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Fluent Fiction - Japanese

Fluent Fiction - Japanese

By: FluentFiction.org
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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！Copyright FluentFiction.org Language Learning
Episodes
  • Whispers Through Torii: A Winter Encounter in Kyoto

    Whispers Through Torii: A Winter Encounter in Kyoto
    Dec 2 2025
    Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Whispers Through Torii: A Winter Encounter in Kyoto Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-12-02-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冬の朝、冷たい空気が京都の街を包む中、晴樹と同級生たちは伏見稲荷大社への遠足に出かけました。En: On a winter morning, as the cold air enveloped the city of Kyoto, Haruki and his classmates set out on a field trip to Fushimi Inari Taisha.Ja: 赤い鳥居のトンネルがそびえ立ち、山肌をカーブして続くその光景に、彼の心は静かに打たれていました。En: The tunnels of red torii stood tall, curving along the mountainside, a sight that quietly struck a chord in his heart.Ja: 「今日は楽しくなるといいな」と、晴樹は心の中でつぶやきました。En: "I hope today turns out to be fun," Haruki muttered to himself.Ja: いつもは静かで、人との会話が苦手な彼は、En: He was usually quiet and not very good at talking with people.Ja: 文化や歴史に強い興味を持っていましたが、そのことで他の生徒から少し浮いているように感じていました。En: Even though he had a strong interest in culture and history, he felt somewhat out of place among the other students.Ja: そのため、彼はしばしば孤独を感じ、クラスメートとの関わり方に悩んでいました。En: As a result, he often felt lonely and struggled with how to connect with his classmates.Ja: 一方、クラスメートのユキはいつも明るくて元気。En: On the other hand, his classmate Yuki was always bright and energetic.Ja: 彼女は誰とでもすぐに仲良くなれる性格ですが、心の奥に似たような寂しさを抱えていました。En: She had a personality that allowed her to easily become friends with anyone, but deep down, she harbored a similar loneliness.Ja: 遠足が始まり、クラスメートたちは賑やかに笑顔で写真を撮ったり、おしゃべりを楽しんだりしていました。En: The field trip began, and the classmates cheerfully took photos and enjoyed chatting with one another.Ja: しかし、晴樹は少し離れた場所で静かに立ち止まり、周りの風景に見入ることを選びました。En: Haruki, however, chose to quietly stand a little apart, engrossed in the surrounding scenery.Ja: 「本当にここに来て良かったのかな…」とひそかに思いながら。En: While doing so, he silently wondered, "Did I really make the right choice by coming here..."Ja: 彼は意を決して、クラスの列から離れて一人静かな道を選びました。En: He gathered his resolve and chose a quiet path, stepping away from the class line.Ja: 冬の清らかな空気が彼の頬を撫で、鳥居の連なる道を一人歩き出しました。En: The pure winter air caressed his cheeks as he began walking alone along the path of torii.Ja: その途中、小道の角を曲がると、彼は同じく一人歩いているユキに出会いました。En: Turning a corner on the trail, he encountered Yuki, who was also walking alone.Ja: 「晴樹くん？」と驚いた顔を上げたユキは、En: "Haruki-kun?" Yuki said, lifting her face in surprise.Ja: 少し微笑むと、「一緒に歩いてもいい？」と聞きました。En: With a slight smile, she asked, "Is it okay if I walk with you?"Ja: 少し戸惑った晴樹は、控えめに頷きました。En: A bit bewildered, Haruki gave a modest nod.Ja: 二人は言葉少なにしばらく歩きました。En: They walked in near silence for a while.Ja: やがて、木々に囲まれた静かな場所に差しかかると、小さな石の祭壇が目に入りました。En: Eventually, they arrived at a peaceful spot surrounded by trees, where a small stone altar caught their eyes.Ja: そこには七五三の飾りがまだ残っており、その周りには赤と白の美しい千歳飴の包み紙が静かに落ちていました。En: The decorations from the shichigosan festival were still there, and around it lay the beautiful red and white wrappers of chitose ame quietly scattered.Ja: 「ここ、素敵だね」とユキが言いました。En: "This place is lovely," Yuki said.Ja: 「この祭壇、忘れられたみたい。でもまだ、とても特別。」En: "This altar seems forgotten, yet it's still so special."Ja: その言葉に彼は少し安心し、自分の思いをポツリポツリと話し始めました。En: Reassured by her words, Haruki began to slowly share his thoughts.Ja: 文化や歴史に触れることで自分が何かもっと大きなものの一部になりたいこと、そしてそれが人との距離を作ってしまう不安。En: He spoke about wanting to become part of something larger by connecting with culture and history, and the anxiety that this created a distance between him and ...
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    19 mins
  • Diplomacy Delights: Saving Christmas at the Conference Table

    Diplomacy Delights: Saving Christmas at the Conference Table
    Dec 1 2025
    Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Diplomacy Delights: Saving Christmas at the Conference Table Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-12-01-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: クリスマスの夜、寒い冬の国際会議が行われています。En: On Christmas Eve, a cold winter international conference is taking place.Ja: 場所は豪華な会議ホールです。En: The location is a luxurious conference hall.Ja: ホールはキラキラと輝くクリスマスの飾りで飾られています。En: The hall is decorated with sparkling Christmas ornaments.Ja: しかし、空気は緊張しています。En: However, the atmosphere is tense.Ja: 各国の代表が集まり、重要な議論をしています。En: Representatives from various countries have gathered and are engaged in important discussions.Ja: カイトは、国を代表するベテラン外交官です。En: Kaito is a veteran diplomat representing his country.Ja: 彼はいつも冷静です。En: He is always calm.Ja: でも、心の中では今回の重要な役割にプレッシャーを感じています。En: Yet, inside, he feels the pressure of his important role this time.Ja: 議論が白熱していく中で、カイトは早く家に帰り、家族とクリスマスを過ごしたいと強く思っていました。En: As the discussion heats up, Kaito strongly wishes to return home quickly and spend Christmas with his family.Ja: しかし、そこで新たな問題が起こります。En: However, a new issue arises.Ja: 異なる文化からくる誤解や意見の対立が深まり、会議は行き詰まってしまいます。En: Misunderstandings and conflicting opinions stemming from different cultures deepen, and the conference reaches a stalemate.Ja: カイトは国を守るため、何とかしてこの危機を解決しなければなりません。En: Kaito must somehow resolve this crisis to protect his country.Ja: そこでカイトは思い切った決断をします。En: Kaito then makes a bold decision.Ja: ライバル国の外交官、サクラとの個人的な関係を活用することに決めます。En: He decides to leverage his personal relationship with the diplomat from a rival country, Sakura.Ja: サクラとは、過去に同じ目標を持って共に仕事をした経験がありました。En: He had previously worked with Sakura on shared objectives.Ja: 静かに彼女に話し掛け、協力を求めます。En: Quietly, he approaches her and seeks her cooperation.Ja: クリスマス・イブの日、会議は最も緊迫した状況を迎えます。En: On Christmas Eve, the conference reaches its most critical point.Ja: このままでは時間だけが過ぎていきます。En: If things continue as they are, time will just slip away.Ja: カイトは大きな決断を迫られます。En: Kaito faces a significant decision.Ja: 彼は自分の信念を貫きながら、相手の文化を尊重する新しい解決策を考え出します。En: He comes up with a new solution that adheres to his beliefs while respecting the other party's culture.Ja: 「みんなで一緒に、このクリスマスの精神を大切にしましょう」とカイトは提案します。En: "Let's all cherish the spirit of Christmas together," Kaito proposes.Ja: 彼は共に笑顔になれる方法を見つけ、最終的に全員が同意できる解決策を提示します。En: He finds a way for everyone to smile together and ultimately presents a solution that everyone can agree on.Ja: カイトの努力とサクラの協力で、国々は合意に達します。En: Through Kaito's efforts and Sakura's cooperation, the countries reach an agreement.Ja: 会議は無事に終わり、彼は家族と一緒にクリスマスを迎えることができました。En: The conference ends peacefully, and he is able to spend Christmas with his family.Ja: カイトは自分の限界を認め、他の人の助けを借りることの重要性を学びました。En: Kaito learned the importance of acknowledging his limits and accepting help from others.Ja: これが新しい道を開くことになると感じました。En: He felt that this would open a new path.Ja: 雪が舞うクリスマスの夜、カイトは家族に抱かれながら、平和で暖かな光の中にいました。En: On the snowy Christmas night, Kaito was embraced by his family, surrounded by peaceful and warm light.Ja: 彼は、自分の国と、何よりも家族の笑顔を守ることができたことに感謝しました。En: He was thankful for being able to protect his country and, above all, the smiles of his family. Vocabulary Words:luxurious: 豪華なornaments: 飾りtense: 緊張しているrepresentatives: 代表veteran: ベテランdiplomat: 外交官pressure: プレッシャーdiscussion: 議論misunderstandings: 誤解conflicting: 対立するstalemate: 行き詰...
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    15 mins
  • Finding Strength in Friendship on Snowy Kyoto Steps

    Finding Strength in Friendship on Snowy Kyoto Steps
    Dec 1 2025
    Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Finding Strength in Friendship on Snowy Kyoto Steps Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-12-01-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 雪の降る寺の境内は、冬のイルミネーションで美しく輝いていました。En: The temple grounds, covered in snow, were beautifully illuminated with winter lights.Ja: そこは京都の静かで古い神社。En: This was a quiet, old shrine in Kyoto.Ja: 新しい年を迎えるために、準備が進んでいました。En: Preparations were underway to welcome the new year.Ja: ハルトはゆっくりと階段を登っていました。En: Harto was slowly climbing the stairs.Ja: 彼の心は、仕事の忙しさと家族からの期待に押しつぶされそうになっていました。En: His heart felt like it was about to be crushed by the busyness of work and the expectations from his family.Ja: でも、今日だけはそれを忘れて、家族の伝統を果たすためにこの神社を訪れていました。En: But today, he decided to forget all that and visited this shrine to fulfill his family's tradition.Ja: 彼の隣には、幼なじみのアイコと職場の先輩であるケイジがいました。En: Next to him were his childhood friend Aiko and Keiji, his senior at work.Ja: アイコは、ハルトの健康が心配でした。En: Aiko was worried about Harto's health.Ja: 彼の顔は普段よりも青白く見えました。En: His face looked paler than usual.Ja: 「大丈夫？En: "Are you okay?"Ja: 」と何度も聞きますが、ハルトは小さく笑って、「大丈夫だよ」と答えるだけでした。En: she asked repeatedly, but Harto only responded with a small smile, saying, "I'm fine."Ja: 彼の心には弱みを見せたくないという強い思いがありました。En: He had a strong desire not to show any weakness in his heart.Ja: しかし、階段の中ほどでハルトは急に目まいを感じました。En: However, midway up the stairs, Harto suddenly felt dizzy.Ja: 「地面が揺れている…」彼は頭を押さえました。En: "The ground is shaking..." he pressed his head.Ja: でも、彼はなんとか立ち直ろうとしました。En: Still, he tried to pull himself together.Ja: その時、ケイジの声が聞こえました。En: At that moment, he heard Keiji's voice, "Let's move forward; it's just a little bit further."Ja: 「前に進もう、もう少しだ。En: Harto nodded desperately, trying to move forward, but his body wouldn't listen.Ja: 」ハルトは必死に頷いて前へ進もうとしましたが、体は言うことを聞きませんでした。En: The dizziness hit him again.Ja: 目まいが再び襲ってきます。En: Aiko supported him and gently said, "Don't push yourself."Ja: アイコは彼を支え、「無理しないで」と優しく言いました。En: At that moment, Harto finally made up his mind.Ja: その時、ハルトはついに決心しました。En: "Aiko, could you give me a hand...?"Ja: 「アイコ、ちょっと手伝ってくれないか…」ハルトはついに素直に頼みました。En: Harto finally asked honestly.Ja: アイコは安堵の表情で、ハルトの腕を取ります。En: Aiko looked relieved and took Harto's arm.Ja: 最後の階段の前で、ハルトの目まいはさらに強くなりました。En: Before the last step, Harto's dizziness became even stronger.Ja: それでも、アイコとケイジが両側から支えてくれました。En: Nevertheless, both Aiko and Keiji supported him from both sides.Ja: みんなで一緒に一歩ずつ、一歩ずつ上がります。En: Together, they climbed one step at a time.Ja: そして、ついに頂上にたどり着きました。En: Finally, they reached the top.Ja: そこには美しい雪景色が広がり、ランタンの光が幻想的に輝いていました。En: There, a beautiful snowy landscape spread out, and the lanterns' lights shone fantastically.Ja: ハルトは静かに願いを込めて目を閉じました。En: Harto quietly closed his eyes with a wish in mind.Ja: そして、ここにいることの幸せを感じました。En: And he felt the happiness of being here.Ja: 今、彼は一人ではない。En: Now, he realized he was not alone.Ja: 支えてくれる友達がいることに気づきました。En: He had friends who supported him.Ja: アイコとハルトは微笑み合い、ケイジは満足げに「良くやったな」と肩を叩きました。En: Aiko and Harto smiled at each other, and Keiji patted him on the shoulder, saying, "Well done."Ja: そして、ハルトは自分の中にあった重い石が少し軽くなったことを感じました。En: And Harto felt that the heavy stone inside him had become a bit lighter.Ja: この冬、ハルトは弱みを見せることと、誰かを信じることの大切さを学...
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    16 mins
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