Notes
funeral：葬式；
discard：捨てる；
respect：敬意;
spirit：魂

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The following photo shows that in Japan, Buddhist monks are preparing a special funeral service for thousands of old dolls and stuffed animals.

This event takes place every year in Yao, Osaka. Many people bring toys they loved as children but no longer use. Instead of throwing them away, they want to say “thank you” and show respect.

The service started more than 20 years ago when a funeral company received many requests from people who felt sad about discarding their toys. Now, the event has grown very large, with about 50,000 dolls collected in one year.

During the ceremony, the dolls are placed neatly in a hall, and monks chant prayers. This reflects a Japanese belief that objects can have a spirit. The ceremony gives people a peaceful way to say goodbye to their childhood memories.
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Notes:
rumor: うわさ
disaster: 災害
explode: 爆発する
Japan’s weather agency: 日本の気象庁
fool: だます（うそを信じさせる)

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A popular manga called “Watashi ga Mita Mirai: Kanzenban” led to a big rumor that a huge disaster would happen in Japan on July 5, 2025. The manga talks about a dream where an underwater volcano explodes and causes a giant tsunami, much bigger than the Nankai Trough earthquake that experts have warned about.

Even though Japan’s weather agency said this is not true and there is no scientific proof, many people in other countries, like Hong Kong and Taiwan, became scared. Some people canceled their trips to Japan, and airlines cut back on flights.

Experts say this kind of rumor can cause real problems, like people rushing to buy things or feeling panicked. Sometimes, people want a big change in society, and that can make them believe scary stories more easily.

The real danger might not be the disaster itself, but how people react to rumors. We need to think carefully and not be fooled by things that sound scary but have no proof.
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