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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
  • Snow and Tradition: A Setsubun Journey at Fushimi Inari

    Snow and Tradition: A Setsubun Journey at Fushimi Inari
    Feb 2 2026
    Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Snow and Tradition: A Setsubun Journey at Fushimi Inari Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-02-02-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冬の朝、京都の伏見稲荷大社には、雪が静かに降り積もっていました。En: On a winter morning, snow was quietly piling up at Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.Ja: 千本鳥居が続く道は、雪で白く輝き、神秘的な雰囲気を漂わせています。En: The path lined with a thousand torii gates shone white with snow, exuding a mystical atmosphere.Ja: 大学生の遥は、その光景を見つめながら、心を引き締めました。En: Haruka, a university student, looked at the scene and steeled her heart.Ja: 彼女のテーマは、日本の伝統的な祭りについての論文です。En: Her thesis is on Japan's traditional festivals.Ja: 節分の祭りから学ぶことは、彼女の考えを新たにします。En: Learning from the Setsubun festival provides her with new insights.Ja: 伏見稲荷で準備が進む中、遥は案内役のサトシと出会いました。En: As preparations progressed at Fushimi Inari, Haruka met Satoshi, her guide.Ja: 彼は地元のガイドで、神道の祭りに情熱を持っていました。En: He was a local guide with a passion for Shinto festivals.Ja: しかし、サトシは最初、遥に心を開きませんでした。En: However, Satoshi did not initially open his heart to Haruka.Ja: 以前、外部の人々が祭りの神聖な雰囲気を乱したことがあったのです。En: In the past, outsiders had disrupted the sacred atmosphere of the festival.Ja: 遥は考えました。「どうすればサトシさんの信頼を得られるだろうか？」En: Haruka thought to herself, "How can I earn Satoshi-san's trust?"Ja: そこで彼女は、サトシのツアーに参加することを決めました。En: So she decided to join Satoshi's tour.Ja: さらに、祭りの準備を手伝うことにしました。En: Furthermore, she decided to help with the festival preparations.Ja: 彼女の一生懸命な姿に、サトシは少しずつ心を動かされました。En: Seeing her earnest efforts, Satoshi's heart slowly began to change.Ja: 節分の夜、境内は賑やかでした。En: On the night of Setsubun, the temple grounds were lively.Ja: 鬼を追い払うため、「鬼は外、福は内」と人々が豆を撒きます。En: To drive away demons, people scattered beans while chanting "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi"—"Demons out, fortune in."Ja: 遥はその光景に魅了され、サトシの指導の下、共に祭りを楽しみました。En: Haruka was captivated by the scene and, under Satoshi's guidance, enjoyed the festival together.Ja: お互いの信頼が深まり、サトシはついに遥に伝統の裏話や、あまり知られていない儀式を教えてくれました。En: Their mutual trust deepened, and Satoshi finally shared with Haruka stories behind the traditions and lesser-known rituals.Ja: 例えば、伏見稲荷での特別な豆まきの仕方や、お守りの意味について、サトシ自身の体験を織り交ぜて話しました。En: For example, Satoshi talked about the special way of bean-throwing at Fushimi Inari and the meaning of the omamori, weaving in his personal experiences.Ja: 遥はメモを取りながら感謝の気持ちを忘れずに伝えました。En: Haruka took notes and expressed her gratitude without forgetting to do so.Ja: 翌日、祭りは終わり、静けさが戻りました。En: The next day, the festival ended, and tranquility returned.Ja: 遥は充実した心持ちで京都を後にしました。En: Haruka left Kyoto with a fulfilled heart.Ja: 彼女の論文には、祭りの真髄と日本文化の深さが反映されるでしょう。En: Her thesis will reflect the essence of the festival and the depth of Japanese culture.Ja: サトシもまた、伝統を大切にする人と共有する価値を再確認しました。En: Satoshi also reaffirmed the value of sharing traditions with those who cherish them.Ja: 遥とサトシの心はつながりました。En: The hearts of Haruka and Satoshi connected.Ja: 文化の橋渡しは、新しい信頼と理解をもたらしました。En: The cultural bridge brought about new trust and understanding.Ja: この経験から、どちらもそれぞれの成長を感じました。En: From this experience, both felt their own growth.Ja: そして、伏見稲荷は、彼らの出会いを静かに見守り続けました。En: And Fushimi Inari continued to quietly watch over their encounter. Vocabulary Words:atmosphere: 雰囲気mystical: 神秘的steel: 引き締めるthesis: 論文insight: 考えpreparation: 準備initially: 最初disrupt: 乱すearnest: 一生懸命captivated: 魅了されるchanting: 唱えるdemons: 鬼fortune: 福trust: 信頼rituals: ...
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    15 mins
  • Snowy Reflections: A Brotherly Bond at Hakone's Onsen

    Snowy Reflections: A Brotherly Bond at Hakone's Onsen
    Feb 2 2026
    Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Snowy Reflections: A Brotherly Bond at Hakone's Onsen Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-02-02-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 雪が降っている冬の箱根。En: In the winter in Hakone, snow falls gently.Ja: 静かな温泉宿で、澄んだ空気と雪に囲まれた山々が美しく広がっている。En: In a quiet onsen inn, the clear air and snow-covered mountains unfold beautifully around you.Ja: 温泉の蒸気が冷たい空気に混じり、心地よい温かさを感じさせる。En: The steam from the onsen mixes with the cold air, providing a pleasant warmth.Ja: 今日は節分。En: Today is Setsubun.Ja: 節分は春の始まりを祝う日で、家族が集まる大切な日だ。En: Setsubun is a day to celebrate the beginning of spring and an important day for families to gather.Ja: そんな温泉宿に一つの家族が集まっていた。En: At this onsen inn, a family had gathered.Ja: ソラ、彼の兄ヒカル、そして優しい母ユキだ。En: There was Sora, his older brother Hikaru, and their kind mother Yuki.Ja: ソラは大学を最近卒業したが、将来に対する不安が尽きなく、心が落ち着かなかった。En: Sora recently graduated from university, but his anxiety about the future was endless, and he couldn't calm his heart.Ja: 彼の兄ヒカルはもう立派な社会人で、安定した仕事をしている。En: His brother Hikaru, on the other hand, was already a successful working adult with a stable job.Ja: ヒカルの成功が、ソラの自信を失わせていた。En: Hikaru's success had caused Sora to lose confidence in himself.Ja: 「ソラ、大丈夫？」母ユキが心配そうに声をかける。En: "Sora, are you okay?" their mother Yuki asked worriedly.Ja: 「楽しんでる？」En: "Are you enjoying yourself?"Ja: 「うん、大丈夫。」ソラは微笑んだけれど、その笑顔の裏には不安が隠れていた。En: "Yeah, I'm fine." Sora smiled, but behind that smile, there was hidden anxiety.Ja: 一方、ヒカルは庭の露天風呂に座っていた。En: Meanwhile, Hikaru was sitting in the outdoor bath in the garden.Ja: ホットスプリングの湯気が静かに上がり、心を落ち着かせる。En: The steam from the hot spring rose quietly, calming his mind.Ja: ソラは決心した。En: Sora made a decision.Ja: 今こそ、ヒカルと話す時だ。En: Now was the time to talk to Hikaru.Ja: 「兄さん、いい？少し話したい。」ソラはヒカルの隣に座り、湯の暖かさを感じた。En: "nii-san, do you have a moment? I want to talk," Sora sat next to Hikaru, feeling the warmth of the water.Ja: 「もちろん。どうしたの？」ヒカルは穏やかに答えた。En: "Of course. What's up?" Hikaru replied gently.Ja: 「俺、ずっと不安なんだ。兄さんみたいに成功できるかどうか、自信がないんだ。」ソラは心の内を素直に打ち明けた。En: "I've been anxious all this time. I'm not confident if I can be as successful as you," Sora admitted honestly from the depths of his heart.Ja: ヒカルは少し黙って、それから微笑んだ。En: Hikaru was silent for a moment, then smiled.Ja: 「実は、俺も迷ってるんだよ。」En: "Actually, I'm uncertain too."Ja: 「え？でも兄さんは成功してるし…」En: "What? But you're successful..."Ja: 「表面には見えないよね。でも、俺も未来のことを考えると不安になるよ。でも、それは普通なことだと思う。En: "It doesn't show on the surface, does it? But thinking about the future makes me anxious too. But I think it's normal.Ja: 大事なことは、自分の道を見つけることだよ。」En: The important thing is to find your own path."Ja: その時、ユキがそっと現れた。En: Just then, Yuki quietly appeared.Ja: 「あなたたち、本当に仲がいいわね。困ったときは助け合うことも、兄弟の大切な役目よ。」En: "You two really get along well. Helping each other when in need is an important responsibility among siblings."Ja: ソラとヒカルは顔を見合わせ、笑った。En: Sora and Hikaru looked at each other and laughed.Ja: 心が軽くなった。En: Their hearts felt lighter.Ja: その夜、ソラは新しい決意を胸に、雪景色を眺めた。En: That night, Sora, with newfound determination, gazed at the snowy scenery.Ja: 自分の道を探し続けることが、何よりも大切だと感じた。En: He realized that continuing to search for his own path was the most important thing.Ja: 誰もが不安を抱えている。En: Everyone carries anxiety.Ja: そのことに気づけたのは、兄のおかげだ。En: This realization was thanks to his brother.Ja: そして、節分の日が終わる頃、この家族はひとときを共有し、絆を深めた。En: And as ...
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    16 mins
  • Love Illuminates: A Winter Romance in Shibuya

    Love Illuminates: A Winter Romance in Shibuya
    Feb 1 2026
    Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Love Illuminates: A Winter Romance in Shibuya Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-02-01-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 渋谷の冬、街は美しいイルミネーションで飾られていました。En: In the winter of Shibuya, the city was decorated with beautiful illuminations.Ja: 人々は通りを行き交い、寒さの中でもそこには温かい空気が漂っていました。En: People flowed through the streets, and even amidst the cold, a warm atmosphere lingered.Ja: 渋谷の高校では、文化祭の準備が大詰めを迎えていました。En: At Shibuya High School, preparations for the cultural festival were reaching their final stages.Ja: ハルトは、毎日忙しく働いていました。En: Haruto was busy working every day.Ja: 彼はこの文化祭を大成功にすることを心に決めていました。En: He was determined to make this cultural festival a great success.Ja: 彼は実行委員会の中心人物で、仲間たちを率いて忙しく動き回っていました。En: He was a central figure on the executive committee, leading his peers and bustling around.Ja: 一方、ユキはハルトの親友でした。En: On the other hand, Yuki was Haruto's close friend.Ja: 彼女はずっと前からハルトに特別な感情を抱いていましたが、どう伝えればいいかわからずにいました。En: She had harbored special feelings for Haruto for a long time but didn't know how to express them.Ja: 彼女はいつも側でハルトを見守り、彼を助けようとしていました。En: She always watched over Haruto from the side, trying to help him.Ja: 文化祭当日、学校は活気に満ちていました。En: On the day of the festival, the school was filled with energy.Ja: 展示やパフォーマンスがあちこちで行われ、生徒達の創造力が輝いていました。En: Exhibitions and performances were held everywhere, and the students' creativity shone brightly.Ja: しかし、ハルトはまだ仕事に追われていました。En: However, Haruto was still swamped with work.Ja: ユキは、何度も彼を誘おうとしましたが、なかなかタイミングが合いません。En: Yuki tried many times to invite him, but the timing never seemed right.Ja: 「ハルト、少し休まない？一緒に見て回ろうよ。」と、ユキはやっと声をかけました。En: "Haruto, why don't you take a break? Let's go take a look around together," Yuki finally said.Ja: ハルトは少し考えてから微笑みました。「そうだね、少し休もう。ありがとう、ユキ。」En: Haruto thought for a moment and then smiled. "Yeah, let's take a break. Thank you, Yuki."Ja: 二人は手をつないで、展示を見て回りました。En: The two of them held hands and walked around to see the exhibits.Ja: アート展示コーナーに差し掛かると、部屋は静かでした。En: As they approached the art exhibition corner, the room was quiet.Ja: ユキは深呼吸をしました。En: Yuki took a deep breath.Ja: 「ハルト、ずっと伝えたいことがあるの。」En: "Haruto, there's something I've been wanting to tell you."Ja: ハルトは驚いて、ユキの顔を見ました。「何？」En: Haruto looked at Yuki's face in surprise. "What is it?"Ja: 「私はハルトのことが好き。ずっと前から。」En: "I like you, Haruto. I've liked you for a long time."Ja: ハルトは一瞬驚き、それから柔らかく微笑みました。「ユキ、僕も同じ気持ちだよ。」En: Haruto was momentarily surprised, then softly smiled. "Yuki, I feel the same way."Ja: 二人は顔を見合わせ、その瞬間が永遠に続くように感じました。En: They looked into each other's eyes, feeling as if the moment would last forever.Ja: 外の寒さが嘘のように、彼らの間には暖かさが流れていました。En: It seemed as though the cold outside was just a lie, as warmth flowed between them.Ja: その日以降、ハルトは仕事と友達のバランスを大切にすることを学びました。En: From that day on, Haruto learned to balance work and friendship.Ja: ユキも、自分の気持ちを素直に表現する自信を持つようになりました。En: Yuki also gained the confidence to express her feelings honestly.Ja: 文化祭は大成功に終わり、渋谷の夜は静かに続いていたのでした。En: The cultural festival ended in great success, and the night in Shibuya quietly continued. Vocabulary Words:illuminations: イルミネーションdecorated: 飾られたatmosphere: 空気amidst: 中lingered: 漂ったpreparations: 準備stages: 段階determined: 心に決めたexecutive committee: 実行委員会central figure: 中心人物bustling: 忙しくharbored: 抱いたexpress: 伝えるperformed: 行われたcreativity: 創造力swamped: ...
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    15 mins
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