Some big cultural news from Nara: a group of ancient palace and tomb sites called Asuka-Fujiwara looks set to become a World Heritage Site. A UNESCO advisory group has just recommended it for the list. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N4-N3.

It's a day to stop and think about the planet and how we treat it. In fact, all of June is treated as a month for the environment here. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N5-N4.

The rainy season has officially begun in western Japan. The weather agency says northern Kyushu, the Chugoku region, and the Kansai area have all entered the rainy season. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N4-N3.

Japan's national soccer team has arrived in Mexico to get ready for this year's World Cup. They held their first practice in hot, humid weather, over thirty degrees. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N4-N3.

A powerful storm, Typhoon Number Six, is moving toward Japan. Its name is Jangmi. It is bringing heavy rain and strong winds, from the southwest all the way up toward Tokyo. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N4-N3.

June first is the day people switch to their summer clothes. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N5-N4.

The new Detective Conan movie has become a huge hit in Japan. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N5-N4.

From June first, Tokyo's Shibuya Ward will fine people two thousand yen for littering. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N5-N4.

Tokyo's Ueno Zoo just started a special event — you can visit the zoo at night, only on Saturdays. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N5-N4.

A Japanese airline just flew a brand-new airplane for the first time. Learn Japanese with native audio, furigana, vocabulary and grammar. Level N4-N3.