Podcasts about Golden Week

As China's Communist Party conclave gets underway, we take a look at one of the biggest things affecting the country's economy; debt. 2024 saw an estimated 25 - 34 million people default on their personal loans while household debt has now reached more than 60% of GDP. With the government using subsidies and handouts to get people spending, can China's debt problem be solved?Presenter: Ed Butler / Producer: Matt Lines(Image: Diners in Shanghai, China during Golden Week, 2024. Credit: Getty Images)

Tu and Lei unpack a pivotal week in global EVs — where Germany's giants stumble and China keeps charging ahead.

Today's Episode:During China's Golden Week, many young travellers skipped pricey hotels and slept in tents instead — not in the wild, but near train stations and tourist spots! In this episode, discover why more young people in China are choosing tents over comfort during the holidays.Today's episode is sponsored by Maayot Chinese, a graded Chinese reading platform packed with many helpful features. Explore it and find out more!Membership Preview:Ever wondered how some travellers explore the world without spending a fortune? In this episode of MaoMi Chinese+, we dive into the secrets of budget travel, clever hacks, and how young people see adventure differently, all while keeping it fun and real!Support MaoMi & Get exclusive   to premium content!https://www.buzzsprout.com/1426696/subscribe ↗️Transcript and translations are available on https://maomichinese.comInterested in any topics? Leave me a message on: https://maomichinese.com or https://www.instagram.com/maomichinese/?hl=en*Please note that Spotify does not support the membership program.Text me what you think :)Support the show

After three weeks in Japan, Singapore and Italy, Gary and Hannah are back in KL to recap the top travel talking points from September and early October. China's Mid-Autumn Golden Week has just wrapped up, so we assess the current state of play in a diversifying Chinese outbound market. Elsewhere, we discuss a raft of new Muslim-friendly tourism initiatives being introduced across South East Asia, note a shift towards waterborne transport innovation and crunch the numbers of a tax relief scheme for travel industry workers in Indonesia. Plus, Thailand's THB300 Tourism Tax is being resuscitated (again), and the nation's tourism authority is turning to the diplomatic community as travel influencers. Plus, we delve deeper into AirAsia's potential purchase of COMAC planes, and take a quick layover in Brunei to reflect on the region's smallest visitor economy.

Golden Week has just wrapped, offering a timely snapshot of China's consumer sentiment. Travel volumes surged, but spending data remained subdued, highlighting the limits of short-term stimulus and reinforcing calls for deeper structural reform.Amidst this backdrop, China's stock market continues to rally, prompting fresh questions: Can momentum broaden beyond tech? Will long-awaited social reforms finally shift the consumption narrative? And what does a weakening US dollar mean for global asset allocation?Richard Tang, Head of Research Hong Kong at Julius Baer, and Hong Hao, Managing Partner and CIO of Lotus Asset Management Ltd., return to unpack the macro forces behind the rally, the outlook for the 15th Five-Year Plan, and why gold and silver are stealing the spotlight in 2025.This episode was recorded on 8 October 2025.

As China's National Day holiday wraps up, we look back at a week defined by massive movement, packed tourist spots, and a surge in consumer spending. Join us for a recap of the biggest stories from this year's Golden Week. On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushan

In this week's Supply Chain Secrets podcast, hosts Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen unpack the latest developments shaping container shipping and global trade.Lars calls in from Curaçao with an update on freight rates across the Pacific and how carriers' blank sailings are reshaping capacity as Golden Week slows volumes. He dives into the USTR's new restrictions on Chinese-owned vessels — and how China's maritime legislation hints at potential retaliation against U.S. shipping interests.The episode also explores:Why “booked vs. shipped” rates can tell two very different stories — and how indices like NYFI reveal what's actually moving in the marketHow the IMO's new charcoal transport regulations aim to prevent vessel firesThe latest on Red Sea security after another Houthi attack on a Dutch multipurpose vessel, and the EU's ongoing Operation Aspides responsePacked with context, clarity, and real-world insights, this episode breaks down how data, policy, and geopolitics continue to collide across the global supply chain.

Bloomberg Daybreak Weekend with Host Tom Busby take a look at some of the stories we'll be tracking in the coming week. In the US – a look ahead to the impact of lumber and timber tariffs on housing, and President Donald Trump’s Pfizer deal on drugmakers. In the UK – a look ahead to the Nobel Prize decisions. In Asia – a look ahead to the impact of the Golden Week holiday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

APAC stocks traded mixed following modest gains on Wall Street, with focus on the length of the US government shutdown after the Senate rejected the House-passed CR, whilst Chinese participants were away for Golden Week.The Senate has rejected the House-passed CR (as expected), cementing a shutdown, while House and Senate GOP leaders will hold a 10 a.m. (15:00 BST) news conference Wednesday, according to Politico, citing sources.BoJ Tankan Survey came in mixed and not strong enough to trigger hawkish repricing. Pricing tilted incrementally dovish as the dust settled, with a BoJ official noting firms were divided on the impact of US tariffs.The OPEC Secretariat firmly rejected media reports alleging that the OPEC-8 countries are planning to increase production by 500k bpd, calling the claims wholly inaccurate and misleading. Looking ahead, highlights include EZ & UK Final Manufacturing PMI (Sep), EZ Flash HICP (Sep), US ADP (Sep), ISM Manufacturing (Sep), Atlanta Fed GDP, BoC Minutes, Fed's Barkin, ECB's Elderson, de Guindos, Rehn, BoC's Rogers, supply from UK and Germany.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

The US government hurtled toward a Wednesday shutdown as Democrats blocked a Republican stopgap funding package that didn't address their demands, the latest sign that neither party was likely to fold in the final hours before a federal funding deadline. With no more votes planned in the Senate before a midnight deadline, the White House's Office of Management and Budget instructed government agencies to "execute their plans for an orderly shutdown." Despite the risk of a shutdown, US equities notched a second straight quarter of gains. We spoke to is Viraj Patel, Executive VP & Head of Asset Allocation at Fiduciary Trust International.Plus - China's Golden Week starts, with all eyes on consumption over the holiday. Millions are set to travel, shop, and dine during that time period. Their spending data will offer clues on whether deflationary pressures are easing and if policy support is translating into real economic activity. To encourage consumption, city governments are issuing coupons largely targeting autos, dining and tourism, while the central government released service-industry stimulus measures, including extended museum hours and more sports events. For more, we spoke to Catherine Lim, Senior Analyst: Consumer and Technology for Bloomberg Intelligence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September saw strong gains across markets, with the S&P 500 up 3%. Hong Kong outperformed, rising 7%. Gold hit multiple highs and credit spreads narrowed to multi-year lows. Yesterday, healthcare rallied after Pfizer announced discounted drug sales via a new government platform. Switzerland and the United States issued a joint statement opposing currency manipulation. In Asia, trading was subdued due to China's Golden Week, while Tokyo declined on interest rate concerns. Dario Messi, Head of Fixed Income Research, comments on the US government shutdown, noting that while politically sensitive, the market impact is likely to remain limited.(00:00) - Introduction: Helen Freer, Product & Investment Content (00:58) - Markets wrap-up: Mike Rauber, Product & Investment Content (07:29) - Bond market update: Dario Messi, Head of Fixed Income Research (11:09) - Closing remarks: Helen Freer, Product & Investment Content Would you like to support this show? Please leave us a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Our Shanghai-based red meat expert is on day one of The Golden Week, an eight-day holiday in China where everyone goes travelling. He comments on whether this holiday is good news for New Zealand’s red meat and how changes in restaurant culture and a struggling economy are affecting our exports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Durante la Golden Week 2025, los viajes desde China a España han crecido un 53 % según Trip.com, con Barcelona y Madrid como principales destinos y un fuerte repunte en ciudades históricas como Toledo (+205 %), Granada (+119 %) y Sevilla (+115 %). Este “súper puente” vacacional, que combina el Día Nacional de China con el Festival del Medio Otoño, ha consolidado a España como uno de los destinos europeos favoritos para los viajeros asiáticos.El presidente de la Confederación Española de Hoteles y Alojamientos Turísticos, Jorge Marichal, defendió que el turismo no es responsable de la crisis de vivienda en España. Señaló como principales factores el crecimiento descontrolado de los pisos turísticos y la ausencia de políticas públicas de construcción desde 2009.El Aeropuerto Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat iniciará en 2028 la reforma de su terminal T1, que incluirá el desplazamiento de su fachada 38 metros hacia adelante para sumar 70.000 m² y aumentar un 15% su superficie. La actuación, con un presupuesto de 700 millones de euros, forma parte del plan de ampliación global del aeródromo, valorado en 3.200 millones, y se prevé que esté operativa entre 2031 y 2032.Los trenes de alta velocidad en España transportaron 11,8 millones de viajeros en el segundo trimestre de 2025, un 15,2% más que en el mismo periodo del año anterior, según la CNMC. El corredor Madrid-Alicante fue el de mayor crecimiento con un 22% más de usuarios, mientras que la ruta Madrid-Barcelona alcanzó un récord histórico de 3,9 millones de pasajeros pese al encarecimiento de los billetes.World2Meet (W2M) ha adquirido el 50% de eBooking, la segunda OTA de España con presencia en 160 mercados, en una operación destinada a reforzar su crecimiento y consolidar su posición en el sector. Con esta alianza, W2M suma una nueva plataforma a su catálogo junto a Flowo, mientras que eBooking gana impulso para acelerar su expansión internacional.

The latest Supply Chain Secrets dives into the widening gap between quoted rates and what's actually paid. Lars Jensen explains how the NYFI reveals a “phantom peak” that never materialized on the Trans-Pacific, the sharp declines on Asia–South America, and why Golden Week isn't offering carriers relief.We also break down Trump's tariff announcements, what the upcoming USTR fees mean for carriers (and how Seaspan and Hede Shipping are reacting), and look ahead at the vessel order book and why 2027 could mark the bottom of the cycle.

Kia ora,Welcome to Tuesday's Economy Watch where we follow the economic events and trends that affect Aotearoa/New Zealand.I'm David Chaston and this is the international edition from Interest.co.nz.And today we lead with news gold is soaring on US missteps, and oil is falling as demand falters while supply is rising fast.Overnight US data was mixed. August pending home sales came in a little better than expected, up +4.0% from July, but only up +3.8% from year ago levels which themselves were relatively stunted. Less than 20% of American realtors expect the next three months to improve.But the Dallas Fed factory survey reported a sharpish turn lower, a second consecutive monthly contraction in manufacturing activity and the steepest since June. But they still have growth, just far less. New orders dipped again. Costs continue to rise faster than selling prices.The chances of a US federal government shutdown are rising with compromise no longer in anyone's vocabulary. Trump thinks no-one will blame him for his intransigence.And apparently, the next US tariff target is movie production - something both Australian and New Zealand creative industries will look at with trepidation.Singapore reported their producer prices rose. They grew by +1.1% in August from a year ago, after a -2.4% drop in the previous month. And this was their first producer price inflation since March 2025.Later today, China will release its August PMI data, the key releases before their Golden Week holiday break that starts tomorrow.In India, industrial production rose +4.0% in August from a year ago, slowing slightly from the upwardly revised 4.3% growth rate in July, but less than the expected +5% increase. Still, the result continued a reasonable first half of the year, showing that initial tariffs by the Americans did not have a significant immediate impact on their industrial activity.But today's big news will be the RBA's upcoming rate review. Analysts expect no change at 3.6%. Financial markets are of the same view with nothing priced in to secondary market wholesale rates. But the RBA will be weighing the impact of relatively strong labour markets, good economic growth, low budget deficits and a strong fiscal impulse, along with rising CPI inflation touching 3.0% in August. Waiting could leave them with a harder-to-control inflation problem, although to be fair, no-one expects a rise today even if many think it would be warranted and wise.The UST 10yr yield is now at 4.14%, down -5 bps from yesterday.The price of gold will start today at US$3830/oz, up +US$72 from yesterday and a new all-time high. Silver had yet another big spurt, now almost at US$47/oz. This latest surge puts the US gold stockpile at Fort Knox and the NY Fed now worth more than US$1 tln.American oil prices are down a sharpish -US$2 at just over US$63/bbl, with the international Brent price now just over US$67.50/bbl. With global demand wavering, the planned OPEC increase, plus the resumption of Iraqi oil from their Kurdistan region has traders talking about a glut.The Kiwi dollar is at just over 57.8 USc and up +10 bps from yesterday. Against the Aussie however we are down -25 bps at 87.9 AUc and that is the lowest in three years. Against the euro we are little-changed at 49.3 euro cents. That all means our TWI-5 starts today at just on 65.1, down -10 bps.The bitcoin price starts today at US$113,795 and up +3.2% from yesterday. Volatility over the past 24 hours has been modest at under +/- 1.8%.You can get more news affecting the economy in New Zealand from interest.co.nz.Kia ora. I'm David Chaston. And we will do this again tomorrow.

Market news for September 29, 2025: Gold races past US$3,800/oz level as softer dollar, rate-cut bets lift appeal; Australian shares hit near 2-week high as banks, healthcare stocks gain; China’s Golden Week holiday set to revive consumer stocks; CapitaLand Commercial C-Reit opens 19.6% higher than IPO price in Shanghai debut. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written and hosted by: Emily Liu (emilyliu@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow Market Focus Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btmktfocus Amazon: bt.sg/mfam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/mfap Spotify: bt.sg/mfsp YouTube Music: bt.sg/mfyt Website: bt.sg/mktfocus Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Washington edges closer to a government shutdown, contradictory signals in the US economy are keeping investors on edge, from a cooling labor market to resilient growth and consumption. Meanwhile, Trump’s tariffs remain unpredictable but markets seem largely unfazed. Mel Siew, Portfolio Manager for Asia Public Credit at Muzinich & Co, also examines how China’s Golden Week may reveal consumer strength, why EM and Asian credit are seeing strong inflows, and where opportunities are emerging in credit markets. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of the people traveling during the weeklong holiday are going on road trips. Chinese authorities also anticipate an average of more than two million daily cross border trips during "Golden Week."

Kia ora,Welcome to Monday's Economy Watch where we follow the economic events and trends that affect Aotearoa/New Zealand.I'm David Chaston and this is the international edition from Interest.co.nz.And today we lead with news even the giant American economy can't seem to maintain its momentum, with Trump grabbing at all the levers of government. He is even taking government domain names and inserting is personal interests. It will become increasingly hard to separate real American economic data from that skewed by his army of MAGA blackshirts who have been inserted into these agencies.The week ahead will be busy, with major economic releases that will culminate with the US September non-farm payrolls report and related labour market data. Ordinarily they impact the policy path for the Fed this year. Markets currently expect jobs growth of less than +50,000 and settling in to a low trajectory. Before that we will get the ADP private employment report (expect even less), results from the JOLTS report, and Challenger job cuts (a big jump is expected by analysts).Besides labour updates, investors will also be on alert for the risk of a US government shutdown at the start of the new fiscal year on October 1The September update of the ISM PMI is due (analysts think it will be more contractionary than in August), and we will also get PMI releases from China, Canada, Brazil, South Korea, and ASEAN countries.Regionally, the RBA will be reviewing its monetary policy settings on Tuesday, and now no rate cut is expected due to rising inflation pressures, so markets expect it to stay at 3.6%. India will also be reviewing its monetary policy position late Wednesday, and no change is expected there either, keeping their rate at 5.5%.Daylight savings time has started in New Zealand of course, but not yet in Australia. So we will be 3 hours ahead of eastern Australia. But Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia do not observe daylight saving time, making it a patchwork system across their country.Over the weekend, China released August industrial profits data. After struggling all year to July to show any improvement on the equivalent month a year ago, August industrial profits rose at a good clip, up by more than +20% on the prior August's lame result. There was faster growth in the private sector while state-owned enterprises recorded a much smaller decline.And we should note that China is about to go on its 2025 national Golden Week holiday which will run from Wednesday, October 1st to Wednesday, October 8th, an extended eight-day holiday that combines National Day with the Mid-Autumn Festival. This is a major time for domestic and international travel, resulting in busy transportation and tourist activity. Businesses largely suspend their operations in this time but key government departments do operate.Over the weekend, Singapore released industrial production data delivering a large negative surprise. This activity was down a massive -7.8% in August from a year ago. The month-on-month data was sharply negative too. It was largely driven by very big drops in the electronics and biomedical sectors and caught analysts very much by surprise.And over the weekend in the world's largest economy, they released personal income and spending data for August which came in pretty much as anticipated. Personal disposable income rose +0.4% in the month and personal consumption expenditure rose +0.6% on the same basis - all from the prior month. But if you think about it, these are actually fast annualised rises, with costs rising much faster than incomes.This same data shows incomes were up +1.9% from a year ago, consumption up 2.7% on that year-ago basis. And as we noted, recent changes are rising faster than these annual shifts. The Fed will have noticed, as PCE inflation is now running well over 3% and its fastest since February. Goods inflation is 4.2% with durable goods up +5.2% in a year in this data. Clearly the tariff-tax effect is not transitory.The updated September University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey for the US was revised slightly lower to be -21% lower than a year ago. Consumers surveyed continue to express frustration over persistently high prices, with 44% spontaneously mentioning to surveyors that high prices are eroding their personal finances. And they say they expect inflation to be +4.7% higher in a year's time - interestingly similar to the current goods inflation data.Markets are going to have to accept that inflation is being structurally embedded at above target levels and that the prospect of more rate cuts is receding if the Fed is to have any credibility with an inflation-fighting mandate. Financial markets have priced in one -25 bps rate cut this year, two by the end of January 2026. Politics may deliver them but it will be at the expense of inflation - which is clearly rising again and quite fast.And the US has also arbitrarily decided to impose new tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, adding to the costs their consumers will have to pay, either via import duties or from new facilities to be built locally. If it goes as Trump plans, the excess capacity internationally (after removing production for the US) will cause international prices to fall as US prices rise. Lose-lose for Americans, win-win for international consumers.The UST 10yr yield is now at 4.19%, little-changed from Saturday to be up +5 bps from a week ago.The price of gold will start today at US$3759/oz, down -US$14 from Saturday. That is up +US$78 from a week ago. Silver had another big spurt over the weekend, now up over US$46/oz, a weekly gain of +US$3.American oil prices are down -50 USc at just over US$65/bbl, with the international Brent price now just over US$69.50/bbl.The Kiwi dollar is at just under 57.7 USc and down -10 bps from Saturday, and down -80 bps from a week ago. Against the Aussie we are unchanged at 88.2 AUc but down -60 bps for the week. Against the euro we are down -10 bps at 49.3 euro cents. That all means our TWI-5 starts today at just on 65.2, similar to Saturday at this time.The bitcoin price starts today at US$110,271 and up +0.6% from Saturday. Volatility over the past 24 hours has been very low at under +/- 0.5%.You can get more news affecting the economy in New Zealand from interest.co.nz.Kia ora. I'm David Chaston. And we will do this again tomorrow.

In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down the latest volatility in container shipping. Asia–Europe rates continue their seasonal slide, while the Pacific faces a dramatic collapse in demand just as carriers push blank sailings. Lars explains why the gap between quoted and paid spot rates matters, why blank sailings may slow—but not stop—rate erosion, and how Golden Week timing is shaping strategy. The conversation also covers the looming U.S.–China tariff pause deadline, MEPC decarbonization politics, and CMA-CGM's latest move in intermodal rail.

Large chunks of publicly available data on carriers have vanished from the FMCSA's website, impacting transparency for safety scrutiny efforts. Neither the FMCSA nor the Department of Transportation has yet offered an explanation for this significant data disappearance. Yellow Corp. is selling a Baltimore service center for $4.7 million, with only 11 terminals now remaining from its original 325-plus locations. Yellow has successfully sold over 200 service centers for nearly $2.4 billion since beginning its liquidation process. The surprising boost in container rates, influenced by positive trade negotiations between China and the US, include a potential TikTok deal. Rates from China to the US West Coast surged 7% week-over-week and 34% since late August, with East Coast prices also rising due to general rate increases and demand before China's Golden Week.  Finally, don't miss Malcolm Harris and Adam Wingfield on FreightWaves TV today at noon, discussing Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Remember to grab your last-chance tickets for the Future of Freight Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on October 21st and 22nd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Large chunks of publicly available data on carriers have vanished from the FMCSA's website, impacting transparency for safety scrutiny efforts. Neither the FMCSA nor the Department of Transportation has yet offered an explanation for this significant data disappearance. Yellow Corp. is selling a Baltimore service center for $4.7 million, with only 11 terminals now remaining from its original 325-plus locations. Yellow has successfully sold over 200 service centers for nearly $2.4 billion since beginning its liquidation process. The surprising boost in container rates, influenced by positive trade negotiations between China and the US, include a potential TikTok deal. Rates from China to the US West Coast surged 7% week-over-week and 34% since late August, with East Coast prices also rising due to general rate increases and demand before China's Golden Week.  Finally, don't miss Malcolm Harris and Adam Wingfield on FreightWaves TV today at noon, discussing Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Remember to grab your last-chance tickets for the Future of Freight Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on October 21st and 22nd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dans ce nouvel épisode de Kaiwa, nous enregistrons… en vacances au Japon ! L'occasion parfaite pour parler d'un sujet qui touche tout le monde : les vacances et les congés. Alors qu'en France, on imagine les vacances comme de longues pauses estivales, la réalité japonaise est bien différente et parfois surprenante.Mathieu en profite pour poser toutes ses questions à Nico, qui partage ses expériences personnelles et ses observations : combien de jours de congés ont réellement les salariés japonais ? Comment fonctionnent les grandes pauses nationales comme le Nouvel An, la Golden Week au printemps ou l'Obon en été ? Et pourquoi certains employés hésitent à utiliser leurs congés pourtant légaux ?Nous parlerons aussi des vacances scolaires, bien différentes de celles que nous connaissons en Europe : des pauses plus courtes, parfois très studieuses, où les enfants ont des devoirs, des clubs et des activités collectives, mais aussi des moments privilégiés en famille pour voyager, retrouver les grands-parents ou profiter des festivals locaux.Entre anecdotes vécues sur place et explications culturelles, cet épisode vous plonge dans la manière dont les Japonais envisagent leur temps libre, entre traditions familiales, contraintes professionnelles et particularités scolaires.Et maintenant, on aimerait avoir votre avis ! N'hésitez pas à nous le dire en commentaire, à partager vos anecdotes sur les réseaux sociaux, ou à poser vos questions pour les prochains épisodes. Comme toujours, pensez à partager le podcast autour de vous si le sujet vous a plu.On se retrouve très bientôt pour un nouvel épisode !Générique : « tiger & dragon » Crazy Ken Band.Sortie le 8 septembre 2025#Japon #日本 #société #日本社会 #vacances # congés #夏休み #バカンス #祝日

Container rates remained largely unchanged last week despite a drop in freight volumes on most major trade routes. Rates from Asia to the US West Coast ports held steady at $1,700 per FEU, and $2,700 per FEU to East Coast ports, as carriers grapple with demand ahead of China's Golden Week. You can read more about this in "Ocean rates unchanged even as freight volumes decline - FreightWaves". Six individuals were arrested in Louisiana for a scheme to falsely issue Class A Commercial Driver's Licenses without applicants completing the required tests. This conspiracy involved bribes to pass both the knowledge and skills tests, with all six facing charges including conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Learn more about this in "Louisiana scheme to obtain class A CDLs without passing tests snags six in sweeping indictment - FreightWaves". A significant contract dispute continues between Canada Post and the union representing 50,000 mail carriers, with no agreement reached since their last meeting in May. Canada Post recently reported its largest-ever quarterly loss of US$294 million pre-tax for the second quarter, stating the union's counter-offer does not address necessary structural changes. For further details, see "Canada Post and union contract divide widens - FreightWaves". Finally, nominations are currently open for the Shipper of Choice Award until September 30th, with winners to be announced on October 20th, ahead of the F3 festival. You can also register for the F3 event in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on October 21st and 22nd, and a free Cross-Border Summit on September 10th, by visiting live.freightwaves.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Container rates remained largely unchanged last week despite a drop in freight volumes on most major trade routes. Rates from Asia to the US West Coast ports held steady at $1,700 per FEU, and $2,700 per FEU to East Coast ports, as carriers grapple with demand ahead of China's Golden Week. You can read more about this in "Ocean rates unchanged even as freight volumes decline - FreightWaves". Six individuals were arrested in Louisiana for a scheme to falsely issue Class A Commercial Driver's Licenses without applicants completing the required tests. This conspiracy involved bribes to pass both the knowledge and skills tests, with all six facing charges including conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Learn more about this in "Louisiana scheme to obtain class A CDLs without passing tests snags six in sweeping indictment - FreightWaves". A significant contract dispute continues between Canada Post and the union representing 50,000 mail carriers, with no agreement reached since their last meeting in May. Canada Post recently reported its largest-ever quarterly loss of US$294 million pre-tax for the second quarter, stating the union's counter-offer does not address necessary structural changes. For further details, see "Canada Post and union contract divide widens - FreightWaves". Finally, nominations are currently open for the Shipper of Choice Award until September 30th, with winners to be announced on October 20th, ahead of the F3 festival. You can also register for the F3 event in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on October 21st and 22nd, and a free Cross-Border Summit on September 10th, by visiting live.freightwaves.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vietnam and South Korea have "visa-easing tricks up their sleeves" as China's October Golden Week nears. And, with two-thirds of 2025 completed, attentions are turning to the peak end-of-year travel season across Asia. That's the backdrop for a frenetic month of travel activity region-wide in August. For our regular monthly round-up, Gary and Hannah travel around ASEAN with stopovers in Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines, plus China and South Korea. Along the way, we discuss Vietnam's new 2025 arrivals target, plus Airbnb's big numbers to argue its economic value across APAC markets. Kuala Lumpur talks airport terminal inter-linkage and Thai Vietjet announces ambitious expansion plans, while the financial costs of the Thailand-Cambodia weigh heavily in both countries. Finally, could senior tour guides in the Philippines herald a new era of engaging mature tourism professionals to service travellers from ageing source markets? .

At least one Canadian was on board Air India flight 171, when it crashed into a residential area in Ahmedabad, India, killing all but one of the 242 people on the plane, and several others on the ground. It's the first fatal crash for a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The jet was 11 years old, with no major problems previously reported. So — what made it drop from the sky less than a minute after taking off?And: It's a dramatic video at a dramatic time. A U.S. senator forcibly pushed to the ground and handcuffed in LA as he shouts questions at the Homeland Security Director about arrests and detentions of undocumented immigrants. The scene now part of the debate dividing Americans over how much force is too much to solve a problem.Also: She's broken three world records — including one she'd set. And that's just this week. Eighteen-year-old swimmer Summer McIntosh is crushing the competition and cementing her place as one of best swimmers of her generation.Plus: Closing arguments in the sex-assault trial of hockey players, surgeries are up in Canada — but so are wait times, Iran fails to meet nuclear commitments as tensions rise, and more.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Against All Odds: Rina's Poker Triumph in Tokyo Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-05-30-22-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 夜の東京。En: Night in Tokyo.Ja: 豪華なカジノの中、きらびやかな灯が輝いている。En: Inside a luxurious casino, the dazzling lights shine brightly.Ja: リナは、深呼吸をして心を落ち着ける。En: Rina takes a deep breath to calm herself.Ja: この場所は、和とモダンが融合した美しい空間だ。En: This place is a beautiful space where traditional Japanese style and modernity blend.Ja: 彼女は、緊張した表情を浮かべていた。En: She wore a tense expression.Ja: ゴールデンウィークの熱気が漂う春の夜、リナは一つの目的を持ってここにいる。それは、ポーカートーナメントで勝利し、家族の借金を返済するためだ。En: On a spring night filled with the excitement of Golden Week, Rina is here with one purpose: to win the poker tournament and repay her family's debt.Ja: 彼女の前には、大きなテーブルがあり、周りにはプロのポーカープレイヤーたちが座っている。En: In front of her is a large table, around which professional poker players are seated.Ja: その中に、アキラがいる。En: Among them is Akira.Ja: 彼は、トーナメントの本命とされている強力な相手だ。En: He is considered the favorite in the tournament, a formidable opponent.Ja: 彼との対決を前に、リナは自信を失いかけていた。En: Before facing him, Rina was starting to lose her confidence.Ja: しかし、リナは負けられない理由があった。En: However, Rina had a reason she couldn't afford to lose.Ja: 父の病気で大変だったころ、家族を支えるためにずっと頑張ってきた。En: When her father was ill, she had been working hard to support her family.Ja: ここでの勝利が、全てを変える鍵になる。En: A victory here would be the key to changing everything.Ja: リナはカードを握りしめ、集中力を高めた。En: Rina gripped her cards and focused her concentration.Ja: ゲームが進むにつれ、緊張が高まる。En: As the game progressed, the tension increased.Ja: アキラの顔からは感情が読めない。En: Akira's face revealed no emotion.Ja: 周りの観客も息を呑む瞬間だ。En: It was a moment when even the surrounding audience held their breath.Ja: それでも、リナは感じ取っていた。En: Yet, Rina sensed it.Ja: アキラが仕掛けるブロフの気配を。En: The hint of a bluff from Akira.Ja: ここで勝負に出るしかない。En: She had no choice but to take a chance here.Ja: 「オールイン。」リナは静かに宣言する。En: "All in." Rina calmly declared.Ja: 彼女の心臓は速く打っていたが、目は決して揺るがない。En: Her heart was racing, but her eyes remained unwavering.Ja: アキラは一瞬ためらうが、応じる。En: Akira hesitated for a moment but matched her bet.Ja: そして、カードが開かれる。En: Then, the cards were revealed.Ja: 結果は…リナの勝ちだ！En: The result is... Rina's win!Ja: 歓声が上がる中、リナは少し驚いていた。En: Surprised murmurs erupted, and Rina was a bit taken aback.Ja: そして、次第にその実感が彼女を包み込む。En: Gradually, the realization enveloped her.Ja: 彼女はやり遂げたのだ。En: She had done it.Ja: 家族の未来を救うために、お金を手に入れた。En: She had secured the money to save her family's future.Ja: そして、自分を信じることができた。En: And she was able to believe in herself.Ja: リナは歓喜の中で新しい自分を見つけた。En: In her joy, Rina discovered a new version of herself.Ja: 彼女は強く、そして自由だ。En: She was strong, and she was free.Ja: カジノの明るいライトが彼女を祝福しているかのように輝いて見えた。En: The bright lights of the casino seemed to shine as if celebrating her.Ja: リナは、微笑みを浮かべ、確信した。En: Rina smiled and was convinced.Ja: 未来は明るい、と。En: The future is bright. Vocabulary Words:luxurious: 豪華なdazzling: きらびやかなblend: 融合tense: 緊張したexpression: 表情purpose: 目的repay: 返済debt: 借金formidable: 強力なopponent: 相手confidence: 自信victory: 勝利concentration: 集中力tension: 緊張emotion: 感情audience: 観客bluff: ブロフdeclared: 宣言するhesitated: ためらうmurmurs: 歓声enveloped: 包み込むrealization: 実感secured: 手に入れたfuture: 未来joy: 歓喜version: 新しい自分strong: 強くfree: 自由celebrating: 祝福しているbright: 明るい

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Blossoms of Balance: A Tokyo Tale of Stress and Renewal Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-05-29-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 東京のオフィス街は活気に満ちていました。En: The office district in Tokyo was filled with energy.Ja: 新しい春が始まり、桜の飾りが街を彩ります。En: A new spring had begun, and sakura decorations adorned the city.Ja: オフィスビルの窓からは、華やかな桜並木と東京のスカイラインが一望できます。En: From the windows of the office buildings, you could see the lively cherry blossom trees and Tokyo's skyline at a glance.Ja: ゴールデンウィークの前の週、みんな忙しく働いていました。En: The week before Golden Week, everyone was busy working.Ja: ハルトはデスクに座り、プロジェクトの資料を見ていました。En: Haruto was seated at his desk, reviewing the project materials.Ja: しかし、その顔には疲れがにじんでいました。En: However, a trace of fatigue showed on his face.Ja: 最近、彼は頻繁に頭痛を感じ、仕事が捗りません。En: Recently, he had frequently experienced headaches, and work was progressing poorly.Ja: 締切が近づく中、なんとか終わらせてゴールデンウィークを安心して迎えたいと考えていました。En: With deadlines approaching, he wanted to somehow finish his tasks and greet the Golden Week with peace of mind.Ja: 彼の同僚のアイコはハルトの様子に気づきました。En: His colleague Aiko noticed Haruto's condition.Ja: 「ハルトさん、大丈夫？」と彼女は心配そうに尋ねました。En: "Are you okay, Haruto-san?" she asked with concern.Ja: アイコは観察力が鋭く、ハルトの調子が悪いことに気づいたのです。En: Aiko was very observant and had noticed that Haruto was not feeling well.Ja: 「ええ、大丈夫です」とハルトは答えましたが、その顔はあまり自信に満ちていませんでした。En: "Yes, I'm fine," Haruto replied, but his face didn't show much confidence.Ja: アイコはさらに言いました。「最近、ずっと顔が疲れているみたい。病院に行ってみたらどう？」En: Aiko continued, "Lately, you seem to have been looking tired all the time. Why don't you try going to the hospital?"Ja: ハルトは迷いました。En: Haruto hesitated.Ja: 仕事を休むのは気が引けましたが、頭痛がひどくて集中できません。En: He felt reluctant to take time off work, but his headaches were severe, and he couldn't concentrate.Ja: 「うーん、でも締切が…」と彼はためらいました。En: "Hmm, but the deadline..." he hesitated.Ja: アイコは優しく彼を説得しました。「健康が大事だよ。まずは体を大切にしないと、締切は問題を解決できないよ。」En: Aiko gently persuaded him, "Health is important. If you don't take care of yourself first, a deadline won't solve the problem."Ja: その夜、ハルトは悩んだ末に決心し、次の日早めに帰って医者を訪れました。En: That night, after much contemplation, Haruto made up his mind and decided to leave early the next day to visit a doctor.Ja: 診察の結果、彼はストレスと疲労が原因の頭痛だとわかりました。En: The examination revealed that his headaches were caused by stress and fatigue.Ja: 次の日、ハルトはアイコに感謝の気持ちを伝えました。En: The following day, Haruto expressed his gratitude to Aiko.Ja: 「アイコさん、ありがとう。病院で詳しく調べてもらって、本当に良かったです。」En: "Thank you, Aiko-san. It was really good to have a thorough check-up at the hospital."Ja: アイコは微笑んで、「これからは何か相談があれば、いつでも言ってね。仕事を少し見直す手伝いをするから」と言いました。En: Aiko smiled and said, "If you ever have anything to discuss, feel free to tell me. I'll help you reconsider some work."Ja: ハルトは彼女の申し出を受け入れ、新しいプランを立てました。En: Haruto accepted her offer and devised a new plan.Ja: 彼は仕事を段階的に進めることにし、無理をせずに休息をとるようにしました。En: He decided to proceed with work in stages and to take breaks without overexerting himself.Ja: ゴールデンウィークが始まりました。En: Golden Week began.Ja: ハルトは自分が立てた計画のおかげで、穏やかな時間を過ごすことができました。En: Thanks to the plan he had made, Haruto was able to spend tranquil times.Ja: 彼は仕事と健康のバランスをもっと大切にすることを学び、ヘルプを受け入れることの大切さを知りました。En: He learned to value the balance between work and health more and recognized the importance of accepting help.Ja: 桜が舞う中、ハルトはアイコと一緒に昼食をとりながら、これからの仕事に前向きな気持ちで取り組むことを決意しました。En: With sakura petals dancing, Haruto lunching with Aiko, and with a positive mindset toward future work.Ja: オフィスにはまた元気な声が響き、東京の春はますます美しく広がっていきました。En: Energetic voices once again echoed in the office, and Tokyo's spring spread ever more beautifully. Vocabulary Words:adorned: 彩りますlively: 華やかfatigue: 疲れfrequently: 頻繁にprogressing: 捗りませんdeadline: 締切observant: 観察力が鋭くreluctant: 気が引けましたconcentrate: 集中persuaded: 説得しましたcontemplation: 悩んだ末にexamination: 診察fatigue: 疲労thorough: 詳しくgratitude: 感謝の気持ちdevised: 見直すstages: 段階的にoverexerting: 無理をせずにtranquil: 穏やかなbalance: バランスrecognized: 知りましたpetals: 桜が舞うpositive: 前向きmindset: 気持ちenergetic: 元気なechoed: 響きdecoration: 飾りskyline: スカイラインhesitated: ためらいましたconsult: 相談があれば

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Rain or Shine: A Village Festival's Unexpected Triumph Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-05-26-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の風が村を包み、桜の花びらが舞い散る中、古の日本の村は賑やかだった。En: The spring breeze enveloped the village, and as sakura petals danced and scattered, the ancient Japanese village was lively.Ja: ゴールデンウィークを迎え、村の子どもたちは学校祭の準備で忙しかった。En: With the arrival of Golden Week, the village children were busy preparing for the school festival.Ja: 晴れていた朝、はるかは学校の庭に立ち、深呼吸をした。En: On a sunny morning, Haruka stood in the school courtyard and took a deep breath.Ja: 彼女は村中の人々を驚かせるような最高のパフォーマンスを作りたいと考えていた。En: She wanted to create the best performance that would amaze everyone in the village.Ja: しかし、彼女の頭には一つの問題があった。En: However, she was struggling with one problem.Ja: 村の伝統を正確に、そして敬意を持って表現する方法がなかなか思いつかないのだ。En: She couldn't quite figure out how to express the village's traditions accurately and respectfully.Ja: 「ゆうと、ちょっといい？」はるかは、静かな青年、ゆうとに声をかけた。彼はいつも学校の図書室で物語を書くのが好きだった。En: "Yuto, do you have a moment?" Haruka called out to Yuto, a quiet young man who always liked to write stories in the school library.Ja: 「あなたの物語を使って、昔の村のことを紹介してみるのはどうかな？」En: "How about introducing the old village using your story?"Ja: ゆうとは少し驚いた様子で頷いた。En: Yuto nodded, looking a bit surprised.Ja: 「面白いと思う。試してみよう。」En: "I think that would be interesting. Let's give it a try."Ja: まいもその場に現れ、はるかを応援するように微笑んだ。En: Mai also appeared on the scene, smiling in support of Haruka.Ja: 「一緒に頑張ろう。みんなで作るなら、きっと素敵になるよ。」En: "Let's work hard together. If we all create it together, I'm sure it'll be wonderful."Ja: 数日間、はるかたちは一心に準備を進めた。En: For several days, Haruka and her friends worked diligently on their preparations.Ja: 村の伝統的な踊り、音楽、そしてゆうとの物語が調和するパフォーマンスが形になり始めた。En: The performance, a harmony of the village's traditional dance, music, and Yuto's story, began to take shape.Ja: しかし、学校祭前日のリハーサル中、突然、黒い雲が空を覆った。En: However, during rehearsal the day before the school festival, black clouds suddenly covered the sky.Ja: 雷が鳴り、激しい雨が降り始めた。En: Thunder roared, and heavy rain began to fall.Ja: 「どうしよう、このままでは外でのパフォーマンスはできない！」はるかは焦った。En: "What should we do? We can't perform outside like this!" Haruka panicked.Ja: しかし、彼女はすぐに思いついた。En: But she quickly came up with an idea.Ja: 「屋内でやろう。教室を使って、もっと近くでみんなに見てもらえばいい。」En: "Let's do it indoors. We can use a classroom and have everyone watch from closer up."Ja: その提案により、チーム全員が一丸となって教室を装飾し直した。En: With that suggestion, the entire team came together to redecorate the classroom.Ja: 最後のリハーサルが終わると、みんなの顔には自信が表れた。En: After the final rehearsal was over, confidence appeared on everyone's face.Ja: 学校祭当日、雨は止まなかったが、それは問題にならなかった。En: On the day of the school festival, the rain didn't stop, but it didn't matter.Ja: 教室の中でのパフォーマンスは成功し、観客はその創造性と情熱に感動した。En: The performance inside the classroom was a success, and the audience was moved by their creativity and passion.Ja: はるかは笑顔で言った。「みんなが力を合わせたおかげで、この成功があるんだね。」En: Haruka smiled as she said, "This success is all thanks to everyone's combined efforts."Ja: その瞬間、はるかは気づいた。個人の功績より、仲間と共に成し遂げることの素晴らしさを。En: At that moment, Haruka realized the greatness of achieving something together with her peers, rather than individual accomplishments.Ja: 彼女の目指した最高のパフォーマンスは、皆の心に残る一瞬となった。En: The best performance she aimed for became a moment that remained in everyone's hearts. Vocabulary Words:enveloped: 包むscattered: 舞い散るlively: 賑やかtraditions: 伝統accurately: 正確にrespectfully: 敬意を持ってquiet: 静かpreparations: 準備harmony: 調和thunder: 雷roared: 鳴りpanicked: 焦ったindoors: 屋内redecorate: 装飾し直すrehearsal: リハーサルconfidence: 自信creativity: 創造性passion: 情熱combined efforts: 力を合わせたgreatness: 素晴らしさaccomplishments: 功績aimed: 目指したremained: 残るsunny: 晴れていたcourtyard: 庭breathe: 深呼吸express: 表現するmoment: 瞬間audience: 観客success: 成功

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: From Burnout to Balance: Haru's Spring Awakening Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-05-23-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の始まり、東京の渋谷。En: The beginning of spring in Tokyo's Shibuya.Ja: 高層ビルの中にあるオフィス。ビルの窓からは、桜が満開の景色が広がっている。En: Inside an office in a high-rise building, sakura blossoms paint a full bloom landscape visible through the building's windows.Ja: 忙しいシーズンの中、ハルトはデスクに向かい必死に仕事をしている。En: Amidst a busy season, Haru is desperately working at his desk.Ja: ゴールデンウィークだが、彼には気の休まる暇がない。En: It's Golden Week, but he has no time to relax.Ja: 重要なプロジェクトの締め切りが迫っているのだ。En: The deadline for an important project is approaching.Ja: 「会社で認められたい」という思いが、ハルトを働かせ続けていた。En: The desire to be recognized by the company keeps Haru working tirelessly.Ja: しかし、最近、彼はめまいを感じ始めていた。En: However, recently, he has started experiencing dizziness.Ja: 体は悲鳴を上げている。En: His body is crying out in distress.Ja: 「大丈夫、気のせいだ」と、自分に言い聞かせる。目の前のパソコンに集中するハルト。En: "It's okay, it's just my imagination," he tells himself, focusing on the computer screen in front of him.Ja: そこに、同僚のユキが顔をのぞかせる。En: There, his colleague Yuki peeks in.Ja: 「ハルトさん、最近元気ないね。大丈夫？」と、優しい笑顔で聞く。En: "Hey Haru, you don't seem well lately. Are you okay?" she asks with a gentle smile.Ja: いつも周りのことに気を配るユキは、彼の様子を心配していた。En: Always considerate of those around her, Yuki was worried about his state.Ja: 「ありがとう。でも大丈夫。少し疲れているだけだよ」と、ハルトは無理に微笑みながら答える。En: "Thank you, but I'm okay. Just a little tired," Haru replies, forcing a smile.Ja: しかし、ユキは納得しない。En: Yet, Yuki is not convinced.Ja: 「少し休んだ方がいいと思うよ」と、彼女は諭すように言う。En: "I think you should take a short break," she advises gently.Ja: その日の午後、めまいが酷くなり、ふらつき始めたハルト。En: That afternoon, Haru's dizziness worsened, and he began to stumble.Ja: 「もう少し頑張れば…」と思いながら、ふいに足元が崩れる。En: "Just a little more effort..." he thought when suddenly his feet gave way.Ja: 意識が薄れ、ハルトは床に倒れ込む。En: His consciousness fading, Haru collapsed to the floor.Ja: その瞬間、ユキはすぐに駆け寄り、彼を支える。En: At that moment, Yuki rushed over and supported him.Ja: 「しっかりして！ハルトさん！」落ち着いた声で周りに助けを求め、オフィス内は慌ただしくなる。En: "Hang in there! Haru!" Calmly, she called for help from those around, causing a commotion in the office.Ja: ユキはハルトを近くのクリニックまで連れて行った。En: Yuki took him to a nearby clinic.Ja: 医師の診断は、過労によるめまい。医師はハルトに、しばらく休むことを勧めた。En: The physician diagnosed it as dizziness due to overwork and advised Haru to rest for a while.Ja: ユキはハルトの横で安心した表情を浮かべる。En: Standing by Haru's side, Yuki looked relieved.Ja: 「ごめんね、無理ばかりして」と、ハルトは彼女に謝る。En: "I'm sorry for pushing myself too hard," Haru apologized to her.Ja: 「一人で頑張らなくてもいいんだよ」と、ユキは優しく言って微笑む。En: "You don't have to do everything alone," Yuki said gently, smiling.Ja: しっかりと休養を取ったハルト。彼は、自分の体調をもっと大事にする決意を固めた。En: Having had a proper rest, Haru resolved to take better care of his health.Ja: そして、周りの助けを受け入れることの大切さも知った。En: He also learned the importance of accepting help from others.Ja: 数日後、再びオフィスに戻ったハルトは、ユキにお礼を言う。En: Several days later, back at the office, Haru expressed his gratitude to Yuki.Ja: 「ありがとう、本当に助かったよ。これからは無理しない。」En: "Thank you, you really saved me. I won't push myself too hard from now on."Ja: 春の風が心地よく、彼は新たな気持ちで歩み始めた。En: The spring breeze felt pleasant, and he started anew with fresh feelings.Ja: オフィスの窓の外、東京の街は相変わらずの賑わい。En: Outside the office window, the bustling city of Tokyo remained unchanged.Ja: しかし、ハルトの中では、新しい風が吹いていた。En: However, within Haru, a new wind was blowing.Ja: 健康とバランスを保ちながら、前に進んで行こうと決めたのだ。En: He decided to move forward while maintaining health and balance. Vocabulary Words:blossoms: 桜desperately: 必死にtirelessly: 働かせ続けてdizziness: めまいstumble: ふらつくcollapses: 倒れ込むcommotion: 慌ただしくなるclinician: 医師diagnosed: 診断resolved: 決意を固めたgratitude: お礼pleasent: 心地よくbalance: バランスanew: 新たなimagining: 気のせいapproaching: 迫っているrecognized: 認められたいconsciousness: 意識apologized: 謝るconsiderate: 気を配るeffort: 頑張ればcolleague: 同僚overwork: 過労support: 支えるadvise: 諭すrest: 休養determined: 決めたdistress: 悲鳴を上げるfading: 薄れconcern: 心配していた

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Blossoms & Beginnings: Haruka and Kenta's Spring Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-05-18-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の午後、桜が満開の住宅街にハルカが引っ越してきました。En: One spring afternoon, Haruka moved into a residential area where the sakura trees were in full bloom.Ja: この街は、彼女にとって新しいスタートの場所です。En: This town was a place for a new beginning for her.Ja: ハルカはこの新しい環境で友達を作りたかったですが、人に話しかけるのが少し怖かった。En: Haruka wanted to make friends in this new environment, but she was a bit scared to talk to people.Ja: でも、心の中では希望に満ちていました。En: However, her heart was filled with hope.Ja: 隣の部屋に住むケンタは、この街に長いこと住んでいました。彼は親しみやすい性格ですが、毎日の生活に退屈さを感じていました。En: tonariに住むKenta, who had lived in this town for a long time, had an affable personality but felt a sense of boredom in his daily life.Ja: 新しいことを試すのが不安でした。En: He was anxious about trying something new.Ja: ある日、ハルカは窓の外を見ながら考えました。「どうすれば近所の人と仲良くなれるんだろう？」En: One day, while looking out the window, Haruka thought, "How can I get along with the neighbors?"Ja: その瞬間、彼女はいいアイデアを思いつきました。En: At that moment, she came up with a good idea.Ja: ゴールデンウィークが近づいているため、近所の人たちを集めてパーティーを開こうと決めました。En: As Golden Week was approaching, she decided to host a party and gather the neighbors.Ja: 招待状を作り、ハルカは少し緊張しながらも、それを各家に配って回りました。En: Shōtaijō, or invitations, were made, and though a bit nervous, Haruka distributed them to each household.Ja: ケンタの家に着くと、彼はドアを開けて笑顔で迎えてくれました。En: When she arrived at Kenta's house, he opened the door and greeted her with a smile.Ja: 彼女は緊張を振り払って招待状を渡しました。En: She shook off her nervousness and handed him the invitation.Ja: 「ありがとう、行けるように頑張るよ！」ケンタは言いました。En: "Thank you, I'll do my best to attend!" Kenta said.Ja: 彼はこの機会を利用して、日常のルーチンを変えたいと思っていました。En: He wanted to take this opportunity to change his daily routine.Ja: そして、ゴールデンウィークが始まりました。En: Then, Golden Week began.Ja: ハルカの部屋には、ケンタを含む数人の隣人たちが集まり、たくさんの笑顔と会話が満ちていました。En: In Haruka's room, several neighbors, including Kenta, gathered, and the room was filled with many smiles and conversations.Ja: 春風が窓から優しく入ってきて、部屋を一層明るくしました。En: The spring breeze gently entered through the window, making the room even brighter.Ja: その中でケンタとハルカは自然に話し始めました。En: Amidst it all, Kenta and Haruka naturally started talking.Ja: 彼らは共通の趣味や夢を共有し、それぞれがこれまで知らなかった新しい一面を知りました。En: They shared common interests and dreams, and each came to know new aspects about each other they hadn't known before.Ja: 話せば話すほど、心が通い合うのが感じられました。En: The more they talked, the more they felt a connection.Ja: パーティーの終わりに、ハルカとケンタはお互いに微笑みました。En: At the end of the party, Haruka and Kenta smiled at each other.Ja: 「この街を一緒に探検してみない？」ハルカが提案しました。En: "Would you like to explore the town together?" Haruka suggested.Ja: 「うん、それは楽しそう！」ケンタはワクワクしました。En: "Yeah, that sounds fun!" Kenta replied excitedly.Ja: こうして、ハルカの自信とケンタの冒険心が芽生え、彼らは新しい体験を求めて街を探索することを約束しました。En: Thus, Haruka's confidence and Kenta's sense of adventure began to grow, and they promised to explore the town seeking new experiences.Ja: これからの毎日が、ハルカとケンタにとって楽しい冒険になることを二人は信じていました。En: They both believed that each day from then on would be an enjoyable adventure for them.Ja: 温かな春の午後に始まった友情と愛は、これからの新しい季節を共に迎えるものとなりました。En: The friendship and love that began on a warm spring afternoon were set to welcome the new seasons together. Vocabulary Words:residential: 住宅街bloom: 満開environment: 環境anxious: 不安routine: ルーチンapproaching: 近づいているdistribute: 配って回るopportunity: 機会conversation: 会話breeze: 春風explore: 探検confidence: 自信adventure: 冒険hope: 希望gently: 優しくgather: 集めるneighbor: 近所の人invitation: 招待状nervousness: 緊張sense: 感覚connection: 心が通い合うaspect: 一面affable: 親しみやすいboredom: 退屈さhost: 開くgreeted: 迎えたsmile: 笑顔shook off: 振り払ってconfidence: 自信dreams: 夢

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Blossoms & Serendipity: Haruto's Leap into Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-05-17-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 新宿の春、ゴールデンウィークの賑やかさの中、道は人でいっぱいだった。En: In Shinjuku during spring, amidst the bustling Golden Week festivities, the streets were filled with people.Ja: ビルの間に小さな桜の花が風に揺れて、都会に美しい色を添えていた。En: Among the buildings, small cherry blossoms swayed in the wind, adding beautiful colors to the city.Ja: 春の暖かい日差しを感じながら、遥斗という一人の青年が歩いていた。En: Feeling the warm spring sunshine, a young man named Haruto was walking.Ja: 毎日、彼は家と仕事を行ったり来たりするだけの単調な日々に、少しうんざりしていた。En: Every day, he was getting a bit tired of the routine monotony of just going back and forth between home and work.Ja: その日、新宿の雑踏の中で、遥斗は少しだけ自分を変えることを考えていた。En: That day, amid the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku, Haruto was considering changing himself just a bit.Ja: もっと人生に刺激が欲しいと彼は思っていた。En: He felt he wanted more excitement in his life.Ja: 人々は楽しそうに休暇を楽しんでいる。だけど、遥斗の心はどこか落ち着かない。なぜなら、彼には何かが欠けているような気がしていたからだ。En: People were cheerfully enjoying their holidays, but Haruto's heart was somehow restless because he felt something was missing.Ja: そのとき、彼の目に異変が映った。En: At that moment, something unusual caught his eye.Ja: 向こうで、一人の女性が倒れるのが見えた。En: In the distance, he saw a woman fall.Ja: 緑と名乗る外国の旅行者だった。En: It was a foreign traveler who went by the name Midori.Ja: 彼女は急に顔を青ざめ、苦しそうにしていた。En: She suddenly turned pale and appeared to be in distress.Ja: どうやら、食物アレルギーの発作だったようだ。En: It seemed to be an allergic reaction to food.Ja: 周りの人は驚いて立ち止まり、何をすればいいかわからない様子だった。En: The people around were startled and stopped, unsure of what to do.Ja: 遥斗は一瞬立ち尽くした。En: Haruto stood frozen for a moment.Ja: どうするべきかわからない自分を責めた。En: He blamed himself for not knowing what to do.Ja: でも、彼の心の中で何かが弾けた。En: But then, something inside his heart burst forth.Ja: 「このままではいけない」と思い、彼は前に出た。En: Thinking “I can't just stand by,” he stepped forward.Ja: 「大丈夫ですか？」と彼は緑に声をかけた。En: “Are you okay?” he called out to Midori.Ja: 彼女は苦しそうにうなずく。En: She nodded with difficulty.Ja: 遥斗はスマートフォンを取り出し、急いで119に電話をかけた。En: Haruto quickly took out his smartphone and called 119.Ja: 「助けが来ますからね」と彼は言った。En: “Help is on the way,” he said.Ja: 周囲の人に助けを求め、彼は応急処置を試みた。En: He asked people around them for help and attempted first aid.Ja: 彼は心の中で必死に念じた。「大丈夫、大丈夫だ...」En: In his heart, he desperately wished, “It'll be okay, it'll be okay...”Ja: 時間がゆっくり流れるように感じたが、やがて救急車のサイレンが聞こえてきた。En: Time seemed to pass slowly, but eventually, the sound of ambulance sirens reached their ears.Ja: 救急隊が到着し、緑を保護したとき、遥斗の胸には安心感と達成感が広がった。En: When the paramedics arrived and took care of Midori, a sense of relief and accomplishment spread through Haruto's chest.Ja: 彼は自分の行動を信じて良かったと感じたのだ。En: He felt good about trusting his actions.Ja: 数時間後、病院で落ち着いた緑は、遥斗に心からの感謝を述べた。En: A few hours later, Midori, who had calmed down at the hospital, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Haruto.Ja: 「助けてくれて本当にありがとう」と彼女は言った。En: “Thank you so much for helping me,” she said.Ja: 「あなたがいなければ、どうなっていたことか。」En: “I don't know what would have happened without you.”Ja: その後、緑は彼に一つの提案をした。En: Afterward, Midori made a suggestion to him.Ja: 「もしよければ、一緒に旅をしませんか？En: “If you don't mind, why don't we travel together?Ja: 新しい世界を見つける旅です。」En: A journey to discover a new world.”Ja: 遥斗は一瞬ためらったが、その誘いに心が踊った。En: Haruto hesitated for a moment, but his heart danced at the invitation.Ja: 彼は勇気を出し、一歩を踏み出すことにした。En: He gathered his courage and decided to take a step forward.Ja: 二人は笑顔で新たな冒険を誓い、賑やかな新宿の街を後にした。En: The two pledged to a new adventure with smiles and left the lively streets of Shinjuku behind.Ja: 遥斗は、人生は変化に満ちていると気づいた。En: Haruto realized that life is full of changes.Ja: 彼は、もう自分の殻に閉じこもる必要がないと知っていた。En: He knew that he no longer needed to stay confined in his own shell.Ja: これからの旅は、彼にどんな刺激と経験を与えるのか。En: What kind of excitement and experiences will this journey bring him?Ja: それは未知数だが、それこそが彼の求めていた興奮だった。En: It remains unknown, but that was precisely the thrill he was seeking.Ja: 遥斗は心の中で笑顔を浮かべながら、新しい一歩を踏み出していった。En: With a smile on his heart, Haruto took a new step forward. Vocabulary Words:amidst: 賑やかさの中bustling: 雑踏monotony: 単調routine: 日々restless: 落ち着かないunusual: 異変distress: 苦しそうstartled: 驚いてfrozen: 立ち尽くしたblamed: 責めたburst forth: 弾けたattempted: 試みたparamedics: 救急隊achievement: 達成感relief: 安心感hearted: 心からのgratitude: 感謝calmed down: 落ち着いたhesitated: ためらったgathered: 出しpledged: 誓いconfined: 閉じこもるshell: 殻thrill: 興奮sought: 求めていたwander: 旅をしませんかdiscovered: 見つけるsense: 感expression: 述べたuncertainty: 未知数

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Hope and Healing: Reunion at the Festival of Courage Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-05-16-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の空は青く、病院の庭には色とりどりの旗が風に揺れています。En: The spring sky is blue, and colorful flags flutter in the wind in the hospital garden.Ja: 今日はゴールデンウィークの祭りの日です。En: Today is a festival day during Golden Week.Ja: はるかは深呼吸をしながら、病院の入り口に立っています。En: Haruka takes a deep breath as she stands at the hospital entrance.Ja: ここに戻るのは少し怖い。En: Returning here is a bit scary.Ja: でも、この場で会った大切な友達に会いたいのです。En: But she wants to meet the dear friends she met in this place.Ja: はるかは、復帰してから初めて訪問する精神病院の祭りに来ました。En: Haruka has come to the festival at the psychiatric hospital she is visiting for the first time since her recovery.Ja: 過去にこの場所で彼女はたくさんの困難を乗り越えました。En: In the past, she overcame many difficulties in this place.Ja: でも、ここで出会ったゲンさん、ミカさんという素晴らしい仲間に感謝を伝えたい気持ちでいっぱいです。En: However, she is filled with gratitude and wants to thank her wonderful companions, Gen and Mika, whom she met here.Ja: 祭りの夜、市場の露店が夜空の下、柔らかい光を放ち、色とりどりの提灯がゆらゆらと揺れています。En: On the festival night, market stalls under the night sky emit a soft glow, and colorful lanterns sway gently.Ja: ゲンは看護師として、毎年この日を楽しみにしています。En: Gen, who is a nurse, looks forward to this day every year.Ja: 患者さんたちが外の世界とつながる機会を作りたいと思っているのです。En: He wants to create opportunities for patients to connect with the outside world.Ja: ゲンは、はるかが過去の出来事を思い出させるこの場所に来ることの困難さを知っています。En: He understands how difficult it is for Haruka to come to this place that reminds her of past events.Ja: しかしそれ以上に、彼女の勇気ある行動を心から尊敬しています。En: But more than that, he truly respects her courageous actions.Ja: ミカは、はるかに会えることを心待ちにしていました。En: Mika was eagerly looking forward to seeing Haruka.Ja: はるかは彼女にとって希望の光です。En: To her, Haruka is a beacon of hope.Ja: 「私はいつか、はるかさんのように強くなりたい」と、密かに目標にしています。En: Secretly, she has set a goal: "I want to become as strong as Haruka one day."Ja: 祭りの中、はるかはそれぞれに贈りたい贈り物を考えていました。En: Amidst the festival, Haruka thought about the gifts she wanted to give each of them.Ja: しかし、高価なものは買えません。En: However, she can't afford expensive items.Ja: そこで、はるかは自分自身で何かを作ることにしました。En: So, she decided to make something herself.Ja: 彼女の心からの感謝を込めて、一つ一つ大切に作った手作りの品です。En: These are handmade items, crafted with care and filled with her heartfelt gratitude.Ja: しかし、賑やかな祭りの人ごみの中で、はるかは突然不安に襲われます。En: Yet, in the bustling festival crowd, Haruka is suddenly overcome with anxiety.Ja: 「どうしよう、ここにいられない」と感じます。En: She feels, "What should I do? I can't stay here."Ja: そこでゲンが彼女に話しかけ、「大丈夫、一緒にいるよ」と優しく言います。En: Gen talks to her and gently says, "It's okay, I'm with you."Ja: ミカも、「はるかさん、笑顔を見せてください」と励まします。En: Mika also encourages her, saying, "Please show us your smile, Haruka."Ja: その言葉に元気をもらい、はるかは少しずつ落ち着きを取り戻します。En: Boosted by their words, Haruka gradually regains her composure.Ja: 夜が更け、はるかは自分で作った小さなギフトを渡しました。En: As night falls, Haruka gives her small, handmade gifts.Ja: ゲンには笑顔の絵、ミカには希望の花を描いた小さなペンダント。En: To Gen, a drawing of a smiling face, and to Mika, a small pendant depicting a flower of hope.Ja: 「これは私の感謝の気持ちです」と伝えます。En: She says, "This is my expression of gratitude."Ja: 贈り物を見たゲンとミカは、深い感動を覚え、温かい気持ちで満たされました。En: Seeing the gifts, both Gen and Mika are deeply moved and filled with warmth.Ja: 祭りの終わりには、はるかは自分の中に新しい強さを見つけました。En: By the end of the festival, Haruka discovered a new strength within herself.Ja: 人に感謝の気持ちを伝えることで、自分も救われることを知ったのです。En: She realized that by expressing gratitude to others, she also saved herself.Ja: はるかは、未来に向かう勇気と希望を抱き、清々しい気持ちで祭りを後にしました。En: Embracing courage and hope for the future, she left the festival with a refreshed heart.Ja: そして、これからもこの繋がりを大切にしていくと決心しました。En: And she resolved to cherish these connections moving forward. Vocabulary Words:flutter: 揺れるpsychiatric: 精神病のrecovery: 復帰companions: 仲間lanterns: 提灯nurse: 看護師anxiety: 不安composure: 落ち着きdepicting: 描いたexpression: 表現courageous: 勇気あるgratitude: 感謝eagerly: 心待ちにしてbeacon: 希望の光goal: 目標handmade: 手作りのcrafted: 作ったheartfelt: 心からのbustling: 賑やかなovercome: 乗り越えるrefresh: 清々しいembracing: 抱くcherish: 大切にするopportunities: 機会reminds: 思い出させるrespect: 尊敬encourages: 励ましますregain: 取り戻しますdepict: 描くfill: 満たす

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Sakura Secrets: Yuki's Quest for a Lost Heirloom Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-05-15-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 京都の警察署は人で溢れていた。En: The Kyoto police station was overflowing with people.Ja: ゴールデンウィークの音が遠くから聞こえて、桜の花びらが外の公園で散っていく。En: The sounds of Golden Week could be heard from afar, and the sakura petals were scattering in the park outside.Ja: そんな中、雪は緊張した顔で受付に向かった。En: Amidst all this, Yuki approached the reception desk with a tense expression.Ja: 受付の女性が微笑んで声をかける。「ご用件は何でしょうか？」En: The receptionist smiled and spoke, "What can I help you with today?"Ja: 雪は深呼吸をして話し始めた。「私は雪です。En: Yuki took a deep breath and began to speak. "My name is Yuki.Ja: 盗まれたアイテムがあります。私の家族の大切な遺産です。」En: Something has been stolen from me. It's a valuable family heirloom."Ja: 受付の女性は静かに頷き、用紙を差し出した。En: The receptionist nodded quietly and handed over a form.Ja: 「盗難届けをこちらに記入してください。」En: "Please fill out this theft report."Ja: 雪はペンを取り、少し迷いながら書き始めた。En: Yuki picked up a pen and began writing, hesitating a little.Ja: 遺産は小さな金のブローチで、祖母からもらったものだ。En: The heirloom was a small gold brooch given to her by her grandmother.Ja: 雪にとって、それはただのアクセサリー以上のものだった。En: To Yuki, it was more than just an accessory.Ja: それは家族と繋がる大切な絆だった。En: It was a precious link to her family.Ja: 書き終わった後、周囲を見渡すと、たくさんの人々が相談待ちをしているのがわかる。En: After she finished writing, she looked around and saw many people waiting for consultations.Ja: 警察官たちも忙しそうに走り回っている。En: The police officers also seemed busy, rushing around.Ja: 雪はその様子を見て、少し気持ちが沈んだ。En: Seeing this, Yuki felt a bit discouraged.Ja: 正義を求めて来たのに、こんなにも人手が足りないのではないかと不安になった。En: She came seeking justice, but she worried if there were enough people to help.Ja: 「すみません、何かお手伝いできることがあれば教えてください。」控えめに声をかけた。En: "Excuse me, please let me know if there's anything I can do to help," she said modestly.Ja: その時、背後から声が聞こえた。En: Just then, she heard a voice from behind.Ja: 「雪さんですか？」若い警官が話しかけてきた。En: "Are you Yuki?" A young officer approached her.Ja: 「私は竹下といいます。この件についてお話しをお伺いします。」En: "My name is Takeshita. I'll be discussing this matter with you."Ja: 竹下と一緒に小さな部屋に入ると、雪は落ち着いた。En: Entering a small room with Takeshita, Yuki felt calmer.Ja: 話をしながら、竹下に家族の話やブローチのことを色々と伝えた。En: As they talked, she told Takeshita about her family and the brooch.Ja: 竹下も丁寧に聞き、解決に向けて手助けを約束した。En: Takeshita listened attentively and promised to help solve the case.Ja: が、警察の対応を待っている間に、雪は決意した。En: But while waiting for the police's response, Yuki made a decision.Ja: 自分でも何かできることがないか考えようと。En: She decided to think about what she could do herself.Ja: 地元の人に聞いて町を歩き回った。どこか、何か手掛かりがあるかもしれない。En: She walked around town, asking locals if they had seen anything, hoping for a clue.Ja: 数日後、突然の電話がかかってきた。En: A few days later, she received an unexpected phone call.Ja: 電話の向こうでは「舞」と名乗る女性が言った。「誤ってあなたのブローチを持ち帰ってしまったかもしれません。」En: A woman who introduced herself as Mai said, "I might have accidentally taken your brooch."Ja: その瞬間、雪は胸がジンと熱くなった。En: At that moment, Yuki felt a warm sensation in her chest.Ja: 件の女性と会い、彼女は確かにブローチを持っていた。En: She met the woman, who indeed had the brooch.Ja: 事情を説明し、心から謝罪を受けて、雪はそれを受け取った。En: After explaining the situation and receiving a heartfelt apology, Yuki accepted it back.Ja: 帰り道、桜の花びらがまた舞い散っていた。En: On her way home, the sakura petals were drifting again.Ja: 雪は自分の心が少し軽くなった気がした。En: Yuki felt like her heart was a little lighter.Ja: 人を信じ、待つことの大切さを学んだ。En: She learned the importance of trusting people and being patient.Ja: 事件は落ち着いて解決したが、何より大切なのは自分に対する自信と他人への理解だった。En: The case had been settled calmly, but what mattered most was confidence in herself and understanding others.Ja: そう、雪は思った。これからはもっと自分を信じ、周りの人とも優しく接していこうと。En: Yes, Yuki thought, from now on, she would trust herself more and treat others with kindness.Ja: 警察署の喧騒を背に、雪は晴れた京都の街を、穏やかな心で歩いて行った。En: Leaving the bustle of the police station behind, Yuki walked through the sunny streets of Kyoto with a peaceful heart. Vocabulary Words:overflowing: 溢れていたsakura petals: 桜の花びらscattering: 散ってtense: 緊張したreception desk: 受付valuable: 大切なheirloom: 遺産hesitating: 迷いながらbrooch: ブローチconsultations: 相談discouraged: 気持ちが沈んだjustice: 正義modestly: 控えめにattentively: 丁寧にpromised: 約束したunsettled: 落ち着いてunexpected: 突然accidentally: 誤ってsensation: 熱くheartfelt: 心からapology: 謝罪lighter: 軽くなったconfidence: 自信kindness: 優しくbustle: 喧騒settled: 解決したconsultations: 相談calmly: 穏やかなtrusting: 信じunderstanding: 理解

This week, STRIGGA & Dylan start the show talking about the new Hayabusa and from there discuss mask gimmicks in modern japanese pro wrestling including Tiger Mask and Mentai Kid. The biggest point of discussion on the show follows with Wrestling Dontaku, Resurgence and Best Of The Super Junior leaving their marks on New Japan Pro Wrestling in May leading up to Dominion in June. Hirooki Goto still carries the World Title, Yota Tsuji and Gabe Kidd battle for prime positioning and what about Callum Newman? More questions are asked with All Japan Pro Wrestling and their Champion Carnival. Who came out stronger? What about the Saitos and where is it all leading? This brings DRAGONGATE into the conversation as well with Madoka Kikuta turning to Z-Brats, U-T winning the Brave Gate and GOLD CLASS winning the services of Hyo. Finally, the Eastern Lariat team brings up OZAWA vs. Kaito Kiyomiya in Pro Wrestling NOAH that may or may not have an extra stipulation.  

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Spring Confessions: Love Blossoms at Sakura Park Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-05-12-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の日差しが公園を優しく包み込む中、桜の花びらが風に吹かれて舞い散っていました。En: As the spring sunlight gently enveloped the park, the sakura petals were blown by the wind, swirling and scattering.Ja: 「桜公園」と呼ばれるその場所は、まるでピンク色の絨毯が広がっているようでした。En: The place known as Sakura Park" was spread out like a pink carpet.Ja: ゴールデンウィークにここを訪れる人々は、家族や友人と一緒に、ピクニックを楽しんでいました。En: People visiting during Golden Week enjoyed picnics with family and friends.Ja: 笑い声が木々のささやきと混ざり合い、何とも穏やかな春の空気を作り出していました。En: Laughter mixed with the whispers of the trees, creating a serene spring atmosphere.Ja: ハルトは、その光景の中に立ち尽くしていました。En: Haruto stood still amidst this scene.Ja: 彼の心は緊張でいっぱいでした。今日こそ、サクラに自分の気持ちを伝えようと決めたからです。En: His heart was full of tension because he had decided to confess his feelings to Sakura today.Ja: しかし、彼には自信がありませんでした。En: However, he lacked confidence.Ja: サクラは遠くの都会で新しい仕事に忙しく、友達と過ごす時間が少なくなるかもしれない、と考えると、心の中の迷いが増してしまいました。En: Thinking that Sakura might be busy with her new job in the distant city and might have less time to spend with friends, doubt grew in his heart.Ja: 彼の横にはユートがいました。En: Next to him was Yuto.Ja: ユートはいつも陽気で、ハルトの気持ちを知っている数少ない友人です。En: Yuto, always cheerful, was one of the few friends who knew about Haruto's feelings.Ja: 「ハルト、今がチャンスだよ」と彼は言いました。En: "Haruto, now's your chance," he said.Ja: 「桜が君たちを祝福してるみたいだ。行け、告白しろ！」En: "The sakura seems to be blessing you both. Go, confess!"Ja: ユートの後押しを受けて、ハルトは少し勇気を出して歩き始めました。En: Encouraged by Yuto, Haruto gathered a little courage and began to walk.Ja: サクラは、桜の木の下で一人で座っていました。En: Sakura was sitting alone under the sakura tree.Ja: 彼女は優しい微笑みを浮かべ、両手を膝の上に置いていました。En: She wore a gentle smile, with her hands resting on her knees.Ja: ハルトが近づくと、彼女は顔を上げました。En: As Haruto approached, she looked up.Ja: 「ハルト、来てくれたのね」と彼女は言いました。En: "Haruto, you came," she said.Ja: 彼女の声は、青空に溶け込んでいくように心地よいものでした。En: Her voice was pleasant, as if dissolving into the blue sky.Ja: ハルトは深呼吸をし、胸の鼓動を静めようとしました。En: Haruto took a deep breath, trying to calm the beating of his heart.Ja: 「サクラ、実は君に伝えたいことがあるんだ」と彼は言い始めました。En: "Sakura, there's something I want to tell you," he began.Ja: しかし、言葉は途中で詰まってしまいました。En: But his words got stuck midway.Ja: その時、追い風に乗ってユートが駆け寄ってきました。En: At that moment, riding the tailwind, Yuto dashed over.Ja: 「ハルト！頑張れよ！」En: "Haruto! Hang in there!"Ja: 彼の声が、ハルトの心に響きました。それが背中を押し、勇気が湧いてきたのです。En: His voice resonated within Haruto's heart, giving him the push he needed and filling him with courage.Ja: 「サクラ、僕は君が好きだ。ずっと前から」とハルトはやっと口に出しました。En: "Sakura, I like you. I've liked you for a long time," Haruto finally managed to say.Ja: サクラはびっくりした様子でしたが、すぐに優しい笑みを浮かべました。En: Sakura seemed surprised, but soon a gentle smile spread across her face.Ja: 「ハルト、私も同じ気持ちだったの。引っ越しても、君のことを考えていた」と彼女は答えました。En: "Haruto, I felt the same way. Even after moving, I've been thinking about you," she replied.Ja: 二人はその場に立ちつくし、桜の花びらが舞い降りる中で静かに笑顔を交わしました。En: The two stood there, exchanging smiles quietly as the sakura petals drifted down.Ja: 彼らは、お互いを想い続けることで、この距離を乗り越えていこうと約束しました。En: They promised to continue thinking of each other and overcome the distance between them.Ja: その日、ハルトは自信を持ちました。En: That day, Haruto gained confidence.Ja: 愛の告白は勇気が必要だと知り、それに向き合ったことで、心に大きな変化を感じました。En: He understood that confessing love requires courage, and facing this brought about a significant change in his heart.Ja: 瞬間を大切にすることがどれほど素晴らしいか、彼にははっきりと分かりました。En: He realized how wonderful it is to cherish the moment.Ja: 桜の香りに包まれた彼と彼女は、春の風と共に新しい一歩を歩み始めました。En: Wrapped in the sakura scent, he and she began to take new steps with the spring breeze.Ja: ユートもその二人を見て満足そうに微笑んでいました。En: Yuto also watched them with a satisfied smile.Ja: そうして、桜公園には新しい優しい物語が一つ、印されました。En: Thus, a new gentle story was marked at Sakura Park. Vocabulary Words:enveloped: 包み込むpetals: 花びらswirling: 舞いscattering: 散るcarpet: 絨毯laughter: 笑い声serene: 穏やかamidst: 中にtension: 緊張confess: 告白confidence: 自信distant: 遠くlacked: 欠けていたdoubt: 迷いencouraged: 後押しpleasant: 心地よいcalm: 静めるresonated: 響くcourage: 勇気surprised: びっくりgentle: 優しいexchange: 交わすcherish: 大切にするscent: 香りovercome: 乗り越えるsignificant: 大きなheart: 心marked: 印されるamid: 中でblessing: 祝福

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Kinkaku-ji Chronicles: A New Guide's Journey to Confidence Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-05-11-22-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の陽光が輝く京都、ここは金閣寺の庭園です。En: In Kyoto, where the spring sunlight glistens, we find ourselves in the garden of Kinkaku-ji.Ja: 桜の花が咲き誇り、観光客たちは美しさに見とれています。En: Cherry blossoms are blooming in full glory, and tourists are mesmerized by their beauty.Ja: ガイドの春人は、いつもと同じように案内を始めました。En: Haruto, the guide, begins his tour just like he always does.Ja: 彼は歴史的な逸話を話すのが得意です。En: He is skilled at telling historical anecdotes.Ja: 「金閣寺はもともと室町幕府の将軍、足利義満の別荘でした」と春人は優しい声で説明します。En: "Kinkaku-ji was originally the villa of the Shogun of the Muromachi Bakufu, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu," Haruto explains in a gentle voice.Ja: 今日は少し特別です。En: Today is a bit special.Ja: 新しい同僚の由美が初めての案内をする日です。En: It is the first day that his new colleague, Yumi, will be leading a tour.Ja: 由美は金閣寺についてたくさん勉強しました。しかし、初めてのガイドに少し緊張しています。En: Yumi has studied a lot about Kinkaku-ji, but she is a bit nervous about her first time as a guide.Ja: 「春人さん、どうしましょう。失敗したくないです」と由美は小さな声で話します。En: "Harutoさん, what should I do? I don't want to make mistakes," Yumi says in a small voice.Ja: 「大丈夫ですよ、由美さん。少しずつ慣れていきましょう。僕がサポートしますからね」と春人は優しく言いました。En: "It's all right, Yumiさん. Let's take it step by step. I'll support you," Haruto assures her kindly.Ja: 観光客が集まります。En: Tourists are gathering.Ja: ゴールデンウィークの観光ラッシュで団体は大きいです。En: Because of the Golden Week tourist rush, the group is large.Ja: 由美は深呼吸をし、笑顔で話し始めます。En: Yumi takes a deep breath and starts speaking with a smile.Ja: 「皆さん、こんにちは。今日はようこそ金閣寺へ。」En: "Hello everyone, welcome to Kinkaku-ji today."Ja: 春人は由美のそばでにこにこと安心感を与えます。En: Haruto stands by Yumi's side, providing reassurance with a smile.Ja: 庭園を歩きながら、彼は由美に小さなヒントを渡し続けます。En: As they walk through the garden, he continues to give her small tips.Ja: 「ここで話すときは少し間を取りましょう」とアドバイス。En: "When you speak here, take a little pause," he advises.Ja: 突然、一人の観光客が質問をしました。En: Suddenly, a tourist asks a question.Ja: 「金閣寺はなぜ三階建てなのですか？」En: "Why is Kinkaku-ji three stories tall?"Ja: 由美は一瞬ためらいました。En: Yumi hesitates for a moment.Ja: 心臓がドキドキしますが、すぐに春人の励ましが思い出されます。En: Her heart races, but she quickly remembers Haruto's encouragement.Ja: 「この寺院の構造は、仏教と戦国時代の影響を受けています...」と自信を持って答えました。En: "The structure of this temple is influenced by Buddhism and the Sengoku period..." she answers confidently.Ja: 観光客はうなずきます。由美の答えに満足したようです。En: The tourist nods, seemingly satisfied with Yumi's answer.Ja: ツアーが終わると、観光客たちは由美に「よかったですよ！」と声をかけました。En: At the end of the tour, the tourists compliment Yumi by saying, "You did great!"Ja: 由美は心の中でほっとしました。En: Yumi felt a sense of relief in her heart.Ja: 「春人さん、ありがとうございました。今日は本当に楽しかったです」と由美は感謝の気持ちを伝えました。En: "Thank you, Harutoさん. Today was truly fun," Yumi expressed her gratitude.Ja: 「こちらこそ、素晴らしかったですよ。これからも一緒にがんばりましょう」と春人は微笑みました。En: "You're welcome, you were amazing. Let's keep doing our best together," Haruto smiled.Ja: こうして、由美は少しずつ自信を持ち始め、春人は共に働くことの喜びを再確認しました。En: In this way, Yumi gradually began to gain confidence, and Haruto reaffirmed the joy of working together.Ja: 金閣寺の庭には、また新しい春の風が吹いています。En: In Kinkaku-ji's garden, a new spring breeze is blowing once again. Vocabulary Words:glistens: 輝くmesmerized: 見とれるanecdotes: 逸話villa: 別荘gentle: 優しいcolleague: 同僚nervous: 緊張reassurance: 安心感influenced: 影響を受けるBuddhism: 仏教compliment: 声をかける/よかったと言うjoy: 喜びbreeze: 風blossoms: 咲き誇るguide: 案内historical: 歴史的なgentle: 優しいspecial: 特別mistakes: 失敗heart races: 心臓がドキドキreaffirmed: 再確認gathering: 集まるtourist rush: 観光ラッシュdeep breath: 深呼吸advises: アドバイスhesitates: ためらうcompliment: 褒めるgratitude: 感謝の気持ちencouragement: 励ましconfidently: 自信を持って

Jonny and Ben wrap up Golden Week with a look back at the midweek action from J1 Matchday 15. We begin with 1-0 wins for Kashima and Kashiwa on Tuesday, then move on to Wednesday night's action - Kyoto's dramatic late victory at Machida, and Hiroshima squeaking past Shonan - before reviewing the other games from Tuesday, including excellent wins for both Osaka clubs.

Hi everyone, and welcome back to my show!Here in Japan, we enjoyed beautiful weather during Golden Week. I hope you've also been feeling energized by the power of nature! Today, I'm truly delighted to welcome back Mr. Damian Rentoule, Head of Campus ...

Celestial Guardians have arrived in TCG Pocket and adds the new Rare Candy meta. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet gets two new events to celebrate Golden Week in Japan. Pokémon Centers in Japan get three new Medals in Pokémon HOME for in-person visits. Pokémon GO is getting a crowned Nidoking and Nidoqueen, as well as, Pawmi Community Day. Black Bolt & White Flare will feature every Pokémon from Gen 5 like Pokémon 151 did for Kanto. 00:00:00-Introduction 00:02:00-Celestial Guardians Debut00:36:30-Golden Week Events in Pokémon SV00:54:30-New Pokémon HOME Medals01:04:00-Pokémon GO News01:16:00-Black Bolt & White Flare01:29:00-Post Credits  Ad this episode brought to you by Mint Mobile! Check out MintMobile.com/pkmncast to start your new wireless plan for just $15 a month!  LINKS

Celestial Guardians have arrived in TCG Pocket and adds the new Rare Candy meta. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet gets two new events to celebrate Golden Week in Japan. Pokémon Centers in Japan get three new Medals in Pokémon HOME for in-person visits. Pokémon GO is getting a crowned Nidoking and Nidoqueen, as well as, Pawmi Community Day. Black Bolt & White Flare will feature every Pokémon from Gen 5 like Pokémon 151 did for Kanto. 00:00:00-Introduction 00:02:00-Celestial Guardians Debut00:36:30-Golden Week Events in Pokémon SV00:54:30-New Pokémon HOME Medals01:04:00-Pokémon GO News01:16:00-Black Bolt & White Flare01:29:00-Post Credits Ad this episode brought to you by Mint Mobile! Check out MintMobile.com/pkmncast to start your new wireless plan for just $15 a month! LINKS

With the Golden Week holidays in full swing, Jon Steele takes control of a solo JTET mini-pod to run through all of the J2 action from Saturday 3rd May (Round 13 of the season). Over a 15-minute pod, you'll hear about all of the goals and talking points from the Round 13 matches, along with Jon's pick for a Most Bravo Player and a quick look ahead to Tuesday afternoon's full slate of fixtures (Round 14). Thanks for all the support as always, and enjoy the pod! *Join the J-Talk Podcast Patreon here: https://patreon.com/jtalkpod *Find our JLeague Chat Discord server here: https://discord.gg/UwN2ambAwg *Follow JTET on Bluesky here: @jtalket.bsky.social

Moving to Japan, Golden Week, Switch 2 Update , and more! 日本移住、ゴールデンウィーク、Switch2アップデートなど！ Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/VGSd94Tp4P Join our Book Club! https://ko-fi.com/i/IL4L31BPSH3 Support on ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/lazyfluency Main channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-8_djC5_aV4Mi3o3fuLPLA/featured Send us questions at: lazyfluency@gmail.com  

Golden Week? This year it's more of a Golden Weekend, sadly, but that hasn't stopped us from putting our vacations on pause to share impressions of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Mario Kart World, and our Switch 2 preorder experiences. Plus news!   Time — Topic Discussed 01:00 – Nicknames 05:54 – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 28:39 – Mario Kart World 39:25 – News: Switch 2 pre-orders, 8bitdo cancels US shipments, and more!

In this preview episode of the PURE TOKYOSCOPE Podcast, authors Matt Alt (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Patrick Macias (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mondo Tokyo: Dispatches from a Secret Japan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) try to explain the Japanese holiday known as Golden Week and share their impressions of the ongoing exhibition of manga art by Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell) now taking place in Tokyo.You can hear the full episode by joining the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pure TokyoScope Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!You'll get access to full episodes, bonus content, our Discord server, and an archive of past episodes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Head over to Pure TokyoScope Patreon to subscribe today!⁠⁠⁠⁠

With a rush of Golden Week matches hoving into view, the JTET team looks back on the most recent slate of J2 fixtures (played across Friday and Saturday last week). In Part 1 (Start to 04:15) James gives us a whistle-stop tour of the action from 9 of the Round 11 games. Then in Part 2, Jon was joined by familiar voice (but first-time guest) Leslie Mabon for a deep dive into Iwaki's stunning 4-3 win at Nagasaki. In a wide-ranging chat, the boys talked about Leslie's impressions of the Peace Stadium, the match itself, & the season so far for both clubs (04:15 to 44:40). There's also time for Most Bravo Player chat (44:40 to 47:00), and a look ahead to Tuesday afternoon's J2 action in Round 12 (47:00 to Finish)! Big thanks for Leslie for taking the time to pod with us, and we hope everyone enjoys the show! *Join the J-Talk Podcast Patreon here: https://patreon.com/jtalkpod *Find our JLeague Chat Discord server here: https://discord.gg/UwN2ambAwg *Follow JTET on Bluesky here: @jtalket.bsky.social

It's a jam-packed episode as Kelly and Taylor have so much to talk about in joshi!First, they go in depth on all the action at Stardom's All Star Grand Queendom before discussing the Marigold and Marvelous ten person gauntlet, a big mask vs. mask result in SEAdLINNNG as well as recapping all the joshi action from Wrestlemania weekend! Listen to find out the best shows and matches from the weekend!Then, they preview all the upcoming excitement, including Meiko Satomura's retirement show, lots of Golden Week events, a SEAdLINNNG Korakuen Hall show, the start of Catch the WAVE 2025 and more!Check it out!Please follow us on twitter: @jbombaudioYou can support this podcast at http://redcircle.com/jumping-bomb-audio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy