Natural Japanese, one step beyond textbooks. 🐧 Weekly episodes for intermediate learners who want to train their ear with real Japanese. I talk about everyday life in Japan: small things I notice, places I explore, whatever catches my curiosity. All at a relaxed pace. Sometimes it's just me; sometimes friends join and we chat naturally. Great for getting ready for real conversations. Transcripts & video at sayurisaying.com. Let's keep exploring together! 💖
2026年10月5日 · 12:54
My mom just got a passport, and I'm the reason why. In this episode, I talk about Oyakoko (親孝行 — caring for and giving back to your parents) and its opposite, Oyafuko (親不孝）. We…
2026年9月28日 · 11:05
Yusuke( もしもしゆうすけ ）once saw a young employee walk in late — Starbucks cup in hand, smiling — and we ended up talking about what's really shifting in Japan's workplaces. Is the…
2026年9月20日 · 12:38
If you're learning Japanese, you've probably watched a lot of channels made for learners. But you might also wonder what Japanese people actually watch — I get asked this a lot!…
2026年9月14日 · 10:59
It's not something people here talk about — so I asked. Tatsuya is back, this time to compare how married couples in Japan handle their finances: the old 小遣い制 kozukai-sei (the…
2026年9月7日 · 13:33
"Human dock." That's what 人間(にんげん）ドック literally says. So what do you think it actually means? Maybe some of you are thinking "human and dog." I went for one recently, and in this…
2026年8月31日 · 8:32
It started with a mountain of negi — green onions — piled onto a bowl of udon at a self-serve topping station. In this episode, Yusuke( もしもしゆうすけ ） and I talk about where the line…
2026年8月24日 · 10:02
We all have those little happy moments — too small to tell anyone about, but that quietly make your day. Lately I've been wanting to hold onto them, so I built a quiet website to…
2026年8月17日 · 13:38
If you could never drink alcohol or coffee again, which would you give up? For me the answer was easy — I don't drink — but the question led somewhere I didn't expect. Both…
2026年8月10日 · 13:43
After spending two months in India, I landed in Japan craving one thing: a warm bowl of udon. I'm originally from Kagawa, known as Udon-ken (Udon Prefecture — where udon is…
2026年8月3日 · 16:33
In part 2 of this series, YUYU throws out a question that really got me thinking: is AI becoming our new god? We talk about how easy it is to lean on ChatGPT when we don't know…
2026年7月27日 · 10:34
After a trip to India, I started wondering why Japanese people rarely talk about faith the way people in more religious countries do. In part 1 of this two-part series, YUYU and…
2026年7月20日 · 14:08
It's 海の日 -Umi no Hi (Marine Day) here in Japan, and I'm marking it with a taste of what a Japanese summer at the sea really feels like 🌊 I talk about 海開き- umi biraki (the…
2026年7月13日 · 9:01
I recently came back from India, and I kept getting the same question from European travelers — "So what do you think of the new Takaichi administration?" And honestly? I froze.…
2026年7月6日 · 12:50
Have you ever wondered why 梅雨（つゆ）☔️Japan's rainy season — has the kanji for "plum" in it? I didn't either, until this year. In this episode: that mystery, plus how I'm spending…
2026年6月29日 · 15:57
I'm joined by Tatsuya, a Sapporo local, to talk about what summer in the city is actually like. We get into biergarten (ビアガーデン — large-scale outdoor beer events that run through…
2026年6月22日 · 10:10
I moved to Fukuoka and this is my honest review of life here so far. There's a lot to love, but there are also a few things that don't quite work for me yet. In this episode I…
2026年6月15日 · 9:13
I moved from Osaka — but why Fukuoka? In this episode, I walk you through the 8 reasons I chose my new home. I didn't just pick a city. I thought carefully about the lifestyle I…
2026年6月8日 · 17:58
I came back from a yoga teacher training in India with a new friend and a simple theory: adults bond through sweat or sake. YUYU and I talk about why that is, what makes some…
2026年6月1日 · 14:39
I'm recording this from a small town in Kerala, South India, somewhere I didn't expect to learn something so meaningful about language. Watching people communicate here without…
2026年5月25日 · 8:26
Back with another culture shock from India. This time, stray dogs. I got chased twice during my trip and the two experiences could not have been more different! The first time…
2026年5月18日 · 9:44
ただいま〜！I'm back! I spent two months in India planning to take a complete break — no work, no podcast, nothing. But interesting things just kept happening, and I couldn't not share…
2026年3月9日 · 11:25
I’ll be taking a short break from the podcast and website until mid-May. In this episode, I explain why I decided to go to India—to focus on yoga in Rishikesh and experience…
2026年3月2日 · 16:54
Did you know Japan has had bicycle traffic rules for years but almost nobody enforced them? That's changing in April 2026. Police can now issue on-the-spot fines (called 青切符…
2026年2月23日 · 12:25
Many people picture grilled fish, miso soup, and rice — but is that really what Japanese people eat every morning? In this cozy, casual episode, I share what breakfast actually…
2026年2月16日 · 10:39
This episode explores the quiet thoughts we have when surrounded by Japan's natural beauty. YUYU shares how viewing landscapes became meditation during difficult times in 2020. I…
2026年2月9日 · 12:54
In this episode, YUYU and I chat about our ideal homes. He describes his grandmother's beautiful Japanese house with large windows, tokonoma(床の間）, engawa（縁側）, and a garden…
2026年2月2日 · 11:28
I fell in love with Osaka! The friendly people, the food, the energy. But after two years, my body and mind are telling me it's time to leave. In this episode, I talk about my…
2026年1月26日 · 11:05
Remember when I said I'd quit social media for 30 days in Episode 298? Well, I did it! Kind of. Honestly, the 15-minute limit didn't really work, I kept adding "just 15 more…
2026年1月19日 · 11:50
Miku and I talk about little things we’ve been into lately. Like my love for cleaning and her coriander obsession. It’s one of those chats where nothing big happens, but it still…
2026年1月12日 · 16:53
Why is making Japanese friends so hard? In this episode, we sit down with Miku from Miku Real Japanese for a fun but thoughtful conversation, answering real questions from…
2026年1月5日 · 9:36
Have you ever imagined having a small, unusual superpower? In today’s episode, I dive into the world of the Japanese comedy drama Chotto Dake Esper . From reading minds by touch…
2025年12月29日 · 16:51
Join me as I take you on a trip to Kanazawa, a peaceful city often called “a smaller, quieter Kyoto.” In this episode, I share my personal travel tips, from visiting stunning…
2025年12月22日 · 8:18
In this episode, I talk about a local tonkatsu restaurant loved by regular customers but rarely visited by tourists. I share 5 heartwarming features that make this place special,…
2025年12月15日 · 11:58
This special episode celebrates the 300th episode of the Everyday Japanese Podcast. I talk freely about how I started during COVID, how I kept uploading every week, which…
2025年12月8日 · 15:25
In this episode, I’m joined by YUYU as we share our “unpopular opinions” about things that many people in Japan love! like going to the movies or hanging out at noisy izakayas.…
2025年12月1日 · 13:46
This episode marks the start of my 30-day social media detox journey. I share the real reasons why I decided to step away from SNS like Instagram and YouTube, how I’m preparing…
2025年11月24日 · 14:54
In this episode, I share what happened the two times I rode in an ambulance once in Canada and once in Japan. You’ll hear the stories, learn how the two emergency systems…
2025年11月17日 · 13:35
What’s it like to commute and work in Japan? In this episode, I share real experiences from my time as an office worker and explore typical work culture. From crowded trains and…
2025年11月10日 · 13:15
Today, I tried the “50 Questions in 5 Seconds” challenge! 🇯🇵 These are common questions in everyday Japanese conversation. Try answering with me and practice thinking in…
2025年11月3日 · 12:19
I recently walked the Kumano Kodo, one of Japan’s oldest pilgrimage routes and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In this episode, I share stories about its history, the three sacred…
2025年10月27日 · 10:36
The Ig Nobel Prize celebrates research that’s both hilarious and deeply insightful. For 19 consecutive years, Japanese scientists have captured the world’s attention with…
2025年10月20日 · 11:42
Autumn in Japan is full of charm☺️ Fresh fruits, cozy evenings, colorful leaves, and perfect weather for hiking. In this episode, I talk about the moments that make me feel, “Ah,…
2025年10月13日 · 13:33
I invited YUYU to talk with me about how we celebrate birthdays. He explained Mexican traditions where the birthday person brings cake to share, and how parties are almost a…
2025年10月6日 · 25:39
I invited YUYU to talk with me about competition and motivation. He told me stories from his childhood, playing baseball, and why he finally quit swimming. As a coach, he…
2025年9月29日 · 15:23
In this episode, we sit down with YUYU to explore cashless culture and money mindsets in Japan and Mexico. From credit vs. debit cards to QR code payments, we discuss how people…
2025年9月22日 · 14:59
In this episode, I talk about three unique coffee characters I met in Osaka. First, a “Coffee Doctor” who keeps detailed “bean records” for customers, just like a clinic. Second,…
2025年9月15日 · 15:35
In this podcast episode, I talk about “Mental Health Care That Really Worked for Me. I wasn’t feeling great... Japan’s humid summer kept me inside, inactive, and moody. So I…
2025年9月8日 · 13:24
Japan is famous for curry rice, but did you know there’s another kind of curry that goes beyond it? In this episode, explore “Soup Curry,” a Sapporo-born dish with hearty…
2025年9月1日 · 18:19
Today, I’m joined by Miku for a casual conversation about the “Five Love Languages.” We talk about how each of us expresses and feels love differently—through words, quality…
2025年8月25日 · 10:27
While preparing for a trip with my mom, I noticed our 金銭感覚( kin-sen kankaku - o ur sense of money ) was completely different. I’m a minimalist saver, while she enjoys shopping…
2025年8月18日 · 13:36
In Japan, people often resolve workplace conflicts without saying things directly. This episode reveals four common approaches—consulting a third party, keeping distance, gentle…
2025年8月11日 · 12:12
On a trip back to my parents’ home, I found old photos, purikura, and stories that brought my childhood back to life. Was I shy? Adventurous? Maybe a little unexpected? In this…
2025年8月4日 · 13:38
In this episode, Miku from Miku Real Japanese and I talk about the meanings behind our names—why Miku’s name means “Beautiful Christmas,” and what Sayuri’s “Small Lily” means. We…
2025年7月28日 · 16:11
After two years in Osaka, Shun (from Japanese with Shun) has decided to move to Nagoya. In this episode, we chat about what led to his decision, how it feels to leave people…
2025年7月21日 · 10:00
Have you ever traveled with a friend for a whole week? I recently went to Okinawa with Miku from “Miku Real Japanese,” and I realized how incredible she is at expressing herself…
2025年7月14日 · 12:51
Settle into the hum of an Osaka café while Miku from Miku Real Japanese and I draw random question cards that spark memories of the shows and movies we’ve binged this year. Our…
2025年7月7日 · 19:12
I wear many hats👒 Content creator, website manager, private tutor, and curriculum designer for a San Francisco ed-tech startup. Come along as I guide you through a typical week:…
2025年6月30日 · 16:22
Learn how to get disaster-ready in Japan: the 3 essential items (water, food, toilet), helpful gear from ¥100 shops, how to check your local shelter, and a weekend challenge! Buy…
2025年6月23日 · 9:31
Travel priorities differ worldwide, but in Japan delicious food almost always takes first place. I’ll share why I think food is such a big deal when Japanese people…
2025年6月16日 · 14:09
What happens when your dream career no longer fits who you are? Rui opens up about the turning point. In the second half of our conversation, Rui talks honestly about leaving his…
2025年6月9日 · 16:23
What’s it really like to chase your dream in Tokyo’s indie scene? Rui shares his story. In this episode, I talk with Rui from Okkei Japanese about his twenties—how he quit a…
2025年6月2日 · 14:31
AI is helpful—but have you ever felt “zotto” (a chill)? I talk about 3 major fears people have about AI, including privacy, job loss, and deepfakes. Then I share my own moment of…
2025年5月26日 · 11:55
Why are Japan’s streets so clean—even though there are almost no public trash cans? Many visitors are surprised by this mystery. In this episode, we take a deeper look at why…
2025年5月19日 · 47:13
In this episode, I’d like to share something a little different — a preview of my new side project, うとうと time – Sleepy Japanese Podcast 🌙 This project was inspired by one of my…
2025年5月12日 · 19:17
Meeting someone new can feel nerve-racking, so I invite fellow creator YUYU to share real-life tips for making a great first impression in Japan. We compare polite vs. casual…
2025年5月5日 · 18:13
Meeting someone new can feel nerve-racking, so I invite fellow creator YUYU to share real-life tips for making a great first impression in Japan. We compare polite vs. casual…
2025年4月28日 · 12:09
From Nike’s historic link to Japan all the way to today’s thick-soled fashion craze, explore sneaker trends with me in slow, clear Japanese. We compare running, trail, and street…
2025年4月21日 · 16:38
In this special solo episode, I take you into my tiny Japanese kitchen for a dishwashing session filled with relaxed, unscripted talk about batch cooking, kitchen tools, rice…
2025年4月14日 · 10:15
I’ve recently fallen in love with tea! In this episode, I talk about why I bought a new kettle (again)😅, how water temperature can totally change a tea’s flavor, and my favorite…
2025年4月7日 · 18:12
Shun is back for a casual Japanese chat! This time, we’re talking about health—gym routines, diet, sleep, and motivation. Shun shares his workout habits, thoughts on supplements,…
2025年3月31日 · 13:37
Shun is back for a casual Japanese chat! This time, we’re talking about health—gym routines, diet, sleep, and motivation. Shun shares his workout habits, thoughts on supplements,…
2025年3月24日 · 11:34
Anpanman is one of Japan’s most famous children’s anime, but its theme song carries a surprisingly deep message. What does it say about happiness, purpose, and self-sacrifice? In…
2025年3月17日 · 8:57
In Japanese, “ダイエット” (diet) usually means losing weight, while in English, “diet” refers to one’s eating habits. In this episode, I share my own experiences with dieting,…
2025年3月10日 · 11:48
Osaka is known as Japan’s comedy capital! In this episode, I talk about my experience watching live comedy in Osaka and what I learned from professional comedians. I also…
2025年3月3日 · 18:15
Join us for a relaxed and fun conversation with Miku, where we drop the formalities and chat in casual Japanese! From childhood fears like ghosts and Santa Claus to real-life…
2025年2月24日 · 9:46
Are you a stationery fan? Let’s talk about the clever design of Japanese stationery! From the “Ukanmuri Clip” that keeps books open to privacy protection stamps and high-quality…
2025年2月17日 · 12:16
Could Kenichi from Around 40 Man’s Isekai Online Shopping (2025) be my ideal man? In this episode, I introduce Japanese words that go beyond the usual やさしい (kind) and 頭がいい…
2025年2月10日 · 17:02
Tired of Japan’s busy tourist destinations? Discover Usuki, a serene castle town in Oita Prefecture, home to breathtaking ancient stone Buddhas and charming historical streets.…
2025年2月3日 · 15:03
In this episode, we welcome back Miku from Miku Real Japanese to dive into the real okonomiyaki culture in Osaka. Do locals eat it every week, or is that just a stereotype? Miku…
2025年1月27日 · 14:45
Experience the flavor of Osaka with okonomiyaki, the city’s soul food! In this episode, we dive into its rich history, from pre-war beginnings to its modern-day popularity.…
2025年1月20日 · 11:57
What happens when you let an app match you with strangers for dinner? I tried “Timeleft,” an innovative app that connects people for meals in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. In…
2025年1月13日 · 11:30
What are 特殊詐欺 “special fraud” and 闇バイト“dark part-time jobs,” and why are they gaining attention in Japan? This episode dives into the world of crime facilitated through social…
2025年1月6日 · 14:44
How do Japanese people survive the winter chill? In this casual and fun episode, we chat about everything from kotatsu and heat tech to humidifiers, portable heaters, and cozy…
2024年12月30日 · 13:24
If you’re an intermediate or advanced learner, you might already know about Japan’s New Year traditions. That’s why, in this episode, I’m skipping the general explanations to…
2024年12月23日 · 13:26
Need better sleep? Over the past 4 years, I’ve been analyzing my own sleep habits, and in this episode, I’ll share 7 practical tips that work for me. From room temperature and…
2024年12月16日 · 15:10
This time, I’m speaking freely without a set topic, just sharing my thoughts! Reflecting on a busy yet fulfilling 2024, I talk about life in Osaka, new hobbies, time with…
2024年12月9日 · 17:32
In this episode, we dive into the art of Japanese-style arguments, reflecting on a fun, improvised "fake fight" with YUYU from YUYU 日本語Podcast. Explore how Japanese people…
2024年12月2日 · 9:41
Boost your Japanese learning with this hilarious improv featuring a hangry Japanese couple in New York! Our emotional, unscripted conversation is packed with authentic…
2024年11月25日 · 7:49
This episode combines the authenticity of natural Japanese with the spontaneity of improv! Listen to a fictional couple’s honest discussion about sharing household chores. Ideal…
2024年11月18日 · 11:40
Ever wondered how laundry works in Japan? After discovering a chic new コインランドリー (coin laundry), I'm diving into the fascinating world of Japanese laundry culture! From the common…
2024年11月11日 · 11:13
Ever wondered what it’s like to live as a "スーパーミニマリスト" (super minimalist)? In this episode, I talk with Shun, a Japanese teacher and longtime minimalist, about his decade-long…
2024年11月4日 · 9:34
What catches your eye when you ride a packed Japanese train for the first time in years? Following my morning journey through Osaka's rush hour, I share my observations of life…
2024年10月28日 · 16:05
Have you ever wanted to talk to Japanese people but didn’t know how to start? Whether you're traveling or living in Japan, this episode shares practical tips on breaking the ice…
2024年10月21日 · 12:50
Moshi Moshi Yusuke reflects on Japan's unconventional economic strategy, contrasting it with Western policies like tech investment and immigration. He shares insights on why…
2024年10月14日 · 13:38
In this episode, we dive into the high-priced items that were worth every yen, from the revolutionary DJI Osmo Pocket to a fast-drying Panasonic hairdryer. Yusuke shares his…
2024年10月7日 · 10:39
Join us as Yusuke shares his inspiring story of transitioning from a 25-year career in the corporate world to becoming an online Japanese teacher. He opens up about the reasons…
2024年9月30日 · 15:36
Join me as I recount my workation adventure on Rishiri Island, located in the far north of Hokkaido. Discover why I selected this cool, serene location to escape Japan's hot…
2024年9月23日 · 12:10
Have you heard of "Head Spa"? It's a Japanese head massage often offered at beauty salons, combining scalp care with relaxation. In this episode, I share my own Head Spa…
2024年9月16日 · 10:46
Do you shop online and fret about missing package deliveries when you're not home? In this episode, we delve into 宅配ボックス —Japan's innovative delivery lockers that allow you to…
2024年9月9日 · 26:59
Join us as we explore the cultural significance of smiles with special guest YUYU! From Japan to Mexico, we discuss how a smile can bridge cultural gaps and influence daily…
