Learn Japanese with Noriko

Episoade

• Season 3-152 小説『こころ』が難しすぎた（Book Talk with Yuko 10) 03.06.2026 27min

  ファッション雑誌『Oggi』八木 詠美 Emi Yagi Diary of a Void 『空芯手帳』綿矢りさ『グレタ・ニンプ』夏目漱石『こころ』星新一『ボッコちゃん』ビートたけし『テレビじゃ言えない』In this episode of “Book Talk with Yuko,” the hosts begin with a light conversation about spring and cherry blossoms, comparing experiences in Japan and the UK. They then transition into discussing recently read books and a magazine discovery.Yuko introduces a magazine she picked up due to interest in a featured model, noting how refreshing it felt to engage with non-algorithm-driven content. She highlights how magazines expose readers to unexpected topics and perspectives. Noriko shares a novel by Emi Yagi, describing its unique premise about a woman who lies about being pregnant at work, sparking a complex narrative.The discussion continues with a newly published novel about a couple navigating pregnancy, blending humor with social themes. Noriko then reflects on rereading classic works like Natsume Soseki’s “Kokoro” and Hoshi Shinichi’s short stories. While “Bokko-chan” impressed her with its futuristic themes, “Kokoro” left her feeling conflicted due to differences in historical values and gender roles.Finally, Yuko talks about a book by Beat Takeshi, appreciating its candid social commentary. The episode emphasizes how reading across genres and eras can provoke reflection, discomfort, and meaningful discussion.
• Season 3-151 Noriko’s Philosophy Playground 9 - How Do You Talk About Death in Japanese? - 日本語で「死」をどう語る？ 27.05.2026 13min

  Join our Japanese Together community and explore podcast topics through discussion.In this reflective episode of Japanese with Noriko, Noriko explores the profound theme of death through language, culture, and personal experience. She begins by drawing a parallel between the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms in Japan and the transient nature of life, highlighting how different flowers have unique expressions for “falling,” reflecting the nuance of Japanese language and worldview.Noriko then examines various ways to express death in Japanese, from direct terms like 死ぬ to softer expressions such as 「天国に行く」 or 「旅立つ」, showing how language shapes emotional perception. She shares personal encounters with death, including the loss of her grandfather, a childhood friend, and a colleague, illustrating how death appears repeatedly throughout life in different forms.The discussion expands to philosophical perspectives, including insights from a philosophy club and a Buddhist concept shared by a listener: 「往生する」, which frames death not as an end but as a transition and continuation. Noriko connects this idea back to nature’s cycles, suggesting that death may not be purely tragic but part of a larger renewal.She concludes by inviting listeners to reflect on their own views about death and how it influences how they live today.儚い（はかない）— fleeting, transient満開（まんかい）— full bloom散る（ちる）— to fall (flowers)現象（げんしょう）— phenomenon表現（ひょうげん）— expression評価（ひょうか）— evaluation中立的（ちゅうりつてき）— neutral宗教観（しゅうきょうかん）— religious view結びつく（むすびつく）— to be connected恐ろしい（おそろしい）— frightening意識（いしき）— awareness漠然と（ばくぜんと）— vaguely同級生（どうきゅうせい）— classmate事故死（じこし）— accidental death溺れる（おぼれる）— to drown振り返る（ふりかえる）— to look back定期的（ていきてき）— regularly覚悟（かくご）— resolve, readiness影響（えいきょう）— influence浄土（じょうど）— Pure Land仏（ほとけ）— Buddha働きかける（はたらきかける）— to act upon, influence種（たね）— seed芽（め）— sprout受け入れる（うけいれる）— to accept
• Season 3-150 What Is “Normal”? A Deep Dive into Convenience Store Woman 20.05.2026 14min

  Apply Noriko's A Supportive, One-to-One Program Let's Read a Japanese Novel Together In this episode, I explore コンビニ人間Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, focusing on the concept of “normality” in society. I reflect on how the protagonist, Keiko, struggles with being perceived as different from childhood and gradually learns to imitate others in order to fit in. I also discuss how her job at a convenience store provides her with structure and a sense of belonging through clear rules and manuals.As Keiko reaches her 30s, I explain how societal expectations intensify—questions about marriage, relationships, and career stability become unavoidable. I point out that these pressures are not unique to Japan, but can be found globally. Through this story, I raise an important question: can “normal” and “abnormal” truly be separated, or are they subjective and constantly shifting concepts?I also highlight the contrast between Keiko and another character, Shiraha, who is also marginalised but in a different way. By comparing them, I show how the novel deepens its critique of societal norms.Ultimately, I encourage listeners to reflect on personal happiness, social conformity, and the pressures created by cultural expectations. I emphasise that the discomfort we feel in life may not only come from ourselves, but also from society.
• Season 3-149 Sound Like a Native with Japanese Onomatopoeia オノマトペでネイティブっぽく話す 13.05.2026 16min

  あかね的日本語教室『生活で使える日本語オノマトペ』English Summary：This episode introduces Japanese onomatopoeia through a personal story and quiz-style listening activity. Noriko describes her day off using expressions like ぶらぶら, ザーザー, ビュービュー, ゴロゴロ, and だらだら, showing how they add vivid detail and make Japanese more natural.She also reviews a practical onomatopoeia book, highlighting useful features such as manga for context, podcasts for listening practice, and a reference section for quick review. She stresses that learners should connect vocabulary to real-life experiences to truly use it, not just memorize it.Noriko encourages learners to choose study methods that suit their style and shares her own approach of starting with listening. The episode ends with a novel example featuring ピンピン, reinforcing how onomatopoeia appears in real conversations.
• Season 3-148 From “Mottainai” to “Washlet”: Japanese in Global English 06.05.2026 13min

  In this episode, Noriko shares a mix of personal reflections, language learning experiences, and cultural insights. She begins by talking about rereading Kokoro by Natsume Soseki, noting how differently it feels compared to when she first read it years ago. Despite struggling with the old writing style, she’s determined to finish it. She also mentions her progress in learning Korean, especially improving her reading skills.The main topic focuses on Japanese words newly added to the Oxford English Dictionary. Noriko introduces several examples, such as “washlet,” “senpai,” and “mottainai,” explaining how some retain their original meanings while others evolve globally. She highlights how language reflects culture, emphasizing “mottainai” as a uniquely Japanese value now spreading worldwide.Overall, the episode blends language, culture, and personal growth in an engaging and thoughtful way.Reflective Questions（振り返り質問）あなたは昔読んだ本をもう一度読みたいと思いますか？自分と違う性格の人と話すのは好きですか？あなたの国の言葉で世界に広がっているものはありますか？Discussion Questions（ディスカッション質問）言葉が文化を表すという考えについてどう思いますか？外国語として使われるときに意味が変わることは問題だと思いますか？
• Season 3-147 Why Does Manchester Have a Bee Symbol? The Story Behind Its Beautiful Library - やさしく解説：マンチェスターのコットン産業・図書館・蜂のシンボル 29.04.2026 11min

  Want to take your listening further? Join Japanese Together — our Podcast Conversation Club is the perfect place to discuss each episode and connect with fellow learners!💬 投げかけの質問（Discussion Questions）Manchester のどんなところに一番興味を持ちましたか？あなたの国にも「産業で発展した都市」はありますか？歴史と今がつながっている場所に行ったことがありますか？English Summary : Discover the real story of Manchester, England in this episode of Japanese with Noriko.Known for the Industrial Revolution, football, and working-class culture, Manchester is much more than its stereotypes. In this episode, I share my personal day trip experience, including the stunning John Rylands Library, one of the most beautiful libraries in the UK.Learn how Manchester became “Cottonopolis,” a global centre of the cotton industry, and how its growth was closely connected to Liverpool through trade, railways, and industry.I also explore the deeper history behind the city, including the realities of industrialisation, and explain the meaning of the famous Manchester bee symbol — a powerful symbol of hard work, resilience, and community, especially after the 2017 Manchester attack.If you are interested in UK cities, history, culture, or travel, this episode will give you a deeper perspective on Manchester.
• Season 3-146 Book Talk with Yuko 9 癒やされたい？刺激が欲しい？日本語教師2人がハマった対照的な6冊 15.04.2026 27min

  ビートたけし『アナログ』太宰治『女生徒』九段理江『Schoolgirl』坂木司『和菓子とアン』坂木司『アンと青春』村田沙耶香『世界99上下』村田沙耶香『コンビニ人間』村田沙耶香『消滅世界』星野道夫『約束の川』村田沙耶香『消滅世界』朝井リョウ『時をかけるゆとり』In this episode of Book Talk with Yuko, Noriko and Yuko talk about several Japanese books they have recently read or want to recommend.First, Yuko introduces the novel “アナログ” by Beat Takeshi. It is a romantic story about a man and a woman who decide not to exchange contact information and instead meet at the same restaurant every Thursday. The story feels very “analog” in a digital age.Next, Noriko talks about “Schoolgirl” by Kudan Rie, a short story connected to Dazai Osamu’s “女生徒.” The story explores relationships between three generations of women and touches on modern topics like social media and environmental activism.Yuko then introduces the “An-chan series” by Sakaki Tsukasa, which takes place in a department store food basement (depachika) and features traditional Japanese sweets. The story focuses on everyday life, human relationships, and personal growth.Noriko also shares her thoughts about “世界 99” by Sayaka Murata, a dystopian novel that explores society, gender roles, and a mysterious new creature called “Pyokorun.” The book is intense and thought-provoking.For a calmer reading experience, Yuko recommends “Yakusoku no Kawa” by photographer Hoshino Michio, a book that beautifully describes nature and life in northern regions.Finally, Noriko talks about the essay “Toki wo Kakeru Yutori” by Asai Ryo, which made her laugh a lot because of its humorous stories about everyday life.They conclude by encouraging listeners to choose books depending on their mood—sometimes relaxing books, sometimes challenging ones—and invite listeners to join their Japanese Together book club.恋愛小説 — れんあいしょうせつ — romance novel連絡先 — れんらくさき — contact information現代 — げんだい — modern times会話 — かいわ — conversation表現 — ひょうげん — expression読書体験 — どくしょたいけん — reading experience世代 — せだい — generation母と娘の関係 —ははとむすめのかんけい — mother-daughter relationship環境問題 — かんきょうもんだい — environmental issues和菓子 — わがし — Japanese traditional sweetsデパ地下 — でぱちか — department store food basement主人公 — しゅじんこう — protagonist成長 — せいちょう — personal growth社会 — しゃかい — society価値観 — かちかん — values生きづらさ — いきづらさ — difficulty of living / social pressure自然 — しぜん — nature写真家 — しゃしんか — photographer描写 — びょうしゃ — description癒し — いやし — healing / comfortエッセイ — えっせい — essay日常 — にちじょう — everyday life失敗談 — しっぱいだん — story about a mistake
• Season 3-145 WHAT IS LUXURY TODAY? Choosing inconvenience in a digital world 08.04.2026 11min

  My program : Let's read a Japanese novel 1️⃣ Short English Summary：In this episode, Noriko talks about “luxury time” and “analog experiences” in our modern digital world.She begins by sharing a recent visit to the cinema in Liverpool. The tickets and popcorn were expensive, and the movie itself was not very good. However, she realized that watching a film without checking her smartphone for two hours felt like a luxury.Noriko reflects on what “luxury” means today. For her, luxury is not expensive hotels or restaurants, but cultural experiences such as going to museums, concerts, events, or reading quietly in a café.She also talks about analog choices in a digital world. Because we are constantly connected to smartphones, the internet, and AI, many people feel information fatigue. Noriko shares how she limits her social media time and tries to reconnect with slower, more intentional experiences.For example, one of her students built a mechanical analog watch, and her husband started wearing a traditional watch again to check the time during meetings without using his phone.Noriko also joined two meetups in Liverpool: a Quiet Book Club and a philosophy discussion group. Although she is introverted, meeting people face-to-face felt refreshing and meaningful.She concludes that choosing slightly inconvenient, analog experiences—like going to the cinema, reading books, or meeting people in person—may actually be a modern form of luxury.2️⃣ Vocabulary List (for understanding the episode)贅沢（ぜいたく） — luxury文化的（ぶんかてき） — cultural特別展示（とくべつてんじ） — special exhibition情報（じょうほう） — information情報疲れ（じょうほうづかれ） — information fatigue悪循環（あくじゅんかん） — vicious cycle制限する（せいげんする） — to limit / control腕時計（うでどけい） — wristwatch部品（ぶひん） — parts / components組み立てる（くみたてる） — to assemble通知（つうち） — notification便利（べんり） — convenient不便（ふべん） — inconvenient確認する（かくにんする） — to check / confirm集まる（あつまる） — to gather実際に（じっさいに） — in reality / in person新鮮（しんせん） — fresh / new feeling体験（たいけん） — experience傾向（けいこう） — tendency選ぶ（えらぶ） — to choose
• Coffee Break with Noriko - Real Talk & Daily Thoughts 8 01.04.2026 27min

  🎧 Episode Summary : In this Coffee Break with Noriko episode, recorded in late February 2026, Noriko shares reflections on her month.She talks about celebrating her 19th wedding anniversary at a high-end restaurant in Liverpool — delicious food, but very small portions! She also shares her disappointment about a postponed rock concert that has been rescheduled for a year later, which makes her reflect on how unpredictable life can be.A highlight of the month was reconnecting with her husband’s childhood friend, who is currently on a three-month world trip. Hearing about his journey inspires Noriko to think more seriously about travel and making the most of life while she is healthy.She also reflects on her recent reading, especially Sekai 99 by Sayaka Murata — a powerful and mentally exhausting dystopian novel — and an essay collection by Banana Yoshimoto, which reminded her to live simply, avoid excessive desire, and not expect anything in return when doing something for others.Finally, she encourages listeners to turn input into output — after listening or reading something, try summarizing it or sharing your thoughts. Small output habits can transform language learning.📚 Vocabulary List (15 Key Words)結婚記念日（けっこんきねんび）– wedding anniversary高級レストラン（こうきゅうレストラン）– high-end restaurant延期（えんき）– postponement再会（さいかい）– reunion世界一周（せかいいっしゅう）– around-the-world trip憧れる（あこがれる）– to admire / to long for中年（ちゅうねん）– middle age上下巻（じょうげかん）– two-volume set (upper and lower volumes)放心状態（ほうしんじょうたい）– state of shock / mental blankness衝撃的（しょうげきてき）– shockingエッセイ – essay欲（よく）– desire見返り（みかえり）– something in return / reward名言（めいげん）– memorable quote / wise sayingアウトプット – output (active production, e.g., speaking/writing)
• Season 3-144 Noriko’s Philosophy Playground 8 ミイラとモラル：博物館で考える3つの哲学的な質問 25.03.2026 9min

  🎧 Short English Summary : In this episode of Philosophy Playground, Noriko reflects on a discussion she joined at a museum in Liverpool. The theme was ancient Egyptian mummies and morality. She explores three philosophical questions: Is it morally acceptable to display human remains in museums? Is a mummy still the same person who once lived? And should we judge ancient cultures by today’s moral standards? There are no correct answers. The purpose of this episode is to think deeply and respectfully about history, identity, and human dignity.道徳（どうとく）– morality遺体（いたい）– human remains, corpse展示（てんじ）– exhibition, display敬意（けいい）– respect尊厳（そんげん）– dignity価値観（かちかん）– values判断する（はんだんする）– to judge基準（きじゅん）– standard, criterion意識（いしき）– consciousness宗教観（しゅうきょうかん）– religious belief, view of religion
• Japanese Brain-Friendly Coaching 6: Progress Is Not Perfection: Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone コンフォートゾーンの外で脳は育つ 18.03.2026 10min

  🌿 English Summary: In this episode of the Japanese Brain Friendly Coaching Series, Noriko talks about what really happens to your brain when you step outside your comfort zone. She shares her recent experience attending a philosophy discussion meetup in Liverpool. As a non-native English speaker, she felt nervous and unsure, especially in a fast-paced group of native speakers. However, by participating, sharing her opinion, and staying in the conversation, she experienced a strong sense of achievement.Noriko explains that progress is not about becoming perfect. It is about gently stepping into slightly uncomfortable situations. Moderate nervousness is not harmful. In fact, it helps the brain grow. By repeating these small challenges in a safe environment, we train our brain to handle real-life conversations more calmly.She encourages listeners not to wait until they feel fully confident or “ready.” Growth begins when we take one small step outside our comfort zone.1. コンフォートゾーン安心していられる、自分にとって楽な環境や状態。2. 抜け出す（ぬけだす）今いる場所や状態から出ること。3. 哲学ディスカッション（てつがく）人生や価値観などについて意見を交換する話し合い。4. 初対面（しょたいめん）初めて会うこと。5. ネイティブスピーカーその言語を母語として話す人。6. 聞き取る（ききとる）話している内容を理解する。7. 達成感（たっせいかん）やりとげたときに感じる満足感。8. 進歩（しんぽ）少しずつ良くなること。上達すること。9. 準備（じゅんび）前もって用意すること。10. 緊張（きんちょう）ドキドキして体や心がかたくなること。11. 慣れる（なれる）経験をくり返して自然にできるようになること。12. 適度（てきど）ちょうどよい程度。強すぎないこと。13. 安全な雰囲気（あんぜん な ふんいき）安心できる空気や環境。14. 足を踏み出す（あしを ふみだす）新しいことに挑戦する。15. 完璧（かんぺき）まちがいがなく、完全であること。
• Season 3-143 聞く人が会話をつくる - Be a Better Listener 11.03.2026 12min

  English Summary : In this episode, Noriko talks about the importance of listening in communication, inspired by the bestselling book 人は聞き方が９割 by Shigehisa Nagamatsu.Many language learners feel pressure to speak well, say smart things, or avoid mistakes. But this episode shifts the focus from speaking to listening. According to the book, good communicators are not those who talk the most, but those who make others feel comfortable and heard.Noriko reflects on her own experiences in Japanese, English, and podcast conversations, and explains why the listener is the true main character of a conversation. She introduces the idea of “魔法の傾聴 （まほうのけいちょう）” and shares five key listening behaviours. Finally, Noriko encourages Japanese learners to stop worrying so much about perfect grammar or vocabulary and to focus on listening with genuine interest and asking simple, thoughtful questions. By doing so, conversations can become more natural, relaxed, and enjoyable.聞き方｜ききかた｜way of listening聞く力｜きくちから｜listening skills会話の主役｜かいわ の しゅやく｜main character of a conversation聞き手｜ききて｜listener安心感｜あんしんかん｜sense of security, feeling of safetyうなずき｜nodding相づち｜あいづち｜verbal listening responses否定しない｜ひていしない｜not to deny, not to reject受け止める｜うけとめる｜to accept, to take in質問を投げかける｜しつもん を なげかける｜to ask questions, to prompt with questions
• Season 3-142 Book Talk with Yuko 8 Reading, Taking Notes, and Learning Along the Way (📘 本を読む、メモを取る、考え続ける — 読書と学びのあいだで) 04.03.2026 29min

  宮島未奈『成瀬は天下を取りにいく』宮島未奈『成瀬は信じた道をいく』宮島未奈『成瀬は都を駆け抜ける』宮島未奈『婚活マエストロ』新書齋藤孝『思考を整えるメモ力』中林くみこ 『独学で英語を話せるようになった人がやっていること』 齋藤孝『こども孫子の兵法』滝沢 カレン（たきざわ カレン）日本のモデル・タレント片山 龍峯（聞き手）、姉崎等（あねざきひとし・狩人）『クマにあったらどうするか』外山滋比古（とやま しげひこ）『思考の整理学』稲垣 えみ子『老後とピアノ』夏目漱石『こころ』太宰治『人間失格』English Summary In this episode of Book Talk with Yuko, we talk about reading during a slump and how books still leave traces even when we can’t fully immerse ourselves.From novel series and essays to non-fiction, we reflect on taking notes, thinking through reading, and continuing to learn along the way. It’s a gentle conversation about reading as a process, not a goal.🎧 Listener Questions｜リスナーさんへの質問① 読書スランプについて🇯🇵最近、読書スランプを感じたことはありますか？そのとき、どんな本を手に取りましたか？🇬🇧Have you experienced a reading slump recently? What kind of book did you pick up during that time?② メモと読書🇯🇵本を読むとき、メモを取りますか？記憶に残った言葉を心の中にとどめるタイプですか？🇬🇧Do you take notes when you read? Or do you prefer to keep meaningful words in your memory?③ 学びのプロセスについて🇯🇵「ゴール」よりも「過程」が大切だと感じた経験はありますか？それは、読書や学びの中でのどんな場面でしたか？🇬🇧Have you ever felt that the process mattered more than the goal? In what situation—reading or learning—did you feel that way?
• Season 3-141 生きているかぎり青春 With Yasuyo 25.02.2026 16min

  In this episode, Noriko continues her conversation with Yasuyo, reflecting on a deeply inspiring trip to Japan. Yasuyo shares how meeting the works and philosophies of artists and architects she admires renewed her energy and outlook on life.They talk about creators who stayed active well into old age, including Saburo Yunoki and Tadao Ando, and reflect on the powerful idea that youth is not about age, but about continuing to create, challenge, and feel curiosity.The conversation explores how art, travel, and music can awaken our senses, lift us during moments of self-doubt, and remind us to live with gratitude. The episode closes with a warm reminder to say out loud, “I’m happy right now,” and to keep passing inspiration forward — because as long as we’re alive, it’s still youth.青春｜せいしゅん｜youth生きている限り｜いきているかぎり｜as long as one is alive現役｜げんえき｜active (still working), in service生涯現役｜しょうがい げんえき｜active for one’s entire life尊敬する｜そんけいする｜to respect, to admire人生の先輩｜じんせい の せんぱい｜life mentor, senior in life生き方｜いきかた｜way of living, life philosophy作品｜さくひん｜work (of art), creation展覧会｜てんらんかい｜exhibitionインスピレーション｜いんすぴれーしょん｜inspiration挑戦｜ちょうせん｜challenge年齢｜ねんれい｜age言い訳｜いいわけ｜excuse前向き｜まえむき｜positive, forward-looking直感｜ちょっかん｜intuition旅のハイライト｜たび の はいらいと｜highlight of a trip縁｜えん｜connection, fate, bond縁結び｜えんむすび｜bringing connections together感覚を呼び覚ます｜かんかく を よびさます｜to awaken the senses循環する｜じゅんかんする｜to circulate, to pass on
• Coffee Break with Noriko - Real Talk & Daily Thoughts 7 18.02.2026 25min

  📌 ポッドキャスト理解のためのキーワード（10語）スロースタート ー すろーすたーと ー a slow start調子が出る ー ちょうし が でる ー to get into a good rhythm / to feel back on track積読 ー つんどく ー buying books and not reading them (book pile-up)読書量 ー どくしょりょう ー the amount of reading one does現実逃避 ー げんじつとうひ ー escape from reality道草を食う ー みちくさ を くう ー to take a detour / to get sidetracked寄り道 ー よりみち ー stopping somewhere on the way / a detour急がば回れ ー いそがば まわれ ー more haste, less speed / slow down to go further初心忘るべからず ー しょしん わするべからず ー never forget you are still learning / stay humble as a learner仕組み ー しくみ ー a system or structure (that helps you continue)a system / structure (that helps you continue)Summary (English) In this episode, Noriko shares a relaxed January reflection. She talks about starting 2026 slowly, focusing on reading, writing, and consistency rather than rushing for results. She reflects on reducing her unread book pile, reading across multiple languages and formats, and finding comfort in books amid overwhelming news. Noriko also explores Japanese expressions like michikusa o kuu (taking detours) and isogaba maware (slow down to go further), linking them to language learning and life. The episode highlights the value of small, steady habits, showing up regularly, and finding joy in everyday moments.
• Season 3-140 今年、何を「やらない」年にしますか？What Will You Choose Not to Do This Year? Creating Space with a New Approach to Goals 11.02.2026 7min

  Takeawaysやらないことを決めることで心に余裕が生まれる。新年の目標はやりたいことではなく、やらないことを考える。他の人と比べないことが大切。完璧を求めすぎないこと。無理をせず、休むことも大切。一度にたくさん詰め込まない。楽しさを忘れずに勉強する。目的のない作業を続けない。
• Season 3-139 Noriko’s Philosophy Playground 7 人間の野心と言葉の限界 - バベルの塔 The Tower of Babel (ブリューゲルBruegel) 04.02.2026 12min

  This episode is the first Noriko’s Philosophy Playground of 2026 and explores The Tower of Babel painted by Pieter Bruegel the Elder.Noriko reflects on seeing the large version of The Tower of Babel in Vienna at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Inspired by the painting, she discusses human ambition, limits, and the role of language.The biblical story tells of people who once shared a single language and tried to build a tower reaching the heavens. Their excessive ambition led to confusion of language, loss of cooperation, and the collapse of the project.Bruegel’s painting shows countless workers focused only on their own tasks, without seeing the whole structure. Parts of the tower are already collapsing, symbolising miscommunication and lack of coordination.Noriko connects this to modern life and language learning, asking three philosophical questions:How important is it to see the big picture?How much ambition is healthy for humans?What does it really mean for language to “connect” people?She concludes that true communication is not just grammar or vocabulary, but the attitude of trying to understand others. Language learning, she suggests, is ultimately about understanding people and the world through words.フィロソフィー（philosophy）プレイグラウンド（playground）プロジェクト（project）コミュニケーション（communication）インターネット（internet）バージョン（version）ディーテール（detail）ビジョン（vision）アプローチ（approach）コーディネーション（coordination）野心（やしん） – ambition限界（げんかい） – limit言語（げんご） – language言葉（ことば） – words混乱（こんらん） – confusion協力（きょうりょく） – cooperation理解（りかい） – understanding全体像（ぜんたいぞう） – big picture誤解（ごかい） – misunderstanding傲慢（ごうまん） – arrogance本質（ほんしつ） – essence理想化（りそうか） – idealization労働者（ろうどうしゃ） – workers崩れる（くずれる） – to collapse態度・姿勢（たいど・しせい） – attitude / mindset
• Season 3-138 動くから何かを得られる、直感と冒険の旅 With Yasuyo 28.01.2026 16min

  Summary :このエピソードでは、Norikoとやすよさんが2025年の旅行を振り返っています。やすよさんは、直感に従って南フランス、ロンドン、ニューオリンズなどを旅しました。南フランスでは、冒険する気持ちでレンタカーを借り、芸術や風景を楽しみました。ロンドンでは、若いバイオリニストの演奏を聴き、昔の思い出がよみがえる体験をしました。また、仕事で参加したニューオリンズのカンファレンスでは、新しい出会いもありました。この旅を通して、自分から動くこと、直感を信じること、人と会うことの大切さを強く感じたという話です。 In this episode, Noriko talks with Yasuyo from Mori Mori Japanese Lessons about Yasuyo’s travels in 2025.Yasuyo followed her intuition and visited places such as South France, London, and New Orleans. In South France, she enjoyed an adventurous road trip and explored art and local scenery.In London, she attended a concert by a young violinist, which brought back strong memories from her past.She also joined a teaching conference in New Orleans, where she made new connections.Through these experiences, she realized the importance of taking action, trusting intuition, and meeting people in person. 直感（ちょっかん）intuition冒険（ぼうけん）adventure旅（たび）journey / travelハイライトhighlight再会（さいかい）reunion / meeting again縁（えん）connection / fate / bond心が動く（こころがうごく）to be emotionally movedコンフォートゾーンcomfort zone経験（けいけん）experience出会い（であい）encounter / meeting someone newロンドン（ろんどん）London, UKリバプール（りばぷーる）Liverpool, UK南フランス（みなみふらんす）South of Franceコート・ダジュールCôte d’Azur, FranceプロヴァンスProvence, FranceアルルArles, Franceエクス・アン・プロヴァンスAix-en-Provence, FranceニューヨークNew York, USAニューオーリンズNew Orleans, USAシカゴChicago, USA
• Season 3-137 ポイントは「厳選」と「観察」：好きなドラマやアニメで日本語を学ぶ 21.01.2026 11min

  In this episode, Noriko explains how to study Japanese more effectively using videos such as anime, dramas, YouTube, and short clips. She shares two practical tips for learners who enjoy video-based learning.
• Season 3-136 Book Talk with Yuko 7 - 年末年始に読んだ本 14.01.2026 30min

  恩田 陸『なんとかしなくちゃ。 青雲編』恩田 陸『夜のピクニック』逢坂 冬馬『同志少女よ、敵を撃て』川﨑あゆみ『英語が日本語みたいに出てくる頭のつくり方 第二言語習得論の専門家が教える「英語の正しい学習法」』王谷 晶『『ババヤガの夜』マンガ：児島青『本なら売るほど』小泉八雲『怪談』湊かなえ『Nのために』（エヌのために）湊かなえ『告白』パウロコエーリョ『アルケミスト』Yuko's SubstackNoriko's SubstackOur Community : Japanese Together https://japanese-together.mn.co