Nihongomimi Podcast

Marie Nukaya

No more 「すみません。もう一度、ゆっくりお願いします」 Nihongomimi Podcast is a Japanese-language podcast designed to train your ear for real, natural-speed Japanese. Each episode explores Japanese culture, mindset, and everyday life. Hosted by a native Japanese speaker Marie Nukaya, this podcast helps learners move beyond textbooks and understand how Japanese is actually used. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nihongo-mimi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nihongomimi/ Website: marienukaya.com/nihongomimi

  1. 2D AGO

    Japan’s Drinking Culture Is Changing | 若者の酒離れ

    Why are so many young Japanese people choosing not to drink alcohol anymore? What happened to Japan’s famous nomikai(drinking party) culture, mandatory after-work beers, and endless nights of drinking with coworkers? In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie explores Japan’s dramatic shift away from alcohol culture and the rise of the sober curious generation. From “とりあえず生” and drinking communication culture to non-alcoholic bars, social pressure, smartphone culture, health consciousness, and changing work values, this episode looks at how modern Japanese society is quietly transforming through something as simple as what people choose to drink. このエピソードでは、日本の「若者の酒離れ」と、変化する飲み会文化についてお話しします。昔の飲みニケーション文化や「とりあえず生」が当たり前だった時代から、ソバーキュリアス文化、多様性、個人の選択が重視される現代の日本社会への変化について紹介します。 Perfect for intermediate and advanced Japanese learners who want to improve listening skills while learning about real Japanese culture, society, communication, and modern life in Japan. Listen as if you’re sitting with a Japanese friend, hearing natural, unfiltered Japanese at real speed. Let’s make your ears 日本語耳. You can read the full Japanese transcript here: https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi

    16 min

  2. MAY 14

    The Beauty of Not Saying Everything |「言わない美学」という日本文化

    Why do Japanese people often avoid saying things directly? In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie talks about the Japanese aesthetic of ambiguity through tea culture and communication. Inspired by The Book of Tea by Okakura Tenshin, this episode explores ideas like emptiness, silence, suggestion, and why “not saying everything” can sometimes create deeper understanding and connection. このエピソードでは、日本文化にある「言わない美学」についてお話しします。『茶の本』をベースに、茶道や道教の考え方、日本人の曖昧なコミュニケーションの背景にある美意識について、自然な日本語で紹介します。 Listen as if you’re sitting with a Japanese friend, hearing natural, unfiltered Japanese at real speed. Let’s make your ears 日本語耳. You can read the full Japanese transcript here:https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi

    11 min

  3. MAY 7

    Do Japanese People Actually Drink Matcha? | 日本人は本当に抹茶を飲むの？

    You can read the full Japanese transcript here:⁠⁠https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi⁠⁠ Do Japanese people really drink matcha every day? In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie talks about the reality of matcha culture in Japan, from modern matcha lattes to the traditional world of tea ceremony. You’ll hear how matcha became popular around the world, why tea ceremony is much deeper than simply drinking tea, and how ideas like wabi-sabi helped shape Japanese tea culture and aesthetics. このエピソードでは、抹茶についてお話しします。 日本人にとって抹茶はどんな存在なのか、そして茶道や千利休、わびさびの考え方などについても紹介します。海外で広がっている抹茶のイメージと、日本人が感じる抹茶の感覚の違いについても自然な日本語で話していきます。 Listen as if you’re sitting with a Japanese friend, hearing natural, unfiltered Japanese at real speed. Let’s make your ears 日本語耳.

    12 min

  4. APR 23

    AI Is Making Me Lonely | AIのせいでもっと孤独になる？

    Is AI making our lives better — or quietly making us lonelier? In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie opens up about the growing unease she feels around AI and technology. From losing confidence in her own writing to the disappearance of everyday human connections. She reflects on what we're silently losing in the name of convenience. このエピソードでは、AIやテクノロジーとの付き合い方について個人的な意見を正直にお話しします。便利になった反面、自分への自信や人との小さなつながりが少しずつ失われていく感覚。答えは出ていないけれど、一緒に考えてもらえたら嬉しいです。 Listen as if you're sitting with a Japanese friend, hearing natural, unfiltered Japanese at real speed. Let's make your ears 日本語耳. You can read the full Japanese transcript here: https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi

    14 min

  5. APR 16

    Are You Overusing 'Meccha'? | めっちゃ使いすぎてない？

    Are you overusing "めっちゃ" — without realizing it? In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie breaks down why this common word often sounds unnatural in real conversations, and how it connects to one of the most important concepts in Japanese: understanding "air (空気)." She also talks about why building a textbook foundation actually helps you sound more natural, not less — and shares practical tips on how to use AI effectively in your Japanese studies. このエピソードでは、「めっちゃ」を使いすぎていないか？というテーマから、日本語における「空気」の重要性についてお話しします。教科書で学ぶことの大切さと、リアルな日本語とのバランス、そしてAIを活用した学習のコツも紹介します。 Listen as if you’re sitting with a Japanese friend, hearing natural, unfiltered Japanese at real speed. You can read the full Japanese transcript here:https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi For serious learners: This episode also comes with my Listening Mastery Pack, designed to help you internalize natural Japanese faster and more effectively. https://www.marienukaya.com/category/all-products Let’s make your ears 日本語耳.

    18 min

  6. APR 9

    Japanese Religion Explained: Why Japan Feels “Non-Religious” | 日本人の宗教観とは？

    Is Japan really a “non-religious” country? And if so, what do people actually believe?In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie shares her experience in Thailand during a major Buddhist holiday and explores how it led her to reflect on Japanese religion and spirituality. You’ll hear how Buddhism differs between Japan and Thailand, what shapes Japan’s unique “no religion” mindset, and how Shinto, Buddhism, and even Christianity coexist in everyday life.ポッドキャストでは、タイの仏教の祝日「マカブーチャ」をきっかけに、日本人の宗教観についてお話しします。なぜ日本人は「無宗教」と言いながらも、神社やお寺に行くのか。神道・仏教・キリスト教が共存する、日本独特の宗教のあり方について考えます。Listen as if you’re sitting with a Japanese friend, hearing natural, unfiltered Japanese at real speed.Let’s make your ears 日本語耳.You can read the full Japanese transcript here:https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi

    15 min

  7. APR 2

    Why Are Japanese People So Obsessed with Sakura? | なぜ日本人はこんなに桜が好きなの？

    Why are Japanese people so obsessed with sakura? What makes these flowers so special? In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie explores Japan’s deep connection to sakura (cherry blossoms), from the nationwide excitement to the unique characteristics of Somei Yoshino. You’ll also hear how hanami (flower viewing) became a cultural tradition, and why cherry blossoms hold such strong emotional meaning in Japan. このエピソードでは、日本人がなぜここまで桜に夢中になるのかについてお話しします。桜前線やお花見の文化、そして桜が持つ特別な意味について、日本人の感覚をわかりやすく紹介します。 Listen as if you’re sitting with a Japanese friend, hearing natural, unfiltered Japanese at real speed. Let’s make your ears 日本語耳. You can read the full Japanese transcript here: https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi

    14 min

  8. MAR 26

    Visiting an Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand | タイのゾウ保護施設の話

    Improve your Japanese listening skills while exploring a real-life experience in Thailand! In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie records from Koh Samui, where she visits an elephant sanctuary and learns about the lives of Asian elephants. You’ll hear about elephant tourism, along with fascinating insights into elephant behavior, intelligence, and social life. The episode also explores the ethical questions behind elephant tourism and what responsible travel really looks like. このエピソードでは、タイのサムイ島にあるゾウの保護施設を訪れて学んだことについてお話しします。ゾウの生態や社会性、そしてタイのゾウ観光の背景や倫理的な問題について、自然な日本語で紹介します。 Listen as if you’re sitting with a Japanese friend, hearing natural, unfiltered Japanese at real speed. Let’s make your ears 日本語耳. *This episode was recorded at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, where I stayed during my trip. The elephant sanctuary featured in this episode is Samui Elephant Haven, an ethical sanctuary that rescues and cares for elephants previously used in tourism and labor. Both the accommodation and the visit were not sponsored.Full transcript ＆ English translation available here:https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi

    12 min
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About

No more 「すみません。もう一度、ゆっくりお願いします」 Nihongomimi Podcast is a Japanese-language podcast designed to train your ear for real, natural-speed Japanese. Each episode explores Japanese culture, mindset, and everyday life. Hosted by a native Japanese speaker Marie Nukaya, this podcast helps learners move beyond textbooks and understand how Japanese is actually used. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nihongo-mimi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nihongomimi/ Website: marienukaya.com/nihongomimi

Information

  • Creator
    Marie Nukaya
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Marie Nukaya
  • Show Website
    Nihongomimi Podcast

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