EIN036_Japan considers accepting more immigrants, which would pose challenges 【Tambaboon IELTS Lab Sydney Australia】 英語 オーストラリア ニュース

I found noteworthy news on THE ASAHI SHIMBUN.
THE ASAHI SHIMBUN reported this story on 14 March, 2014

As Japan’s population continues to decline, politicians and experts are finally engaging in full-fledged discussions about allowing more immigrants into the country.
Although Japan currently has a population of 127 million, the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research estimates that the figure will drop to 40 million in 100 years, unless the number of newborns rises. According to the estimate, four out of every 10 people will be aged 65 or older within a century. 
If the population decline continues, young citizens will have to bear a heavier financial burden to maintain the state pension and public medical insurance system. 
Some Japanese citizens may feel anxious about living among people who have different languages, lifestyles and religions.

Statement analysis

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1. As Japan’s population continues to decline, 
2. politicians and experts are finally engaging in full-fledged discussions 
3. about allowing more immigrants into the country.

1. Although Japan currently has a population of 127 million, 
2. the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research estimates 
3. that the figure will drop to 40 million in 100 years, unless the number of newborns rises. 
4. According to the estimate, 
5. four out of every 10 people will be aged 65 or older within a century. 

1. If the population decline continues, 
2. young citizens will have to bear a heavier financial burden 
3. to maintain the state pension and public medical insurance system. 

1. Some Japanese citizens may feel anxious 
2. about living among people who have different languages, lifestyles and religions.

Word vocabulary - English

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full-fledged

completely developed or established; of full status

bear

béə[r]

endure (an ordeal or difficulty).

manage to tolerate (a situation or experience).

burden

bə́ː[r]dn

a load, esp. a heavy one.

Word vocabulary - Japanese

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full-fledged

【形-3】（程度・機能などが）本格的な

bear

béə[r]

【2-他動-1】（重さに）耐える、～を支える、～を担う

【2-他動-2】（重荷を）負う、（義務を）負う、（責任を）持つ、（費用を）負担する

【2-他動-5】～を辛抱する、我慢する、～に耐える

【＠】ベア、【同音】bare、【変化】《動》bears | bearing | bore | borne

burden

bə́ː[r]dn

【名-2】（精神的な）重荷、負担、心配、苦労、苦しみ、難渋、負荷◆【類】load

【名-3】義務、責任、重責

【＠】バーデン、バードン、【変化】《動》burdens | burdening | burdened、【分節】bur・den

state pension

国家恩給

Reference

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THE ASAHI SHIMBUN. (2014). Japan considers accepting more immigrants, which would pose challenges.  Available: http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201403140050

Last accessed 19th Mar 2014.