Easy Japanese news in translation: Baby monkey born at zoo in Oita named 'Banpaku'
Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden in the city of Oita named the first baby Japanese macaque born this year "Banpaku" (world expo). The baby was named after the ongoing Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, based on submissions from the general public. On the morning of May 15, zoo staff found the female baby monkey clinging to her mother, "Konbini," who is 10 years old. The baby weighs about 500 grams, and both are reportedly healthy.
Easy Japanese news is taken from the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun, a newspaper for children. This is perfect material for anyone studying Japanese who has learned hiragana and katakana. We encourage beginners to read the article in English followed by Japanese, or vice versa, to test their comprehension.
A fresh set will be published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m., Japan time. Click/tap here for past installments.
Intermediate learners who do not need English assistance can directly access the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun site here. Furigana (hiragana) is added to all kanji in the text.
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