The Very Simple Japanese Podcast: Short Stories to Help You Learn Japanese

Today’s episode tells the story of the Twelve Zodiac Animals — a famous tale that explains how the zodiac began. 

(Key words)

じゅんばん：order, sequence 

〜ばん：number

とうちゃくする：to arrive

You can get the scripts here → https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888

Youtube → https://youtu.be/hFVv9yGRpNI

If you enjoy this story, please like, subscribe, and share so more learners can join our club. Let’s study Japanese together!

In this episode, we explore the famous Japanese folktale “The Straw Millionaire (Warashibe Chōja)”. “Warashibe” means a straw stem and “chōja” means a wealthy person.

It’s about an unlucky young man who starts his journey with only a single straw. By valuing small things, helping others, and never giving up, the straw slowly turns into oranges, cloth, a horse, and finally a big house.

This heartwarming story teaches us an important lesson:
even small things can lead to great happiness if we treat them with care and kindness.

Enjoy the story, learn new vocabulary, and discover the wisdom hidden in Japanese folktales.

(Keywords)

わら : straw, あぶ : horse fly, みかん : oranges, ぬの : cloth, fabri, 馬(うま) : horse, 家(いえ) : house, こうかんする : to exchange, trade

This episode tells the classic Japanese folktale Kasajizō. Set in a cold winter, this fantasy story teaches the value of kindness and caring for others. Perfect for Japanese learners who want to enjoy stories while improving their listening skills.

(Keywords)

笠（かさ）kasa : straw hat that people wore in the old days.

お地蔵さま （おじぞうさま）jizō : a Buddhist figure that looks like a small monk.

You can get the scripts 📄 here→https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888

Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@onigirinihongoclub

If you enjoy this story, please like, subscribe, and share so more learners can join our club. Let’s study Japanese together!

Today’s story is about きつね (fox), lantern oil, and a little temptation… 👀 The keywords are あぶらabura (oil) , いちごう ichigou (180ml), ばける bakeru (transform) and ぺろりperori (lick). Let’s relax, listen, and enjoy learning Japanese😊

You can get the scripts ↓

https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888

Youtube → https://youtu.be/h13YNdk-B6Y

In this episode, I read a classic Japanese folktale about Ikkyu, a clever young monk known for his wit (とんち tonchi).
The story plays with the Japanese word “hashi,” which can mean “bridge” or “edge.”
Ikkyu uses this double meaning to outsmart the adults around him in a funny and surprising way.

This is a short, beginner-friendly listening practice with simple Japanese. Relax, listen, and enjoy the wisdom and humor of traditional Japanese stories.

YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/bK1hXXSNR7k

Today’s story is about Ikkyu, a smart and funny young monk who always finds creative ways to solve problems. Here’re some words in the story..

kozou-san : a child monk

Osho-san : a head monk 

mizuame : malt syrup

doku : poison

suzuri : ink stone

Enjoy this classic Japanese tale!

You can get the scripts here ↓ https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888

Youtube ↓

https://youtu.be/iAnYw5tRz4w

Meet Zashiki-warashi, a childlike spirit from Japanese folklore.
It brings good luck to the home, but if it leaves, bad luck may follow. A gentle and mysterious story about luck, spirits, and home.

You can download the scripts (PDF) on Patreon. 

・FREE English translation script → https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888

・Full scripts (Hiragana + Kanji + English + Vocabulary Sheets) → for Patreon members

Youtube →  https://youtu.be/-Dv6G7BZg80

Today’s story is a Japanese folktale ”Princess Kaguya” - it’s a fantasy story. I hope you enjoy listening.

You can download the scripts (PDF) on Patreon. 

・FREE English translation script → https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888

・Full scripts (Hiragana + Kanji + English + Vocabulary Sheets) → for Patreon members

You can also watch it on YouTube. Please check it out!

Today’s story is a Japanese folktale “The Old Man with a Lump.” It’s about two old men. What kind of old men do you think they were? Let’s find out!

You can download the scripts (PDF) on Patreon. 

・FREE English translation script →https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888

・Full scripts (Hiragana + Kanji + English + Vocabulary Sheets)

→ for Patreon members

If you enjoy this story, please like, subscribe, and share so more learners can join our club. Let’s study Japanese together!

In this story, “Happiness” (しあわせ) by Shimazaki Tōson, we reflect on the meaning of happiness. The story asks: What is happiness to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts - please share in the comments!

📖 Transcripts (PDF) :

• Free English script → available on my Patreon (Free tier)
• Full Japanese scripts (Hiragana + Kanji + English) → available for members

👉 Check out the Patreon page here:

https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888

If you enjoy the story, please like, subscribe, and share so more learners can join our club.
Let’s study Japanese together!