Learn Japanese with Noriko

Japanese with Noriko
  • 4.8 (17)
  • Language Learning
  • Updated Semiweekly

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!

  1. Coffee Break with Noriko - Real Talk & Daily Thoughts 9

    1d ago

    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

    31 min
  2. Season 3-153 I Bought 13 Japanese Books 53歳の誕生日に日本の本を爆買い

    Jun 10

    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.

    16 min
  3. Season 3-152 小説『こころ』が難しすぎた（Book Talk with Yuko 10)

    Jun 3

    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.

    27 min
  4. 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？

    May 27

    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

    13 min
  5. Season 3-150 What Is “Normal”? A Deep Dive into Convenience Store Woman

    May 20

    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.

    14 min
  6. 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

    May 13

    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.

    16 min
  7. Season 3-148 From “Mottainai” to “Washlet”: Japanese in Global English

    May 6

    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？

    13 min
  8. 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

    Apr 29

    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.

    12 min
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4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Japanese with Noriko
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    759
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Japanese with Noriko
  • Show Website
    Learn Japanese with Noriko

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