Chiaki's Nihongo Café: A Simple Japanese Podcast for Curious Minds
By chiaki.nihongo
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Category: Language Learning
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Episodes: 84
Description
Grab a cup of coffee and join me for a cozy yet insightful Japanese podcast — your bridge between textbook and the real world!
"Nihongo Café" is designed for intermediate learners who find textbook passages a bit dull, yet feel that real news are still just out of reach. I don’t just report the news; we dive deep into current phenomena in Japan to analyze the "why" behind them. I follow Krashen’s "i+1" theory, selecting vocabulary that is slightly above your current level. It’s challenging, but with the right scaffolding, you'll find yourself understanding real, complex issues with ease :)
| Episode | Date |
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#084 Mysterious Animals in Japanese Folktales: Kitsune and Tanuki｜昔話によく出る日本の不思議な動物・キツネとタヌキ【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Sep 28, 2026 |
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#083 Japanese Names: A Mirror of the Times｜時代を映す鏡？日本人の名前に込められた意味【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Sep 14, 2026 |
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#082 Japan’s Purikura Culture: 30 Years of Photo Magic｜誕生から30年！日本の「プリクラ」文化と魅力【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Aug 31, 2026 |
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#081 Young Children and School Avoidance: Why Is It Increasing?｜なぜ増えてる？小さな子どもの不登校【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Aug 10, 2026 |
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#080 How AI is Changing the Game: The Latest Tech Revolutionizing the World Cup｜サッカーとAI！ワールドカップを支えた最新技術【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Aug 03, 2026 |
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#079 Paternity Leave is Hitting Records, Yet More Japanese Dads Face “Postpartum Depression”｜増える男性の育休と父親の「産後うつ」【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jul 20, 2026 |
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#078 Dating in the Edo Period ! Misemono-goya Where Youth Gathered｜江戸時代の定番デートスポット？若者が集まる見世物小屋【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jul 06, 2026 |
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#077 Modern Japanese "Tōji" and the Latest Onsen Research｜現代の日本人がハマる「新しい湯治」と最新の温泉研究【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jun 22, 2026 |
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#076 For the Time-Conscious Modern Japanese: What the New Cafe "KNOWS COFFEE" is Out to Do｜タイパ重視の現代人に！新カフェ「KNOWS COFFEE」が狙うもの
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Jun 15, 2026 |
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#075 More Than 400 Words! The Beautiful Japanese Rain Names｜400語以上！日本語の「雨」の名前【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jun 08, 2026 |
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#074 Why the Belly? The Surprising History and Meaning of Seppuku｜なぜお腹？サムライが「切腹」する本当の理由【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jun 01, 2026 |
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#073 Magic, Hotchkiss, and Bond? The Strange History of Japanese Stationery｜マジック、ホッチキス、ボンド…文房具の名前の不思議【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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May 25, 2026 |
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#072 What is "that Space" by the Window in Ryokans? The Secrets of Hiroen｜旅館の窓際の「あのスペース」は何？「広縁」の秘密【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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May 18, 2026 |
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#071 Goodbye, Heavy Backpacks? Digital Textbooks Become Official in Japan｜重いカバンよ、さようなら？デジタル教科書が正式な教科書へ【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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May 11, 2026 |
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#070 Customers Vanishing from Konbinis? Why Visitor Numbers Keep Falling｜コンビニから客が消える？来店数が減り続ける理由【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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May 04, 2026 |
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#069 12,000 Yen Fine for Distracted Cycling! How the "Blue Ticket" System Works in Japan｜ながら運転は1万2千円！自転車の「青切符」で何が変わる？【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Apr 27, 2026 |
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#068 Why is "Horse" in the Name? The Ancient Origins of Japanese Ema Tablets｜神社の「絵馬」はなぜ「馬」？古代日本人の祈りの形【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Apr 20, 2026 |
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#067 The End of "Buy Once, Play Once"? How Updates are Extending Game Lifespans｜「買い切り型」の常識が変わる？アップデートとゲームの長寿化【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Apr 13, 2026 |
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#066 More Than Just Kids’ Play: Japan's Unique Sticker Trading Culture & Heisei Retro｜子どもも大人も夢中・シル活って？平成レトロとボンボンドロップシール【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Apr 06, 2026 |
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#065 Coming to Your Home too? A New Daily Life Created by AI-Robotics｜あなたの家にも？AI・ロボティクスがつくる新しい日常【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Mar 30, 2026 |
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#064 Japan: The Land of Longevity! Is Shiga the New No.1?｜平均寿命85歳の長寿大国・日本！トップは滋賀県？【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Mar 23, 2026 |
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#063 Bread for Breakfast, Ramen for Dinner? Exploring the "Solo-Meshi" Trend｜朝はパン、夜はラーメン？日本人の「ソロ飯」事情【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Mar 16, 2026 |
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#062 Is the “Shoe Locker Chocolate” Real? The History of Valentine's in Japan｜「げた箱のチョコ」は本当？日本のバレンタイン史【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Mar 09, 2026 |
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#061 Right vs. Left: A Simple Guide to Japanese Politics｜右派・左派・中道ってなに？日本の政治がもっとわかる話【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Mar 02, 2026 |
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#060 Adventure Awaits! Explore the All-New Outdoor "PokéPark Kanto"｜ついにオープン！ポケモンに会える『ポケパーク カントー』【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Feb 23, 2026 |
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#059 Still More Trends! Japan’s 2025 Buzzword Nominations｜【続】まだまだある！新語・流行語大賞ノミネート語【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Feb 16, 2026 |
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#058 What Went Viral in Japan? 2025 Buzzword Awards｜2025年、日本では何が流行った？新語・流行語大賞【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Feb 09, 2026 |
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#057 Master Japanese Table Manners: No More Stress at Fine Restaurants!｜もう緊張しない！和食の食べ方ガイド【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Feb 02, 2026 |
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#056 Why is Driving in Tokyo a "Driver's Nightmare" ?｜東京での運転が「世界一難しい」3つの理由【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jan 26, 2026 |
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#055 Game Picks! vol. 3 – Hogwarts Legacy｜おすすめゲームシリーズ！③『ホグワーツ・レガシー』【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jan 19, 2026 |
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#054 teamLab — Learning through the Body: Immersive Digital Art｜チームラボ〜体で学ぶ、没入型デジタルアート【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jan 12, 2026 |
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#053 Why Are Japanese Always Bowing? The Spirit Behind the Gesture｜日本人はなぜ頭を下げるの？お辞儀にこめられた心と文化【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jan 05, 2026 |
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#052 Pokémon: What Makes It the World’s Top Character? ｜世界のトップキャラクター・ポケモンのすごさ【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Dec 29, 2025 |
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#051 Farewell to the Suica Penguin in 2026 — What’s Going On? ｜Suicaのペンギン、2026年で卒業…なぜ？【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Dec 22, 2025 |
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#050 “Dinosaur Studies” Becomes a University Major in Japan!｜日本初・『恐竜学部』が誕生！【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Dec 15, 2025 |
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#049 SUMO in London! A Spectacular Five-Day Cultural Event｜SUMO in London！伝統と驚きの5日間【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Dec 08, 2025 |
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#048 Ninja, the Shadow Warriors: The Real Face Behind the Anime｜影の戦士・忍者！アニメでは描かれない、ほんとうの姿【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Dec 01, 2025 |
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#047 Songs that Say "I’m kawaii!" Reiwa Self-Esteem Hits｜『私はかわいい』と歌う！令和の自己肯定ソングたち【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Nov 24, 2025 |
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#046 Japan’s First Female Prime Minister! Learn Japanese Politics with the News｜女性首相が誕生！ニュースで学ぶ日本の政治【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Nov 17, 2025 |
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#045 Japan’s hotel prices are rising—here are new travel trends｜ホテルが高すぎる？新しい旅行スタイルいろいろ【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Nov 10, 2025 |
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#044 Bear Attacks on the Rise in Japan: Causes and How to Stay Safe｜日本で増えるクマ被害、その原因と身を守る方法【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Nov 03, 2025 |
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#043 “Bomb Busters” from Japan Wins the World’s Top Board Game Award!｜日本発『ボムバスターズ』が世界一に！ボードゲームの世界【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Oct 27, 2025 |
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#042 The Comeback of Tamagotchi, Tomica & Licca-chan...Japan’s “Kidult” trend｜たまごっち、トミカ、リカちゃんも！日本で広がるキダルトブーム【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Oct 20, 2025 |
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#041 100+ Players Thriving in Europe! Japanese Soccer Goes Global｜100人以上がヨーロッパで活躍！国際化する日本サッカー【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Oct 13, 2025 |
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#040 Need Backup? Rent a “Scary Person” in Japan｜「レンタル怖い人」でトラブル解決？【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Oct 06, 2025 |
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#039 Hire Someone to Quit Your Job? Japan’s Unique Service｜退職代行サービス〜会社をスムーズに辞める新しい方法【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Sep 29, 2025 |
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#038 Spot Work: Make Money in Your Free Hours?｜スキマ時間に稼ぐ！スポットワークって？【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Sep 22, 2025 |
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#037 Game Picks! vol. 2 – Horizon Forbidden West｜おすすめゲームシリーズ！②『ホライゾン 2』【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Sep 15, 2025 |
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#036 “Donki Ikuyo!” — What Bruno Mars Reveals About Don Quijote’s Strategy｜ドンキイクヨ！ブルーノ・マーズ起用にみるドンキの本気【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Sep 08, 2025 |
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#035 From “Coffee” to “珈琲”: How Japanese Café Culture is Changing｜「コーヒー」から「珈琲」へ〜日本人はカフェに何を求める？【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Sep 01, 2025 |
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#034 Is Japan a Digital Laggard? Stuck at 32nd Place｜日本はデジタル後進国？世界ランキング32位の現実【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Aug 25, 2025 |
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#033 Shibuya Station: From Rural Stop to Global Maze Terminal｜渋谷駅〜田舎の駅から世界的迷宮ターミナルへ【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Aug 18, 2025 |
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#032 Okinawa’s New Theme Park: Welcome to Junglia!｜沖縄の新テーマパーク！ジャングリア沖縄【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Aug 11, 2025 |
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#031 Tanjiro Rules the World! Demon Slayer Hits 200 Million Copies｜すごいぜ炭治郎！『鬼滅の刃』、全世界で2億部【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Aug 04, 2025 |
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#030 Proxy Marriage Hunting: Parents Looking for their Child’s Match?｜親が結婚相手を探す！？「代理婚活」の世界【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jul 28, 2025 |
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#029 Different from the Textbook? The Shifting Rules of Japanese｜それ、教科書と「ちがくない」？ゆれる日本語のルール【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jul 20, 2025 |
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#028 The Aesthetics of “Ma” — The Richness of “Nothingness”｜「間」の美学――“何もない”という豊かさ【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jul 14, 2025 |
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#027 A New Era: Music Meets AI｜生成AIで変わる音楽のかたち【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jul 07, 2025 |
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#026 Too Little Space? A Hidden Factor in Japan’s Declining Birthrate｜家が狭すぎる？少子化の意外な理由【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jul 03, 2025 |
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#025 Game Picks! vol. 1 – Ghost of Tsushima｜おすすめゲームシリーズ！①『ゴースト・オブ・ツシマ』【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jun 30, 2025 |
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#024 Managing Sleep with Technology? Sleep Tech Boom｜テクノロジーで睡眠管理？ スリープテック最前線！【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jun 26, 2025 |
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#023 The Harsh Truth of Dating Apps? A Lonely Love War｜マッチングアプリの真実？孤独な恋愛戦争【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jun 23, 2025 |
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#022 Detective Conan’s Secret to Success in Japanese Cinema｜劇場版『名探偵コナン』ヒットに見る日本の映画ビジネス【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jun 19, 2025 |
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#021 Analog is Back! The Magic of Film Photography｜今こそアナログ！フィルムカメラ入門【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jun 16, 2025 |
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#020 Oshi-katsu Fever: Hype or Harm?｜推し活ブームの光と影【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jun 12, 2025 |
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#019 Japan’s Auto Industry at a Crossroads: SDV and the Choices of Honda & Nissan｜日本の自動車産業の危機？SDV革命とホンダ・日産の選択【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jun 10, 2025 |
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#018 Forbidden Love = Evil? Japan’s Infidelity Outrage｜間違った恋は、悪？日本の不倫叩き【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jun 07, 2025 |
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#017 QR Codes and Contactless: A Payment Revolution in Japan｜スマホでピッ！広がるQRコードとタッチ決済【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Jun 04, 2025 |
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#016 GachaGacha's Growing Market: Fun for Adults, Profit for Business?｜ビジネスチャンス？ガチャガチャが大人にも人気のわけ【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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May 31, 2025 |
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#015 The Ultimate Work-Life Balance? "Severance" and Modern Ways of Working｜ 究極のワークライフバランス？「Severance」と現代の働き方【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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May 28, 2025 |
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#014 Minecraft Meets Education: Learning in the Digital Age｜マインクラフト×教育！デジタル時代の学び【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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May 24, 2025 |
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#013 eSports: Just Games, or Real Sports?｜ゲームがスポーツになる時代？eスポーツの可能性【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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May 21, 2025 |
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#012 Behind Closed Doors: Japan’s Prosecutor System｜日本の検察取り調べ問題【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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May 18, 2025 |
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#011 Why Does Japan's Year Start in April?｜日本の年度はなぜ4月に始まるの？【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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May 13, 2025 |
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#010 The Future of Japanese Education: Looking Ahead to 2030｜2030年の学校ってどうなるの？日本の教育の未来【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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May 12, 2025 |
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#009 Why Are Japanese Sensitive to Alcohol?｜日本人はなぜアルコールに弱いの？【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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May 07, 2025 |
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#008 The Showa Retro Boom: A Hit Among Young People!｜若い人に大人気！昭和レトロブーム【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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May 03, 2025 |
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#007 Top 10 Manga to Pass Down to the Next Generation｜来世に残したいマンガランキングTOP10【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Apr 30, 2025 |
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#006 All about Ramen: assari / kotteri / local ramens and more !｜ラーメンのキホン！あっさり／こってり／ご当地／○○系【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Apr 27, 2025 |
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#005 Too Many Tourists? Overtourism and "Foreigner Prices" in Japan｜観光客が多すぎる？オーバーツーリズムと外国人価格【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Apr 22, 2025 |
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#004 More Than Words? The Subtle Power of Unspoken Japanese｜ことばより大切なもの？言わなくても伝わる日本語のふしぎ【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】Untitled Episode
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Apr 22, 2025 |
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#003 Why is Switch 2 Cheaper in Japan? Anti-Resale Measures｜スイッチ2、なぜ日本だけ安い？転売対策の話【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Apr 20, 2025 |
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#002 Sakura in 100 Years and the Future of Our Planet｜100年後の桜と地球の未来【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Apr 19, 2025 |
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#001 Nice to Meet You!｜はじめまして！【Simple Japanese Podcast for Listening Practice】
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Apr 19, 2025 |