What defines a relationship in Japan — and when does love officially begin?

In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie talks about Japanese views on romance, from the culture of kokuhaku(love confession) to the clearly defined lines between friendship, dating, and marriage. You’ll hear how relationships often develop differently from Western norms, and why those differences can feel surprising, confusing, or even frustrating across cultures.

ポッドキャストでは、日本人の恋愛観についてお話しします。告白文化や結婚に対する考え方など、日本では当たり前でも海外の人にとっては少し不思議に感じる恋愛の感覚を紹介します。

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 here:
⁠https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi⁠

Why do people in Japan give so many gifts?

In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie talks about how gift-giving naturally shows up all the time in Japanese life. From Valentine’s Day chocolates to seasonal presents, special occasions, and the famous culture of omiyage...etc.

You’ll start to feel just how deeply gift-giving is woven into daily life in Japan!

このエピソードでは、バレンタインのチョコレートやお土産、季節の贈り物など、日常の中にあふれる日本の贈り物文化について話します。贈り物がどれだけ日常の一部になっているのかを感じてみてください！

Let’s make your ears 日本語耳!

Full transcript and English translation available:

https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi

What kind of place shapes a person?

In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie takes you to her hometown and shares the everyday scenes and atmosphere that helped shape who she is today.

このエピソードでは、出身地について、日常の風景や街の雰囲気などをふまえて、お話します。

Listen like you’re strolling through town with a Japanese friend, hearing real stories at real speed.

Let’s make your ears 日本語耳!

Full transcript & English translation available here: https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi

Ever wondered why someone decides to become a Japanese teacher? In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie shares her personal journey from previous jobs to becoming an online Japanese teacher. Listen as she talks about the joys, challenges, and freedoms of her work, and how teaching Japanese helped her appreciate her own language and culture even more.

このエピソードでは、日本語教師になった経緯や、仕事を通して感じたことや学んだこと、この仕事の楽しさについてお話しします。仕事のおかげで日本語や日本文化の奥深さに気づき、今の自分がある理由をお伝えします。

Learn natural Japanese at real speed while hearing authentic experiences. Let’s make your ears 日本語耳!

Full transcript ＆ English translation available here: https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi

What happens when you share a life with someone who speaks a different language and grew up with completely different “common sense”?

In this first episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie casually talks about the small, everyday frictions of international marriage. Things that are not big problems, but somehow stay with you.

ポッドキャスト第1回では、国際結婚の中で感じる、ちょっとしたズレあるあるを、お話しします。大きな問題じゃないけど、なんか気になる...そんな日常のワンシーンです。

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