Fluent Fiction - Japanese

Fluent Fiction - Japanese

Are you ready to supercharge your Japanese listening comprehension? Our podcast is the perfect tool for you. Studies show that the key to mastering a second language is through repetition and active processing. That's why each episode of our podcast features a story in Japanese, followed by a sentence-by-sentence retelling that alternates between Japanese and English. This approach not only allows you to fully understand and absorb the vocabulary and grammar but also provides a bilingual support to aid your listening comprehension. But we don't stop there. Research in sociolinguistics highlights the importance of culture in language learning, which is why we provide a list of vocabulary words and a transcript of the audio to help you understand the cultural context of the story. And for your convenience, we also include a transcript of the audio to help you refer back to any parts you may have struggled with. And our podcast is not just for language learners, it's also for travelers or people who want to connect with their roots. Are you planning a trip to Japan? Maybe you want to speak Japanese with your friends from Tokyo? Our podcast will give you the cultural and linguistic background to fully immerse in Japanese. Our podcast is based on the latest research in linguistics, sociolinguistics, psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, and education to provide the most effective method for mastering Japanese listening comprehension. Don't miss this opportunity, give our podcast a try and see the results for yourself. 今日から私たちの日本語のストーリーであなたのリスニング力を向上させましょう!

Episodes

August 22, 2025 14 mins
Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Harmony in Bamboo: Haruto's Tea Ceremony Transformation
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-22-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 青々とした竹林が広がる嵐山。
En: A lush bamboo grove spreads across Arashiyama.

Ja: 京都のこの美しい場所で、夏の風が静かに竹を揺らす。
En: In this beautiful place in Kyoto, the summer breeze gently sways the bamboo.

Ja: 光が葉の間を通り抜け、地面に斑模様の光を落とす。
En: Light filters...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Chasing Shadows: A Botanist's Quest for the Yasui Flower
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-21-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 夏の日差しが森の上を優しく照らしていました。
En: The summer sunlight gently illuminated the forest above.

Ja: しかし、森の中は木々で覆われていて暗いです。
En: However, inside the forest, it was dark, covered by trees.

Ja: ユキ、ヒロシ、アイコの三人は夏のお盆にこの森に来ました。
En: The three o...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Finding Clarity in the Storm: Haruto’s Journey to Inner Peace
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-20-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 夏のある日、晴れた空に突然、黒い雲が広がりました。
En: One summer day, a clear sky was suddenly overtaken by dark clouds.

Ja: 広大な飛騨山脈は雨を迎える準備をしているようでした。
En: The vast Hida Mountains seemed to be preparing for rain.

Ja: ハルト、アキラ、ユキの三人は、山の中をハイキン...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: A Summer Day in Osaka: Choosing Friendship Over Exams
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-19-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 大阪公立高校では、夏の日差しが校庭を照らしています。
En: At the Osaka public high school, the summer sun illuminates the schoolyard.

Ja: 教室の中は、今にも始まる試験への緊張で静まり返っています。
En: Inside the classroom, there is a hushed silence filled with tension for the ex...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Brews & Leaves: A Tea Ceremony's Dance With Autumn
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-18-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 秋の風が静かに庭を通り過ぎ、色とりどりの葉が舞う。
En: The autumn breeze quietly passed through the garden, and colorful leaves danced in the air.

Ja: 茶室はその静けさの中で、暖かな灯りに包まれていた。
En: The tearoom was enveloped in warm light amidst the silence.

Ja: そこで...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Faith and Innovation: A Summer Day at Ueno Zoo
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-17-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 夏の日、上野動物園は緑に囲まれ、たくさんの動物がいる。
En: On a summer day, Ueno Zoo is surrounded by greenery, with many animals within.

Ja: その日、飼育員のハルトとユキはとても忙しかった。
En: That day, the zookeepers, HaruTo and YuKi, were very busy.

Ja: お盆の時期で、お客さんも多い。
En: It's ...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Traditions & Triumphs: How Collaboration Transformed a Festival
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-16-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 晴れた夏の日、地元の商店街は活気に満ちている。
En: On a sunny summer day, the local shotengai is bustling with life.

Ja: 店の軒先には五色の提灯が風になびき、露店からは焼き鳥やお好み焼きの食欲をそそる匂いが漂っている。
En: Multicolored lanterns sway in the breeze at the eaves of t...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Lost and Found: A Festival Adventure in Shibuya
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-15-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 渋谷の交差点は、夏祭りの賑わいで溢れていた。
En: The Shibuya crossing was overflowing with the lively atmosphere of the summer festival.

Ja: 色とりどりの提灯が光り、太鼓の音が響く。
En: Colorful lanterns glowed and the sound of drums echoed.

Ja: 浴衣を纏った人々が行き交い、香ばしい焼きそばの匂いが...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Tokyo Grind: Kana's Journey from Pressure to Team Triumph
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-14-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 東京の眩しい日差しが、オフィスの大きな窓から差し込んでいました。
En: The dazzling sunlight of Tokyo streamed in through the large office windows.

Ja: エアコンの涼しさが、働く社員たちを励ましています。
En: The coolness of the air conditioner encouraged the working employees.

Ja...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: From Tradition to Triumph: A Newcomer's Impact on Obon Festival
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-13-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 東京郊外の閑静な住宅街。
En: A quiet residential area in the suburbs of Tokyo.

Ja: そこに、伝統と現代が融合するかのような美しい家々が並んでいます。
En: There, beautiful houses that seem to blend tradition and modernity stand in a row.

Ja: 夏の日差しが強く照りつけ、庭からは色と...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Haruka's Quest: Unveiling Kyoto's Ancient Secrets
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-11-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 京都の古い寺院に夏の香りが漂っていました。
En: The scent of summer lingered around the old temple in Kyoto.

Ja: 木々が高く茂り、寺院の静けさを守っています。
En: The trees grew tall and lush, preserving the temple's serenity.

Ja: ここで、大学生の春香(はるか)は古代の秘密を探求していました。
En: Here, a...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Friendship & Focus: A Lesson from Hokkaido's Library
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-10-22-34-01-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 夏の日差しが窓から差し込み、北海道大学の図書館は静かで涼しい避難場所だった。
En: The summer sunlight streamed through the window, and the library at Hokkaido University was a quiet and cool refuge.

Ja: 外では、お盆の準備が進んでいたが、ここでは時間が止まっているようだった。
En: Outside, prepar...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: A Rainy Day's Muse: Finding Inspiration in the Tokyo Museum
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-09-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 夏のある日、東京国立博物館はいつもより賑わっていました。
En: On a summer day, the Tokyo National Museum was busier than usual.

Ja: 特別な展示があり、多くの人が訪れていました。
En: There was a special exhibition, attracting a large number of visitors.

Ja: しかし、外は突然の雨嵐。出...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Heights of Reconciliation: A Family Reunion at Tokyo Skytree
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-08-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 東京スカイツリーの展望デッキから見る景色は、夏の夕暮れに黄金色に輝いていました。
En: The view from the observation deck of the Tokyo Skytree glowed golden in the summer dusk.

Ja: 観光客や地元の人々が集まり、穏やかな風が頬を撫でていました。
En: Tourists and locals gathered, and a gentle...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Unveiling Secrets: A Summer Night's Discovery at School
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-07-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 桜の季節が終わり、夏の日差しが降り注ぐ高校の校庭には、笑顔と賑やかな声が響いていました。
En: The cherry blossom season had ended, and the high school courtyard bathed in summer sunlight was filled with smiles and lively voices.

Ja: 学校はもうすぐ始まるお盆祭りの準備で忙しく、彼女たちはその賑わい...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Unraveling the Hidden Legacy: Yuzuki's Forest Adventure
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-06-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 夏の日の午後、ゆずきは秘密の研究所に向かっていた。深い森の中に隠れている研究所。
En: One summer afternoon, Yuzuki was heading toward a secret laboratory hidden within a dense forest.

Ja: しかし、ゆずきは家族の秘密を知るため、この場所を訪れた。
En: Despite the danger, Yuzuki was visiting t...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Under Kyoto's Lanterns: A Journey to Healing and Hope
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-05-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 京都の隠れた小道に、そのお茶屋はありました。
En: In a hidden alley in Kyoto, there was a teahouse.

Ja: オボンのために賑やかに飾られた色とりどりの提灯が、穏やかな鴨川を見下ろしながらそよ風に揺れていました。
En: The colorful lanterns, decorated festively for Obon, swayed in the gentle breeze while...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Finding Heartfelt Gifts: Sora's Obon Market Adventure
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-04-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 京都の郊外には、明るい市場が広がっていた。
En: In the suburbs of Kyoto, a bright market stretched out before onlookers.

Ja: そこはオボン祭りの装飾が施され、カラフルな色が溢れていた。
En: There, decorations for the Obon festival adorned the area, with vibrant colors overflo...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Saving Heritage: A Sibling's Battle to Preserve Memories
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-03-22-34-02-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 夏の日差しが強く照りつける午後、遥斗は街の裏通りを急いでいた。
En: On a summer afternoon when the sun was beating down mercilessly, Haruto hurried through the back streets of the town.

Ja: 彼の目指す先は、幼い頃からの家だった。
En: His destination was the house he had k...
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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Healing in Shinjuku: Bonding Through Memory and Loss
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-02-22-34-01-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 新宿御苑の中、夏の日差しが木々の間からやさしく降り注いでいました。
En: In Shinjuku Gyoen, the summer sunlight gently streamed through the trees.

Ja: 緑がいっぱいで、時々鈴虫の鳴き声が聞こえます。
En: It was full of greenery, and occasionally, the chirping of crickets could be hea...
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