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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

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

🎧 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)

🎧 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

🌿 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。

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

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?

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

📌 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.

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。

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

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

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.

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 Substack Noriko's Substack Our Community : Japanese Together https://japanese-together.mn.co

Substack Project https://nihongostorytime.substack.com/ Summaryこのポッドキャストでは、2026年の新年の挨拶から始まり、冬休みの旅行で訪れたウィーンとプラハの魅力について語ります。また、スロースタートについて、書くことや読書の価値についても触れています。 In this episode, Noriko reflects on starting 2026 with a slow and intentional pace. Instead of rushing into routines, she chooses rest, reflection, and space. She shares memories from her winter trip to Vienna and Prague, describing their history, Christmas markets, and atmosphere. Noriko also talks about reassessing where to spend her energy this year—stepping back from Instagram while focusing more on writing, journaling, and reading. The episode encourages listeners to move at their own pace, enjoy learning, and value what feels meaningful. 🔑 キーワード語彙リスト（10語） スロースタートslow start; easing into something 伝統習慣（でんとうしゅうかん）personal tradition; customary habit 余白（よはく）mental space; margin; breathing room 雑談（ざつだん）casual chat; small talk 余韻（よいん）lingering feeling; afterglow ピークシーズンpeak season; busiest travel period 歴史の厚み（れきしのあつみ）depth of history; historical richness ロマンチックな雰囲気romantic atmosphere 力を抜く／力を入れるto ease off / to focus energy on ジャーナリングjournaling; reflective writing