Learn Japanese with Noriko

Japanese with Noriko

Hi, I’m Noriko 🌸—a certified Japanese teacher and Neurolanguage Coach®. Learn Japanese with Noriko is for intermediate to advanced learners. If you're an intermediate student, please start from Season 1—I speak slowly at first, then gradually faster. Season 3 is a level-up version with real-life dialogues, philosophy, and language learning topics. Join Japanese Together for our Podcast Conversation Club & Book Club, and sign up for my newsletter at Japanese with Noriko to learn about my coaching service. Enjoy listening!

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20 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Episodes20

Newest first

Wednesday · 10 min
Season 3-158 Spain Alicante アリカンテ旅行の準備
Join our community Japanese Together Japanese Summary 今回は、のりこさんが2026年最初の旅行としてスペインのアリカンテへ行く前の準備と、実際に旅行した後の感想について話しています。出発の4日前ということで、荷造りの様子を紹介しました。夫婦で大きなスーツケースを一つだけ持って行く予定で、その理由は家族や友人へのプレゼントやお土産をたくさん準備したからです。また、10年以上使っているお気に入りの無印のバックパックについても紹介しました。収納が多く便利で、今でも大切に使っています。旅行にはお気に入りのTシャツや本を持って行く予定で、とても楽しみにしている様子が伝わってきます。後半では、実際に訪れたアリカンテについて紹介しています。アリカンテはスペイン南東部の地中海沿岸にある人気のリゾート地で、美しいビーチや新鮮なシーフードが有名です。特にイカ墨のパエリアやティント・デ・ベラーノがお気に入りだったそうです。また、アルテアやビジャホヨサといった近郊の町も訪れ、美しい景色やチョコレートで有名な町の魅力を楽しみました。家族と過ごした充実した1週間の旅行について語っています。 In this episode, Noriko shares both the preparation and highlights of her first trip of 2026, a one-week family vacation to Alicante, Spain. She begins by describing her packing process four days before departure. To keep things simple, she and her husband decided to travel with just one large suitcase, although they had already filled part of it with gifts and souvenirs for family members and friends they planned to meet during the trip. Noriko also introduces her favorite backpack, a Muji bag she bought in Japan about ten years ago and has continued using ever since because of its practical design and storage space. She talks about choosing clothes, preparing gifts for her niece and nephew, and selecting three books to bring along for the journey. Her excitement about the upcoming trip is clear throughout the discussion. In the second half of the episode, Noriko reflects on her time in Alicante. She describes the city as a beautiful Mediterranean resort destination known for its beaches, seafood, and sunny climate. She especially enjoyed swimming in the sea, eating seafood paella and squid-ink paella, and drinking tinto de verano. She also recommends day trips to Altea and Villajoyosa, two charming coastal towns with unique architecture, beautiful scenery, and local culture. Overall, the episode offers a personal and engaging travel experience while introducing listeners to the attractions of Alicante and the surrounding region.
July 22 · 21 min
Season 3-157 褒められるのが苦手ですか？ with Yasuyo
Join our community Japanese Together この会話では、のりこさんとやすよさんが「褒めること」と「褒められること」という、意外に複雑なテーマについて話しています。最初に、日本語スピーキングチャレンジでの気づきとして、多くの学習者が褒められると恥ずかしい、または気まずいと感じることが紹介されます。また、褒め言葉に対して、説明を加えたり、自分の成果を小さく見せたりする人もいることが語られます。二人は、どんな褒め言葉なら素直に受け取れるのか、またどんな褒め方がプレッシャーになるのかを考えます。服や見た目についての自然な一言は、裏の期待がないため受け取りやすい一方で、成績やパフォーマンスに関する褒め言葉は、評価されている感覚や「次も頑張らなければ」という圧力につながることがあります。さらに、教育、子育て、コーチング、日本語学習における現代的なフィードバックのあり方にも話が広がります。結果だけでなく、努力や成長、その人自身の経験を認めることの大切さが語られます。タップダンスの発表会やピエロのワークショップの話を通して、本当に心に残る褒め言葉は、成功を評価するものではなく、その人らしさや努力を見てくれる言葉なのだと伝わってきます。 In this conversation, Noriko and Yasuyo explore the surprisingly complex topic of giving and receiving compliments. The discussion begins with observations from a Japanese speaking challenge, where many learners shared that being praised often makes them feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. Some people instinctively downplay compliments by giving explanations or dismissing their achievements. The hosts reflect on when compliments feel genuine and when they can create pressure. They discuss how simple comments about appearance or personal style are often easier to accept because they do not contain hidden expectations. In contrast, praise connected to grades, performance, or achievement may unintentionally make someone feel evaluated or pressured to maintain results. They also examine modern approaches to education, parenting, coaching, and language learning. Rather than focusing only on outcomes, they highlight the importance of recognizing effort, growth, and individual experiences. Personal stories from tap dancing, performance experiences, and creative workshops illustrate how meaningful feedback often comes from being truly seen and understood. The episode ultimately suggests that effective praise is less about judging success and more about acknowledging a person’s unique journey, effort, and authentic self.
July 17 · 23 min
Season 3-156 Books We Couldn't Stop Talking About 最近読んだ本が全部当たりだった！- Book Talk with Yuko 11
あかね先生：日本語オノマトペの本『生活で使える日本語オノマトペ』八木詠美『空芯手帳』綿矢りさ『グレタ・ニンプ』嶋津輝『カフェーの帰り道』夏目漱石『こころ』朝井リョウ『そして誰もゆとらなくなった』楊双子『台湾漫遊鉄道のふたり』(Taiwan Travelogue ) In this episode of BookTalk, Noriko and Yuko reconnect after a break and discuss several memorable books they have recently read. The conversation begins with a book about Japanese onomatopoeia, which Yuko highly recommends for both Japanese learners and teachers because it makes a difficult topic approachable and enjoyable. They then move on to Kūshin Techō, a novel about a woman who tells a lie about being pregnant after becoming frustrated with how she is treated at work. The discussion explores why readers may sympathize with the character and how the story raises interesting questions about honesty, social expectations, and personal survival. A major part of the episode focuses on Cafe no Kaerimichi, a novel set from the Taishō era into the postwar period. Both hosts praise its portrayal of women who pursue freedom and independence despite social limitations. The historical setting, fashion, work culture, and everyday life of women from that era make the novel especially engaging. They also talk about Asai Ryō’s essay collection Soshite Daremo Yutoranakunatta, highlighting its humorous stories of personal mistakes and social awkwardness. Finally, they discuss Taiwan Manyū Tetsudō no Futari, a Taiwanese novel that combines friendship, food, history, and reflections on the complex relationship between colonizer and colonized. The book leaves a strong impression and inspires curiosity about Taiwan and its history.
July 8 · 12 min
Season 3-155 子どもの頃の夢と今の私｜日本の小学生の将来の夢ランキング
Check my links https://bio.site/japanesewithnoriko 1) 問いかけ・振り返りの質問子どもの頃に思い描いていた将来の夢は、現在の自分の価値観や生き方にどのような影響を与えていると思いますか。「何になるかより、何をやるかの方が大事だ」という考え方について、あなたはどのように感じますか。人の職業観は家庭環境や育った社会からどの程度影響を受けると思いますか。子どもの頃に憧れていた職業と、実際に選んだ進路が異なる場合、その変化にはどのような意味があると考えますか。夢を周囲に話すことには、どのようなメリットとデメリットがあるでしょうか。「大きなことを100個言って一つ叶えばいい」という考え方は、挑戦する姿勢にどのような影響を与えると思いますか。将来の夢を持つことと、自分に合った生き方を見つけることは、どのような関係があると考えますか。 In this episode, Noriko talks about childhood dreams and future career aspirations. She introduces the results of a Japanese survey that asked elementary school boys and girls what jobs they want when they grow up. Surprisingly, “company employee” ranked very highly for both boys and girls, alongside more traditional dream jobs such as YouTuber, professional baseball player, kindergarten teacher, and pastry chef. Noriko reflects on how children’s career aspirations may be influenced by their parents, environment, and everyday experiences. She then invites listeners to think about their own childhood dreams and share them in the comments. Looking back on her own life, Noriko explains that her dream changed many times. At different stages, she wanted to become a piano teacher, an elementary school teacher, a writer, and even a flight attendant after being inspired by a television drama. She also reads an essay she wrote at age fifteen about her future dreams. Many of the hopes she expressed then—traveling abroad, meeting people from different countries, and finding a suitable profession—have become reality through her work as a Japanese teacher. Finally, she shares inspiring quotes from Naruse, a favorite fictional character, encouraging listeners to focus on actions, embrace challenges, and keep moving forward with confidence.
July 1 · 26 min
Season 3-154 世界はあなたの庭｜旅が教えてくれた新しい視点 with Yasuyo
やすよさんのインスタグラム Join our community Japanese Together 「旅モード」と「日常モード」の違いは、本当に場所によって決まると思いますか。建築や空間のデザインが、人の感情や考え方に与える影響についてどう思いますか。「世界があなたの庭」という考え方から、どのような生き方を想像しますか。旅行中に仕事を続けるスタイルには、どんなメリットやデメリットがあると思いますか。歴史や芸術を事前に学んでから旅行することは、体験をどのように変えると思いますか。 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 落ち着く（おちつく）- to calm down 録音（ろくおん）- recording 日帰り（ひがえり）- day trip 首都（しゅと）- capital city 感覚（かんかく）- sensation, feeling 歴史（れきし）- history 都（みやこ）- capital 実験的（じっけんてき）- experimental 体力的（たいりょくてき）- physically 深夜（しんや）- late at night 寝不足（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 郵便局（ゆうびんきょく）- post office 豪華（ごうか）- luxurious 地下鉄（ちかてつ）- subway 溶け合う（とけあう）- to blend together 文化施設（ぶんかしせつ）- cultural facility 緩やか（ゆるやか）- gentle, gradual 景色（けしき）- scenery 意識（いしき）- awareness 引き寄せられる（ひきよせられる）- to be attracted 温泉（おんせん）- hot spring 哲学的（てつがくてき）- philosophical 日常（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
June 24 · 30 min
Coffee Break with Noriko - Real Talk & Daily Thoughts 9
「論破」を重視するコミュニケーションが増えた背景には、どんな社会的要因があると思いますか。「メンタルパフォーマンス」を優先する生き方には、どんなメリットとデメリットがあるでしょうか。感情を表に出さない「感情ミュート社会」は、人間関係にどのような影響を与えると思いますか。インプット中心の語学学習が、会話力にどのような変化をもたらすと思いますか。自分の趣味や興味と語学学習を結びつけることで、学習のモチベーションはどのように変化するでしょうか。 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 (永井玲衣『水中の哲学者たち』), 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. 哲学（てつがく）- philosophy 学術的（がくじゅつてき）- academic 対話（たいわ）- dialogue 肩書き（かたがき）- title / professional label 提供（ていきょう）- providing 日常生活（にちじょうせいかつ）- daily life 素朴（そぼく）- simple / innocent 疑問（ぎもん）- question / doubt 排除（はいじょ）- exclusion 論破（ろんぱ）- defeating an argument 風潮（ふうちょう）- social trend 対等（たいとう）- equal 雰囲気（ふんいき）- atmosphere 衝撃（しょうげき）- shock / impact 注目（ちゅうもく）- attention 発展（はってん）- development 概念（がいねん）- concept 限定（げんてい）- limitation / restriction 精神的（せいしんてき）- mental / psychological 感情（かんじょう）- emotion 我慢（がまん）- endurance / self-restraint 揺さぶる（ゆさぶる）- to shake emotionally 無難（ぶなん）- safe / uncontroversial 傾向（けいこう）- tendency 学習者（がくしゅうしゃ）- learner 自信（じしん）- confidence 定期的（ていきてき）- regularly 優先順位（ゆうせんじゅんい）- priority 習慣（しゅうかん）- habit 趣味（しゅみ）- hobby 編み物（あみもの）- knitting 惑星（わくせい）- planet
June 10 · 15 min
Season 3-153 I Bought 13 Japanese Books 53歳の誕生日に日本の本を爆買い
Join our community Japanese Together Let's Read a Japanese Novel : Apply 小川糸『ツバキ文具店』小川糸『ライオンのおやつ』九段理江『東京都同情塔』九段理江『School Girl』津村記久子『水車小屋のネネ』津村記久子『この世にたやすい仕事はない』津村記久子『サキの忘れ物』村田沙耶香『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　岡本真帆『水上バス浅草行き』イ・ヨンミ『魔女の体力』 Taiwanese writer Yang Shuang-zi　Taiwan Travelogue 『台湾漫遊鉄道のふたり』綿矢りさ『グレタニンプ』児島青『本なら売るほど』 Discussion Questions 本を選ぶとき、どのような基準で選びますか。作家、テーマ、評判など、何を一番重視しますか。海外に住んでいる場合、日本語の本の選び方や優先順位はどのように変わると思いますか。作家つながりで読書を広げることには、どのようなメリットとデメリットがあるでしょうか。年齢を重ねる中で、興味を持つ本のジャンルやテーマはどのように変化すると考えますか。 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 小川糸『ツバキ文具店』や『ライオンのおやつ』、九段理江『東京都同情塔』『School Girl』、津村記久子『水車小屋のネネ』『この世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.
June 3 · 27 min
Season 3-152 小説『こころ』が難しすぎた（Book Talk with Yuko 10)
ファッション雑誌『Oggi』八木詠美 Emi Yagi Diary of a Void 『空芯手帳』綿矢りさ『グレタ・ニンプ』夏目漱石『こころ』星新一『ボッコちゃん』ビートたけし『テレビじゃ言えない』 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.
May 27 · 13 min
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？
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 「天国に行く」 or 「旅立つ」, 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: 「往生する」, 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（まんかい）— full bloom 散る（ちる）— to fall (flowers) 現象（げんしょう）— phenomenon 表現（ひょうげん）— expression 評価（ひょうか）— evaluation 中立的（ちゅうりつてき）— neutral 宗教観（しゅうきょうかん）— religious view 結びつく（むすびつく）— to be connected 恐ろしい（おそろしい）— frightening 意識（いしき）— awareness 漠然と（ばくぜんと）— vaguely 同級生（どうきゅうせい）— classmate 事故死（じこし）— accidental death 溺れる（おぼれる）— to drown 振り返る（ふりかえる）— to look back 定期的（ていきてき）— regularly 覚悟（かくご）— resolve, readiness 影響（えいきょう）— influence 浄土（じょうど）— Pure Land 仏（ほとけ）— Buddha 働きかける（はたらきかける）— to act upon, influence 種（たね）— seed 芽（め）— sprout 受け入れる（うけいれる）— to accept
May 20 · 14 min
Season 3-150 What Is “Normal”? A Deep Dive into Convenience Store Woman
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.
May 13 · 16 min
Season 3-149 Sound Like a Native with Japanese Onomatopoeia オノマトペでネイティブっぽく話す
あかね的日本語教室『生活で使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, ザーザー, ビュービュー, ゴロゴロ, 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.
May 6 · 13 min
Season 3-148 From “Mottainai” to “Washlet”: Japanese in Global English
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一度読みたいと思いますか？自分と違う性格の人と話すのは好きですか？あなたの国の言葉で世界に広がっているものはありますか？ Discussion Questions（ディスカッション質問）言葉が文化を表すという考えについてどう思いますか？外国語として使われるときに意味が変わることは問題だと思いますか？
April 29 · 11 min
Season 3-147 Why Does Manchester Have a Bee Symbol? The Story Behind Its Beautiful Library - やさしく解説：マンチェスターのコットン産業・図書館・蜂のシンボル
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 のどんなところに一番興味を持ちましたか？あなたの国にも「産業で発展した都市」はありますか？歴史と今がつながっている場所に行ったことがありますか？ 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.
April 15 · 27 min
Season 3-146 Book Talk with Yuko 9 癒やされたい？刺激が欲しい？日本語教師2人がハマった対照的な6冊
ビートたけし『アナログ』太宰治『女生徒』九段理江『Schoolgirl』坂木司『和菓子とアン』坂木司『アンと青春』村田沙耶香『世界99上下』村田沙耶香『コンビニ人間』村田沙耶香『消滅世界』星野道夫『約束の川』村田沙耶香『消滅世界』朝井リョウ『時をかけるゆとり』 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 “女生徒.” 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 “世界 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 — れんあいしょうせつ — romance novel 連絡先 — れんらくさき — contact information 現代 — げんだい — modern times 会話 — かいわ — conversation 表現 — ひょうげん — expression 読書体験 — どくしょたいけん — reading experience 世代 — せだい — generation 母と娘の関係 —ははとむすめのかんけい — 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 デパ地下 — でぱちか — department store food basement 主人公 — しゅじんこう — protagonist 成長 — せいちょう — personal growth 社会 — しゃかい — society 価値観 — 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 エッセイ — えっせい — essay 日常 — にちじょう — everyday life 失敗談 — しっぱいだん — story about a mistake
April 8 · 11 min
Season 3-145 WHAT IS LUXURY TODAY? Choosing inconvenience in a digital world
My program : Let's read a Japanese novel 1️⃣ 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. 2️⃣ Vocabulary List (for understanding the episode) 贅沢（ぜいたく） — luxury 文化的（ぶんかてき） — cultural 特別展示（とくべつてんじ） — special exhibition 情報（じょうほう） — information 情報疲れ（じょうほうづかれ） — information fatigue 悪循環（あくじゅんかん） — vicious cycle 制限する（せいげんする） — to limit / control 腕時計（うでどけい） — wristwatch 部品（ぶひん） — parts / components 組み立てる（くみたてる） — to assemble 通知（つうち） — notification 便利（べんり） — convenient 不便（ふべん） — inconvenient 確認する（かくにんする） — to check / confirm 集まる（あつまる） — to gather 実際に（じっさいに） — in reality / in person 新鮮（しんせん） — fresh / new feeling 体験（たいけん） — experience 傾向（けいこう） — tendency 選ぶ（えらぶ） — to choose
April 1 · 27 min
Coffee Break with Noriko - Real Talk & Daily Thoughts 8
🎧 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) 結婚記念日（けっこんきねんび）– wedding anniversary 高級レストラン（こうきゅうレストラン）– high-end restaurant 延期（えんき）– postponement 再会（さいかい）– reunion 世界一周（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 中年（ちゅうねん）– middle age 上下巻（じょうげかん）– two-volume set (upper and lower volumes) 放心状態（ほうしんじょうたい）– state of shock / mental blankness 衝撃的（しょうげきてき）– shocking エッセイ – essay 欲（よく）– desire 見返り（みかえり）– something in return / reward 名言（めいげん）– memorable quote / wise saying アウトプット – output (active production, e.g., speaking/writing)
March 25 · 9 min
Season 3-144 Noriko’s Philosophy Playground 8 ミイラとモラル：博物館で考える3つの哲学的な質問
🎧 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. 道徳（どうとく）– morality 遺体（いたい）– human remains, corpse 展示（てんじ）– exhibition, display 敬意（けいい）– respect 尊厳（そんげん）– dignity 価値観（かちかん）– values 判断する（はんだんする）– to judge 基準（きじゅん）– standard, criterion 意識（いしき）– consciousness 宗教観（しゅうきょうかん）– religious belief, view of religion
March 18 · 10 min
Japanese Brain-Friendly Coaching 6: Progress Is Not Perfection: Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone コンフォートゾーンの外で脳は育つ
🌿 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. コンフォートゾーン安心していられる、自分にとって楽な環境や状態。 2. 抜け出す（ぬけだす）今いる場所や状態から出ること。 3. 哲学ディスカッション（てつがく）人生や価値観などについて意見を交換する話し合い。 4. 初対面（しょたいめん）初めて会うこと。 5. ネイティブスピーカーその言語を母語として話す人。 6. 聞き取る（ききとる）話している内容を理解する。 7. 達成感（たっせいかん）やりとげたときに感じる満足感。 8. 進歩（しんぽ）少しずつ良くなること。上達すること。 9. 準備（じゅんび）前もって用意すること。 10. 緊張（きんちょう）ドキドキして体や心がかたくなること。 11. 慣れる（なれる）経験をくり返して自然にできるようになること。 12. 適度（てきど）ちょうどよい程度。強すぎないこと。 13. 安全な雰囲気（あんぜんなふんいき）安心できる空気や環境。 14. 足を踏み出す（あしをふみだす）新しいことに挑戦する。 15. 完璧（かんぺき）まちがいがなく、完全であること。
March 11 · 12 min
Season 3-143 聞く人が会話をつくる - Be a Better Listener
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９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 “魔法の傾聴（まほうのけいちょう）” 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 会話の主役｜かいわのしゅやく｜main character of a conversation 聞き手｜ききて｜listener 安心感｜あんしんかん｜sense of security, feeling of safety うなずき｜nodding 相づち｜あいづち｜verbal listening responses 否定しない｜ひていしない｜not to deny, not to reject 受け止める｜うけとめる｜to accept, to take in 質問を投げかける｜しつもんをなげかける｜to ask questions, to prompt with questions
March 4 · 29 min
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 — 読書と学びのあいだで)
宮島未奈『成瀬は天下を取りにいく』宮島未奈『成瀬は信じた道をいく』宮島未奈『成瀬は都を駆け抜ける』宮島未奈『婚活マエストロ』新書齋藤孝『思考を整えるメモ力』中林くみこ『独学で英語を話せるようになった人がやっていること』齋藤孝『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・タレント片山龍峯（聞き手）、姉崎等（あねざきひとし・狩人）『クマにあったらどうするか』外山滋比古（とやましげひこ）『思考の整理学』稲垣えみ子『老後とピアノ』夏目漱石『こころ』太宰治『人間失格』 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｜リスナーさんへの質問 ① 読書スランプについて 🇯🇵最近、読書スランプを感じたことはありますか？そのとき、どんな本を手に取りましたか？ 🇬🇧Have you experienced a reading slump recently? What kind of book did you pick up during that time? ② メモと読書 🇯🇵本を読むとき、メモを取りますか？記憶に残った言葉を心の中にとどめるタイプですか？ 🇬🇧Do you take notes when you read? Or do you prefer to keep meaningful words in your memory? ③ 学びのプロセスについて 🇯🇵「ゴール」よりも「過程」が大切だと感じた経験はありますか？それは、読書や学びの中でのどんな場面でしたか？ 🇬🇧Have you ever felt that the process mattered more than the goal? In what situation—reading or learning—did you feel that way?