Sunshine Japanese Yasashii Nihon-go radio

A new season often brings a small change to our daily lives. In this episode, I share how the changing season has inspired me to make a small change in my daily life. As the weather becomes more comfortable, I’m starting something new and looking forward to it. I hope this episode encourages you to enjoy the season and perhaps begin something new as well.This episode's vocab list: 最高気温 the highest temperature N3 30度を下回る to fall below 30 degrees N2言葉 words; phrase N5聞いたことがありますか。Have you heard it before? N4どんな場所でも in any places N3実際に住んでみると if you actually live there N3だんだん慣れてくる to gradually get used to it N4住みやすくなる to become easy to live in N3 ことわざ proverb N3湿度 humidity N2逆に on the other hand; conversely N3雨が降れば気温が下がる the temperature drops when it rains. N4日本の夏と比べると compared to summer in Japan N3過ごしやすい comfortable; easy to spend time in N3感じるようになりました。I’ve come to feel that way. N3さらに moreover; furthermore N3雨季 wet season; rainy season N3 乾季に入るとonce the dry season begins N3爽やか fresh; refreshing N3 一年の中で一番過ごしやすい季節the most comfortable season of the year N3再開しようと思っています。I’m thinking of restarting. N3挑戦してみたいです。 I’d like to take on a new challenging. N2種類が豊富 rich in variety; wide variety N2とりあえず for the time being N4ピッタリ合う to fit perfectly  N4今からとても楽しみです。I’m already really looking forward to it. N4Please note that these levels are approximate, teaching-based estimates — they are meant to give a rough idea of difficulty, not an official classification.I hope this helps your learning, and feel free to focus on the words that are most interesting or useful to you!

Have you ever felt like prices change just because you searched?In this episode, I share what I’ve noticed, what I’ve heard, andwhat I’ve tried to do to resist algorithms.This episode's vocab list: 5週間ぶりのポッドキャストです。It’s my first podcast in 5 weeks N4とても気が早い I might be too hasty; it might be a bit early. N3予約 booking; reservation N4チャンスを逃してしまいました。 I missed the chance N3予約が始まってすぐ as soon as reservations opened N3値段 price(s) N5微妙に変動しているchanging slightly N1気が付きました。I noticed it. N4ネット予約 online booking N4一般的 common; general N3アルゴリズム algorithm N2人気がある日にち popular dates N4値段を上げるそうです。I heard that they raise prices. N3つまり in other words N3検索  search; retrieval N3検索すればするほど値段が上がるThe more you search, the higher the prices go. N3では、検索しない方がいいということですよね。So does that mean it’s better not search? N3アルゴリズムにばれないように without being noticed by the algorithm N3どうすればいいのでしょうか。What should we do? N3泊まりたい日にちだけでなくnot only the dates I want to stay N2他の日にちもbut also other dates N4同じように in the same way N4再来週 the week after next N2どう思いますか。What do you think? N4この方法でアルゴリズムにばれないと思いますか。Do you think this method can avoid being detected by the algorithm? N3何かいい方法があったら、ぜひ教えてください！ If you have any good tips, please let me know. N3Pleasenote that these levels are approximate, teaching-based estimates — they are meant to give a rough idea of difficulty, not an official classification.I hope this helps your learning, and feel free to focus on the words that are most interesting or useful to you!

Teaching gives me energy – just like a vitamin.I feel lucky to have a job, that gives me energy. Do you have something in your life that energized you? Let’s take a moment to appreciate it. As the seasons begin to change, so please take good care of yourself! This episode's vocab list: あっという間に in the blink of an eye; before you know it  [N3]充実した１か月 a fulfilling month [N3]体調の問題 a health problem  [N3]おかげさまで thankfully  [N3]改善しました。It improved; it has gotten better  [N2]私なりに考えてみたところwhen I thought about it in my own way; after thinking it over myself [N2]どうやら体が冷えていたことが原因だったようです。It seems my body being too cold may have been the cause. [N2]ぐっすり眠る to sleep soundly  [N3]私の方が元気をもらっている I’m the one receiving energy. [N3]レッスンは仕事でありながら Even though teaching is my job, [N2]不思議な存在 something special and hard to describe  [N2]まるでビタミン剤のようなもの something like a vitamin supplement   [N3]正直な所 to be honest  [N3]同じことを質問してしまうこともあります。Sometimes, I end up asking the same question. [N3]その都度 every time; each time  [N2]日本語そのものに集中しているせいか、Perhaps because I’m focusing on their Japanese itself  [N2]細かい内容 the small details   [N3]なかなか記憶に残らない it doesn’t easily stay  in my memory. [N2]丁寧に答えてくれます。They answer carefully and politely. [N4]上達 improvement; progress  [N3]心を打たれます To be deeply moved  [N2]相変わらずです it’s the same as always   [N3]温かく接してくれる to treat me warmly  [N3]3月もすぐそこですね。March is just around the corner. [N4]北半球でも南半球でもin both the Northern and Southern hemispheres [N4]季節の変わり目 the change of the seasons; seasonal transition   [N3]体調を崩さないよう、くれぐれも気を付けてくださいね。 Please take good care of yourself, and try not to get sick. [N2]Please note that these levels are approximate, teaching-based estimates — they are meant to give a rough idea of difficulty, not an official classification.I hope this helps your learning, and feel free to focus on the words that are most interesting or useful to you!

Do you sleep well every day? Last week, I couldn’t sleep at all and even had a terrible headache. I talk about what happened, what I tried, and how it made me think again about health and daily habits. This episode is shared in easy Japanese with a mix of levels, so I hope you can relax and enjoy listening while learning. This episode's vocab list: 眠れない not to have a sleep [N4]頭痛 headache [N4]酷い terrible  [N3]睡眠不足で苦しんだことがありますか。Have you suffered from a lack of sleep? [N3-N2]原因 the cause  [N4]しかも what’s more [N3]突然 suddenly  [N4]水泳 swimming [N4]水泳を止めました。I stopped swimming. [N4]関係ないかもしれません might not be related [N3]念のため just in case  [N3]状態は変わりません。My condition hasn’t changed. [N3]健康を一番に考えようと思った矢先に just as I decided to put my health first [N2]起きました。This happened. [N5]睡眠用のサプリ supplement to help me sleep  [N3-N2]ビタミン不足 a lack of vitamins  [N3]睡眠に影響するそうです。 I’ve heard that it can affect sleep [N3]どうしますか。What do you do? [N5]Please note that these levels are approximate, teaching-based estimates — they are meant to give a rough idea of difficulty, not an official classification.I hope this helps your learning, and feel free to focus on the words that are most interesting or useful to you!

“A mother’s day trip that didn’t go as planned — what happened next?”My mother suddenly decided to go on a day trip by herself — and then she changed her mind. I hope you enjoy listening to her unexpected story. This episode's vocab list: 母の話をします。I will talk about my mother. [N5]土日 Saturday and Sunday; the weekend [N5]富士山を見に、for the purpose of seeing Mt. Fuji [N4]とてもきれいに富士山が見えたそうです。I heard that she could see Mt Fuji very clearly [N3]鳥居 Shrine gate [N3]観光 sightseeing [N3]時間がまだ早かったです。 it was still early. [N3]ある考えが浮かびました。 One idea came to mind. [N2]足を伸ばす to extend the journey; to go a bit further [N2]突然のプラン sudden plan [N2]1時間40分かける to spend 1 hour and 40 minutes [N4]ずっと all the way; the whole time  [N4]当日 on that day; the same day  [N2]当日ホテルをとったからかどうか分かりません。 I am not sure whether it was because she booked the hotel on the same day or not [N2]ホテル代 the hotel cost; hotel fee  [N3]私が母の旅行のプランナーになろうと思っています。I’m thinking of becoming my mother’s travel planner. [N3]もうすでに already  [N4]計画を立てています。I’m making a plan; I’ve already started planning. [N3]日本のホテルを予約する to book a hotel in Japan [N4]どんなウェブサイト which website; what kind of website [N4]Please note that these levels are approximate, teaching-based estimates — they are meant to give a rough idea of difficulty, not an official classification. I hope this helps your learning, and feel free to focus on the words that are most interesting or useful to you!

‘Play’ in English isn’t just あそぶ in Japanese — find out why!In this episode, I explore how one English verb can be expressed using different verbs in Japanese. Before listening, try making one English sentence with this verb. I hope this episode helps you enjoy discovering how Japanese works.This episode's vocab list: 気が付いていましたか。Have you noticed? [N4]英語の文をひとつ one English sentence [N5]たいてい usually [N4]アクションが違うと、日本語では使う言葉も違います。If the actions are different, the words used in Japanese are also different. [N3]他のスポーツ other sports [N5]間違える to make a mistake [N4]これは、英語の影響ですね。This is influenced by English. [N3]Kids playの意味が強い時 When meaning of “Kids play” is stronger, [N3] 残念ながら、どんな楽器でも「弾きます」を使うことができるわけではありません。Unfortunately, It doesn’t mean you can use the verb “hikimasu” for any instrument. [N2]基本的に、弦楽器だけです。Basically, it’s only for stringedinstruments. [N3]例外 exception [N3]電子ピアノ electric piano [N3]つまり in other words [N3]訳す to translate [N3]ただし however; but (common in explanations) [N2]注意が必要です。You need to be careful. [N3]このように like this; in this way;  as mentioned above [N3] 集めてみる to try collecting [N4]

It’s been a long time since the last episode! Hope you’ve beenwell. 2026 has started, and I’d like to talk about my New Year’s resolution.This episode's vocab list [JLPT level]: 毎年恒例 annual event [N1]新年の抱負 New Year’s resolution [N1]健康に過ごすこと staying healthy [N3-4]体力作り physical training; building physical strength [N2]積極的に actively; proactively; with a positive attitude [N3]気合いっぱい full of motivation; all fired up [N2]この目標を忘れずに without forgetting this goal [N3] 水泳 swimming  [N3]かなづち literally ‘a hammer’ but it means ‘can’t swim’ in this context  [N1]苦手 my weak point; something I’m not good at [N4]泳げるようになっています。I’m becoming able to swim. [N4]暑い間は while it’s hot [N3]スタミナをつけたいです。I want to build up my stamina. [N3]ゴルフを始めようと思っています。I’m thinking of starting golf. [N4]いつか one day [N4]報告できるといいなぁ。I hope I can let you know. [N3]残念ながら unfortunately [N3]チャンスを逃してしまいました。I missed the chance. [N3]珍しくunusually; rarely [N3]初夏 the beginning of summer [N2]あんまり暑くないといいんですが。I hope it’s not too hot. [N4]

The last day on Nakasendō Trail brought some unexpected moments including a sudden change of plans, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying every moment. Turn in to hear how the journey wrapped up! This episode's vocab list: 実は actually 歩くのをやめました。I decided not to walk山を越える to cross a mountain きっと surely; certainly 実際 actual condition; in reality; in practiceオフシーズンだったため because it was off-seasonお店があんまり開いていませんでした。Many shops were not open.有名な橋を渡りたかったです。 I wanted to cross the famous bridge予定より時間が余りました。 We had more spare time than planned松本のホテルまで移動する to head up to the hotel in Matsumoto松本の観光 sightseeing in Matsumoto旅行の予定を立てる to make a travel plan臨機応変に depending on the circumstances; flexibly変更できるようにしておく to make it possible to change用意しておきましょう。It’s better to be prepared何より more than anything達成感 a sense of achievement熊野古道 Kumano Kodo in Wakayama prefecture四国のお遍路 the pilgrimage in Shikoku island

On Day 3, we took a one-day break from walking the Nakasendō Trail, but we unexpectedly caught a breathtaking view. Even without the trail, we discovered something truly special and worth sharing. Check it out! This episode's vocab list: 中山道トレイルを中休みしました。We had a one-day break from walking the Nakasendo Trail.2日目の夜から2泊しました。We stayed 2 nights from the 2nd night of the trip最寄り駅 the nearest station移動するto move (from one place to another); travel; head to とはいえ though we had a break; that said; even so阿寺渓谷 Atera Valley; Atera Gorgeエメラルドグリーン emerald green素晴らしかったです。It was stunning; amazing; marvellous;breathtaking川沿いalong the river 途中から from halfway 雪がたくさん積もっていました。A lot of snow had accumulated/piled upひんやりしたchilly冷たい空気 cold air 夏なら if it’s summer次回 the next time中山道トレイルの最終回 the final episode about our Nakasendo Trail journey

On Day 2, we walked to Tsumago-juku along the Nakasendō trail. It was a great experience. Check it out and enjoy my story! This episode's vocab list: 大型連休 the long consecutive holidays真っ最中 right in the middle最初は in the beginning上り坂 uphill slope朝早くから出発しました。 we departed early in the morning天候にも恵まれました。 we were blessing with good weather新鮮な空気 fresh air澄んだ青空 clear blue sky印象的でした。It was impressive.展望台 lookout point; observation deck 早くも already 随分前に a very long time ago 残り remaining案の定 as expected大きく転んでしまいました。I slipped and fell down badly.バックパックが守ってくれました。 my backpack protected me怪我 injury 前日 the previous day 半分以上 more than half昔の町並み historical streets of a town残念でした That’s unfortunate. 充実感 a sense of fulfillment達成感 a sense of achievement引き続き continuallyこの続きは次回をお楽しみに！Look forward to the continuation in the next episode.

We stayed one night at Magome Ryokan - a beautiful traditional inn that made us feel like we’d stepped back in time. It was a wonderful, invaluable experience full of charm and nostalgia. Tune in to hear all about it! This episode's vocab list: 4連休 a 4-day long weekend 予定 plan先週お話したように as I mentioned last week初めての体験 first experience; new experience そのうちの1つ one of them 旧中山道 Old Nakasendoあぜ道 pathway between rice fields住宅が並んでいました。 residential buildings lined along the streets一日目 the first day中津川駅 Nakatsugawa station 歩き始めるTo start walking中津川宿 Nakatsugawa, a former post town on the Nakasendō宿場町a post town普通の田舎町 a typical regional town近づいていく to get closer and closer実感できます。You can really feel itおさむらいさんたち Samurai warriors不思議な気持ちになるto have a miraculous sense of connection.着こむ to wear a lot目的地 the destination; the goal 馬籠宿 Magome, a former post town on the Nakasendōお店も並んでいます。 Shops are also lined up.気に入りました。I like it now.観光バス tour busまたこの続きは来週をお楽しみに！Look forward to the continuation next week.

Nakasendō is one of Japan’s historic trails, and is still populartoday. I walked just a small part of it. Even though it was off- season, I still enjoyed the experience. On the first day, I walked from Nakatsugawa JR station up to Magome-juku, a post town along the Nakasendō. Check it out! This episode's vocab list: 4連休 a 4-day long weekend 予定 plan先週お話したように as I mentioned last week初めての体験 first experience; new experience そのうちの1つ one of them 旧中山道 Old Nakasendoあぜ道 pathway between rice fields住宅が並んでいました。 residential buildings lined along the streets一日目 the first day中津川駅 Nakatsugawa station 歩き始めるTo start walking中津川宿 Nakatsugawa, a former post town on the Nakasendō宿場町a post town普通の田舎町 a typical regional town近づいていく to get closer and closer実感できます。You can really feel itお侍さんたち Samurai warriors不思議な気持ちになるto have a miraculous sense of connection.着こむ to wear a lot目的地 the destination; the goal 馬籠宿 Magome, a former post town on the Nakasendōお店も並んでいます。 Shops are also lined up.気に入りました。I like it now.観光バス tour busまたこの続きは来週をお楽しみに！Look forward to the continuation next week.

I’m back! Thank you so much for your patience. In this episode, I’ll share what I’ve been up to during the past month. Please check it out! This episode's vocab list: 一か月以上 more than one monthくことをお知らせしようと思っていました。 I was planning to let you know出発前 before departing; before leaving想像以上に more than I imagined 初めての体験 first experience 昔々 long time ago道 pathway 一部 one partスノーシュー snowshoe雪の森 snowy forest 着いた所 place where we got to雪の池 snow-covered pond雪と言うより氷の滝 waterfalls with ice rather than snow言葉では表せないくらい素敵でした。It was so wonderful that words can’t describe it.お寺 templeホテルゲストのように泊まる to stay like a hotel guest瞑想meditation朝のお経 morning prayer service with chants参加するTo participate精進料理 vegetarian cuisine ひとつずつ one by one詳しくお話したいです。 I want to talk about it in detail

Valentine’s Day is coming! What do you usually do in your country? Do you know what people do in Japan on this day? Listen to this episode to learn more about Japanese Valentine’s Day traditions. Happy Valentine’s Day! This episode's vocab list:バレンタインデー Valentine’s Day日本人らしいイベント an event that matches Japanese characteristics一番最初にバレンタインデーが日本に紹介されたのは、The first time the Valentine’s Day was introduced to Japan was神戸 Kobe cityチョコレートメーカー a chocolate manufacturer宣伝 advertisement; promotion; campaign最初に興味を示したのは、 The first group to show interest wasそれが1970年代。That was in the 1970s.女の子が男の子に愛を告白する girls confess their love to boys常識が生まれました。This common knowledge was born.大人たちに浸透していくTo spread among adults日本風にin the Japanese style

Shopping and enjoying Japanese food are probably some of your top reasons for visiting Japan, right? Make sure you are well prepared to fully enjoy them. I hope this episode helps with both your travels and your Japanese learning.   This episode's vocab list: 払う to pay PINと呼ばれる暗証番号 a passcode called PIN サインをする to sign; to put your signature 3月末まで until the end of March 暗証番号がないと without the passcode 支払い payment 原則 in principle 普段から regularly 国によって depending on the country 登録されていない to not be registered これまで通り as before; as usual; the way it has been so far 本人確認 identity verification 1万円未満 less than 10,000 yen 4月以降 from April onwards

My new hobby: Zero waste! Am I stingy? I don’t mind. I’m enjoying zero waste now. This episode's vocab list:  テレビ局 TV station リサイクル recycle いわゆる what is called リメイク remake 材料 material 布 fabric 帯 belt worn with kimono ボロボロになる to become worn out or ragged そのまま as it is ボタン button 紐 string; cord 取って置く to set it aside; keep it for later これこそ This is けち stingy; not generous with money みみっちい stingy; mean 逆に on the contrary もったいない wasteful; what a waste ミニマリスト minimalist 流行っている to be trending 物を減らすために in order to lessen things or reduce clutter 使い切る to completely use it まさに一石二鳥です！It is truly a case of killing two birds with one stone.

Sad news, but I believe Japan can find a way to solve this problem!   This episode's vocab list: 猛暑日extreme heatwave days 雨が降ってほしいと願っています。I’m wishing for rain soon. スキー場がにぎわっています。 Ski resorts are crowded and lively. その反面 on the other hand スキー場を含め including ski resorts 観光地 tourist areas 問題 issue; problem ゴミ rubbish; garbage; trash ゴミ箱が少ないです。 There are few rubbish bins その結果かどうかは分かりません。 I’m not sure if it happens as a result 道にゴミを捨てる人は、ゴミ箱がないから道に捨てるんでしょうか。Do you think people throw rubbish on the street because there are no bins? 私の持論 my fixed opinion; my firm belief ゴミ箱がなければ持って帰る to take it home if there’s no bin ゴミ箱があってもなくても it doesn’t matter whether there is a bin or not 捨てる人は捨てます。 People who throw rubbish would throw it anyway ゴミが出る所 the places where rubbish ends up 必ずゴミ箱はあります。 There should always be a rubbish bin 食べ歩き eating as you stroll 立って食べる to eat while standing 紙に包む to wrap it up in paper 入れておくTo put it in and leave it there. 次にゴミ箱を見つけた時に、捨てればいいんです。You can throw it away when you find a bin next time: it’s not a big deal. Just do it! 少し協力するだけ only a small amount of cooperation どうしたらいいと思いますか。What do you recommend they do to solve the problem? 日本のよさをそのままに by preserving the best aspects of Japan このゴミ問題を解決する方法 the way to solve this rubbish problem

This episode is far from scary! It’s all about quite positive thinking and mindset. Check it out and let the good vibe flow!   This episode's vocab list: 病院の救急外来 emergency outpatient department at the hospital 辛い数日 a few painful days 湿疹 skin rash 両腕 both arms 両脚 both legs 痒い itchy 耐えられませんでした。I couldn’t stand it 氷で痒い所を冷やす to cool the itchy parts with ice すぐ痒みが止まります。The itching stops quickly. また痒みが出ます。The itch will come back again 年始早々 Right at the beginning of the New Year 縁起が悪い inauspicious; unlucky; bad omen これで厄払いできました。I was able to drive out Evil Spirits with this; This helped me drive away bad luck. 苦しい事struggles, difficulties, challenges 辛い事 tough time, painful experiences, hardships 大変な事 difficult situations, tough matters, challenging things 追い出す to force out; drive out; expel; kick out 実際に見えるものではない invisible 宗教的に聞こえます。it sounds like religious 同じ状況でも even in the same situation or circumstances どんな気持ちでいるかによって depending on how you feel; depending on the emotions you’re experiencing

New Year’s Greetings: I hope we can share more time together this year through this podcast.   This episode's vocab list: お正月 New Year’s Day and the days that follow どのように過ごしましたか。How did you spend your time? 体中 all over my body 虫に刺されました。 I got bitten by bugs いろいろな面で in various aspects 準備をしっかりする to make thorough preparation そうは言っても、Even so; That being said 挑戦したいです。I want to take on a challenge 言葉にすると、目標に近づけます。By putting it into words, you will get closer to your goal. 見返す to look back at it; to review it メイトさんと繋がっている to stay connected with you

How was your 2024? Check it out! This is the last episode of this year. Thank you for listening to my podcast again this year. Wishing you a wonderful festive season and a very happy New Year!   This episode's vocab list: 4週間ぶり first time in 4 weeks 言い訳 excuse 振り返ると When I look back on the past 今年は人生で一番忙しい年だったかもしれません。This year might have been the busiest year of my life. 大袈裟だったかな。Was it exaggerating? 改めてonce again or anew; afresh 実行する to carry out; put into action ことわざ proverb 終わり the end 途中 on the way; in the middle of it; during the time 総合的な評価 overall assessment 些細な事 small things 祝日 public holiday 来年も引き続き continuing into next year よいお年をお迎えください。Wishing you a Happy New Year!