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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
  • Snowy Reunion: A Journey Through Bamboo and Memories

    Snowy Reunion: A Journey Through Bamboo and Memories
    Jan 26 2026
    Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Snowy Reunion: A Journey Through Bamboo and Memories Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-01-26-08-38-19-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冷たい冬の日、春人は嵐山の竹林を歩いていた。En: On a cold winter's day, Haruto was walking through the bamboo grove of Arashiyama.Ja: 竹の間で、今年の初めての雪が足元に静かに積もっていた。En: Among the bamboo, the first snow of the year was quietly accumulating at his feet.Ja: 新年の余韻を残すランタンが道を照らし、幻想的な雰囲気を醸し出していた。En: Lanterns, which still carried the lingering atmosphere of the New Year, illuminated the path, creating a magical ambiance.Ja: 竹の長い緑の茎が風に揺れ、かすかな音を立てていた。En: The long green stalks of bamboo swayed in the wind, making a faint sound.Ja: 春人は心の中で過去を考え、少し不安を感じていた。En: Haruto was reflecting on the past in his mind and felt a little uneasy.Ja: 今日は、何年ぶりかに旧友の愛子と再会する日だった。En: Today was the day he would reunite with his old friend Aiko after many years.Ja: 彼はこの出会いがどんなものになるのか予想できなかった。En: He couldn't predict what this meeting would be like.Ja: しかし、心の奥には、愛子と思い出を共有したいという気持ちがあった。En: However, deep in his heart, there was a desire to share memories with Aiko.Ja: 時間通りに愛子が現れた。En: Aiko appeared right on time.Ja: 彼女もまた、過去の出来事を心に抱きながらそこに立っていた。En: She also stood there, carrying memories of past events in her heart.Ja: 二人は軽く挨拶を交わし、ゆっくりと竹の小径を歩き始めた。En: The two exchanged light greetings and slowly began to walk along the bamboo path.Ja: 静かな冬の空気の中、お互いの変化を感じ取ろうとしていた。En: In the quiet winter air, they tried to perceive the changes in each other.Ja: 「最近、どう？」春人は慎重に口を開いた。En: "How have you been lately?" Haruto cautiously opened his mouth.Ja: 「まあまあかな。でも元気にしてた。」愛子は微笑んだ。En: "Not bad. But I've been well," Aiko smiled.Ja: その笑顔は春人に昔の思い出を呼び起こさせた。En: That smile brought back old memories for Haruto.Ja: しばらく無言で歩いた後、春人は意を決して口を開いた。En: After walking in silence for a while, Haruto made up his mind to speak.Ja: 「昔のことだけど、謝りたかったんだ。En: "About the past, I wanted to apologize.Ja: 僕たち、あの時もっと話すべきだったと思ってる。」En: I think we should have talked more back then."Ja: 愛子は驚いたように春人を見たが、優しくうなずいた。En: Aiko looked at Haruto in surprise but nodded gently.Ja: 「私も同じことを考えていたの。En: "I've been thinking the same.Ja: 過去は戻らないけど、お互いに理解することができると思う。」En: The past can't be changed, but I believe we can understand each other."Ja: その夜、竹林のランタンの光の下で、二人はお互いの思いを明らかにした。En: That night, under the light of the lanterns in the bamboo grove, the two revealed their thoughts to each other.Ja: 誤解が解け、新しい理解が芽生えた。En: Misunderstandings were resolved, and a new understanding blossomed.Ja: そして、これからも連絡を取り合い続けることを約束した。En: They promised to keep in touch from now on.Ja: 帰り道、春人は心の中で満足感を感じていた。En: On the way back, Haruto felt a sense of satisfaction in his heart.Ja: 開かれた対話がどれほど重要かを知り、愛子は許すことの重要性を学んだ。En: He realized how important open dialogue is, and Aiko learned the significance of forgiveness.Ja: 竹林を後にし、新しい一歩を踏み出した二人の心は、未来に向かって明るく輝いていた。En: Leaving the bamboo grove behind, having taken a new step forward, their hearts shone brightly toward the future. Vocabulary Words:grove: 竹林accumulating: 積もっていたlingering: 残すilluminated: 照らしambiance: 雰囲気swayed: 揺れreflecting: 考えuneasy: 不安reunite: 再会するpredict: 予想perceive: 感じ取ろうcautiously: 慎重にsmiled: 微笑んだapologize: 謝りたかったblossomed: 芽生えたresolved: 解けsatisfaction: 満足感significance: 重要性dialogue: 対話forgiveness: 許すrevealed: 明らかにしたexchanged: 交わしunderstanding: 理解promise: 約束したlingered: 残す余韻exhale: 吐き出すgentle: 優しくnodded: うなずいたfaint: かすかなbamboo: 竹
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    14 mins
  • Winter Triumphs and Tech Demos: Sora's Big Day

    Winter Triumphs and Tech Demos: Sora's Big Day
    Jan 25 2026
    Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Winter Triumphs and Tech Demos: Sora's Big Day Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-01-25-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 東京の渋谷スクランブル交差点。En: The Shibuya Scramble Crossing in Tokyo.Ja: 冬の冷たい風が街を包んでいました。En: The cold winter wind enveloped the city.Ja: 年末、町はお正月の飾りでにぎわっています。En: As the year neared its end, the town was bustling with New Year's decorations.Ja: 人々は厚いコートを着て、急ぎ足で行き交います。En: People in thick coats hurried to and fro.Ja: その中に、一人の女性がいました。En: Among them, there was a woman.Ja: 彼女の名前はソラ。En: Her name was Sora.Ja: マーケティングコーディネーターをしているソラは、新しいスマートフォンのプロモーションイベントを計画していました。En: Sora, a marketing coordinator, was planning a promotional event for a new smartphone.Ja: 今日はその大切な日です。En: Today was an important day for her.Ja: 「今日は絶対に成功させるぞ！」ソラは気合いを入れていました。En: "Today, I absolutely have to make this a success!" Sora was filled with determination.Ja: そのそばには親友のエイミがいます。En: Next to her was her best friend, Eimi.Ja: エイミは新しいスマートフォンに少し疑問を持っていました。En: Eimi had some doubts about the new smartphone.Ja: 彼女は、寒さで人が集まらないのではないかと心配していました。En: She was worried that people might not gather because of the cold.Ja: 「こんな寒い日に、本当に人が集まるの？」エイミが聞きました。En: "On a day this cold, will people really gather?" Eimi asked.Ja: 「大丈夫だよ。ホットドリンクを用意するし、みんな興味を持ってくれるはずさ！」ソラは自信満々です。En: "It’ll be fine. We’ll have hot drinks ready, and everyone should be interested!" Sora said confidently.Ja: その時、有名なテクノロジーレビュアーのヒロシが現れました。En: At that moment, the well-known technology reviewer Hiroshi appeared.Ja: 彼は率直なレビューで知られています。En: He was famous for his candid reviews.Ja: 彼のレビューがイベントの成否を決めるのです。En: His review could make or break the event.Ja: 「こんにちは、ヒロシさん。今日はデモに参加していただけますか？」ソラは彼に声をかけました。En: "Hello, Hiroshi-san. Will you participate in the demo today?" Sora called out to him.Ja: ヒロシは少し躊躇した後、頷きました。En: After a slight hesitation, Hiroshi nodded.Ja: 「いいだろう。見せてもらおう。」En: "All right. Let's see what you've got."Ja: イベントが始まりました。En: The event began.Ja: 人々がホットドリンクを手にとって、集まり始めました。En: People started gathering, clutching hot drinks.Ja: ソラとエイミはスマートフォンの機能を説明し、ヒロシはそれを見つめていました。En: Sora and Eimi explained the smartphone’s features while Hiroshi observed.Ja: しかし、突然技術的なトラブルが発生しました。En: Suddenly, a technical issue arose.Ja: スクリーンに映った映像が止まったのです。En: The video on the screen froze.Ja: 「どうしよう…」とソラは焦ります。En: "What should I do..." Sora panicked.Ja: エイミと一緒に何とかしようとします。En: She tried to figure it out with Eimi.Ja: 「大丈夫、ソラ。こうすればいいよ。」En: "It's okay, Sora. This is what you should do."Ja: エイミがアイディアを出し、ソラと協力して問題を解決しました。En: Eimi suggested an idea, and together with Sora, they solved the problem.Ja: デモは再開し、観客は拍手喝采しました。En: The demo resumed, and the audience applauded.Ja: ヒロシも「これは良いデバイスだ」と笑顔を見せ、好意的なレビューを書いてくれることになりました。En: Hiroshi also smiled and said, "This is a good device," agreeing to write a favorable review.Ja: イベントは成功しました。En: The event was a success.Ja: ソラは自信を深め、仲間の大切さを改めて感じました。En: Sora deepened her confidence and felt the importance of camaraderie anew.Ja: 渋谷の夜空には、灯りが輝いています。En: The lights sparkled in the Shibuya night sky.Ja: 新しい年が、すぐそこに迫っています。En: The new year was fast approaching.Ja: ソラは、その輝きを見ながら、新しい目標を心に誓いました。En: As Sora gazed at those shimmering lights, she vowed new goals in her heart.Ja: 彼女の心は、まるでその...
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    16 mins
  • Harto's Journey: From Omamori Doubts to Self-Belief

    Harto's Journey: From Omamori Doubts to Self-Belief
    Jan 25 2026
    Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Harto's Journey: From Omamori Doubts to Self-Belief Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-01-25-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 浅草の雷門をくぐると、初詣（はつもうで）に訪れた人々で賑わう浅草寺（せんそうじ）が目の前に広がります。En: As you pass through the Kaminarimon in Asakusa, Senso-ji, bustling with people visiting for their hatsumode, opens up before you.Ja: 冬の冷たい空気の中、温かいお祭りの雰囲気が漂っていました。En: In the cold winter air, a warm festival atmosphere filled the air.Ja: 新年の飾りがあちこちに垂れ下がり、明るく彩られた境内は、希望に満ちた人々でいっぱいです。En: New Year's decorations hung everywhere, and the brightly colored temple grounds were full of hopeful people.Ja: ハルトは友人のアイコと共に、心に決めた目的を果たしに訪れました。En: Harto visited with his friend Aiko to fulfill a purpose they had set for themselves.Ja: 「これからの試験に向けて、特別なお守りが欲しいんだ」とハルトは決意を固めていました。En: "I want a special omamori for the upcoming exams," Harto was firm in his decision.Ja: 目の前にはたくさんのお守りが売られており、その中には美しく装飾されたものもあれば、シンプルで控えめなものもありました。En: There were many omamori for sale before him, some beautifully decorated while others were simple and modest.Ja: 「お守りに頼るの？En: "Are you going to rely on an omamori?"Ja: 」アイコは半信半疑でした。En: Aiko was skeptical.Ja: 彼女は科学を信じる現実主義者です。En: She is a realist who believes in science.Ja: 「本人の努力次第でしょ？En: "Isn't it all up to your effort?"Ja: 」「でも、少し運が良くなるなら悪くないだろう？En: "But wouldn't it be nice if a bit of luck turned our way?"Ja: 」ハルトは笑顔で答えました。En: Harto replied with a smile.Ja: その時、りなさんという地元の女性が彼らに話し掛けてきました。En: Just then, a local woman named Rina approached them.Ja: 「こちらのお守りは、特別に幸運を呼ぶと評判なんですよ」と彼女は自信たっぷりに進めてきました。En: "This omamori is reputed to bring special luck," she suggested confidently.Ja: ハルトは考え込みました。En: Harto pondered deeply.Ja: 彼は立派なお守りを手に取りましたが、値段を見て眉をひそめました。En: He picked up a fine omamori but frowned at the price tag.Ja: 「これは確かに素敵だけど、高すぎるよ…」アイコが肩を叩きました。En: "This is certainly nice, but it's too expensive..." Aiko patted him on the shoulder.Ja: 「ハルト、重要なのは、あなたの気持ちだよ。En: "Harto, the important thing is your mindset.Ja: 努力することを忘れないで。En: Remember not to forget to put in the effort."Ja: 」りなさんも頷きました。En: Rina nodded as well.Ja: 「心の持ちようがお守り以上に大事なんですよ。En: "Your attitude is more important than an omamori."Ja: 」ハルトは深く息をつき、最終的に高価なお守りを棚に戻しました。En: Harto took a deep breath and, in the end, returned the expensive omamori to the shelf.Ja: 「ありがとう、アイコ。En: "Thank you, Aiko.Ja: 君の言葉が一番の応援だよ。En: Your words are the best support."Ja: 」そして彼は、りなさんから手作りの小さなお守りを購入しました。En: Then he purchased a small handmade omamori from Rina.Ja: そのシンプルなお守りは、ハルトに友人のアドバイスと思いやりを思い出させ、彼自身の力を信じるきっかけとなったのです。En: That simple omamori reminded Harto of his friend's advice and kindness and became an opportunity for him to believe in his own strength.Ja: 浅草寺を歩き出したハルトの表情は、以前よりも自信に満ちていました。En: As Harto walked through Senso-ji, his expression was more confident than before.Ja: 彼は初詣に参拝し、その年に向けて心新たに誓いを立て、やがて試験の成功を信じることができました。En: He paid his respects for hatsumode, made a fresh vow for the year, and eventually came to believe in his success in the exams.Ja: ハルトは自分の運命を切り開く勇気を持ち、彼の歩みは確実に前へと進み始めました。En: Harto had the courage to carve out his destiny, and his steps began to move steadily forward.Ja: 新年の風が、彼の背中を押すように吹き抜けていきました。En: The New Year wind blew through, as if pushing him gently onward. Vocabulary Words:bustling: 賑わうatmosphere: ...
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    15 mins
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