Noa JP Radio

🎙️ Christmas in Japan: How We Really Spend It✨ Short DescriptionIn this episode, I talk about how Christmas is celebrated in Japan and how it differs from Christmas in many other countries. I explain who people spend Christmas with in Japan and why certain customs became popular.✍️ Episode DetailsI explain the differences between Christmas in Japan and overseas, why Christmas is often seen as a romantic event in Japan, and how traditions like eating KFC became part of Japanese Christmas culture.📝 Vocabulary Guide祝う — いわう — iwau — to celebrate 違い — ちがい — chigai — difference 過ごす — すごす — sugosu — to spend (time) 恋人 — こいびと — koibito — partner / boyfriend / girlfriend 広まる — ひろまる — hiromaru — to spread / to become popular→ Full script (Japanese + English) & complete vocab list are available on Substack.🔗 Links・Full scripts & vocab guide — https://noajpradio.substack.com/p/ep8-christmas-in-japan-how-we-really・Free newsletter — https://noajpradio.substack.com/・Episode request — https://watery-closet-02b.notion.site/6df35c403f2d4345b01a8914ab41b304?pvs=105・Threads — https://www.threads.net/@noa_jp_radio🎧 About Noa JP RadioNoa JP Radio delivers real Japanese through natural stories and culture.All episodes are free. Paid members get scripts, vocab lists, quizzes, and extra learning tips.📩 ContactEmail: noa.jp.radio000@gmail.comThreads: @noa_jp_radio This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit noajpradio.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ What’s Trending on Japanese SNS in 2025✨ Short DescriptionIn this episode, I talk about Japanese internet subculture and trends that became popular on social media in 2025. I introduce three online trends and explain why Japanese people find them funny or interesting.✍️ Episode DetailsI explain three popular Japanese SNS trends: the idea of “kaiwai,” funny comment sections with ogiri-style jokes, and posts that turn cooking failures into humor. This episode is spoken in friendly, natural Japanese to help you understand real online language.📝 Vocabulary Guide界隈 — かいわい — kaiwai — a loose group with shared interests 投稿 — とうこう — tōkō — post コメント欄 — コメントらん — komento ran — comment section 大喜利 — おおぎり — ōgiri — joke-based wordplay / improv humor ネタ — ねた — neta — joke material / content→ Full script (Japanese + English) & complete vocab list are available on Substack.🔗 Links・Full scripts & vocab guide — https://noajpradio.substack.com/p/ep7-whats-trending-on-japanese-sns・Free newsletter — https://noajpradio.substack.com/・Episode request — https://watery-closet-02b.notion.site/6df35c403f2d4345b01a8914ab41b304?pvs=105・Threads — https://www.threads.net/@noa_jp_radio🎧 About Noa JP RadioNoa JP Radio delivers real Japanese through natural stories and culture.All episodes are free. Paid members get scripts, vocab lists, quizzes, and extra learning tips.📩 ContactEmail: noa.jp.radio000@gmail.comThreads: @noa_jp_radio This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit noajpradio.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ The Story Behind Osaka’s Culture✨ Short DescriptionIn this episode, I talk about key ideas in Japanese educational psychology — why harmony is valued, why many people fear making mistakes, and how these beliefs shape Japanese behavior today.✍️ Episode DetailsI explain how Japanese education emphasizes group harmony, why “not making mistakes” becomes a strong value, and how these beliefs influence communication styles such as the "sassuru" culture.📝 Vocabulary Guide調和 — ちょうわ — chōwa — harmony 教育 — きょういく — kyōiku — education 察する — さっする — sassuru — to sense / read others' feelings without words価値観 — かちかん — kachikan — value system 失敗 — しっぱい — shippai — mistake / failure → Full script (Japanese + kana + English) & complete vocab list are available on Substack.🔗 Links・Full scripts & vocab guide — https://noajpradio.substack.com/p/ep6-how-japanese-education-shapes・Free newsletter — https://noajpradio.substack.com/・Episode request — https://watery-closet-02b.notion.site/6df35c403f2d4345b01a8914ab41b304?pvs=105・Threads — https://www.threads.net/@noa_jp_radio🎧 About Noa JP RadioNoa JP Radio delivers real Japanese through natural stories and culture.All episodes are free. Paid members get scripts, vocab lists, quizzes, and extra learning tips.📩 ContactEmail: noa.jp.radio000@gmail.comThreads: @noa_jp_radio This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit noajpradio.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ The Story Behind Osaka’s Culture✨ Short DescriptionIn this episode, I talk about how Osaka’s unique character was shaped through history — from “the City of Water,” to “the Nation’s Kitchen,” and finally to its famous comedy culture.✍️ Episode DetailsI explain why Osaka became a major center of trade, how waterways supported its growth, and how merchant culture helped create today’s comedy culture.📝 Vocabulary Guide商売 — しょうばい — shōbai — commerce / business特徴 — とくちょう — tokuchō — characteristic / trait運河 — うんが — unga — canal発展 — はってん — hatten — development雰囲気 — ふんいき —fun iki — atmosphere→ Full script (Japanese + kana + English) & complete vocab list are available on Substack.🔗 Links・Full scripts & vocab guide — https://noajpradio.substack.com/p/ep6-how-japanese-education-shapes・Free newsletter — https://noajpradio.substack.com/・Episode request — https://watery-closet-02b.notion.site/6df35c403f2d4345b01a8914ab41b304?pvs=105・Threads — https://www.threads.net/@noa_jp_radio🎧 About Noa JP RadioNoa JP Radio delivers real Japanese through natural stories and culture.All episodes are free. Paid members get scripts, vocab lists, quizzes, and extra learning tips.📩 ContactEmail: noa.jp.radio000@gmail.comThreads: @noa_jp_radio This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit noajpradio.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ 4 Essential Tips for Traveling in Japan✨ Short DescriptionIn this episode, I talk about four important things travelers should know before visiting Japan. These are everyday cultural points that often surprise visitors — from convenience stores to public transportation and Japan’s clean streets.✍️ Episode DetailsI explain why convenience stores are useful but slightly expensive, why trains in Japan are so quiet, why cash is still needed in many places, and how Japanese cities stay clean without many trash bins.📝 Vocabulary Guide便利 — べんり — benri — convenient 静か — しずか — shizuka — quiet 現金 — げんきん — genkin — cash 節約 — せつやく — setsuyaku — saving money ゴミ箱 — ごみばこ — gomibako — trash bin → Full script (Japanese + kana + English) & complete vocab list are available on Substack.🔗 Links・Full scripts & vocab guide — https://noajpradio.substack.com/p/ep4-4-essential-tips-for-traveling-103・Free newsletter — https://noajpradio.substack.com/ ・Episode request — https://watery-closet-02b.notion.site/6df35c403f2d4345b01a8914ab41b304?pvs=105 ・Threads — https://www.threads.net/@noa_jp_radio 🎧 About Noa JP RadioI deliver real Japanese through natural stories and culture. All episodes are free. Paid members get scripts, vocab lists, quizzes, and extra learning tips.📩 ContactEmail: noa.jp.radio000@gmail.com Threads: @noa_jp_radio This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit noajpradio.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Overtourism in Japan — What’s Really Happening✨ Short DescriptionIn this episode, I talk about overtourism in Japan — a growing issue in many tourist areas. I explain what changes locals are experiencing, how cultural differences create misunderstandings, and why following rules in Japan matters.✍️ Episode DetailsI discuss how overtourism affects daily life, how cultural differences cause friction, and why the issue isn’t “Japanese vs. non-Japanese” but a matter of shared rules and communication.📝 Vocabulary Guide変化 — へんか — henka — change 観光地 — かんこうち — kankōchi — tourist area 公共の場 — こうきょうのば — kōkyō no ba — public place マナー — まなー — manā — manners 注意する — ちゅういする — chūi suru — to pay attention / to warn → Full script (Japanese + kana + English) & complete vocab list are available on Substack.🔗 Links・Full scripts & vocab guide — https://noajpradio.substack.com/p/ep3-overtourism-in-japan・Free newsletter — https://noajpradio.substack.com/ ・Episode request — https://watery-closet-02b.notion.site/6df35c403f2d4345b01a8914ab41b304?pvs=105 ・Threads — https://www.threads.net/@noa_jp_radio 🎧 About Noa JP RadioI deliver real Japanese through natural stories and culture. All episodes are free. Paid members get scripts, vocab lists, quizzes, and extra learning tips.📩 ContactEmail: noa.jp.radio000@gmail.com Threads: @noa_jp_radio This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit noajpradio.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Why Japanese People Can’t Speak English — The Real Reasons✨ Short DescriptionIn this episode, I talk about a question many learners ask me: “Why do Japanese people struggle to speak English?” I also speak a little Kansai dialect so you can hear how I usually talk in real life.✍️ Episode DetailsI explain the main reasons Japanese people can’t speak English well: lack of speaking practice, fear of mistakes, and little daily-life need for English. I also share why some Japanese people act cautiously around foreigners.📝 Vocabulary Guide経験 — けいけん — keiken — experience 不安 — ふあん — fuan — anxiety / uneasiness 挑戦 — ちょうせん — chōsen — challenge 交流 — こうりゅう — kōryū — interaction 壁 — かべ — kabe — barrier → Full script (Japanese + kana + English) & complete vocab list are available on Substack.🔗 Links・Full scripts & vocab guide — https://noajpradio.substack.com/p/ep2-why-japanese-people-cant-speak・Free newsletter — https://noajpradio.substack.com/ ・Episode request — https://watery-closet-02b.notion.site/6df35c403f2d4345b01a8914ab41b304?pvs=105 ・Threads — https://www.threads.net/@noa_jp_radio 🎧 About Noa JP RadioI deliver real Japanese through natural stories and culture. All episodes are free. Paid members get scripts, vocab lists, quizzes, and extra learning tips.📩 ContactEmail: noa.jp.radio000@gmail.com Threads: @noa_jp_radio This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit noajpradio.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Why I Started Noa JP Radio✨ Short DescriptionIn this episode, I talk about why I started this podcast and what I hope it brings to your Japanese-learning journey. I also share the three main reasons behind this project and how I want learners to experience real, everyday Japanese through it.✍️ Episode DetailsI explain why I started this podcast: to share real Japanese, to help learners grow by using the language, and to talk about Japan from my own perspective. I also introduce upcoming themes like why Japanese people struggle with English and the issue of overtourism.📝 Vocabulary Guide発音 — はつおん — hatsuon — pronunciation本題 — ほんだい — hondai — main topic教科書 — きょうかしょ — kyōkasho — textbook標準語 — ひょうじゅんご — hyōjungo — standard Japanese関西弁 — かんさいべん — kansaiben — Kansai dialect→ Full script (Japanese + kana + English) & complete vocab list are available on Substack.🔗 Links・Full scripts & vocab guide — https://noajpradio.substack.com/p/episode-1-why-i-started-noa-jp-radio・Free newsletter — https://noajpradio.substack.com/・Episode request — https://watery-closet-02b.notion.site/6df35c403f2d4345b01a8914ab41b304?pvs=105・Threads — https://www.threads.net/@noa_jp_radio🎧 About Noa JP RadioI deliver real Japanese through natural stories and culture. All episodes are free. Paid members get scripts, vocab lists, quizzes, and extra learning tips.📩 ContactEmail: noa.jp.radio000@gmail.comThreads: @noa_jp_radio This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit noajpradio.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Welcome to Noa JP Radio — Introduction Episode✨ Short DescriptionIn this introduction episode, I talk about what Noa JP Radio is about and what kind of Japanese you can learn here.I share how I speak, the topics I’ll cover, and how listener requests shape the podcast.✍️ Episode DetailsI explain why I started Noa JP Radio and the kind of real Japanese I want to share.I also introduce the first planned topics, including why Japanese people struggle with English and the issue of overtourism.📝 Vocabulary Guide日本語 — にほんご — nihongo — Japanese language勉強 — べんきょう — benkyou — studyリアル — りある — riaru — real / authentic内容 — ないよう — naiyou — content / topic→ Full script (Japanese + kana + English) & complete vocab list are available on Substack.🔗 Links・Full scripts & vocab guide — https://noajpradio.substack.com/p/lets-begin-noa-jp-radio・Free newsletter — https://noajpradio.substack.com/・Episode request — https://watery-closet-02b.notion.site/6df35c403f2d4345b01a8914ab41b304?pvs=105・Threads — https://www.threads.net/@noa_jp_radio🎧 About Noa JP RadioNoa JP Radio delivers real Japanese through natural stories and culture.All episodes are free. Paid members get scripts, vocab lists, quizzes, and extra learning tips.📩 ContactEmail: noa.jp.radio000@gmail.comThreads: @noa_jp_radio This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit noajpradio.substack.com/subscribe