Everyday Japanese Podcast

I went on a solo trip to Hita, a small, cozy town in Oita, Kyushu, surrounded by mountains and known for its clean water.
I walked the Edo-era streets of Mameda-machi, chatted with friendly shop owners, tried Hita-mabushi (a local version of hitsumabushi, grilled eel over rice) with yuzu kosho (a citrus chili paste), and bought handmade geta (wooden sandals). Hita is also the hometown of the creator of Attack on Titan.

If you went to Hita, what would you do? Let me know in the comments!
🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com
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I'm back with Shun, and this time we're talking about what we each want to be like at 60.
It started with someone I met recently who's around 60 and full of energy — hiking without even getting out of breath. That got us wondering what actually makes the difference. Food? Sleep? Exercise? Stress? The people around you? Shun and I don't rank them the same way.
🔴Kanreki (還暦) is the milestone 60th birthday in Japan.

🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com
Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!
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"Do you ever burn out?"「燃え尽きたことある？」
Shun from Japanese with Shun posts three videos a week and has over a thousand videos on his channel, so I had to ask.
His answer surprised me a little, and then we spent the rest of the conversation trying to work out why. How his pace has changed over the years, whether the numbers get to you, the gym, and the kind of person we've both watched burn out.
Neither of us really landed on an answer. We talked about it anyway! Tameguchi, no script, just two friends talking. For intermediate and above.

🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com
Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!
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I just got back from a three-day trip to a quiet mountain town in Japan, and this time I'm sharing my post-trip routine. Do you unpack the moment you walk through the door, or tell yourself "tomorrow is fine"?
And why does home feel so good after a few days away? This is a relaxed, slice-of-life episode full of Japanese you'll actually use in daily life, like 荷解き (unpacking), 洗濯機を回す (running the washing machine), and お惣菜 (ready-made side dishes from the supermarket)!
🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com
Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!
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When someone says "考えます" (I'll think about it), how much thinking is actually happening? In this episode I put Tatsuya, an online Japanese teacher, through a quiz on 本音 (true feelings) and 建前 (the polite front) — everyday phrases where the literal meaning and the real meaning don't quite line up. Turning down an invitation, replying to a business proposal, reacting to a photo of someone's new partner. Even as a native speaker, I've misread these myself🙈 If you've ever felt stuck between the words and the intention, this one's for you!

Tatsuya also teaches Japanese online. If you're looking for a teacher, check out his trial lesson and Instagram in the links below! 🗓️ https://calendly.com/tatsuya-diginjapan/trial-30minute-lesson
https://www.instagram.com/tatsuyajapanese/
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🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com
Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!
🩷 Support this podcast
https://sayurisaying.com/support