Meg’s Simple Japanese Podcast

80 - Meg Talk #01: My Work, Summer Vacation, and This Podcast // Upper Beginner Japanese Listening

🌸 About this episode

Welcome to Meg Talk, my new casual Japanese podcast series!

In this first episode, I talk about what has been happening in my life recently:

・My work as an administrative scrivener helping with visa applications in Japan

・Why I have been so busy this past year

・My summer vacation

・Why I decided to start making Japanese videos and podcast episodes again

Unlike my previous podcast episodes, which were mainly audio versions of my YouTube videos, Meg Talk is a more casual series where I talk about my work, daily life in Japan, things I’ve been thinking about, and more.

I speak in simple, natural Japanese so you can enjoy listening without trying to understand every single word.

｜

📚 Level

Upper Beginner / JLPT N4

The Japanese is mainly around N4 level.You may hear some more difficult vocabulary, especially words related to my work, but I try to explain things in a simple and natural way.

｜🎧 How to Listen

You don’t need to understand everything!Try listening while cooking, walking, relaxing, or riding the train.Listen for words and expressions you already know, and see if you can understand the general meaning.

｜

📄 Study Materials

A study PDF for this episode is available on Ko-fi.

It includes:

・Vocabulary List

・Full Script

・Script with Reading Support

・Comprehension Check

・Grammar & Useful Expressions

👉https://ko-fi.com/s/2f90cd41f5

｜

☕ Support My Content

If you enjoy my Japanese content, you can support me on Ko-fi.Your support helps me continue creating Japanese learning materials.

👉https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

｜

🏯 About Meg

I’m Meg, a Japanese teacher and certified Administrative Scrivener in Japan.I teach Japanese and also help foreign residents and people who want to come to Japan with visa and immigration procedures.

In Meg Talk, I’ll share stories about my work, daily life, Japan, and whatever has been on my mind — in simple Japanese.

｜

#JapaneseListening #LearnJapanese #EasyJapanese #JLPTN4 #UpperBeginnerJapanese #ComprehensibleJapanese #JapanesePodcast #JapaneseListeningPractice #MegTalk #MegSmile

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 - 07min

79 - #75 Umeko Tsuda: A Woman Who Changed Education in Japan // Upper Beginner Japanese Listening

🌸 About this video

Welcome to my Japanese listening series for upper beginners!

In this episode, you’ll learn about Tsuda Umeko (津田梅子),

the woman who founded Japan’s first university for women and quietly changed the future of women’s education in Japan.

The story is told in simple Japanese (Upper Beginner / JLPT N4 level) with clear and slow narration.

You can practice listening while learning about education, effort, and quiet courage.

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This video is perfect for:

・Upper beginner learners (around JLPT N4)

・Learners who enjoy story-based Japanese

・People interested in Japanese history and education

・Anyone who wants to build listening skills with meaningful content

|

📚 Level

Upper Beginner (JLPT N4)

Clear and natural narration using N4-level grammar.

Some vocabulary is more advanced, but the story is told slowly and clearly for learners.

|

🕒 Chapters

00:00 Opening (オープニング)

00:03 Introduction (イントロダクション)

00:31 Childhood（子どものころ）

01:38 Life in America（アメリカでの生活）

02:32 Difficulties After Returning to Japan（日本に帰ってからの苦労）

03:31 Going to America Again（もう一度、アメリカへ）

04:28 Activities in Japan（日本での活動）

05:09 A School for Women（女性のための学校）

07:19 Question Time (しつもんの時間)

07:40 True / False Quiz Part 1 (〇×クイズ①～⑥)

09:56 True / False Quiz Part 2 (〇×クイズ⑦～⑫)

12:35 Replay Guide (How to Listen / 聞き方の説明)

12:44 Listen Again Without Subtitles (字幕なしでもう一度ストーリーを聞こう)

19:31 Ending (エンディング)

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💡 Learning Tips

✔️ First, watch with subtitles and focus on the story.

✔️ Then, listen again without subtitles.

✔️ Pause after each question and answer out loud (〇 or ×).

✔️ Try shadowing short sentences.

✔️ Think about this question:

How can education quietly change the future?

|

📄 Study Materials

The full script (with/without furigana) and the vocabulary list are available as a paid study PDF on Ko-fi.

👉 https://ko-fi.com/s/3fdd12e608

|

☕ Support My Channel

If you enjoy my content, consider supporting me on Ko-fi.

Your support helps me continue creating high-quality Japanese learning materials 💖

👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

|

🏯 About Meg

I am a certified Administrative Scrivener (immigration lawyer) in Japan

and a Japanese teacher who creates storytelling-based learning materials for beginners.

Immigration services (visa support):

👉 https://www.trust-gyosei.com/immigration-en/

|

Note:

Some images and scenes in this episode are AI-generated or digitally illustrated for learning purposes.

Illustrations based on public domain photos are used where appropriate.

They are designed to support understanding and are not historical photographs.

|

🎵 Images, Videos & Music Credits

CANVA: https://www.canva.com/

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

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

Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)

BGMer: http://bgmer.net

|

#JapaneseListening #LearnJapanese #EasyJapanese #JLPTN4 #UpperBeginnerJapanese #ComprehensibleJapanese #StorytellingJapanese #MegSmile #TsudaUmeko #JapaneseHistory #WomenInEducation #ListeningPractice

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 - 20min

78 - #74 Short Story：Alex’s Family / storytelling // Beginner Japanese Listening

🌸 About this video

Welcome to my Japanese listening series for beginners!

This episode is an original JLPT N5-level story about a fictional character, Alex, an international student living in Japan.

Alex is studying Japanese at a language school, and in this video, he introduces his family living in his home country.

The story is told in clear, slow-paced Japanese, making it ideal for early-stage learners.

✨ Language focus in this video

・No verb conjugation practice

・No te-form

・Almost entirely in polite “-masu” form

・Simple sentence structures and everyday vocabulary

｜

Because of this, the video is especially recommended for:

・Early JLPT N5 learners

・Students before studying te-form

・Learners who want to build listening confidence with gentle, natural narration

｜

Through Alex’s story, you can enjoy learning Japanese while listening to warm, everyday expressions about family, daily life, and personal feelings.

Take your time, relax, and enjoy listening 🌿

Feel free to listen again without subtitles for extra practice!

｜

📚 Level

Beginner (Early JLPT N5)

This story is told slowly and clearly, using mainly –masu form.

The te-form is not used, so it’s ideal for learners who are studying basic verb forms and want to listen to natural Japanese without advanced grammar.

｜

🕒 Chapters

00:00 Opening (オープニング)

00:32 Story Start ▷ Alex’s Family（ストーリー：アレックスさんの家族）

00:54 Alex’s Father (アレックスさんのお父さん)

02:26 Alex’s Mother (アレックスさんのお母さん)

03:14 Alex’s Sister (アレックスさんの妹)

04:18 Alex (アレックスさん)

05:12 Question Time (しつもんの時間)

05:19 Question Time Part 1 (しつもん①～⑦)

07:40 Question Time Part 2 (しつもん⑧～⑭)

10:13 Replay Guide (How to Listen / 聞き方の説明)

10:21 Listen Again Without Subtitles (字幕なしでもう一度ストーリーを聞こう)

15:02 Ending (エンディング)

｜

💡 Learning Tips

✔️ Listen several times — your ears will get used to natural Japanese.

✔️ Try shadowing short phrases aloud.

✔️ Answer the questions out loud to check comprehension.

✔️ Listen again without subtitles to build confidence.

✔️ Practice introducing your own family in Japanese!

｜

📄 Study Materials

The full script (with/without furigana, Romaji)and the vocabulary list are available as a study PDF on Ko-fi.

👉 https://ko-fi.com/s/32be8f43ea

｜

☕ Support My Channel

If you enjoy my content, consider supporting me on Ko-fi.

Your support helps me continue creating high-quality Japanese learning materials 💖

👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

｜

🏯 About Meg

I am a certified Administrative Scrivener (immigration lawyer) in Japan

and a Japanese teacher who creates storytelling-based learning materials for beginners.

Immigration services (visa support):

👉 https://www.trust-gyosei.com/immigration-en/

｜

🎵 Images, Videos & Music Credits

CANVA: https://www.canva.com/

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

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

BGMer: http://bgmer.net

｜

#JapaneseListening #EasyJapanese #LearnJapanese #JapaneseForBeginners #JLPTN5 #N5Japanese #ComprehensibleJapanese #JapaneseStory #JapaneseFamily #ListeningPractice #JapaneseStudy #StoryBasedLearning #MegSmile

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 - 15min

77 - #73 New Edition：朝の習慣（Morning routine） // Upper Beginner Japanese Listening

🌸 About this video

Welcome to the New Edition of my Japanese listening series!

This video is a refreshed and expanded version of my earlier video

Episode #2 “毎朝（まいあさ）していること | Morning Routine” (JLPT N4 Level).

In this New Edition, I talk about my daily morning routine using clear and natural Japanese at the JLPT N4 level.

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This video is perfect for:

・JLPT N4 learners

・Learners who want to improve listening comprehension with natural but simple Japanese

・Students who enjoy daily-life topics and clear narration

・Anyone studying Japanese for work or life in Japan

|

Through this video, you’ll learn:

・Common Japanese expressions for daily routines

・Vocabulary related to morning activities, work, and schedules

・How Japanese is used naturally in everyday life

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🎧 Try listening first without subtitles, then listen again while reading the script to deepen your understanding.

|

📚 Level

Upper Beginner (JLPT N4)

Clear and natural narration using N4-level grammar.

|

🕒 Chapters

00:00 Opening (オープニング)

00:15 Story Start ▷ Morning routine（ストーリー：朝の習慣）

00:54 Dog’s breakfast（犬の朝ごはん）

02:01 Morning walk（散歩へ）

02:58 After the walk（散歩のあと）

04:41 Morning at home（家にいる日の朝）

05:06 Breakfast（朝ごはん）

05:32 Getting ready to go out（出かける準備）

06:03 Question Time (しつもんの時間)

06:11 Question Time Part 1 (しつもん①～⑤)

07:56 Question Time Part 2 (しつもん⑥～⑩)

09:58 Replay Guide (How to Listen / 聞き方の説明)

10:04 Listen Again Without Subtitles (字幕なしでもう一度ストーリーを聞こう)

15:53 Ending (エンディング)

|

💡 Learning Tips

✔️ First, watch with subtitles and focus on the overall flow of the morning routine.

✔️ Then, listen again without subtitles to practice natural listening comprehension.

✔️ Pause the video and repeat key sentences out loud, especially daily routine expressions.

✔️ Try shadowing short, natural sentences used in everyday life (time, actions, habits).

✔️ Compare Meg’s morning routine with yours and think: What is similar? What is different?

|

📄 Study Materials

The full script (with/without furigana) and the vocabulary list are available as a paid study PDF on Ko-fi.

👉 https://ko-fi.com/s/7e0413ef3b

|

☕ Support My Channel

If you enjoy my content, consider supporting me on Ko-fi.

Your support helps me continue creating high-quality Japanese learning materials 💖

👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

|

🏯 About Meg

I am a certified Administrative Scrivener (immigration lawyer) in Japan

and a Japanese teacher who creates storytelling-based learning materials for beginners.

Immigration services (visa support):

👉 https://www.trust-gyosei.com/immigration-en/

|

🎵 Images, Videos & Music Credits

CANVA: https://www.canva.com/

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

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

BGMer: http://bgmer.net

|

#JapaneseListening #EasyJapanese #LearnJapanese

#JapaneseForBeginners #JLPTN4

#UpperBeginnerJapanese #DailyJapanese

#MorningRoutineJapanese #EverydayJapanese

#ComprehensibleJapanese #JapaneseListeningPractice

#JapaneseLife #MegSmile

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 - 16min

76 - #72 Short Story：Hanako’s Room – Inside the Apartment / storytelling // Beginner Japanese Listening

🌸 About this video

Welcome to my Japanese listening series for beginners!

This episode is an original N5-level story about Hanako and her new apartment room.

This video is the third installment of the Hanako Series:

１） Hanako’s Daily Life（#5）

２） Hanako's holiday（#13）

３） Hanako’s summer vacation（#19・#22）

４） Hanako’s New Room（#59）

５） Hanako’s Room – Inside the Apartment（this video）

If you enjoy simple Japanese stories with clear narration, this video is perfect for you.

Through this story, you will learn everyday Japanese used to describe rooms, furniture, favorite items, and daily routines — all in JLPT N5 grammar and vocabulary.

|

📚 Level

Beginner (Early JLPT N5)

This story is told slowly and clearly, using mainly –masu form.

The te-form is not used, so it’s ideal for learners who are studying basic verb forms and want to listen to natural Japanese without advanced grammar.

|

🕒 Chapters

00:00 Opening (オープニング)

00:12 Story Start ▷ Hanako’s Room（ストーリー：はなこさんのへや）

00:47 Room Overview (部屋のようす)

01:53 The Bed and Special Items (ベッドと大切なもの)

02:58 The Desk (つくえ)

04:13 The Bookshelf (本棚)

05:08 Relaxing Time (ゆっくりする時間)

05:39 Question Time (しつもんの時間)

05:46 Question Time Part 1 (しつもん①～⑤)

07:31 Question Time Part 2 (しつもん⑥～⑩)

09:32 Replay Guide (How to Listen / 聞き方の説明)

09:41 Listen Again Without Subtitles (字幕なしでもう一度ストーリーを聞こう)

15:09 Ending (エンディング)

|

💡 Learning Tips

✔️ Listen several times — your ears will get used to natural Japanese.

✔️ Try shadowing short phrases aloud.

✔️ Answer the questions out loud to check comprehension.

✔️ Listen again without subtitles to build confidence.

✔️ Practice describing your own room in Japanese!

|

📄 Study Materials

The full script (with/without furigana, Romaji)and the vocabulary list are available as a study PDF on Ko-fi.

👉 https://ko-fi.com/s/06f492da46

|

☕ Support My Channel

If you enjoy my content, consider supporting me on Ko-fi.

Your support helps me continue creating high-quality Japanese learning materials 💖

👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

|

🏯 About Meg

I am a certified Administrative Scrivener (immigration lawyer) in Japan

and a Japanese teacher who creates storytelling-based learning materials for beginners.

Immigration services (visa support):

👉 https://www.trust-gyosei.com/immigration-en/

|

🎵 Images, Videos & Music Credits

CANVA: https://www.canva.com/

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

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

irasutoya：https://www.irasutoya.com/

BGMer: http://bgmer.net

|

#JapaneseListening #EasyJapanese #LearnJapanese #JapaneseForBeginners #N5Japanese #ComprehensibleJapanese #JapaneseStory #HanakoSeries #MegSmile #ListeningPractice #JapaneseStudy #StorytellingJapanese

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 - 15min

75 - #71 Japan’s Schindler Chiune Sugihara // Upper Beginner Japanese Listening

🌸 About this video

Welcome to my Japanese listening series for upper beginners!

In this episode, you’ll learn about Chiune Sugihara (杉原千畝) – the Japanese diplomat often called “Japan’s Schindler” – who helped thousands of Jewish refugees escape during World War II by issuing life-saving transit visas.

The story is told in simple Japanese (Upper Beginner / JLPT N4 level) with clear narration, so you can practice listening while learning about an important part of history.

This video is perfect for:

・Upper beginner learners (around JLPT N4)

・Learners who enjoy story-based Japanese

・People interested in Japanese history and real heroes

・Anyone who wants to build listening skills with meaningful content

|

📚 Level

Upper Beginner (JLPT N4)

Clear and natural narration using N4-level grammar.

Some vocabulary is more advanced, but the story is told slowly and clearly for learners.

|

🕒 Chapters

00:00 Opening (オープニング)

00:03 Introduction (イントロダクション)

00:51 Childhood in Gifu（子どものころ）

01:41 Languages and Diplomatic Career（外国語と外交官の道）

02:48 Lithuania and Refugees（リトアニアと難民）

07:39 Life-Saving Visas and Difficult Choices（命のビザと杉原さんの決断）

10:13 Life after the War（戦後のつらい生活）

11:22 “Thank You” – Meeting the Survivors（ありがとうと言われた日）

13:03 Question Time (しつもんの時間)

13:09 Question Time Part 1 (しつもん①～⑧)

16:14 Question Time Part 2 (しつもん⑨～⑯)

19:11 Replay Guide (How to Listen / 聞き方の説明)

19:18 Listen Again Without Subtitles (字幕なしでもう一度ストーリーを聞こう)

31:40 Ending (エンディング)

|

💡 Learning Tips

✔️ First, watch with subtitles and focus on the story and emotions.

✔️ Then, listen again without subtitles to test your listening.

✔️ Pause after each question and answer out loud.

✔️ Try shadowing short sentences, especially the important lines from Sugihara’s words.

✔️ Think about the message of the story: What does “doing the right thing” mean to you?

|

📄 Study Materials

The full script (with/without furigana) and the vocabulary list are available as a paid study PDF on Ko-fi.

👉 https://ko-fi.com/s/6d65ee8ce9

|

☕ Support My Channel

If you enjoy my content, consider supporting me on Ko-fi.

Your support helps me continue creating high-quality Japanese learning materials 💖

👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

|

🏯 About Meg

I am a certified Administrative Scrivener (immigration lawyer) in Japan

and a Japanese teacher who creates storytelling-based learning materials for beginners.

Immigration services (visa support):

👉 https://www.trust-gyosei.com/immigration-en/

|

Note:

Some images and scenes in this episode are AI-generated or conceptual illustrations created for learning purposes.

They are designed to help learners understand the story and are not historical photographs.

|

🎵 Images, Videos & Music Credits

CANVA: https://www.canva.com/

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

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

Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)

BGMer: http://bgmer.net

|

#JapaneseListening #EasyJapanese #LearnJapanese #JapaneseForBeginners #JLPTN4 #UpperBeginnerJapanese #ComprehensibleJapanese #StorytellingJapanese #MegSmile #ChiuneSugihara #JapaneseSchindler #JapaneseHistory #ListeningPractice

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 - 33min

74 - #70 New Edition：わたしのまち《My Town》 // Beginner Japanese Listening

Welcome to the New Edition of my Japanese listening series for beginners!

This video is a refreshed and expanded version of my earlier Episode #37 “わたしのまち《My Town》” (N5 Level).

In this New Edition, I introduce my town in Fukuoka using simple Japanese (JLPT N5 level).

|

This video is perfect for:

・Japanese beginners (JLPT N5–N4)

・Learners who enjoy simple stories with clear narration

・Anyone who wants to improve listening comprehension naturally

|

Through this story, you’ll learn everyday Japanese vocabulary and expressions used to describe places, festivals, food, and daily life.

|

📚 Level

Beginner (JLPT N5)

Clear, slow-paced narration with natural rhythm and simple grammar.

|

🕒 Chapters

00:00 Opening (オープニング)

00:34 Story: My Town Introduction（ストーリー：わたしのまち紹介）

04:25 Question Time (しつもんの時間)

04:32 Question Time Part 1 (しつもん①～⑤)

06:19 Question Time Part 2 (しつもん⑥～⑪)

08:41 Replay Guide (How to Listen / 聞き方の説明)

08:48 Listen Again Without Subtitles (字幕なしでもう一度ストーリーを聞こう)

12:40 Ending (エンディング)

|

💡 Learning Tips

✔️ Listen several times — your ears will gradually get used to natural Japanese.

✔️ Try shadowing short phrases aloud.

✔️ Answer the questions out loud to check your understanding.

✔️ Listen again without subtitles to build confidence.

|

📄 Study Materials

The full script (with/without furigana, Romaji) and the vocabulary list are available as a paid study PDF on Ko-fi.

👉 https://ko-fi.com/s/8bc8bb9dcd

|

☕ Support My Channel

If you enjoy my content, consider supporting me on Ko-fi.

Your support helps me continue creating high-quality Japanese learning materials 💖

👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

|

🏯 About Meg

I am a certified Administrative Scrivener (immigration lawyer) in Japan

and a Japanese teacher who creates storytelling-based learning materials for beginners.

Immigration services (visa support):

👉 https://www.trust-gyosei.com/immigration-en/

|

Note:

Some photos and videos in this episode are AI-generated or conceptual images created for learning purposes.

|

🎵 Images, Videos & Music Credits

CANVA: https://www.canva.com/

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

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

irasutoya：https://www.irasutoya.com/

BGMer: http://bgmer.net

|

#JapaneseListening #EasyJapanese #LearnJapanese #JapaneseForBeginners #N5Japanese #ComprehensibleJapanese #StorytellingJapanese #MegSmile #Japan #JapaneseLanguage #ListeningPractice #MyTown #Fukuoka #JapaneseStudy

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 - 13min

73 - Kojiki #4 Teaser | The Land of Yomi – Izanagi’s Journey to the Underworld

🌸 About this teaser

This is the official teaser video for Episode 4 of the Kojiki Japanese Story Series.

In this episode, Izanagi travels to the Land of the Dead (黄泉の国 / Yomi) to see his beloved wife Izanami once more.

But what he finds there is terrifying — darkness, demons, and a world he can never return from.

｜

If you enjoy Japanese stories, mythology, and simple Japanese listening,

you’ll love the full episode.

｜

▶️ Watch the Full Episode (Ep.4)

Full video & 18-page study PDF are available here:

👉 https://meg-smile.com/podcast/kojiki-story-series-introduction/kojiki-story-series-premium-video-study-pdf/#ep4-kojiki

｜

📚 Level

Upper Beginner → Lower Intermediate

(CEFR A2–B1 / JLPT N4–N3)

Perfect for learners who want to enjoy both Japanese language and culture through stories.

｜

🎞️ Watch the Kojiki Series

◀️ Previous Episode (Ep.3)

“The Creation of Islands and Gods | イザナギとイザナミが生んだ島や神様”

👉 https://youtu.be/32IVsK5Tar8

｜

▶️ Next Episode (Ep.5)

“The Gods Born from Izanagi’s Purification | イザナギが生んだ神様たち”

👉 Coming soon

｜

🎬 Start from Episode 1

“What Is the Kojiki? | 古事記とは何か”

👉 https://youtu.be/Nye85i8k1j4

｜

☕ Support My Channel

If you enjoy my work, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi.

Your support helps me create high-quality learning materials 💖

👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

｜

🏯 About the Kojiki Series

This series introduces Japan’s ancient myths —

from the creation of heaven and earth to the birth of the gods.

Through these stories, you’ll learn natural Japanese while exploring Japan’s oldest mythology.

｜

🌏 Moving to Japan?

I also support visa and immigration procedures as a certified administrative scrivener (immigration lawyer).

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/

irasutoya: https://www.irasutoya.com/

Shimane Prefecture Tourism Photo Gallery：https://www.kankou-shimane.com/gallery

BGMer: http://bgmer.net

｜

#Kojiki, #LearnJapanese, #JapaneseMythology, #JapaneseListening, #EasyJapanese, #ComprehensibleJapanese,

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 - 00min

72 - Kojiki Story #3 – The Islands and Gods Born from Izanagi and Izanami (Excerpt from Full Episode)

✨ Kojiki Story #3 – The Islands and Gods Born from Izanagi and Izanami ✨

This is a short clip from the full Episode 3.

Discover how heaven and earth began, and meet Izanagi and Izanami — the divine couple who created Japan.

｜

🎥 Watch the full story on YouTube → ⁠youtube.com/@Meg_Smile_Japanese_Teacher⁠

｜

☕ 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 SeriesThis 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/

irasutoya: https://www.irasutoya.com/

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

｜

#LearnJapanese

#Kojiki

#JapaneseMythology

#Shorts

#SimpleJapanese

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 - 01min

71 - Kojiki Story #2 – The Birth of the Gods (Excerpt from Full Episode)

✨ Kojiki Story #2 – The Birth of the Gods ✨

This is a short clip from the full Episode 2.

Discover how heaven and earth began, and meet Izanagi and Izanami — the divine couple who created Japan.

｜

🎥 Watch the full story on YouTube → youtube.com/@Meg_Smile_Japanese_Teacher

｜

☕ 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 💖

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🌏 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 SeriesThis 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

#LearnJapanese

#Kojiki

#JapaneseMythology

#Shorts

#SimpleJapanese

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 - 01min

70 - Kojiki #1 | What Is the Kojiki? | Easy–Intermediate Japanese

🌸 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

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 - 05min

69 - #69 Short story / Tragic Folktale / The Mermaid and the Red Candle / storytelling // N4 Level / Japanese listening

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:

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

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☆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! ☕️🌸

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☆Images, Videos & Music

CANVA：https://www.canva.com/

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

VSQ plus+：https://vsq.co.jp/plus/

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 - 07min

68 - #68 Short story / Heartwarming / The Visitor of Happiness (Sachiko) / Inspired by Shimazaki Toson / storytelling // N5 Level / Japanese listening

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

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 - 06min

67 - #67 Japan New Visa / Digital Nomad Visa // N3 Level/ Japanese listening

📢 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/

☆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/

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 - 07min

66 - #66 Daily life / Hair Donation / storytelling // N4 Level/ Japanese listening

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/

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 - 06min

65 - #65 Short story / Horror / The Spirit of the River / storytelling // N5 Level/ Japanese listening

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,

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 - 08min

64 - #64 Short story / The Dark Side of Momotaro / storytelling // N3 Level/ Japanese listening

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

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☆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/

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 - 10min

63 - #63 Short story / The Prism Rainbow Umbrella / storytelling // N4 Level/ Japanese listening

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/

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 - 08min

62 - #62 Short story / The Cat and the Old Letter / storytelling // N5 Level/ Japanese listening

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/

Wed, 29 May 2024 - 07min

61 - #61 Daily life / Morning Routine: Walks, Apps, and Addictions!? / storytelling // N3 Level/ Japanese listening

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

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☆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

Sun, 19 May 2024 - 06min

60 - #60 Short story / One Day Late Flower Seller / storytelling // N4 Level/ Japanese listening

This story is based on a folktale passed down in Shimane Prefecture.

This episode is at the JLPT-N4 level.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words & Quiz

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/60-one-day-late-flower-seller-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

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

Mon, 13 May 2024 - 07min

59 - #59 Short story / Hanako's new room / storytelling // N5 Level/ Japanese listening

This is an original story I created.This video is the second installment of the following video.

▷Hanako’s daily life

（https://youtu.be/vcZX1piFcnQ?si=WL6yjJiYbMuS2gji)

This episode is at the JLPT-N5 level.

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/59-hanakos-new-room-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

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 - 07min

58 - #58 Japanese Anime / ちびまる子ちゃん《Chibi Maruko-chan》 // N3/ Japanese listening

In this video, I will introduce the long-running Japanese TV anime 'Chibi Maruko-chan', which has been airing for over 30 years.

This episode is at the JLPT-N3 level.

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/58-chibi-maruko-chan-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

☆Reference

ちびまる子ちゃんオフィシャルサイト《Chibi Maruko-chan Official Site》：https://chibimaru.tv/

☆Music

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 - 06min

57 - #57 History / ジョン万次郎《John Manjiro》/ storytelling // N4/ Japanese listening

In this video, I'll delve into the story of a significant figure in Japanese history, 'John Manjiro.' Stay tuned to discover his fascinating tale!

This episode is at the JLPT-N4 level.

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/57-history-john-manjiro-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

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 - 07min

56 - #56 Short story / 十六桜《Sakura Blooming on January 16th》/ storytelling // N5/ Japanese listening

Today’s episode is titled “十六桜 (Jiu-roku-zakura)《Sakura Blooming on January 16th》.

This story is based on a folk tale from Ehime Prefecture.

This episode is at the JLPT-N5 level.

I've also prepared a quiz based on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

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/56-sakura-bloomi…-january-16th-n5/

☆Quiz for this episode

I used to publish quizzes on a different site, but I've decided to release quizzes on my own website. The quiz is now available on the same page as the script.

☆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

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 - 04min

55 - #55 Short story / 庭の秘密～探偵物語1～《The Secret of the Garden～Detective Story 1～》/ storytelling // N3/ Japanese listening

Today’s episode is titled “庭の秘密～探偵物語1～ (niwa no himitsu ~tantei monogatari 1~)《The Secret of the Garden～Detective Story 1～》.

This is a detective story I created. The story progresses through the narration of the detective. Please enjoy.

This episode is at the JLPT-N3 level.

I've also prepared a quiz based on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

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/55detective-story-1-n3/

☆Quiz for this episode

I used to publish quizzes on a different site, but I've decided to release quizzes on my own website. The quiz is now available on the same page as the script.

☆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

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☆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

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 - 13min

54 - #54 Short story / おもちゃの兵隊《The Toy Soldier》/ storytelling // N4/ Japanese listening

Today’s episode is “おもちゃの兵隊 (omocha no heetai)《The Toy Soldier》. This work was inspired by Andersen's fairy tale 'The Steadfast Tin Soldier.' It's a somewhat sad tale, but I believe it prompts contemplation about love. As Valentine's Day approaches, I've created this video. This episode is at the JLPT-N4 level. I've also prepared a quiz based on this episode. After listening, please take the quiz! Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices. ☆Words ／ Conjugation of verbs Starting from now, 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/54-the-toy-soldier-n4/

☆Quiz for this episode I used to publish quizzes on a different site, but starting from this time, I've decided to release quizzes on my own website. The quiz is now available on the same page as the script. ☆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.） ☆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

☆My profile pagehttps://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Music BGMer：http://bgmer.net

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 - 05min

53 - #53 Short story / 魔女のパン《Witches' Loaves》/ storytelling // N5 Level / Japanese listening

Today’s episode is “魔女のパン(majo no pan)《Witches' Loaves》.

This story is a simple Japanese translation of O'Henry's "Witches' Loaves.''

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

魔女（まじょ）：witch

パン屋（や）：bakery

お金持（かねも）ち：rich

帽子（ぼうし）をかぶる：wear a hat

硬（かた）い：hard

茶色（ちゃいろ）：brown

絵（え）の具（ぐ）：paints, colors

画家（がか）：painter, artist

絵（え）を描（か）く：paint a picture

棚（たな）：shelf

イタリア：Italy

ベネチア：Venice

建物（たてもの）；building

２日後（ふつかご）：two days later

袋（ふくろ）：(plastic) bag

顔（かお）：face

助（たす）ける：help

青（あお）い：blue

ブラウス：blouse

明（あか）るい：bright

化粧（けしょう）をする：put on makeup

道（みち）：road

消防車（しょうぼうしゃ）：fire truck

チャンス：chance

バター：butter

ドキドキする：heart is thumping

髪（かみ）の毛（け）：hair

バカ：fool

怒（おこ）る：get angry

手（て）をあげる：raise hand

建築家（けんちくか）：architect

コンテスト：contest

線（せん）：line

奥（おく）：back, far side

脱（ぬ）ぐ：take off

化粧品（けしょうひん）：cosmetics

ごみ箱（ばこ）：trash can

捨（す）てる：throw away

☆Conjugation of verbs

ます形（けい）《masu-form》

て形（けい）《te-form》

じしょ形（けい）《dictionary-form》

た形（けい）《ta-form》

☆Grammar

～でしょう：probably

Represents a prediction of the future. (Something that cannot be clearly determined.)

・たぶんあの人（ひと）は私（わたし）ともっと話（はな）したいでしょう。

《There's a probability that the person wants to talk to me more.》

※I explained this grammar because it is at the N4 level.

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/53-witches-loave-n5/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/19438?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

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(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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:

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☆Music

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 - 12min

52 - #52 Short story / 節分の鬼《Setsubun Ogre Story》/ storytelling // N3 Level /Japanese listening

Today’s episode is titled 'Setsubun Ogre Story' (節分の鬼〔setsubun no oni〕). This is a tale inspired by a Setsubun folktale from Iwate Prefecture in Japan.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

節分（せつぶん）：

Setsubun is the event held to pray for our happy and healthy life.It is held on Feb 3th or 4th.On that day, we throw away beans with saying "Devils out! Happiness in!"This is called "Mame-maki" (Mame means beans, maki means throwing away.)

鬼（おに）：Ogres, Devils

伝統的（でんとうてき）な：traditional

お祝（いわ）いする：celebrate

昔話（むかしばなし）：folk tale

貧乏（びんぼう）な：poor

お墓参（はかまい）り：visit the family grave

押（お）し入（い）れ：closet

お面（めん）：(festival) mask

わざと：on purpose

叫（さけ）ぶ：shout

祈（いの）る：pray

長生（ながい）きする：live long

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/52-setsubun-ogre-story-n3/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/19140?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

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(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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:

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

☆Music

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 - 06min

51 - #51 Short story / 月夜のおばけとかなしいひみつ《The Moonlit Ghost & the Sorrowful Secret》/ storytelling // N4/ Japanese listening

Today’s episode is “月夜のおばけとかなしいひみつ (tsukiyo no obake to kanashī himitsu)《The Moonlit Ghost and the Sorrowful Secret》.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

月夜：moonlit night

おばけ：ghost

かなしい：sad,sorrowful

ひみつ：secret

森（もり）：forest

地面（じめん）：ground

足跡（あしあと）：footprints

～を追（お）う：to chase

～間（あいだ）に：while

急（いそ）ぐ：hurry

迷（まよ）う：get lost,to lose one's way

怖（こわ）い：scary

玄関（げんかん）：entrance

返事（へんじ）：reply

明（あ）かり：light

～方（ほう）：toward

迷子（まいご）になる：get lost

怪我（けが）：injury

☆Conjugation of verbs

ます形（けい）《masu-form》

て形（けい）《te-form》

じしょ形（けい）《dictionary-form》

た形（けい）《ta-form》

いこう形（けい）《Volitional-form》

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/51-moonlit-ghost…rowful-secret-n4/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/18918?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

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(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

☆Music

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 - 05min

50 - #50 Short story / 未来のペット《Future Pet》/ storytelling // N5 Level / Japanese listening

Today’s episode is “未来のペット (mirai no petto)《Future Pet》.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

未来（みらい）：future

ペット：pet

居酒屋（いざかや）：izakaya (Japanese pub)

動物（どうぶつ）：animal

～なぁ：《suffix expressing casualness or familiarity》

ペットショップ：pet shop

店員（てんいん）：clerk

いらっしゃいませ：welcome

僕（ぼく）：I, used by males

箱（はこ）：box

ロボット：robot

本当（ほんとう）：real

同（おな）じ：same

ちがう：different

簡単（かんたん）：easy

飼（か）う：to own, to keep as a pet

笑（わら）う：to laugh

窓（まど）：window

こわい：scary

嫌（きら）い：dislike

住（す）む：to live

人間（にんげん）：human

嫌（いや）：don't like it

悪（わる）い：bad

思（おも）い出（だ）す：to remember

☆Conjugation of verbs

ます形（けい）《masu-form》

て形（けい）《te-form》

じしょ形（けい）《dictionary-form》

た形（けい）《ta-form》

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/50-future-pet-n5/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/18640?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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:

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

☆Music

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 - 06min

49 - #49 Japanese culture / おせち《osechi》 // N3 Level /Japanese listening

I’ll introduce Japanese culture in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “おせち《osechi》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

おせち料理（りょうり）：traditional Japanese New Year feast

伝統的（でんとうてき）な：traditional

元日（がんじつ）：New Year's Day

黒豆（くろまめ）：sweet black soybeans

大豆（だいず）：soy

祈（いの）る：pray

えび：shrimp

ひげ：beard

曲（ま）がる：bend

老人（ろうじん）：elderly person

長生（ながい）きする：live long

昆布巻（こぶま）き：konbu rolls

鮭（さけ）：salmon

巻（ま）く：roll

数（かず）の子（こ）：herring roe

ニシン：herring

栗（くり）きんとん：sweet potato with chestnuts

さつまいも：sweet potato

栗（くり）：chestnut

混（ま）ぜる：mix

貯（た）める：save

伊達巻（だてま）き：sweet rolled omelet

オムレツ：omelette

巻物（まきもの）：scroll, rolled book

紅白（こうはく）かまぼこ：Red and White Fish Cake

かまぼこ：boiled fish paste

日（ひ）の出（で）：sunrise

箸（はし）：chopsticks

祝（いわ）い箸（ばし）：special festival chopsticks for New Year

一方（いっぽう）：one side

神人共食（しんじんきょうしょく）：God and humans eating together

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/49-osechi-n3/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/18418?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

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(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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:

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☆Music

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 - 04min

48 - #48 Short story / 星のプレゼント《Gift of the Star》/ storytelling // N4 Level / Japanese listening

Today’s episode is “星のプレゼント (hoshi no purezento)《Gift of the Star》.

I created a Christmas story.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

星（ほし）：star

物語（ものがたり）：story

両親（りょうしん）：parents

経営（けいえい）する：manage

下（した）を向（む）く：look down

嘘（うそ）をつく：tell a lie

予定（よてい）：plan

インターホン：intercom

キラキラ：twinkle

光（ひか）る：shine

怖（こわ）い：scary

妖精（ようせい）：fairy

お願（ねが）い：wish

魔法（まほう）：magic

星空（ほしぞら）：starry sky

涙（なみだ）：tears

君（きみ）：you

願（ねが）いが叶（かな）う：wish come true

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/48-gift-of-the-star-n4/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/18259?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

☆Music

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 - 05min

47 - #47 Short story / 冬の家族物語《Winter Family Tale》/ storytelling // N5 Level / Japanese listening

Today’s episode is “冬の家族物語 (fuyu no kazoku monogatari)《Winter Family Tale》.

I created a story about spending time with family in Japan during December and January.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

電気毛布（でんきもうふ）：electric blanket

雪合戦（ゆきがっせん）：snowball fight

雪（ゆき）だるま：snowman

お腹（なか）が空（す）く：hungry

温（あたた）かい：warm

かぼちゃ：pumpkin

準備（じゅんび）：preparation

飾（かざ）る：decorate

サンタさん：Santa Claus

人形（にんぎょう）：doll

楽（たの）しみにする：look forward to

イチゴ：strawberry

冬休（ふゆやす）み：winter vacation

温泉（おんせん）：hot spring

卓球（たっきゅう）：table tennis

神社（じんじゃ）：shrine

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/47-winter-family-tale-n5-level/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/17990?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

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(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

☆Music

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 - 04min

46 - #46 １年間の挑戦！勉強を続けてわかったこと // N3 Level /Japanese listening

Today’s Theme is “１年間（ねんかん）の挑戦（ちょうせん）！勉強（べんきょう）を続（つづ）けてわかったこと”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

挑戦（ちょうせん）：challenge

法律（ほうりつ）：law

駅弁（えきべん）：Ekiben《Train station boxed lunch》

景色（けしき）：view

モチベーション：motivation

資格試験（しかくしけん）：qualification exam

ただ：only, just

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/46-studymethod-n3-level/

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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:

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

音楽：BGMer http://bgmer.net

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 - 05min

45 - #45 新しい習慣《New habits》 // N4 Level / Japanese listening

Today’s Theme is “新（あたら）しい習慣（しゅうかん）《New habits》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

習慣（しゅうかん）： habit

太陽（たいよう）：sun

新鮮（しんせん）な：fresh

空気（くうき）：air

環境（かんきょう）：environment

心（こころ）を落（お）ち着（つ）かせる：calm down

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/45-new-habits-n4/

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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:

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

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 - 03min

44 - #44 Short story / たけしの夏《Takeshi's Summer》/ storytelling // N5 Level / Japanese listening

Today’s episode is “たけしの夏 (Takeshi no natsu)《Takeshi's Summer》.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words

小学生（しょうがくせい）《shoogakusee》：elementary school student

夏休（なつやす）み《natsuyasumi》：summer vacation

～が見（み）える／見（み）えない《～ga mieru / mienai》：be seen / can not be seen

庭（にわ）《niwa》：garden, yard

地震（じしん）《jishin》：earthquake

穴（あな）《ana》：hole

怖（こわ）い《kowai》：scary

暗（くら）い《kurai》：dark

突然（とつぜん）《totsuzen》：suddenly

明（あか）るくなる《akarukunaru》：become brighter

～に落（お）ちる《～ni ochiru》：fall

目（め）を開（あ）ける／閉（と）じる《me o akeru / tojiru》：open one's eyes / close one's eyes

妖精（ようせい）《yoosee》：fairy

魔法（まほう）の世界（せかい）《mahoo no sekai》：The Magic World

星（ほし）《hoshi》：star

花火（はなび）《hanabi》：fireworks

空（そら）《sora》：sky

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/44-short-story-takeshis-summer-n5/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/14761?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 - 05min

43 - #43 Japanese culture / お盆《Bon festival》 // N3 Level /Japanese listening

I’ll introduce Japanese culture in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “お盆（ぼん）《Bon festival》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

お盆（ぼん）：Bon festival

Obon is one of the Buddhist events. In Buddhism, it is believed that the spirits of family ancestors come back to this world during the Obon period between July and August, and a series of events take place to commemorate them.

Obon is regarded as one of the most important family occasions of the year in Japan.

Although Obon is not an official holiday, many offices are temporarily closed for business during this period.

盆踊（ぼんおど）り：Bon Festival dance

Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese dance that is generally performed at events or festivals during Obon holidays.

Participants wear yukata, a casual traditional Kimono-style garment, and dance to traditional music while circling around a stage to honor the spirits of ancestors.

移動（いどう）する：move

仏教（ぶっきょう）：Buddhism

先祖（せんぞ）：ancestor

もてなす：treat / welcome

仏壇（ぶつだん）：Buddhist altar

迎（むか）え火（び）：welcoming fire

“迎え火” is a sacred fire that is often burned on August 13th in front of each household to guide the spirits of their ancestors back home.

提灯（ちょうちん）：chochin lantern

送（おく）り火（び）：seeing off fire

"送り火"is lit on the last day of Obon, which is generally August 16th to send the ancestors back to their world.

五山送り火（ござんのおくりび）：

The Send-off Bonfires of Five Mountains (Gozan no Okuribi) refers to the annual bonfires lit at various 5 locations including Nyoigatake (Mt. Nyoi known as Mt. Daimonji) on August 16 in Kyoto City.

阿波踊（あわおど）り：

“阿波踊り” is the largest and the most famous bon festival dance in Japan, attracting more than 1 million visitors from August 12 to 15 every year. “阿波” is the old name of Tokushima Prefecture, and “踊り” means dance.

Every night, groups of dancers dressed in yukata, or light cotton kimono, dance around in the town to the theme song called “Yoshikono” accompanied by three stringed shamisen, flutes, drums and bells.

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/43-bon-festival-n3-level/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/14133?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

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☆Would you like to take my class?

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Tue, 11 Jul 2023 - 06min

42 - #42 うなぎの日？ / Eel Day? // N4 Level /Japanese listening

Today’s Theme is “うなぎの日（ひ）？《Eel Day?》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

うなぎ：eel

土用（どよう）："土用（どよう）" strictly refers to the 18 days before the first days of spring, summer, fall, and winter (on the lunar calendar). Today, however, "土用（どよう）" generally refers only to the 18 days before the first day of fall.

丑（うし）の日（ひ）：The day called "丑（うし）の日（ひ）", which is translated literally as the day of the Ox, can be seen in the calendar that follows the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac. The twelve signs were introduced to Japan from ancient China. The twelve signs were allocated one by one to the days on the calendar. "丑（うし）の日（ひ）" is the day to which the second sign of the twelve signs is allocated.

立春（りっしゅん）：the first day of spring

立夏（りっか）：the first day of summer

立秋（りっしゅう）：the first day of fall

立冬（りっとう）：the first day of winter

つまり：in other words

干支（えと）：the twelve zodiac signs in Chinese astrology

梅干（うめぼ）し：pickled plums

ウリ：a gourd

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/42-eel-day-n4/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/13917?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

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☆Would you like to take my class?

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Sun, 02 Jul 2023 - 04min

41 - #41 Short story / トイレの女の子《A girl in the restroom》/ Urban Legends / Horror // N5 Level / Japanese listening

Today’s episode is “トイレの女の子（toire no on’nanoko）”《A girl in the restroom》.

This story is based on urban legends from various parts of Japan, and a little scary story.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

教室（きょうしつ）：classroom

思（おも）い出（だ）す：remember

聞（き）こえる：be heard

やっぱり：after all

急（いそ）いで：hurry

怖（こわ）い：scary

心配（しんぱい）：worry

手（て）を洗（あら）う：wash one's hands

☆Conjugation of verbs☆

・te-form：（ています／てください／てから）

・nai-form

・plain-form

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/41-short-story-a-girl-in-the-restroom/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/13773?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

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☆Would you like to take my class?

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 - 05min

40 - #40 最近、がんばっていること // N3 Level /Japanese listening

みなさん、ひさしぶりです。

この半年間、私はずっとがんばっていることがあります。

今日は、そのことを話します。

Hi everyone, long time no see!

There is something I’ve been working hard on for the past six months.

Today, I’d like to talk about it.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

日本語能力試験（にほんごのうりょくしけん）：Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

法律（ほうりつ）：law

繰り返し（くりかえし）：repeat

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/40-ganbatteiru-n3-level/

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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:

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

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 - 04min

39 - #39 Japanese culture / 七五三の歴史《The history of Shichi-go-san》 // N3 Level /Japanese listening

I’ll introduce Japanese culture in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “七五三の歴史《The history of Shichi-go-san》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

七五三（しちごさん）：Shichi-go-san is an annual Japanese festival to celebrate the growth of children. It takes place on or around November 15. The festival is for boys aged three and five, and girls aged three and seven. That’s why it is called shichi-go-san (seven-five-three).

お祝（いわ）い：celebration

成長（せいちょう）：growth

中旬（ちゅうじゅん）：middle of a month

江戸時代（えどじだい）：Edo period (1603-1868 CE)

剃（そ）る：shave

袴（はかま）：man's formal divided skirt

帯（おび）：belt (e.g. of a kimono)

千歳飴（ちとせあめ）：longevity candy, long red-and-white stick candy

On shichi-go-san, children eat long red-and-white stick candy, called chitose ame. Chitose means “one thousand years.” It symbolizes health and longevity.

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/39-shichi-go-san-n3-level/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/8878?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

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(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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:

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

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 - 03min

38 - #38 紅葉 / Autumn colors // N4 Level /Japanese listening

Today’s Theme is “紅葉（こうよう）《Autumn colors》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

紅葉狩り（もみじがり / momijigari）：This is a yearly event for many Japanese people in Autumn. The word “Momiji” in Momiji-gari means Autumn colours, and “gari” means hunting. Japanese people go out to parks and mountains where they can see lots of trees in their Autumn colors – yellows, oranges and reds, and simply enjoy the beautiful change of seasons from Summer to Autumn.

お花見（おはなみ / ohanami）：Ohanami is a traditional Japanese custom in spring. At a cherry blossom viewing party, people get together under cherry blossom trees and enjoy eating and drinking.

嵐山（あらしやま / arashiyama）：Arashiyama is an area in the western part of Kyoto City. The mountain named Arashiyama at an altitude of 382 meters in the western part of Kyoto City, the surrounding mountains, and the foot of the mountain are generally called Arashiyama. At the foot of Arashiyama, there are many historical temples, shrines, and historic sites, making it a famous tourist destination.

上旬（じょうじゅん / jōjun）：at the beginning of the month

中旬（ちゅうじゅん / chūjun）：in the middle of the month

下旬（げじゅん / gejyun）：at the end of the month

日光（にっこう / nikkō）：Nikko is a town located in Tochigi Prefecture. Tochigi prefecture is an inland prefecture located in the northern part of the Kanto region. Nikko has many old-style buildings, and it is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

新幹線（しんかんせん / shinkansen）：bullet train

☆Script for this episode
https://meg-smile.com/38-autumn-colors-n4-level/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/8472?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

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(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆Would you like to take my class?

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

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

Sat, 29 Oct 2022 - 03min

37 - #37 わたしのまち《My town》 // N5 Level / Japanese listening

Today’s Theme is わたしのまち《My town》”.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

最近（さいきん / saikin）：recently

風邪を引く（かぜをひく / kaze o hiku）：catch a cold

紹介する（しょうかいする / shōkaisuru）：introduce

福岡（ふくおか / Fukuoka）：Fukuoka (city)

※Fukuoka prefecture is located in the north of Kyushu, the southernmost of the four major Japanese islands.

九州（きゅうしゅう / Kyūshu）：Kyushu (southernmost of the four main islands of Japan)

東（ひがし / higashi）：east

祭り（まつり / matsuri）：festival

花火大会（はなびたいかい / hanabi taikai）：fireworks festival

神社（じんじゃ / jinja）：shrine

笑顔（えがお / egao）：smile

不便な（ふべんな / fuben na）：inconvenient

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/37-my-town-n5-level/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/8202?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

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(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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:

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

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 - 03min

36 - #36 Japanese culture / 日本の温泉の歴史《The history of Onsen (Hot Springs) in Japan》 // N3 Level /Japanese listening

I’ll introduce Japanese culture in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “日本の温泉の歴史《The history of Onsen (Hot Springs) in Japan》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

鹿（しか）：deer

鶴（つる）：crane (any bird of the family Gruidae, esp. the red-crowned crane, Grus japonensis)

お坊（ぼう）さん：monk

仏教（ぶっきょう）：Buddhism

教（おし）え：teachings

鉄道（てつどう）を整備（せいび）する：build a railroad

露天風呂（ろてんぶろ）：an open-air spa

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/36-onsen-japan-n3-leve/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/7884?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

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(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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:

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

☆Reference☆

JAPAN ONSEN ASSOCIATION：https://www.spa.or.jp/

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 - 03min

35 - #35 Easy News / ポテトチップスの袋《Plastic Bag of potato chips》 // N4 Level /Japanese listening

Easy News📺

I introduce Japanese news in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “ポテトチップスの袋《Plastic Bag of potato chips》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

紙（かみ / kami）：paper

プラスチック（ぷらすちっく / purasutikku）：plastic

環境（かんきょう / kankyō）：environment

～を守（まも）る（～o mamoru）：protect

カルビー（かるびー / karubi-）：Calbee（Confectionery Company in Japan）

空気（くうき / kūki）：air

薄（うす）い（usui）：thin

商品（しょうひん / shōhin）：products

親指（おやゆび / oyayubi）：thumb

☆Grammar☆

・～ために：in order to

・～そうです：heard

・～（よ）うと思う：be going to（This sentence pattern is used to talk about the speaker’s determinations or plans.）

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/35-potato-chips-n4/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/7650?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

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(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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:

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

☆Reference

NHK NEWS WEB EASY

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/easy/k10013826891000/k10013826891000.html

NHK NEWS WEB

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20220920/k10013826891000.html

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 - 03min

34 - #34 Short story / こうもりのともだち？《Who is the bat's friend?》/ Aesop's Fables // N5 Level / Japanese listening

Today’s episode is “こうもりのともだち？（kōmori no tomodachi?）”《Who is the bat's friend?》.

This is from Aesop's Fables.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

こうもり（kōmori）：bat

森（もり / mori）：forest

鳥（とり / tori）：birds

動物（どうぶつ / dōbutsu）：animals

けんかをする（kenka o suru）：get in a fight

言う（iu）：say

空（そら / sora）：sky

飛ぶ（とぶ / tobu）：fly

牙（きば / kiba）：fang, tusk

爪（つめ / tsume）：nail

強い（つよい / tsuyoi）：strong

弱い（よわい / yowai）：weak

王様（おうさま / ōsama）：king

翼（つばさ / tsubasa）：wing

暗い（くらい / kurai）：dark

洞窟（どうくつ / dōkutsu）：cave

☆Grammar☆

・～ことができます（～koto ga dekimasu）：can ～

・～たら（～tara）：if ～

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/34-bats-friends-n5/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/7550?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

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(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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:

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

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 - 05min

33 - #33 Japanese culture / 日本酒の歴史《The History of SAKE》 // N3 Level /Japanese listening

I’ll introduce Japanese culture in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “日本酒の歴史《The History of SAKE》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

代表的（だいひょうてき）な：typical

～に夢中（むちゅう）になる：into ～

「君（きみ）の名（な）は。」：”Your Name.”

※Your Name. is a Japanese film written and directed by Makoto Shinkai.

巫女（みこ）：shrine maiden

天皇（てんのう）：Emperor of Japan

免許（めんきょ）：license

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/33-history-of-sake-n3/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/7317?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

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(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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:

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

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 - 06min

32 - #32 私のペット / My pets // N4 Level /Japanese listening

Today’s Theme is “私（わたし）のペット《My pets》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

飼う（かう / kau）：adopt a pet, have a pet

種類（しゅるい / shurui）：type

使い捨てカメラ（つかいすてかめら / tsukaisutekamera）：disposable camera

後悔する（こうかいする / kōkaisuru）：regret

八百屋（やおや / yaoya）：greengrocer

吠える（ほえる / hoeru）：bark

初代（しょだい / shodai）：first generation

～代目（～だいめ / ～daime）：～ generation

☆Grammar☆

～ことにする

～ので

～ばよかった

passive form

～ようになる

～んです

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/32-my-pets-n4/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/7164?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 - 05min

31 - #31 Japanese vocabulary Quiz / なんですか。《What is it?》 / 3-hints quiz // N5 Level

Today’s episode is Japanese vocabulary Quiz.

I'll give 3 hints.

Please answer in Japanese.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

言葉（ことば / kotoba）：vocabulary, word

考える（かんがえる / kangaeru）：think

答え（こたえ / kotae）：answer

苦い（にがい / nigai）：bitter

道（みち / michi）：road

☆Grammar☆

・～たり、～たり

・～とき

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/31-3-hints-quiz-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:

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Tue, 30 Aug 2022 - 04min

30 - #30 Easy News / ユニークな自動販売機《Unique vending machine》 // N3 Level /Japanese listening

Easy News📺

I introduce Japanese news in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “ユニークな自動販売機《Unique vending machine》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

自動販売機（じどうはんばいき / jidōhanbaiki）：vending machine

＊自販機（じはんき / jihanki）："自販機" is a shortened form of "自動販売機".

面倒な（めんどうな / mendōna）：troublesome

化粧品（けしょうひん / keshōhin）：cosmetics

見た目（みため / mitame）：appearance

特徴（とくちょう / tokuchō）：characteristics

おごる（ogoru）：treat someone

＊おごり（ogori）："おごり" is the noun form of the word "おごる".

～をかざす（～o kazasu）：place, hold

→カードをカードリーダーにかざす：place the card in front of the reader

☆Grammar☆

・～たところ：when

（※Use this grammar when describing a surprise or new discovery rather than an ordinary account of an event.）

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/30-unique-vending-machine-n3/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/6880?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 - 03min

29 - #29 Easy News / おきなわのサンゴ《Coral reefs of Okinawa》 // N4 Level /Japanese listening

Easy News📺

I introduce Japanese news in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “沖縄（おきなわ）のサンゴ《Coral reefs of Okinawa》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

沖縄（おきなわ / okinawa）：Okinawa

（Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture in Japan. And Okinawa is one of the most popular resorts in Japan. The islands of Okinawa are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. ）

サンゴ（さんご / sango）：coral reefs

守る（まもる / mamoru）：keep, protect

島（しま / shima）：island

石垣島（いしがきじま / ishigakijima）：Ishigaki Island

（Ishigaki island is one of the islands of Okinawa. The world’s largest colony of rare blue coral is found off of Ishigaki island.）

植物プランクトン（しょくぶつぷらんくとん / shokubutsupurankuton）：phytoplankton

栄養（えいよう / eiyō）：nutrition

☆Script for this episode
https://meg-smile.com/29coral-reefs-of-okinawa-n4/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/6726?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

☆Reference

NHK NEWS WEB EASY

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/easy/k10013774471000/k10013774471000.html

NHK NEWS WEB

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20220817/k10013774471000.html

Sat, 20 Aug 2022 - 03min

28 - #28 A day in the life of an Online Japanese Language Teacher // N5 Level

Today’s Theme is “A day in the life of an Online Japanese Language Teacher”.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

１日（いちにち / ichinichi）：one day

紹介する（しょうかいする / shōkaisuru）：introduce

オンライン（おんらいん / onrain）：online

日本語教師（にほんごきょうし / nihongokyōshi）：Japanese language teacher

ルーティン（るーてぃん / rūthin）：routine

スマホ（すまほ / sumaho）：smart phone

アニメーション（あにめーしょん / animēshon）：animation

ストレッチ（すとれっち / sutorecchi）：stretch

化粧（けしょう / keshō）：make-up

ラーメン（らーめん / rāmen）：ramen noodles

チャーハン（ちゃーはん / chāhan）：Chinese-style fried rice

昼寝（ひるね / hirune）：nap

ダイエットドリンク（だいえっとどりんく / daiettodorinku）：energy drinks designed to get rid of weight

味（あじ / aji）：taste

小説（しょうせつ / shōsetsu）：novel

☆Grammar☆

・te-form

・～たり、～たりします

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/28-a-day-in-the-life-n5/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/6656?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 - 03min

27 - #27 夏休みの宿題 /summer homework // N3 Level

Today’s Theme is “夏休みの宿題（なつやすみのしゅくだい）《summer homework》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

算数（さんすう）：mathematics

国語（こくご）：Japanese（national language）

問題集（もんだいしゅう）：workbook

遊園地（ゆうえんち）：amusement park

小説（しょうせつ）：story, novel

経験（けいけん）：experience

☆Grammar☆

・～にとって：from the standpoint of 〜

・～おかげで：thanks to

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/27-summer-homework-n3/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/6596?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 - 03min

26 - #26 高校野球 / The National High School Baseball Championship of Japan // N4 Level

Today’s Theme is “高校野球（こうこうやきゅう）《The National High School Baseball Championship of Japan》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

高校野球（こうこうやきゅう / kōkōyakyū）：

The National High School Baseball Championship of Japan, commonly known as "Summer Koshien", is an annual nationwide high school baseball tournament. It is the largest scale amateur sport event in Japan, even as soccer continues to gain more attention.

野球（やきゅう / yakyū）：baseball

プロ野球（ぷろやきゅう / puroyakyū）：professional baseball

甲子園（こうしえん / kōshien）：Koshien (location of Koshien Stadium, where the Japan National High School Baseball Tournament is held)

野球場（やきゅうじょう / yakyūjō）：baseball stadium

トーナメント（とーなめんと / tōnamento）：tournament

優勝する（ゆうしょうする / yūshōsuru）：win

アマチュア（あまちゅあ / amachua）：amateur

感動する（かんどうする / kandōsuru）：be impressed

伝統的な（でんとうてきな / dentōtekina）：traditional

ドラマチック（どらまちっく / doramachikku）：dramatic

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/26kokoyakyun4/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/6546?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Sat, 13 Aug 2022 - 03min

25 - #25 ゲーム / video game // N5 Level

Today’s Theme is “ゲーム《video game》 ”.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

趣味（しゅみ / shumi）：interest, hobby

紹介する（しょうかいする / shōkaisuru）：introduce

マリオ（まりお / mario）：Mario《game character》

小学生（しょうがくせい / shōgakusē）：elementary school student

任天堂（にんてんどう / nintendō）：Nintendo《video game software company》

スーパーファミコン（すーぱーふぁみこん / sūpā famikon）：SUPER Famicom《This is a home video game console sold by Nintendo in the 1990s.》

ゲーム機（げーむき / gēmu ki）：game console

ゲームボーイ（げーむぼーい / gēmu bōi）：Game Boy《This is a handheld video game console sold by Nintendo in the 1990s.》

すばらしい（subarashī）：wonderful

SONY（そにー / sonī）：SONY《Japanese general electronics manufacturer》

PlayStation（ぷれいすてーしょん / purē sutēshon）：PlayStation《This is a home video game console sold by SONY.》

アニメーション（あにめーしょん / animēshon）：animation

RPG（あーるぴーじー / ārupījī）：role-playing game

ファイナルファンタジー（ふぁいなるふぁんたじー / fainaru fantajī）：final fantasy《RPG》

中学生（ちゅうがくせい / chūgakusē）：junior high school student

首（くび / kubi）：neck

肩（かた / kata）：shoulder

動く（うごく / ugoku）：move

顔（かお / kao）：face

そのまま（sonomama）：as it is

びっくりする（bikkurisuru）：to be surprised

笑う（わらう / warau）：laugh

マッサージをする（まっさーじをする / massāji o suru）：massage

お風呂に入る（おふろにはいる / ofuro ni hairu）：take a bath

switch（すいっち / suicchi）：switch《This is a handheld video game console sold by Nintendo.》

ゲームソフト（げーむそふと / gēmu sofuto）：game software

ダウンロードする（だうんろーどする / daunrōdo suru）：download

どうぶつの森（どうぶつのもり / dōbutsu no mori）：Animal Crossing《This is a game software developed by Nintendo.》

☆Grammar☆

・adjective（past）

・te-form

・～なければいけません：must do something

・～ことができます：able to do; can

☆Script for this episode

https://note.com/smile_meg/n/nb9ce0efd5a5b

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/6469?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 - 04min

24 - #24 Short story / Buying Mittens ep2 / storytelling // N3 Level

Short story 「手ぶくろを買いに《 Buying Mittens》ep2」

This story is written by Nankichi Nīmi.

He is a Japanese author of children's literature.

Although his life was only 29 years, he left us with many stories to tell.

（※About Nankichi Nīmi【Wikipedia】：https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nankichi_Niimi）

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Buying Mittens ep1

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/49MaTQwaisb

☆words for this episode

https://note.com/smile_meg/n/n0dd2550fc1be

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/6383?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 - 06min

23 - #23 できること・できないこと / Can ・ Cannot do // N4 Level

Today’s Theme is “できること・できないこと《Can ・ Cannot do》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

曲（きょく / kyoku）：song, music

キーボード（きーぼーど / kībōdo）：Keyboard Instrument

ジブリ（じぶり / jiburi）：Ghibli

免許（めんきょ / menkyo）：license

水泳（すいえい / suiē）：swimming

授業（じゅぎょう / jugyō）：lesson

練習（れんしゅう / renshū）：practice

スキューバダイビング（すきゅーばだいびんぐ / sukyūba daibingu）：scuba diving

早起き（はやおき / hayaoki）：to get up early

☆Grammar☆

・potential form

・～ので《because》

・～てみる《try doing something》

・～つもりだ《intend to do》

☆Script for this episode

https://note.com/smile_meg/n/n6a16651c6e3c

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/6314?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 - 03min

22 - #22 Short story / Hanako’s summer vacation ep2 / storytelling // N5 Level

Short story 「はなこさんの夏休（なつやす）み《 Hanako’s summer vacation 》ep2」

This is an original story I created.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Hanako’s summer vacation ep1

https://anchor.fm/megsmile/episodes/19-Short-story--Hanakos-summer-vacation-ep1--storytelling--N5-Level-e1lier7

☆Words☆

毎年（まいとし / maitoshi）：every year

新幹線（しんかんせん / shinkansen）：bullet train

～を降りる（～をおりる / ～o oriru）：get off

タクシー乗り場（たくしーのりば / takushīnoriba）：taxi stand

遠い（とおい / tōi）：far

～に着く（～につく / ～ni tsu ku）：to arrive

携帯電話（けいたいでんわ / kētaidenwa）：cell phone

連絡する（れんらくする / renrakusuru）：contact

辛い（からい / karai）：spicy

お土産（おみやげ / omiyage）：souvenir

甘い（あまい / amai）：sweet

キッチン（きっちん / kicchin）：kitchen

冷蔵庫（れいぞうこ / rēzōko）：fridge

急いで（いそいで / isoide）：hurry

びっくりする（bikkurisuru）：to be surprised

☆Grammar☆

・te-form

・plain form（casual conversation）

☆Script for this episode

https://note.com/smile_meg/n/nf5ead90741fa

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/6274?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 - 05min

21 - #21 Short story / Buying Mittens ep1 / storytelling // N3 Level

Short story 「手ぶくろを買いに《 Buying Mittens》ep1」

This story is written by Nankichi Nīmi.

He is a Japanese author of children's literature.

Although his life was only 29 years, he left us with many stories to tell.

（※About Nankichi Nīmi【Wikipedia】：https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nankichi_Niimi）

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆words for this episode

https://note.com/smile_meg/n/naa2ccc6ddaee

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/6171?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆My profile page

I teach on italki.

The link is down below.

https://www.italki.com/teacher/8353871

Check out my teacher profile for 1-on-1 lessons!

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 - 06min

20 - #20 Easy News / 京都の祇園祭《Gion Festival in Kyoto》// N4 Level

Easy News📺

I introduce Japanese news in easy Japanese.

Today’s Theme is “Gion Festival in Kyoto”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

祭り（まつり / matsuri）：festival

コロナウイルス（ころなういるす / korona uirusu）：coronavirus

飾る（かざる / kazaru）：decorate

山車（だし / dashi）：festival car (float)

喜ぶ（よろこぶ / yorokobu）： be happy

日本三大祭り（にほんさんだいまつり / nihon sandai matsuri）：the Japan’s three greatest festivals

・祇園祭（ぎおんまつり / gion matsuri）：Gion Festival（Gion Matsuri is a one of the biggest festival which takes place over the entire month of July in Kyoto. The biggest event of this festival is Yamahoko. Yamahoko is the decorated float which is made by every town in Kyoto. These floats will be paraded through streets on every July 17th.）

・神田祭（かんだまつり / kanda matsuri）：Kanda Festival（Kanda Matsuri is one of Edo’s (old Tokyo’s) great festivals. Events last one week but the highlight is the procession of more than 100 o-mikoshi (divine palanquins) from all the area’s neighborhoods to and from the shrine; experience the unbelievable atmosphere in Kanda, Nihonbashi, Otemachi, Marunouchi and Akihabara.）

・天神祭（てんじんまつり / tenjin matsuri）：Tenjin Festival（Tenjin Matsuri is a festival held by Osaka Tenmangu shrine, Sugawarano Michizane is enshrined at and has more than 1000 years of history.）

☆Grammar☆

・～になる：become

・～ように･･･：so that / in order to

・～そうです（伝聞）：I heard that

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/20-gion-festival-in-kyoto-n4/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/5966?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 - 03min

19 - #19 Short story / Hanako’s summer vacation ep1 / storytelling // N5 Level

Short story 「はなこさんの夏休（なつやす）み《 Hanako’s summer vacation 》ep1」

This is an original story I created.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

毎年（まいとし / maitoshi）：every year

遠い（とおい / tōi）：far

新幹線（しんかんせん / shinkansen）：bullet train

甘い（あまい / amai）：sweet

お土産（おみやげ / omiyage）：souvenir

辛い（からい / karai）：spicy

切符（きっぷ / kippu）：ticket

席（せき / seki）：seat

笑う（わらう / warau）：laugh, smile

→masu-form：笑います（わらいます / waraimasu）

～号車（～ごうしゃ / ～gōsha）：classifier for naming train cars

ex）１号車（いちごうしゃ / ichigōsha）、２号車（にごうしゃ / nigōsha）･･･

☆Grammar☆

・masu-form（present / past）

・～たいです：want to do

☆Script for this episode https://meg-smile.com/19-hanakos-summer-vacation-ep1-n5/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/5907?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 - 04min

18 - #18 日本語トリビア「いただきます・ごちそうさま」 // N3 Level

Today’s Theme is “いただきます・ごちそうさま”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

感謝（かんしゃ / kansya）：appreciation, thanks

命（いのち / inochi）：life

☆Script for this episode

https://meg-smile.com/18-japanese-toribia-itadakimasu/

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/5633?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 - 03min

17 - #17 すし / sushi // N4 Level

Today’s Theme is “すし《sushi》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

歴史（れきし / rekishi）：history

東南アジア（とうなんあじあ / tōnan ajia）：Southeast Asia

保存する（ほぞんする / hozonsuru）： to preserve, to save

塩（しお / shio）：salt

江戸時代（えどじだい / edojidai）：Edo period (1603-1868 CE)

酢（す / su）：vinegar

きゅうり（kūri）：Japanese cucumber

巻く（まく / maku）：roll

箸（はし / hashi）：chopsticks

横（よこ / yoko）：turn sideways

しょうゆ（shōyu）：soy sauce

わさび（わさび / wasabi）：wasabi

☆Grammar☆

passive form

～ために

☆Script for this episode

https://note.com/smile_meg/n/n0fbb61cf6983

☆Scripts for other episodes

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

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/5363?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 - 04min

16 - #16 Short story / Tanabata / storytelling // N5 Level

Short story 「七夕（たなばた）《 tanabata 》」

This episode is N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

七夕（たなばた / tanabata）：Star festival

星（ほし / hoshi）：star

明るい（あかるい / akarui）：bright

服（ふく / fuku）：clothes

牛（うし / ushi）：cow

世話（せわ / sewa）：care

ある日（あるひ / aruhi）：one day

天の川（あまのがわ / amanogawa）：Milky Way

神様（かみさま / kamisama）：God

怒る（おこる / okoru）：get angry

東（ひがし / higashi）：East

西（にし / nishi）：West

悲しい（かなしい / kanashī）：sad

橋（はし / hashi）：bridge

お願い（おねがい / onegai）：wish

☆Script for this episode

https://note.com/smile_meg/n/n5946f6bc727f

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/5236?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 - 04min

15 - #15 熱中症 // N3 Level

Today’s theme is “熱中症《heatstroke》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

熱中症（ねっちゅうしょう）：heatstroke

体温（たいおん）：body temperature

頭痛（ずつう）：headache

めまい：dizziness

対策（たいさく）：countermeasures

喉（のど）が渇（かわ）く：be thirsty

☆Script for this episode

https://note.com/smile_meg/n/n84167a26ecee

☆Scripts for other episodes

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

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/5122?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://promos.italki.com/learnanylanguage-en/?ref=meg-smile&utm_source=meg-smile&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=kol&hl=en

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 - 03min

14 - #14 こどものときの夢 / Childhood Dream // N4 Level

Today’s Theme is “こどものときの夢（ゆめ）《Childhood Dream》”.

This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

（ピアノの）発表会（はっぴょうかい/happyōkai）：（piano）recital

叶う（かなう/kanau）：come true

☆Grammar☆

・～ので／～のに

・～かもしれない

・passive form

・～ようです

☆Script for this episode

https://note.com/smile_meg/n/n87128350766e

☆Quiz for this episode

https://onl.bz/MJvPtKn

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://onl.la/xBVdSNa

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 - 03min

13 - #13 Short story / Hanako's holiday / storytelling // N5 Level

Short story 「はなこさんのやすみのひ《 Hanako's holiday 》」

This is an original story I created.

This episode is N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

両親（りょうしん）ryōshin：parents

階段（かいだん）kaidan：stairs

運転手（うんてんしゅ）untenshu：driver

声（こえ）koe：voice

☆Grammar☆

・～へ･･･にいきます

・～ましょう

・～がすきです

・～があります／います

☆Script for this episode

https://note.com/smile_meg/n/n909390c94221

☆Scripts for other episodes

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

☆Quiz for this episode

https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/4656?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://onl.la/xBVdSNa

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 - 03min

12 - #12 不眠（ふみん） // N3 Level

Today’s Theme is “不眠（ふみん）《sleeplessness》”.

This episode is JLPT-N3 level.

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Script for this episode

https://note.com/smile_meg/n/nef7803c749cf

☆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.）

◇Sounds

NHK creative library：https://www.nhk.or.jp/archives/creative/material/

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 - 04min

11 - #11 Trip to Taipei // N5 Level

I will talk about my trip to Taipei.

This episode is JLPT-N5 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

台北（たいぺい）taipei：Taipei

空港（くうこう）kūkō：airport

工場（こうじょう）kōjyō：factory

次の日（つぎのひ）tsuginohi：next day

観光（かんこう）kankō：sightseeing

☆Grammar☆

・～があります

・adjective（past）

・～たいです

☆Script for this episode

https://note.com/smile_meg/n/na7e4ae8194de

☆Scripts for other episodes

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

☆Quiz for this episode

https://onl.bz/t4Zzawx

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://onl.la/xBVdSNa

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆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.）

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 - 03min

10 - #10 Japanese home cooking / カレーライス（curry and rice） //N４Level

Hanako tried cooking for the first time.

Learn how to cook curry and rice in Japanese!

This episode is N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.

After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆

・材料（ざいりょう）：ingredients

・じゃがいも：potatoes

・にんじん：carrots

・たまねぎ：onions

・カレーのルー：curry roux

・炒（いた）める：stir-fry

・柔（やわ）らかい：soft

・煮（に）る：simmer

・混（ま）ぜる：stir

☆Grammar☆

・～のが／のは

・～ために

・～ことにする

・～ので

・まず、次（つぎ）に、そして

・～まま

・～あとで

☆Quiz for this episode

https://onl.bz/Tt52TWS

※Need to register (free) with italki.

☆If you haven’t used italki, click the link below.

https://onl.la/xBVdSNa

(This is the italki page. You can receive $10 USD italki Credits in your Student Wallet within 48 hours after you make your first purchase.)

☆Script for this episode

https://note.com/smile_meg/n/ndc01ecd2d666

☆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.）

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 - 03min

8 - #8 Short story / わたしのうち（My house） / storytelling //N５Level

🌸 About this video

Welcome to my Japanese listening series 3min Japanese / 10min Japanese.

In this episode, I read a short story titled “Watashi no Uchi (My House)”.It is told in very simple Japanese, using mostly masu-form and basic N5 sentence patterns.

🎧 This video is perfect for:

JLPT N5 (early N5) learnersLearners who want easy listening practice with short sentencesStudents who want to get used to simple descriptions of places, people, and daily lifeAnyone who wants to learn basic vocabulary about towns and buildings

📚 Level

Beginner (JLPT N5 – early stage)
Clear and slow narration with simple grammar.

☆ Grammar ☆

～があります／います (There is / There are)Location words: まえ／となり／ちかく／あいだ／なかAdjectives (present): ～いです／～なです

💡 How to use this video

Listen once to understand the overall meaning.Listen again and focus on words you recognize.Use the Study PDF to review the script, vocabulary, and quiz.

⚠️ Note

In the video, I mention that a quiz is available on italki.

However, this quiz has been removed.
The quiz is now included in the Study PDF.

📄 Study PDF (Free)

A free Study PDF for this episode is available on Ko-fi.

It includes:

Full scriptVocabulary listTrue / False quiz (with answers)

👉 Download here:
https://ko-fi.com/s/91c380daf2

☕ Support My Channel

If you enjoy my videos, you can support my work on Ko-fi.

Your support helps me continue creating beginner-friendly Japanese learning materials.

👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

🏯 About Meg

I am a Japanese teacher creating easy listening materials through short stories.

I also work as a certified Administrative Scrivener (immigration specialist) in Japan.

Immigration & Visa Support:
👉 https://www.trust-gyosei.com/

🎵 Images, Videos & Music Credits

Pixabay：https://pixabay.com/Pexels：https://www.pexels.com/Adobe Stock：https://stock.adobe.com/いらすとや：https://www.irasutoya.com/BGMer：https://bgmer.net

#JapaneseListening #LearnJapanese #JapaneseForBeginners
#JLPTN5 #EasyJapanese
#ListeningPractice #Shadowing
#3minJapanese #10minJapanese #MegSmile

Fri, 27 May 2022 - 03min

7 - #7 優（やさ）しさに包（つつ）まれた日（ひ） A Day Wrapped in Kindness //N3 Level

🌸 About this videoWelcome to my Japanese listening series.In this episode, I share a real story that happened to me this week,told in natural and easy-to-understand Japanese.The story is titled “A Day Wrapped in Kindness” and focuses on kindness, support, and gratitude in everyday life.🎧 This video is perfect for:・JLPT N3 learners・Learners who want to practice listening with real-life stories・Students who want to understand emotions and situations in Japanese・Anyone who wants to learn natural expressions used in daily conversationsThrough this episode, you’ll learn vocabulary and expressions related to experiences, feelings, and social interaction.📚 LevelIntermediate (JLPT N3)Clear narration with natural sentence flow.💡 How to use this video✔️ Listen once to understand the story✔️ Listen again and focus on expressions and verb forms✔️ Use the Study PDF to review the script, vocabulary, and quiz⚠️ Note:In the video, I mention that a quiz is available on italki.However, this quiz has been removed.The quiz is now included in the Study PDF.📄 Study PDF (Free)A free Study PDF for this episode is available on Ko-fi.It includes:・Full script・Vocabulary list・True / False quiz (with answers)👉 Download here:https://ko-fi.com/s/bb284af166☕ Support My ChannelIf you enjoy my videos, you can support my work on Ko-fi.Your support helps me continue creating Japanese learning materials based on real stories.👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile🏯 About MegI am a Japanese teacher creating storytelling-based listening materials for Japanese learners.I also work as a certified Administrative Scrivener (immigration specialist) in Japan.Immigration & visa support:👉 https://www.trust-gyosei.com/#JapaneseListening #LearnJapanese #JLPTN3 #StoryBasedLearning #RealLifeJapanese#ListeningPractice #Shadowing #3minJapanese #MegSmile

Thu, 26 May 2022 - 03min

6 - #6 Easy News / アップサイクル（Upcycling）// N4 Level

🌸 About this video

Welcome to my Japanese listening series Easy News.

In this episode, I introduce a Japanese news topic — “Upcycling” —

using easy, learner-friendly Japanese.

This episode helps you understand how simple Japanese is used to explain social and environmental topics.

|

🎧 This video is perfect for:

・JLPT N4 learners

・Beginner to upper-beginner Japanese learners

・Learners who want to practice listening with real news topics

・Anyone interested in Japanese culture and environmental issues

|

Through this episode, you’ll learn vocabulary and expressions related to daily life, food waste, and sustainability.

|

📚 Level

Beginner – Upper Beginner (JLPT N4)

Clear and slow narration for listening and shadowing practice.

|

💡 How to use this video

✔️ Listen once to understand the main idea

✔️ Listen again and focus on key words and expressions

✔️ Use the Study PDF to review the script, grammar, and quiz

|

📄 Study PDF (Free)

A free Study PDF for this episode is available on Ko-fi.

It includes:

・Full script

・Vocabulary list

・Grammar notes

・True / False quiz (with answers)

👉 Download here:

https://ko-fi.com/s/308532a4c5

|

☕ Support My Channel

If you enjoy my videos, you can support my work on Ko-fi.

Your support helps me continue creating easy and practical Japanese learning materials.

👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

|

🏯 About Meg

I am a Japanese teacher creating listening materials using stories and easy news.

I also work as a certified Administrative Scrivener (immigration specialist) in Japan.

Immigration & visa support:

👉 https://www.trust-gyosei.com/

|

🎵 Images, Videos & Music Credits

Pixabay：https://pixabay.com/

Pexels：https://www.pexels.com/

Adobe Stock：https://stock.adobe.com/

いらすとや：https://www.irasutoya.com/BGMer：https://bgmer.net|#JapaneseListening #LearnJapanese #EasyJapanese #JLPTN4 #EasyNewsJapanese

#ListeningPractice #Shadowing #Upcycling #3minJapanese #MegSmile

Mon, 23 May 2022 - 03min

5 - #5 Short story / Hanako's daily life / storytelling // N5 Level

🌸 About this video

Welcome to my Japanese listening series 3min Japanese / 10min Japanese.

|

In this episode, I read a short story titled “Hanako-san no Mainichi”,

told using very simple Japanese mainly in masu-form.

|

This episode is designed for early JLPT N5 learners who are just starting to listen to full Japanese sentences.

|

🎧 This video is perfect for:

・JLPT N5 (early N5) learners

・Learners who are new to listening practice

・Students who want to get used to masu-form sentences

・Anyone who wants to learn daily routine expressions in simple Japanese

|

Through this episode, you’ll learn basic vocabulary and sentence patterns related to everyday life.

|

📚 Level

Beginner (JLPT N5 – early stage)

Clear, slow narration using mostly masu-form.

|

💡 How to use this video

✔️ Listen once and focus on the overall meaning

✔️ Listen again and pay attention to familiar verbs and patterns

✔️ Use the Study PDF to review the script, vocabulary, and quiz

|

⚠️ Note:In the video, I mention that a quiz is available on italki.However, this quiz has been removed.The quiz is now included in the Study PDF.|📄 Study PDF (Free)

A free Study PDF for this episode is available on Ko-fi.

It includes:

・Full script

・Vocabulary list

・True / False quiz (with answers)

👉 Download here:

https://ko-fi.com/s/6c35e142cb

|

🏠 Hanako Series – Previous Episodes

If you want to follow the full story, start here:

|

▶️ Hanako's holiday（はなこさんのやすみのひ）

👉 https://youtu.be/mqibfmKSSTo?si=R7by8oWZvAbl2R12

|

▶️ Hanako’s summer vacation（はなこさんのなつやすみ）

ep1👉 https://youtu.be/6K9rjgEL8JY?si=Mk7M1mBK8UlDTKqd

ep2👉https://youtu.be/bbxoudd6fXc?si=lbJjBmtlhXCM1LM9

|

▶️ Hanako’s New Room（はなこさんのあたらしいへや）

👉 https://youtu.be/ABvmxIfMe04

|

▶️ Hanako’s Room– Inside the Apartment（はなこさんのへやのなか）

👉 https://youtu.be/WQcom9c3BJs

|

☕ Support My Channel

If you enjoy my videos, you can support my work on Ko-fi.

Your support helps me continue creating easy and structured Japanese learning materials.

👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

|

🏯 About Meg

I am a Japanese teacher creating beginner-friendly listening materials.

I also work as a certified Administrative Scrivener (immigration specialist) in Japan.

Immigration & visa support:

👉 https://www.trust-gyosei.com/

|

#JapaneseListening #LearnJapanese #JapaneseForBeginners #JLPTN5 #EasyJapanese #MasuForm #ListeningPractice #ShortStoryJapanese #3minJapanese #MegSmile

Sat, 21 May 2022 - 02min

4 - #4 早起（はやお）きは三文（さんもん）の徳（とく） // N3 Level

🌸 About this video

Welcome to my Japanese listening series 3min Japanese / 10min Japanese.

|

In this episode, I talk about the Japanese proverb “Hayaoki wa Sanmon no Toku”

(Early to bed, early to rise brings small but steady benefits).

|

The story is told in clear, learner-friendly Japanese, focusing on real-life habits and motivation.

|

🎧 This video is perfect for:

・JLPT N3 learners

・Lower-intermediate Japanese learners

・Learners who want to improve listening with real topics

・Anyone interested in Japanese proverbs and daily life

|

Through this episode, you will learn vocabulary and expressions related to daily habits, motivation, and Japanese culture.

|

📚 Level

Lower Intermediate (JLPT N3)

Natural but clear narration for listening and shadowing practice.

|

💡 How to use this video

✔️ Listen once to understand the main idea

✔️ Listen again and focus on expressions and grammar

✔️ Use the Study PDF to review vocabulary, and quiz questions

|

⚠️ Note:

In the video, I mention that a quiz is available on italki.

However, this quiz has been removed.

The quiz is now included in the Study PDF.

|

📄 Study PDF (Free)

A free Study PDF for this episode is available on Ko-fi.

It includes:

・Full script

・Vocabulary list

・True / False quiz (with answers)

👉 Download here:

https://ko-fi.com/s/e45207fad5

|

☕ Support My Channel

If you enjoy my videos, you can support my work on Ko-fi.

Your support helps me continue creating Japanese learning materials.

👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

|

🏯 About Meg

I am a Japanese teacher creating listening materials through stories and real-life topics.

I also work as a certified Administrative Scrivener (immigration specialist) in Japan.

Immigration & visa support:

👉 https://www.trust-gyosei.com/immigration-en/

|

#JapaneseListening #LearnJapanese #JapaneseProverb

#JLPTN3 #LowerIntermediateJapanese

#ListeningPractice #StorytellingJapanese

#3minJapanese #10minJapanese #MegSmile

Wed, 18 May 2022 - 03min

3 - #3 Short story あめだま storytelling //N4 Level

🌸 About this video

Welcome to my Japanese listening series 3min Japanese.

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In this episode, I read “Amedama (Candy Ball)”, a short story inspired by a work of Nankichi Niimi, a well-known Japanese writer of children’s literature.

The story is told in simple, learner-friendly Japanese for listening practice.

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🎧 This video is perfect for:

・JLPT N4 learners

・Beginner to upper-beginner Japanese learners

・Learners who want to practice listening with short stories

・Anyone interested in Japanese literature through easy Japanese

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This episode helps you learn natural expressions and grammar through a gentle, story-based format.

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📚 Level

Beginner – Upper Beginner

JLPT N4

Slow and clear narration for listening and shadowing practice.

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💡 How to use this video

✔️ Listen once to understand the story

✔️ Listen again and focus on expressions and grammar

✔️ Use the Study PDF to review and check your understanding

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⚠️ Note:

In the video, I mention that a quiz is available on italki.

However, this quiz has been removed.

The quiz is now included in the Study PDF.

|

📄 Study PDF (Free)

A free Study PDF for this episode is available on Ko-fi.

It includes:

・Full script

・Vocabulary list

・Grammar notes

・True / False quiz (with answers)

👉 Download here:

https://ko-fi.com/s/9f0fffd07a

|

☕ Support My Channel

If you enjoy my videos, you can support my work on Ko-fi.

Your support helps me continue creating Japanese learning materials.

👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

|

🏯 About Meg

I am a Japanese teacher creating storytelling-based listening materials for learners.

I also work as a certified Administrative Scrivener (immigration specialist) in Japan.

Immigration & visa support:

👉 https://www.trust-gyosei.com/

|

#JapaneseListening #LearnJapanese #JapaneseForBeginners

#JLPTN4 #EasyJapanese #ListeningPractice

#StorytellingJapanese #3minJapanese #MegSmile

Mon, 16 May 2022 - 03min

2 - #2 毎朝（まいあさ）していること（Morning routine） //N4 Level

🌸 About this video

Welcome to my Japanese listening series 3min Japanese.

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In this episode, I talk about my morning routine using simple, natural Japanese.

The language level is JLPT N4, and the narration is slow and clear, making it ideal for listening practice.

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🎧 This video is perfect for:

・JLPT N4 learners

・Beginner to upper-beginner Japanese learners

・Learners who want short, daily listening practice

・Anyone who wants to learn natural Japanese through real-life topics

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Through this episode, you’ll learn vocabulary and expressions related to daily routines and habits.

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📚 Level

Beginner – Upper Beginner

JLPT N4

Clear and slow-paced narration for easy listening.

|

💡 How to use this video

✔️ Listen once to understand the overall content

✔️ Listen again and focus on words and grammar you recognize

✔️ Review the Study PDF to deepen your understanding

|

⚠️ Note:

In the video, I mention that a quiz is available on italki.

However, this quiz has been removed.

The quiz is now included in the Study PDF.

|

📄 Study PDF (Free)

A free Study PDF for this episode is available on Ko-fi.

It includes:

・Full script

・Vocabulary list

・Grammar notes

・True / False quiz (with answers)

👉 Download here:

https://ko-fi.com/s/fa84774cf1

|

☕ Support My Channel

If you enjoy my videos, you can support my work on Ko-fi.

Your support helps me continue creating high-quality Japanese learning materials.

👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

|

🏯 About Meg

I am a Japanese teacher creating storytelling-based listening materials for learners.

I also work as a certified Administrative Scrivener (immigration specialist) in Japan.

Immigration & visa support:

👉 https://www.trust-gyosei.com/

|

#JapaneseListening #LearnJapanese #JapaneseForBeginners

#JLPTN4 #EasyJapanese #ListeningPractice

#3minJapanese #MegSmile

Sun, 15 May 2022 - 03min

1 - #1 わたしのかぞく（My family）//N５Level

🌸 About this video

Welcome to Episode #1 of my Japanese listening series for beginners!

In this episode, I talk about my family using simple Japanese (JLPT N5 level).

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This video is perfect for:

・Japanese beginners (JLPT N5)

・Learners who want short, clear listening practice

・Anyone who wants to learn natural Japanese through simple stories

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Through this episode, you’ll learn basic family-related vocabulary and everyday expressions used in daily life.

|

📚 Level

Beginner (JLPT N5)

Clear and slow-paced narration for easy listening practice.

|

💡 How to use this video

✔️ Listen once to understand the overall story

✔️ Listen again and focus on words you recognize

✔️ Use the Study PDF to review vocabulary, grammar, and quiz questions

|

⚠️ Note:

In the video, I mention that a quiz is available on italki.

However, this quiz has been removed.

The quiz is now included in the Study PDF.

|

📄 Study PDF (Free)

A free Study PDF for Episode #1 is available.

It includes:

・Full script

・Vocabulary list

・Grammar notes

・True / False quiz (with answers)

👉 Download here:

https://ko-fi.com/s/ce07a3de77

|

☕ Support My Channel

If you enjoy my videos, you can support my work on Ko-fi.

Your support helps me continue creating Japanese learning materials 💖

👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

|

🏯 About Meg

I am a Japanese teacher creating storytelling-based listening materials for beginners.

I also work as a certified Administrative Scrivener (immigration specialist) in Japan.

Immigration & visa support:

👉 https://www.trust-gyosei.com/

|

#JapaneseListening #LearnJapanese #JapaneseForBeginners #JLPTN5 #EasyJapanese #ListeningPractice #StorytellingJapanese #MegSmile

Fri, 13 May 2022 - 03min

Filtrer par genre

Meg’s Simple Japanese Podcast

🌸 About this video

🎧 This video is perfect for:

📚 Level

☆ Grammar ☆

💡 How to use this video

⚠️ Note

📄 Study PDF (Free)

☕ Support My Channel

🏯 About Meg

🎵 Images, Videos & Music Credits

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