Nihongomimi Podcast

Are you overusing "めっちゃ" — without realizing it?

In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie breaks down why this common word often sounds unnatural in real conversations, and how it connects to one of the most important concepts in Japanese: understanding "air (空気)."

She also talks about why building a textbook foundation actually helps you sound more natural, not less — and shares practical tips on how to use AI effectively in your Japanese studies.

このエピソードでは、「めっちゃ」を使いすぎていないか？というテーマから、日本語における「空気」の重要性についてお話しします。教科書で学ぶことの大切さと、リアルな日本語とのバランス、そしてAIを活用した学習のコツも紹介します。

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

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

For serious learners: This episode also comes with my Listening Mastery Pack, designed to help you internalize natural Japanese faster and more effectively. https://www.marienukaya.com/category/all-products

Let’s make your ears 日本語耳.

Is Japan really a “non-religious” country? And if so, what do people actually believe?In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie shares her experience in Thailand during a major Buddhist holiday and explores how it led her to reflect on Japanese religion and spirituality. You’ll hear how Buddhism differs between Japan and Thailand, what shapes Japan’s unique “no religion” mindset, and how Shinto, Buddhism, and even Christianity coexist in everyday life.ポッドキャストでは、タイの仏教の祝日「マカブーチャ」をきっかけに、日本人の宗教観についてお話しします。なぜ日本人は「無宗教」と言いながらも、神社やお寺に行くのか。神道・仏教・キリスト教が共存する、日本独特の宗教のあり方について考えます。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 are Japanese people so obsessed with sakura?

What makes these flowers so special?

In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie explores Japan’s deep connection to sakura (cherry blossoms), from the nationwide excitement to the unique characteristics of Somei Yoshino. You’ll also hear how hanami (flower viewing) became a cultural tradition, and why cherry blossoms hold such strong emotional meaning in Japan.

このエピソードでは、日本人がなぜここまで桜に夢中になるのかについてお話しします。桜前線やお花見の文化、そして桜が持つ特別な意味について、日本人の感覚をわかりやすく紹介します。

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

Improve your Japanese listening skills while exploring a real-life experience in Thailand!

In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie records from Koh Samui, where she visits an elephant sanctuary and learns about the lives of Asian elephants.

You’ll hear about elephant tourism, along with fascinating insights into elephant behavior, intelligence, and social life. The episode also explores the ethical questions behind elephant tourism and what responsible travel really looks like.

このエピソードでは、タイのサムイ島にあるゾウの保護施設を訪れて学んだことについてお話しします。ゾウの生態や社会性、そしてタイのゾウ観光の背景や倫理的な問題について、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.

*This episode was recorded at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, where I stayed during my trip. The elephant sanctuary featured in this episode is Samui Elephant Haven, an ethical sanctuary that rescues and cares for elephants previously used in tourism and labor. Both the accommodation and the visit were not sponsored.Full transcript ＆ English translation available here:https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi

What are the hidden rules of Japanese onsen? Why are tattoos often not allowed?

In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie talks about Japanese onsen (hot spring) and sento (public bath) culture, from bathing etiquette and unspoken rules to the historical reasons behind Japan’s tattoo restrictions.

You’ll hear the hidden rules of Japanese onsen and public baths, as well as why tattoos in Japan have historically been restricted in public baths.

このエピソードでは、日本の温泉文化や銭湯の習慣についてお話しします。温泉と銭湯の違い、お風呂の入り方のマナー、そしてタトゥーが禁止されている理由など、日本ならではのお風呂文化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

Improve your Japanese listening skills while exploring a powerful idea: if the average human life is only about 4,000 weeks, how should we actually spend it?

The 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi) Podcast is designed for intermediate to advanced Japanese learners who want to improve their listening skills through natural, native-speed Japanese conversation.

In this episode, Marie talks about the ideas from the book Four Thousand Weeks and how it changed the way she thinks about time, productivity, and what really matters in life.

You’ll hear reflections on why we can’t do everything we want in life, why even our free time turns into a to-do list, and why the moments we truly experience are defined by where we place our attention.

このエピソードでは、『限られた時間の使い方（Four Thousand Weeks）』という本をきっかけに、人生の時間の使い方について考えます。

人生はたった4000週間。だからこそ、「全部やろう」とするのではなく、何を選び、どの瞬間を味わうのかが大切なのかもしれません。

Listen as if you’re sitting with a Japanese friend, hearing natural 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 is school life really like in Japan?

In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie talks about Japanese compulsory education and the culture inside schools. From daily routines to the mindset behind the system, you’ll hear natural, real-speed Japanese while gaining deeper cultural insight.

If you’ve ever wondered why Japanese schools feel so structured and cooperative, this episode will give you the full picture!

このエピソードでは、日本の義務教育（小学校・中学校）についてお話しします。

学校の仕組みや考え方を通して、日本社会の背景や文化も見えてきますよ！

Listen as if you’re sitting with a Japanese friend, hearing natural, real-speed Japanese.
Let’s make your ears 日本語耳.

Full Japanese transcript + English translation:
https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi

What really changed between Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa?

How Japan’s Generations Think Differently?

In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie explores the differences between 昭和・平成・令和 and how each era shaped values, work culture, family roles, and everyday life in Japan.

このエピソードでは、昭和・平成・令和それぞれの時代の特徴やイメージ、価値観の違いについて、自然な日本語でお話しします。

Listen as if you’re sitting with a Japanese friend, hearing real, natural-speed Japanese. Let’s make your ears 日本語耳!

You can read the full Japanese transcript & English translations here:
https://www.marienukaya.com/nihongomimi

When did you first feel like an adult?

In this episode of 日本語耳 (Nihongomimi), Marie shares personal reflections on the moments that made her feel she had stepped into adulthood — the shifts weren’t dramatic. They were subtle, personal, and deeply human. How about yours?

みなさんが「自分が大人になったと感じるとき」ってどんなときですか？キラキラした出来事だけではなく、平凡な毎日の中にある“成長”について振り返ります。

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!

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

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.

このエピソードでは、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