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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
  • Takami's Transformative Setsubun: Casting Out Inner Demons

    Takami's Transformative Setsubun: Casting Out Inner Demons
    Feb 1 2026
    Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Takami's Transformative Setsubun: Casting Out Inner Demons Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-02-01-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冬の寒さが日本の上野公園に広がっていました。En: The chill of winter was spreading through Ueno Park in Japan.Ja: 薄い白い霧が公園を包み込み、時折、子どもの笑い声が聞こえました。En: A thin white mist enveloped the park, and occasionally, the laughter of children could be heard.Ja: この日は節分の日。En: It was Setsubun day.Ja: 学生や家族が豆まきを楽しむために集まっています。En: Students and families were gathering to enjoy throwing beans.Ja: 高見は、クラスメイトと一緒に公園を歩いていました。En: Takami was walking through the park with his classmates.Ja: 彼は他の人と話すのが苦手で、いつも静かに過ごしていました。En: He was not good at talking to others and always spent his time quietly.Ja: でも、今日は違いました。En: But today was different.Ja: 彼は何か変化したいと思っていました。En: He wanted to change something.Ja: 「高見くん、大丈夫？En: "Takami-kun, are you alright?"Ja: 」と、愛子が彼に声をかけました。En: Aiko called out to him.Ja: 愛子はいつも明るく、人を笑顔にするのが上手でした。En: Aiko was always cheerful, and she was good at making people smile.Ja: 「節分って楽しいよ！En: "Setsubun is fun!Ja: 豆を投げるだけで厄を払えるんだから。En: Just by throwing beans, you can drive away bad luck."Ja: 」「うん、分かってる。En: "Yeah, I know.Ja: でも、ちょっと緊張してる」と高見は小さな声で答えました。En: But I'm a bit nervous," Takami replied quietly.Ja: 彼は自分に自信がなく、みんなの前でうまくできるか不安でした。En: He lacked confidence and was worried about performing well in front of everyone.Ja: その時、ひろが駆け寄ってきました。En: Then, Hiro came running over.Ja: 「よし、高見！En: "Alright, Takami!Ja: 今日は思いっきり楽しもうぜ！En: Let's have a blast today!Ja: 豆まきの準備だ！En: Time to prepare for bean throwing!"Ja: 」高見はひろの元気さに少しだけ勇気をもらいました。En: Takami took a bit of courage from Hiro's energy.Ja: 彼は豆を手に持ち、みんなと一緒に豆まきの場所に向かいました。En: He held the beans in his hand and headed to the place for bean throwing with everyone.Ja: 心の中では「今度こそ変わるチャンスだ」と思いました。En: In his heart, he thought, "This is my chance to change."Ja: 節分の豆まきが始まりました。En: The Setsubun bean throwing began.Ja: 「鬼は外！En: "Out with demons!Ja: 福は内！En: In with fortune!"Ja: 」とみんなが声を合わせて叫びながら豆を投げます。En: everyone shouted in unison as they threw the beans.Ja: 高見も声を出しました。En: Takami also raised his voice.Ja: 深呼吸をして、一粒一粒に自分の不安を乗せるように、力いっぱい豆を投げました。En: Taking a deep breath, he threw the beans with all his might, as if to cast away his anxieties with each bean.Ja: 「鬼は外！En: "Out with demons!Ja: 福は内！En: In with fortune!"Ja: 」その瞬間、何かが変わった気がしました。En: At that moment, he felt as if something had changed.Ja: 心の中の不安が少しずつ消えていくのを感じました。En: He sensed the anxiety within his heart gradually dissipate.Ja: 愛子が嬉しそうに笑い、ひろは彼の背中を叩きました。En: Aiko was smiling happily, and Hiro patted him on the back.Ja: 高見は彼らの笑顔を見て、自分も自然と笑顔になりました。En: Seeing their smiles, Takami naturally smiled too.Ja: そして公園を後にする頃、高見は心の中で新しい自分を発見しました。En: By the time they left the park, Takami had discovered a new version of himself within.Ja: 彼はより自信を持ち、新しい友達とのつながりを大切にすることを誓いました。En: He resolved to be more confident and to cherish new connections with friends.Ja: 冬の寒さも和らぎ、温かい心で公園を歩く彼には、もう昔の不安な自分はいません。En: The cold of winter had eased, and as he walked through the park with a warm heart, the anxious version of himself from the past was no longer there.Ja: 節分の日、高見は心の中の鬼を追い払い、新しい一歩を踏み出したのです。En: On Setsubun day, Takami had driven away the demon in his heart and taken a new step forward. Vocabulary Words:chill: 寒さspreading: 広がっていましたenveloped: 包み込みoccasionally: 時折gathering: 集まっていますquietly: ...
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    15 mins
  • Unfolding Futures: The Mystery Painting of Yufuin

    Unfolding Futures: The Mystery Painting of Yufuin
    Jan 31 2026
    Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Unfolding Futures: The Mystery Painting of Yufuin Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-01-31-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冬のユフインは、美しい雪景色で包まれていました。En: The winter in Yufuin was enveloped in a beautiful snowy landscape.Ja: 山々は白く輝き、温泉の蒸気があたりを暖かくしていました。En: The mountains shone white, and the steam from the hot springs warmed the surroundings.Ja: この村には、古くからの歴史を持つ旅館があります。En: This village has a traditional ryokan with a long history.Ja: 佐藤は若い画家です。En: Sato is a young painter.Ja: 自分の才能に自信を持てず、ユフインにインスピレーションを求めて訪れました。En: Lacking confidence in his talent, he visited Yufuin seeking inspiration.Ja: しかし、彼の気持ちは重く、何か特別なものが必要だと感じていました。En: However, his feelings were heavy, and he sensed that he needed something special.Ja: 旅館のロビーには、一枚の不思議な絵があります。En: In the lobby of the ryokan, there is a mysterious painting.Ja: その絵は村の未来を描いていると言われていました。En: It's said that this painting depicts the future of the village.Ja: 佐藤はその絵に引き込まれます。En: Sato was drawn to the painting.Ja: 「この絵には秘密があります」と、旅館の娘、恵美子が言いました。En: "This painting has a secret," said ryokan's daughter, Emiko.Ja: 彼女は好奇心旺盛で、この絵の力を信じていました。En: She was curious and believed in the power of the painting.Ja: 「この絵が未来を示すって知ってましたか？」En: "Did you know that this painting shows the future?"Ja: 恵美子の言葉に興味を持った佐藤は、調べることに決めました。En: Intrigued by Emiko's words, Sato decided to investigate.Ja: ちょうどその時、旅館の老客、リュウが現れました。En: Just then, an old guest of the ryokan, Ryu, appeared.Ja: 彼はこの絵の作者をよく知っていると言います。En: He claimed to know the artist of the painting well.Ja: しかし、彼の態度は謎に包まれていました。En: However, his demeanor was shrouded in mystery.Ja: 佐藤は、リュウの話を聞こうと決心します。En: Sato decided to listen to Ryu's story.Ja: 「この絵について、何か知っているのですか？」En: "Do you know something about this painting?" he asked.Ja: リュウはゆっくりと答えました。En: Ryu answered slowly.Ja: 「長い話だ。だが、この絵には驚きの真実が隠されている。」En: "It's a long story. But there's an astonishing truth hidden in this painting."Ja: その夜は節分でした。En: That night was Setsubun.Ja: 村は春の始まりを祝うために、鬼を追い出す豆まきが行われます。En: The village was celebrating the beginning of spring by driving out devils with a bean-throwing tradition.Ja: 絵の中には、村で何かが起こるシーンが描かれています。En: In the painting, a scene depicting something happening in the village was drawn.Ja: それが現実になるのではないかと、佐藤たちは感じていました。En: Sato and others felt it might come to reality.Ja: 不安の中、佐藤は自分の才能と向き合います。En: Amidst his unease, Sato faced his own talent.Ja: 「絵が教えてくれることがあるはずだ。」彼はそう信じて、自らの絵を描き始めます。En: "There must be something that the painting can teach me," he believed, and he began to create his own painting.Ja: 翌日、リュウが話を続けました。En: The next day, Ryu continued his story.Ja: 「この絵は、かつての友人が描いたものだ。En: "This painting was done by a former friend.Ja: 彼は未来を見る力を持っていたんだ。」En: He had the power to see the future."Ja: リュウの話を聞いた佐藤は、絵の持つ意味が少しずつ理解できました。En: Listening to Ryu's story, Sato began to understand the meaning held in the painting.Ja: そして、彼自身の描いた作品を見て感じます。「僕にも、同じような力があるかもしれない。」En: And looking at his own work, he felt, "Perhaps I possess a similar power."Ja: 佐藤の心は軽くなりました。En: Sato's heart felt lighter.Ja: 彼は改めて、自分の才能を信じ、作品を仕上げる決意をしました。En: He renewed his confidence in his own talent and resolved to complete his work.Ja: ユフインの静かな雪景色の中、彼は新たな一歩を踏み出しました。En: In the quiet snowy landscape of Yufuin, he took a new step forward. Vocabulary Words:enveloped: 包まれてlandscape: 雪景色...
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    15 mins
  • Stealing Tradition: The Quest to Save Tsurui's Legacy

    Stealing Tradition: The Quest to Save Tsurui's Legacy
    Jan 31 2026
    Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Stealing Tradition: The Quest to Save Tsurui's Legacy Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-01-31-08-38-19-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 鶴居村での冬の朝、雪が静かに降り積もっていました。En: On a winter morning in Tsurui Village, snow was quietly piling up.Ja: 村は白い毛布に包まれたようでした。En: The village seemed to be wrapped in a white blanket.Ja: 鶴達が優雅に飛び交う姿は、まるで幸運を運ぶ使者のように見えました。En: The sight of cranes elegantly flying about looked like messengers bringing good fortune.Ja: しかし、この美しい村に暗い影が落ちていました。En: However, a dark shadow had fallen over this beautiful village.Ja: 古い巻物が消えてしまったのです。En: An old scroll had disappeared.Ja: ハルキは村の歴史を守ることに情熱を注いでいました。En: Haruki was passionately devoted to preserving the village's history.Ja: 彼は巻物がなければ、節分の祭りが無事に行われないと信じていました。En: He believed that without the scroll, the Setsubun festival could not proceed safely.Ja: ハルキは心の中で、自分ひとりではこの村を守りきれないと感じていました。En: In his heart, Haruki felt he could not protect the village alone.Ja: そうして、彼は心に隠しているその不安を克服しようと決心しました。En: Thus, he resolved to overcome the anxiety he kept hidden in his heart.Ja: 一方、アユミは東京から来た自由な気持ちの芸術家でした。彼女は村の自然美に魅了されていましたが、古い迷信には懐疑的でした。En: On the other hand, Ayumi, a free-spirited artist from Tokyo, was captivated by the village's natural beauty but was skeptical of old superstitions.Ja: 彼女は色彩豊かなキャンバスのように村を描きながら、雪の白さと鶴の赤のコントラストを楽しんでいました。En: While painting the village like a vibrant canvas, she enjoyed the contrast between the snow's whiteness and the cranes' red.Ja: ハルキは悩みましたが、アユミの視点が役立つかもしれないと考えました。En: Haruki was troubled but thought Ayumi's perspective might be helpful.Ja: 彼はアユミに協力を求めようと決心しましたが、外部の人をどこまで信じて良いのかわからず、躊躇いました。En: He decided to seek Ayumi's cooperation, but hesitated, uncertain how much to trust an outsider.Ja: しかし、あらゆる手段を試してみる価値があると思ったのです。En: However, he believed it was worth trying every possible means.Ja: アユミはハルキに協力することに決めました。En: Ayumi decided to assist Haruki.Ja: 二人は村中を回り、巻物についての情報を探し回りました。En: The two of them traveled around the village, searching for information about the scroll.Ja: 村人達は巻物の失踪に不安を抱えていました。En: The villagers were uneasy about its disappearance.Ja: 特に節分前なので、村の将来を案じる声が多く聞かれました。En: Especially with Setsubun approaching, there were many voices expressing concern for the village's future.Ja: 調査中に、ハルキとアユミはある老人と出会いました。En: During their investigation, Haruki and Ayumi met an old man.Ja: その老人は、実は巻物を隠していました。En: The old man had actually hidden the scroll.Ja: 「これは我々が本当に伝統を守るべきか、試すためのものだった」と、老人は二人に告げました。En: "This was to test whether we truly should preserve our traditions," he told them.Ja: 「信じる心があれば、何も怖くない」と。En: "If you have a believing heart, there's nothing to fear."Ja: その言葉を聞いて、ハルキは村の伝統を守る者として自信を持ちました。En: Upon hearing these words, Haruki gained confidence as the protector of the village’s traditions.Ja: アユミもまた、村の信念と伝統には深い意味があることを理解しました。En: Ayumi also came to understand that the village’s beliefs and traditions held deep meaning.Ja: 節分の日、巻物は村に戻され、盛大な祝賀が行われました。En: On the day of Setsubun, the scroll was returned to the village, and a grand celebration took place.Ja: 「鬼は外、福は内！」村人全員がそう叫び、豆まきを行いました。En: "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi!" everyone in the village shouted, tossing beans.Ja: 笑顔と笑い声が村に広がりました。En: Smiles and laughter spread throughout the village.Ja: ハルキとアユミは共にその光景を見つめ、暖かい気持ちになりました。En: Haruki and Ayumi watched the scene ...
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    17 mins
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