Meg’s Simple Japanese Podcast

🌸 About this video

Welcome to the first episode of my new series — Learn Japanese through the Kojiki!In this series, I retell stories from the Kojiki (古事記) — Japan’s oldest record of myths and history — in simple Japanese (around CEFR A2–B1 / JLPT N4–N3 level).

You’ll enjoy Japan’s ancient mythology while naturally improving your Japanese listening and comprehension skills.

In this first video, we’ll explore:

💫 What is the Kojiki?

📖 Why was it written?

🌏 What kind of stories does it contain?

📚 Level Upper Beginner → Lower Intermediate (around CEFR A2–B1 / JLPT N4–N3) Perfect for learners who want to enjoy both Japanese language and culture through stories.

🕒 Chapters

00:00 Opening (神話の世界へ)

01:00 What Is the Kojiki? (古事記とは)

02:33 Structure of the Kojiki (三つのパート)

03:26 What Stories Are Included? (どんな物語がある？)

04:14 What You Can Learn from This Series (このシリーズで学べること)

04:52 Next Episode Preview (次回予告)

💡Learning Tips

✔️ Listen several times to get used to the rhythm of Japanese.

✔️ Try to shadow the narration aloud.

✔️ Pause and think when you hear the question section.

📘 Study MaterialsFull script (with/without furigana) + vocabulary list + cultural notes are available here 👇

👉 https://ko-fi.com/s/a79ff5736e (PDF for Episodes 1 & 2 are available for free for a limited time ☕)

☕ Support My Channel

If you enjoy my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi. Your contribution helps me create more high-quality Japanese learning materials 💖 👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

🌏 Learn Japanese with Me

Would you like to take my class? I’d love to help you explore Japanese through stories and culture! 🌐 https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

🏯 About the Kojiki Series

This series introduces the ancient myths of Japan — from the creation of heaven and earth to the birth of the gods and the origins of Japan’s emperors. Through these stories, you’ll discover not only Japanese language but also the deep cultural values that still shape Japan today.

🌏 Thinking about moving to Japan?

I also support visa and immigration procedures as a certified administrative scrivener (immigration lawyer) in Japan.Learn more here:👉 https://www.trust-gyosei.com/immigration-en/

🎵 Images, Videos & Music Credits

CANVA：https://www.canva.com/

Adobe Stock：https://stock.adobe.com/jp/

MotionElements：https://www.motionelements.com/

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

#Kojiki

#LearnJapanese

#JapaneseMythology

This video contains a retelling of a classic Japanese tale in simple language.

Today’s video features “The Mermaid and the Red Candle.”

💡 This story was inspired by “Akai Rōsoku to Ningyo” (The Red Candles and the Mermaid) by Mimei Ogawa (1882–1961) — a well-known modern Japanese short story.

I rewrote it in easy Japanese (JLPT N4 level) so learners can enjoy and understand the story more smoothly.

This episode is suitable for JLPT-N4 learners.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practice.

☆Words

I’m publishing this information on my website.

The content is available on the script page of this video.

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/69-the-mermaid-and-the-red-candle-n4

☆Would you like to take my class?

I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey!

Book a trial lesson directly through my website:

https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

（If it’s your first time, please book a trial lesson to get started.）

☆My profile page

https://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Love my content?

Consider supporting my work on Ko-fi! Your generosity helps me create more engaging Japanese learning resources for you. Every contribution is greatly appreciated! ☕️🌸

https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

☆Images, Videos & Music

CANVA：https://www.canva.com/

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

VSQ plus+：https://vsq.co.jp/plus/

This video contains a heartwarming story inspired by Japanese literature.

Today’s video features “Sachiko and the Gift of Happiness.” 💡 This story was inspired by “Happiness” by Shimazaki Toson (1872–1943) — a classic short story from early modern Japan. I rewrote it in simple Japanese so that learners at the JLPT N5 level can enjoy it easily.

This episode is suitable for JLPT-N5 level learners. Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practice.

Additionally, there is a quiz based on this episode. Be sure to try it after listening!

☆Words

I’m publishing this information on my website.

The content is available on the script page of this video.

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/68-short-story-the-visitor-of-happiness-sachiko-n5/

☆Would you like to take my class?

I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey!

Book a trial lesson directly through my website:

https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

（If it’s your first time, please book a trial lesson to get started.）

☆My profile page

https://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Love my content?

Consider supporting my work on Ko-fi! Your generosity helps me create more engaging Japanese learning resources for you. Every contribution is greatly appreciated! ☕️🌸

https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

☆Images, Videos & Music

CANVA：https://www.canva.com/

Adobe Stock：https://stock.adobe.com/jp/

MotionElements：https://www.motionelements.com/

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

📢 Explore Japan with a Digital Nomad Visa! 🌏

Starting July, I’ve taken on a new and exciting role: helping foreigners navigate the process of obtaining visas in Japan. 🗾 In this video, I introduce the Digital Nomad Visa—a game-changer for remote workers who want to live and work in Japan.

💼 What’s inside the video?

・What is the Digital Nomad Visa?

・Who can apply for it?

・Required documents and important rules

・How my office, Trust Administrative Scrivener Office, can help you

🎯 Exclusive Full Support Package

My office offers a special service, including:

・Complete assistance with visa applications

・Personalized Japanese lessons (online or in Kitakyushu!)

・Ongoing support via LINE and email

This is not just about getting a visa—it’s about creating a rich and enjoyable experience in Japan. Whether you need guidance on the application process or want to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, I’m here to support you every step of the way!

🌟 Ready to start your new journey in Japan? Visit my website for more details or send me a message. Let’s make your dream of living in Japan a reality!

https://www.trust-gyosei.com/japanese-digital-nomad-visa-about/

Don’t forget to comment below and let me know your thoughts. See you in Japan! 🇯🇵✨

This video was created as of November 2024. Please note that visa rules and regulations may change due to future legal revisions. For the most up-to-date information, feel free to contact our office.

This episode is suitable for JLPT-N3 level learners.

☆Words

I’m publishing this information on my website.

The content is available on the script page of this video.

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/67-digital-nomad-visa-n3/

I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey!

Book a trial lesson directly through my website:

https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

（If it’s your first time, please book a trial lesson to get started.）

☆My profile page

https://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Love my content? Consider supporting my work on Ko-fi! Your generosity helps me create more engaging Japanese learning resources for you. Every contribution is greatly appreciated! ☕️🌸

https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

☆Music

MotionElements：https://www.motionelements.com/

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

Recently, I donated my hair! Growing it out was quite a challenge, but I persevered. In this video, I'll share my hair donation journey, discuss the history of hair donations, and explain how you can donate your hair too ( in Japan).

This episode is suitable for JLPT-N4 level learners.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

I’m publishing this information on my website.

The content is available on the script page of this video.

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/hair-donation-n4/

☆Would you like to take my class?

I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey!

Book a trial lesson directly through my website:

https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

（If it’s your first time, please book a trial lesson to get started.）

☆My profile page

https://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Love my content? Consider supporting my work on Ko-fi! Your generosity helps me create more engaging Japanese learning resources for you. Every contribution is greatly appreciated! ☕️🌸

https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

☆Music

MotionElements：https://www.motionelements.com/

This video contains a scary story. If you don't like scary stories, please do not watch it.

Today's video features a Japanese horror tale called 'The River Princess.' This story exists in various regions of Japan.

I created this video by referencing these different regional versions.

One day, a man saw a silver carp in the river.

When he followed the carp...

This episode is suitable for JLPT-N5 level learners.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

Additionally, I've prepared a quiz based on this episode. Be sure to take it after listening!

☆Words

I’m publishing this information on my website.

The content is available on the script page of this video.

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/65-spirit-of-the-river-n5/

☆Would you like to take my class?

I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey!

Book a trial lesson directly through my website:

https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

（If it’s your first time, please book a trial lesson to get started.）

☆My profile page

https://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Love my content? Consider supporting my work on Ko-fi! Your generosity helps me create more engaging Japanese learning resources for you. Every contribution is greatly appreciated! ☕️🌸

https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

☆Music

MotionElements：https://www.motionelements.com/

#comprehensible, #shortstory, #jlptn5, #podcast, #megsmile, storytelling, #listening, #japanese, #easyjapanese, #物語, #horror, #日本語の物語, #やさしい日本語, #japanesegrammar, #japasenestory,

Are you familiar with "Momotaro"? 

It's a famous Japanese folktale about a hero named Momotaro who defeats scary demons. Today, I'm sharing a version of Momotaro where he is the villain, written by Ryunosuke Akutagawa, a renowned Japanese author. 

The original Japanese text is quite difficult, so I simplified it to the JLPT N3 level. If you'd like to read the original story, you can find it at the link below. Give it a try!

https://www.aozora.gr.jp/cards/000879/files/100_15253.html

This episode is suitable for JLPT-N3 level learners.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

I’m publishing this information on my website.

The content is available on the script page of this video.

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/64-the-dark-side-of-momotaro-n3/

☆Would you like to take my class?

I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey!

Book a trial lesson directly through my website:

https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

（If it’s your first time, please book a trial lesson to get started.）

☆My profile page

https://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Love my content? Consider supporting my work on Ko-fi! Your generosity helps me create more engaging Japanese learning resources for you. Every contribution is greatly appreciated! ☕️🌸

https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

☆Music

MotionElements：https://www.motionelements.com/

This is an original story I've crafted.

An elderly man cherished his beautiful rainbow umbrella.

One rainy day, he found a little girl crying and...

This episode is suitable for JLPT-N4 level learners.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

Additionally, I've prepared a quiz based on this episode. Be sure to take it after listening!

☆Words

I’m publishing this information on my website.

The content is available on the script page of this video.

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/63-the-prism-rainbow-umbrella-n4/

☆Would you like to take my class?

I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey!

Book a trial lesson directly through my website:

https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

（If it’s your first time, please book a trial lesson to get started.）

☆My profile page

https://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Love my content? Consider supporting my work on Ko-fi! Your generosity helps me create more engaging Japanese learning resources for you. Every contribution is greatly appreciated! ☕️🌸

https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

☆Music

MotionElements：https://www.motionelements.com/

This is an original story I've crafted.

One day, a cat wandered into the post office. Following this unexpected visit, an old letter was discovered...

This episode is suitable for JLPT-N5 level learners.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

Additionally, I've prepared a quiz based on this episode. Be sure to take it after listening!

☆Words

I’m publishing this information on my website.

The content is available on the script page of this video.

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/62-the-cat-and-the-old-letter-n5/

☆Would you like to take my class?

I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey!

Book a trial lesson directly through my website:

https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

（If it’s your first time, please book a trial lesson to get started.）

☆My profile page

https://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Love my content? Consider supporting my work on Ko-fi! Your generosity helps me create more engaging Japanese learning resources for you. Every contribution is greatly appreciated! ☕️🌸

https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

☆Music

MotionElements：https://www.motionelements.com/

2024年春の私の毎朝の習慣を紹介します。

《I'd like to share my morning routine in the spring of 2024.》

This episode is at the JLPT-N3 level.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆”ふりがな”について

This video's subtitles have very few furigana. Only the difficult kanji have furigana displayed. If you want to see furigana, please refer to the script available online.

☆Words

I’m publishing this information on my website.

The content is available on the script page of this video.

☆おすすめAPP：Cotomo

https://cotomo.ai/

Recommended for practicing natural Japanese conversation!

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/61-morning-routine-n3/

☆Would you like to take my class?

I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey!

Book a trial lesson directly through my website:

https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

（If it’s your first time, please book a trial lesson to get started.）

☆My profile page

https://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Love my content? Consider supporting my work on Ko-fi! Your generosity helps me create more engaging Japanese learning resources for you. Every contribution is greatly appreciated! ☕️🌸

https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

☆Music

BGMer：http://bgmer.net