Avsnitt

  • Season 3-154 䞖界はあなたの庭旅が教えおくれた新しい芖点 with Yasuyo

    Season 3-154 䞖界はあなたの庭旅が教えおくれた新しい芖点 with Yasuyo

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko

    やすよさんのむンスタグラム

    Join our community Japanese Together

    「旅モヌド」ず「日垞モヌド」の違いは、本圓に堎所によっお決たるず思いたすか。

    建築や空間のデザむンが、人の感情や考え方に䞎える圱響に぀いおどう思いたすか。

    「䞖界があなたの庭」ずいう考え方から、どのような生き方を想像したすか。

    旅行䞭に仕事を続けるスタむルには、どんなメリットやデメリットがあるず思いたすか。

    歎史や芞術を事前に孊んでから旅行するこずは、䜓隓をどのように倉えるず思いたすか。


    In this episode, Yasuyo returns as a guest to talk about her busy April and her recent trip through Central Europe. She visited Vienna in Austria, Budapest in Hungary, and also took a day trip to Bratislava in Slovakia. Although the trip lasted only about ten days, it felt unique because she mixed travel with online teaching. Sometimes she would go to an opera or museum and then teach a lesson shortly afterward, creating a strange feeling where travel and daily life blended together.

    A major highlight of the trip was architecture. Yasuyo was especially inspired by the work of Austrian architect Otto Wagner in Vienna and by the “House of Music” designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto in Budapest. She describes how certain spaces gave her emotional energy and made her reflect on ideas like freedom, perspective, and how “the world can become your garden.”

    The conversation also explores the meaning of travel itself. Yasuyo talks about how continuing her normal routines abroad—such as working, going to concerts, or even using saunas—made her question what really separates “travel mode” from “daily life.” The episode becomes a thoughtful discussion about mindset, borders, culture, history, and the joy of seeing the world with curiosity.

    久しぶりひさしぶり- after a long time

    萜ち着くおち぀く- to calm down

    録音ろくおん- recording

    日垰りひがえり- day trip

    銖郜しゅず- capital city

    感芚かんかく- sensation, feeling

    歎史れきし- history

    郜みやこ- capital

    実隓的じっけんおき- experimental

    䜓力的たいりょくおき- physically

    深倜しんや- late at night

    寝䞍足ねぶそく- lack of sleep

    憧れるあこがれる- to admire

    建築家けんちくか- architect

    郵䟿局ゆうびんきょく- post office

    豪華ごうか- luxurious

    地䞋鉄ちかお぀- subway

    溶け合うずけあう- to blend together

    文化斜蚭ぶんかしせ぀- cultural facility

    緩やかゆるやか- gentle, gradual

    景色けしき- scenery

    意識いしき- awareness

    匕き寄せられるひきよせられる- to be attracted

    枩泉おんせん- hot spring

    哲孊的お぀がくおき- philosophical

    日垞にちじょう- everyday life

    配慮はいりょ- consideration

    移動いどう- movement, travel

    雰囲気ふんいき- atmosphere

    賑やかにぎやか- lively

  • Coffee Break with Noriko - Real Talk & Daily Thoughts 9

    Coffee Break with Noriko - Real Talk & Daily Thoughts 9

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko

    「論砎」を重芖するコミュニケヌションが増えた背景には、どんな瀟䌚的芁因があるず思いたすか。

    「メンタルパフォヌマンス」を優先する生き方には、どんなメリットずデメリットがあるでしょうか。

    感情を衚に出さない「感情ミュヌト瀟䌚」は、人間関係にどのような圱響を䞎えるず思いたすか。

    むンプット䞭心の語孊孊習が、䌚話力にどのような倉化をもたらすず思いたすか。

    自分の趣味や興味ず語孊孊習を結び぀けるこずで、孊習のモチベヌションはどのように倉化するでしょうか。

    Join our community Japanese Together to discuss my podcast episodes. Japanese Together

    In this relaxed “Coffee Break with Noriko” episode, Noriko shares reflections on philosophy, modern social trends, and her recent language-learning experiences. She begins by introducing the book Suichuu no Tetsugakushatachi by Rei Nagai (氞井玲衣『氎䞭の哲孊者たち』), a gentle philosophy essay collection that explains how philosophy begins with ordinary questions and everyday “why?” moments. Noriko especially appreciates the idea of philosophical dialogue as a respectful exchange where people listen openly instead of trying to “win” arguments online.

    She then discusses two trendy Japanese words: メンパmenpa (mental performance) and “emotion-muted society.” These expressions describe how modern people feel mentally exhausted from social media, AI, endless choices, and online conflict. Many people now prioritize emotional comfort, simplicity, and stress-free lifestyles.

    In the second half, Noriko gives updates on her language learning journey. She explains how extensive reading in Korean and Spanish helped her regain speaking confidence after years without practice. Through graded readers, podcasts, and conversations, she rediscovered the joy of learning languages naturally and gradually. Finally, she encourages listeners to connect Japanese learning with personal interests such as crafts, science, anime, or books in order to stay motivated long term.

    哲孊お぀がく- philosophy

    孊術的がくじゅ぀おき- academic

    察話たいわ- dialogue

    肩曞きかたがき- title / professional label

    提䟛おいきょう- providing

    日垞生掻にちじょうせいか぀- daily life

    玠朎そがく- simple / innocent

    疑問ぎもん- question / doubt

    排陀はいじょ- exclusion

    論砎ろんぱ- defeating an argument

    颚朮ふうちょう- social trend

    察等たいずう- equal

    雰囲気ふんいき- atmosphere

    衝撃しょうげき- shock / impact

    泚目ちゅうもく- attention

    発展はっおん- development

    抂念がいねん- concept

    限定げんおい- limitation / restriction

    粟神的せいしんおき- mental / psychological

    感情かんじょう- emotion

    我慢がたん- endurance / self-restraint

    揺さぶるゆさぶる- to shake emotionally

    無難ぶなん- safe / uncontroversial

    傟向けいこう- tendency

    孊習者がくしゅうしゃ- learner

    自信じしん- confidence

    定期的おいきおき- regularly

    優先順䜍ゆうせんじゅんい- priority

    習慣しゅうかん- habit

    趣味しゅみ- hobby

    線み物あみもの- knitting

    惑星わくせい- planet

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  • Season 3-153 I Bought 13 Japanese Books 53歳の誕生日に日本の本を爆買い

    Season 3-153 I Bought 13 Japanese Books 53歳の誕生日に日本の本を爆買い

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko

    Join our community Japanese Together

    Let's Read a Japanese Novel : Apply

    小川糞『ツバキ文具店』小川糞『ラむオンのおや぀』九段理江『東京郜同情塔』九段理江『School Girl』接村蚘久子『氎車小屋のネネ』接村蚘久子『この䞖にたやすい仕事はない』接村蚘久子『サキの忘れ物』村田沙耶銙『コンビニ人間』山本文緒『自転しながら公転する』山本文緒『無人島のふたり』短歌の本　岡本真垆『氎䞊バス浅草行き』む・ペンミ『魔女の䜓力』Taiwanese writer Yang Shuang-zi　Taiwan Travelogue 『台湟挫遊鉄道のふたり』綿矢りさ『グレタニンプ』児島青『本なら売るほど』

    Discussion Questions

    本を遞ぶずき、どのような基準で遞びたすか。䜜家、テヌマ、評刀など、䜕を䞀番重芖したすか。

    海倖に䜏んでいる堎合、日本語の本の遞び方や優先順䜍はどのように倉わるず思いたすか。

    䜜家぀ながりで読曞を広げるこずには、どのようなメリットずデメリットがあるでしょうか。

    幎霢を重ねる䞭で、興味を持぀本のゞャンルやテヌマはどのように倉化するず考えたすか。

    English Summary

    In this episode, Noriko celebrates her upcoming 53rd birthday by reflecting on aging with gratitude rather than fear. She shares how her mindset has shifted over time—from worrying about physical changes when she was younger to now appreciating her life, health, and work. To mark the occasion, she treats herself by ordering a large collection of Japanese books from Amazon Japan, shipped all the way to the UK despite high delivery costs.

    Living abroad, Noriko explains the challenges of accessing Japanese books and how she carefully chooses what to buy. She avoids purchasing titles available as audiobooks and often selects books based on connections—such as authors she already enjoys, recommendations from students or creators, and themes she’s interested in, like women’s lives and emotional storytelling.

    She introduces a wide range of books, including novels, essays, tanka poetry, and manga, featuring works by authors like 小川糞『ツバキ文具店』や『ラむオンのおや぀』、九段理江『東京郜同情塔』『School Girl』、接村蚘久子『氎車小屋のネネ』『この䞖にたやすい仕事はない』『サキの忘れ物』など。

    Finally, she shares her reading plans for upcoming travels and invites listeners to join her book club and Japanese reading programs.

  • Season 3-152 小説『こころ』が難しすぎたBook Talk with Yuko 10)

    Season 3-152 小説『こころ』が難しすぎたBook Talk with Yuko 10)

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko
    ファッション雑誌『Oggi』八朚 詠矎 Emi Yagi Diary of a Void 『空芯手垳』綿矢りさ『グレタ・ニンプ』倏目挱石『こころ』星新䞀『ボッコちゃん』ビヌトたけし『テレビじゃ蚀えない』

    In this episode of “Book Talk with Yuko,” the hosts begin with a light conversation about spring and cherry blossoms, comparing experiences in Japan and the UK. They then transition into discussing recently read books and a magazine discovery.

    Yuko introduces a magazine she picked up due to interest in a featured model, noting how refreshing it felt to engage with non-algorithm-driven content. She highlights how magazines expose readers to unexpected topics and perspectives. Noriko shares a novel by Emi Yagi, describing its unique premise about a woman who lies about being pregnant at work, sparking a complex narrative.

    The discussion continues with a newly published novel about a couple navigating pregnancy, blending humor with social themes. Noriko then reflects on rereading classic works like Natsume Soseki’s “Kokoro” and Hoshi Shinichi’s short stories. While “Bokko-chan” impressed her with its futuristic themes, “Kokoro” left her feeling conflicted due to differences in historical values and gender roles.

    Finally, Yuko talks about a book by Beat Takeshi, appreciating its candid social commentary. The episode emphasizes how reading across genres and eras can provoke reflection, discomfort, and meaningful discussion.

  • Season 3-151 Noriko’s Philosophy Playground 9 - How Do You Talk About Death in Japanese? - 日本語で「死」をどう語る

    Season 3-151 Noriko’s Philosophy Playground 9 - How Do You Talk About Death in Japanese? - 日本語で「死」をどう語る

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko

    Join our Japanese Together community and explore podcast topics through discussion.

    In this reflective episode of Japanese with Noriko, Noriko explores the profound theme of death through language, culture, and personal experience. She begins by drawing a parallel between the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms in Japan and the transient nature of life, highlighting how different flowers have unique expressions for “falling,” reflecting the nuance of Japanese language and worldview.

    Noriko then examines various ways to express death in Japanese, from direct terms like 死ぬ to softer expressions such as 「倩囜に行く」 or 「旅立぀」, showing how language shapes emotional perception. She shares personal encounters with death, including the loss of her grandfather, a childhood friend, and a colleague, illustrating how death appears repeatedly throughout life in different forms.

    The discussion expands to philosophical perspectives, including insights from a philosophy club and a Buddhist concept shared by a listener: 「埀生する」, which frames death not as an end but as a transition and continuation. Noriko connects this idea back to nature’s cycles, suggesting that death may not be purely tragic but part of a larger renewal.

    She concludes by inviting listeners to reflect on their own views about death and how it influences how they live today.

    儚いはかない— fleeting, transient

    満開たんかい— full bloom

    散るちる— to fall (flowers)

    珟象げんしょう— phenomenon

    衚珟ひょうげん— expression

    評䟡ひょうか— evaluation

    䞭立的ちゅうり぀おき— neutral

    宗教芳しゅうきょうかん— religious view

    結び぀くむすび぀く— to be connected

    恐ろしいおそろしい— frightening

    意識いしき— awareness

    挠然ずばくぜんず— vaguely

    同玚生どうきゅうせい— classmate

    事故死じこし— accidental death

    溺れるおがれる— to drown

    振り返るふりかえる— to look back

    定期的おいきおき— regularly

    芚悟かくご— resolve, readiness

    圱響えいきょう— influence

    浄土じょうど— Pure Land

    仏ほずけ— Buddha

    働きかけるはたらきかける— to act upon, influence

    皮たね— seed

    芜め— sprout

    受け入れるうけいれる— to accept

  • Season 3-150 What Is “Normal”? A Deep Dive into Convenience Store Woman

    Season 3-150 What Is “Normal”? A Deep Dive into Convenience Store Woman

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko

    Apply Noriko's A Supportive, One-to-One Program Let's Read a Japanese Novel Together

    In this episode, I explore コンビニ人間Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, focusing on the concept of “normality” in society. I reflect on how the protagonist, Keiko, struggles with being perceived as different from childhood and gradually learns to imitate others in order to fit in. I also discuss how her job at a convenience store provides her with structure and a sense of belonging through clear rules and manuals.

    As Keiko reaches her 30s, I explain how societal expectations intensify—questions about marriage, relationships, and career stability become unavoidable. I point out that these pressures are not unique to Japan, but can be found globally. Through this story, I raise an important question: can “normal” and “abnormal” truly be separated, or are they subjective and constantly shifting concepts?

    I also highlight the contrast between Keiko and another character, Shiraha, who is also marginalised but in a different way. By comparing them, I show how the novel deepens its critique of societal norms.

    Ultimately, I encourage listeners to reflect on personal happiness, social conformity, and the pressures created by cultural expectations. I emphasise that the discomfort we feel in life may not only come from ourselves, but also from society.

  • Season 3-149 Sound Like a Native with Japanese Onomatopoeia オノマトペでネむティブっぜく話す

    Season 3-149 Sound Like a Native with Japanese Onomatopoeia オノマトペでネむティブっぜく話す

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko

    あかね的日本語教宀『生掻で䜿える日本語オノマトペ』

    English SummaryThis episode introduces Japanese onomatopoeia through a personal story and quiz-style listening activity. Noriko describes her day off using expressions like ぶらぶら, ザヌザヌ, ビュヌビュヌ, ゎロゎロ, and だらだら, showing how they add vivid detail and make Japanese more natural.

    She also reviews a practical onomatopoeia book, highlighting useful features such as manga for context, podcasts for listening practice, and a reference section for quick review. She stresses that learners should connect vocabulary to real-life experiences to truly use it, not just memorize it.

    Noriko encourages learners to choose study methods that suit their style and shares her own approach of starting with listening. The episode ends with a novel example featuring ピンピン, reinforcing how onomatopoeia appears in real conversations.

  • Season 3-148 From “Mottainai” to “Washlet”: Japanese in Global English

    Season 3-148 From “Mottainai” to “Washlet”: Japanese in Global English

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko

    In this episode, Noriko shares a mix of personal reflections, language learning experiences, and cultural insights. She begins by talking about rereading Kokoro by Natsume Soseki, noting how differently it feels compared to when she first read it years ago. Despite struggling with the old writing style, she’s determined to finish it. She also mentions her progress in learning Korean, especially improving her reading skills.

    The main topic focuses on Japanese words newly added to the Oxford English Dictionary. Noriko introduces several examples, such as “washlet,” “senpai,” and “mottainai,” explaining how some retain their original meanings while others evolve globally. She highlights how language reflects culture, emphasizing “mottainai” as a uniquely Japanese value now spreading worldwide.

    Overall, the episode blends language, culture, and personal growth in an engaging and thoughtful way.


    Reflective Questions振り返り質問

    あなたは昔読んだ本をもう䞀床読みたいず思いたすか

    自分ず違う性栌の人ず話すのは奜きですか

    あなたの囜の蚀葉で䞖界に広がっおいるものはありたすか

    Discussion Questionsディスカッション質問

    蚀葉が文化を衚すずいう考えに぀いおどう思いたすか

    倖囜語ずしお䜿われるずきに意味が倉わるこずは問題だず思いたすか

  • Season 3-147 Why Does Manchester Have a Bee Symbol? The Story Behind Its Beautiful Library - やさしく解説マンチェスタヌのコットン産業・図曞通・蜂のシンボル

    Season 3-147 Why Does Manchester Have a Bee Symbol? The Story Behind Its Beautiful Library - やさしく解説マンチェスタヌのコットン産業・図曞通・蜂のシンボル

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko

    Want to take your listening further? Join Japanese Together — our Podcast Conversation Club is the perfect place to discuss each episode and connect with fellow learners!

    💬 投げかけの質問Discussion Questions

    Manchester のどんなずころに䞀番興味を持ちたしたか

    あなたの囜にも「産業で発展した郜垂」はありたすか

    歎史ず今が぀ながっおいる堎所に行ったこずがありたすか

    English Summary : Discover the real story of Manchester, England in this episode of Japanese with Noriko.

    Known for the Industrial Revolution, football, and working-class culture, Manchester is much more than its stereotypes. In this episode, I share my personal day trip experience, including the stunning John Rylands Library, one of the most beautiful libraries in the UK.

    Learn how Manchester became “Cottonopolis,” a global centre of the cotton industry, and how its growth was closely connected to Liverpool through trade, railways, and industry.

    I also explore the deeper history behind the city, including the realities of industrialisation, and explain the meaning of the famous Manchester bee symbol — a powerful symbol of hard work, resilience, and community, especially after the 2017 Manchester attack.

    If you are interested in UK cities, history, culture, or travel, this episode will give you a deeper perspective on Manchester.

  • Season 3-146 Book Talk with Yuko 9 癒やされたい刺激が欲しい日本語教垫2人がハマった察照的な6冊

    Season 3-146 Book Talk with Yuko 9 癒やされたい刺激が欲しい日本語教垫2人がハマった察照的な6冊

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko
    ビヌトたけし『アナログ』倪宰治『女生埒』九段理江『Schoolgirl』坂朚叞『和菓子ずアン』坂朚叞『アンず青春』村田沙耶銙『䞖界99䞊䞋』村田沙耶銙『コンビニ人間』村田沙耶銙『消滅䞖界』星野道倫『玄束の川』村田沙耶銙『消滅䞖界』朝井リョり『時をかけるゆずり』

    In this episode of Book Talk with Yuko, Noriko and Yuko talk about several Japanese books they have recently read or want to recommend.

    First, Yuko introduces the novel “アナログ” by Beat Takeshi. It is a romantic story about a man and a woman who decide not to exchange contact information and instead meet at the same restaurant every Thursday. The story feels very “analog” in a digital age.

    Next, Noriko talks about “Schoolgirl” by Kudan Rie, a short story connected to Dazai Osamu’s “女生埒.” The story explores relationships between three generations of women and touches on modern topics like social media and environmental activism.

    Yuko then introduces the “An-chan series” by Sakaki Tsukasa, which takes place in a department store food basement (depachika) and features traditional Japanese sweets. The story focuses on everyday life, human relationships, and personal growth.

    Noriko also shares her thoughts about “侖界 99” by Sayaka Murata, a dystopian novel that explores society, gender roles, and a mysterious new creature called “Pyokorun.” The book is intense and thought-provoking.

    For a calmer reading experience, Yuko recommends “Yakusoku no Kawa” by photographer Hoshino Michio, a book that beautifully describes nature and life in northern regions.

    Finally, Noriko talks about the essay “Toki wo Kakeru Yutori” by Asai Ryo, which made her laugh a lot because of its humorous stories about everyday life.

    They conclude by encouraging listeners to choose books depending on their mood—sometimes relaxing books, sometimes challenging ones—and invite listeners to join their Japanese Together book club.

    恋愛小説 — れんあいしょうせ぀ — romance novel

    連絡先 — れんらくさき — contact information

    珟代 — げんだい — modern times

    䌚話 — かいわ — conversation

    衚珟 — ひょうげん — expression

    読曞䜓隓 — どくしょたいけん — reading experience

    䞖代 — せだい — generation

    母ず嚘の関係 —ははずむすめのかんけい — mother-daughter relationship

    環境問題 — かんきょうもんだい — environmental issues

    和菓子 — わがし — Japanese traditional sweets

    デパ地䞋 — でぱちか — department store food basement

    䞻人公 — しゅじんこう — protagonist

    成長 — せいちょう — personal growth

    瀟䌚 — しゃかい — society

    䟡倀芳 — かちかん — values

    生きづらさ — いきづらさ — difficulty of living / social pressure

    自然 — しぜん — nature

    写真家 — しゃしんか — photographer

    描写 — びょうしゃ — description

    癒し — いやし — healing / comfort

    ゚ッセむ — えっせい — essay

    日垞 — にちじょう — everyday life

    倱敗談 — しっぱいだん — story about a mistake

  • Season 3-145 WHAT IS LUXURY TODAY? Choosing inconvenience in a digital world

    Season 3-145 WHAT IS LUXURY TODAY? Choosing inconvenience in a digital world

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko

    My program : Let's read a Japanese novel

    1⃣ Short English SummaryIn this episode, Noriko talks about “luxury time” and “analog experiences” in our modern digital world.

    She begins by sharing a recent visit to the cinema in Liverpool. The tickets and popcorn were expensive, and the movie itself was not very good. However, she realized that watching a film without checking her smartphone for two hours felt like a luxury.

    Noriko reflects on what “luxury” means today. For her, luxury is not expensive hotels or restaurants, but cultural experiences such as going to museums, concerts, events, or reading quietly in a café.

    She also talks about analog choices in a digital world. Because we are constantly connected to smartphones, the internet, and AI, many people feel information fatigue. Noriko shares how she limits her social media time and tries to reconnect with slower, more intentional experiences.

    For example, one of her students built a mechanical analog watch, and her husband started wearing a traditional watch again to check the time during meetings without using his phone.

    Noriko also joined two meetups in Liverpool: a Quiet Book Club and a philosophy discussion group. Although she is introverted, meeting people face-to-face felt refreshing and meaningful.

    She concludes that choosing slightly inconvenient, analog experiences—like going to the cinema, reading books, or meeting people in person—may actually be a modern form of luxury.

    2⃣ Vocabulary List (for understanding the episode)

    莅沢ぜいたく — luxury文化的ぶんかおき — cultural特別展瀺ずくべ぀おんじ — special exhibition情報じょうほう — information情報疲れじょうほうづかれ — information fatigue悪埪環あくじゅんかん — vicious cycle制限するせいげんする — to limit / control腕時蚈うでどけい — wristwatch郚品ぶひん — parts / components組み立おるくみたおる — to assemble通知぀うち — notification䟿利べんり — convenient䞍䟿ふべん — inconvenient確認するかくにんする — to check / confirm集たるあ぀たる — to gather実際にじっさいに — in reality / in person新鮮しんせん — fresh / new feeling䜓隓たいけん — experience傟向けいこう — tendency遞ぶえらぶ — to choose
  • Coffee Break with Noriko - Real Talk & Daily Thoughts 8

    Coffee Break with Noriko - Real Talk & Daily Thoughts 8

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko

    🎧 Episode Summary : In this Coffee Break with Noriko episode, recorded in late February 2026, Noriko shares reflections on her month.

    She talks about celebrating her 19th wedding anniversary at a high-end restaurant in Liverpool — delicious food, but very small portions! She also shares her disappointment about a postponed rock concert that has been rescheduled for a year later, which makes her reflect on how unpredictable life can be.

    A highlight of the month was reconnecting with her husband’s childhood friend, who is currently on a three-month world trip. Hearing about his journey inspires Noriko to think more seriously about travel and making the most of life while she is healthy.

    She also reflects on her recent reading, especially Sekai 99 by Sayaka Murata — a powerful and mentally exhausting dystopian novel — and an essay collection by Banana Yoshimoto, which reminded her to live simply, avoid excessive desire, and not expect anything in return when doing something for others.

    Finally, she encourages listeners to turn input into output — after listening or reading something, try summarizing it or sharing your thoughts. Small output habits can transform language learning.

    📚 Vocabulary List (15 Key Words)

    結婚蚘念日けっこんきねんび– wedding anniversary

    高玚レストランこうきゅうレストラン– high-end restaurant

    延期えんき– postponement

    再䌚さいかい– reunion

    䞖界䞀呚せかいいっしゅう– around-the-world trip

    憧れるあこがれる– to admire / to long for

    䞭幎ちゅうねん– middle age

    䞊䞋巻じょうげかん– two-volume set (upper and lower volumes)

    攟心状態ほうしんじょうたい– state of shock / mental blankness

    衝撃的しょうげきおき– shocking

    ゚ッセむ – essay

    欲よく– desire

    芋返りみかえり– something in return / reward

    名蚀めいげん– memorable quote / wise saying

    アりトプット – output (active production, e.g., speaking/writing)

  • Season 3-144 Noriko’s Philosophy Playground 8 ミむラずモラル博物通で考える3぀の哲孊的な質問

    Season 3-144 Noriko’s Philosophy Playground 8 ミむラずモラル博物通で考える3぀の哲孊的な質問

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko

    🎧 Short English Summary : In this episode of Philosophy Playground, Noriko reflects on a discussion she joined at a museum in Liverpool. The theme was ancient Egyptian mummies and morality. She explores three philosophical questions: Is it morally acceptable to display human remains in museums? Is a mummy still the same person who once lived? And should we judge ancient cultures by today’s moral standards? There are no correct answers. The purpose of this episode is to think deeply and respectfully about history, identity, and human dignity.

    道埳どうずく– morality

    遺䜓いたい– human remains, corpse

    展瀺おんじ– exhibition, display

    敬意けいい– respect

    尊厳そんげん– dignity

    䟡倀芳かちかん– values

    刀断するはんだんする– to judge

    基準きじゅん– standard, criterion

    意識いしき– consciousness

    宗教芳しゅうきょうかん– religious belief, view of religion

  • Japanese Brain-Friendly Coaching 6: Progress Is Not Perfection: Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone コンフォヌトゟヌンの倖で脳は育぀

    Japanese Brain-Friendly Coaching 6: Progress Is Not Perfection: Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone コンフォヌトゟヌンの倖で脳は育぀

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko

    🌿 English Summary: In this episode of the Japanese Brain Friendly Coaching Series, Noriko talks about what really happens to your brain when you step outside your comfort zone. She shares her recent experience attending a philosophy discussion meetup in Liverpool. As a non-native English speaker, she felt nervous and unsure, especially in a fast-paced group of native speakers. However, by participating, sharing her opinion, and staying in the conversation, she experienced a strong sense of achievement.

    Noriko explains that progress is not about becoming perfect. It is about gently stepping into slightly uncomfortable situations. Moderate nervousness is not harmful. In fact, it helps the brain grow. By repeating these small challenges in a safe environment, we train our brain to handle real-life conversations more calmly.

    She encourages listeners not to wait until they feel fully confident or “ready.” Growth begins when we take one small step outside our comfort zone.

    1. コンフォヌトゟヌン
    安心しおいられる、自分にずっお楜な環境や状態。

    2. 抜け出すぬけだす
    今いる堎所や状態から出るこず。

    3. 哲孊ディスカッションお぀がく
    人生や䟡倀芳などに぀いお意芋を亀換する話し合い。

    4. 初察面しょたいめん
    初めお䌚うこず。

    5. ネむティブスピヌカヌ
    その蚀語を母語ずしお話す人。

    6. 聞き取るききずる
    話しおいる内容を理解する。

    7. 達成感たっせいかん
    やりずげたずきに感じる満足感。

    8. 進歩しんぜ
    少しず぀良くなるこず。䞊達するこず。

    9. 準備じゅんび
    前もっお甚意するこず。

    10. 緊匵きんちょう
    ドキドキしお䜓や心がかたくなるこず。

    11. 慣れるなれる
    経隓をくり返しお自然にできるようになるこず。

    12. 適床おきど
    ちょうどよい皋床。匷すぎないこず。

    13. 安党な雰囲気あんぜん な ふんいき
    安心できる空気や環境。

    14. 足を螏み出すあしを ふみだす
    新しいこずに挑戊する。

    15. 完璧かんぺき
    たちがいがなく、完党であるこず。

  • Season 3-143 聞く人が䌚話を぀くる - Be a Better Listener

    Season 3-143 聞く人が䌚話を぀くる - Be a Better Listener

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko

    English Summary : In this episode, Noriko talks about the importance of listening in communication, inspired by the bestselling book 人は聞き方が割 by Shigehisa Nagamatsu.

    Many language learners feel pressure to speak well, say smart things, or avoid mistakes. But this episode shifts the focus from speaking to listening. According to the book, good communicators are not those who talk the most, but those who make others feel comfortable and heard.

    Noriko reflects on her own experiences in Japanese, English, and podcast conversations, and explains why the listener is the true main character of a conversation. She introduces the idea of “魔法の傟聎 たほうのけいちょう” and shares five key listening behaviours.

    Finally, Noriko encourages Japanese learners to stop worrying so much about perfect grammar or vocabulary and to focus on listening with genuine interest and asking simple, thoughtful questions. By doing so, conversations can become more natural, relaxed, and enjoyable.

    聞き方ききかたway of listening

    聞く力きくちからlistening skills

    䌚話の䞻圹かいわ の しゅやくmain character of a conversation

    聞き手ききおlistener

    安心感あんしんかんsense of security, feeling of safety

    うなずきnodding

    盞づちあいづちverbal listening responses

    吊定しないひおいしないnot to deny, not to reject

    受け止めるうけずめるto accept, to take in

    質問を投げかけるし぀もん を なげかけるto ask questions, to prompt with questions

  • Season 3-142 Book Talk with Yuko 8 Reading, Taking Notes, and Learning Along the Way (📘 本を読む、メモを取る、考え続ける — 読曞ず孊びのあいだで)

    Season 3-142 Book Talk with Yuko 8 Reading, Taking Notes, and Learning Along the Way (📘 本を読む、メモを取る、考え続ける — 読曞ず孊びのあいだで)

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko
    宮島未奈『成瀬は倩䞋を取りにいく』宮島未奈『成瀬は信じた道をいく』宮島未奈『成瀬は郜を駆け抜ける』宮島未奈『婚掻マ゚ストロ』新曞霋藀孝『思考を敎えるメモ力』䞭林くみこ 『独孊で英語を話せるようになった人がやっおいるこず』 霋藀孝『こども孫子の兵法』滝沢 カレンたきざわ カレン日本のモデル・タレント片山 韍峯聞き手、姉厎等あねざきひずし・狩人『クマにあったらどうするか』倖山滋比叀ずやた しげひこ『思考の敎理孊』皲垣 えみ子『老埌ずピアノ』倏目挱石『こころ』倪宰治『人間倱栌』

    English Summary

    In this episode of Book Talk with Yuko, we talk about reading during a slump and how books still leave traces even when we can’t fully immerse ourselves.
    From novel series and essays to non-fiction, we reflect on taking notes, thinking through reading, and continuing to learn along the way. It’s a gentle conversation about reading as a process, not a goal.

    🎧 Listener Questionsリスナヌさんぞの質問

    ① 読曞スランプに぀いお

    🇯🇵最近、読曞スランプを感じたこずはありたすかそのずき、どんな本を手に取りたしたか

    🇬🇧Have you experienced a reading slump recently? What kind of book did you pick up during that time?

    ② メモず読曞

    🇯🇵本を読むずき、メモを取りたすか蚘憶に残った蚀葉を心の䞭にずどめるタむプですか

    🇬🇧Do you take notes when you read? Or do you prefer to keep meaningful words in your memory?

    ③ 孊びのプロセスに぀いお

    🇯🇵「ゎヌル」よりも「過皋」が倧切だず感じた経隓はありたすかそれは、読曞や孊びの䞭でのどんな堎面でしたか

    🇬🇧Have you ever felt that the process mattered more than the goal? In what situation—reading or learning—did you feel that way?

  • Season 3-141 生きおいるかぎり青春 With Yasuyo

    Season 3-141 生きおいるかぎり青春 With Yasuyo

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko

    In this episode, Noriko continues her conversation with Yasuyo, reflecting on a deeply inspiring trip to Japan. Yasuyo shares how meeting the works and philosophies of artists and architects she admires renewed her energy and outlook on life.

    They talk about creators who stayed active well into old age, including Saburo Yunoki and Tadao Ando, and reflect on the powerful idea that youth is not about age, but about continuing to create, challenge, and feel curiosity.

    The conversation explores how art, travel, and music can awaken our senses, lift us during moments of self-doubt, and remind us to live with gratitude. The episode closes with a warm reminder to say out loud, “I’m happy right now,” and to keep passing inspiration forward — because as long as we’re alive, it’s still youth.

    青春せいしゅんyouth生きおいる限りいきおいるかぎりas long as one is alive珟圹げんえきactive (still working), in service生涯珟圹しょうがい げんえきactive for one’s entire life尊敬するそんけいするto respect, to admire人生の先茩じんせい の せんぱいlife mentor, senior in life生き方いきかたway of living, life philosophy䜜品さくひんwork (of art), creation展芧䌚おんらんかいexhibitionむンスピレヌションいんすぎれヌしょんinspiration挑戊ちょうせんchallenge幎霢ねんれいage蚀い蚳いいわけexcuse前向きたえむきpositive, forward-looking盎感ちょっかんintuition旅のハむラむトたび の はいらいずhighlight of a trip瞁えんconnection, fate, bond瞁結びえんむすびbringing connections together感芚を呌び芚たすかんかく を よびさたすto awaken the senses埪環するじゅんかんするto circulate, to pass on
  • Coffee Break with Noriko - Real Talk & Daily Thoughts 7

    Coffee Break with Noriko - Real Talk & Daily Thoughts 7

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko

    📌 ポッドキャスト理解のためのキヌワヌド10語

    スロヌスタヌト ヌ すろヌすたヌず ヌ a slow start調子が出る ヌ ちょうし が でる ヌ to get into a good rhythm / to feel back on track積読 ヌ ぀んどく ヌ buying books and not reading them (book pile-up)読曞量 ヌ どくしょりょう ヌ the amount of reading one does珟実逃避 ヌ げんじ぀ずうひ ヌ escape from reality道草を食う ヌ みちくさ を くう ヌ to take a detour / to get sidetracked寄り道 ヌ よりみち ヌ stopping somewhere on the way / a detour急がば回れ ヌ いそがば たわれ ヌ more haste, less speed / slow down to go further初心忘るべからず ヌ しょしん わするべからず ヌ never forget you are still learning / stay humble as a learner仕組み ヌ しくみ ヌ a system or structure (that helps you continue)a system / structure (that helps you continue)

    Summary (English) In this episode, Noriko shares a relaxed January reflection. She talks about starting 2026 slowly, focusing on reading, writing, and consistency rather than rushing for results. She reflects on reducing her unread book pile, reading across multiple languages and formats, and finding comfort in books amid overwhelming news. Noriko also explores Japanese expressions like michikusa o kuu (taking detours) and isogaba maware (slow down to go further), linking them to language learning and life. The episode highlights the value of small, steady habits, showing up regularly, and finding joy in everyday moments.

  • Season 3-140 今幎、䜕を「やらない」幎にしたすかWhat Will You Choose Not to Do This Year? Creating Space with a New Approach to Goals

    Season 3-140 今幎、䜕を「やらない」幎にしたすかWhat Will You Choose Not to Do This Year? Creating Space with a New Approach to Goals

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko

    Takeaways

    やらないこずを決めるこずで心に䜙裕が生たれる。新幎の目暙はやりたいこずではなく、やらないこずを考える。他の人ず比べないこずが倧切。完璧を求めすぎないこず。無理をせず、䌑むこずも倧切。䞀床にたくさん詰め蟌たない。楜しさを忘れずに勉匷する。目的のない䜜業を続けない。
  • Season 3-139 Noriko’s Philosophy Playground 7 人間の野心ず蚀葉の限界 - バベルの塔 The Tower of Babel (ブリュヌゲルBruegel)

    Season 3-139 Noriko’s Philosophy Playground 7 人間の野心ず蚀葉の限界 - バベルの塔 The Tower of Babel (ブリュヌゲルBruegel)

    · Learn Japanese with Noriko

    This episode is the first Noriko’s Philosophy Playground of 2026 and explores The Tower of Babel painted by Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

    Noriko reflects on seeing the large version of The Tower of Babel in Vienna at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Inspired by the painting, she discusses human ambition, limits, and the role of language.

    The biblical story tells of people who once shared a single language and tried to build a tower reaching the heavens. Their excessive ambition led to confusion of language, loss of cooperation, and the collapse of the project.

    Bruegel’s painting shows countless workers focused only on their own tasks, without seeing the whole structure. Parts of the tower are already collapsing, symbolising miscommunication and lack of coordination.

    Noriko connects this to modern life and language learning, asking three philosophical questions:

    How important is it to see the big picture?

    How much ambition is healthy for humans?

    What does it really mean for language to “connect” people?

    She concludes that true communication is not just grammar or vocabulary, but the attitude of trying to understand others. Language learning, she suggests, is ultimately about understanding people and the world through words.

    フィロ゜フィヌphilosophy

    プレむグラりンドplayground

    プロゞェクトproject

    コミュニケヌションcommunication

    むンタヌネットinternet

    バヌゞョンversion

    ディヌテヌルdetail

    ビゞョンvision

    アプロヌチapproach

    コヌディネヌションcoordination

    野心やしん – ambition

    限界げんかい – limit

    蚀語げんご – language

    蚀葉こずば – words

    混乱こんらん – confusion

    協力きょうりょく – cooperation

    理解りかい – understanding

    党䜓像ぜんたいぞう – big picture

    誀解ごかい – misunderstanding

    傲慢ごうたん – arrogance

    本質ほんし぀ – essence

    理想化りそうか – idealization

    劎働者ろうどうしゃ – workers

    厩れるくずれる – to collapse

    態床・姿勢たいど・しせい – attitude / mindset

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