The Very Simple Japanese Podcast: Short Stories to Help You Learn Japanese

Onigiri
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  • LANGUAGE LEARNING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Hello. Nice to meet you, I’m Onigiri. 
In this podcast, I’ll be reading stories in Japanese.
 The level is from beginner to intermediate. 
I use simple Japanese, so it’s perfect for listening practice.
 A script is also available, so you can read along and learn with me. 
Now, let’s get started! こんにちは！はじめまして、おにぎりです。 このポッドキャストでは、日本語で物語を読みます。 レベルは初級から中級です。やさしい言葉で話すので、リスニングの練習にぴったりです。スクリプトもあるので、一緒に読んで学べます。 それでは始めましょう。 You can get the scripts here → https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888 Check out my YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@onigirinihongoclub

Episodes

  1. JAN 25

    The Straw Millionaire - わらしべちょうじゃ

    In this episode, we explore the famous Japanese folktale “The Straw Millionaire (Warashibe Chōja)”. “Warashibe” means a straw stem and “chōja” means a wealthy person. It’s about an unlucky young man who starts his journey with only a single straw. By valuing small things, helping others, and never giving up, the straw slowly turns into oranges, cloth, a horse, and finally a big house. This heartwarming story teaches us an important lesson:even small things can lead to great happiness if we treat them with care and kindness. Enjoy the story, learn new vocabulary, and discover the wisdom hidden in Japanese folktales. (Keywords) わら : straw, あぶ : horse fly, みかん : oranges, ぬの : cloth, fabri, 馬(うま) : horse, 家(いえ) : house, こうかんする : to exchange, trade

    7 min

  2. JAN 10

    The Straw Hat Jizō - かさじぞう

    This episode tells the classic Japanese folktale Kasajizō. Set in a cold winter, this fantasy story teaches the value of kindness and caring for others. Perfect for Japanese learners who want to enjoy stories while improving their listening skills. (Keywords) 笠（かさ）kasa : straw hat that people wore in the old days. お地蔵さま （おじぞうさま）jizō : a Buddhist figure that looks like a small monk. You can get the scripts 📄 here→https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@onigirinihongoclub If you enjoy this story, please like, subscribe, and share so more learners can join our club. Let’s study Japanese together!

    7 min

  3. 12/14/2025

    The Fox’s Messenger - きつねのつかい

    Today’s story is about きつね (fox), lantern oil, and a little temptation… 👀 The keywords are あぶらabura (oil) , いちごう ichigou (180ml), ばける bakeru (transform) and ぺろりperori (lick). Let’s relax, listen, and enjoy learning Japanese😊 You can get the scripts ↓ https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888 Youtube → https://youtu.be/h13YNdk-B6Y

    6 min

  4. 11/22/2025

    The Story of Ikkyu - Do Not Cross This Bridge

    In this episode, I read a classic Japanese folktale about Ikkyu, a clever young monk known for his wit (とんち tonchi).The story plays with the Japanese word “hashi,” which can mean “bridge” or “edge.”Ikkyu uses this double meaning to outsmart the adults around him in a funny and surprising way. This is a short, beginner-friendly listening practice with simple Japanese. Relax, listen, and enjoy the wisdom and humor of traditional Japanese stories. YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/bK1hXXSNR7k

    7 min

  5. 11/09/2025

    The Story of Ikkyu - The Poison Candy Syrup いっきゅうさん - みずあめのどく

    Today’s story is about Ikkyu, a smart and funny young monk who always finds creative ways to solve problems. Here’re some words in the story.. kozou-san : a child monk Osho-san : a head monk  mizuame : malt syrup doku : poison suzuri : ink stone Enjoy this classic Japanese tale! You can get the scripts here ↓ https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888 Youtube ↓ https://youtu.be/iAnYw5tRz4w

    7 min

  6. 10/25/2025

    Zashiki-warashi - ざしきわらし

    Meet Zashiki-warashi, a childlike spirit from Japanese folklore.It brings good luck to the home, but if it leaves, bad luck may follow. A gentle and mysterious story about luck, spirits, and home. You can download the scripts (PDF) on Patreon.  ・FREE English translation script → https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888 ・Full scripts (Hiragana + Kanji + English + Vocabulary Sheets) → for Patreon members Youtube →  https://youtu.be/-Dv6G7BZg80

    6 min

  7. 10/11/2025

    Princess Kaguya - かぐやひめ

    Today’s story is a Japanese folktale ”Princess Kaguya” - it’s a fantasy story. I hope you enjoy listening. You can download the scripts (PDF) on Patreon.  ・FREE English translation script → https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888 ・Full scripts (Hiragana + Kanji + English + Vocabulary Sheets) → for Patreon members You can also watch it on YouTube. Please check it out!

    7 min

  8. 09/27/2025

    The Old Man with a Lump - こぶとりじいさん

    Today’s story is a Japanese folktale “The Old Man with a Lump.” It’s about two old men. What kind of old men do you think they were? Let’s find out! You can download the scripts (PDF) on Patreon.  ・FREE English translation script →https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888 ・Full scripts (Hiragana + Kanji + English + Vocabulary Sheets) → for Patreon members If you enjoy this story, please like, subscribe, and share so more learners can join our club. Let’s study Japanese together!

    5 min

  9. 09/13/2025

    Happiness - しあわせ

    In this story, “Happiness” (しあわせ) by Shimazaki Tōson, we reflect on the meaning of happiness. The story asks: What is happiness to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts - please share in the comments! 📖 Transcripts (PDF) : Free English script → available on my Patreon (Free tier)Full Japanese scripts (Hiragana + Kanji + English) → available for members👉 Check out the Patreon page here: https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888 If you enjoy the story, please like, subscribe, and share so more learners can join our club. Let’s study Japanese together!

    5 min

  10. 08/23/2025

    Two Frogs - 二匹のかえる

    This story is based on the work “Two Frogs” by Niimi Nankichi from Aozora Bunko. You can get the script on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888 This way you can enjoy the story step by step, and improve your listening and reading skills too.  I hope this new Podcast will help you to improve your Japanese. Let’s learn and enjoy Japanese together!

    4 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Hello. Nice to meet you, I’m Onigiri. 
In this podcast, I’ll be reading stories in Japanese.
 The level is from beginner to intermediate. 
I use simple Japanese, so it’s perfect for listening practice.
 A script is also available, so you can read along and learn with me. 
Now, let’s get started! こんにちは！はじめまして、おにぎりです。 このポッドキャストでは、日本語で物語を読みます。 レベルは初級から中級です。やさしい言葉で話すので、リスニングの練習にぴったりです。スクリプトもあるので、一緒に読んで学べます。 それでは始めましょう。 You can get the scripts here → https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888 Check out my YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@onigirinihongoclub

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