Simple Japanese Listening with Meg（めぐ）Smile

2024年春の私の毎朝の習慣を紹介します。

《I'd like to share my morning routine in the spring of 2024.》

This episode is at the JLPT-N3 level.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆”ふりがな”について

This video's subtitles have very few furigana. Only the difficult kanji have furigana displayed. If you want to see furigana, please refer to the script available online.

☆Words

I’m publishing this information on my website.

The content is available on the script page of this video.

☆おすすめAPP：Cotomo

This story is based on a folktale passed down in Shimane Prefecture.

This episode is at the JLPT-N4 level.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words & Quiz

I’m publishing this information on my website.

The content is available on the script page of this video.

This is an original story I created.This video is the second installment of the following video.

▷Hanako’s daily life

In this video, I will introduce the long-running Japanese TV anime 'Chibi Maruko-chan', which has been airing for over 30 years.

This episode is at the JLPT-N3 level.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

I’m publishing this information on my website. The content is available on the script page of this video.

☆Script for this episode

In this video, I'll delve into the story of a significant figure in Japanese history, 'John Manjiro.' Stay tuned to discover his fascinating tale!

This episode is at the JLPT-N4 level.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

I’m publishing this information on my website. The content is available on the script page of this video.

☆Script for this episode

Today’s episode is titled “十六桜 (Jiu-roku-zakura)《Sakura Blooming on January 16th》.

This story is based on a folk tale from Ehime Prefecture.

This episode is at the JLPT-N5 level.

I've also prepared a quiz based on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

I’m publishing this information on my website. The content is available on the script page of this video.

☆Script for this episode

Today’s episode is titled “庭の秘密～探偵物語1～ (niwa no himitsu ~tantei monogatari 1~)《The Secret of the Garden～Detective Story 1～》.

This is a detective story I created. The story progresses through the narration of the detective. Please enjoy.

This episode is at the JLPT-N3 level.

I've also prepared a quiz based on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

I’m publishing this information on my website. The content is available on the script page of this video.

☆Script for this episode

Today’s episode is “魔女のパン(majo no pan)《Witches' Loaves》.

This story is a simple Japanese translation of O'Henry's "Witches' Loaves.''

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

魔女（まじょ）：witch

パン屋（や）：bakery

お金持（かねも）ち：rich

帽子（ぼうし）を かぶる：wear a hat

硬（かた）い：hard

茶色（ちゃいろ）：brown

絵（え）の具（ぐ）：paints, colors

画家（がか）：painter, artist

絵（え）を描（か）く：paint a picture

棚（たな）：shelf

イタリア：Italy

ベネチア：Venice

建物（たてもの）；building

２日後（ふつかご）：two days later

袋（ふくろ）：(plastic) bag

顔（かお）：face

助（たす）ける：help

青（あお）い：blue

ブラウス：blouse

明（あか）るい：bright

化粧（けしょう）をする：put on makeup

道（みち）：road

消防車（しょうぼうしゃ）：fire truck

チャンス：chance

バター：butter

ドキドキする：heart is thumping

髪（かみ）の毛（け）：hair

バカ：fool

怒（おこ）る：get angry

手（て）をあげる：raise hand

建築家（けんちくか）：architect

コンテスト：contest

線（せん）：line

奥（おく）：back, far side

脱（ぬ）ぐ：take off

化粧品（けしょうひん）：cosmetics

ごみ箱（ばこ）：trash can

捨（す）てる：throw away

☆Conjugation of verbs

ます形（けい）《masu-form》

て形（けい）《te-form》

じしょ形（けい）《dictionary-form》

た形（けい）《ta-form》

☆Grammar

～でしょう：probably

Represents a prediction of the future. (Something that cannot be clearly determined.)

・たぶん あの人（ひと）は 私（わたし）と もっと 話（はな）したいでしょう。

《There's a probability that the person wants to talk to me more.》

※I explained this grammar because it is at the N4 level.

☆Script for this episode

Today’s episode is titled 'Setsubun Ogre Story' (節分の鬼〔setsubun no oni〕). This is a tale inspired by a Setsubun folktale from Iwate Prefecture in Japan.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

節分（せつぶん）：

Setsubun is the event held to pray for our happy and healthy life.It is held on Feb 3th or 4th.On that day, we throw away beans with saying "Devils out! Happiness in!"This is called "Mame-maki" (Mame means beans, maki means throwing away.)

鬼（おに）：Ogres, Devils

伝統的（でんとうてき）な：traditional

お祝（いわ）いする：celebrate

昔話（むかしばなし）：folk tale

貧乏（びんぼう）な：poor

お墓参（はかまい）り：visit the family grave

押（お）し入（い）れ：closet

お面（めん）：(festival) mask

わざと：on purpose

叫（さけ）ぶ：shout

祈（いの）る：pray

長生（ながい）きする：live long

☆Script for this episode

Today’s episode is “月夜のおばけとかなしいひみつ (tsukiyo no obake to kanashī himitsu)《The Moonlit Ghost and the Sorrowful Secret》.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

月夜：moonlit night

おばけ：ghost

かなしい：sad,sorrowful 

ひみつ：secret

森（もり）：forest

地面（じめん）：ground

足跡（あしあと）：footprints

～を追（お）う：to chase

～間（あいだ）に：while

急（いそ）ぐ：hurry

迷（まよ）う：get lost,to lose one's way

怖（こわ）い：scary

玄関（げんかん）：entrance

返事（へんじ）：reply

明（あ）かり：light

～方（ほう）：toward

迷子（まいご）になる：get lost

怪我（けが）：injury

☆Conjugation of verbs

ます形（けい）《masu-form》

て形（けい）《te-form》

じしょ形（けい）《dictionary-form》

た形（けい）《ta-form》

いこう形（けい）《Volitional-form》

☆Script for this episode

I’ll introduce Japanese culture in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “おせち《osechi》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

おせち料理（りょうり）：traditional Japanese New Year feast

伝統的（でんとうてき）な：traditional

元日（がんじつ）：New Year's Day

黒豆（くろまめ）：sweet black soybeans

大豆（だいず）：soy

祈（いの）る：pray

えび：shrimp

ひげ：beard

曲（ま）がる：bend

老人（ろうじん）：elderly person

長生（ながい）きする：live long

昆布巻（こぶま）き：konbu rolls

鮭（さけ）：salmon

巻（ま）く：roll

数（かず）の子（こ）：herring roe

ニシン：herring

栗（くり）きんとん：sweet potato with chestnuts

さつまいも：sweet potato

栗（くり）：chestnut

混（ま）ぜる：mix

貯（た）める：save

伊達巻（だてま）き：sweet rolled omelet

オムレツ：omelette

巻物（まきもの）：scroll, rolled book

紅白（こうはく）かまぼこ：Red and White Fish Cake

かまぼこ：boiled fish paste

日（ひ）の出（で）：sunrise

箸（はし）：chopsticks

祝（いわ）い箸（ばし）：special festival chopsticks for New Year

一方（いっぽう）：one side

神人共食（しんじんきょうしょく）：God and humans eating together

☆Script for this episode

Today’s episode is “星のプレゼント (hoshi no purezento)《Gift of the Star》.

I created a Christmas story.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

星（ほし）：star

物語（ものがたり）：story

両親（りょうしん）：parents

経営（けいえい）する：manage

下（した）を向（む）く：look down

嘘（うそ）をつく：tell a lie

予定（よてい）：plan

インターホン：intercom

キラキラ：twinkle

光（ひか）る：shine

怖（こわ）い：scary

妖精（ようせい）：fairy

お願（ねが）い：wish

魔法（まほう）：magic

星空（ほしぞら）：starry sky

涙（なみだ）：tears

君（きみ）：you

願（ねが）いが叶（かな）う：wish come true

☆Script for this episode

Today’s episode is “冬の家族物語 (fuyu no kazoku monogatari)《Winter Family Tale》.

I created a story about spending time with family in Japan during December and January.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

電気毛布（でんきもうふ）：electric blanket

雪合戦（ゆきがっせん）：snowball fight

雪（ゆき）だるま：snowman

お腹（なか）が空（す）く：hungry

温（あたた）かい：warm

かぼちゃ：pumpkin

準備（じゅんび）：preparation

飾（かざ）る：decorate

サンタさん：Santa Claus

人形（にんぎょう）：doll

楽（たの）しみにする：look forward to

イチゴ：strawberry

冬休（ふゆやす）み：winter vacation

温泉（おんせん）：hot spring

卓球（たっきゅう）：table tennis

神社（じんじゃ）：shrine

☆Script for this episode

Today’s Theme is “１年間（ねんかん）の挑戦（ちょうせん）！勉強（べんきょう）を続（つづ）けてわかったこと”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

挑戦（ちょうせん）：challenge

法律（ほうりつ）：law

駅弁（えきべん）：Ekiben《Train station boxed lunch》

景色（けしき）：view

モチベーション：motivation

資格試験（しかくしけん）：qualification exam

ただ：only, just

☆Script for this episode

Today’s Theme is “新（あたら）しい習慣（しゅうかん）《New habits》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

習慣（しゅうかん）： habit

太陽（たいよう）：sun

新鮮（しんせん）な：fresh

空気（くうき）：air

環境（かんきょう）：environment

心（こころ）を落（お）ち着（つ）かせる：calm down

☆Script for this episode

Today’s episode is “たけしの夏 (Takeshi no natsu)《Takeshi's Summer》.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

小学生（しょうがくせい）《shoogakusee》：elementary school student

夏休（なつやす）み《natsuyasumi》：summer vacation

～が 見（み）える／見（み）えない《～ga mieru / mienai》：be seen / can not be seen

庭（にわ）《niwa》：garden, yard

地震（じしん）《jishin》：earthquake

穴（あな）《ana》：hole

怖（こわ）い《kowai》：scary

暗（くら）い《kurai》：dark

突然（とつぜん）《totsuzen》：suddenly

明（あか）るくなる《akarukunaru》：become brighter

～に 落（お）ちる《～ni ochiru》：fall

目（め）を 開（あ）ける／閉（と）じる《me o akeru / tojiru》：open one's eyes / close one's eyes

妖精（ようせい）《yoosee》：fairy

魔法（まほう） の 世界（せかい）《mahoo no sekai》：The Magic World

星（ほし）《hoshi》：star

花火（はなび） 《hanabi》：fireworks

空（そら）《sora》：sky

☆Script for this episode

I’ll introduce Japanese culture in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “お盆（ぼん）《Bon festival》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

お盆（ぼん）：Bon festival

Obon is one of the Buddhist events. In Buddhism, it is believed that the spirits of family ancestors come back to this world during the Obon period between July and August, and a series of events take place to commemorate them.

Obon is regarded as one of the most important family occasions of the year in Japan.

Although Obon is not an official holiday, many offices are temporarily closed for business during this period. 

盆踊（ぼんおど）り：Bon Festival dance

Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese dance that is generally performed at events or festivals during Obon holidays.

Participants wear yukata, a casual traditional Kimono-style garment, and dance to traditional music while circling around a stage to honor the spirits of ancestors.

移動（いどう）する：move

仏教（ぶっきょう）：Buddhism

先祖（せんぞ）：ancestor

もてなす：treat / welcome

仏壇（ぶつだん）：Buddhist altar

迎（むか）え火（び）：welcoming fire

“迎え火” is a sacred fire that is often burned on August 13th in front of each household to guide the spirits of their ancestors back home.

提灯（ちょうちん）：chochin lantern

送（おく）り火（び）：seeing off fire

"送り火"is lit on the last day of Obon, which is generally August 16th to send the ancestors back to their world.

五山送り火（ござんのおくりび）：

The Send-off Bonfires of Five Mountains (Gozan no Okuribi) refers to the annual bonfires lit at various 5 locations including Nyoigatake (Mt. Nyoi known as Mt. Daimonji) on August 16 in Kyoto City.

阿波踊（あわおど）り：

“阿波踊り” is the largest and the most famous bon festival dance in Japan, attracting more than 1 million visitors from August 12 to 15 every year. “阿波” is the old name of Tokushima Prefecture, and “踊り” means dance. 

Every night, groups of dancers dressed in yukata, or light cotton kimono, dance around in the town to the theme song called “Yoshikono” accompanied by three stringed shamisen, flutes, drums and bells.

☆Script for this episode

Today’s Theme is “うなぎの日（ひ）？《Eel Day?》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

うなぎ：eel

土用（どよう）："土用（どよう）" strictly refers to the 18 days before the first days of spring, summer, fall, and winter (on the lunar calendar). Today, however, "土用（どよう）" generally refers only to the 18 days before the first day of fall.

丑（うし）の日（ひ）：The day called "丑（うし）の日（ひ）", which is translated literally as the day of the Ox, can be seen in the calendar that follows the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac. The twelve signs were introduced to Japan from ancient China. The twelve signs were allocated one by one to the days on the calendar. "丑（うし）の日（ひ）" is the day to which the second sign of the twelve signs is allocated. 

立春（りっしゅん）：the first day of spring

立夏（りっか）：the first day of summer

立秋（りっしゅう）：the first day of fall

立冬（りっとう）：the first day of winter

つまり：in other words

干支（えと）：the twelve zodiac signs in Chinese astrology

梅干（うめぼ）し：pickled plums

ウリ：a gourd

☆Script for this episode

Today’s episode is “トイレの女の子（toire no on’nanoko）”《A girl in the restroom》.

This story is based on urban legends from various parts of Japan, and a little scary story.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

教室（きょうしつ）：classroom

思（おも）い出（だ）す：remember

聞（き）こえる：be heard

やっぱり：after all

急（いそ）いで：hurry

怖（こわ）い：scary

心配（しんぱい）：worry

手（て）を洗（あら）う：wash one's hands

☆Conjugation of verbs☆ 

・te-form：（ています／てください／てから）

・nai-form

・plain-form

☆Script for this episode

みなさん、ひさしぶりです。

この半年間、私はずっとがんばっていることがあります。

今日は、そのことを話します。

Hi everyone, long time no see!

There is something I’ve been working hard on for the past six months.

Today, I’d like to talk about it.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

日本語能力試験（にほんごのうりょくしけん）：Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

法律（ほうりつ）：law

繰り返し（くりかえし）：repeat

☆Script for this episode

I’ll introduce Japanese culture in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “七五三の歴史《The history of Shichi-go-san》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

七五三（しちごさん）：Shichi-go-san is an annual Japanese festival to celebrate the growth of children. It takes place on or around November 15. The festival is for boys aged three and five, and girls aged three and seven. That’s why it is called shichi-go-san (seven-five-three).

お祝（いわ）い：celebration

成長（せいちょう）：growth

中旬（ちゅうじゅん）：middle of a month

江戸時代（えどじだい）：Edo period (1603-1868 CE)

剃（そ）る：shave

袴（はかま）：man's formal divided skirt

帯（おび）：belt (e.g. of a kimono)

千歳飴（ちとせあめ）：longevity candy, long red-and-white stick candy

On shichi-go-san, children eat long red-and-white stick candy, called chitose ame. Chitose means “one thousand years.” It symbolizes health and longevity.

☆Script for this episode

Today’s Theme is “紅葉（こうよう）《Autumn colors》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

紅葉狩り（もみじがり / momijigari）：This is a yearly event for many Japanese people in Autumn. The word “Momiji” in Momiji-gari means Autumn colours, and “gari” means hunting. Japanese people go out to parks and mountains where they can see lots of trees in their Autumn colors – yellows, oranges and reds, and simply enjoy the beautiful change of seasons from Summer to Autumn.

お花見（おはなみ / ohanami）：Ohanami is a traditional Japanese custom in spring. At a cherry blossom viewing party, people get together under cherry blossom trees and enjoy eating and drinking.

嵐山（あらしやま / arashiyama）：Arashiyama is an area in the western part of Kyoto City. The mountain named Arashiyama at an altitude of 382 meters in the western part of Kyoto City, the surrounding mountains, and the foot of the mountain are generally called Arashiyama. At the foot of Arashiyama, there are many historical temples, shrines, and historic sites, making it a famous tourist destination.

上旬（じょうじゅん / jōjun）：at the beginning of the month

中旬（ちゅうじゅん / chūjun）：in the middle of the month

下旬（げじゅん / gejyun）：at the end of the month

日光（にっこう / nikkō）：Nikko is a town located in Tochigi Prefecture. Tochigi prefecture is an inland prefecture located in the northern part of the Kanto region. Nikko has many old-style buildings, and it is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

新幹線（しんかんせん / shinkansen）：bullet train

Today’s Theme is わたしのまち《My town》”.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

最近（さいきん / saikin）：recently

風邪を 引く（かぜをひく / kaze o hiku）：catch a cold

紹介する（しょうかいする / shōkaisuru）：introduce

福岡（ふくおか / Fukuoka）：Fukuoka (city)

※Fukuoka prefecture is located in the north of Kyushu, the southernmost of the four major Japanese islands.

九州（きゅうしゅう / Kyūshu）：Kyushu (southernmost of the four main islands of Japan)

東（ひがし / higashi）：east

祭り（まつり / matsuri）：festival

花火大会（はなびたいかい / hanabi taikai）：fireworks festival

神社（じんじゃ / jinja）：shrine

笑顔（えがお / egao）：smile

不便な（ふべんな / fuben na）：inconvenient

☆Script for this episode

I’ll introduce Japanese culture in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “日本の温泉の歴史《The history of Onsen (Hot Springs) in Japan》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

鹿（しか）：deer

鶴（つる）：crane (any bird of the family Gruidae, esp. the red-crowned crane, Grus japonensis)

お坊（ぼう）さん：monk

仏教（ぶっきょう）：Buddhism

教（おし）え：teachings

鉄道（てつどう）を整備（せいび）する：build a railroad

露天風呂（ろてんぶろ）：an open-air spa

☆Script for this episode

Easy News📺

I introduce Japanese news in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “ポテトチップスの袋《Plastic Bag of potato chips》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

紙（かみ / kami）：paper

プラスチック（ぷらすちっく / purasutikku）：plastic

環境（かんきょう / kankyō）：environment

～を守（まも）る（～o mamoru）：protect

カルビー（かるびー / karubi-）：Calbee（Confectionery Company in Japan）

空気（くうき / kūki）：air

薄（うす）い（usui）：thin

商品（しょうひん / shōhin）：products

親指（おやゆび / oyayubi）：thumb

☆Grammar☆

・～ために：in order to

・～そうです：heard

・～（よ）うと思う：be going to（This sentence pattern is used to talk about the speaker’s determinations or plans.）

☆Script for this episode

Today’s episode is “こうもり の ともだち？（kōmori no tomodachi?）”《Who is the bat's friend?》.

This is from Aesop's Fables.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

こうもり（kōmori）：bat

森（もり / mori）：forest

鳥（とり / tori）：birds

動物（どうぶつ / dōbutsu）：animals

けんかをする（kenka o suru）：get in a fight

言う（iu）：say

空（そら / sora）：sky

飛ぶ（とぶ / tobu）：fly

牙（きば / kiba）：fang, tusk

爪（つめ / tsume）：nail

強い（つよい / tsuyoi）：strong

弱い（よわい / yowai）：weak

王様（おうさま / ōsama）：king

翼（つばさ / tsubasa）：wing

暗い（くらい / kurai）：dark

洞窟（どうくつ / dōkutsu）：cave

☆Grammar☆

・～ことができます（～koto ga dekimasu）：can ～

・～たら（～tara）：if ～

☆Script for this episode

I’ll introduce Japanese culture in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “日本酒の歴史《The History of SAKE》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

代表的（だいひょうてき）な：typical

～に夢中（むちゅう）になる：into ～

「君（きみ）の名（な）は。」：”Your Name.”

※Your Name. is a Japanese film written and directed by Makoto Shinkai.

巫女（みこ）：shrine maiden

天皇（てんのう）：Emperor of Japan

免許（めんきょ）：license

☆Script for this episode

Today’s Theme is “私（わたし）のペット《My pets》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

飼う（かう / kau）：adopt a pet, have a pet

種類（しゅるい / shurui）：type

使い捨てカメラ（つかいすてかめら / tsukaisutekamera）：disposable camera

後悔する（こうかいする / kōkaisuru）：regret

八百屋（やおや / yaoya）：greengrocer

吠える（ほえる / hoeru）：bark

初代（しょだい / shodai）：first generation

～代目（～だいめ / ～daime）：～ generation

☆Grammar☆

～ことにする

～ので

～ばよかった

passive form

～ようになる

～んです

☆Script for this episode

Today’s episode is Japanese vocabulary Quiz.

I'll give 3 hints.

Please answer in Japanese.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

言葉（ことば / kotoba）：vocabulary, word

考える（かんがえる / kangaeru）：think

答え（こたえ / kotae）：answer

苦い（にがい / nigai）：bitter

道（みち / michi）：road

☆Grammar☆

・～たり、～たり

・～とき

☆Script for this episode

Easy News📺

I introduce Japanese news in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “ユニークな自動販売機《Unique vending machine》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

自動販売機（じどうはんばいき / jidōhanbaiki）：vending machine

＊自販機（じはんき / jihanki）："自販機" is a shortened form of "自動販売機".

面倒な（めんどうな / mendōna）：troublesome

化粧品（けしょうひん / keshōhin）：cosmetics

見た目（みため / mitame）：appearance

特徴（とくちょう / tokuchō）：characteristics

おごる（ogoru）：treat someone

＊おごり（ogori）："おごり" is the noun form of the word "おごる".

～を かざす（～o kazasu）：place, hold

→カードをカードリーダーにかざす：place the card in front of the reader

☆Grammar☆

・～たところ：when

（※Use this grammar when describing a surprise or new discovery rather than an ordinary account of an event.）

☆Script for this episode

Easy News📺

I introduce Japanese news in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “沖縄（おきなわ）のサンゴ《Coral reefs of Okinawa》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

沖縄（おきなわ / okinawa）：Okinawa 

（Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture in Japan. And Okinawa is one of the most popular resorts in Japan. The islands of Okinawa are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. ）

サンゴ（さんご / sango）：coral reefs

守る（まもる / mamoru）：keep, protect

島（しま / shima）：island

石垣島（いしがきじま / ishigakijima）：Ishigaki Island

（Ishigaki island is one of the islands of Okinawa. The world’s largest colony of rare blue coral is found off of Ishigaki island.）

植物プランクトン（しょくぶつぷらんくとん / shokubutsupurankuton）：phytoplankton

栄養（えいよう / eiyō）：nutrition

Today’s Theme is “A day in the life of an Online Japanese Language Teacher”.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

１日（いちにち / ichinichi）：one day

紹介する（しょうかいする / shōkaisuru）：introduce

オンライン（おんらいん / onrain）：online

日本語教師（にほんごきょうし / nihongokyōshi）：Japanese language teacher

ルーティン（るーてぃん / rūthin）：routine

スマホ（すまほ / sumaho）：smart phone

アニメーション（あにめーしょん / animēshon）：animation

ストレッチ（すとれっち / sutorecchi）：stretch

化粧（けしょう / keshō）：make-up

ラーメン（らーめん / rāmen）：ramen noodles

チャーハン（ちゃーはん / chāhan）：Chinese-style fried rice

昼寝（ひるね / hirune）：nap

ダイエットドリンク（だいえっとどりんく / daiettodorinku）：energy drinks designed to get rid of weight

味（あじ / aji）：taste

小説（しょうせつ / shōsetsu）：novel

☆Grammar☆

・te-form

・～たり、～たりします

☆Script for this episode

Today’s Theme is “夏休みの宿題（なつやすみのしゅくだい）《summer homework》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

算数（さんすう）：mathematics

国語（こくご）：Japanese（national language）

問題集（もんだいしゅう）：workbook

遊園地（ゆうえんち）：amusement park

小説（しょうせつ）：story, novel

経験（けいけん）：experience

☆Grammar☆

・～にとって：from the standpoint of 〜

・～おかげで：thanks to

☆Script for this episode

Today’s Theme is “高校野球（こうこうやきゅう）《The National High School Baseball Championship of Japan》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

高校野球（こうこうやきゅう / kōkōyakyū）：

The National High School Baseball Championship of Japan, commonly known as "Summer Koshien", is an annual nationwide high school baseball tournament. It is the largest scale amateur sport event in Japan, even as soccer continues to gain more attention.

野球（やきゅう / yakyū）：baseball

プロ野球（ぷろやきゅう / puroyakyū）：professional baseball

甲子園（こうしえん / kōshien）：Koshien (location of Koshien Stadium, where the Japan National High School Baseball Tournament is held)

野球場（やきゅうじょう / yakyūjō）：baseball stadium

トーナメント（とーなめんと / tōnamento）：tournament

優勝する（ゆうしょうする / yūshōsuru）：win

アマチュア（あまちゅあ / amachua）：amateur

感動する（かんどうする / kandōsuru）：be impressed

伝統的な（でんとうてきな / dentōtekina）：traditional

ドラマチック（どらまちっく / doramachikku）：dramatic

☆Script for this episode

Today’s Theme is “ゲーム《video game》 ”.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

趣味（しゅみ / shumi）：interest, hobby

紹介する（しょうかいする / shōkaisuru）：introduce

マリオ（まりお / mario）：Mario《game character》

小学生（しょうがくせい / shōgakusē）：elementary school student

任天堂（にんてんどう / nintendō）：Nintendo《video game software company》

スーパーファミコン（すーぱーふぁみこん / sūpā famikon）：SUPER Famicom《This is a home video game console sold by Nintendo in the 1990s.》

ゲーム機（げーむき / gēmu ki）：game console

ゲームボーイ（げーむぼーい / gēmu bōi）：Game Boy《This is a handheld video game console sold by Nintendo in the 1990s.》

すばらしい（subarashī）：wonderful

SONY（そにー / sonī）：SONY《Japanese general electronics manufacturer》

PlayStation（ぷれいすてーしょん / purē sutēshon）：PlayStation《This is a home video game console sold by SONY.》

アニメーション（あにめーしょん / animēshon）：animation

RPG（あーるぴーじー / ārupījī）：role-playing game

ファイナルファンタジー（ふぁいなるふぁんたじー / fainaru fantajī）：final fantasy《RPG》

中学生（ちゅうがくせい / chūgakusē）：junior high school student

首（くび / kubi）：neck

肩（かた / kata）：shoulder

動く（うごく / ugoku）：move

顔（かお / kao）：face

そのまま（sonomama）：as it is

びっくりする（bikkurisuru）：to be surprised

笑う（わらう / warau）：laugh

マッサージをする（まっさーじをする / massāji o suru）：massage

お風呂に 入る（おふろに はいる / ofuro ni hairu）：take a bath

switch（すいっち / suicchi）：switch《This is a handheld video game console sold by Nintendo.》

ゲームソフト（げーむそふと / gēmu sofuto）：game software

ダウンロードする（だうんろーどする / daunrōdo suru）：download

どうぶつの森（どうぶつのもり / dōbutsu no mori）：Animal Crossing《This is a game software developed by Nintendo.》

☆Grammar☆

・adjective（past）

・te-form

・～なければいけません：must do something

・～ことができます：able to do; can

☆Script for this episode

Short story 「手ぶくろを買いに《 Buying Mittens》ep2」

This story is written by Nankichi Nīmi.

He is a Japanese author of children's literature.

Although his life was only 29 years, he left us with many stories to tell.

Today’s Theme is “できること・できないこと《Can ・ Cannot do》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

曲（きょく / kyoku）：song, music

キーボード（きーぼーど / kībōdo）：Keyboard Instrument

ジブリ（じぶり / jiburi）：Ghibli

免許（めんきょ / menkyo）：license

水泳（すいえい / suiē）：swimming

授業（じゅぎょう / jugyō）：lesson

練習（れんしゅう / renshū）：practice

スキューバダイビング（すきゅーばだいびんぐ / sukyūba daibingu）：scuba diving

早起き（はやおき / hayaoki）：to get up early

☆Grammar☆

・potential form

・～ので《because》

・～てみる《try doing something》

・～つもりだ《intend to do》

☆Script for this episode

Short story 「はなこさんの夏休（なつやす）み《 Hanako’s summer vacation 》ep2」

This is an original story I created.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Hanako’s summer vacation ep1

Easy News📺

I introduce Japanese news in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “Gion Festival in Kyoto”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

祭り（まつり / matsuri）：festival

コロナウイルス（ころなういるす / korona uirusu）：coronavirus

飾る（かざる / kazaru）：decorate

山車（だし / dashi）：festival car (float)

喜ぶ（よろこぶ / yorokobu）： be happy

日本三大祭り（にほんさんだいまつり / nihon sandai matsuri）：the Japan’s three greatest festivals

・祇園祭（ぎおんまつり / gion matsuri）：Gion Festival（Gion Matsuri is a one of the biggest festival which takes place over the entire month of July in Kyoto. The biggest event of this festival is Yamahoko. Yamahoko is the decorated float which is made by every town in Kyoto. These floats will be paraded through streets on every July 17th.）

・神田祭（かんだまつり / kanda matsuri）：Kanda  Festival（Kanda Matsuri is one of Edo’s (old Tokyo’s) great festivals. Events last one week but the highlight is the procession of more than 100 o-mikoshi (divine palanquins) from all the area’s neighborhoods to and from the shrine; experience the unbelievable atmosphere in Kanda, Nihonbashi, Otemachi, Marunouchi and Akihabara.）

・天神祭（てんじんまつり / tenjin matsuri）：Tenjin  Festival（Tenjin Matsuri is a festival held by Osaka Tenmangu shrine, Sugawarano Michizane is enshrined at and has more than 1000 years of history.）

☆Grammar☆

・～になる：become

・～ように･･･：so that / in order to

・～そうです（伝聞）：I heard that

☆Script for this episode

Short story 「手ぶくろを買いに《 Buying Mittens》ep1」

This story is written by Nankichi Nīmi.

He is a Japanese author of children's literature.

Although his life was only 29 years, he left us with many stories to tell.

Short story 「はなこさんの夏休（なつやす）み《 Hanako’s summer vacation 》ep1」

This is an original story I created.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

毎年（まいとし / maitoshi）：every year

遠い（とおい / tōi）：far

新幹線（しんかんせん / shinkansen）：bullet train

甘い（あまい / amai）：sweet

お土産（おみやげ / omiyage）：souvenir

辛い（からい / karai）：spicy

切符（きっぷ / kippu）：ticket

席（せき / seki）：seat

笑う（わらう / warau）：laugh, smile

→masu-form：笑います（わらいます / waraimasu）

～号車（～ごうしゃ / ～gōsha）：classifier for naming train cars

ex）１号車（いちごうしゃ / ichigōsha）、２号車（にごうしゃ / nigōsha）･･･

☆Grammar☆

・masu-form（present / past）

・～たいです：want to do

Today’s Theme is “いただきます・ごちそうさま”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

感謝（かんしゃ / kansya）：appreciation, thanks

命（いのち / inochi）：life

☆Script for this episode

Today’s Theme is “すし《sushi》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

歴史（れきし / rekishi）：history

東南アジア（とうなんあじあ / tōnan ajia）：Southeast Asia

保存する（ほぞんする / hozonsuru）： to preserve, to save

塩（しお / shio）：salt

江戸時代（えどじだい / edojidai）：Edo period (1603-1868 CE)

酢（す / su）：vinegar

きゅうり（kūri）：Japanese cucumber

巻く（まく / maku）：roll

箸（はし / hashi）：chopsticks

横（よこ / yoko）：turn sideways

しょうゆ（shōyu）：soy sauce

わさび（わさび / wasabi）：wasabi

☆Grammar☆

passive form

～ために

☆Script for this episode

Short story 「七夕（たなばた）《 tanabata 》」

This episode is N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

七夕（たなばた / tanabata）：Star festival

星（ほし / hoshi）：star

明るい（あかるい / akarui）：bright

服（ふく / fuku）：clothes

牛（うし / ushi）：cow

世話（せわ / sewa）：care

ある日（あるひ / aruhi）：one day

天の川（あまのがわ / amanogawa）：Milky Way

神様（かみさま / kamisama）：God

怒る（おこる / okoru）：get angry

東（ひがし / higashi）：East

西（にし / nishi）：West

悲しい（かなしい / kanashī）：sad

橋（はし / hashi）：bridge

お願い（おねがい / onegai）：wish

☆Script for this episode

Today’s theme is “熱中症《heatstroke》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

熱中症（ねっちゅうしょう）：heatstroke

体温（たいおん）：body temperature

頭痛（ずつう）：headache

めまい：dizziness

対策（たいさく）：countermeasures

喉（のど）が渇（かわ）く：be thirsty

☆Script for this episode

Today’s Theme is “こどものときの夢（ゆめ）《Childhood Dream》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

（ピアノの）発表会（はっぴょうかい/happyōkai）：（piano）recital

叶う（かなう/kanau）：come true

☆Grammar☆

・～ので／～のに

・～かもしれない

・passive form

・～ようです

☆Script for this episode

Short story 「はなこさんの やすみのひ《 Hanako's holiday 》」

This is an original story I created.

This episode is N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

両親（りょうしん）ryōshin：parents

階段（かいだん）kaidan：stairs

運転手（うんてんしゅ）untenshu：driver

声（こえ）koe：voice

☆Grammar☆

・～へ･･･にいきます

・～ましょう

・～がすきです

・～があります／います

☆Script for this episode

Today’s Theme is “不眠（ふみん）《sleeplessness》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Script for this episode