The Very Simple Japanese Podcast: Short Stories to Help You Learn Japanese
A podcast for Japanese learners, featuring simple short stories read in Japanese. The host, Onigiri, uses beginner to intermediate level language, making it ideal for listening practice. Scripts are available to follow along, and the podcast also has a YouTube channel for additional learning resources.
エピソード
The Origin of the Zodiac - 十二支のはじまり
Today’s episode tells the story of the Twelve Zodiac Animals — a famous tale that explains how the zodiac began. (Key words)じゅんばん：order, sequence 〜ばん：numberとうちゃくする：to arriveYou can get the scripts here → https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888Youtube → https://youtu.be/hFVv9yGRpNIIf you enjoy this story, please like, subscribe, and share so more learners can join our club. Let’s study Japanese together
The Straw Millionaire - わらしべちょうじゃ
In this episode, we explore the famous Japanese folktale “The Straw Millionaire (Warashibe Chōja)”. “Warashibe” means a straw stem and “chōja” means a wealthy person.It’s about an unlucky young man who starts his journey with only a single straw. By valuing small things, helping others, and never giving up, the straw slowly turns into oranges, cloth, a horse, and finally a big house.This heartwarm
The Straw Hat Jizō - かさじぞう
This episode tells the classic Japanese folktale Kasajizō. Set in a cold winter, this fantasy story teaches the value of kindness and caring for others. Perfect for Japanese learners who want to enjoy stories while improving their listening skills.(Keywords)笠（かさ）kasa : straw hat that people wore in the old days.お地蔵さま （おじぞうさま）jizō : a Buddhist figure that looks like a small monk.You can get the scr
The Fox’s Messenger - きつねのつかい
Today’s story is about きつね (fox), lantern oil, and a little temptation… 👀 The keywords are あぶらabura (oil) , いちごう ichigou (180ml), ばける bakeru (transform) and ぺろりperori (lick). Let’s relax, listen, and enjoy learning Japanese😊You can get the scripts ↓https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888Youtube → https://youtu.be/h13YNdk-B6Y
The Story of Ikkyu - Do Not Cross This Bridge
In this episode, I read a classic Japanese folktale about Ikkyu, a clever young monk known for his wit (とんち tonchi).The story plays with the Japanese word “hashi,” which can mean “bridge” or “edge.”Ikkyu uses this double meaning to outsmart the adults around him in a funny and surprising way.This is a short, beginner-friendly listening practice with simple Japanese. Relax, listen, and enjoy the wi
The Story of Ikkyu - The Poison Candy Syrup いっきゅうさん - みずあめのどく
Today’s story is about Ikkyu, a smart and funny young monk who always finds creative ways to solve problems. Here’re some words in the story..kozou-san : a child monkOsho-san : a head monk mizuame : malt syrupdoku : poisonsuzuri : ink stoneEnjoy this classic Japanese tale!You can get the scripts here ↓ https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888Youtube ↓https://youtu.be/iAnYw5tRz4w
Zashiki-warashi - ざしきわらし
Meet Zashiki-warashi, a childlike spirit from Japanese folklore.It brings good luck to the home, but if it leaves, bad luck may follow. A gentle and mysterious story about luck, spirits, and home.You can download the scripts (PDF) on Patreon. ・FREE English translation script → https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888・Full scripts (Hiragana + Kanji + English + Vocabulary Sheets) → for Patreon membersYout
Princess Kaguya - かぐやひめ
Today’s story is a Japanese folktale ”Princess Kaguya” - it’s a fantasy story. I hope you enjoy listening.You can download the scripts (PDF) on Patreon. ・FREE English translation script → https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888・Full scripts (Hiragana + Kanji + English + Vocabulary Sheets) → for Patreon membersYou can also watch it on YouTube. Please check it out!
The Old Man with a Lump - こぶとりじいさん
Today’s story is a Japanese folktale “The Old Man with a Lump.” It’s about two old men. What kind of old men do you think they were? Let’s find out!You can download the scripts (PDF) on Patreon. ・FREE English translation script →https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888・Full scripts (Hiragana + Kanji + English + Vocabulary Sheets) → for Patreon members If you enjoy this story, please like, subscribe, and
Happiness - しあわせ
In this story, “Happiness” (しあわせ) by Shimazaki Tōson, we reflect on the meaning of happiness. The story asks: What is happiness to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts - please share in the comments!📖 Transcripts (PDF) :Free English script → available on my Patreon (Free tier)Full Japanese scripts (Hiragana + Kanji + English) → available for members👉 Check out the Patreon page here:https://www.patr
Two Frogs - 二匹のかえる
This story is based on the work “Two Frogs” by Niimi Nankichi from Aozora Bunko.You can get the script on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888This way you can enjoy the story step by step, and improve your listening and reading skills too. I hope this new Podcast will help you to improve your Japanese. Let’s learn and enjoy Japanese together!
