Here's a weather story that tells you summer has truly arrived. In much of western Japan, the long rainy season has just ended, earlier than usual, and hot days are on the way. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N5-N4.

Here's a story from space. Japan's asteroid probe just flew right past a small asteroid, and the mission also helps develop technology to protect the Earth. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N4-N3.

Here's a tasty summer story. Japan has a special midsummer day when people eat eel to beat the heat. This year that day is coming soon, and shops have started taking reservations. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N5-N4.

There's big news about the maglev bullet train. The governor of Shizuoka has finally approved construction in his prefecture, and the whole project can now move forward. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N4-N3.

Japan's climbing season for Mount Fuji has just begun, and this year every route has new rules — including a fee for everyone who climbs. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N5-N4.

Japan's National Tax Agency just released this year's official land values, and prices rose nationwide by the most in over a decade. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N4-N3.

At an aquarium in Tokyo, two baby penguins born this spring are about to swim in front of visitors for the very first time. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N5-N4.

Japan's big companies just posted their highest summer bonuses on record, topping one million yen on average for the first time ever. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N4-N3.

At a Moomin theme park in Saitama, near Tokyo, a summer water event began yesterday. After a rumble of thunder, a sudden downpour falls from above, and everyone cools off. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N5-N4.

The city of Fujisawa, near Tokyo, has started lending out life jackets with built-in GPS trackers at its beaches this summer. For a public beach in Japan, it's a first. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N4-N3.