Everyday Japanese Podcast
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© Sayuri Saying
Description
Natural Japanese, one step beyond textbooks. 🐧
Weekly episodes for intermediate learners who want to train their ear with real Japanese. I talk about everyday life in Japan: small things I notice, places I explore, whatever catches my curiosity. All at a relaxed pace.
Sometimes it's just me; sometimes friends join and we chat naturally. Great for getting ready for real conversations.
Transcripts & video at sayurisaying.com. Let's keep exploring together! 💖
Weekly episodes for intermediate learners who want to train their ear with real Japanese. I talk about everyday life in Japan: small things I notice, places I explore, whatever catches my curiosity. All at a relaxed pace.
Sometimes it's just me; sometimes friends join and we chat naturally. Great for getting ready for real conversations.
Transcripts & video at sayurisaying.com. Let's keep exploring together! 💖
312 Episodes
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I’ll be taking a short break from the podcast and website until mid-May. In this episode, I explain why I decided to go to India—to focus on yoga in Rishikesh and experience South Indian food and Ayurveda. I also reflect on my previous sabbatical and why intentionally stepping away from work can lead to unexpected growth and meaningful connections.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support
Did you know Japan has had bicycle traffic rules for years but almost nobody enforced them? That's changing in April 2026. Police can now issue on-the-spot fines (called 青切符 ao-kippu) for violations like running red lights, riding the wrong way, or using your phone while cycling. In this episode, I break down the key vocabulary, the fines you need to know, and share my honest (and slightly frustrated 😅) opinion on the new system. If you ride a bike in Japan, this one's for you!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support
Many people picture grilled fish, miso soup, and rice — but is that really what Japanese people eat every morning? In this cozy, casual episode, I share what breakfast actually looks like in Japan, and in my own kitchen! Think clay pot rice, TKG, natto, ochazuke, and simple miso soup. I also share a special Australian-style brunch at bills that made me think, "I could get used to this!" What's your favorite breakfast?🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support
This episode explores the quiet thoughts we have when surrounded by Japan's natural beauty. YUYU shares how viewing landscapes became meditation during difficult times in 2020. I talk about gazing at 3,000-meter mountains in Toyama(富山) and my ocean sunset ritual. We discuss the "sacred" quality of Japanese nature—from Enoshima(江ノ島） to Kumano kodo(熊野古道). Sometimes the best thing to think is simply: "Wow, it's beautiful." Join us for a peaceful reflection on what we fee and don't feel in nature.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support
In this episode, YUYU and I chat about our ideal homes. He describes his grandmother's beautiful Japanese house with large windows, tokonoma(床の間）, engawa（縁側）, and a garden designed to show all four seasons. I share my minimalist current life and my vision board dreams— a lakeside house with spacious bathroom, big kitchen sink, and a living room where I can relax with coffee (or tea!). We also talk about the joy of just imagining our dream homes. What does your perfect home look like?🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support
I fell in love with Osaka! The friendly people, the food, the energy. But after two years, my body and mind are telling me it's time to leave. In this episode, I talk about my 20+ moves throughout my life, why I chose Osaka despite knowing it wasn't my ideal environment, and what finally pushed me to make this decision. I also share what kind of place makes me truly happy versus what's just exciting. If you're considering moving to Osaka, relocating within Japan, or curious about city vs. countryside life, this one's for you!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support
1Remember when I said I'd quit social media for 30 days in Episode 298? Well, I did it! Kind of. Honestly, the 15-minute limit didn't really work, I kept adding "just 15 more minutes." 😅And my AI-made music? Got boring fast. But the good stuff? I started really listening to myself, got tons of ideas on the train, cleaned way more, started doing yoga, and made two big life decisions! I quit making short videos, and I'm leaving Osaka. Curious? Give it a listen!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support
Miku and I talk about little things we’ve been into lately. Like my love for cleaning and her coriander obsession. It’s one of those chats where nothing big happens, but it still feels good to share. A cozy episode for Japanese learners who enjoy natural, real conversations😂🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!
Why is making Japanese friends so hard? In this episode, we sit down with Miku from Miku Real Japanese for a fun but thoughtful conversation, answering real questions from foreigners living in Japan. We talk about friendship, cultural differences in communication, and feelings of loneliness, while sharing warm, realistic advice. It’s a relaxed, friendly chat like talking with close friends who really listen😌🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support
Have you ever imagined having a small, unusual superpower? In today’s episode, I dive into the world of the Japanese comedy drama Chotto Dake Esper. From reading minds by touch to asking pigeons for favors, each “esper” has a tiny but useful gift. I also share which powers I’d want myself. Tune in and think about which “little esper” power you’d like to have!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support
Join me as I take you on a trip to Kanazawa, a peaceful city often called “a smaller, quieter Kyoto.” In this episode, I share my personal travel tips, from visiting stunning gardens and historic tea districts to trying unforgettable desserts and cocktails. You’ll also hear key warnings about weather, transport, and reservations. Perfect for travelers wanting to explore Japan off the beaten path!🗺️A custom Google Map for this location is available exclusively for Silver Penguin members!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!
In this episode, I talk about a local tonkatsu restaurant loved by regular customers but rarely visited by tourists. I share 5 heartwarming features that make this place special, from how staff speak to customers to the warm atmosphere. Do you have a favorite spot like this? Let’s explore together!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!
This special episode celebrates the 300th episode of the Everyday Japanese Podcast. I talk freely about how I started during COVID, how I kept uploading every week, which episodes are most popular, and which ones I personally love. I also share why conversation episodes matter and how important your support has been. Thank you for continuing your Japanese journey with me! Let’s keep going together☺️🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!
In this episode, I’m joined by YUYU as we share our “unpopular opinions” about things that many people in Japan love! like going to the movies or hanging out at noisy izakayas. It’s an honest, sometimes funny look at introversion, overstimulation, and feeling different. Can you relate to any of our confessions?🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!
This episode marks the start of my 30-day social media detox journey. I share the real reasons why I decided to step away from SNS like Instagram and YouTube, how I’m preparing for it, and practical tips for reducing screen time! Are you with me?🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!
In this episode, I share what happened the two times I rode in an ambulance once in Canada and once in Japan. You’ll hear the stories, learn how the two emergency systems compare, and get a real-life look at what it’s like to call 119 in Japan. If you’ve ever wondered what to expect in an emergency here, this one’s for you.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!
What’s it like to commute and work in Japan? In this episode, I share real experiences from my time as an office worker and explore typical work culture. From crowded trains and door-to-door commute times to working hours, lunch breaks, and the difference between “black” and “white” companies. You’ll also learn key Japanese phrases and cultural tips along the way!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!
Today, I tried the “50 Questions in 5 Seconds” challenge! 🇯🇵These are common questions in everyday Japanese conversation. Try answering with me and practice thinking in Japanese ✨Special thanks to YUYU for creating this challenge!You can watch the original video here:https://youtu.be/jDhXDMu4FMs?si=4Grzxmb2CHySrtpEWe also talk about fillers like “えっと” and natural pauses to sound more natural.Let’s build speaking confidence together 🌿🐧🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!
I recently walked the Kumano Kodo, one of Japan’s oldest pilgrimage routes and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In this episode, I share stories about its history, the three sacred Kumano shrines, and the mysterious three-legged crow, Yatagarasu. Walking through its quiet mountain paths made me reflect on how journeys like this can refresh both body and mind. It truly was more than a hike.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!
The Ig Nobel Prize celebrates research that’s both hilarious and deeply insightful. For 19 consecutive years, Japanese scientists have captured the world’s attention with inventive studies like painting cows with zebra stripes to repel bugs, using wasabi as a fire alarm, and proving that kissing can ease allergy symptoms. Join us to explore how curiosity and humor keep science wonderfully human!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!
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ありがとうございました😊
Sayuri the background music of this episode was superb! Where did you get it? Do you have the name of the music? Thank you, good job as always.
Non-scripted is good too 👍🏻