Learn Japanese with Noriko

• 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.

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

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.

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.

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）

1. あなたは昔読んだ本をもう一度読みたいと思いますか？

2. 自分と違う性格の人と話すのは好きですか？

3. 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）

1. 言葉が文化を表すという考えについてどう思いますか？

2. 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？

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）

1. Manchester のどんなところに一番興味を持ちましたか？

2. あなたの国にも「産業で発展した都市」はありますか？

3. 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.

• 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

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

🎧 Episode Summary : In this Coffee Break with Noriko episode, recorded in late February 2026, Noriko shares reflections on her month.

She talks about celebrating her 19th wedding anniversary at a high-end restaurant in Liverpool — delicious food, but very small portions! She also shares her disappointment about a postponed rock concert that has been rescheduled for a year later, which makes her reflect on how unpredictable life can be.

A highlight of the month was reconnecting with her husband’s childhood friend, who is currently on a three-month world trip. Hearing about his journey inspires Noriko to think more seriously about travel and making the most of life while she is healthy.

She also reflects on her recent reading, especially Sekai 99 by Sayaka Murata — a powerful and mentally exhausting dystopian novel — and an essay collection by Banana Yoshimoto, which reminded her to live simply, avoid excessive desire, and not expect anything in return when doing something for others.

Finally, she encourages listeners to turn input into output — after listening or reading something, try summarizing it or sharing your thoughts. Small output habits can transform language learning.

📚 Vocabulary List (15 Key Words)

• 結婚記念日（けっこんきねんび）– wedding anniversary

• 高級レストラン（こうきゅうレストラン）– high-end restaurant

• 延期（えんき）– postponement

• 再会（さいかい）– reunion

• 世界一周（せかいいっしゅう）– around-the-world trip

• 憧れる（あこがれる）– to admire / to long for

• 中年（ちゅうねん）– middle age

• 上下巻（じょうげかん）– two-volume set (upper and lower volumes)

• 放心状態（ほうしんじょうたい）– state of shock / mental blankness

• 衝撃的（しょうげきてき）– shocking

• エッセイ – essay

• 欲（よく）– desire

• 見返り（みかえり）– something in return / reward

• 名言（めいげん）– memorable quote / wise saying

• アウトプット – output (active production, e.g., speaking/writing)

🎧 Short English Summary : In this episode of Philosophy Playground, Noriko reflects on a discussion she joined at a museum in Liverpool. The theme was ancient Egyptian mummies and morality. She explores three philosophical questions: Is it morally acceptable to display human remains in museums? Is a mummy still the same person who once lived? And should we judge ancient cultures by today’s moral standards? There are no correct answers. The purpose of this episode is to think deeply and respectfully about history, identity, and human dignity.

• 道徳（どうとく）– morality

• 遺体（いたい）– human remains, corpse

• 展示（てんじ）– exhibition, display

• 敬意（けいい）– respect

• 尊厳（そんげん）– dignity

• 価値観（かちかん）– values

• 判断する（はんだんする）– to judge

• 基準（きじゅん）– standard, criterion

• 意識（いしき）– consciousness

• 宗教観（しゅうきょうかん）– religious belief, view of religion