マクドナルドの「ドナルド」が「ロナルド」に名前を変更

Welcome to Japanese Daily News. I'm Maya. Today is October second. Tonight: McDonald's in Japan gives its famous clown a new name. Let's listen.

Now let's break it down.

The name of McDonald's Japan's character changed from Donald to Ronald on October first.

It means a character or mascot.

The character looks like a clown, with red hair and yellow clothes.

It means hair.

In English-speaking countries, his name was originally Ronald McDonald.

It means originally.

But in Japan, he has been called Donald since McDonald's started there in nineteen seventy-one.

It means to call, or to name.

That's because the word Ronald was thought to be hard for Japanese people to pronounce.

It means pronunciation.

In Japan, he was loved under the name Donald for fifty-five years.

It means to feel close to, or be fond of.

On the same day, a charity that supports sick children and their families also changed its name.

It means to support.

The facilities the group runs are now called Ronald McDonald House.

It means a facility.

These houses are near hospitals, and families of children in the hospital can stay there.

It means to be hospitalized.

Japan's first house opened in Setagaya, Tokyo, in two thousand one, and this year marks twenty-five years.

It means the first.

The group says that even with a new name, its role as a second home for families will not change.

It means a role.

The character's looks and cheerful personality also stay the same as before.

It means personality or character.

On social media, this news became a big topic.

It means a topic people talk about.

Now the full news again.

Quiz time. Listen and answer.

Ronald.

Because Ronald was thought to be hard for Japanese people to pronounce.

In two thousand one, in Setagaya, Tokyo.

Families of children in the hospital.

That's all for tonight. Thanks for listening. See you next time.