- Two Vietnamese men were arrested in Tokyo for illegally obtaining Pokemon cards through fake online accounts. - The suspects created 30 fake accounts to win lotteries and purchased approximately 4,500 cards. - Police suspect the men resold the cards for profit, potentially earning over $25,500.
A: Hey! Did you hear about the news? Something crazy with Pokemon cards!
B: No! What happened? Seriously?
A: Yeah! Tokyo police arrested two guys from Vietnam. They were buying Pokemon cards illegally.
B: Wow! How did they do that?
A: They made fake accounts on the official Pokemon website! They used like, 30 fake accounts.
B: That's so sneaky! How could they even do that?
A: Apparently, they got SIM cards illegally too. The website had lotteries for the cards, you know? To buy them.
B: Oh, I know! It’s tough to get them sometimes. They cheated the system!
A: Exactly! They got about 30 boxes, that's 4,500 cards! They probably sold them for a lot of money.
B: Seriously? How much money are we talking about?
A: Police think they made at least 4 million yen, that's like, $25,500!
B: Whoa! That’s a lot of Pikachu! One of them runs a business, too!
A: Yeah, a communications company! He was even arrested before for lying about buying SIM cards.
B: So, they’re really in trouble now, huh?
A: Totally! Police found over 15,000 cards at their places! Crazy, right?
Tokyo police have arrested two Vietnamese men on suspicion of illegally purchasing popular Pokemon cards by creating fake accounts on a sales website. Police suspect the two resold the cards for profit. The police say one of the suspects, 39-year-old Do Van Cuong, runs a communications service firm in Tokyo. They say the two men accessed the official sales website for Pokemon goods from June to September 2025 and created 30 fictitious accounts using fraudulently obtained SIM cards. The website held lotteries that allowed the winners to buy one box of Pokemon cards each. Police say the two are suspected of illegally buying 4,500 cards in 30 boxes using the fake accounts. In October 2025, Do Van Cuong was arrested and indicted on fraud charges for giving false information when he bought SIM cards from a communications business company. Police say the suspects may have used some of the SIM cards obtained at that time to create the fake accounts. Police searched related facilities and seized more than 15,000 Pokemon cards. They say the two are suspected of making at least 4 million yen, or about 25,500 dollars, by reselling some of the cards. They have not revealed whether the two suspects have admitted to the allegations.
Okay, here are three four-choice quizzes based on the provided article, strictly adhering to the specified format.
Quiz 1: What is the primary suspicion against the two Vietnamese men arrested by Tokyo police? A. Stealing Pokemon cards from a warehouse. B. Illegally purchasing Pokemon cards by creating fake accounts. C. Defacing Pokemon card packaging. D. Hacking into the Pokemon company's database.
Quiz 2: Approximately when did the alleged fraudulent activity involving the fake accounts take place? A. January - March 2025 B. April - May 2025 C. June - September 2025 D. October - December 2025
Quiz 3: What was Do Van Cuong initially arrested and indicted for in October 2025? A. Fraud charges for giving false information when buying SIM cards. B. Reselling Pokemon cards without a license. C. Creating fake online accounts. D. Operating an illegal communications service firm.
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
- Hibakusha are deeply concerned about the expiration of the US-Russia nuclear disarmament treaty, fearing it could trigger an arms race. - Survivors emphasize that abolishing nuclear weapons isn't a problem, rejecting the notion that they represent a nation's power. - They urge the Japanese government to support the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and actively work towards global nuclear disarmament.
A: Hey! Did you hear anything about that treaty between the US and Russia?
B: No, what's up?
A: It's ending soon! It's called New Start. It's about reducing nuclear weapons.
B: Oh wow, really? Is that bad?
A: Yeah, some survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings are worried. They’re called *hibakusha*.
B: I see. They held a press conference, didn't they?
A: They did! They said it’s happening at a really bad time, with all the tension in the world.
B: It sounds scary! They’re afraid it'll start a bigger arms race.
A: Exactly! One of the *hibakusha* said having nukes isn't a sign of being powerful; it's a problem for everyone.
B: That makes a lot of sense. They think nuclear war could destroy the whole world.
A: They want everyone to see that nukes are basically illegal and shouldn't exist.
B: So what do they want Japan to do?
A: They’re asking the Japanese government to join this other treaty – the one that bans nuclear weapons completely!
B: That's a good idea! Hopefully, the government will listen to the *hibakusha*.
A: Me too! They said the *hibakusha* need to keep pushing for it.
Japanese atomic bombing survivors, known as hibakusha, have stressed the importance of nuclear weapons abolition on the expiry of the world's only nuclear disarmament treaty signed between the United States and Russia. The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or New Start, which binds the two superpowers is set to expire on Thursday. Nihon Hidankyo, representing survivors of the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and its support groups held a news conference on Thursday. Secretary General Hamasumi Jiro noted that the treaty's expiry comes when what has been built in the international community is being ignored and politics are being driven by power and domination. He said that hibakusha are extremely concerned that the treaty's expiry could accelerate an arms race without any brakes. Nihon Hidankyo co-chair Tanaka Terumi said that the abolition of nuclear arms is not deemed a problem for the entire human race. He said that it is totally wrong that countries with nuclear arms believe their possession is a symbol of a superpower. Tanaka predicted that nuclear warfare may destroy humanity, should the arms race continue. He added that what is of utmost importance is to spread across the world the view that nuclear weapons are unlawful. Tanaka urged the Japanese government to join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as early as possible, and work hard toward nuclear abolition. He said that hibakusha need to step up their efforts to push the government to move in that direction.
Quiz 1: What is the name of the treaty expiring on Thursday, concerning the United States and Russia? A. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons B. Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New Start) C. Hiroshima and Nagasaki Survivors Accord D. Japanese Nuclear Disarmament Pact
Quiz 2: According to Hamasumi Jiro, what is driving international politics currently? A. Diplomacy and cooperation B. Peace and understanding C. Power and domination D. International law and agreements
Quiz 3: What does Tanaka Terumi believe about countries possessing nuclear weapons? A. Their possession is a symbol of a superpower, reflecting strength. B. Their possession is a necessary deterrent against aggression. C. Their possession is totally wrong and a problem for the entire human race. D. Their possession demonstrates a commitment to global security.
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: C
- In Japan, an unspoken etiquette dictates that the first person to press an elevator button must let others off before themselves, leading to potential inconvenience. - A reporter observed a couple at Starbucks who kindly let him go ahead in line, demonstrating a considerate gesture that acknowledged his slower pace due to an injury. - Inspired by this act, the reporter suggests that more people consider the "fate of the first to board" in elevators and step aside for the lift operator to improve everyone's experience.
A: Hey! Did you hear about this article about elevators? It’s kind of funny, actually.
B: No, what happened? Elevators are just...elevators!
A: Well, you know how in Japan, if you press the "open" button for someone, you end up being the last one out?
B: Oh yeah! That’s so true! It’s like you become the elevator attendant! It's a bit annoying, especially in hotels.
A: Exactly! This reporter, Masanuki, he was thinking about this "fate of the first to board" problem. But then something amazing happened!
B: Really? What was it?
A: He was on crutches at Starbucks, and this couple saw him. Instead of rushing to order, they waited for him to go first!
B: Wow! That’s so kind! They could have just gone ahead, but they didn't.
A: They even browsed around looking at coffee beans so he wouldn’t feel bad about going first. It made everyone feel good, even the barista!
B: That’s so sweet! Like a little wave of kindness.
A: Right? Masanuki thinks if more people did that in elevators, it might make things a little better for everyone. It's a small thing, but it can make a big difference.
B: I agree! Maybe if we all just think a little bit about the person who’s been holding the door for us…
A: Yeah! Let's try it! Next time I'm in an elevator, I’ll make sure to let the operator go first!
The fate of the first to board has long been a problem in Japan, but this could be the solution.
A curious thing happens in elevators – once you’re in there, and someone who wants to board is about to miss the closing doors, you’re able to extend a gesture of kindness by pressing the “open” button so they’re able to catch the lift they otherwise would’ve missed. In Japan, though, this act of kindness can work against you, because an unspoken rule of etiquette dicates that the person closest to the buttons is in charge of operating them for everyone, like some sort of unpaid staff attendant. That means when you let someone in after you, you’ll also be in charge of letting them out before you, as you hold the “open” button for others before stepping out of the elevator yourself. ▼ If you’re standing in front of this panel in Japan, you’re expected to press the open and close buttons as an act of courtesy towards others.
Generally, the lift operator is only mildly inconvenienced by this role, but there are times when it can be irritating. When you need to check out after staying on a high floor in a hotel, for example, you’re likely to find yourself holding the doors open for people who get on at lower floors, so by the time you reach the lobby the lift is so crowded you’ll be holding the doors open for everyone who gets out. That means you’ll be the last to line up and check out behind your fellow lift companions, despite being first in the elevator. ▼ What might be called the “fate of the first to board” is particularly painful in a hotel situation.
As a frequent hotel user, our reporter Masanuki Sunakoma has long pondered the inherent problems with lift etiquette, but has never been able to come up with any good solutions. The other day, though, something happened to him that that made him see the light…and it touched his heart as well. The event occurred when Masanuki was using crutches due to a foot injury, and a friend of his drove him to Starbucks. After getting out at the parking lot, a car pulled in right behind them, and when a couple got out of the car and headed towards the coffeehouse, they naturally passed by Masanuki, who was moving slowly due to his impairment.
Masanuki didn’t mind – in fact, he was pleased that they’d passed him as he didn’t want to hold them up along the way. However, when he entered the store, he saw that the couple hadn’t gone straight to the register as expected. Instead, they were looking at tumblers and coffee beans in the general goods section near the entrance. As he glanced at them, they turned, bowed slightly, and said to him: “Please go ahead and order“. The kindness of this couple took Masanuki by surprise, as he’d initially thought they were browsing the shelves for coffee beans. However, after they gestured for him to go ahead of them, they lined up behind him empty-handed, proving they were just lingering at the coffee beans, waiting for him to step through the doors so they could take their place behind him in line. When Masanuki finished ordering, he turned and thanked the couple and when they went up to the register, the barista, who’d seen what had happened, smiled warmly at the couple as if to thank them for being so considerate to a fellow customer. It was as if this one small kind gesture rippled through the entire cafe, spreading warmth and kindness to everyone in the vicinity. ▼ Masanuki was so touched even his drink tasted more delicious.
This pleasant feeling was the complete opposite of Masanuki’s experiences in a hotel elevator, where he can’t help but feel slightly disgruntled whenever his lift companions queue ahead of him at reception. While he can’t hold it against them, it’s the way things happen, after all, here at Starbucks, this couple had not only seen him but made him feel seen – instead of taking advantage of his situation, or simply turning a blind eye to it, they acknowledged his place ahead of them in the queue and stepped aside to let him through. Furthermore, the couple hadn’t made a big deal of things – instead of stopping in the parking lot or at the cash register, they held back and browsed in front of the merchandise, creating a cushion between them so he wouldn’t feel guilty or pressured by their actions. They made it seem natural and unfettered, in a way that acknowledged his situation without any sense of shame or pity. ▼ If only he could meet couples like this at the elevator.
- Snap's revenue increased by 10% year-over-year to $1.7 billion, with a boost from the growing Snap+ subscription service (24 million subscribers). - Daily active users slightly decreased in North America and Europe, despite growth in other regions. - Snap is expanding beyond advertising with new offerings like paid Memories storage and plans to launch augmented reality glasses ("Specs") through a dedicated subsidiary.
A: Did you hear about Snap’s latest news? B: No, what happened? Tell me!
A: Okay, so they’re trying to make money in new ways! Not just from ads. B: Really? Like what?
A: Subscriptions! They have something called Snap+. It’s a paid service. B: Oh, like a premium version?
A: Exactly! And it’s growing! They have 24 million subscribers now. B: Wow, that’s a lot!
A: But… they're also having a bit of trouble. Their daily users went down a little bit. B: Oh no! Where did they go?
A: Mostly in America and Europe. But growing in other places! B: Interesting. So, it’s mixed news?
A: Totally! And they’re expecting less money next quarter because of Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. B: Those guys are always a challenge!
A: But get this! They’re making AR glasses! Like, real glasses! B: Seriously? Cool! When are they coming out?
A: Later this year! They even created a special company just for the glasses - Specs Inc. B: That’s a big deal!
A: The boss, Evan Spiegel, says they want computing to be more natural and mixed with the real world. B: Sounds very futuristic!
A: He also said they aren’t completely sure how they will make money from the glasses yet. B: So, still figuring it out?
A: Yep! They just want to launch a really good product first. B: Makes sense! Well, that’s a lot of news about Snap!
Quiz 1: What is Snap’s primary goal regarding its revenue sources? A. To solely focus on ad revenue and maximize its earnings. B. To diversify its revenue sources beyond just ad revenue, including subscriptions and hardware. C. To decrease its revenue and attract a wider audience. D. To eliminate subscription services and rely solely on user engagement.
Quiz 2: How many subscribers did Snap+ reach by the end of Q4? A. 10 million B. 15 million C. 24 million D. 36 million
Quiz 3: What is the purpose of the newly created subsidiary, Specs Inc.? A. To focus solely on developing augmented-reality glasses. B. To handle all of Snap's advertising revenue. C. To manage Snap+'s subscription services. D. To oversee the company's earnings reports and financial planning.
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
- Japanese sake brewers released limited-edition sake on Risshun, the lunar new year's start of spring. - These special brews are believed to bring good fortune and are certified as being bottled on Risshun morning. - A purification ritual by a shrine priest and the brewery president's endorsement highlight the sake's unique appeal.
A: Hey Sakura! Did you hear about something cool happening with sake?
B: No, what’s up, Kenji? Tell me!
A: Apparently, some sake breweries are releasing special, limited-edition sake!
B: Really? What makes it so special?
A: It’s made really early on Risshun! You know, the first day of spring in the lunar calendar?
B: Oh wow, that’s… a thing! Is it lucky or something?
A: Exactly! People think it brings good fortune. One brewery in Okayama started preparing ages ago.
B: So, when did they actually *make* it?
A: They started bottling it around 3 am on Wednesday! They put a special label on, too.
B: Three AM?! That’s dedication!
A: Totally! And get this – a priest even purified the boxes with a special ritual!
B: Wow, that's seriously traditional.
A: The president of the brewery said this year’s edition smells really good. He wants everyone to try it, even people who don't usually drink sake!
Japanese sake brewers have shipped out limited editions produced in the early hours of Risshun, the day that marks the start of spring in the lunar calendar. The special brews are valued for their supposed power to bring good fortune. One brewer in Asakuchi City in Okayama Prefecture, western Japan, started preparing its early spring edition at the end of last year. At around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, workers started bottling the freshly made sake. They attached labels certifying it was bottled on the morning of Risshun. Before they were shipped out, the boxes of sake were purified in a ritual by a priest from a nearby shrine. The brewery's president, Fujii Nobuhiko, says this year's special edition has a pleasant aroma. He hopes it will be enjoyed by Japanese sake fans as well as young people who have never tried it before.
Okay, here are three four-choice quizzes based on the provided article, strictly adhering to your specified format.
Quiz 1: What is Risshun, according to the article? A. A festival celebrating the sake brewing process. B. The day that marks the start of spring in the lunar calendar. C. A type of Japanese rice used in sake production. D. A ritual performed by brewery presidents.
Quiz 2: Where is Asakuchi City, the location of the brewery mentioned in the article? A. In the Kansai region of Japan. B. In the Kanto region of Japan. C. In western Japan, specifically Okayama Prefecture. D. In northern Japan, known for its rice cultivation.
Quiz 3: What was done to the boxes of sake before they were shipped out? A. They were purified in a ritual by a priest. B. They were inspected by the brewery’s president. C. They were marketed with special advertisements. D. They were sealed with official stamps.
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
