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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
  • Mystery of the Arashiyama Talisman: Time Travel in a Bamboo Grove

    Mystery of the Arashiyama Talisman: Time Travel in a Bamboo Grove
    Dec 23 2025
    Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Mystery of the Arashiyama Talisman: Time Travel in a Bamboo Grove Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-12-23-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 竹林の道は静かで神秘的でした。En: The path through the bamboo grove was quiet and mysterious.Ja: 冬の嵐山の空気は冷たく、竹がゆったりと風に揺れていました。En: The air in Arashiyama during winter was cold, and the bamboo swayed gently in the wind.Ja: 遥とタケシは、竹藪の中を静かに歩いていました。En: Haruka and Takeshi were walking quietly through the bamboo thicket.Ja: 「この場所、美しいね」と遥がささやきました。En: "This place is beautiful," Haruka whispered.Ja: 彼女は自然に強く惹かれ、いつも何か大切なものを探していました。En: She was strongly drawn to nature and always searching for something important.Ja: 「そうだね。でも寒い」とタケシは笑いながら答えました。En: "Yeah, but it's cold," replied Takeshi with a laugh.Ja: 彼は冒険好きですが、現実的です。En: He loved adventures but was practical.Ja: 今日は、遥との関係をもっと深めたいと思っていました。En: Today, he wanted to deepen his relationship with Haruka.Ja: その時、遥は地面で何か光るものを見つけました。En: At that moment, Haruka noticed something shiny on the ground.Ja: 彼女が拾い上げると、それは不思議な護符でした。En: When she picked it up, it was a mysterious talisman.Ja: 護符は淡い光を放ち、手の中で温かい感じがしました。En: The talisman emitted a faint light and felt warm in her hand.Ja: 「これ、何だろう？」と遥は興味津々に見つめました。En: "What is this?" Haruka asked, gazing at it with curiosity.Ja: 「ただの飾り物じゃない？」とタケシは少し懐疑的に言いました。En: "Just a trinket, isn't it?" Takeshi said, a bit skeptically.Ja: しかし、護符を見ていると、竹が突然ざわざわと音を立て始めました。En: However, as they looked at the talisman, the bamboo suddenly started to rustle.Ja: 周囲の景色が少しずつ変わり始めました。En: The surrounding scenery began to change little by little.Ja: 竹林が別の時代のように見え始め、鮮やかな光景が現れました。En: The bamboo grove started to look like another era, and vibrant scenes appeared.Ja: 「これ、本当に現実なの？」とタケシは驚いていました。En: "Is this really real?" Takeshi was amazed.Ja: 遥は護符を握りしめ、「もっと知りたい。これが何を示しているのか」と決心しました。En: Haruka clutched the talisman tightly and decided, "I want to know more about what this shows."Ja: タケシは躊躇しましたが、遥をサポートすることを選びました。En: Though Takeshi hesitated, he chose to support Haruka.Ja: 「じゃあ、一緒に調べてみよう」と言いました。En: "Then, let's investigate it together," he said.Ja: 二人が護符の力を探るうちに、竹林は江戸時代のようなビジョンを見せ始めました。En: As they explored the power of the talisman, the bamboo grove began showing them visions of the Edo period.Ja: 鮮やかな着物を着た人々が行き交い、昔の生活が垣間見えました。En: People in vivid kimono walked around, offering glimpses into life of the past.Ja: これにより、二人は自分の願望や恐れに直面しました。En: This experience forced both to confront their desires and fears.Ja: 「私は、自分の直感を信じて行動するべきだ」と遥は心の中で強く思いました。En: "I should trust my instincts and take action," Haruka strongly thought to herself.Ja: 「新しいことにもっと開かれなければ」とタケシは自分に言い聞かせました。En: "I need to be more open to new things," Takeshi told himself.Ja: 突然、周囲の風景が静かになり、竹林は元の姿に戻りました。En: Suddenly, the surrounding landscape grew silent, and the bamboo grove returned to its original state.Ja: 護符の光も消え、軽い木片のように感じられました。En: The light of the talisman faded and it felt like a light piece of wood.Ja: 「無事に終わったね」と遥は微笑みました。En: "We made it through safely," Haruka smiled.Ja: 「そうだね。なんだか新しい経験をした気分だ」とタケシはうなずきました。En: "Yeah, I feel like I experienced something new," nodded Takeshi.Ja: 二人は竹林を後にしました。En: The two left the bamboo grove.Ja: 護符の謎を完全に解決したわけではありませんでしたが、それ以上にお互いのことを深く理解できました。En: Although they hadn't completely solved the mystery of the talisman, ...
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    16 mins
  • Satoru's Journey: Choosing Between Dreams and Roots

    Satoru's Journey: Choosing Between Dreams and Roots
    Dec 22 2025
    Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Satoru's Journey: Choosing Between Dreams and Roots Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-12-22-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: サトルは東京から雪の降る北海道の小さな町に戻ってきました。En: Satoru returned to a small town in Hokkaido where it was snowing, from Tokyo.Ja: 彼は、父親の突然の他界により、この地に戻ってきたのです。En: He came back to this place due to the sudden passing of his father.Ja: 新年が近づいており、町はお正月の準備でにぎわっています。En: With the New Year approaching, the town was bustling with preparations for Oshogatsu.Ja: 町の風景はとても美しいです。En: The town's scenery was incredibly beautiful.Ja: 白い雪が辺り一面を覆い、木造の家々からは暖かい光が漏れています。En: The white snow covered everything in sight, and warm light spilled out from the wooden houses.Ja: 冬の冷たい空気には松の香りが漂い、遠くからは新年を祝う人々の楽しげな声が聞こえてきます。En: The cold winter air was filled with the scent of pine, and from afar, you could hear the joyful voices of people celebrating the New Year.Ja: サトルは、父の古い家に戻ると、過去の記憶が次々と思い返されます。En: When Satoru returned to his father's old house, memories of the past flooded his mind.Ja: 父が残したものを見つめながら、彼は自分の進むべき道を考え始めます。En: As he gazed at what his father had left behind, he began to consider the path he should take.Ja: 東京での生活を続けるか、それともこの町で父の仕事を引き継ぐか、心は揺れています。En: Should he continue his life in Tokyo, or should he take over his father's work in this town? His heart was wavering.Ja: そんな中、彼の幼馴染であるユミコと再会しました。En: In the midst of all this, he reunited with his childhood friend Yumiko.Ja: ユミコは家族の旅館を手伝いながら、この町に残り続けていました。En: Yumiko had continued to stay in the town, helping with her family's inn.Ja: 彼女の笑顔は、サトルにとって心を落ち着かせるものでした。En: Her smile was something that brought Satoru peace of mind.Ja: 「サトル、お正月の準備を手伝わない？」ユミコは声をかけてきました。En: "Satoru, won't you help with the New Year preparations?" Yumiko asked.Ja: サトルは少し戸惑いながらも、自分のルーツに触れる機会になると考え、手伝うことにしました。En: Though a bit hesitant, Satoru thought it would be an opportunity to connect with his roots, and decided to help.Ja: かまくらを作り、大根を切り、そして餅つきをしました。En: They made kamakura, cut radishes, and pounded mochi.Ja: これらの活動を通じて、彼は子供の頃の思い出を思い出します。En: Through these activities, he remembered his childhood memories.Ja: お正月の日、サトルとユミコは神社に参拝に行きました。En: On New Year's Day, Satoru and Yumiko went to offer their prayers at the shrine.Ja: 静かな雪の中、二人はゆっくりと歩き、サトルはユミコに心の内を打ち明けました。En: Amidst the quiet snow, the two walked slowly, and Satoru confided in Yumiko about his inner feelings.Ja: 「父が何を望んでいたのかわからないけど、この町の人たちを見ていると、彼の思いが少しわかる気がする。」En: "I don't know what my father wished for, but seeing the people of this town, I feel like I understand his thoughts a little."Ja: ユミコは優しく微笑みました。En: Yumiko smiled gently.Ja: 「サトル、ここには君の居場所があるよ。En: "Satoru, you have a place here.Ja: 東京の夢も大事だけど、ここでの生活も考えてみて。」En: Your dreams in Tokyo are important, but consider life here as well."Ja: その言葉に、サトルは心が温かくなるのを感じました。En: Hearing those words, Satoru felt warmth fill his heart.Ja: そして彼は決心しました。En: He made a decision.Ja: 「しばらくここで過ごしてみるよ。En: "I'll try spending some time here.Ja: もっと町のこと、父のこと、そのすべてを知りたい。」En: I want to learn more about the town, about my father, about everything."Ja: そう言って、サトルは新たな一年を迎える準備をしました。En: With that resolved, Satoru prepared to welcome a new year.Ja: 彼は自分のルーツに新たな価値を見出し、ここでの生活も自分の夢と共にしていけるかもしれないと考え始めました。En: He began to see new value in his roots and thought that maybe he could blend his life here with his dreams.Ja: 町には新...
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    16 mins
  • Rekindling Friendships and Dreams in Shirakawago's Snow

    Rekindling Friendships and Dreams in Shirakawago's Snow
    Dec 22 2025
    Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Rekindling Friendships and Dreams in Shirakawago's Snow Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-12-22-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 雪が静かに降り積もる白川郷の小さな村。毎年、この美しい村には観光客が訪れる。En: In the small village of Shirakawago, where the snow quietly accumulates, tourists visit this beautiful village every year.Ja: 伝統的な茅葺（かやぶき）屋根の家々は、雪化粧で一層魅力を増す。En: The traditional kayabuki thatched-roof houses become even more charming when covered in snow.Ja: クリスマスシーズンの楽しげな飾りつけが、至るところに施されていた。En: Festive Christmas decorations were placed everywhere.Ja: その中に、小さなコージーなカフェがあった。En: Among them was a small, cozy café.Ja: 「ふくろうカフェ」と名付けられたこの場所は、地元の人々に親しまれている。En: Named the "Fukurou Cafe," this place was beloved by the locals.Ja: 窓辺からは、白く覆われた屋根を一望でき、暖かいオレンジ色の光がやさしく漏れていた。En: From the windows, you could gaze out at the snow-covered roofs, and a gentle warm orange glow softly emanated from within.Ja: このカフェに集まったのは、旧友の三人だった。En: Gathered at this café were three old friends.Ja: 優紀（ゆき）は、内向的な学校の先生。若い頃の思い出を大切にしているが、今の生活に少し行き詰まりを感じていた。En: Yuki is an introverted schoolteacher, who treasures memories of her younger days but feels somewhat stuck in her current life.Ja: はるとは、海外から帰ってきたばかりの活発な旅行者。日本の友達との再会を求めている。En: Haruto is an energetic traveler who just returned from overseas, seeking reunions with his friends in Japan.Ja: あかりは、都会のジャーナリスト。家族のために短期間帰省しているが、忙しい仕事に戻らねばならないことに不安を抱えていた。En: Akari is an urban journalist, back home temporarily for her family, though she felt anxious about having to return to her busy job.Ja: 「優紀、久しぶり！」はるとは笑顔で言った。En: "Yuki, it's been a while!" said Haruto with a smile.Ja: だが、そこにはまだぎこちなさが残っていた。En: However, there was still some awkwardness remaining.Ja: 「元気だった？」En: "How have you been?"Ja: 「ええ、まあね。En: "Well, I guess.Ja: でも、はるとこそ、よく海外から帰ってきたね」と優紀が答えた。En: But Haruto, it's impressive you managed to come back from overseas," replied Yuki.Ja: 会話は途切れがちだった。En: The conversation was often interrupted.Ja: 三人の間には、まだ未解決の問題が横たわっていた。En: There were still unresolved issues lying between the three of them.Ja: しかし優紀は、温かい思い出を引き寄せたいと思った。En: However, Yuki wanted to draw upon warm memories.Ja: 彼女は、小さなノートを取り出した。En: She took out a small notebook.Ja: 「覚えてる、これ？」彼女は微笑みながら、学生時代に三人で書いた夢のリストを見せた。En: "Do you remember this?" she said with a smile, showing a list of dreams they had written together during their school days.Ja: 「懐かしいな」とはるとは小声で言った。En: "How nostalgic," Haruto said in a low voice.Ja: 「あの頃は楽しかったね。」En: "Those times were fun, weren't they?"Ja: 過去の思い出を楽しんでいるうちに、突然雪が外へ強めに降り始めた。En: As they enjoyed reminiscing about the past, suddenly the snow began to fall more heavily outside.Ja: 「すごい、こんなに降ってるとは思わなかった。」あかりは窓を指差した。En: "Wow, I didn't expect it to snow this much," Akari pointed out the window.Ja: 「クリスマスの魔法かな？」En: "Could it be Christmas magic?"Ja: その瞬間、心の壁が少しずつ溶け始めた。En: At that moment, the walls in their hearts began to gradually melt.Ja: 三人は過去に隠していた感情を少しずつ語り出した。夢、失敗、そして誤解。En: The three started to share the feelings they'd hidden in the past—dreams, failures, and misunderstandings.Ja: 「本当はあの時、ちょっと怒っていたんだ。」優紀は勇気を出して話した。En: "Honestly, I was a bit upset back then," Yuki mustered the courage to say.Ja: 「でも、今は違う。こうしてまたみんなで会えることをうれしく思う。」En: "But not anymore. I'm happy we can all meet again like this."Ja: はるとも流れを受けて言った。「俺たち、もっと素直...
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    17 mins
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