Shinzō Abe, Japan’s prime minister, is considering major revisions to the country’s constitution—specifically Article 9, which prevents the world’s fifth-largest democracy from having any armed forces at all. With constitutional reform, Japan would be able to play a greater role on the world stage. But is that the highest priority for an aging nation? Plus, learn the phrasal verb “take effect.”
Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/[xx] Transcripts are always free and available now!
¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation.
Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com
If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program.
Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases.
Learn English the fun way: with a podcast in English! Listen to an American English podcast that you enjoy and understand -- all at a slower speed than normal. | Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso. Se habla a una velocidad lenta para que todos entiendan. ¡Aprende ingles con nosotros ahora! | Aprenda Inglês online grátis com o Plain English, a uma velocidade menor, para que todos possam entender.