Everyday Japanese Podcast

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 South Indian food and Ayurveda. I also reflect on my previous sabbatical and why intentionally stepping away from work can lead to unexpected growth and meaningful connections.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support

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 ao-kippu) for violations like running red lights, riding the wrong way, or using your phone while cycling. In this episode, I break down the key vocabulary, the fines you need to know, and share my honest (and slightly frustrated 😅) opinion on the new system. If you ride a bike in Japan, this one's for you!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support

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 looks like in Japan, and in my own kitchen! Think clay pot rice, TKG, natto, ochazuke, and simple miso soup. I also share a special Australian-style brunch at bills that made me think, "I could get used to this!" What's your favorite breakfast?🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support

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 talk about gazing at 3,000-meter mountains in Toyama(富山) and my ocean sunset ritual. We discuss the "sacred" quality of Japanese nature—from Enoshima(江ノ島） to Kumano kodo(熊野古道). Sometimes the best thing to think is simply: "Wow, it's beautiful." Join us for a peaceful reflection on what we fee and don't feel in nature.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support

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 designed to show all four seasons. I share my minimalist current life and my vision board dreams— a lakeside house with spacious bathroom, big kitchen sink, and a living room where I can relax with coffee (or tea!). We also talk about the joy of just imagining our dream homes. What does your perfect home look like?🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support

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 20+ moves throughout my life, why I chose Osaka despite knowing it wasn't my ideal environment, and what finally pushed me to make this decision. I also share what kind of place makes me truly happy versus what's just exciting. If you're considering moving to Osaka, relocating within Japan, or curious about city vs. countryside life, this one's for you!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support

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 minutes." 😅And my AI-made music? Got boring fast. But the good stuff? I started really listening to myself, got tons of ideas on the train, cleaned way more, started doing yoga, and made two big life decisions! I quit making short videos, and I'm leaving Osaka. Curious? Give it a listen!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support

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 feels good to share. A cozy episode for Japanese learners who enjoy natural, real conversations😂🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 foreigners living in Japan. We talk about friendship, cultural differences in communication, and feelings of loneliness, while sharing warm, realistic advice. It’s a relaxed, friendly chat like talking with close friends who really listen😌🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support

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 to asking pigeons for favors, each “esper” has a tiny but useful gift. I also share which powers I’d want myself. Tune in and think about which “little esper” power you’d like to have!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!🩷 Support this podcast https://sayurisaying.com/support

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 gardens and historic tea districts to trying unforgettable desserts and cocktails. You’ll also hear key warnings about weather, transport, and reservations. Perfect for travelers wanting to explore Japan off the beaten path!🗺️A custom Google Map for this location is available exclusively for Silver Penguin members!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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, from how staff speak to customers to the warm atmosphere. Do you have a favorite spot like this? Let’s explore together!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 episodes are most popular, and which ones I personally love. I also share why conversation episodes matter and how important your support has been. Thank you for continuing your Japanese journey with me! Let’s keep going together☺️🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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. It’s an honest, sometimes funny look at introversion, overstimulation, and feeling different. Can you relate to any of our confessions?🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 for it, and practical tips for reducing screen time! Are you with me?🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 compare, and get a real-life look at what it’s like to call 119 in Japan. If you’ve ever wondered what to expect in an emergency here, this one’s for you.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 door-to-door commute times to working hours, lunch breaks, and the difference between “black” and “white” companies. You’ll also learn key Japanese phrases and cultural tips along the way!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 Japanese ✨Special thanks to YUYU for creating this challenge!You can watch the original video here:https://youtu.be/jDhXDMu4FMs?si=4Grzxmb2CHySrtpEWe also talk about fillers like “えっと” and natural pauses to sound more natural.Let’s build speaking confidence together 🌿🐧🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 Kumano shrines, and the mysterious three-legged crow, Yatagarasu. Walking through its quiet mountain paths made me reflect on how journeys like this can refresh both body and mind. It truly was more than a hike.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 inventive studies like painting cows with zebra stripes to repel bugs, using wasabi as a fire alarm, and proving that kissing can ease allergy symptoms. Join us to explore how curiosity and humor keep science wonderfully human!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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, autumn has come.” You’ll hear natural Japanese expressions about seasonal foods, outdoor activities, and reading time. 🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 must. I shared my own recent birthdays spent alone, from traveling to quiet reflection. We also talked about family memories, including YUYU’s wish to thank his parents on his birthday. Together we explore how birthdays can be about parties, gratitude, or simply enjoying life at your own pace.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 realized that sports can be fun without rivalry. Together we discussed how competition gives energy but can also create pressure, and how curiosity or personal goals can be just as powerful. This talk made me reflect on my own way of finding motivation.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 pay in daily life and why attitudes toward debt, saving, and responsibility differ across cultures. We also share personal stories about growing up with certain money values and how they shape spending habits today. A fun, insightful episode for Japanese learners interested in culture beyond the classroom!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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, a lively “Osaka Mom” clerk who gave me advice and free coffee at Yodobashi Camera. Finally, a kind “Coffee Sage,” an elderly roaster who offered generous service at unbelievably low prices. These encounters show how human connection makes Japan’s coffee culture so special.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 tried five simple routines: morning walks, deep cleaning, swimming, chatting with people, and keeping a sketch diary. These small changes really helped my mood, sleep, and energy. I also share a few cultural insights about life in Japan. Like elementary school swimming classes, sketch diaries, and school trips to Kyoto and Nara. Tune in for practical wellness tips and a peek into Japanese daily life!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 vegetables, customizable toppings, and unique soup bases. Learn how it differs from curry rice, how to order it, and pick up useful food-related vocabulary and cultural insights along the way.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 time, gifts, acts of service, or physical touch. You’ll hear fun personal stories, cultural insights, and natural Japanese expressions from our dialogue. Which love language speaks to you?💖🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

While preparing for a trip with my mom, I noticed our 金銭感覚(kin-sen kankaku - our sense of money) was completely different. I’m a minimalist saver, while she enjoys shopping and new experiences. In this episode, I share our story, introduce useful Japanese vocabulary, and invite you to reflect on your own spending style. Are you more careful with money, or do you enjoy spending freely?🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

In Japan, people often resolve workplace conflicts without saying things directly. This episode reveals four common approaches—consulting a third party, keeping distance, gentle communication, and using HR—based on real-life examples. Gain insight into indirect communication, subtle signals, and cultural nuances that shape Japanese work environments, so you can work and communicate more effectively in Japan.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 lighthearted episode, I talk about the traits that shaped little me, how some things have changed, and how others… really haven’t.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 also explore how names are chosen in Japan: kanji meanings, stroke count, gender-neutral trends, and even “kirakira names.”What’s the story behind your name?🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 behind, and the kind of life we want to create for ourselves. From city vibes and rent prices to nature, hobbies, and quality of life🌱 This is a slow and thoughtful conversation about change, comfort, and choosing your own rhythm.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 and thinking ahead. In this episode, I reflect on what I respect about her and how it inspired me to improve my own communication and awareness.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 casual chat unpacks natural conversational Japanese, everyday vocabulary, and cultural quirks you won’t find in textbooks—perfect background listening on your commute, cook-up, or wind-down.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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: brainstorming podcast topics on walks, filming video episodes, updating sayurisaying.com, running friendly 1-on-1 sessions, and shaping natural Japanese dialogue for an anime-themed app. I also tease fresh ideas like a “Sleepy Japanese” podcast, merch plans, and in-person meet-ups.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 9L of water and save your shelter on Maps. I also share what I keep in my own emergency kit. Free checklist on my website!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 travel—seasonal ingredients, local specialties like Sanuki udon, and the passion behind every dish.Compare your own travel must-haves, pick up useful vocabulary, and enjoy a flavorful slice of Japanese culture along the way!🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: ⁠https://sayurisaying.com⁠ Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 band after a difficult breakup caused by 方向性の違い (a difference in direction). He shares what happened behind the scenes, the emotional fallout, and how he slowly rebuilt his friendships with former bandmates. We also dive into his transition from musician to Japanese content creator—why he chose to make videos and podcasts, and how he found joy in helping learners around the world. I ask him about his “win-win-win” mindset: how to create content that helps others, fulfills him creatively, and remains sustainable. It’s a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about creativity, purpose, and learning through change.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 274”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 steady job, took overnight buses to Tokyo, and played in tiny live houses (small concert venues popular in Japan’s indie scene), often paying out of pocket to perform. He eventually pulled off a sold-out ワンマンライブ (a solo show by one band) in Tokyo—an important milestone for any independent artist. We also talk about the world of 対バン shows, where multiple bands share the same event and try to bring their own fans. If you’re curious about how Japan’s indie music scene works—or just want to hear natural conversation with deep cultural context—this one’s for you.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 273”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 unease when I realized I enjoyed chatting with AI more than with a new person. What does that mean for our future? I also share my simple idea for staying human—meeting face-to-face, and making real memories.💡「ゾッとする」 describes the physical and emotional reaction you get when something gives you the chills—like fear, creepiness, or disgust. It’s that sudden, cold shiver that runs through your body when you’re spooked or grossed out.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 Japan is considered one of the cleanest countries in the world. Beyond the strong sense of social responsibility and rule-following, we highlight the quiet efforts of local volunteers—ordinary people who pick up trash in their neighborhoods each morning. Discover how these unsung heroes help keep Japan beautiful.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

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 students who said:“I have trouble falling asleep at night…”So I thought, maybe I could make something gentle, slow, and sleepy — in Japanese.In “utouto time,” I literally lie down and talk softly in simple, natural Japanese.There’s no music. Not much happens.Honestly… it might even be a little boring. But that’s the point. 😴If you like what you hear in this episode,you can find the full version of utouto time here:https://linktr.ee/utoutotimeAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and more.Perfect for:– unwinding before bed– relaxing while listening to Japanese– falling asleep while learningLet me know what you think, and feel free to suggest topics you’d like me to talk about.Thanks for listening!

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 speech, balance listening and talking, handle eye contact, and reveal simple grooming hacks (think nails & nose hair!) that help you look and sound friendly—never scary. Perfect for intermediate learners who want natural examples and cultural insight while laughing along!🐧❤️ Want to listen offline or on the go?The full audio is now available on the website for streaming and download—exclusively for Silver members and above.Plus, enjoy access to the video version, transcript, vocabulary, and grammar tips to support your learning.👉 Explore more: sayurisaying.com

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 speech, balance listening and talking, handle eye contact, and reveal simple grooming hacks (think nails & nose hair🙈) that help you look and sound friendly—never scary. Perfect for intermediate learners who want natural examples and cultural insight while laughing along.🐧❤️ Want to listen offline or on the go?The full audio is now available on the website for streaming and download—exclusively for Silver members and above.Plus, enjoy access to the video version, transcript, vocabulary, and grammar tips to support your learning.👉 Explore more: sayurisaying.com

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 pairs; decode words like “抽選販売” and “防水”; and chat about why ASICS fit my wide feet best. Includes a handy vocab list and reflection prompts so you can step up your listening and speaking skills.🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show!

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 storage, and everyday routines. You’ll hear the real sounds of pots, pans, and water as I go. It’s the perfect cozy background for your own chores or study time—and a great way to immerse yourself in natural Japanese. Tune in and feel like you’re right here with me!Check out our transcripts, video podcasts, and Japanese learning resources at⁠⁠: https://sayurisaying.com/washing-dishes-in-a-tiny-japanese-kitchenYour support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!　⁠⁠⁠https://sayurisaying.com/#/portal/support⁠

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 find—a tea sampler with 30 types from a Japanese brand. You’ll also hear a funny word mix-up and learn tea-related vocabulary. Cozy up and join me on this tasty tea adventure!Check out our transcripts, video podcasts, and Japanese learning resources at⁠⁠: https://sayurisaying.com/tea-journey-japanese-black-tea/Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!　⁠⁠⁠https://sayurisaying.com/#/portal/support⁠

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, and even his eating routine (hint: a lot of eggs!). Join us for a fun, relaxed conversation packed with real-life Japanese expressions. A great episode for improving your listening skills while learning about staying healthy in Japan!Check out our transcripts, video podcasts, and Japanese learning resources at⁠⁠: sayurisaying.com/shun-health-talk/Check out Shun's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JapanesewithShunYour support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!　⁠⁠⁠https://sayurisaying.com/#/portal/support⁠

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, and even his eating routine (hint: a lot of eggs!). Join us for a fun, relaxed conversation packed with real-life Japanese expressions. A great episode for improving your listening skills while learning about staying healthy in Japan!Check out our transcripts, video podcasts, and Japanese learning resources at⁠⁠: ⁠sayurisaying.com/shun-health-talk/⁠Check out Shun's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JapanesewithShunYour support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!　⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sayurisaying.com/#/portal/support⁠⁠