- Toyota will appoint Kon Kenta as its new CEO starting April 1, 2026. - Current CEO Sato Koji will transition to the role of vice chairman. - Sato Koji will also assume a new position as chief industry officer.
A: Hey, did you see the news about Toyota?
B: No! What’s up?
A: Kon Kenta’s going to be the new CEO! Starting in April.
B: Wow, really? Sato Koji’s stepping down?
A: Yeah! He’s becoming vice chairman.
B: That’s a big change! What's a "chief industry officer" anyway?
A: Apparently, it's a new role he made up! Sounds important, right?
B: Totally! So, Kon Kenta is now in charge of Toyota.
Japan's largest automaker, Toyota Motor, announced on Friday that Operating Officer Kon Kenta will become the new chief executive officer, effective April 1. Current CEO Sato Koji will become vice chairman and take on the newly established role of chief industry officer.
Okay, I understand. Here are three four-choice quizzes based on the provided article, strictly adhering to the format you requested.
Quiz 1: Who will become the new CEO of Toyota Motor, effective April 1? A. Sato Koji B. Kon Kenta C. Hiroshi Watanabe D. Akio Toyoda
Quiz 2: What new role will Sato Koji take on following his departure as CEO? A. Senior Advisor B. Chief Financial Officer C. Chief Industry Officer D. Head of Research and Development
Quiz 3: What is Toyota Motor's position in the Japanese automotive industry? A. Japan’s largest automaker B. Japan’s second largest automaker C. Japan’s third largest automaker D. A minor player in the Japanese automotive industry
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
- Japanese wine producers showcased wines from Yamanashi Prefecture to UK industry professionals in London. - The wines, particularly those made from the Koshu grape, were praised for their freshness, mineral notes, and food-friendliness. - Organizers aim to increase the visibility of Koshu wines in London, a key trendsetting market.
A: Hey! Did you hear about some Japanese wine? B: No way! Really? What’s going on?
A: Apparently, wineries from Yamanashi went to London! B: Wow! London? To show off their wine?
A: Yeah! They had a special event for wine experts. B: So, like sommeliers and journalists?
A: Exactly! They presented about 40 different kinds of wines. B: Forty?! That's a lot! What kind of wines were they?
A: Mostly made with Koshu grapes. B: Koshu? I’ve never heard of that!
A: One importer said they were amazing! He said they were fresh and had a citrus taste. B: Citrus? That sounds delicious! Good with food too?
A: Yep! He wants to see more of them in the UK! B: Cool! So Japan is trying to get their wine popular in London?
A: That's the idea! The company president said it's important to show off their wines in a cool city. B: Makes sense! Gotta get that buzz going! He wants everyone to know about Koshu, right?
Wine producers from central Japan gathered in London at a special event on Wednesday to promote their wares to sommeliers, importers and journalists. Nine wineries from Yamanashi Prefecture presented around 40 different types, many of them made from the Koshu grape. About 100 connoisseurs were there to sample the wares. One importer described the wines: "Absolutely fantastic. They are very fresh and sort of mineral driven. There is a beautiful citrus note that shines through... very food friendly. So we don't see enough of them in the UK, and I'd like to see more." Chuo Budoshu Company President Misawa Shigekazu represents the organizers of the event. He believes it's important to make their wines known in the trend-setting city of London. Misawa said he wants people to get to know the healthy and delicate flavor of Koshu wines, and that they pair well with many kinds of food.
Quiz 1: Where did the wine producers from central Japan gather to promote their wines? A. Yamanashi Prefecture B. London C. Tokyo D. Paris
Quiz 2: Approximately how many different types of wine were presented at the event? A. Nine B. Around 40 C. About 100 D. Just one
Quiz 3: What is the name of the grape that many of the wines are made from? A. Koshu B. Budoshu C. Yamanashi D. Shigekazu
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: B Quiz 3: A
- Ukraine and Russia exchanged 157 prisoners each following talks facilitated by the US. - Senior officials from Ukraine, Russia, and the US met in Abu Dhabi to discuss ending the fighting. - Further progress on territory and security guarantees remains uncertain, but more talks are anticipated soon.
A: Hey! Did you hear anything about Ukraine and Russia?
B: No, what's going on?
A: They had another meeting, you know, to try and end the fighting.
B: Oh really? Did they agree on anything?
A: Yeah! They exchanged prisoners! Like, 157 people from each side!
B: Wow, that’s good news, right?
A: Definitely! Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, said they included soldiers, guards, and even civilians. Many were held since 2022.
B: That's a long time! I hope they're okay.
A: Russia said their people will get medical help too.
B: So, who was at the meeting?
A: Zelenskyy sent his top advisor, and Russia sent their military intelligence chief. America was there too, with a special envoy.
B: Any progress on the big stuff, like land and security?
A: Not really clear yet. They said they need to do more work.
B: Hopefully they’ll make some progress soon! A few weeks, maybe?
A: That's what the American envoy said! Fingers crossed!
Senior officials from Ukraine, Russia and the US have met for another round of talks to end the fighting. They said 157 prisoners each from Ukraine and Russia were exchanged after the meeting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on social media Thursday that the captives included personnel from the Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service, as well as civilians. He added that most had been held since 2022. The Russian defense ministry confirmed the release of its people and said they will receive medical treatment and rehabilitation. The peace talks, which took place in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday and Thursday, included Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, and Igor Kostyukov, Russia's head of the military intelligence service. US special envoy Steve Witkoff led the American side. Witkoff said on social media that more work needs to be done, but he anticipates additional progress "in the coming weeks." It remains unclear whether progress was made over the issues of territory and security guarantees for Ukraine.
Quiz 1: According to the article, how many prisoners were exchanged between Ukraine and Russia? A. 100 prisoners each B. 157 prisoners each C. 200 prisoners each D. 50 prisoners each
Quiz 2: Who led the American side during the peace talks in Abu Dhabi? A. Kyrylo Budanov B. Volodymyr Zelenskyy C. Steve Witkoff D. Igor Kostyukov
Quiz 3: What did Ukrainian President Zelenskyy state regarding the prisoners who were released? A. Most had been held since 2022. B. They were all military personnel. C. They received immediate medical treatment. D. They were all released within the last month.
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
- Mitsubishi Motors reported a significant net loss due to US tariffs and exchange rate fluctuations. - Mitsubishi revised its sales forecast upwards for the fiscal year ending March 2026. - Suzuki Motor saw its first drop in operating profit for five years, impacted by rising raw material costs in India.
A: Hey Hana! Did you hear anything about Mitsubishi and Suzuki?
B: No, what’s up, Kenji? Something bad?
A: Yeah, a bit. Mitsubishi had a loss! Like, 28 million dollars!
B: Wow, that’s a big loss! What happened?
A: It’s because of those US tariffs, remember? From a while ago? They really hurt them. Sales were down a little too.
B: Oh, right, the tariffs. It's tough, isn't it?
A: Totally. And their operating profit dropped a lot too! Almost 70 percent!
B: Seriously?! That’s crazy. What about Suzuki?
A: Suzuki isn't doing amazing either. Their profits went down for the first time in five years!
B: Oh no! What’s the reason there?
A: Raw materials are more expensive in India, where they make a lot of stuff.
B: That makes sense. Everything is getting pricier, huh?
A: Exactly! But… good news! Mitsubishi actually thinks they’ll sell *more* next year.
B: Really? So, things might get better?
A: They hope so! Suzuki's revenue actually *went up* though, thanks to some tax changes in India.
B: That's a positive! Well, at least someone is doing okay!
Mitsubishi Motors posted a net loss of 4.4 billion yen, or roughly 28 million dollars, for the nine months to December, as US import tariffs hurt its earnings. The Japanese automaker reported on Thursday that consolidated sales fell 0.6 percent from a year earlier to 1.97 trillion yen or about 12 billion dollars. Operating profit plunged 69.8 percent to 31.6 billion yen, or roughly 200 million dollars. The company said the Trump administration's tariff measures pushed down operating profit by 37.3 billion yen, or nearly 238 million dollars. It also attributed the poor performance to exchange rate fluctuations. But the automaker revised up its sales forecast for the 12 months ending in March to 2.9 trillion yen, or about 18 billion dollars. Meanwhile, Suzuki Motor reported its first drop in operating profit for the April to December period in five years. Nine-month operating income fell 10.6 percent to 429.1 billion yen or roughly 2.7 billion dollars. Raw material costs have risen in India, where Suzuki has extensive production facilities. Revenue rose 5.4 percent to 4.51 trillion yen, or nearly 29 billion dollars. The automaker attributed the increase to a reduction in the tax on goods and services in India, the company's biggest market.
Quiz 1: What was Mitsubishi Motors' net loss for the nine months to December? A. 280 million yen B. 4.4 billion yen C. 31.6 billion yen D. 2.9 trillion yen
Quiz 2: What was the primary reason Mitsubishi Motors attributed its poor performance to, besides exchange rate fluctuations? A. Rising raw material costs in India B. A reduction in the tax on goods and services C. US import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration D. A drop in operating profit for the April to December period
Quiz 3: Which company reported its first drop in operating profit in five years? A. Suzuki Motor B. Mitsubishi Motors C. The Trump administration D. Japanese automakers
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
- US and Iranian officials will meet in Oman this Friday to discuss Iran's nuclear program. - Negotiations, suspended since June, will reportedly focus on the nuclear issue and sanctions relief. - US officials want to broaden the agenda to include Iran's missile program and human rights record.
A: Hey Hana-chan! Did you hear about the news? Something about Iran and the US?
B: Oh, really? No, what happened? Tell me!
A: Well, they're going to talk this Friday in Oman! About Iran's nuclear stuff.
B: Wow! That’s a big deal! I thought things were tense.
A: Yeah, exactly! Talks stopped a while ago, remember? After the US military... did something?
B: Right, right! I remember hearing about that. What are they planning to talk about?
A: Mostly about Iran's nuclear program and maybe lifting some sanctions.
B: Sanctions? That’s complicated! But wait, I heard Secretary Rubio wants to talk about other things too? Like missiles?
A: Yep! He wants to talk about other issues, like their missiles and... stuff.
B: Hmm. Sounds like it could get tricky. Is the US getting serious then?
A: They’ve sent a big ship, the USS Abraham Lincoln, over there! Pretty serious stuff.
B: Seriously! Do you think they’ll actually agree on something?
A: Someone who knows a lot about this said they need to be a little more flexible. Small steps, you know?
B: Fingers crossed! It’s so important to avoid another conflict, isn't it?
A: Totally! Let's hope it goes well. We'll see what happens!
Senior US and Iranian officials are getting ready to hold talks in Oman this Friday on Tehran's nuclear program. The key question is whether this round will lead to an easing of tensions between the two countries. Iran's Tasnim News Agency, which is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, posted about the talks. It said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US special envoy Steve Witkoff will attend. The talks have been suspended since last June, when the US military carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The news agency said "the subject of the negotiations is limited to the nuclear issue and lifting sanctions on Iran." But US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the agenda should include other issues as well, including Iran's ballistic missiles, sponsorship of terrorist organizations, and treatment of its own people. The Trump administration has been boosting military pressure on Tehran. It has deployed the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the Arabian Sea region near Iran. Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Washington-based Arms Control Association, said that if they can agree to "some very modest initial steps," it could ease tensions. He emphasized that both sides need to act with "greater realism and greater flexibility" to avoid another conflict in the Middle East.
Okay, here are three four-choice quizzes based on the provided article, strictly adhering to the format you requested.
Quiz 1: When will senior US and Iranian officials hold talks regarding Tehran’s nuclear program? A. Next Monday B. This Friday C. Last June D. In six months
Quiz 2: According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, what is the primary subject of the negotiations? A. Iran’s ballistic missiles B. Treatment of Iran's own people C. The nuclear issue and lifting sanctions on Iran D. Sponsorship of terrorist organizations
Quiz 3: Which US official stated that the agenda for the talks should include more than just the nuclear issue and sanctions? A. Marco Rubio B. Steve Witkoff C. Daryl Kimball D. Abbas Araghchi
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
