In this podcast, I, Hiro, talk about Japanese culture, customs, history, the language itself, and many other topics. Most episodes are solo, but sometimes I’m joined by my partner, friends, or students for relaxed and natural conversations. Through these episodes, you can improve your listening skills and expand your vocabulary. Enjoy learning Japanese!
Today’s theme is “reading the air.” Being able to read the air is considered important in all kinds of situations, such as business and personal relationships. At the same time, reading the air too much can also have negative aspects. Let’s think together, in Japanese, about both “reading the air” and “changing the air.”…
This episode’s theme is “Rei” — etiquette and respect. Valuing respect and practicing good manners are essential for creating a life where both you and the people around you can feel comfortable and at ease. There’s no need to be overly rigid or formal about it, but maintaining respect is key to building good relationships and living a better life. We hope you enjoy the episode! 今回のテーマは「礼・礼儀」です。…
In Japan, spring is a season of new beginnings and farewells. It’s the perfect time to start something new and build good habits. Let’s enjoy spring in Japanese! 日本では、春は出会いと別れの季節です。新しいことを始めたり、良い習慣を身につけるにも最適な季節。日本語で春を楽しみましょう!
水は私たちに欠かせないものですよね。 今回のエピソードでは、そんな水に関わる表現を紹介します。 Water is something we can’t live without, right? In this episode, I’ll introduce some Japanese expressions related to water. Enjoy!
「気(Ki)」という字は、日本語のさまざまな表現やイディオムで使われています。 「気」とは何か? 実は、はっきりと一言で説明するのはとても難しい言葉です。 僕自身も完璧に理解できているわけではありませんが、 日常会話の中でたくさんの「気」を自然に使っています。 このエピソードでは、「気」が使われた表現をいくつか紹介しながら、 その感覚を一緒に考えてみたいと思います。 気 とは何か?ということが 気になったら 、まずは、あまり細かいことを 気にせず 、 気軽に 聞いてみてください。きっと、日本語の勉強への やる気 が、もっと湧いてくるはずです。そして 元気 に 、勉強を続けていきましょう。Enjoy! The character “Ki” (気) appears in many Japanese expressions and idioms. What exactly is “Ki”? In…
The word “道 (Michi / Do)” represents more than just a road or path. In Japanese culture, it expresses the process of striving toward mastery. We often focus only on results. But by becoming aware of the path we are walking right now, our learning — and our lives — can become much richer. Learning Japanese could also be a “道.” So instead of chasing only fluency, try to appreciate each step along…
Today’s topic is focus . When learning Japanese, staying focused is really important. I try different ways every day to maintain my focus. I hope you’ll find a method that works best for you, too. Enjoy! 今回のテーマは「集中」です。 日本語を学ぶときも、集中力はとても大切ですよね。 僕自身、毎日集中力を保つためにいろいろ工夫しています。 みなさんも、ぜひ自分に合った集中力を高める方法を見つけてみてください。
Today’s theme is 間(ま). is a very important element in communication and human relationships.Especially when we are busy or feeling stuck, taking a moment of 「ま」(break, pause・・・) can sometimes help things move forward. I hope you’ll try valuing 「ま」 in your daily life and in your Japanese studies as well. 今回のテーマは「ま」です。 「ま」は、コミュニケーションや人間関係において、とても大切な要素ですよね。忙しい時や行き詰まっている時ほど、あえて間をとることで、物事がうまく進むこともあります。…
You want to travel, but you’re not a fan of crowds. For those of you, I’d like to introduce some recommended travel destinations in Japan for 2026. Let’s enjoy traveling while learning Japanese along the way. 旅行には行きたいけれど、人混みはちょっと苦手。そんなみなさんのために、2026年におすすめの旅先をご紹介します。旅を楽しみながら、日本語も一緒に学んでいきましょう。
Today’s theme is coincidence. Our life is colored by chance. Let’s sometimes step away from plans and schedules, enjoy the unexpected, and learn Japanese together. Enjoy! 今回のテーマは「偶然」です。 偶然は人生を彩ります。時には計画や予定から離れて、偶然を楽しみながら、日本語を学びましょう!