Nihongomimi Podcast

What does ikigai really mean to Japanese people?

In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie explores the true meaning of ikigai, comparing the famous Western "Ikigai" diagram with how the word is actually understood in Japan. Drawing on Japanese books and personal experiences, she shares why ikigai may be much simpler—and much more meaningful—than many people think.

このエピソードでは、日本人にとっての「生きがい」とは何かについてお話しします。海外で広く知られているIKIGAIの考え方と、日本で実際に使われている「生きがい」の意味を比較しながら、日本の本や私自身の経験をもとに、その本当の魅力を紹介します。

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 & EN translation here: https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi

Why do many people in Japan feel they can’t go outside without makeup? And why does looking “proper” matter so much in Japanese society?

In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie talks about lookism in Japan. The pressure to look attractive, clean, and presentable, and how appearance can influence the way people see and judge others. From the importance of midashinami (身だしなみ) to beauty standards, body image, and the hidden insecurities behind appearance, you’ll discover why looking good is such a powerful part of Japanese culture.

このエピソードでは、日本の「ルッキズム（見た目による評価や偏見）」についてお話しします。なぜ日本では「すっぴんで外に出られない」と感じる人が多いのか、なぜ「きちんとして見えること」が大切にされるのか。日本で育った私自身の経験や海外との違いを交えながら紹介します。

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

★ For the Listening Mastery Pack (Japanese & English transcripts, vocabulary, grammar explanations, and shadowing materials), visit the 日本語耳 website.

After years of living in Europe, what feels surprising about returning to Japan?

In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie shares the reverse culture shock she experienced during her recent trip home—from Japan's incredibly reliable trains to surprisingly inflexible service.

You'll hear an honest, balanced perspective on the little things that make Japan feel both familiar and unexpectedly different.

このエピソードでは、一時帰国で日本に帰ったときに感じた逆カルチャーショックについてお話しします。海外生活を通して見えてきた日本の魅力と意外な一面を紹介します。

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 full EN translation & Japanese transcript here:
https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi

Why do Japanese people say sumimasen and gomen nasai so often? Even when nothing seems to be their fault?

In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie explores Japan's apology culture, the hidden meanings behind saying "sorry," and how apologizing can function as empathy, politeness, and social harmony rather than simply admitting wrongdoing.

You’ll discover why this habit can be confusing across cultures, and what it reveals about Japanese communication and values.

このエピソードでは、日本人の「謝る文化」についてお話しします。日本人はなぜそんなに「すみません」と言うのか？日本独特のコミュニケーションや、人間関係を円滑にするための考え方について紹介します。

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

What did some of history’s greatest geniuses do every day?

In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie explores the daily routines of famous figures such as Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, and Tchaikovsky. From strict schedules and long walks to late-night creativity, you'll discover the surprising habits these remarkable individuals shared — and what their routines might teach us about creativity, productivity, and a meaningful life.このエピソードでは、ベートーベン、モーツァルト、ショパン、チャイコフスキーなどの天才たちの日課についてお話しします。彼らに共通する意外な習慣や考え方を通して、創造性や仕事との向き合い方、そして豊かな人生について考えていきます。

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

Why is Japan still associated with overwork, long hours, and burnout — and is that actually still true today? Is Japanese work culture actually changing?

In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie explores Japan’s work culture through the lens of reality versus perception. From “karoshi” (過労死, death from overwork) to legal reforms, changing corporate norms as well as attitudes among younger generations, we break down what is really happening inside Japanese workplaces today.

You’ll hear why work became such a central part of Japanese society and why this system is slowly, but not completely, changing. 

このエピソードでは、日本の働き方についてお話しします。長時間労働、残業文化、過労死、そして少しずつ変わり始めている若い世代の価値観など、日本社会のリアルな働き方を紹介します。

Listen as if you’re sitting with a Japanese friend, hearing natural, unfiltered Japanese at real speed.

You can read the full transcript here: ⁠https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi⁠

Let’s make your ears 日本語耳.

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

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

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.

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