Japan Airlines has made history by appointing its first female president, Mitsuko Tottori. Tottori began her career with the airline as a flight attendant in 1985 and has since worked her way up through the ranks. She hopes that her promotion will inspire other women to pursue leadership positions in their careers. This appointment is significant, as there are very few women in senior leadership roles in major airlines globally. Tottori will take over as president on April 1st, replacing Yuji Akasaka, who will become chairman. These appointments come after a recent plane crash involving a Japan Airlines aircraft and a smaller coastguard plane at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.
Tottori, who has experience in frontline roles and served as a director for cabin crew, has emphasized that safety will be her top priority. She believes that operational safety is the foundation of airlines and is committed to upholding this principle. Additionally, Tottori acknowledges the challenges that women face in advancing their careers and hopes that her appointment will encourage and empower them to take the next step. According to a survey by FlightGlobal, there were 12 women leading the top 100 airlines at the end of 2022, compared to six the previous year.
This appointment is not only significant for the aviation industry but also for Japan, where women in leadership positions are rare. The Japanese government aims to have a third of leadership positions at major businesses held by women by 2030, after failing to achieve this goal by 2020. They are also urging businesses to appoint at least one woman as an executive by 2025. Currently, women hold only 13.2% of management positions in Japan, the lowest among OECD countries. This trend indicates a significant misallocation of human resources, according to the OECD.
In conclusion, Japan Airlines’ appointment of Mitsuko Tottori as its first female president is a groundbreaking moment for both the airline and the industry as a whole. Tottori’s promotion serves as an inspiration for women aspiring to leadership positions. It also highlights the need for greater gender diversity in senior roles, not only in the aviation sector but also in Japan’s corporate landscape. The government’s efforts to increase female representation in leadership positions are crucial for achieving a more equitable and inclusive society.
Original news source: Japan Airlines appoints ex-flight attendant as first female president (BBC)
🎧 Listen:
Slow
Normal
Fast
📖 Vocabulary:
| 1 | appointing | Assigning someone to a position or role |
| 2 | significant | Having considerable importance, size, or worth |
| 3 | leadership | The action of leading a group of people or an organization |
| 4 | aviation | Relating to the operation of aircraft |
| 5 | operational | Pertaining to the functioning of an organization or system |
| 6 | foundation | The underlying basis or groundwork of a structure or concept |
| 7 | principle | A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the basis for a system of belief or behavior |
| 8 | challenges | Difficult tasks or problems that test a person’s abilities |
| 9 | empower | To give someone the authority or power to do something |
| 10 | survey | An examination of opinions or behavior made by asking people questions |
| 11 | rare | Not commonly found or seen; unusual |
| 12 | urging | Encouraging or advocating with a sense of earnestness |
| 13 | executive | A person with senior managerial responsibility in a business organization |
| 14 | misallocation | Incorrect or inefficient placement or use of resources or personnel |
| 15 | groundbreaking | Having a significant impact or introducing a major change |
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Provide each group with a copy of the article. Instruct them to read the article and then work together to write a summary of the key points. They should aim to condense the article into a paragraph or two. After they have finished, ask each group to share their summaries with the class.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a list of questions related to the article. The questions should prompt students to express their opinions on topics such as gender equality, leadership roles, and workplace diversity. Instruct the groups to discuss the questions and record their answers. After they have finished, have a class discussion where each group shares their opinions.
– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Give each student a few minutes to individually think about and jot down their thoughts on the following question: “Why is it important to have more women in leadership positions?” Then, pair up the students and ask them to discuss their ideas with their partner. After a few minutes, bring the class back together and ask a few pairs to share their thoughts with the whole group.
– Keyword Hangman
Instructions: Write down key vocabulary words from the article on the board, leaving out a few letters. Divide the class into two teams. Choose one student from the first team to come to the board and try to guess the missing letters and complete the word. If they are successful, their team earns a point. If they are unsuccessful, the next team has a chance to guess. Continue until all the words have been completed or the time is up. The team with the most points wins.
– Headline Creation
Instructions: Instruct the students to work individually or in pairs to create a catchy and informative headline for the article. Encourage them to think about the main message of the article and use concise language. After they have finished, ask each student or pair to share their headline with the class. Discuss the different headlines and why they were chosen.
🤔 Comprehension Questions:
1. How long has Mitsuko Tottori been with Japan Airlines?
2. What is Tottori’s hope regarding her promotion?
3. Why is Tottori’s appointment significant?
4. When will Tottori officially become president of Japan Airlines?
5. What is Tottori’s top priority as president?
6. How many women were leading the top 100 airlines at the end of 2022, according to FlightGlobal’s survey?
7. What are the Japanese government’s goals regarding women in leadership positions?
8. According to the OECD, how does Japan’s percentage of women in management positions compare to other OECD countries?
Go to answers ⇩
🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Japan Airlines has made history by appointing its first female president, (1)______ Tottori. Tottori began her career with the airline as a flight attendant in 1985 and has since worked her way up through the ranks. She (2)______ that her promotion will inspire other women to pursue (3)______ positions in their careers. This appointment is significant, as there are very few women in senior leadership roles in major airlines globally. Tottori will take over as president on April 1st, replacing Yuji (4)______, who will become chairman. These appointments come after a recent plane crash involving a Japan Airlines aircraft and a smaller coastguard plane at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.
Tottori, who has experience in frontline roles and served as a director for cabin crew, has emphasized that safety will be her top priority. She believes that operational safety is the foundation of (5)______ and is committed to upholding this principle. Additionally, Tottori acknowledges the (6)______ that women face in advancing their careers and hopes that her appointment will (7)______ and (8)______ them to take the next step. According to a survey by FlightGlobal, there were 12 women leading the top 100 airlines at the end of 2022, compared to six the previous year.
This (9)______ment is not only significant for the aviation industry but also for (10)______, where women in leadership positions are rare. The Japanese government aims to have a third of leadership positions at major (11)______ held by women by 2030, after failing to achieve this goal by 2020. They are also urging businesses to appoint at least one woman as an executive by 2025. Currently, women hold only 13.2% of management positions in Japan, the lowest among OECD countries. This trend (12)______ a significant misallocation of human (13)______, according to the OECD.
In conclusion, Japan Airlines’ appointment of Mitsuko (14)______ as its first female president is a groundbreaking moment for both the airline and the industry as a whole. Tottori’s promotion serves as an (15)______ for women aspiring to leadership positions. It also highlights the need for greater gender diversity in (16)______ roles, not only in the aviation sector but also in Japan’s corporate landscape. The government’s efforts to increase female representation in leadership positions are crucial for achieving a more equitable and inclusive society.
Go to answers ⇩
💬 Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. What challenges do you think women face in advancing their careers?
2. How do you think having more women in leadership positions can benefit a company or industry?
3. Do you think it’s important for companies to have diversity in their leadership roles? Why or why not?
4. How would you feel if you were appointed as the first woman in a leadership position in your industry?
5. What do you think are some reasons why there are so few women in senior leadership roles in major airlines?
6. Do you think the appointment of Mitsuko Tottori will have a positive impact on gender equality in Japan? Why or why not?
7. How do you think the role of women in leadership positions has changed over the years?
8. What steps do you think can be taken to increase female representation in leadership positions in Japan?
9. How important do you think it is for women to have role models in leadership positions? Why?
10. What are some potential benefits of having a diverse leadership team in an organization?
11. How do you think the appointment of Mitsuko Tottori will impact the culture and work environment at Japan Airlines?
12. Do you think gender diversity in leadership positions can lead to more innovative and creative solutions? Why or why not?
13. What are some potential barriers that prevent women from advancing into leadership positions?
14. How do you think the appointment of Mitsuko Tottori will influence the perception of women in leadership roles in Japan?
15. What steps do you think can be taken to create a more equitable and inclusive society in terms of gender representation in leadership positions?
Individual Activities
📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. appointing
2. significant
3. leadership
4. aviation
5. operational
6. foundation
7. principle
8. challenges
9. empower
10. survey
11. rare
12. urging
13. executive
14. misallocation
15. groundbreaking
Meanings:
(A) Encouraging or advocating with a sense of earnestness
(B) Not commonly found or seen; unusual
(C) An examination of opinions or behavior made by asking people questions
(D) Having considerable importance, size, or worth
(E) Having a significant impact or introducing a major change
(F) The underlying basis or groundwork of a structure or concept
(G) Pertaining to the functioning of an organization or system
(H) A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the basis for a system of belief or behavior
(I) Relating to the operation of aircraft
(J) Incorrect or inefficient placement or use of resources or personnel
(K) To give someone the authority or power to do something
(L) Difficult tasks or problems that test a person’s abilities
(M) Assigning someone to a position or role
(N) The action of leading a group of people or an organization
(O) A person with senior managerial responsibility in a business organization
Go to answers ⇩
🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:
1. Mitsuko Tottori began her career with Japan Airlines as a:
(a) Flight attendant
(b) Pilot
(c) CEO
(d) Chairman
2. Mitsuko Tottori’s appointment as president of Japan Airlines is significant because:
(a) She is the first female flight attendant to become president
(b) She has experience in frontline roles and cabin crew
(c) She will prioritize operational safety
(d) There are few women in senior leadership roles in major airlines globally
3. How many women were leading the top 100 airlines at the end of 2022, according to a survey by FlightGlobal?
(a) 6
(b) 100
(c) 12
(d) 2020
4. The Japanese government aims to have a third of leadership positions at major businesses held by women by:
(a) 2022
(b) 2030
(c) 2025
(d) 2020
5. Currently, women hold what percentage of management positions in Japan?
(a) 13.2%
(b) 50%
(c) 25%
(d) 0%
6. The appointment of Mitsuko Tottori highlights the need for greater:
(a) Safety measures in the aviation industry
(b) Gender diversity in senior roles
(c) Female flight attendants
(d) International flights
7. Japan Airlines’ appointment of Mitsuko Tottori is groundbreaking for:
(a) The Japanese government
(b) Flight attendants
(c) The airline and the industry as a whole
(d) Tokyo’s Haneda Airport
8. The government’s efforts to increase female representation in leadership positions are crucial for achieving:
(a) More international flights
(b) Higher profits for airlines
(c) Safety in the aviation industry
(d) A more equitable and inclusive society
Go to answers ⇩
🕵️ True or False Questions:
1. Currently, women hold only 13.2% of management positions in Japan, the lowest among OECD countries.
2. Tottori hopes that her promotion will discourage other women from pursuing leadership positions.
3. Mitsuko Tottori has been appointed as the first female president of Japan Airlines.
4. There are currently numerous women in senior leadership roles in major airlines globally.
5. Tottori has emphasized that safety will be her top priority as president.
6. Tottori will officially become president on April 1st, replacing Yuji Akasaka who will become chairman.
7. The Japanese government aims to have half of leadership positions at major businesses held by women by 2030.
8. Tottori began her career with the airline as a pilot in 1985.
Go to answers ⇩
📝 Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Writing Questions:
Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
1. How did Mitsuko Tottori begin her career with Japan Airlines?
2. Why is Mitsuko Tottori’s appointment as president of Japan Airlines significant?
3. What is Mitsuko Tottori’s top priority as president of Japan Airlines?
4. What is the current representation of women in leadership positions in major airlines?
5. What are the goals of the Japanese government regarding female representation in leadership positions?
✅ Answers
🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:
1. How long has Mitsuko Tottori been with Japan Airlines?
Mitsuko Tottori has been with Japan Airlines since 1985.
2. What is Tottori’s hope regarding her promotion?
Tottori hopes that her promotion will inspire other women to pursue leadership positions in their careers.
3. Why is Tottori’s appointment significant?
Tottori’s appointment is significant because she is the first female president of Japan Airlines and there are very few women in senior leadership roles in major airlines globally.
4. When will Tottori officially become president of Japan Airlines?
Tottori will officially become president of Japan Airlines on April 1st.
5. What is Tottori’s top priority as president?
Tottori’s top priority as president is safety.
6. How many women were leading the top 100 airlines at the end of 2022, according to FlightGlobal’s survey?
According to FlightGlobal’s survey, there were 12 women leading the top 100 airlines at the end of 2022.
7. What are the Japanese government’s goals regarding women in leadership positions?
The Japanese government aims to have a third of leadership positions at major businesses held by women by 2030 and is urging businesses to appoint at least one woman as an executive by 2025.
8. According to the OECD, how does Japan’s percentage of women in management positions compare to other OECD countries?
According to the OECD, Japan has the lowest percentage of women in management positions among OECD countries, with only 13.2% of management positions held by women.
Go back to questions ⇧
🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) Mitsuko
(2) hopes
(3) leadership
(4) Akasaka
(5) airlines
(6) challenges
(7) encourage
(8) empower
(9) appoint
(10) Japan
(11) businesses
(12) indicates
(13) resources
(14) Tottori
(15) inspiration
(16) senior
Go back to questions ⇧
📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. appointing
Answer: (M) Assigning someone to a position or role
2. significant
Answer: (D) Having considerable importance, size, or worth
3. leadership
Answer: (N) The action of leading a group of people or an organization
4. aviation
Answer: (I) Relating to the operation of aircraft
5. operational
Answer: (G) Pertaining to the functioning of an organization or system
6. foundation
Answer: (F) The underlying basis or groundwork of a structure or concept
7. principle
Answer: (H) A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the basis for a system of belief or behavior
8. challenges
Answer: (L) Difficult tasks or problems that test a person’s abilities
9. empower
Answer: (K) To give someone the authority or power to do something
10. survey
Answer: (C) An examination of opinions or behavior made by asking people questions
11. rare
Answer: (B) Not commonly found or seen; unusual
12. urging
Answer: (A) Encouraging or advocating with a sense of earnestness
13. executive
Answer: (O) A person with senior managerial responsibility in a business organization
14. misallocation
Answer: (J) Incorrect or inefficient placement or use of resources or personnel
15. groundbreaking
Answer: (E) Having a significant impact or introducing a major change
Go back to questions ⇧
🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:
1. Mitsuko Tottori began her career with Japan Airlines as a:
Answer: (a) Flight attendant
2. Mitsuko Tottori’s appointment as president of Japan Airlines is significant because:
Answer: (d) There are few women in senior leadership roles in major airlines globally
3. How many women were leading the top 100 airlines at the end of 2022, according to a survey by FlightGlobal?
Answer: (c) 12
4. The Japanese government aims to have a third of leadership positions at major businesses held by women by:
Answer: (b) 2030
5. Currently, women hold what percentage of management positions in Japan?
Answer: (a) 13.2%
6. The appointment of Mitsuko Tottori highlights the need for greater:
Answer: (b) Gender diversity in senior roles
7. Japan Airlines’ appointment of Mitsuko Tottori is groundbreaking for:
Answer: (c) The airline and the industry as a whole
8. The government’s efforts to increase female representation in leadership positions are crucial for achieving:
Answer: (d) A more equitable and inclusive society
Go back to questions ⇧
🕵️✅ True or False Answers:
1. Currently, women hold only 13.2% of management positions in Japan, the lowest among OECD countries. (Answer: True)
2. Tottori hopes that her promotion will discourage other women from pursuing leadership positions. (Answer: False)
3. Mitsuko Tottori has been appointed as the first female president of Japan Airlines. (Answer: True)
4. There are currently numerous women in senior leadership roles in major airlines globally. (Answer: False)
5. Tottori has emphasized that safety will be her top priority as president. (Answer: True)
6. Tottori will officially become president on April 1st, replacing Yuji Akasaka who will become chairman. (Answer: True)
7. The Japanese government aims to have half of leadership positions at major businesses held by women by 2030. (Answer: False)
8. Tottori began her career with the airline as a pilot in 1985. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧
