuurizumu."
That eco, "eko" it changes a little bit in Japanese, right?
Right.
The term "eko" has become a part of
everyday life here in Japan.
We have many "eko-" words.
Chiara, what do we call these
in Japanese?
So this is an "eko-baggu."
And they've become really common here in Japan since a charge was introduced for plastic bags.
In English I think we usually just call them "reusable bags." or "bags."
Right.
Chiara, have you ever seen
an air conditioner remote
that had an "eko" button?
Oh yes, yes, I have.
It's the "eko-moodo," right?
Yes.
It's a mode that prioritizes
energy efficiency.
It's more eco-conscious.
Right, it helps save electricity, which in turn will lower your electric bill.
Yes、in Japanese this "eko..."
it doesn't just mean something ecological...
but also means it can be economical.
Exactly!
All right, that's all for today.
We'll see you next time!
See you soon.