News in Slow Japanese / The Podcast

SB021 – Belly Fat

This is something a lot of us have to deal with–putting on weight too easily. Listen to this week’s contributor’s frustration with belly fat and learn the vocabulary associated with this kind of problem.

NISJ 388 – Fast Version

This is the native speed version of Episode 388:

NISJ 388 – The Mystery of the Japanese Ship Captain

NISJ 387 – Onomatopoeia Part 2

In Japanese, Onomatopoeia can be divided into a few categories; they are called giseigo (擬声語), giongo (擬音語), gitaigo (擬態語), giyougo (擬容語) and gijougo (擬情語). As we learned in the previous episode, they are used to describe sounds made by animals, humans…

NISJ 386 – Onomatopoeia Part 1

Onomatopoeia (オノマトペ) are words that represent sounds, and they are used in many languages to add more depth and texture to speech. However, Japanese onomatopoeia are unique in that they’re used more frequently and in a wider variety of contexts than in other languages. For example, after mopping READ MORE Test your knowledge with the […]

SB019 – My Club Seniors

Japanese school clubs have a very rigid hierarchy. Seniors in the club can be very demanding to their juniors. Here is a report of one junior’s experience. This episode also practices the causative form in Japanese.

SB020 – Strict Parents

How strict were your parents? This person had very strict parents. She was made to do all kinds of things as a child. This time we are practicing combining the causative and passive forms (to be made or forced to do something) which we seem to use more than in English or other languages I […]

SB017 – Instant Ramen

ima de wa, atte atarimae no insutanto rāmen. Jitsu wa Nihon hasshō da to iu koto wo…

SB018 – A Terrible Day

This episode will help you get some really useful practice with the passive forms of Japanese, which we tend to use more than in English.

SB016 – Why is Chinese Zodiac in that order?

Do you know how the animals of the Chinese zodiac were chosen and put in that order? Listen to find out why it came to be so and why there is no cat.

NISJ 385 – Fast Version

This is the native speed version of Episode 385:

NISJ 384 – Fast Version

This is the native speed version of Episode 384:

NISJ 384- vending-machines-Intermediate and Advanced Japanese Listening

NISJ 384 – Fast Version

This is the native speed version of Episode 384:

NISJ 384 – Vending Machines

SB015 – Two-Day Weekends

Do you work too much? This contributor feels so. He thinks we Japanese work way too hard and need more time off. How is it in your country? Do you want more days off?

SB014 – The Colors of the Rainbow

How many colors do you think a rainbow has? You would be surprised to know that the way you answer this question might depend on where you come from. This week’s contributor talks about how we see the world in colors.

SB012 – Successor Fish

Click the title below to access text and more!

NISJ 383 – Fast Version

This is the native speed version of Episode 383:

NISJ 383- Differences between Japan and Overseas-Differences in Elementary Schools-Intermediate and Advanced Japanese Listening

SB011 – Crutches

If you have ever used crutches before you know what a drag they can be. This contributor talks about just that. 松葉杖 （まつばづえ）

NISJ 382 – Fast Version

This is the native speed version of Episode 382:

NISJ 382-Differences between Japan and Other Countries – Fashion (Clothing)-Intermediate and Advanced Japanese Listening

SB010 – Pet Peeves

This week’s contributor discusses a few of the things that irritate her. What’s your pet peeve? Let me know in the comments section. あなたの苦手なものは何ですか？

SB009 – Extraterrestrial Life

NISJ 381 – Fast Version

This is the native speed version of Episode 381:

NISJ 381-Kyo-train’Garaku’-Intermediate and Advanced Japanese Listening

SB008 – Kantō to Kansai no Chigai (Kotoba-hen)

関東と関西の違い(言葉編) Kantō to Kansai no Chigai (Kotoba-hen) Differences between Kanto and Kansai (Language Version) 日本には様々な方言があります。 Nihon ni wa samazama na hōgen ga arimasu. There are various dialects in Japan. Read more

SB007 – Club Activities in the Past

Saikin, kōkō ya chūgakkō no bu katsudō ga ippanteki ni kanari amaku natte iru…

SB006 – Sayings

Kotowaza koko de wa, eigo to nihongo de hotondo onaji yō na kotowaza o ikutsu ka shōkai shimasu. Access transcripts at: newsinslowjapanese.com

NISJ 380 – Fast Version

This is the native speed version of Episode 380:

NISJ 380 – A Convenience Store with Bar-Intermediate and Advanced Japanese Listening

SB005 Differences between Kanto and Kansai: Lifestyle Edition

関東で生活をしてみて、関西との生活習慣の違いに驚くことがあります。まず、エスカレーターに乗る時、関東では…

SB004 The Worst Boss

皆さんは上司とうまくいっていますか？最近は、今の上司と大きな問題は…

SB003 Differences between Kanto and Kansai

Kantō to Kansai de wa, kotoba dakedenaku, tabemono no mitame ya ajitsuke ga chigau koto ga…

NISJ 379 – Fast Version

This is the native speed version of Episode 379:

NISJ 379-The Worst Tasting Cider in Japan-Intermediate and Advanced Japanese Listening

SB002 Exercise

Watashi wa nan-nen mo mae kara undō o shite imasu. Ima wa saikuringu ni hamatte imasuga, izen wa yoku jogingu o shite…

SB001 Masks

As you know, I am a very big proponent of the shadowing method as an effective way to practice a foreign language. That’s why I am putting together my new project, which I am calling the Shadowing Bank. I want to bring you a variety of talks from many different native Japanese speakers. Each talk […]

NISJ-378-Hakken Anime

NISJ 378 – Fast Version

This is the native speed version of Episode 378:

NISJ-377-Dutch Woman Becomes Assistant Proprietress of an Inn

NISJ 377 – Fast Version

This is the native speed version of Episode 377:

NISJ 195- A House That Floats on the Sea-Intermediate and Advanced Japanese Listening

NISJ 376 – Fast Version

This is the native speed version of Episode 376:

NISJ 376- Fake Food-Intermediate and Advanced Japanese Listening

NISJ 375 – Fast Version

This is the native speed version of Episode 375:

NISJ 375-Valentine’s Day & White Day-Intermediate and Advanced Japanese Listening

NISJ 374 – Fast Version

This is the native speed version of Episode 374:

NISJ-374-Movie: The Last Ten Years-Intermediate and Advanced Japanese Listening