にほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumi
A weekly podcast for upper beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese. Listen to Yumi talk about... whatever she wants to talk about. Practice your listening comprehension with natural (howbeit slightly slowed down) Japanese on various topics such as Japanese culture, fun idioms, and, of course, cats. The episodes can be enjoyed in any order. -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript and a list of key vocabulary. www.MakotoPlus.com
Episodes
In this episode, Yumi shares a heartwarming story about her 17-year-old daughter’s summer vacation, which turned into an unexpected adventure on stage. What began as a small supporting role in a local production of the Percy Jackson Musical soon transformed into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: being chosen as the lead. From the excitement of her very first audition to the challenges of daily rehearsals and the triumph of nine suc...
In this episode, Yumi visits her family home in Japan, only to find it cold, boring, and isolating—with no internet, books, or entertainment. Feeling stuck in what she jokingly calls a "mini-prison," she unexpectedly finds joy in a Japanese radio show. Listener stories and nostalgic memories rekindle her love for storytelling and inspire her to share more fun tales with her audience. A charming reflection on boredom, discovery, and...
In this episode, Yumi returns to Japan in the dead of winter, navigating the chill of an old house, the busyness of inheritance matters, and the quiet grief of family loss. Amid the hardship, she rediscovers the simple joy of soaking in a deep, warm bath. A heartfelt story of discomfort, tradition, and small comforts
KEY VOCABULARY:
- はや — "Already; soon." Often implies that time has passed quickly. In the phrase はや3週間(しゅうかん...
In this episode of Nihongo no Tane, Yumi shares a personal and heartfelt story about returning to Japan for her father’s funeral. From navigating unfamiliar funeral customs to reconnecting with family members she hadn’t seen in years, Yumi reflects on the busy, emotional days that followed her father’s passing. She also talks about what made the ceremony special and how her father’s long life in his hometown was filled with friends...
In this episode of Nihongo no Tane, Yumi shares a shopping trip with her daughter that started with a simple plan to buy one pair of exercise pants but ended with three! She also talks about how their dog, Maro, played a role in this unexpected shopping spree. Along the way, Yumi reflects about how English words get adapted into Japanese. Tune in for a lighthearted and relatable episode filled with everyday moments and language ins...
In this episode of Nihongo no Tane, Yumi shares her recent conversations with her mother and younger sister in Japan. She reflects on how her elderly mother has developed a habit of one-sided conversations, often hanging up as soon as she’s finished speaking. She also considers her own role as a listener rather than a talker and how being a good listener can be a rare and valuable trait. Tune in for an insightful and relatable disc...
In this episode of Nihongo no Tane, Yumi takes us back to a beloved Japanese custom that is slowly fading: the “New Year Film” tradition. She recalls how families would flock to theaters to watch holiday releases like Otoko wa Tsurai yo, Tsuribaka Nisshi, and even Godzilla. Yumi fondly remembers her father’s love for these films and reflects on how the genre has evolved, with fewer people nowadays making special New Year trips to t...
In this episode of "Nihongo no Tane," Yumi reflects on her experience welcoming the New Year amidst a busy holiday season. She shares insights into traditional Japanese New Year customs, from preparing osechi ryori to watching NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen and giving otoshidama. Despite these celebrations, Yumi explains why this year felt less "new" to her, revealing how a cluttered home and a packed schedule impacted her perspective. Tu...
In this episode of "Nihongo no Tane," Yumi shares delightful stories about Pon-chan, the newest member of her family—a curious and calm kitten! She recounts how Pon-chan has grown from a tiny ball of fluff to a playful companion with a big personality. From quiet visits to the vet to bonding moments with her daughter and dog Maro-chan, Pon-chan’s gentle yet bold nature continues to charm everyone around him. Tune in to hear about h...
In this episode of "Nihongo no Tane," Yumi introduces a new, furry member of her family —a playful and adorable kitten named Pon-chan! She shares the heartwarming story of how this little ball of fluff captured her heart during a church gathering and quickly became part of the family. From its charming "sock-like" paws to its lively antics, Pon-chan has brought new energy and joy to Yumi’s home. Tune in to hear about the kitten’s j...
In this episode of "Nihongo no Tane," Yumi shares her experience of navigating hurricane season in Florida. From power outages to the community’s resilience, discover how locals handle the intense storms. Yumi reflects on the challenges, unexpected routines, and even a bit of "hurricane weight gain" that come with these events. Tune in for a glimpse into life during storm season and the strength of Floridian spirit!
KEY VOCABULAR...
In this episode of “Nihongo no Tane,” join Yumi as she shares her visit to her elegant piano teacher’s home. Discover how her refined lifestyle, surrounded by antiques, reflects her sophistication, from music to furniture. Yumi reflects on the importance of keeping antiques in good condition, contrasting her teacher's approach with other personal experiences. This episode will transport you to a world of elegance and nostalgia!
K...
In this episode of "Nihongo no Tane," Yumi shares her delightful encounter with a professional pianist whose lifestyle is a page out of history. Explore a home adorned with Victorian elegance, complete with a century-old telephone still in use! Immerse yourself in this captivating tale of classical music, vintage fashion, and timeless grace.
KEY VOCABULARY:
- 教会(きょうかい) — church
- 個人(こじん) — individual; personal
- 音楽(おんがく)を専攻(せんこう)され...
Dive into the original, bittersweet tale of "The Little Mermaid" with this episode of "Nihongo no Tane." Explore the deeper, more poignant version of the story as Yumi contrasts it with the popular Disney adaptation. Join us for a captivating and educational discussion!
KEY VOCABULARY:
- 人魚姫(にんぎょひめ) The Little Mermaid [人魚(にんぎょ) mermaid + 姫(ひめ) princess]
- 寝室(しんしつ) bedroom [寝(ね) sleep + 室(しつ) room]
- 前回(ぜんかい) last time; previous tim...
Dive into the original, bittersweet tale of "The Little Mermaid" with this episode of "Nihongo no Tane." Explore the deeper, more poignant version of the story as Yumi contrasts it with the popular Disney adaptation. Join us for a captivating and educational discussion!
KEY VOCABULARY:
- 筋肉(きんにく) muscle
- 証拠(しょうこ) evidence; proof
- と思(おも)いつつ我慢(がまん)しているんですが though I think; I'm enduring [と思(おも)う (to think) + つつ (while) + 我慢(がまん)している ...
Discover the art of simple, family-friendly cooking with Yumi in this episode of "Nihongo no Tane." Join her as she shares her culinary journey, from experimenting with vegetarian recipes to catering to her family's diverse tastes. Don't miss this engaging and relatable episode!
KEY VOCABULARY:
- 飽(あ)きられてしまいます Will get tired of [飽(あ)きる (to get tired of); passive form + しまう (to end up); ます (polite form)]
- 組(く)み合(あ)わせて Combine [組(...
Ever wondered why Japanese kids dislike piman more than broccoli? Find out on this new episode of "Nihongo no Tane" as Yumi delves into the fascinating world of vegetables and their cultural significance. Don't miss this entertaining and educational episode!
KEY VOCABULARY:
- ピーマン bell pepper [ピーマン is a transliteration of "piment," the French word for pepper. In Japanese, it specifically refers to the green bell pepper.]
- 母語(ぼご)...
What happens when Yumi decides to tackle Spanish through English? Find out on this new episode of “Nihongo no Tane” as she shares the funny and challenging moments of her language learning journey. Tune in and join the adventure!
KEY VOCABULARY:
- 何(なに)かと one thing or another
- バタバタしている to be very busy doing different things [a phrase used to describe someone is very busy by moving around doing things constantly. バタバタ is onomatop...
In this episode of her podcast, Yumi shares her personal story of dental discovery and recovery, emphasizing the vital role of dental care in our lives and the resilience needed to overcome oral health hurdles. Listen to this episode and let us know if you had some experience like this!
KEY VOCABULARY:
- 歯(は)医(い)者(しゃ) - dentist [歯(は) (tooth); 医(い)者(しゃ) (physician; medical doctor)]
- 別(べつ)の件(けん) - another matter; another case [別(べ...
In this episode of her podcast, Yumi delves into the profound impact of classical music on personal growth, inspired by violin prodigy Yoshimura Himari's mesmerizing performances. She beautifully narrates her own musical journey and the unexpected ways a popular manga stirred a friend's ambition to master Chopin, weaving a narrative that celebrates the transformative power of art and inspiration. Listen to this episode and let us k...
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