Learn Japanese with Noriko

Japanese with Noriko
  • 4.8 (95)
  • 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. Season 3-152 小説『こころ』が難しすぎた（Book Talk with Yuko 10)

    1d ago

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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

    Apr 15

    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

    28 min
  8. Season 3-145 WHAT IS LUXURY TODAY? Choosing inconvenience in a digital world

    Apr 8

    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

    12 min
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4.8
out of 5
95 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
    757
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Japanese with Noriko
  • Show Website
    Learn Japanese with Noriko

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