META DESCRIPTION
Discover how Japanese culture views the New Year, why December feels so busy, and how setting small goals can help you continue your Japanese language learning with confidence and calm.

INTRODUCTION
As the year comes to an end, many of us feel rushed and tired. But in Japan, this season is also about reflection, cleaning, and quietly preparing for a new beginning. In this episode, I share a gentle way to look back on the past year and think about how you can continue your Japanese language learning in a realistic and encouraging way.

◆Listener Questions

１　When do I usually get sick?

２　What does “Shiwasu” mean in Japan?

３　How many characters are covered in the Udemy katakana course?

１　私はいつ体調を崩すか

２　日本で師走の意味は？

３　Udemyのカタカナコースは何文字扱うか

【You can comment here】

◆Podpage

You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):

https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate

◆Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I

◆YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola

　[Free Coupon]

Listener-only offer!
Get your exclusive Udemy coupon!
Reviews are also greatly appreciated!

⚠️The coupon expires on December 24th.

１　What is Japanese?

Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-for-beginners-just-2-things-simple-grammar/?couponCode=89557503C2C833B18D07

２　Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way

https://www.udemy.com/course/master-katakana-writing-calligraphy-the-classic-way/?couponCode=DFCE42BD3F09EBA3E8DA

３　Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-100-basic-kanji-write-feel-and-truly-understand/?couponCode=D0E98C92396FC53CEC37

This episode gently introduces the charm of Japanese temples, shrines, and churches through simple cultural insights.

You’ll discover surprising details about these familiar yet often overlooked places.

If this sparks your curiosity, please enjoy the full audio narration.

_________________

◆Free Extensive Reading Site

日本のお寺・神社・教会

http://www17408ui.sakura.ne.jp/tatsum/project/Yomimono/Yomimono-ippai/yomimono/PDF_level_2/R_L2_Japanese_temples_shrines_churches.pdf

Main Site「よみものいっぱい」
http://www17408ui.sakura.ne.jp/tatsum/project/Yomimono/Yomimono-ippai/index.html

【You can comment here】

◆Podpage

You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):

https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate

◆Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I

◆YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola

◆My Udemy

I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.

１ What is Japanese?

Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-for-beginners-just-2-things-simple-grammar/?referralCode=93B074F0FD528614E16F

２Katakana

Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way　カタカナ

https://www.udemy.com/course/master-katakana-writing-calligraphy-the-classic-way/?referralCode=B33BA33398F298DC43AA

３ Kanji 100

Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-100-basic-kanji-write-feel-and-truly-understand/?referralCode=D901DCF2C977044C0D96

Meta Description: Discover inspiring YouTube creators who speak Japanese as non-native speakers. Learn Japanese through real stories, motivation, and Easy Japanese listening practice.

Learning Japanese can feel very different when you hear real voices from people who are also on a Japanese Language Learning journey. Today, I want to introduce a meaningful YouTube channel that many Japanese for Beginners learners may enjoy, especially those who prefer Easy Japanese or slow Japanese listening.

The YouTube Video I Introduced Today

Here is the YouTube video I mentioned.
The Japanese is broken, but the sincerity and passion in his story come through clearly, even to me as a native speaker.
Please take a look.

日本語を話すフランス人のYouTube
https://youtu.be/2xGnYV1vWLo?si=LB0uqarByHorQpph

【You can comment here】

◆Podpage

You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):

https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate

◆Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I

◆YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola

◆My Udemy

I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.

１ What is Japanese?

Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-for-beginners-just-2-things-simple-grammar/?referralCode=93B074F0FD528614E16F

２Katakana

Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way　カタカナ

https://www.udemy.com/course/master-katakana-writing-calligraphy-the-classic-way/?referralCode=B33BA33398F298DC43AA

３ Kanji 100

Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-100-basic-kanji-write-feel-and-truly-understand/?referralCode=D901DCF2C977044C0D96

Introduction

If you are learning Japanese or exploring Japanese culture, understanding the seasons is a beautiful doorway into the language. In this article, I share the meaning of the Winter Solstice in Japan and how it connects to older traditions, calendars, and beliefs. This perspective can enrich your Japanese Listening Practice and support your studies as a Japanese for Beginners learner.

☃For a clear explanation of the Winter Solstice I mentioned today, please watch the video below.
冬至(とうじ)について

https://youtu.be/46tDFvDBKAg?si=DZ5CeZ_2S5vgzEhs

【You can comment here】

◆Podpage

You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):

https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate

◆Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I

◆YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola

◆My Udemy

I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.

１ What is Japanese?

Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-for-beginners-just-2-things-simple-grammar/?referralCode=93B074F0FD528614E16F

２Katakana

Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way　カタカナ

https://www.udemy.com/course/master-katakana-writing-calligraphy-the-classic-way/?referralCode=B33BA33398F298DC43AA

３ Kanji 100

Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-100-basic-kanji-write-feel-and-truly-understand/?referralCode=D901DCF2C977044C0D96

[Reading:Level N4]: 熊と人間（くまとにんげん）

◆SummaryThis story looks at why bear encounters in Hokkaido have been increasing.
Instead of fear, it invites us to understand what drives bears to approach human towns and how our environment plays a role.
It’s a gentle look at the relationship between people and wildlife.

◆Listing Site
https://tadoku.info/stories/chottostories/

「Extensive Reading」
https://tadoku.info/stories/chottostories/

◆　Listener Questions

Please write about what you felt after listening to this reading.

【You can comment here】

◆Podpage

You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):

https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate

◆Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I

◆YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola

◆My Udemy

I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.

１ What is Japanese?

Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-for-beginners-just-2-things-simple-grammar/?referralCode=93B074F0FD528614E16F

２Katakana

Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way　カタカナ

https://www.udemy.com/course/master-katakana-writing-calligraphy-the-classic-way/?referralCode=B33BA33398F298DC43AA

３ Kanji 100

Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-100-basic-kanji-write-feel-and-truly-understand/?referralCode=D901DCF2C977044C0D96

◆Summary

Discover why animals in Japan—from Nara’s friendly deer to hot-spring monkeys and tiny sparrows—fascinate visitors worldwide. A gentle guide for Japanese learners and travelers.

◆Listener Questions

What animal stories have you experienced in Japan?

Please share any memorable moments you had with Japanese wildlife—deer, monkeys, sparrows, dogs, insects, anything.

【You can comment here】

◆Podpage

You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):

https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate

◆Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I

◆YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola

◆My Udemy

I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.

１ What is Japanese?

Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-for-beginners-just-2-things-simple-grammar/?referralCode=93B074F0FD528614E16F

２Katakana

Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way　カタカナ

https://www.udemy.com/course/master-katakana-writing-calligraphy-the-classic-way/?referralCode=B33BA33398F298DC43AA

３ Kanji 100

Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-100-basic-kanji-write-feel-and-truly-understand/?referralCode=D901DCF2C977044C0D96

Easy Japanese Listening Practice for Japanese Learners as I talk about dogs, cats, and the differences between pet life in Japan and abroad.

１坂上家のチャンネル　Sakagami channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUYk7t7glHFqIZ3rwN1dY6A

２「さかがみ家のチャンネル」（保護ハウス）
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3Q-ctEYeOlYMECGzGBSrIg
３TV　フジテレビ「坂上どうぶつ王国」
https://www.fujitv.co.jp/sakagamidoubutsu/

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿
◆Listener Questions
1 Are you a dog person or a cat person?

2 Do you have a dog or a cat? How do you keep them—indoors or outdoors?

3 Have you ever owned any unusual pets?

【You can comment here】

◆Podpage

You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):

https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate

◆Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I

◆YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola

◆My Udemy

I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.

１ What is Japanese?

Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-for-beginners-just-2-things-simple-grammar/?referralCode=93B074F0FD528614E16F

２Katakana

Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way　カタカナ

https://www.udemy.com/course/master-katakana-writing-calligraphy-the-classic-way/?referralCode=B33BA33398F298DC43AA

３ Kanji 100

Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-100-basic-kanji-write-feel-and-truly-understand/?referralCode=D901DCF2C977044C0D96

Staple Foods of the World

【Summary】

Staple foods around the world can be broadly divided into rice, wheat, and corn, and each region has its own main staple. In Asia, people eat rice; in Europe and the United States, bread is common; in Mexico, tortillas are a staple; in Italy, pasta is the main staple; and in Ireland, potatoes are widely eaten.
Japan and Korea use rice as their staple food and have a culture of eating it together with many kinds of side dishes.

In the past, rice was valuable in Japan, and cooking it required careful control of the fire when using an iron pot. A traditional song even describes how to cook rice well.
Today, electric rice cookers make it easy, but rice cooked in a pot—like when camping—is said to be especially delicious.

Staple Foods of the World

http://www17408ui.sakura.ne.jp/tatsum/project/Yomimono/Yomimono-ippai/yomimono/PDF_level_2/R_L2_Staple_diet_in_the_world.pdf

*The main site for this reading　「よみものいっぱい」
http://www17408ui.sakura.ne.jp/tatsum/project/Yomimono/Yomimono-ippai/index.html

◆　Listener Questions

1.What is your staple food?

2.Does your country or family have a dish that you eat every day?

3.What delicious staple-food dish have you eaten while traveling?

4.Besides rice, wheat, and corn, do you know any other staple foods?

5.Have you ever eaten that food?

6.How many meals do you eat in a day?

7.In Japanese cuisine, do you have a favorite combination of a staple food and a side dish?

【You can comment here】

◆Podpage

You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):

https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate

◆Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I

◆YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola

◆My Udemy

I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.

１ What is Japanese?

Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-for-beginners-just-2-things-simple-grammar/?referralCode=93B074F0FD528614E16F

２Katakana

Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way　カタカナ

https://www.udemy.com/course/master-katakana-writing-calligraphy-the-classic-way/?referralCode=B33BA33398F298DC43AA

３ Kanji 100

Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-100-basic-kanji-write-feel-and-truly-understand/?referralCode=D901DCF2C977044C0D96

Japan’s seasons change dramatically from north to south. Learn how the sakura front and koyo front move across the country, and discover gentle travel tips for enjoying Japan’s autumn leaves. Ideal for Japanese for Beginners and Japanese Listening Practice.

◆Listener Questions

1　In your country, is there a tradition of enjoying autumn leaves?

2　Even if there is no such custom, do people still enjoy the colors of trees turning red and yellow?

3　Are there places in your city where the natural scenery becomes especially beautiful?

4　Are there any plants in your country that symbolize the seasons, similar to cherry blossoms or autumn leaves in Japan?

5　If you could follow Japan’s cherry blossom front or autumn leaves front, which region would you like to visit?

【You can comment here】

◆Podpage

You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):

https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate

◆Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I

◆YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola

◆My Udemy

I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.

１ What is Japanese?

Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-for-beginners-just-2-things-simple-grammar/?referralCode=93B074F0FD528614E16F

２Katakana

Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way　カタカナ

https://www.udemy.com/course/master-katakana-writing-calligraphy-the-classic-way/?referralCode=B33BA33398F298DC43AA

３ Kanji 100

Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-100-basic-kanji-write-feel-and-truly-understand/?referralCode=D901DCF2C977044C0D96

I just released a new podcast episode and blog post about why Katakana feels difficult and how starting with Katakana can make Japanese much easier for beginners.
If you’re learning Japanese or love language learning, please take a look!

◆Listener Questions

1 How did you study Hiragana and Katakana? (Textbook, apps, self-study, etc.)

2 What practice method worked best for you when learning Katakana?

3 When studying Japanese characters, what do you think are the pros and cons of learning from a teacher versus learning with apps?

4 Can you write and read Hiragana and Katakana smoothly now?

5 What do you think makes Katakana feel difficult? (Pronunciation differences, low frequency in texts, etc.)

6 Would you like to study Katakana again, or do you feel you no longer need to?

【You can comment here】

◆Podpage

You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):

https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate

◆Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I

◆YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola

◆My Udemy

I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.

１ What is Japanese?

Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-for-beginners-just-2-things-simple-grammar/?referralCode=93B074F0FD528614E16F

２Katakana

Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way　カタカナ

https://www.udemy.com/course/master-katakana-writing-calligraphy-the-classic-way/?referralCode=B33BA33398F298DC43AA

３ Kanji 100

Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand

https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-100-basic-kanji-write-feel-and-truly-understand/?referralCode=D901DCF2C977044C0D96