スピードスケートの高木美帆さんに国民栄誉賞

Welcome to Japanese Daily News. I'm Maya. Today is July twenty-second. Today's story comes from the world of sports. The Japanese government has officially decided to give the People's Honor Award to speed skater Miho Takagi, who won ten Olympic medals — the most ever by a Japanese female athlete. Let's listen.

Now let's break it down, sentence by sentence.

On July twenty-second, the government officially decided to give the People's Honor Award to speed skater Miho Takagi.

It means officially, or formally.

The People's Honor Award is a special prize from the state, given to people who brought dreams and hope to the nation.

It means to give — often used for giving dreams, hope, or influence.

She is from Hokkaido and stayed at the top of the speed-skating world for a long time.

It means playing an active, successful part in a field.

At fifteen, still a junior-high student, she competed in her first Olympics in Vancouver and drew wide attention.

It means taking part in a competition or event.

At the twenty eighteen Pyeongchang Olympics, she won gold in the team pursuit.

It means to win or obtain something, like a medal.

At the twenty twenty-two Beijing Olympics, she set an Olympic record in the one-thousand-meter race and took the gold.

It means a record, such as a best time.

Her ten Olympic medals in total are the most ever for a Japanese female athlete.

It means the total — everything added together.

This year she ended her long career and announced her retirement.

It means retirement from active competition.

The government says she gave dreams and deep emotion to the people, and brought bright hope and courage to society.

It means deep emotion — being strongly moved by something.

The award was created in nineteen seventy-seven, and past winners include a legendary baseball player and a star figure skater.

It means receiving an award.

The award ceremony is being arranged for July twenty-eighth, next week.

It means an award ceremony.

In her home region of Hokkaido, people are voicing their joy.

It means one's hometown or local area.

Let's listen to the whole story one more time.

Time for a short quiz. Listen and try to answer.

The People's Honor Award — a special national prize.

Ten in total — the most ever for a Japanese female athlete.

It is being arranged for July twenty-eighth.

That's all for today. On July twenty-second, the government officially decided to give the People's Honor Award to speed skater Miho Takagi, who won ten Olympic medals — the most ever for a Japanese female athlete — before retiring this year. The ceremony is planned for July twenty-eighth. Thanks for listening, and see you tomorrow.