Podcasts about Hiroshi

Sumo wrestling features some unique fan events, and belly touching is one of our favorites! We also talk with BuddhatheBard about his book, Hiroshi, Tale of a Sumotori. More about BuddhatheBard (https://www.buddhasretreat.info) More about Sumo Kaboom and our BINGO game sponsored by bigsumofan.com at www.sumokaboom.com We play Sumo BINGO every basho, and you can play with us. We give away sumo merch to our winners with the help of Big Sumo Fan and Cheeky Sumo. Bigsumofan.com is an online sumo merch store based in US, and they ship to over 30 countries. www.bigsumofan.com Cheeky Sumo is an online sumo-inspired apparel and merch company that aims to celebrate, educate, and support the sumo community with cheeky designs and training gear. Laugh at their fun graphics and proudly rep your sumo spirit - because sumo's got more than just power - it's got personality! www.cheekysumo.com Twitter @SumoKaboom Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sumokaboom/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SumoKaboom/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/SumoKaboomPodcast Check out our Sumo Kaboom tshirts and sweatshirts at Bonfire.com/sumokaboom Ever wonder where we get our research? Check out the Show Notes section of our website. Please follow, like or send us a review. It all helps! Thank you so much! Support Sumo Kaboom at www.ko-fi.com/sumokaboom Special Guest: Buddha the Bard.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Friendship Blooms in Nihon's Sunflower Paradise Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-06-18-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 日本の田舎のひまわり畑は、夏になると特別な場所になります。En: The sunflower fields in rural Nihon become a special place in the summer.Ja: 高くそびえるひまわりたちは、夏のそよ風に揺れ、とても生き生きとした風景を作り出します。En: The tall sunflowers sway in the summer breeze, creating a very lively scene.Ja: 地元の人々は、毎年この素晴らしい場所でひまわり祭りを開きます。En: Every year, the locals hold a sunflower festival in this wonderful place.Ja: 今年、この祭りにボランティアとして参加しているのは、ヒロシとアイコです。En: This year, volunteering for the festival are Hiroshi and Aiko.Ja: ヒロシは都会の喧騒を離れ、新しい生活を見つけるためにこの村に引っ越してきました。En: Hiroshi moved to this village to leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and find a new life.Ja: 彼は少し内気ですが、心優しい人です。En: He is a bit shy but a kind-hearted person.Ja: そんなヒロシの新しい目標は、この町での居場所を見つけることです。En: His new goal is to find his place in this town.Ja: 一方、アイコはこの町の小学校で教師をしています。En: On the other hand, Aiko is a teacher at the local elementary school.Ja: 彼女はガーデニングと地域のイベントが大好きで、いつも新しい人を歓迎します。En: She loves gardening and community events and always welcomes new people.Ja: 今年も祭りが成功するようにと日々忙しくしています。En: She is busy every day making sure the festival is a success again this year.Ja: 最初、ヒロシは他のボランティアと交流するのに少し躊躇していました。En: Initially, Hiroshi was a bit hesitant to interact with the other volunteers.Ja: 彼はまだ新しい町で一人のように感じていました。En: He still felt a bit alone in the new town.Ja: しかし、アイコはヒロシに積極的に声をかけ、一緒に仕事をするようになりました。En: However, Aiko actively reached out to him, and they started working together.Ja: ある日の昼食時、アイコはヒロシと一緒に時間を過ごすことを決めました。En: One day at lunchtime, Aiko decided to spend time with Hiroshi.Ja: 彼女はヒロシに、「お昼、一緒に食べない？」と笑顔で誘いました。En: She invited him with a smile, "Would you like to have lunch together?"Ja: 二人は楽しい会話をし、ヒロシは少しずつ心を開いていきました。En: They had an enjoyable conversation, and Hiroshi gradually began to open up.Ja: 祭りのピーク時、ヒロシは小さなミスをしてしまいました。En: At the peak of the festival, Hiroshi made a small mistake.Ja: ほんの些細なことですが、いくつかのひまわりの飾りが倒れてしまったのです。En: It was just a minor thing, but some sunflower decorations fell over.Ja: ヒロシは申し訳なく思いましたが、アイコは笑顔で「大丈夫、一緒に直しましょう！」と言いました。En: Hiroshi felt apologetic, but Aiko reassured him with a smile, saying, "It's okay, let's fix it together!"Ja: 二人は協力して問題を解決し、その間に笑いがあふれました。En: The two cooperated to solve the problem, filling the moment with laughter.Ja: この経験を通じて、ヒロシは少しずつ自信を取り戻し、アイコと良い関係を築くことができました。En: Through this experience, Hiroshi gradually regained his confidence and was able to build a good relationship with Aiko.Ja: 祭りが終わりに近づく頃、ヒロシは自然にアイコと笑い合い、会話を楽しむことができました。En: As the festival was coming to an end, Hiroshi naturally found himself laughing and enjoying conversations with Aiko.Ja: 最後に、二人は連絡先を交換し、「また会おうね」と約束しました。En: In the end, they exchanged contact information and promised, "Let's meet again."Ja: こうしてヒロシは、新しい町での生活に希望を見いだし、アイコは新しい友達を助ける喜びを感じました。En: In this way, Hiroshi found hope in his new life in the town, and Aiko felt the joy of helping a new friend.Ja: それぞれにとって、ひまわり畑はただの景色ではなく、心温まる場所になりました。En: For each of them, the sunflower field became not just a scene, but a heartwarming place. Vocabulary Words:rural: 田舎sway: 揺れbreeze: そよ風lively: 生き生きとしたlocals: 地元の人々volunteering: ボランティアhustle and bustle: 喧騒shy: 内気teacher: 教師gardening: ガーデニングhesitant: 躊躇interact: 交流laughter: 笑いapologetic: 申し訳なく思いましたreassured: 安心させたcooperated: 協力confidence: 自信heartwarming: 心温まるfestival: 祭りexchange: 交換contact information: 連絡先promise: 約束hesitate: 躊躇するwelcomes: 歓迎scene: 風景minor: 些細なdecorations: 飾りregained: 取り戻すgradually: 少しずつcommunity: 地域

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Cherry Blossoms and Confidence: Yui's Artistic Journey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-06-15-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の東京パークは美しい。En: Haru in Tokyo Park is beautiful.Ja: 桜の花が満開で、風に舞っている。En: The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, dancing in the wind.Ja: 公園は学校のクラブのリクルートイベントで賑わっていた。En: The park was bustling with school club recruitment events.Ja: 学生たちは笑顔でブースを見て回っている。En: Students were smiling as they walked around looking at the booths.Ja: ユイはその中にいた。En: Yui was among them.Ja: 彼女は自分の絵が人に見せるほど上手くないと思っている。En: She thought her art wasn't good enough to show others.Ja: 静かに心を落ち着けて、一歩を踏み出すことにためらっていた。En: Quietly calming herself, she hesitated to take a step forward.Ja: 友達のケイコはユイの背中を押す。En: Her friend Keiko gave her a push from behind.Ja: 「ユイ、心配しないで。アートクラブ行こうよ！きっと楽しいよ！」En: "Yui, don't worry. Let's go to the art club! I'm sure it'll be fun!"Ja: ケイコは元気いっぱいだ。En: Keiko was full of energy.Ja: ユイを励ますために何度も声をかけた。En: She encouraged Yui repeatedly.Ja: ユイは結局、手を握られて、アートクラブのブースに向かった。En: In the end, Yui was led by the hand to the art club's booth.Ja: アートクラブのブースでは、部長のヒロシが笑顔で出迎えた。En: At the art club booth, the club president Hiroshi welcomed them with a smile.Ja: 「こんにちは！アートに興味ありますか？」En: "Hello! Are you interested in art?"Ja: ユイは小さくうなずく。でも言葉が出ない。En: Yui nodded slightly, but words didn't come out.Ja: ヒロシは優しく、「気楽にね。見ていってください。」と声をかけた。En: Hiroshi kindly said, "Take it easy. Feel free to have a look around."Ja: イベント会場では、アートクラブのメンバーが作品を描くデモンストレーションをしていた。En: At the event venue, art club members were doing demonstrations of their work.Ja: ケイコはユイの絵をこっそり持ってきていた。En: Keiko had secretly brought along Yui's artwork.Ja: いつの間にかヒロシに見てもらっていた。En: Before she knew it, Hiroshi was looking at it.Ja: ヒロシはその絵を見て声を上げた。「なんて素晴らしい絵だ！これを描いたのは誰？」En: Hiroshi, upon seeing the drawing, exclaimed, "What a wonderful picture! Who drew this?"Ja: ユイは驚いて顔を上げた。En: Yui looked up in surprise.Ja: その瞬間、クラブの他のメンバーも集まり、絵を覗き込んでいる。En: At that moment, the other club members gathered to look at the artwork.Ja: ケイコはにやりと笑って、「ユイの絵です！」と答える。En: Keiko grinned and answered, "It's Yui's drawing!"Ja: 「ユイさん、すごいですね。このタッチは本当に素晴らしいです。」ヒロシは目を輝かせて言った。En: "Yuiさん, it's amazing. This style is truly wonderful," Hiroshi said with shining eyes.Ja: ユイの心に暖かい光が差し込んだ。En: A warm light shone into Yui's heart.Ja: 絵を認められることがこんなに嬉しいとは思わなかった。En: She didn't realize how happy it would make her to have her art recognized.Ja: 「私、アートクラブに入りたいです。」ユイは静かに言った。En: "I want to join the art club," Yui said quietly.Ja: ヒロシは嬉しそうに頷く。「ぜひぜひ！君の才能をもっと見せてください！」En: Hiroshi nodded happily. "Please do! Show us more of your talent!"Ja: 桜の花びらが再び風に舞った。En: Cherry blossom petals danced in the wind once more.Ja: ユイは勇気を持てた。En: Yui gained courage.Ja: この日、彼女は自分を信じる強さを得た。En: That day, she obtained the strength to believe in herself.Ja: 彼女の内なるアーティストは、ついに色鮮やかに羽ばたいた。En: Her inner artist finally took flight, vividly and brilliantly. Vocabulary Words:blossoms: 花bloom: 満開bustling: 賑わってrecruitment: リクルートbooths: ブースhesitated: ためらってencouraged: 励ますdemonstrations: デモンストレーションexclaimed: 声を上げたsurprise: 驚いてgrinned: にやりと笑ってstyle: タッチwarm: 暖かいrecognized: 認められるtalent: 才能petals: 花びらcourage: 勇気inner: 内なるvividly: 色鮮やかにbrilliantly: 羽ばたいたcalming: 心を落ち着けてquietly: 静かにenergy: 元気artwork: 作品welcomed: 出迎えたnodded: うなずくfeel free: 気楽にdrew: 描いたshone: 差し込んだobtained: 得た

Making mokuhanga takes dedication. It demands energy, a sense of empowerment, and joy in the process. It's that passion that pushes you forward, to evolve and mature within the art form. On this episode of The Unfinished Print: A Mokuhanga Podcast, I speak with printmaker Andrea Starkey. Andrea is deeply passionate about mokuhanga—the way it feels, the process of creating, and how each print takes her on a personal and creative journey. We discuss how she expresses herself through mokuhanga, her themes, and her love of nature. We also explore the world of selling prints, and how to navigate being an artist in the age of AI. And as always, we dive into Andrea's tools, her paper, and how she uses them to create her beautiful work. Please follow The Unfinished Print and my own mokuhanga work on Instagram @andrezadoroznyprints or email me theunfinishedprint@gmail.com Notes: may contain a hyperlink. Simply click on the highlighted word or phrase. Artists works follow after the note if available. Pieces are mokuhanga unless otherwise noted. Dimensions are given if known. Print publishers are given if known. Andrea Starkey - website, Instagram, Etsy  Tree No. 43. -  4" x 11"  renderer - is a system, program, or process that takes data and converts it into a visual or usable format, usually for display on a screen or output in some other way. What it renders and how depends on the content. reduction printmaking - is a process in printmaking where the printmaker cuts away on a piece of wood, or linoleum. After every carving, the printmaker makes an impression with pigments, beginning with lighter colours, gradually using darker colours. William H. Mays has a fine description of reduction on his website, here.  Mike Lyon  -  is an American artist. His medium has varied throughout his career such as "square tiles," or "pixels," through to making mokuhanga, monoprinting, and machine-assisted etching, drawing and mezzotint. Mike Lyon also has a large woodblock print collection which he has curated for the public, here. More information about his work can be found, here. Mike's interview with The Unfinished Print can be found, here.  Clover - 12" x 12" (2017) Dick Blick Art Supplies - is an art supply store with various brick and mortar stores throughout the United States, as well as online. Founded in 1911 by Dick Blick in Galesburg, Illinois, BLICK, as it's more commonly known, sells various types of art supplies, much like Jerry's Artarama. More info, here. Sekishu washi - is a traditional Japanese paper from the Iwami region in Shimane Prefecture, with a history spanning around 1300 years and references dating back to the Heian period. Made primarily from mitsumata and gampi plant fibers, it is known for its strength, flexibility, smooth texture, and resistance to damage, making it ideal for printing, calligraphy, and fine stationery. The paper is still crafted using traditional methods such as nagashizuki and tamezuki, which involve screens made of bamboo or Japanese nutmeg and the use of aibika as a natural binder. These time-honored techniques and materials have contributed to the recognition and preservation of Sekishu washi as a significant cultural craft. More information regarding Sekishu washi can be found at Kokei Japan, here.  Akua - are water-based pigments used in intaglio, mokuhanga, and monotype.  stair treads - are the horizontal parts of a staircase that you step on as you go up or down. They are the flat surfaces where your feet land. They can also be used in different art forms such as sculpture, prints, and architectural artistic practices.  kitakata - is a high-quality Japanese washi paper traditionally made in Fukushima Prefecture, using Philippine gampi fibers and sulphite pulp. The gampi provides a natural sheen, smooth texture, and resistance to moisture and insects, while the sulphite pulp adds strength and consistency. Known for its warm tone and moderate absorbency, Kitakata is ideal for bookbinding, mokuhanga, and other types of printmaking. Its surface holds fine details well, making it a favorite among artists for both traditional and contemporary work. sepia - is a reddish brown colour. Can be found in various pigments.  Baren Forum - is one of the oldest continuous online communities dedicated to mokuhanga. It serves artists, scholars, and enthusiasts who engage with the medium through both practical and academic approaches. The forum is especially known for its print exchanges, where practitioners share their work based on a shared theme, size, or topic. More information about the Baren Forum and its activities can be found, here.  Woodblock Dreams - was a mokuhanga block started in 2005 by Annie Bissett, a mokuhanga printmaker based in the United States. Annie's new blog can be found, here. Annie's interview with The Unfinished Print can be found, here.  Saitō Kiyoshi (1907-1997) - was a Japanese woodblock printmaker and artist who worked in the sōsaku hanga style of mokuhanga. HIs fame outside of Japan was fairly comprehensive with his peak fame being in the 1950's and 1960's. For a comprehensive book on his life and times, Saitō Kiyoshi: Graphic Awakening published by The John & Mable Ringling Museum is an excellent source. Can be found, here. Lecture by Dr. Paget about Saitō can be found, here. My interview with Professor Paget can be found, here.  Village of Miho - 16.81" × 11.69" (1960) Yoshida Hiroshi (1876-1950) - a watercolorist, oil painter, and woodblock printmaker. Is associated with the resurgence of the woodblock print in Japan, and in the West. It was his early relationship with Watanabe Shōzaburō, having his first seven prints printed by the Shōzaburō atelier. This experience made Hiroshi believe that he could hire his own carvers and printers and produce woodblock prints, which he did in 1925.  Seta Bridge - 10.83" × 15.59" (1933) Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839–1892) was a renowned Japanese woodblock printmaker and one of the last great masters of the ukiyo-e tradition. He is best known for his dramatic and emotionally intense imagery, particularly in series like One Hundred Aspects of the Moon and Thirty-Six Ghosts. Working during a time of cultural upheaval in the Meiji period, Yoshitoshi blended traditional techniques with modern themes, Yoshitoshi is famous as a print designer for his expressive linework, rich colour, and innovations in print design during this period of Japanese history. Unknown reprint - Date unknown Echizen - is a region in Fukui Prefecture, Japan, known for its long history of papermaking. The area is home to many paper artisans. One notable figure is Iwano Ichibei. He is a Living National Treasure in papermaking and the ninth generation of his family still making paper today. More information can be found here.in English, and here in Japanese.  monotype print - is a unique print created from an image painted or drawn on a smooth surface, such as glass or metal, and then transferred to paper. Unlike most printmaking methods, where multiple copies of the same image can be produced, a monotype typically has a single, one-of-a-kind image. It's called a "mono" type because it is not part of an edition like traditional prints (e.g., lithographs, etchings), where you can make multiple copies.  Okawara washi - is a traditional Japanese paper made in Japan and sold by Awagami Paper. It is typically composed of an even blend of Japanese kozo and Manila hemp, though some versions may also include wood pulp. The paper is known for its strength, flexibility, and subtle texture, making it suitable for printmaking and other fine art applications. While weights may vary, Okawara usually ranges between 50 and 75 gsm. Dropshipping - is a business model where a seller doesn't keep products in stock, but instead sells products that are shipped directly from a third-party supplier, like a wholesaler or manufacturer, to the customer. Narcissus no. 4 - 6" x 8"  © Popular Wheat Productions Opening and closing musical credit - background noise from Madison Square Park in New York City.  logo designed and produced by Douglas Batchelor and André Zadorozny  Disclaimer: Please do not reproduce or use anything from this podcast without shooting me an email and getting my express written or verbal consent. I'm friendly :)  Слава Українi If you find any issue with something in the show notes please let me know. ***The opinions expressed by guests in The Unfinished Print podcast are not necessarily those of André Zadorozny and of Popular Wheat Productions.***

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Sibling Bonds: Balancing Memories and Choices at the Polls Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-05-31-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 地域のコミュニティセンターは、投票を待つ人々で賑わっていた。En: The local community center was bustling with people waiting to vote.Ja: 窓から差し込む明るい陽射しが夏の訪れを予感させる。En: The bright sunlight streaming through the windows hinted at the arrival of summer.Ja: ポスターやバナーが壁に貼られ、市民参加を促している。En: Posters and banners were stuck to the walls, encouraging civic participation.Ja: そして、その中に姉のユキと弟のヒロシが立っていた。En: Among the crowd stood the sister, Yuki, and the brother, Hiroshi.Ja: 「ねえ、今日は大事な話し合いだから」とユキはふと言った。En: "Hey, today's discussion is important," Yuki suddenly remarked.Ja: 彼女は家族のために実用的な視点を持つ、人一倍責任感の強い姉である。En: She was a sister with a practical perspective for the sake of the family, possessing a stronger sense of responsibility than most.Ja: 「家を売るって、やっぱり賛成できないんだ」とヒロシが言い返す。En: "I just can't agree to selling the house," Hiroshi retorted.Ja: 彼は感情に正直で、家を感情的に大切にしてきた。En: He was honest with his emotions, emotionally treasuring the house.Ja: 「でも、お父さんとお母さんが決めたことだし、私たちも賛成するべきじゃない？」とユキは、落ち着いた声で諭す。En: "But it's what Mom and Dad decided, so shouldn't we agree too?" Yuki reasoned in a calm voice.Ja: 「将来のためにも、現実的な選択じゃないかな。」En: "Isn't it a realistic choice for the future?"Ja: 列が前に進むにつれて、ヒロシは考え込むように口を閉じた。En: As the line moved forward, Hiroshi closed his mouth thoughtfully.Ja: 「わかってる。でも、思い出がたくさん詰まってる家だよ」と彼は静かに言った。En: "I understand, but it's a house full of memories," he said quietly.Ja: ユキもまた、家を渡すことに躊躇がないわけではなかった。En: Yuki also wasn't entirely without hesitation about handing over the house.Ja: 「実は、私もあの家を恋しく思うことがある。En: "Actually, I do feel nostalgic about that house.Ja: ねえ、覚えてる？En: Hey, do you remember?Ja: あの庭でピクニックしたこと、桜の木の下で。”と彼女は目を細め、懐かしい記憶を話し出した。En: Those picnics in the garden, under the sakura tree," she said, narrowing her eyes as she began to recount the fond memories.Ja: ヒロシは驚いた。En: Hiroshi was surprised.Ja: 「ユキがそんなこと言うなんて…」彼は姉の話に耳を傾け、共感していることを感じた。En: "I didn't expect you to say that..." He listened to his sister's story, feeling a sense of empathy.Ja: 「でも、それでも？」En: "But even so?"Ja: それでも、ユキは「私も家のことを忘れることはできないけど、今が家族全体にとって大事な時期だから、もう少し考えたほうがいいと思う」と彼を優しく説得する。En: Even so, Yuki gently persuaded him, "I can't forget about the house either, but since it's an important time for the whole family now, I think we should consider it a bit more."Ja: ヒロシは黙りこくる。En: Hiroshi fell silent.Ja: そして、しばらく考えた後、頷いた。En: After thinking for some time, he nodded.Ja: 「お姉ちゃんがそう言うなら、もう少し考える時間を持とう」と言い、自分の感情と思慮を同時に抱くことを初めて認識した。En: "If you say so, onee-chan, let's take more time to think," he said, realizing for the first time the simultaneous embrace of his emotions and thoughtfulness.Ja: 列はさらに前進し、投票所の入り口が見えてきた。En: The line moved further forward, and the entrance to the polling station came into view.Ja: ユキは安堵の笑みを浮かべ、「投票が終わったら、両親とじっくり話そう」と提案した。En: Yuki let out a relieved smile and proposed, "Once the voting is over, let's have a thorough conversation with our parents."Ja: ヒロシもまた微笑み返す。En: Hiroshi also returned her smile.Ja: 「わかった。En: "Got it.Ja: 思い出と現実のバランスを取らなきゃね。」En: We have to balance memories and reality, right?"Ja: 二人は新たな決意を胸に、前へと歩み出した。En: The two stepped forward with a new resolve.Ja: 彼らの間には、より深い理解が生まれていた。En: Between them, a deeper understanding had been born. Vocabulary Words:bustling: 賑わっていてstreaming: 差し込むhinted: 予感させるposters: ポスターbanners: バナーencouraging: 促しているrecount: 話し出したcivic: 市民practical: 実用的perspective: 視点reasoned: 諭すhesitation: 躊躇nostalgic: 懐かしいemotionally: 感情的にtreasuring: 大切にしてempathy: 共感persuaded: 説得するsimultaneous: 同時resolve: 決意realistic: 現実的nodded: 頷いたentrance: 入り口polling station: 投票所relieved: 安堵thoughtfulness: 思慮encourage: 促しているtreasuring: 感情的に大切にしてnarrowing: 目を細めembrace: 抱くproposed: 提案した

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Lost Luggage and Laughter: A Comedic Airport Mix-Up Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-05-27-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 羽田空港は春の陽気で、出発ゲートが賑わっていました。En: Haneda Airport was lively with the spring atmosphere, and the departure gates were bustling.Ja: コーヒーの香りが漂い、アナウンスが絶え間なく響いていました。En: The aroma of coffee wafted through the air, and announcements echoed ceaselessly.Ja: さとしは仕事のために数週間東京に滞在しており、やっと帰宅の時間が来ました。En: Satoshi had been staying in Tokyo for a few weeks on business, and finally, it was time to go home.Ja: しかし、彼は少し心配していました。En: However, he was a bit worried.Ja: 「あれ、スーツケース、確かにここに置いたはずだったのに…」と。En: "Wait, I'm sure I left my suitcase here..." he thought.Ja: さとしは自分のスーツケースを見失ってしまったことに気が付きました。En: Satoshi realized he had lost track of his suitcase.Ja: しかし、近くにいるスーツケースを持つ男性を見つけました。En: He noticed a man nearby with a suitcase.Ja: それは、ひろしという名前の旅行者で、少し不思議な顔をしていました。En: This man was a traveler named Hiroshi, who had a somewhat puzzled expression.Ja: 実は、彼はさとしのスーツケースを受け取ってしまっていたのです。En: As it happened, he had mistakenly taken Satoshi's suitcase.Ja: そんな時、元気いっぱいの空港職員ゆきがやって来ました。En: Just then, a cheerful airport staff member named Yuki came over.Ja: 「困ったことがあったら教えてください！」と、笑顔で声をかけました。En: "If there's anything you're having trouble with, please let me know!" she said with a smile.Ja: さとしは事情を説明し、ゆきの助けを借りることにしました。En: Satoshi explained the situation and decided to enlist Yuki's help.Ja: ひろしはさとしが自分のスーツケースを欲しがっていることを知らず、スーツケースを開けてしまいました。En: Hiroshi, unaware that Satoshi wanted his own suitcase back, opened the suitcase in his possession.Ja: その中には、ピエロの鼻や巨大なウサギ耳の帽子、さまざまなコメディグッズがぎっしり詰まっていて、周りの人々は大笑いしました。En: Inside, it was packed with clown noses, a hat with giant rabbit ears, and various comedy props, causing the surrounding people to burst into laughter.Ja: 「これは一体…？」ひろしは驚いていましたが、周りの笑顔に彼も思わず笑ってしまいました。En: "What on earth is this...?" Hiroshi was surprised but couldn't help laughing along with the others.Ja: さとしは恥ずかしさを忘れ、「それ、実は私のスーツケースなんです」と言いました。En: Satoshi brushed off his embarrassment and said, "Actually, that's my suitcase."Ja: ゆきは手早く事態を収拾してくれました。En: Yuki swiftly resolved the situation.Ja: 「ここにありますよ、あなたの本当のスーツケースです！」と、さとしに正しいスーツケースを渡しました。En: "Here's your actual suitcase!" she said, handing Satoshi his correct suitcase.Ja: 「すみません。ご迷惑をおかけしましたが、少し笑えたでしょうか？」さとしは照れながら言いました。En: "I'm sorry for the trouble, but did it give you a little laugh?" Satoshi said, blushing.Ja: ひろしは笑って、「いや、これはちょっとした素晴らしい体験でした」と答えました。En: Hiroshi laughed and replied, "No worries, it was quite an amusing experience."Ja: さとしは空港を立ち去る時、少しゆったりとした気持ちになりました。En: As Satoshi left the airport, he felt a bit more relaxed.Ja: 彼は自分に笑えること、その瞬間を共有できる新しい友達を得たことを実感しました。En: He realized that he could laugh at himself and that he had gained a new friend with whom he could share that moment.Ja: そして、今度こそスーツケースをしっかり持ちながら飛行機に乗り込みました。En: And indeed, this time, he boarded the plane with his suitcase firmly in hand. Vocabulary Words:lively: 賑わっていましたdeparture: 出発bustling: 賑わっていましたaroma: 香りwafted: 漂いceaselessly: 絶え間なくrealized: 気が付きましたpuzzled: 不思議なmistakenly: 誤ってenlist: 借りることpossession: 所有props: グッズburst into: 大笑いしましたembarrassment: 恥ずかしさswiftly: 手早くresolved: 収拾してfirmly: しっかりannouncements: アナウンスechoed: 響いていましたsuitcase: スーツケースtraveler: 旅行者cheerful: 元気いっぱいのsurrounding: 周りのpacked: ぎっしり詰まっていてamusing: 笑えるexperience: 体験distraught: 心配expression: 顔announcement: アナウンスmoment: 瞬間

⚠️このエピソードは「パルプ・フィクション (Pulp Fiction)」のネタバレが含まれています 【考察&感想トーク回】 ◆◆◆ Kano&Hiroshiの初収録 | 意外とやってなかった不朽の名作 | にわかだけでタランティーノを語り合う | 初見でついて行くのムズい説 | 作品紹介 | 5年ぶり2回目の鑑賞Kanoの感想 | 2回目が面白い作品 | マーセルスが最高 | 吹き替えの「とても大丈夫とは言えねぇ」 | 冒頭の会話劇が鍵 | FootじゃなくてF**kのF | スクエアの意味 | その他ミアシーンの好きなとこ | 絆創膏の考察 | アタッシュケースの中身見たやつらの運命 | 神は信じる? | 神の存在感じた話 Kanoの場合 | Hiroshiの場合 | Hiroshiの趣味「灯台スタンプラリー」| ファビアンとブッチ | ブッチが一番ヤバイ奴だった | パルプ・フィクションとトイレットペーパー | 改めてタランティーノ最高!| おすすめの映画 ◆◆◆ Wheel of films SNSアカウント

In this episode of Ara Ara The Weeb Podcast, we take you through one of the most unforgettable weekends we've ever had by becoming official event ambassadors for JPEX 2025, meeting the legendary Hiroshi Kitadani, and appearing on national TV through Dubai One's DXB Today.As first-time ambassadors, we got to experience JPEX from a whole new perspective. One of the biggest highlights was watching Hiroshi Kitadani perform “We Are!” and other iconic One Piece hits live on stage.We also shared what it felt like to be featured on TV for the first time and reflected on how far the anime scene in the UAE has come.#HiroshiKitadani #OnePiece #JPEX2025 #AnimePodcast #DubaiOne #DXBToday #AraAraTheWeebPodcast #AnimeUAE #AnimeCommunity #WeAre------------------------------------------------------Follow The Ara Ara Channel:https://www.facebook.com/thearaarachannelhttps://www.instagram.com/thearaarachannel/https://www.tiktok.com/@thearaarachannelSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HDL4oLo705HomfjAIaB0zApple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/ara-ara-the-weeb-podcast/id1611768187Discord:https://discord.gg/yck6f3tdCTReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/UAEAnimeCommunity/Ara Ara Hosts:Vivz | https://www.instagram.com/vivzblackmage/Amy | https://www.instagram.com/justamything/Music By:KODOMOi - Mango Floathttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l50KoABRmDoLogo By:Ernestudiohttps://www.facebook.com/ernestudiographixLogo Animation By: Clarence Sampang

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Whispers of the Past: Unveiling Kyoto's Hidden Legacy Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-05-07-22-34-00-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 桜の花びらが舞い落ちる古代の遺跡で、ヒロシは地面を見つめていました。En: At an ancient ruin where sakura petals were dancing down, Hiroshi was staring at the ground.Ja: その場所は、京都の秘密の小さな森に隠れていました。En: That place was hidden in a secret little forest in Kyoto.Ja: 子どもたちの楽しげな笑い声が、町の祭りの賑わいから微かに聞こえてきます。En: The cheerful laughter of children could faintly be heard from the bustling town festival.Ja: 今日は子供の日。En: Today was Children's Day.Ja: 春の空気は温かく、草木は新しい命を迎えていました。En: The spring air was warm, and the vegetation was welcoming new life.Ja: ヒロシは考古学者です。En: Hiroshi is an archaeologist.Ja: 彼の夢は、世界に知られる偉大な発見をすることです。En: His dream is to make a great discovery known worldwide.Ja: しかし、どこか心の中で、無視されることの恐れがありました。En: However, somewhere in his heart, there was a fear of being ignored.Ja: そんな彼にとって、この遺跡は特別な意味を持っていました。En: For him, this ruin had a special meaning.Ja: 「ここに何かがある」と、ヒロシは確信していました。En: "There is something here," Hiroshi was convinced.Ja: アヤコはこの土地のガイド。En: Ayako is a guide for this land.Ja: 彼女は古い物語を知っていました。En: She knew the old stories.Ja: そして、この遺跡が語りかけてくる声も聞いていました。En: And, she could hear the voices that this ruin spoke.Ja: アヤコはヒロシに言いました。「この地には大切な物があります。En: Ayako said to Hiroshi, "There is something important on this land.Ja: それは、忘れられてはいけない物なのです。」En: It is something that must not be forgotten."Ja: ある日、ヒロシは土の中から奇妙なアーティファクトを見つけました。En: One day, Hiroshi found a strange artifact in the soil.Ja: それは、まるで囁くように彼に何かを伝えてくるものでした。En: It was as if it was whispering something to him.Ja: 「これは何なんだろう？」ヒロシは不思議に思いました。En: "What is this?" Hiroshi wondered.Ja: 彼は研究室でそれを調べ始めました。En: He began to study it in his lab.Ja: すると、そのアーティファクトは、歴史の真実を覆すようなことを示しているようでした。En: It seemed that the artifact could overturn the truths of history.Ja: ヒロシの心は揺れ動きました。En: Hiroshi's heart was in turmoil.Ja: 「この発見を公にすれば、僕は有名になるだろう。En: "If I make this discovery public, I will become famous.Ja: でも、これはこの土地の人々にとってどうなのか？」En: But, what does it mean for the people of this land?"Ja: アヤコは彼の不安を見抜きました。En: Ayako saw through his anxiety.Ja: 「ヒロシさん、真実は大切ですが、伝統も同じくらい大切です。」En: "Hiroshi-san, the truth is important, but so is tradition."Ja: ヒロシは大きく深呼吸をしました。En: Hiroshi took a deep breath.Ja: そして、ある夜アーティファクトを手に取り、声に耳を傾けました。En: And one night, holding the artifact, he listened to its voices.Ja: 突然、彼の意識は過去の情景を鮮明に見せられました。En: Suddenly, his consciousness was vividly shown scenes of the past.Ja: かつてこの地で生きた人々の生活。En: The lives of those who once lived on this land.Ja: 彼らの声。En: Their voices.Ja: その瞬間、ヒロシは理解しました。En: In that moment, Hiroshi understood.Ja: 「歴史の神秘を守ることもまた、新たな発見になる」と。En: "Protecting the mystery of history can also become a new discovery."Ja: 彼はアヤコに言いました。「一緒にこの遺産を守ろう。En: He said to Ayako, "Let's protect this heritage together.Ja: 人々の知らない歴史の謎を、そのままにしておこう。」En: Let's leave the mystery of history unknown to the people."Ja: アヤコは微笑みました。En: Ayako smiled.Ja: 「その選択は、この地と人々を大切にすることです。」En: "That choice is to cherish this land and its people."Ja: こうして、ヒロシは自分の野心を超え、アヤコと共に、古代の遺産を静かに見守る決意をしました。En: And so, Hiroshi overcame his own ambitions and, together with Ayako, decided to quietly watch over the ancient heritage.Ja: そして、彼は初めて心からの満足を得ました。En: For the first time, he found true satisfaction.Ja: 個人の栄光を超えた、真の理解と協力の中に。En: In the true understanding and cooperation beyond personal glory. Vocabulary Words:ruin: 遺跡dancing: 舞い落ちるcheerful: 楽しげなbustling: 賑わいarchaeologist: 考古学者discovery: 発見ignored: 無視されるconvinced: 確信してartifact: アーティファクトwhispering: 囁くoverturn: 覆すturmoil: 揺れ動きconsciousness: 意識vividly: 鮮明にheritage: 遺産cherish: 大切にするambitions: 野心satisfaction: 満足truly: 心からのovercome: 超えtradition: 伝統faintly: 微かにwelcoming: 迎えてguide: ガイドimportant: 大切なgemstone: 宝石truths: 真実anxiety: 不安voices: 声mystery: 神秘

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: The Price of Curiosity: An Aquarium Experience Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-04-25-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の日差しが心地よい午後、ヒロシは長らく楽しみにしていた水族館を訪れました。En: On a pleasant spring afternoon, Hiroshi visited the aquarium he had been eagerly anticipating for a long time.Ja: 彼は仕事の忙しさから離れて、海の生き物を観賞する心から静かなひと時を過ごそうとしていました。En: He sought to escape the busyness of work and spend a quiet moment contemplating sea creatures.Ja: 水族館は色とりどりの魚たちが泳ぐ青い水槽でいっぱいで、静かで穏やかな音が周りを包み込みます。En: The aquarium was filled with blue tanks where colorful fish swam, and a calm and serene sound enveloped the surroundings.Ja: 魚たちが描く流れるような動きに心を奪われていたヒロシでしたが、ある水槽の近くに差し掛かった時、彼の鼻がムズムズとし始めました。En: Hiroshi was captivated by the fluid movements of the fish, but as he approached a particular tank, he began to feel a tickle in his nose.Ja: 「ん、なんだか調子が良くないな。」ヒロシは鼻をこすりながらつぶやきましたが、海の生き物の美しさに夢中で、気にせず先に進みました。En: “Hmm, I'm not feeling quite right,” Hiroshi murmured, rubbing his nose, but he was so engrossed in the beauty of the sea creatures that he proceeded without concern.Ja: しかし、彼の体調は悪化し始め、目もかゆくなってきました。En: However, his condition started to worsen, and his eyes became itchy.Ja: そのとき、友人のユキとマリと合流しました。En: At that moment, he met up with his friends Yuki and Mari.Ja: 「大丈夫？なんか具合が悪そうだよ？」とユキが心配そうに声をかけました。En: “Are you okay? You don't look so well,” Yuki asked with concern.Ja: マリも「アレルギーじゃない？すぐに薬を飲んだほうがいいよ。」とアドバイスします。En: Mari also advised, “Could it be an allergy? You should take some medicine right away.”Ja: ヒロシは悩みました。En: Hiroshi was in a dilemma.Ja: せっかくの水族館、ここでやめるべきか、それとも最後まで楽しむか。En: Should he leave the aquarium he had looked forward to, or should he try to enjoy it to the end?Ja: しかし体の不調は自身が予想したよりも深刻でした。En: But his physical discomfort was more severe than he had expected.Ja: 彼は最終的に医療スタッフに助けを求めることを決め、水族館の応急処置室へ向かいました。En: Ultimately, he decided to seek help from the medical staff and headed to the aquarium's first-aid room.Ja: 薬を飲み、しばらく休むことですぐに落ち着きました。En: After taking some medicine and resting for a while, he quickly calmed down.Ja: 「命あっての物種だね。」ヒロシは自分にそう言い聞かせました。En: “Health is priceless,” Hiroshi reminded himself.Ja: その後、落ち着きを取り戻したヒロシは、同行したユキとマリとともに外に出ました。En: Later, having regained his composure, Hiroshi stepped outside with Yuki and Mari.Ja: 「もう少しで全部見逃すところだったけど、少し考えたんだ。自分の興味をもっと追求すべきじゃないかなって。」En: “I almost missed everything, but it got me thinking. Maybe I should pursue my interests more.”Ja: 「何かやるんだね？」とユキが聞きました。En: “Are you planning on doing something?” Yuki asked.Ja: 「うん、やっぱり海洋生物の研究がしたい。」ヒロシは遠くを見ながら、自分の夢に思いを馳せました。En: “Yeah, I've decided I want to research marine life,” Hiroshi replied, gazing into the distance, reflecting on his dreams.Ja: こうしてヒロシは、新しい勇気を胸に、心の声に従ってみる決意をしました。En: And so, with newfound courage in his heart, Hiroshi resolved to follow his inner voice.Ja: 彼の春の日のアクアリウムでの出来事は、彼にとって大きな転機となったのです。En: The events at the aquarium on that spring day became a major turning point for him. Vocabulary Words:pleasant: 心地よいaquarium: 水族館eagerly: 楽しみにanticipating: 期待しているcontemplating: 観賞するcreatures: 生き物enveloped: 包み込みsurroundings: 周りcaptivated: 心を奪われてfluid: 流れるようなtickle: ムズムズengrossed: 夢中itchy: かゆくdilemma: 悩みdiscomfort: 不調severe: 深刻ultimately: 最終的にfirst-aid room: 応急処置室calmed down: 落ち着きましたcomposure: 落ち着きregained: 取り戻したreflecting: 思いを馳せるpursue: 追求resolved: 決意しましたcourage: 勇気turning point: 転機harmony: 静かで穏やかtrouble: 具合が悪そうadvised: アドバイスallergy: アレルギー

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: After the Storm: Finding Beauty and Balance in Nature's Dance Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-04-11-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の終わり、ヒロシとユキは旅の途中でした。En: At the end of spring, Hiroshi and Yuki were in the middle of a journey.Ja: 彼らの目的は、隣町の桜を見に行くことでした。En: Their goal was to visit the neighboring town to see the cherry blossoms.Ja: しかし、突然の春の嵐が彼らを困らせました。En: However, a sudden spring storm troubled them.Ja: 激しい雨が降り始め、風も強くなってきました。En: A heavy rain started to fall, and the wind also began to pick up.Ja: 「ユキ、嵐が来ている。近くに避難しよう」とヒロシは言いました。En: "Yuki, a storm is coming. Let's take shelter nearby," Hiroshi said.Ja: 彼の表情は真剣でした。En: His expression was serious.Ja: 一方、ユキは窓の外を見つめ、雨に濡れる桜の木々を惜しそうに見ていました。En: On the other hand, Yuki was staring out the window, looking wistfully at the cherry trees drenched by the rain.Ja: 「でも、桜がすごく綺麗だよ。今しか見れないかもしれない」とユキは言いました。En: "But the cherry blossoms are so beautiful. We might not be able to see them again," Yuki said.Ja: 近くに見つけた地下シェルターは薄暗く、土の匂いが漂っていました。En: The underground shelter they found nearby was dimly lit, with the smell of earth lingering in the air.Ja: 家具は最小限で、必要なもの以上は何もありませんでした。En: The furniture was minimal, with nothing beyond what was absolutely necessary.Ja: ヒロシは「ここで安全を待とう」と提案しましたが、ユキは何とか外に出る方法を考えていました。En: Hiroshi suggested, "Let's stay here safely," but Yuki was thinking of a way to somehow get outside.Ja: 時間が経つにつれて、緊張が高まりました。En: As time passed, the tension heightened.Ja: 「こんなに暗いところにずっといるなんて、つらいよ」とユキが言いました。En: "Staying in such a dark place for so long is tough," Yuki said.Ja: 「でも、安全が一番だ」とヒロシは言い返しました。En: "But safety is the most important thing," Hiroshi retorted.Ja: その時、嵐の音が和らぎました。En: Then, the sound of the storm subsided.Ja: 二人は静かに耳を澄ませました。En: The two quietly listened.Ja: 雨が止んだ瞬間、ヒロシは「外に出よう」と決め、扉をゆっくり開けました。En: The moment the rain stopped, Hiroshi decided, "Let's go outside," and slowly opened the door.Ja: 外に出ると、地面はまだ濡れていましたが、桜は美しく咲いていました。En: When they stepped outside, the ground was still wet, but the cherry blossoms were beautifully in bloom.Ja: 雨に濡れた花びらは、太陽の光を浴びて輝いていました。En: The rain-drenched petals sparkled in the sunlight.Ja: ユキは笑顔で「見て、ヒロシ。まだ見れるよ！」と言いました。En: Yuki smiled and said, "Look, Hiroshi. We can still see them!"Ja: ヒロシはその光景を見つめ、心が和んだのを感じました。En: Hiroshi gazed at the scene and felt his heart ease.Ja: 「確かに、美しいな」と彼は同意しました。En: "Indeed, it's beautiful," he agreed.Ja: この経験を通じて、ヒロシはユキのようにその場を楽しむことの価値を知り、ユキも安全を大切にすることを学びました。En: Through this experience, Hiroshi learned the value of enjoying the moment, like Yuki, and Yuki also learned the importance of safety.Ja: 二人は、幾分晴れ晴れとした気持ちで次の目的地に向かいました。En: With somewhat lighter hearts, the two headed to their next destination.Ja: 旅を続けるうちに、バランスの取り方を学び、より豊かな経験を分かち合うことができたのです。En: As they continued their journey, they learned how to strike a balance and were able to share richer experiences.Ja: 桜の季節はまだ続いていましたが、彼らの心にはそれ以上の花が咲いていました。En: Although the cherry blossom season was still ongoing, they felt as if more than just blossoms were blooming in their hearts. Vocabulary Words:goal: 目的neighboring: 隣町shelter: 避難wistfully: 惜しそうにdrenched: 濡れるdimly lit: 薄暗くlingering: 漂ってminimal: 最小限tension: 緊張heightened: 高まりretorted: 言い返しましたsubsided: 和らぎましたsparkled: 輝いてease: 和んだbalance: バランスblooming: 咲いてsafety: 安全storm: 嵐expression: 表情moment: 瞬間destination: 目的地richer: より豊かなongoing: 続いてheart: 心suggested: 提案しましたgazed: 見つめshared: 分かち合うunderground: 地下furniture: 家具sudden: 突然

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Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Overcoming Heights: Hiroshi's Tokyo Skytree Revelation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-03-07-23-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の暖かい朝、東京スカイツリーは青い空にそびえていました。En: On a warm spring morning, the Tokyo Skytree towered against the blue sky.Ja: 観光客でにぎわう展望台、遠くに見える満開の桜。En: The observation deck bustling with tourists, cherry blossoms in full bloom visible in the distance.Ja: そこには、三人の人物がいました。広志、愛子、そして卓美です。En: In this setting were three people: Hiroshi, Aiko, and Takumi.Ja: 広志は毎日同じ道を歩く会社員です。En: Hiroshi is a company employee who walks the same path every day.Ja: 日常に少し退屈を感じていました。En: He was feeling a bit bored with his routine.Ja: 一方、愛子は冒険好きで、彼に新しいことを試すように勧める友人です。En: On the other hand, Aiko is a friend who loves adventure and encourages him to try new things.Ja: 卓美は、元気いっぱいのいとこ。東京に初めて訪れました。En: Takumi is their energetic cousin, visiting Tokyo for the first time.Ja: 「さあ、広志、東京スカイツリーに登ろうよ！」と愛子は提案しました。En: "Come on, Hiroshi, let's go up the Tokyo Skytree!" suggested Aiko.Ja: 初めての卓美も、「すごい、行こう！」と笑顔で答えます。En: First-timer Takumi also responded with a smile, "Amazing, let's go!"Ja: しかし、広志は少し不安でした。En: However, Hiroshi felt a bit uneasy.Ja: 彼は高いところが苦手です。En: He is afraid of heights.Ja: エレベーターに乗る前、広志は少し躊躇しました。En: Before getting into the elevator, Hiroshi hesitated a little.Ja: 「大丈夫だよ、広志。新しい景色を見ればきっといい気分になるよ」と愛子は励ましました。En: "Daijoubu, Hiroshi. Seeing a new view will definitely make you feel better," encouraged Aiko.Ja: 卓美も、「怖くないよ！一緒に行こう」と彼を応援しました。En: Takumi also cheered him on, "It's not scary! Let's go together."Ja: ついに、広志は決意をしました。En: Finally, Hiroshi made up his mind.Ja: 彼はエレベーターに乗り、上へ向かいます。En: He got into the elevator and headed upward.Ja: エレベーターが展望台に到着すると、広志は深呼吸をしました。En: When the elevator reached the observation deck, Hiroshi took a deep breath.Ja: 「さあ、見るぞ」と小さな声で自分に言い聞かせました。En: "Alright, let's take a look," he whispered to himself.Ja: 展望デッキに立つと、360度の素晴らしいパノラマが広がっていました。En: Standing on the observation deck, a stunning 360-degree panorama spread out before him.Ja: 広志は最初は怖がって足を踏み入れられませんでしたが、愛子と卓美に励まされ、一歩踏み出しました。En: Hiroshi was initially scared to step out, but encouraged by Aiko and Takumi, he took a step forward.Ja: 広がる東京の街並み、遠くの山々。そして、下には満開の桜の木々。En: The sprawling landscape of Tokyo, mountains in the distance, and below, trees in full cherry blossom.Ja: 広志の心は一気に解放されました。En: Hiroshi's heart was instantly liberated.Ja: 怖さは消え、新しい視点が彼に勇気を与えてくれました。En: His fear vanished, and the new perspective gave him courage.Ja: 「すごいね。東京はこんなに大きいんだ」と、広志はしみじみ言いました。En: "Amazing. Tokyo is so vast," Hiroshi said thoughtfully.Ja: 見ているうちに、広志の心は軽くなりました。En: As he looked out, Hiroshi felt his heart lighten.Ja: 「これからはもっと新しいことに挑戦しよう」と決意します。En: "From now on, I'll take on more new challenges," he resolved.Ja: その日、広志の人生は少しだけ輝いて見えました。En: That day, Hiroshi's life seemed a little more radiant.Ja: 彼らは笑顔でスカイツリーを降り、それぞれ新しい気持ちで町に出かけました。En: They descended the Skytree with smiles, heading out into the city with renewed feelings.Ja: 広志は、次回はどこへ行こうかと心が躍りました。En: Hiroshi's heart danced at the thought of where to go next.Ja: 彼の中の何かが変わりました。En: Something inside him changed.Ja: 怖さを克服することで、新しい経験が人生を豊かにすることを知った広志。En: By overcoming his fear, Hiroshi realized that new experiences enrich life.Ja: これからは、もっと自分の殻を破っていくことでしょう。En: From now on, he will likely break out of his shell more. Vocabulary Words:towered: そびえていましたobservation deck: 展望台bloom: 満開setting: 場面routine: 日常encourages: 励ますresponded: 答えましたuneasy: 不安hesitated: 躊躇しましたliberated: 解放されましたcourage: 勇気panorama: パノラマperspective: 視点radiant: 輝いてdescended: 降りましたrenewed: 新しいenrich: 豊かにするsprawling: 広がるchallenges: 挑戦realized: 知ったenergetic: 元気いっぱいadventure: 冒険suggested: 提案しましたview: 景色elevator: エレベーターmountains: 山々cherry blossoms: 桜spirit: 心overcoming: 克服shell: 殻

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Under Tokyo's Snow: Unveiling a Hidden Truth Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-02-27-23-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 東京の寒い二月の日、雨が細かい雪に変わり、寒さはますます厳しくなっていました。En: On a cold February day in Tokyo, the rain turned into fine snow, and the cold became increasingly severe.Ja: ヒロシは信号待ちで、手袋をもう一度確認し直し、意を決します。En: *Hiroshi stood waiting at the traffic signal, checked his gloves once more, and steeled himself.Ja: 自分が目撃したことを報告するべく、新宿警察署へ向かいました。En: He was on his way to the Shinjuku police station to report what he had witnessed.Ja: 心臓がドキドキし、足取りは少し重いです。En: His heart was racing, and his steps were somewhat heavy.Ja: 警察署は忙しく、ドアが開くたびに冬の冷たい風が吹き込みました。En: The police station was busy, and every time the door opened, the cold winter wind blew in.Ja: 受付のすぐ横には警察官たちの厚いコートが掛かっています。En: Thick coats belonging to the police officers were hung right beside the reception.Ja: ヒロシはドキドキしながら、受付にいる女性に話しかけます。En: With a pounding heart, Hiroshi spoke to the woman at the reception.Ja: 「こんにちは。En: "Hello.Ja: すみません、犯罪を報告したいのですが」と彼は言いました。En: Excuse me, I would like to report a crime," he said.Ja: 女性は優しく頷きます。En: The woman nodded kindly.Ja: 「少々お待ちください」と言い、ヒロシを待合室に案内します。En: "Please wait a moment," she said and guided him to the waiting room.Ja: 数分後、警察官のアキラが現れました。En: A few minutes later, Officer Akira appeared.Ja: 彼は真剣な顔でヒロシに話しかけます。En: With a serious face, he spoke to Hiroshi.Ja: 「何を見たんですか？En: "What did you see?"Ja: 」アキラは問いただしました。En: Akira inquired.Ja: ヒロシは緊張し、詳細を思い出そうとします。En: Nervous, Hiroshi tried to remember the details.Ja: 「あの、先週の金曜日、オフィスの帰りに…」と彼は話し始めます。En: "Well, last Friday, on my way home from the office..." he began.Ja: ヒロシの声は不安で、途中で自分の記憶を疑い始めました。En: Hiroshi's voice was uneasy, and halfway through, he began to doubt his memory.Ja: でも彼は続けます。En: But he continued.Ja: 「怪しい男がビルの裏から出てくるのを見ました。En: "I saw a suspicious man coming out from behind a building.Ja: 彼は黒いコートを着ていて、何か大きな袋を持っていました。En: He was wearing a black coat and carrying a large bag."Ja: 」「それは何時でしたか？En: "What time was it?"Ja: 」アキラはさらに深く尋ねます。En: Akira asked further.Ja: ヒロシは一瞬を振り返ります。En: Hiroshi looked back on the moment for a second.Ja: 「たぶん、7時ぐらいです。En: "Maybe around 7 o'clock.Ja: でも、正確には…」彼の声は小さくなります。En: But exactly...," his voice trailed off softly.Ja: アキラは疑わしげに見えました。En: Akira looked skeptical.Ja: 「いったい、何が起こったと思いますか？En: "What exactly do you think happened?"Ja: 」彼は重々しく問います。En: he asked weightily.Ja: ヒロシは戸惑いました。En: Hiroshi was bewildered.Ja: 自分の記憶が正しいのか確信が持てません。En: He wasn't sure if his memory was accurate.Ja: しかし、彼は真実を伝えることの責任感を感じます。En: However, he felt a responsibility to convey the truth.Ja: 「私はただ、何か不審に思ったんです…」ヒロシは必死になります。En: "I just thought it was suspicious..." Hiroshi desperately said.Ja: アキラはまだ疑念を捨てていませんが、ヒロシの目からは誠実さが伺えます。En: Akira still wasn't free from doubt, but from Hiroshi's eyes, sincerity could be perceived.Ja: 「よし、状況を整理してみましょう」とアキラは提案します。En: "Alright, let's organize the situation," Akira suggested.Ja: 会話の中で、ヒロシは自分が見た小さなディテールを一つ一つ思い出しました。En: During their conversation, Hiroshi remembered the small details one by one.Ja: それは巧妙に隠された手がかりになりました。En: These turned out to be cleverly concealed clues.Ja: 彼の観察力のおかげで、事件は予想以上に大きく発展しました。En: Thanks to his observant nature, the case developed beyond expectations.Ja: ヒロシの報告がきっかけで、警察は新しい証拠を見つけ、捜査に突破口が開けました。En: Hiroshi's report led the police to find new evidence, opening a breakthrough in the investigation.Ja: 数日後、ヒロシは再び警察署を訪れました。En: A few days later, Hiroshi visited the police station again.Ja: アキラは彼を迎え、大きく頷きました。En: Akira met him, nodding broadly.Ja: 「君のおかげで大きな進展があったよ」とアキラは感謝しました。En: "Thanks to you, we've made significant progress," Akira expressed his gratitude.Ja: ヒロシはほっと胸をなで下ろし、心の中に新たな自信が芽生えました。En: Hiroshi breathed a sigh of relief, and a new confidence began to sprout within him.Ja: 「よかった、役に立てて」と彼は微笑みました。En: "I'm glad I could help," he smiled.Ja: その日から、ヒロシは自分の信念を大切にし、真実を追求し続けることを決意しました。En: From that day on, Hiroshi decided to cherish his beliefs and continue pursuing the truth.Ja: 寒い冬の夜空を見上げながら、彼は一歩前に踏み出しました。En: Looking up at the cold winter night sky, he took a step forward.Ja: 自分の強さを再確認し、そして正義を信じる心を持ち続けることを改めて誓ったのです。En: He reaffirmed his own strength, and vowed once more to hold onto his belief in justice. Vocabulary Words:severe: 厳しいsteeled: 意を決するpounding: ドキドキsuspicious: 怪しいbewildered: 戸惑いましたreception: 受付skeptical: 疑わしげconvey: 伝えるsincerity: 誠実さobservant: 観察力breakthrough: 突破口significant: 大きなconfidence: 自信report: 報告vowed: 誓ったcherish: 大切にするwitnessed: 目撃したhesitant: 不安guidance: 案内doubted: 疑い始めるresponsibility: 責任感nodded: 頷きuneasy: 不安portrayed: 伺えましたexpected: 予想以上confidence: 自信critical: 重大なvehement: 必死details: 詳細thought: 思う

Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction on Inio Asanon arkinen scifidraama, jossa kahden ystävyksen aikuistumista varjostaa Tokion ylle haaksirikkoutunut muukalaisten avaruusalus ja Japanin militarisoituminen. Ajankohtaisina aiheina puhumme Desucon Frostbite 2025:stä, Ken Akamatsun kanssapolitiikoilleen järjestämästä seminaarista manga- ja animealojen kipukohdista sekä Bloombergin artikkelista suoratoistopalvelu Crunchyrollin viime vuosien ongelmista. Lukujonossa on Masaaki Nakayaman päähenkilötön, pienistä palasista koostuva kauhumysteeri PTSD Radio. --- Kommentoi | Threads | Mastodon | Bluesky | X | Instagram --- (01:13) – KUULUMISET: BL-BINGO - Maaretin BL-bingoketju Mastodonissa (05:09) – DEDEDEDE: ESITTELY - Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction (08:09) – DEDEDEDE: INIO ASANO JA TAIDE - Inio Asano - Asanon Instagramista saa hyvän kuvan siitä, miten hän vaihtelee piirrostyylejä eri sarjoissaan - Osalla hahmoista on outoja, karikatyyrimäisiä kasvonpiirteitä (kuva) - Sivuhahmoilla on usein selkeää sukunäköä keskenään (kuva) - Neljäs veli on chuunipoika (kuva) - Yksityiskohtaisia valokuvapohjaisia taustoja ja söpöjä jalkoja (kuva) - Jakso 60, jossa puhuimme Death Notesta - Manben-sarjan Inio Asano -jakso (DailyMotion) - Naoki Urasawa - Muukalaisten alukset muistuttavat epäilyttävästi arkisia esineitä (kuva) - Inio Asanoa innoitti mangaka Tamakichi Sakura - Yoshiharu Tsuge, osa gekiga-liikettä josta olemme puhuneet jaksossa 57 ja jaksossa 89 - Shigeru Mizuki, josta olemme puhuneet jaksossa 56 ja jaksossa 89 - Koko aukeaman ruutu, jossa valtava määrä muukalaisia putoaa taivaalta (kuva) - Asano demonstroi YouTube-kanavallaan, miten piirtää nykyään joskus myös kokonaan digitaalisesti, vaikka ei olekaan sen kanssa vielä täysin sujut (YouTube, englanniksi tekstitetty) - Title drop -hetket jyrähtävät välillä ruutuun aggressiivisesti (kuva) - Lukujen välisivuilla hahmot leikittelevät DEDEDEDE-tavujen kanssa (kuva) (25:05) – DEDEDEDE: TARINA JA MAAILMANRAKENNUS - Siellä se muukalaisten emoalus kelluu (kuva) - Maailmanrakennus tapahtuu usein varsinaisen fokuskerronnan taustalla, esim. radion taustameluna (kuva) - Japani on militarisoitumassa uudelleen, mutta tällä kertaa söpösti (kuva) - Muukalaiset ovat puolustuskyvyttömiä ihmisiä vastaan (kuva) - Muukalaiset kuvataan “lokalisoidusti” kutsumassa toisiaan japanilaisilla nimillä (kuva) - Pohjois-Korea alkoi ampua ballistisia ohjuksiaan Japanin yli vuonna 1998 - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask julkaistiin vuonna 2000 - Vuoden 2011 kolmoisonnettomuus - Tokion suuret maanjäristykset ovat toistuneet noin sadan vuoden välein, ja edellinen oli 1923… - Jokainen pokkari alkaa Isobeyanista ja päättyy Isobeyaniin (kuva) - Doraemon, kaikkien tuntema lastensarja, jota Isobeyan parodioi - Yhdysvaltain presidentti Padron näyttää ja kuulostaa kumman tutulta (kuva) (46:17) – DEDEDEDE: KADODE JA ORAN - Päähenkilömme (kuva) - Kadode ja Oran ovat parhaat ystävykset (kuva) - Kadoden emoaluksen saapumisessa kadonnut isä oli paljon poissa (kuva) - Kadoden neuroottinen äiti on aika kamala ja rasittava, mutta äidin uusi miesystävä on oikein mukava heppu (kuva) - Oranin isoveli Hiroshi on sarjan paras poika (kuva) - Toinen kuva (kuva) (53:27) – DEDEDEDE: MUUT HAHMOT - Lukioporukka (kuva) - Välillä on konflikteja, mutta silti ystävyys on tärkeää (kuva) - Uudet yliopistokaverit Futaba ja Makoto (kuva) - Kadode on ihastunut intohimottomaan opettaja Wataraseen (kuva) - Mangaka Kengo Hanazawa… …on saanut sarjassa vähän hönön pienen cameon (kuva) - Ressentiment - I Am A Hero - Oban sisällä asuu muukalainen (kuva) (01:06:14) – DEDEDEDE: JULKAISU - Sarjan kannet - Ilmaisu “Tokion 23 erillisaluetta“ (23区) on systemaattisesti käännetty väärin muotoon “ward 23”, aivan kuin kyse olisi vain yhdestä erillisalueesta (järjestysluvultaan 23), eikä kaikkien 23 alueen kokonaisuudesta (01:09:52) – DEDEDEDE: ANIMESOVITUS - TV-sarjaksi muokattu animesovitus Crunchyrollissa - Kadodea näyttelee Yoasobin vokalisti Lilas Ikuta - Orania näyttelee Ano (01:17:07) – DEDEDEDE: SPOILERIOSIO - Oran ei halua käsitellä todellisuutta (kuva) - Kadode ja Oran ja muukalainen (kuva) - Kadode ja juna (kuva) - Ystävyys on tärkeämpää kuin maailmanloppu (kuva) - Steins; Gate - Oran ihastuu (kuva) - Lähestyvän maailmanlopun vihjailukin on aggressiivista kerrontaa (kuva) - Dempagumi.incin kappale Even if the World's in Pieces / Ashita chikyuu ga konagona ni nattemo (YouTube), jolle Asano on näemmä piirtänyt myös levynkannen - Neljä vuotta myöhemmin… (kuva) (01:46:13) – DEDEDEDE: YHTEENVETO - Petterin arvostelu sarjasta Anime-lehden numerossa 4/2018 (kuva) (01:48:49) – DESUCON FROSTBITE 2025 - Kamome Shirahama kunniavieraana kesän 2025 Desuconissa - Jakso 43, jossa puhuimme Shirahaman sarjasta Witch Hat Atelier - Bonusjakso, jossa puhuimme Kore Yamazakin vierailusta Desuconissa 2023 - Jakso 9, jossa puhuimme sarjasta Delicious in Dungeon - Orb: On the Movements of the Earth - Petterin ohjelma Kääntäminen kulttuurisodan kohteena (YouTube) - Ylilaudalla keskustelu oli ennalta-arvattavan värikästä - Maaretin ohjelma Animetunnarit tarinaa kertomassa (YouTube) - Desucon Frostbite -taltiokokoelma (YouTube) - Norpun blogipostaus, johon superdarling-hahmotyyppiluento perustui - Kunniavieras Tsubasa Yonaga - Onban kikou (02:19:30) – KEN AKAMATSUN MANGAKESKUSTELUTILAISUUS - Jakso 63 ja jakso 70, joissa olemme viimeksi puhuneet Ken Akamatsun lähdöstä politiikkaan - ANN: Ken Akamatsu Named as Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology - Ken Akamatsun tekstipostaus ja sarjakuvapäiväkirja tapahtumasta - Denfaminicogamerin artikkeli tapahtumasta - Artikkelin läpikäyntiä konekäännöksen kanssa - Tetsuya Chiba - George Morikawa - Hideaki Anno - Jakso 79, jossa puhuimme mangan fyysisistä piraattijulkaisuista - Tuleva uusi Gundam-sarja Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX - Machiko Satonaka (02:32:59) – CRUNCHYROLLIN HAASTEET - Bloomberg: Sony's Crunchyroll Finds Its Early Lead in Anime Under Attack - Kopio artikkelista Japan Timesissa - Engadget: A new Crunchyroll manga mobile app arrives later this year - Sakamoto Days oli Netflixin isoin animelanseeraus sen jälkeen kun se alkoi kertoa viikkokatsojalukujaan - Richardson Handjajan graafi perustuen Parrot Analyticsin dataan siitä, miten Netflix tuotti animelle jo vuonna 2023 tuplasti enemmän rahaa kuin Crunchyroll - Graafi talteen siltä varalta että linkki joskus lakkaa toimimasta (kuva) - Nykyään on muotia ilkkua kaikille Crunchyrollin ongelmille - Esimerkki 2 - Esimerkki 3 - Miksi Re:Zeroa ei markkinoida? - Valitusesimerkki siitä, että suoratoistopalvelut “tappavat” sarjoja (kuva) (02:58:34) – HAMPAANKOLOSSA: KINGDOM & K MANGA - ANN: Viz Media Licenses Kingdom Manga - K Manga laajeni uusille alueille lokakuussa 2024 ja helmikuussa 2025 - Jakso 85, jossa kokeilimme K Mangaa emmekä pitäneet siitä - Tarkennuksena Kodanshan sarjojen saatavuuteen muissa manganlukupalveluissa: kaikkia Kodanshan sarjoja ei vedetty pois, vaan simultaanijulkaiseminen muualla lopetettiin, ja sarjavalikoima pieneni (03:03:57) – KUULIJAKOMMENTTI: MANGA KIRJAKAUPOISSA (03:05:36) – KUULIJAKOMMENTTI: PIIRROSTYYLI JA SUOSITUKSIA - Jakso 100 ja jakso 103, joissa puhuimme One Piecestä - Jakso 105, jossa puhuimme Seirou Operasta - Jakso 108, jossa puhuimme Blackguardista - Ouran High School Host Club sai varsin rakastetun animesovituksen vuonna 2006 - Titaanien sota / Attack on Titan - Jujutsu Kaisen - Beastars - Nobuyuki Fukumoto - Love Roma - Kooji Kumeta - Behind the Scenes!! - Jakso 67, jossa puhuimme sarjasta Oshi no ko - Frieren: Beyond Journey's End - Tokyo Ghoul - Shuzo Oshimi - Stray Dog's Night - Natsuki Takaya - Mika Yamamori - Harem Marriage - Jakso 16, jossa puhuimme sarjasta Takane & Hana (03:24:46) – KUULIJAKOMMENTTI: MANGAN SUKUPUOLIKUVAUS - Lauran Mastodon-viesti - Ranma 1/2 - Ayakashi Triangle - Wandering Son - Jakso 87, jossa puhuimme sarjasta Boys Run the Riot - Jakso 21, jossa puhuimme sarjasta Our Dreams at Dusk - Jakso 65, jossa puhuimme sarjasta Love Me for Who I Am - Sukupuolella leikitteleviä romanttisia komedioita, joiden keskiössä on otoko no ko -hahmo: - Prunus Girl - Maria Holic - Princess Jellyfish - Danganronpan Chihiro - Jakso 82, jossa puhuimme Vinland Sagan Cordeliasta - Nolkytluvun taitteen proto-transnaishahmoja - Fruits Basketin Ritsu ja Momiji (muiden muassa) - Paradise Kissin Isabella - I Think I Turned My Childhood Friend into a Girl, josta puhuimme jaksossa 69 - Just Like Mona Lisa - Maaretin Mastodon-ketju sarjasta - Simoun - After School Nightmare - My Secret Affection, josta puhuimme jaksossa 67 - Riyoko Ikedan The Rose of Versailles (josta puhuimme jaksossa 59) ja Claudine - Jakso 39, jossa puhuimme Ryo Hanadan sarjasta Devils' Line - Jakso 108, jossa puhuimme Ryo Hanadan sarjasta Blackguard - Land of the Lustrous - Onimai – I'm Now Your Sister - Your Name (03:40:02) – LUKUJONOSSA: PTSD RADIO - PTSD Radio - Fuan no tane, tekijän toinen sarja - Jakso 109, jossa puhuimme päähenkilön roolista - The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya - Sarjoja, joissa kauhuelementti toimii mausteena: - The Promised Neverland - I Want to Hold Aono-kun So Badly I Could Die, josta puhuimme jaksossa 92 - Higurashi - When They Cry - Spekulaatiota siitä, että tekijä lopetti sarjan kun pelotti liikaa (03:57:08) – LOPETUS

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Love in Kyoto: A Startup Story Amidst Falling Snow Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-02-11-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 真冬の京都の街は、雪が静かに降り積もる朝でした。En: The streets of Kyoto on a midwinter morning were covered in quietly falling snow.Ja: あたりは白く染まり、空気は冷たく澄んでいました。En: The surroundings were painted white, and the air was cold and crisp.Ja: しかし、その寒さを打ち破るように、起業家たちの活気に満ちた建物がありました。En: However, standing in defiance of the chill was a building bustling with the energy of entrepreneurs.Ja: それが、スタートアップインキュベーターです。En: It was a startup incubator.Ja: ヒロシは熱心な起業家で、毎日ここで新しい技術のアイデアを磨いていました。En: Hiroshi was a passionate entrepreneur who polished his ideas for new technology here every day.Ja: 彼は内向的な性格ですが、成功への強い情熱を持っていました。En: He had an introverted personality but possessed a strong drive for success.Ja: 少し人と距離を置くことが多かったのです。En: He often kept a bit of distance from people.Ja: 一方、アキコは創造的でマーケティングの才能を持つ明るい女性でした。En: On the other hand, Akiko was a bright woman with creative and marketing talents.Ja: 彼女は人とのつながりを大切にし、新しい友人を作ることが好きでした。En: She valued connections with others and enjoyed making new friends.Ja: 彼らはこのインキュベーターで初めて出会いました。En: They met for the first time at this incubator.Ja: アキコのおおらかさとユーモアに、ヒロシは少しずつ心を開いていきました。En: Hiroshi gradually began to open up to Akiko's easygoing nature and humor.Ja: そして、冬のある日、ヒロシは勇気を出してアキコとのプロジェクトのために協力しようと決めました。En: Then, one winter day, Hiroshi mustered the courage to propose collaborating on a project with Akiko.Ja: 「アキコ、一緒にプロジェクトをしませんか？」と、彼は言いました。En: "Akiko, would you like to do a project together?" he asked.Ja: アキコはうれしそうに微笑み、こう答えました。「もちろん、楽しみだね！」En: Akiko smiled happily and replied, "Of course, I'm looking forward to it!"Ja: 彼らは一緒に新しいテクノロジーとデザインのアイデアを結びつけて、革新的なビジネスプランを作り始めました。En: Together, they started connecting new technology and design ideas to create an innovative business plan.Ja: 時間が経つにつれて、ヒロシは彼女の存在がどれほど彼にとって大切かを感じ始めました。En: As time passed, Hiroshi began to realize how important her presence was to him.Ja: しかし、ヒロシの頭の中には一つの不安がありました。En: However, he had one concern on his mind.Ja: 「仕事と恋愛、両立できるのだろうか？」En: "Can I balance work and romance?"Ja: バレンタインデーが近づく頃、インキュベーターで大きなピッチコンペティションが行われることになりました。En: As Valentine's Day approached, a major pitch competition was scheduled to take place at the incubator.Ja: ヒロシとアキコは、彼らのアイデアを披露する準備を始めました。En: Hiroshi and Akiko began preparing to showcase their ideas.Ja: その日、彼らは精一杯のプレゼンテーションを行いました。En: On that day, they gave their best presentation.Ja: ヒロシはアキコを見ると、彼女の勇気と洞察力に深く感謝し、同時に彼女への感情を再確認しました。En: Looking at Akiko, Hiroshi deeply appreciated her courage and insight and, at the same time, reaffirmed his feelings for her.Ja: 結果は予想以上に良く、彼らのチームは勝利を手にしました。En: The results were better than expected, and their team claimed victory.Ja: 緊張感から解放され、二人は喜びを分かち合い、外の雪が降りしきる中で暖かなカフェに入りました。En: Released from the tension, the two shared their joy and entered a warm café as the snow continued to fall outside.Ja: そこでヒロシは、やっと自分の心の中を明かしました。En: It was there that Hiroshi finally revealed his feelings.Ja: 「アキコ、君と一緒にいると、本当に楽しい。En: "Akiko, being with you is really fun.Ja: これからはもっと、一緒に色々なことを経験したい。」En: From now on, I want to experience many things together."Ja: アキコは驚いた表情から微笑みへと変わり、静かに言いました。「私も同じ気持ちだよ。En: Akiko's surprised expression turned into a smile, and she quietly said, "I feel the same way.Ja: このまま一緒に、仕事も楽しみも、すべて分かち合おう。」En: Let's continue to share everything, both work and enjoyment, together."Ja: こうして、冷たい冬に包まれた京都の街で、ヒロシとアキコは新しいスタートを切りました。En: Thus, Hiroshi and Akiko embarked on a new journey in the snow-covered streets of Kyoto.Ja: 彼らは共に成長し、仕事と個人のバランスを見つける旅を始めました。En: They began a journey to grow together and find a balance between work and personal life.Ja: その先には、まだ見ぬ未来が待っていましたが、その一歩を共に踏み出す決意を固めたのです。En: Though an unpredictable future awaited them, they were determined to take that step forward together.Ja: 彼らを包むインキュベーターの温かい明かりは、静かに二人を見守っていました。En: The warm light of the incubator enveloped them, watching over them quietly. Vocabulary Words:midwinter: 真冬surroundings: あたりdefiance: 打ち破るbustling: 活気に満ちたincubator: インキュベーターentrepreneur: 起業家introverted: 内向的drive: 情熱distance: 距離creative: 創造的talents: 才能connections: つながりeasygoing: おおらかさmustered: 勇気を出してcollaborating: 協力innovative: 革新的realize: 感じ始めましたconcern: 不安balance: 両立pitch: ピッチscheduled: 行われるshowcase: 披露するappreciated: 感謝しinsight: 洞察力reaffirmed: 再確認しましたvictory: 勝利tension: 緊張感revealed: 明かしましたembarked: 新しいスタートを切りましたunpredictable: まだ見ぬ

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Chasing Dreams in Tokyo's Winter: A Family's Heartfelt Setback Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-01-29-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冬の東京、渋谷の交差点はいつもと変わらず賑やかだ。En: In winter Tokyo, the Shibuya intersection is as bustling as ever.Ja: ネオンの光が雪の中に反射して、美しい景色を作り出している。En: The neon lights reflect on the snow, creating a beautiful scene.Ja: この日は節分の日。通りには多くの人が豆撒きをし、鬼を追い払おうとしていた。En: Today is Setsubun, and many people on the streets are throwing beans, trying to drive away demons.Ja: 28歳のユキは、友人たちと落ち合うためにShibuya交差点へ向かった。En: Yuki, 28 years old, headed to the Shibuya intersection to meet with her friends.Ja: しかし、今日の目的は家族との集合だった。En: However, today's objective was to gather with her family.Ja: ユキは心に重いものを抱えている。En: Yuki carried a heavy heart.Ja: ニューヨークでの新たな仕事のオファーを受けたが、家族の反応が気になっている。En: She had received a job offer in New York but was concerned about her family's reaction.Ja: 彼女の弟、ヒロシはまだ学生だが、教師になることを目指している。En: Her younger brother, Hiroshi, is still a student but aims to become a teacher.Ja: ヒロシは姉が見知らぬ国に行ってしまうことを恐れ、不安だ。En: Hiroshi is anxious and scared about his sister moving to an unfamiliar country.Ja: 二人の母、サクラは複雑な思いを抱いていた。En: Their mother, Sakura, had mixed feelings.Ja: 娘の夢を応援したいが、家族の絆が薄れてしまうことを心配している。En: She wanted to support her daughter's dreams but was worried about their family bonds weakening.Ja: 三人は交差点近くのカフェで会った。En: The three met at a café near the intersection.Ja: サクラは豆を持ってきて、セットブンの準備をしていた。En: Sakura brought beans and was preparing for the Setsubun ritual.Ja: 「皆、今日は豆撒きをして、悪いものを追い払いましょう」とサクラは言った。En: "Everyone, let's throw beans today and drive away bad things," Sakura said.Ja: 緊張の中、ユキは話し始めた。En: Amid the tension, Yuki began to speak.Ja: 「実は、私はニューヨークに行こうと思っています。」En: "Actually, I'm thinking of going to New York."Ja: ヒロシの顔が硬くなった。En: Hiroshi's face tightened.Ja: 「なんでそんな急に？失敗したらどうするの？」En: "Why so suddenly? What if you fail?"Ja: 「それでも、私は挑戦したいの」ユキの声は震えていた。En: "Even so, I want to take the challenge," Yuki's voice trembled.Ja: 「あなたも教師になりたいと言っていたじゃない。私も夢を追いかけたいの。」En: "You also said you wanted to become a teacher. I want to pursue my dream, too."Ja: 「ユキ…でも、寂しいよ」とヒロシは言った。En: "Yuki... but I'll miss you," said Hiroshi.Ja: サクラはそっと二人を見守っていた。彼女自身も不安を感じながらも、口を開いた。En: Sakura quietly watched over the two, feeling uneasy herself, yet she spoke up.Ja: 「ユキ、あなたの夢を応援したい。でも、家族がバラバラになるのが怖い」とサクラは告げた。En: "Yuki, I want to support your dreams. But I'm scared of our family falling apart," Sakura confided.Ja: その瞬間、店の外から豆を撒く声が聞こえた。「鬼は外、福は内。」En: At that moment, voices from outside the café chanting "Demons out, fortune in" could be heard, throwing beans.Ja: ユキは深く息を吸い、「約束する。En: Yuki took a deep breath and said, "I promise.Ja: 頻繁に帰ってくるし、毎日連絡するから。En: I'll come back frequently and contact you every day.Ja: 家族を大切にするよ。」En: I will cherish our family."Ja: ヒロシはしばらく黙っていたが、ついに「いいよ、姉ちゃん。俺も自分の夢を見つけるよ」と言った。En: Hiroshi remained silent for a while but finally said, "Alright, big sis. I'll find my own dream too."Ja: 家族はそれぞれに涙を浮かべながら、豆を撒いた。悪い運を振り払い、新しい希望を胸に。En: With tears in their eyes, the family threw beans together, driving away bad fortune and embracing new hopes in their hearts.Ja: その夜、冷たい風が渋谷を吹き抜けたが、ユキたちの間に新たな絆が生まれた。En: That night, the cold wind blew through Shibuya, but a new bond formed between Yuki and her family.Ja: 彼女たちはお互いの夢を尊重し、支え合い続けることを決意したのだ。En: They resolved to respect and support each other's dreams.Ja: 冬の東京の夜空に、新たな星が輝き始めた。En: In the winter Tokyo night sky, a new star began to shine. Vocabulary Words:bustling: 賑やかreflect: 反射scene: 景色objective: 目的concerned: 気になってreaction: 反応anxious: 不安unfamiliar: 見知らぬmixed feelings: 複雑な思いbonds: 絆ritual: 儀式challenge: 挑戦trembled: 震えていたconfided: 告げたuneasy: 不安cherish: 大切にするfrequently: 頻繁にcontact: 連絡remain: 黙ってresolve: 決意したrespect: 尊重support: 支えembracing: 胸にotherwise: それでもdrive away: 追い払うfortune: 運scared: 恐れmission: 集合aims: 目指しているcareful watch: 見守っていた

Welcome to episode 133 of Holly Jolly X'masu! In this episode, I talk about the 1963 album, “$100 Million Christmas In Stereophonic Sounds,” featuring Hiroshi Ishimaru conducting the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. I hope you enjoyed Hiroshi Ishimaru's “$100 Million Christmas In Stereophonic Sounds.” It's really a fantastic album. I'm sorry that this episode is a little lighter on content than most episodes. I had a lot going on around Christmas and really needed to take a mental break for a couple weeks. I'm also struggling to get over a stomach bug, so that made it hard to devote a lot of time to researching and writing this episode. I'm going to try to get another episode out before the end of the month, and then start working on recording and digitizing the records I got for Christmas. Be sure to listen in next time when I talk about singer and actress Mari Henmi's 1971 album, “Mari Henmi & X'mas Evening.” It's an interesting album, sort of a one-woman musical play. It has some great performances so I'm sure you'll enjoy it. As always, any feedback on this episode would be appreciated. If have any suggestions, or if you'd like to recommend a song or album for a future episode, drop me a line and let me know. Remember, I've added a button to my Ko-fi page. If you'd like to support me one cup of coffee at a time, a donation is only $3. I've also opened a Redbubble store. I only have a couple designs up, but keep an eye on it as I'll be trying to add more. All proceeds will be used to purchase new Japanese Christmas music to review for future episodes. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And if you get a chance, leave me a review on iTunes. Thanks!

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Blossoms and Brave Beginnings: Sakura's Path to Passion Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-01-25-23-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 公園の朝、梅の香りが漂う季節です。En: In the morning at the park, it's the season when the scent of ume wafts through the air.Ja: 上野公園は多くの人で賑わっています。En: Ueno Park is bustling with many people.Ja: 梅の花見祭りが始まりました。En: The ume blossom viewing festival has started.Ja: 春の始まりを告げる冬の晴れた日です。En: It's a clear winter day that heralds the beginning of spring.Ja: さくらはベンチに座って、ぼんやりと花を見つめています。En: Sakura is sitting on a bench, staring absentmindedly at the flowers.Ja: 彼女の心は、仕事と人生に対する不安でいっぱいでした。En: Her heart is filled with worries about work and life.Ja: 会社の仕事は安定していますが、心からの情熱を感じませんでした。En: Although her job at the company is stable, she doesn't feel any genuine passion for it.Ja: そして、古くからの友人のゆきは、彼女を自分の会社に誘っています。En: Meanwhile, her long-time friend Yuki is inviting her to join her own company.Ja: しかし、本当にそれが自分の進むべき道なのか分かりませんでした。En: However, she is unsure if that is truly the path she should take.Ja: その時、ひろしが彼女の隣に座りました。En: At that moment, Hiroshi sat down next to her.Ja: ひろしはやさしく微笑みます。En: Hiroshi smiled gently.Ja: 彼は何も言わず、同じように花を見つめました。En: He didn't say anything, just gazed at the flowers in the same way.Ja: 彼のそばにいると、少し安心しました。En: Being beside him made her feel a little reassured.Ja: 「最近どう？」ひろしは問いかけます。En: "How have you been lately?" Hiroshi asked.Ja: さくらはため息をつき、「どの道を選ぶべきか分からない」と話しました。En: Sakura sighed and said, "I don't know which path to choose."Ja: 彼女は自分の夢であるプロジェクトを始めたい気持ちと、安定した仕事の間で揺れていました。En: She was torn between the desire to start her dream project and the stability of her current job.Ja: ひろしは優しく答えます。「大事なのは、さくらが本当に何をしたいかだよ。En: Hiroshi gently replied, "What's important is what Sakura truly wants to do.Ja: 怖いかもしれないけど、自分の心に正直になってみたら？」En: It might be scary, but why not try to be honest with your heart?"Ja: その一言で、さくらは心が軽くなった気がしました。En: With those words, Sakura felt as if her heart had lightened.Ja: 彼の言葉は彼女の心に響きました。En: His words resonated with her deeply.Ja: 二人は公園を歩きました。En: The two strolled through the park.Ja: 梅の花は美しく咲いていて、春がすぐそこに来ている予感を感じました。En: The ume blossoms were beautifully in bloom, and she felt the anticipation that spring was just around the corner.Ja: その一瞬、さくらは決意しました。En: In that moment, Sakura made up her mind.Ja: 「私は自分のプロジェクトを始める」とひろしに言います。En: "I will start my own project," she said to Hiroshi.Ja: 彼は微笑んで「それを聞いて嬉しいよ」と答えました。En: He smiled and replied, "I'm glad to hear that."Ja: そして、彼はさくらの手を握りました。En: Then, he held Sakura's hand.Ja: 二人の間に静かな安心感が流れます。En: A quiet sense of reassurance flowed between them.Ja: さくらは自分の心の声に耳を傾け、前に進む勇気を持ちました。En: Sakura listened to her heart's voice and found the courage to move forward.Ja: 祭りの終わりには、さくらは自分の選んだ道に確信を持ち、ひろしとの関係を大切にすることを決意しました。En: By the end of the festival, Sakura was confident in the path she had chosen and resolved to cherish her relationship with Hiroshi.Ja: 梅のように、ひとつひとつの瞬間を大切に生きていこうと心に決めたのです。En: Like the ume, she decided to live cherishing each and every moment.Ja: それは、さくらにとって新しい春の始まりだったのです。En: It was the beginning of a new spring for Sakura. Vocabulary Words:wafts: 漂うbustling: 賑わっていますheralds: 告げるabsentmindedly: ぼんやりとgenuine: 心からのpassion: 情熱reassured: 安心torn: 揺れてresonated: 響きましたanticipation: 予感lightened: 軽くなったstability: 安定courage: 勇気cherish: 大切にresolved: 決意しましたscent: 香りblossom: 花gazed: 見つめinviting: 誘っていますmoment: 瞬間regret: 後悔strolled: 歩きましたearnest: 本当desire: 気持ちresolve: 決めたanticipation: 期待held: 握りましたreassurance: 安堵sat: 座りましたpredicament: 苦境

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Snow Sculptures & Friendship: Rina's Sapporo Challenge Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-01-24-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 札幌の雪まつりは、毎年冬に開かれる特別なイベントです。En: The Sapporo Snow Festival is a special event held every winter.Ja: 市内は白い雪で覆われ、巨大な雪像が並んでいます。En: The city is covered in white snow, and enormous snow sculptures line the streets.Ja: 冷たい空気が創造力と友情の予感でいっぱいです。En: The cold air is filled with a sense of creativity and friendship.Ja: 美術専攻の学生、リナはこの雪まつりで行われる学生雪像コンペティションに参加したいと思っています。En: Rina, an art major student, wants to participate in the student snow sculpture competition at this snow festival.Ja: 彼女は雪の彫刻に情熱を注いでいますが、競争のプレッシャーと自分の芸術スキルに少し不安を抱いています。En: She is passionate about snow carving but feels a bit anxious about the pressure of competition and her artistic skills.Ja: 久しぶりに札幌を訪れたヒロシは、東京に引っ越したあとリナとのつながりを取り戻したいと思っています。En: Hiroshi, who is visiting Sapporo for the first time in a while after moving to Tokyo, wants to reconnect with Rina.Ja: 彼は幼馴染みであり、リナの挑戦を応援したいと思っています。En: He is a childhood friend and wishes to support Rina's challenge.Ja: しかし、時間と距離が生んだ溝をどうやって埋めればいいのかわかりません。En: However, he doesn't know how to bridge the gap that time and distance have created.Ja: リナは大胆な新しいデザインに挑戦しようと決意しました。En: Rina decided to take on a bold new design.Ja: それは危険を伴うものでしたが、彼女は自分の不安を乗り越えることにしたのです。En: Although it was risky, she chose to overcome her anxieties.Ja: 一方、ヒロシは経験がなくてもリナの彫刻を手伝うことを決心しました。En: Meanwhile, Hiroshi resolved to help with Rina's sculpture, even though he lacked experience.Ja: 大会の日、強い風がリナの完成間近の雪像を崩そうとしています。En: On the day of the competition, a strong wind threatens to destroy Rina's nearly completed snow sculpture.Ja: リナとヒロシは時計を見つめながら、雪像を安定させるために一生懸命働きます。En: Rina and Hiroshi work hard to stabilize the sculpture as they keep a watchful eye on the clock.Ja: 彼らは互いに協力し、なんとか雪像を守ることができました。En: By cooperating, they were able to protect the sculpture.Ja: 結果発表の日、リナのグループは二位を獲得しました。En: On the day of the results announcement, Rina's group secured second place.Ja: 彼女は勝利よりも、友情を取り戻し、一緒に創作する過程のほうに価値を見出しました。En: She found more value in regaining friendship and the process of creating together than in the actual victory.Ja: リナは自分の芸術的なビジョンに自信を得て、共同作業の大切さを学びました。En: Rina gained confidence in her artistic vision and learned the importance of teamwork.Ja: ヒロシは、リナとの距離が縮まったことを感じ、友人関係を維持することに前向きな気持ちになりました。En: Hiroshi felt the distance between him and Rina had lessened, and he became optimistic about maintaining their friendship.Ja: たとえ地理的に離れていても、二人の友情は強くなったのです。En: Even though they are geographically apart, their friendship grew stronger.Ja: 札幌の冬の空の下、輝く雪の世界で、新しい物語が始まったのでした。En: Under the Sapporo winter sky, in the sparkling world of snow, a new story had begun. Vocabulary Words:festival: まつりsculptures: 雪像enormous: 巨大なcreativity: 創造力anxious: 不安pressure: プレッシャーartistic: 芸術participate: 参加passionate: 情熱reconnect: 再接続bridge: 埋めるresolved: 決心しましたstabilize: 安定させるwatchful: 見つめるannounce: 発表secured: 獲得しましたvictory: 勝利confidence: 自信teamwork: 協力optimistic: 前向きmaintain: 維持するgeographically: 地理的にsparkling: 輝くspecial: 特別なvision: ビジョンprocess: 過程geographically: 地理的にregain: 取り戻しchildhood: 幼馴染みchallenge: 挑戦

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Thawing Frigid Hearts: A New Year's Reunion in Nikkō Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-01-23-23-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冬のある日、広志は日光国立公園へ向かうバスの窓から白銀の風景を見つめていました。En: On a winter's day, Hiroshi gazed out the window of the bus headed to Nikkō National Park, captivated by the silver landscape.Ja: 静かに舞い落ちる雪が、彼の心の中の葛藤を覆い隠すようでした。En: The quietly falling snow seemed to veil the conflicts within his heart.Ja: 彼は二人の妹、絵美子と楓と一緒にこの新年を過ごすための再会旅行を計画しました。En: He had planned a reunion trip with his two sisters, Emiko and Kaede, to spend this New Year together.Ja: 彼らの関係は最近ぎくしゃくしていました。En: Their relationship had been strained recently.Ja: 数年前の出来事が心にわだかまりを残していました。En: An incident from a few years ago had left lingering resentment in their hearts.Ja: 今回こそ、広志はその過去の傷を癒やしたいと強く願っていました。En: This time, Hiroshi earnestly wished to heal those past wounds.Ja: バスが止まり、一行は雪に覆われた景色へと足を踏み出しました。En: When the bus stopped, the group stepped into the snow-covered scenery.Ja: 日光の山々は冬の静けさに包まれ、しっかりとした寒さが彼らの頬を赤らめました。En: The mountains of Nikkō were enveloped in the tranquility of winter, and the biting cold turned their cheeks rosy.Ja: 「これでようやく話せるかもしれない」と広志は自分に言い聞かせました。En: "Maybe now we can finally talk," Hiroshi reassured himself.Ja: その日の午後、三人は湯瀧の凍った姿を見に行きました。En: That afternoon, the three went to see the frozen Yutaki Falls.Ja: 氷の繊細な造形が目の前に広がり、自然の力に心を奪われました。En: The delicate ice formations spread before them, capturing their hearts with nature's might.Ja: 「美しいね」と、絵美子が微笑みました。En: "It's beautiful," Emiko smiled.Ja: 「うん、綺麗だね」と、楓も頷きました。En: "Yeah, it's lovely," Kaede agreed with a nod.Ja: その瞬間を見計らって、広志は深呼吸をしました。En: Seizing that moment, Hiroshi took a deep breath.Ja: 「絵美子、楓、あのときは本当にごめん。昔のことで、ずっと心に引っかかっていたんだ」と、広志はとうとう過去の出来事について切り出しました。En: "Emiko, Kaede, I'm really sorry about back then. It's something that's been bothering me for a long time," Hiroshi finally broached the topic of past events.Ja: 彼の言葉は、静かな雪の降る音に消されそうでしたが、妹たちの心にしっかり届きました。En: His words could have been lost in the silent sound of falling snow, but they reached his sisters' hearts unmistakably.Ja: 絵美子と楓はしばらく黙っていましたが、やがて楓が口を開きました。En: Emiko and Kaede were silent for a while, but eventually, Kaede spoke.Ja: 「私たちも、話したいと思ってたの。ずっと…でも、どう言ったらいいかわからなかった」En: "We wanted to talk about it too. All this time... but we just didn't know how to say it."Ja: 「結局、大事なのはこれからだよね」と、絵美子は続けました。En: "In the end, what matters is from now on, right?" Emiko added.Ja: その日の終わりに、三人は温泉に浸かり、体の芯から温まりました。En: At the end of the day, the three of them soaked in a hot spring, warming themselves to the core.Ja: 白い湯気の中で、まるですべての重さが溶けるかのように、彼らは笑い声を響かせました。En: In the midst of the white steam, as if all the heaviness was melting away, they echoed with laughter.Ja: 話すうちに、互いの思いを理解し、消えたはずの絆がゆっくりと戻り始めました。En: As they talked, they began to understand each other's feelings, and the bond that seemed to have disappeared slowly began to return.Ja: 新年の朝、広志は妹たちとの絆を再確認しました。En: On New Year's morning, Hiroshi reaffirmed the bond with his sisters.Ja: 「これからは、もっと率直に話そう」と、彼は心に決めました。En: "From now on, let's speak more honestly," he resolved in his heart, so their family could continue to stay together.Ja: 凍った滝のように美しいその場所で、彼らの関係も少しずつ、解けていきました。En: Like the beautiful frozen falls, their relationship too began to slowly thaw. Vocabulary Words:gazed: 見つめていましたcaptivated: 心を奪われましたtranquility: 静けさresentment: わだかまりearnestly: 強くenveloped: 包まれbiting: しっかりとしたdelicate: 繊細なformations: 造形broached: 切り出しましたveiled: 覆い隠すlingering: 残していましたcapturing: 奪われましたunmistakably: しっかりsilence: 静かresolve: 決心しましたthaw: 解けていきましたincident: 出来事wounds: 傷seizing: 見計らってheavy: 重さechoed: 響かせましたbond: 絆affirmed: 再確認しましたsanctuary: 避難所silent: 静かlingered: 残していましたunfold: 広がりsoaked: 浸かりveiled: 覆い隠す

Photography, Family Archives, and Artistic Entrepreneurship - Hiroshi Clark In this episode, Hiroshi Clark shares his journey as a photographer whose work blends personal history with an exploration of Japanese and American cultural influences. Hiroshi talks about his creative process, the emotional impact of family archives, and the intricacies of his recent art exhibition and publication. We dive into his approach to photography, how he draws inspiration from late 1960s and early 1970s Japanese visual culture, and his unique approach to archival storytelling. Whether discussing the objects that shape our memories or the challenges of balancing art with business, this conversation is a fascinating look into the world of a contemporary photographer forging his own path. Episode Highlights: The Power of Family Archives: Hiroshi explains how personal family photographs, like one of his mother with sparklers, have become crucial to his art practice. The powerful connection between these images and his childhood experiences is central to his work. The Influence of Japanese Photography: Hiroshi delves into the visual influences from late 60s and early 70s Japanese photography, specifically its connection to fashion photography for magazines like Vogue. He connects these historical references to his contemporary work, exploring themes of identity and memory. The Concept of Space and Display: Hiroshi's recent show, which featured prints from his family archive, was thoughtfully designed to create a sense of immersion within a small space, with viewers "turning around" the exhibition to see different works, each part of an ongoing narrative. 85 7 20 – A New Publication: Hiroshi discusses his new book 85 7 20, a publication that accompanies his latest show. Designed by Wyatt Malachy Conlin, the publication features innovative layouts that visually mirror the themes of time and memory found in his photography. Navigating the Art World and Business: At the intersection of art and entrepreneurship, Hiroshi shares his views on creating a sustainable art practice. He talks about how balancing side projects, such as his commercial work with Artifax, can support his artistic growth and keep him focused on his creative goals. Links & Resources: Artifacts: Hiroshi's photo documentation service – [Artifax @artifaxphto] Follow Hiroshi Clark on Instagram: [@hiroshi_clark] The Fulcrum Press – [thefulcrumpress.com] Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this with your friends. You can also support us by joining our Patreon to get early access to episodes and exclusive content. Your support helps us continue bringing in incredible guests and creating more episodes!

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Unexpected Adventures: A Day of Surprises in Yoyogi Park Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-01-12-08-38-19-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 東京の中心、賑やかな都市の喧騒から逃れるように、広々とした代々木公園が広がっている。En: In the heart of Tokyo, as if offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the lively city, the spacious Yoyogi Park spreads wide.Ja: 冬の寒さは空気を澄ませ、木々は裸だけれど、活気と笑い声に包まれたこの公園は人々を心温かく迎えている。En: The winter chill clears the air, and although the trees are bare, this park enveloped in vitality and laughter warmly welcomes people.Ja: 今日は成人の日。En: Today is Coming of Age Day.Ja: 成人になる若者たちはきれいな着物を身にまとい、ここ代々木公園もいつも以上に賑わっている。En: Young people becoming adults are dressed in beautiful kimonos, making Yoyogi Park busier than usual.Ja: 公園の一角では、カラフルな旗や賑やかなブースが並び、そこでは犬の衣装コンテストが開催中だ。En: In one corner of the park, colorful flags and lively booths are lined up, hosting a dog costume contest.Ja: この日、ヒロシとエミコは公園を散歩する予定だった。En: On this day, Hiroshi and Emiko planned to stroll through the park.Ja: エミコの犬、ポンズを散歩に連れて行きながら、静かに楽しむつもりだったのだ。En: They intended to enjoy a quiet time while taking Emiko's dog, Ponzu, for a walk.Ja: ヒロシは計画通りの一日を望んでいた。En: Hiroshi hoped for a day according to plan.Ja: 一方、エミコは驚きを求めていた。En: On the other hand, Emiko sought surprises.Ja: 「ヒロシ、とても楽しいイベントを見つけたよ！」エミコが興奮気味に言った。En: "Hiroshi, I found a really fun event!" Emiko said excitedly.Ja: 「何のこと？」ヒロシは少し緊張しながら尋ねた。En: "What is it?" Hiroshi asked a bit nervously.Ja: 「犬の衣装コンテストだよ！ポンズも参加できるかも！」エミコが指さした先には、賑やかなコンテストの様子が見える。En: "It's a dog costume contest! Maybe Ponzu can join in!" Emiko pointed to the lively contest scene.Ja: 「でも、ポンズには何も持ってないし…」ヒロシは不安そうに言った。En: "But we don't have anything for Ponzu…" Hiroshi said anxiously.Ja: 「心配いらないよ！即席で何か作れるかも。」エミコは笑顔で答えた。En: "Don't worry! We might be able to make something on the spot." Emiko answered with a smile.Ja: ヒロシはためらった。En: Hiroshi hesitated.Ja: このままでは人前で恥ずかしい思いをするかもしれない。En: This might lead to an embarrassing moment in public.Ja: だが、エミコの笑顔は彼を少し安心させた。En: However, Emiko's smile reassured him a little.Ja: そこで、彼らは公園周辺で使えそうなものを探し始めた。En: So, they began looking around the park for something they could use.Ja: これが彼らの即席コスチューム作りの始まりだった。En: This marked the start of their impromptu costume-making adventure.Ja: エミコはリボンや葉っぱを拾い集め、ヒロシは匠の手つきでそれをポンズに取り付ける。En: Emiko gathered ribbons and leaves, while Hiroshi skillfully attached them to Ponzu.Ja: 何とか形になったその姿に満足し、彼らはコンテストに参加することに決めた。En: Pleased with the outcome, they decided to enter the contest.Ja: コンテストの司会者が参加者を紹介し始める。En: The contest host began introducing the participants.Ja: エミコとヒロシの番が来たとき、観客は驚きの表情から次第に笑顔へと変わり、大きな拍手が湧き起こった。En: When it was Emiko and Hiroshi's turn, the audience's expressions changed from surprise to smiles, and they erupted in applause.Ja: 「わあ、すごいね！」エミコが声を上げた。En: "Wow, this is amazing!" Emiko exclaimed.Ja: 「やってやるさ！」やや誇らしげに、ヒロシはポンズと一緒に小さな寸劇を始めたのだった。En: "We can do it!" Feeling somewhat proud, Hiroshi began a small skit with Ponzu.Ja: 結果発表の時が来た。En: The time for the results came.Ja: ポンズと彼らの衣装は「最も活気ある参加者賞」を受賞し、ヒロシは予想外の人気を得た。En: Ponzu and their costume received the "Most Lively Participant Award," and Hiroshi gained unexpected popularity.Ja: その場にいる皆が祝福してくれた。En: Everyone present shared their congratulations.Ja: 「今日は素敵な日になったね。」エミコが言った。En: "Today turned out to be a wonderful day," Emiko said.Ja: 「そうだね。時には計画外のこともいいもんだ。」ヒロシは微笑んで答えた。En: "Yeah, sometimes it's nice to do things that weren't planned." Hiroshi answered with a smile.Ja: 彼は新しいことを学び、記憶に残る一日を過ごしたのだった。En: He learned something new and spent a memorable day.Ja: その日、代々木公園での経験は彼ら二人にとって忘れられない思い出となり、二人の友情をさらに深めた。En: That day's experience at Yoyogi Park became an unforgettable memory for both of them, deepening their friendship even further.Ja: ヒロシは計画に縛られない日々の美しさに気づき、エミコはヒロシの柔軟さを新たに発見した。En: Hiroshi realized the beauty of days not bound by plans, and Emiko discovered a new side of Hiroshi's flexibility.Ja: 寒い冬の日でも、心温まる瞬間があるのだと気づかせてくれる、そんな日だった。En: It was a day that showed even on a cold winter day, there are moments that warm the heart. Vocabulary Words:hustle: 喧騒bustle: 賑やかspacious: 広々としたchill: 寒さbare: 裸enveloped: 包まれたlively: 活気kimonos: 着物booths: ブースstroll: 散歩anxiously: 不安そうにhesitate: ためらうembarrassing: 恥ずかしいimpromptu: 即席applause: 拍手erupted: 湧き起こったamazing: すごいskit: 寸劇proud: 誇らしげunforgettable: 忘れられないdeepening: 深めたflexibility: 柔軟さmarked: 始まりだったcontest: コンテストintroducing: 紹介participants: 参加者expressions: 表情congratulations: 祝福vitality: 活気plan: 計画

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Tradition in the Storm: Shirakawa-go's Festival Resilience Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-01-11-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 白銀に覆われた白川郷の村は、冬の中、毎年恒例のどぶろく祭りを迎えていました。En: The village of Shirakawa-go, covered in silver, was welcoming the annual doburoku festival amidst the winter snows.Ja: 写真家のヒロシは、この美しい瞬間をカメラに収めようと意気込んでいました。En: Photographer Hiroshi was eager to capture this beautiful moment on camera.Ja: 彼の友人である愛子は、文化の意義を記事にするために村を訪れていました。En: His friend Aiko was visiting the village to write an article about the cultural significance of the festival.Ja: しかし、愛子には心配がありました。En: However, Aiko had concerns.Ja: 観光客の増加が伝統にどのように影響するかを考え続けています。En: She kept pondering how the increase in tourists might impact the traditions.Ja: 雪が深く積もるある日、ヒロシは勇気を出してゆきに近づきました。En: On a day when the snow lay thick on the ground, Hiroshi bravely approached Yuki.Ja: 彼女は家族代々のどぶろく作りを引き継ぐ職人です。En: She was an artisan who had inherited the family tradition of making doburoku.Ja: ゆきは伝統を守るために、外部の干渉に抵抗を感じていました。En: Yuki felt a resistance to external interference in order to protect her traditions.Ja: 「ゆきさん、あなたの作るどぶろくの写真を撮りたいです。En: "Yuki-san, I'd like to take photos of the doburoku you make.Ja: 心を込めて、伝統の良さを広めたいです」とヒロシは誠実に頼みました。En: I want to sincerely spread the goodness of this tradition," Hiroshi earnestly requested.Ja: 最初、ゆきは戸惑いました。En: At first, Yuki was hesitant.Ja: だがヒロシの真摯な態度に心を打たれ、二人は協力することに決めました。En: However, touched by Hiroshi's sincere attitude, they decided to work together.Ja: ヒロシには特別な許可が与えられ、どぶろくの製造工程を撮影することになりました。En: Hiroshi was granted special permission to photograph the doburoku production process.Ja: しかし、祭りの直前、突然の雪嵐が襲います。En: However, just before the festival, a sudden snowstorm hit.Ja: 嵐は村人たちの一丸となる力を試すものでした。En: The storm tested the villagers' ability to unite as one.Ja: 嵐にも負けず、村人たちは手を取り合い、祭りを続ける決意を固めました。En: Undeterred by the storm, the villagers joined hands, strengthening their resolve to continue the festival.Ja: ヒロシはその様子をカメラに収めました。En: Hiroshi captured this scene with his camera.Ja: 村人たちの笑顔、協力する姿、どれもが心を打つものでした。En: The villagers' smiles, their cooperation—all were moving.Ja: 特に、ゆきの家に漂うどぶろくの芳香。En: Especially memorable was the aroma of doburoku wafting from Yuki's home.Ja: 温かい灯火の中、村人たちが和やかに集う姿は、ヒロシの心に深く刻まれました。En: The sight of villagers gathering warmly in the light of the fire left a deep impression on Hiroshi's heart.Ja: この経験を通して、ヒロシは伝統の重みと現代の課題をより深く理解しました。En: Through this experience, Hiroshi gained a deeper understanding of the weight of tradition and the challenges of modern times.Ja: そして、ゆきも外部の者が彼女たちの文化を支える可能性を感じました。En: Meanwhile, Yuki sensed the potential for outsiders to support their culture.Ja: 祭りは無事に終わり、白川郷は再び雪に覆われ、静寂を取り戻しました。En: The festival ended safely, and Shirakawa-go was once more covered in snow, reclaiming its silence.Ja: しかし、その静けさの中には、新しい絆と希望が刻まれていました。En: Yet within that tranquility, new bonds and hopes were etched.Ja: ヒロシの写真には、村の温かさ、伝統の力、そして未来への希望が詰まっていました。En: In Hiroshi's photos, there was an abundance of the village's warmth, the power of tradition, and hope for the future. Vocabulary Words:covered: 覆われたwelcoming: 迎えていましたeager: 意気込んでいましたsignificance: 意義pondering: 考え続けていますthick: 深く積もるartisan: 職人inherited: 引き継ぐinterference: 干渉sincerely: 心を込めてhesitant: 戸惑いましたearnestly: 誠実にtouched: 心を打たれpermission: 許可sudden: 突然のsnowstorm: 雪嵐undeterred: 負けずunite: 一丸となるresolve: 決意captured: 収めましたwafting: 漂うaroma: 芳香gathering: 集うetched: 刻まれていましたtranquility: 静寂external: 外部のpotential: 可能性challenges: 課題bond: 絆tradition: 伝統

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Finding Courage Under Snowy Skies: Hiroshi's Journey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-01-10-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 雪の降る北海道、伝統的な建物に囲まれた寄宿学校で、忙しい冬の日々が流れていました。En: In Hokkaido, where the snow was falling, busy winter days flowed by at a boarding school surrounded by traditional buildings.Ja: 1月9日、成人の日が近づく中、すべての学生が学校の文化祭の準備に励んでいました。En: As January 9th and the Coming of Age Day approached, all the students were dedicated to preparing for the school culture festival.Ja: 広志はシャイで真面目な高校生でした。En: Hiroshi was a shy and serious high school student.Ja: 彼は文化祭で歌を披露する役割を担っています。En: He had the role of performing a song at the culture festival.Ja: しかし、広志は舞台の上で人前に立つことに不安を感じていました。En: However, Hiroshi felt anxious about standing in front of an audience on stage.Ja: 特に彼は、クラスメートの由紀に良い印象を与えたいと思っていました。En: In particular, he wanted to make a good impression on his classmate, Yuki.Ja: 由紀は活動的で人気者です。En: Yuki was active and popular.Ja: 文化祭のパフォーマンスを統括する役割を持っていました。En: She had the role of overseeing the performances at the culture festival.Ja: 彼女の情熱は感染力があり、学生たちはそれに引っ張られて頑張っていましたが、広志にとってはそのプレッシャーが重荷になっていました。En: Her passion was infectious, and it motivated the students to do their best, but for Hiroshi, that pressure became a burden.Ja: 緑は広志の親友であり、彼女自身も文化祭で踊りの発表をすることになっています。En: Midori was Hiroshi's best friend, and she was also set to perform a dance at the culture festival.Ja: 彼女もまた、少し緊張していましたが、広志にとっては貴重な相談相手でした。En: She too was a little nervous, but she was a valuable confidant for Hiroshi.Ja: 広志は、緑のアドバイスを頼りにし、空いている時間にひっそりと練習を重ねました。En: Relying on Midori's advice, he quietly practiced during his spare time.Ja: 学校の片隅にある小さな練習室は、彼の秘密の場所でした。En: The small practice room in the corner of the school was his secret place.Ja: 文化祭当日が近づくにつれ、学校の雰囲気はますます活気に満ちました。En: As the day of the culture festival approached, the atmosphere at the school became more and more lively.Ja: 教室はアートとパフォーマンスのスペースに変わり、学生たちはそれぞれの出番を待ちわびていました。En: Classrooms transformed into spaces for art and performances, and the students eagerly awaited their turns.Ja: 広志は、その朝、緑からの励ましの言葉を心に刻みました。「やれるよ、広志。みんな君の頑張りを知ってるから。」En: That morning, Hiroshi etched Midori's words of encouragement in his heart: "You can do it, Hiroshi. Everyone knows how hard you've worked."Ja: そして、ついにその瞬間が訪れました。En: Finally, the moment arrived.Ja: 照明が落ち、静まり返った会場に広志の声が響き渡りました。En: As the lights dimmed, Hiroshi's voice resonated through the silent venue.Ja: 緊張で声が震えかけましたが、彼は自分の心を落ち着かせ、歌い始めました。En: His voice nearly trembled with nerves, but he calmed his heart and began to sing.Ja: その歌声は、彼がどんなに一生懸命準備したかを物語っているようでした。En: His singing seemed to tell the story of how hard he had prepared.Ja: 観客の拍手が止むことなく続きました。En: The applause from the audience continued unabated.Ja: 広志は戸惑いながらも、温かな満足感を味わっていました。En: Though bewildered, Hiroshi felt a warm sense of satisfaction.Ja: パフォーマンスが終わった後、由紀が広志に近寄り、彼の手を握りました。En: After the performance ended, Yuki approached Hiroshi and took his hand.Ja: 「素敵だったよ、広志。あなたの努力が本当に伝わったわ。ありがとう。」En: "That was wonderful, Hiroshi. Your effort truly came across. Thank you."Ja: 広志は、自分の自信を取り戻しただけでなく、由紀や緑との友情も深まりました。En: Hiroshi not only regained his confidence but also deepened his friendship with Yuki and Midori.Ja: 雪が静かに降り積もる中、広志はあらためて自分を誇らしく感じ、心の中に新たな勇気を見つけました。En: As the snow quietly accumulated, Hiroshi felt proud of himself anew, finding new courage within his heart.Ja: 成人の日を迎える準備は、彼にとって特別な意味を持つものとなったのです。En: Preparing for the Coming of Age Day held a special significance for him. Vocabulary Words:boarding: 寄宿approached: 近づくdedicated: 励んでいたanxious: 不安impression: 印象overseeing: 統括するinfectious: 感染力motivated: 引っ張られてburden: 重荷confidant: 相談相手etched: 刻みましたresonated: 響き渡りましたunabated: 止むことなくbewildered: 戸惑いsatisfaction: 満足感accumulated: 降り積もるshy: シャイserious: 真面目oversaw: 統括するpassion: 情熱pressure: プレッシャーvaluable: 貴重なencouragement: 励ましdimmed: 落ちnerves: 緊張applause: 拍手trembled: 震えかけregained: 取り戻したcourage: 勇気special significance: 特別な意味

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Tokyo's Winter Market: Friendship, Fresh Fish, and New Beginnings Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-01-06-23-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冬の東京、築地場外市場は賑やかだった。En: In winter Tokyo, Tsukiji Jogai Ichiba was bustling.Ja: 新年の準備で、一年の中でも特に忙しい時期だ。En: It was an especially busy time of the year as they prepared for the New Year.Ja: ひろし、あいこ、みつおは市場にいた。En: Hiroshi, Aiko, and Mitsuo were at the market.Ja: ひろしは若いシェフだ。En: Hiroshi is a young chef.Ja: 新しい年の料理で上司を驚かせたい。En: He wants to impress his boss with a New Year's dish.Ja: あいこはひろしの幼なじみ。En: Aiko is Hiroshi's childhood friend.Ja: ひそかにひろしと一緒にビジネスを始めたいと思っている。En: She secretly wants to start a business with him.Ja: みつおは古くからの魚屋で、ひろしの家族の友人だ。En: Mitsuo is a long-time fishmonger and a family friend of Hiroshi.Ja: 「新鮮な魚を探そう！」ひろしは興奮して言った。En: "Let's find fresh fish!" Hiroshi said excitedly.Ja: 「最高の料理を作るんだ。」En: "I'm going to make the best dish."Ja: 市場には新鮮な魚や年末年始の食材がたくさん並んでいた。En: The market was lined with fresh fish and ingredients for the year-end and New Year festivities.Ja: 人々はあわただしく買い物をしていた。En: People were busily shopping.Ja: ひろしはいつもみつおの店で買っているが、今日は在庫が少なかった。En: Hiroshi always buys from Mitsuo's shop, but today the stock was low.Ja: 「人が多くて困ったな」とみつおはため息をついた。En: "It's troublesome with so many people," Mitsuo sighed.Ja: 「今年は特に需要が高い。」En: "This year, the demand is especially high."Ja: ひろしは熟考する。信頼できるみつおの店で買うか、新しい店に挑戦するか。En: Hiroshi contemplated whether to buy from the trustworthy Mitsuo's shop or try a new one.Ja: あいこは「新しいお店を試すのもいいかも」とささやく。En: Aiko whispered, "It might be good to try a new shop."Ja: 「一緒にやってみようよ。これがビジネスの第一歩になるかもしれない」とあいこは笑顔で言った。En: "Let's do it together. This might be the first step in our business," Aiko said with a smile.Ja: ひろしは悩んだが決断した。En: Hiroshi was troubled but made a decision.Ja: みつおの店で良い魚を少し買い、新しい店も試してみることにした。En: He decided to buy some good fish from Mitsuo's shop and also try a new store.Ja: ひろしとあいこはその道のプロにアドバイスを聞きながら、新しい店で魚を買った。En: Hiroshi and Aiko sought advice from experts while buying fish at the new shop.Ja: 家に戻り、ひろしは魚を調理した。En: Back home, Hiroshi cooked the fish.Ja: 新鮮な材料のおかげで料理は大成功だった。En: Thanks to the fresh ingredients, the dish was a great success.Ja: 師匠はその料理を食べ、「よくやったな、ひろし」と賞賛した。En: His mentor tasted the dish and praised him, saying, "Well done, Hiroshi."Ja: ひろしの心に喜びがあふれた。En: Joy filled Hiroshi's heart.Ja: 「あいこ、君の言うとおりだった。新しいことを試すと、新しい可能性が開くんだ」とひろしは感謝した。En: "Aiko, you were right. Trying new things opens up new possibilities," Hiroshi expressed his gratitude.Ja: 二人は市場を歩きながら話した。En: The two talked while walking through the market.Ja: 新しい年、新しい挑戦。En: A new year, a new challenge.Ja: ひろしはあいこのビジネスアイディアを本気で考え始めた。En: Hiroshi started to seriously consider Aiko's business idea.Ja: ひろしは学んだ。困難の中で革新すること、そして友達と一緒に働くことの価値を。En: Hiroshi learned the value of innovating amidst difficulties and working with friends.Ja: 新年が明け、二人の道は新たに広がったのだ。En: As the New Year came, their path widened anew. Vocabulary Words:bustling: 賑やかだったchef: シェフimpress: 驚かせたいcontemplate: 熟考するtroublesome: 困ったdemand: 需要trustworthy: 信頼できるmentor: 師匠gratitude: 感謝innovating: 革新amidst: 中でpossibilities: 可能性success: 大成功excitedly: 興奮してingredients: 食材stock: 在庫decision: 決断praise: 賞賛challenge: 挑戦contemplate: 熟考するconsider: 考え始めたpossibilities: 可能性troubled: 悩んだbusiness: ビジネスadvice: アドバイスtogether: 一緒にsecretly: ひそかにexperts: その道のプロfresh: 新鮮なwhispered: ささやく

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: New Year's Dawn: A Journey Through Kyoto's Sacred Gates Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2024-12-31-08-38-19-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 京都の冬は寒い。En: Winter in Kyoto is cold.Ja: 風が冷たく吹きる元旦の朝、陽が昇る前に、広志、愛子、直樹の三人は伏見稲荷大社に向かっていた。En: On the morning of New Year's Day, with the cold wind blowing, Hiroshi, Aiko, and Naoki were heading to Fushimi Inari Taisha before the sun rose.Ja: 神社は新年の雰囲気で包まれ、赤い鳥居が山の上まで続いていた。En: The shrine was enveloped in the atmosphere of the new year, and the red torii gates stretched all the way up the mountain.Ja: 参道には着物を着た家族たちが集まり、焼きたてのせんべいや甘酒の香りが漂っていた。En: Families dressed in kimono gathered along the approach, and the scent of freshly baked senbei and amazake wafted through the air.Ja: 広志は高校三年生で、大学進学について悩んでいた。En: Hiroshi was a high school senior, troubled about which university to attend.Ja: 都市部の大学に行くべきかどうか決めかねていた。En: He couldn't decide whether he should go to a university in an urban area.Ja: 家から遠く離れることが彼を不安にさせた。En: The thought of being far from home made him anxious.Ja: そして彼は愛子のことを考えた。彼女は広志の幼馴染で、彼が離れてしまうことを望んではいないだろう。En: He also thought about Aiko, his childhood friend, who probably didn't want him to move away.Ja: 「広志、お姉ちゃん、早く！」と直樹が先に走り出した。En: "Hiroshi, onee-chan, hurry up!" called out Naoki, who had started running ahead.Ja: 彼は広志のいとこで、神社の訪問を楽しみにしていた。En: He was Hiroshi's cousin and was looking forward to visiting the shrine.Ja: 鳥居をくぐりながら、広志は愛子に話しかけた。En: As they passed through the torii gate, Hiroshi spoke to Aiko.Ja: 「愛子、実は俺、進学について不安なんだ。」En: "Aiko, actually, I'm really anxious about going to university."Ja: 愛子は少し驚いた顔をし、優しく微笑んだ。En: Aiko looked a little surprised but smiled gently.Ja: 「広志、どんな決断をしても私が応援するからね。でも、無理はしないで。」En: "Hiroshi, whatever decision you make, I'll support you. But don't push yourself."Ja: 二人はゆっくりと階段を上がり続けた。En: They continued to climb the stairs slowly.Ja: 木々に囲まれた道を行くと、心配事が少しずつ和らいでいった。En: As they walked along the path surrounded by trees, Hiroshi's worries gradually eased.Ja: そこで、広志は新年の願いを決めた。「幸せな未来を望む。それが、一番の願いだ。」En: Then, he decided on his New Year's wish: "I wish for a happy future. That's my biggest wish."Ja: 「わたしたちも一緒に願おうね。」と愛子が言った。En: "Let's wish for it together," Aiko said.Ja: 山の頂上に着いたとき、広志は不思議と心の平穏を感じた。En: When they reached the top of the mountain, Hiroshi felt a strange sense of peace.Ja: 変化を恐れる必要はないと気づいた。En: He realized there was no need to fear change.Ja: 未来は未知数だけれど、可能性にあふれている。En: The future was uncertain, but it was full of possibilities.Ja: そして友人や家族の支えがあることを知った。En: And he knew he had the support of friends and family.Ja: 「ありがとう、愛子。本当に。」と広志は言った。En: "Thank you, Aiko. Really," Hiroshi said.Ja: 「こちらこそ。」愛子は少し涙ぐんだ目で微笑んだ。En: "Same here," Aiko replied, smiling with tears slightly in her eyes.Ja: その日の夕焼けは特別に美しく、三人の心に新たなきらめきをもたらした。En: That day's sunset was especially beautiful, bringing a new sparkle to their hearts.Ja: 彼らは下りながら、新しい一年に向けての希望と共に、その日の特別な思い出を胸に刻んだ。En: As they descended, they etched the special memories of the day into their hearts, along with the hope for the new year.Ja: 未来は不確かだが、友情がある限り、一人ではないことを知った。En: The future was uncertain, but as long as they had friendship, they knew they were not alone. Vocabulary Words:enveloped: 包まれたatmosphere: 雰囲気torii: 鳥居approach: 参道kimono: 着物scent: 香りfreshly: 焼きたてbaked: 焼いたsenbei: せんべいamazake: 甘酒anxious: 不安realize: 気づいたpossibilities: 可能性childhood: 幼馴染decide: 決めるwish: 願いsupport: 支えstrange: 不思議peace: 心の平穏fear: 恐れfuture: 未来uncertain: 不確かfriendship: 友情memories: 思い出etched: 刻むdelight: 喜びsunset: 夕焼けsparkle: きらめきdescend: 下りるgentle: 優しい

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: When Tradition Meets Innovation: A New Year's Revelation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2024-12-28-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冬の寒い朝、霊気漂う神社の杉木立の中で、雪が静かに積もっていた。En: On a cold winter morning, snow quietly accumulated among the cedar trees of the jinja, where a mystical aura lingered.Ja: 凛とした空気には松とお香の香りが混じり合い、正月の準備にわずかな活気が見えていた。En: The crisp air was mixed with the scent of pine and incense, and there was a hint of activity for New Year's preparations.Ja: 灯籠が小道を照らし、夕方の薄暗さの中に柔らかい光を放っていた。En: Lanterns illuminated the path, casting a soft glow in the dimness of the evening.Ja: 家族が集まったその神社で、長男のアキラは心に決めたことがあった。En: At the jinja, where the family had gathered, the eldest son Akira had decided something in his heart.Ja: 彼は家族の新年の儀式を現代風にしたかったのだ。En: He wanted to modernize the family's New Year's rituals.Ja: しかし、アキラの父であるヒロシは、古いものを重んじる人物であった。En: However, Akira's father, Hiroshi, was a person who valued the old ways.Ja: 彼は伝統のやり方を守ることに強くこだわっていた。En: He was strongly committed to preserving traditional methods.Ja: アキラはその父との意見の食い違いに、心の重荷を感じていた。En: Akira felt the burden of differing opinions with his father.Ja: 妹のサクラは、兄のアキラを応援していたが、自分の世界にも没頭していた。En: His sister, Sakura, supported her brother Akira, but was also engrossed in her own world.Ja: 彼女は新しい年に希望を持ち、その変化を楽しみにしていた。En: She held hope for the new year and looked forward to its changes.Ja: 「アキラ、どうするつもり？」サクラは興味深げに尋ねた。En: "Akira, what are you planning to do?" Sakura asked with interest.Ja: 「伝統と新しさを融合させるんだ。それで父さんも納得してくれるはず」とアキラは微笑んだ。En: "I plan to blend tradition with modernity. That way, father will surely understand," Akira smiled.Ja: 大晦日、緊張が高まる中、ついにその時がやってきた。En: On New Year's Eve, amid rising tension, the time finally came.Ja: アキラは慎重に準備した儀式を家族とコミュニティの前で披露した。En: Akira carefully presented the ceremony he had prepared in front of his family and the community.Ja: 伝統的な要素を大切にしつつも、彼は一つ一つの行程に自分らしさを加えた。En: While valuing traditional elements, he added his own touch to each process.Ja: 強い寒風の中、彼の心もまた試されていた。En: In the strong cold wind, his heart was also being tested.Ja: ヒロシは腕を組み、注意深くその様子を見守っていた。En: Hiroshi crossed his arms and watched closely.Ja: アキラの新しいアイデアに対して最初は懐疑的であった。しかし、周囲の人々の笑顔と、伝統と革新が見事に溶け合った瞬間を目にして、彼の心にも変化が現れた。En: Initially skeptical of Akira's new ideas, he noticed a change in his heart when he saw the smiles of those around and the moments when tradition and innovation beautifully merged.Ja: 「いいじゃないか、アキラ」とヒロシは思わずつぶやいた。En: "Not bad, Akira," Hiroshi muttered inadvertently.Ja: その言葉は、雪が静かに降り積もる中、アキラの心に深く響いた。En: Those words resonated deeply in Akira's heart as the snow continued to quietly fall.Ja: 新たな年に向けて、家族の絆はさらに強まり、アキラも伝統の持つ力を改めて知った。En: Heading into the new year, the bonds of the family grew stronger, and Akira once again recognized the power of tradition.Ja: ヒロシもまた、新しい発想に心を開き、古きと新しきが共に共存する素晴らしさを認めた。En: Hiroshi also opened his heart to new ideas, acknowledging the beauty of old and new coexisting together.Ja: 雪が舞う神社には、新しい風が優しく吹き込んでいた。En: A gentle new breeze blew through the snow-covered jinja.Ja: 家族は微笑みながら、その新しい時代への門出を迎えていた。En: The family smiled, embracing the start of a new era.Ja: 交わる言葉が少なくとも、その場に漂う温かさは、誰しもが同じ思いを共有していた証であった。En: Even with few words exchanged, the warmth that lingered in the air was proof that everyone shared the same feelings.Ja: 新しい年が、そこに始まろうとしていた。En: A new year was about to begin there. Vocabulary Words:accumulated: 積もっていたmystical: 霊気aura: 漂うcedar: 杉incense: お香hint: わずかなlanterns: 灯籠illuminated: 照らしdimness: 薄暗さrituals: 儀式modernize: 現代風burden: 重荷differing: 食い違いengrossed: 没頭していたblend: 融合させるceremony: 儀式tension: 緊張customs: 行程innovation: 革新merged: 溶け合ったinadvertently: 思わずlingered: 漂っていたbreeze: 風coexisting: 共存するcommitted: こだわっていたskeptical: 懐疑的preserving: 守るhope: 希望embracing: 迎えていたacknowledging: 認めた

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Tea, Friendship, and New Year: A Kyoto Reunion Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2024-12-27-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 茶屋の庭には雪がうっすらと積もり、紙の提灯がその静けさをやさしく照らしていた。En: Snow lay lightly on the garden of the chaya, and paper lanterns gently illuminated the tranquility.Ja: 京都の小さな茶屋。En: It was a small chaya in Kyoto.Ja: その窓からは、遠くに清水寺が見える。En: From its window, one could see Kiyomizu-dera in the distance.Ja: 冬の冷たい風が外を吹き抜けるが、茶屋の中は温かく、抹茶の香りが漂っていた。En: Though the cold winter wind blew outside, inside the chaya was warm, and the fragrance of matcha lingered in the air.Ja: 広志は茶屋の戸を開け、少し冷えた空気が入り込んだ。En: Hiroshi opened the chaya door, letting in a bit of the chilled air.Ja: 彼は思った。「大学の勉強が忙しい。でも、今日は特別な日だ。」En: He thought to himself, "University studies are keeping me busy. But today is a special day."Ja: 友達の結城と約束した新年のお祝いの日だった。En: It was the day he promised to celebrate the New Year with his friend Yuki.Ja: 彼女とは幼い頃からの友人だった。今、二人は久しぶりに会う。En: She had been a friend since childhood, and now they were meeting again after a long time.Ja: 結城は広志を見て微笑む。「久しぶり、広志。元気だった？」En: Yuki smiled upon seeing Hiroshi. "It's been a while, Hiroshi. How have you been?"Ja: 彼女の目には期待と少しの不安が見える。En: In her eyes, there was a mixture of expectation and a slight uneasiness.Ja: 「元気だよ。」広志は緊張を感じながら答えた。「大学で忙しくて、なかなか会えなかったね。」En: "I'm doing well," Hiroshi answered, feeling a bit nervous. "I've been busy with university, so it was hard to find time to meet up."Ja: 彼らは席に着く。茶器が揃えられ、結城が手際よく準備を始める。En: They took their seats. The tea utensils were ready, and Yuki began preparing the tea with skill.Ja: その日、茶道を通じて伝統を感じられるよう、結城が誘ってくれたのだ。En: She had invited him to experience the tradition through the tea ceremony that day.Ja: 「広志、今日は特別な日だよね。あなたのこと、少し心配してた。」結城は言葉を選びながら、静かに言った。En: "Hiroshi, today truly is a special day. I was a bit worried about you," Yuki said softly, choosing her words carefully.Ja: 広志は一瞬躊躇したが、自分の心の中の不安を打ち明けた。「うん、正直なところ、少し文化や家族から遠ざかった感じがしてた。」En: Hiroshi hesitated for a moment but then confessed his worries. "Yeah, honestly, I felt a bit distanced from the culture and family."Ja: 結城は黙って広志の言葉を聞き取った。そして、彼女はゆっくりと茶をたて始めた。En: Yuki silently absorbed Hiroshi's words. Then she slowly began to prepare the tea.Ja: 「大事なのは、今ここで私たちが一緒にいることだと思う。」En: "I think what's important is that we're here together now."Ja: 茶器から湯気が立つ。En: Steam rose from the tea utensils.Ja: 広志はその作法を思い出しながら、一杯の茶を味わった。En: As Hiroshi recalled the tea ceremony etiquette, he savored a cup of tea.Ja: それは、小さなことだったが、大きな懐かしさと温かさを感じられた瞬間だった。En: It was a small gesture, but it was a moment where he felt a deep sense of nostalgia and warmth.Ja: 「ありがとう、結城。こうして一緒にいると、やっぱり安心する。」広志はほっと息をついた。En: "Thank you, Yuki. Being with you like this really puts my mind at ease," Hiroshi sighed with relief.Ja: そして、彼らはそれぞれの贈り物を用意していた。En: They each had prepared gifts for one another.Ja: 広志は、桜の形をした小さなガラス細工を結城に渡した。En: Hiroshi handed Yuki a small glass ornament shaped like a cherry blossom.Ja: 結城は笑って、手作りの絹のスカーフを差し出した。「これで、新しい年も一緒に過ごせるよね。」En: Yuki laughed and offered a handmade silk scarf. "With this, we can spend the new year together."Ja: 二人は共に微笑み合い、新しい年を迎える準備をした。En: They smiled at each other, preparing to welcome the new year.Ja: 友情と伝統の価値を改めて感じた広志は、心の底から温かさを取り戻したのだった。En: Hiroshi, once again appreciating the value of friendship and tradition, found warmth in his heart.Ja: 一方、結城は、自分の気持ちを伝えられたことに安心し、変わらない絆を確信した。En: Meanwhile, Yuki felt reassured having expressed her feelings, confident in their unchanging bond.Ja: 茶屋を出て、彼らは雪の静けさに包まれながら歩いた。En: As they left the chaya, they walked enveloped in the quietness of the snow.Ja: 新しい年の始まり、彼らの友情はより深く、美しくなり、未来への希望を胸に抱きつつ、前へ進んでいったのだった。En: With the beginning of a new year, their friendship deepened and became more beautiful, as they moved forward with hope for the future in their hearts. Vocabulary Words:tranquility: 静けさilluminated: 照らしていたfragrance: 香りlinger: 漂っていたchilled: 冷えたpromise: 約束したexpectation: 期待uneasiness: 不安nervous: 緊張etiquette: 作法gesture: ことnostalgia: 懐かしさsavored: 味わったdistance: 遠ざかったculture: 文化reassured: 安心しbond: 絆orchestrated: 手際よくhesitate: 躊躇したabsorb: 聞き取ったutensils: 茶器gestures: 身振りenveloped: 包まれながらcherry blossom: 桜handmade: 手作りsilk: 絹ornament: 細工prepare: 準備appreciating: 改めて感じbeautiful: 美しく

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: From Solitude to Success: A Tokyo Tale of Teamwork Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2024-12-26-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 東京の冬、冷たい風がビルの間を吹き抜ける。En: In the winter of Tokyo, a cold wind blows between the buildings.Ja: 年末の賑やかな街を見下ろしながら、広志は会社のデスクで肩を落とした。En: Looking down at the bustling year-end city, Hiroshi sat at his company desk with slumped shoulders.Ja: オフィスはモダンで、ガラス張りの窓からはきらめく東京の街並みが広がっている。En: The office was modern, with glass windows offering a sprawling view of the glittering cityscape of Tokyo.Ja: カレンダーを見ると、あと数日で年末の締め切りだ。En: A glance at the calendar showed only a few days left until the year-end deadline.Ja: 広志はプロジェクトを成功させたい。En: Hiroshi wanted to make the project a success.Ja: 昇進するために、頑張らなければならない。En: He had to work hard to earn a promotion.Ja: 広志のデスクは資料とコンピューターコードの山で覆われている。En: Hiroshi's desk was covered with a mountain of documents and computer code.Ja: 何度も作業しているが、技術的な問題が次々に出る。En: He had been working on it countless times, but technical issues kept arising.Ja: 広志はため息をついた。「これじゃ間に合わないかもしれない」と心の中で思った。En: He sighed, thinking to himself, "I might not make it in time."Ja: 上司に認められるためには、このプロジェクトを完成させなければならない。En: To gain his boss's recognition, he had to complete this project.Ja: そんな時、ミユキが通りかかる。En: Just then, Miyuki walked by.Ja: 「広志さん、大丈夫？」と優しく問いかける。En: "Are you okay, Hiroshi?" she kindly asked.Ja: 何か手伝おうか？」En: "Is there anything I can help with?"Ja: 広志は一瞬ためらった。En: Hiroshi hesitated for a moment.Ja: 自分一人でやり遂げたい。En: He wanted to accomplish it alone.Ja: でも、締め切りに間に合わないのはもっと怖いことだ。En: However, missing the deadline was even more frightening.Ja: 「ありがとう、ミユキさん。実は...少し助けてもらえたら助かる」と広志は決心して言った。En: "Thank you, Miyuki. Actually... If you could help a little, that would be great," Hiroshi decided to say.Ja: そうしてミユキと一緒に作業を進める。En: Thus, he began working together with Miyuki.Ja: しばらくして、タカヒロも加わる。En: Before long, Takahiro joined in as well.Ja: 「これ、僕もやろうか？」と力強い声で申し出る。En: "Shall I help with this too?" he offered in a strong voice.Ja: 広志は三人でやれば何とかなると感じた。En: Hiroshi felt that if the three of them worked together, they could make it work somehow.Ja: 夜が深まり、オフィスは静かになった。En: As the night deepened, the office became quiet.Ja: けれど、広志たちのデスクは暖かく明るかった。En: Yet, Hiroshi's desk was warm and bright.Ja: 三人は笑い合い、励まし合いながら、プロジェクトを完了させた。En: The three of them laughed and encouraged each other as they completed the project.Ja: ついに、年末の締め切りの瞬間。En: Finally, it was the moment of the year-end deadline.Ja: 成果物を提出し、広志は深く息を吐いた。En: After submitting their work, Hiroshi took a deep breath.Ja: 「やっと終わった」En: "It's finally over."Ja: 翌日、広志は上司に呼ばれた。En: The next day, Hiroshi was called by his boss.Ja: 「広志、よくやった。君のチームワークは素晴らしい」と満面の笑みで言われた。En: "Great job, Hiroshi. Your teamwork was wonderful," he said with a big smile.Ja: 広志は驚いた。En: Hiroshi was surprised.Ja: 昇進の話もちらりと出たが、何よりも心に響いたのは、仲間と一緒に成し遂げたという達成感だった。En: There was even a slight mention of a promotion, but what resonated most was the sense of accomplishment he felt in achieving something together with his colleagues.Ja: 帰り道、冬の冷気が頬を冷たくする。En: On the way home, the winter chill nipped at his cheeks.Ja: でも、広志の心は温かかった。En: However, Hiroshi's heart was warm.Ja: 協力し合うことの大切さを学び、新しい年への期待感が膨らんでいった。En: He learned the importance of cooperation, and a sense of anticipation for the new year grew within him.Ja: この経験を経て、広志はもっと人と分かち合い、成長しようと決めた。En: Through this experience, Hiroshi decided to share more with others and strive for growth.Ja: 新しい年が始まる前に、広志はもう一度会社の窓から東京の夜景を眺めた。En: Before the new year began, Hiroshi once again gazed at the nighttime view of Tokyo from the office window.Ja: 街は変わらない。でも、彼の心の景色は少し変わったようだった。En: The city hadn't changed, but the landscape of his heart seemed to have shifted a bit.Ja: 来年も頑張る決意を胸に、広志はそっと微笑んだ。En: With a determination to do his best next year as well, Hiroshi smiled gently. Vocabulary Words:sprawling: 広がっているglittering: きらめくdeadline: 締め切りpromotion: 昇進slumped: 肩を落としたbustling: 賑やかなrecognition: 認められることhesitate: ためらうfrightening: 怖いencouraged: 励まし合ったnipped: 冷たくするanticipation: 期待感accomplishment: 達成感quiet: 静かdetermination: 決意landscape: 景色commence: 始まるcooperation: 協力shifted: 変わったearn: 稼ぐstrive: 努力するcompleteness: 完了documents: 資料technical: 技術的なissue: 問題submit: 提出するcolleagues: 仲間modern: モダンsuccess: 成功deepened: 深まり

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: A Kyoto Winter: Traditions and Triumph in the New Year Festival Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2024-12-25-08-38-19-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 京都の歴史的な通りに囲まれた、伝統的な木造の家が並ぶゲーテッドコミュニティ。En: A gated community lined with traditional wooden houses, surrounded by the historic streets of Kyoto.Ja: 冬の厳しい寒さが街を包み込み、雪が少しずつ舞い落ちる中、広場にはたくさんのランタンと輝くライトが飾られていました。En: The harsh winter cold enveloped the city, and as snow gradually fell, the square was adorned with numerous lanterns and shining lights.Ja: 広場の真ん中で、ヒロシは深いため息をつきました。En: In the middle of the square, Hiroshi let out a deep sigh.Ja: ヒロシは祖父の家の中を見回しながら、「この新年の祝いは失敗できない」と心の中でつぶやきました。En: Looking around his grandfather's house, Hiroshi murmured to himself, "This New Year's celebration cannot fail."Ja: 彼の父が長年地元の祭りを仕切ってきたことを知っているからです。En: He knew that his father had organized the local festival for many years.Ja: 新しい年を迎えるこのお祝いが、彼の父の存在を思い出す機会になるとヒロシは思いました。En: Hiroshi believed that this celebration marking the new year would be an opportunity to remember his father's presence.Ja: しかし、コミュニティの意見は割れていました。En: However, the community's opinions were divided.Ja: 一部の人々は、もっとモダンな音楽やフードトラックを導入することを望んでいましたが、ヒロシは伝統的な和太鼓の演奏や神社への初詣を欠かしたくありませんでした。En: Some people wanted to introduce more modern music and food trucks, but Hiroshi did not want to omit the traditional wadaiko drum performances or the first shrine visit of the year, hatsumode.Ja: しかも、予想外の大雪で準備が大幅に遅れていました。En: Furthermore, unexpected heavy snowfall had significantly delayed preparations.Ja: 友人のアイコとケンジがやってきました。En: His friends Aiko and Kenji arrived.Ja: 「ヒロシ、私たちも助けるよ。En: "Hiroshi, we'll help too.Ja: どうすればいい？En: What should we do?"Ja: 」とケンジが訊きました。En: Kenji asked.Ja: ヒロシは一瞬考え、「伝統と現代を組み合わせてみよう。En: Hiroshi thought for a moment and replied, "Let's combine tradition with modernity.Ja: そしてこの雪を活かせる方法を考えよう」と答えました。En: And let's think of a way to make use of this snow."Ja: そして、彼らは計画を進めることにしました。En: They decided to proceed with their plan.Ja: 和太鼓の演奏とモダンなDJを交互にステージに立たせます。En: wadaiko performances and a modern DJ would alternately take the stage.Ja: 屋台では、伝統的なお汁粉と人気のタコスが提供され、子供たちは雪に大はしゃぎしていました。En: At the stalls, traditional oshiruko and popular tacos were served, while children gleefully played in the snow.Ja: アイコはランタンにもう一度明かりを灯し、ケンジは滑り止めを道にまきました。En: Aiko relit the lanterns, and Kenji spread sand on the paths to prevent slipping.Ja: 夜が更けると、雪は少し強まりましたが、その白い帳はまるで魔法のようでした。En: As night drew nearer, the snow intensified slightly, creating a magical white veil.Ja: ランタンの光が雪に反射し、幻想的な景色を作り出しました。En: The lantern lights reflected on the snow, creating a fantastical scene.Ja: 地域の住民は広場に集まり、その輝きに見とれていました。En: Local residents gathered in the square, mesmerized by the glow.Ja: お祝いは成功しました。En: The celebration was a success.Ja: ヒロシは、笑顔の人々に囲まれ、心からの安堵を感じました。En: Surrounded by smiling people, Hiroshi felt a profound sense of relief.Ja: 「伝統は守りつつ、新しいものを受け入れることも大切だな」と彼は思いました。En: He thought, "It's important to protect tradition while also embracing new things."Ja: 彼の努力は認められ、父の遺産も確かに受け継がれた瞬間でした。En: His efforts were recognized, and he truly inherited his father's legacy at that moment.Ja: 祭りが終わり、ヒロシは雪の中で静かに微笑みました。En: As the festival concluded, Hiroshi quietly smiled amidst the snow.Ja: コミュニティの絆がより一層深まり、彼は次の新しいチャレンジを迎える準備ができていることを感じました。En: The community bonds had deepened further, and he felt ready to face the next new challenge. Vocabulary Words:gated community: ゲーテッドコミュニティhistoric: 歴史的なharsh: 厳しいenveloped: 包み込みadorned: 飾られていましたprofound: 深いrelief: 安堵embracing: 受け入れるmesmerized: 見とれていましたfantastical: 幻想的なlegacy: 遺産residents: 住民despite: にもかかわらずdivided: 割れていましたsignificantly: 大幅にgleefully: 大はしゃぎしてveil: 帳ephemeral: 儚いdiligence: 勤勉inherited: 受け継がれたomitted: 欠かしたくunexpected: 予想外のhesitated: 躊躇したconclude: 終わるsignificance: 意義proceed: 進めるalternate: 交互にilluminated: 灯されたgleamed: 輝いたopportunity: 機会

Hohohoho, le Père Noël est un peu en avance pour cette surprise cinéphile : l'équipe de PopCorn vous a concocté une interview avec Hiroshi Okuyama, le réalisateur de My Sunshine, le 25 décembre dans vos cinémas préférés ! Une discussion qui tourne notamment autour des processus de création d'un film : comment trouver l'inspiration, comment créer son univers, à quel âge filmer la jeunesse, à qui s'adresser dans un film, quel sujet aborder et comment... Une leçon de cinéma qui saura vous séduire, que vous ayez déjà vu My Sunshine ou que vous courriez juste après au cinéma après avoir écouté Hiroshi Okuyama !   Ecriture : Enora & Juliette Technique : Julien Interview & montage : Juliette

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: From Stage Fright to Spotlight: A Journey of Self-Discovery Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2024-12-19-08-38-19-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 桜花高校には毎年恒例の冬祭りがやってきた。En: The annual winter festival had arrived at Ouka High School.Ja: 学校には色とりどりの提灯とフェスティバルバナーが飾られ、賑やかな雰囲気が漂っている。En: The school was adorned with colorful lanterns and festival banners, creating a lively atmosphere.Ja: 外は冷たい風が吹いていたが、校内は温かく活気に満ちていた。En: Outside, a cold wind was blowing, but inside the school, it was warm and full of life.Ja: そんな中、桜は一人で考え事をしていた。En: Amidst all this, Sakura was deep in thought by herself.Ja: 「わたし、本当にやれるかな...」桜は自分自身に問いかけた。En: "Can I really do it...?" Sakura questioned herself.Ja: 彼女は学校の舞台劇に参加したいと思っていたが、大勢の前で話すことが怖かった。En: She wanted to participate in the school play but was afraid of speaking in front of a large audience.Ja: 桜は内向的な性格だったが、心の中では自己表現の力を探すことを切望していた。En: Although Sakura was introverted, deep down, she longed to discover her power of self-expression.Ja: 一方、広志はクラスで人気者だった。En: Meanwhile, Hiroshi was popular in the class.Ja: 彼はみんなに囲まれて楽しそうに笑っていたが、本当はもっと誠実なつながりを求めていた。En: He laughed cheerfully surrounded by everyone, but deep down, he was seeking more genuine connections.Ja: しかし、広志には自分の立場を守る責任があった。En: However, Hiroshi felt the responsibility of maintaining his social standing.Ja: ある日、桜は勇気を振り絞り、広志に演技の練習を手伝ってもらえないか頼むことにした。En: One day, Sakura mustered up the courage to ask Hiroshi if he could help her with her acting practice.Ja: 「広志くん、ちょっとお願いがあるんだけど…」桜はドキドキしながら声をかけた。En: "Hiroshi-kun, I have a favor to ask..." she said, her heart pounding.Ja: 広志は少し驚いたが、優しい笑顔を見せて答えた。En: Hiroshi was a little surprised but responded with a gentle smile.Ja: 「もちろんだよ、桜。どんなことでも手伝うよ。」En: "Of course, Sakura. I'll help with anything."Ja: 桜は感謝の気持ちでいっぱいになった。En: Sakura was filled with gratitude.Ja: 彼女は広志の助けを借りて台詞を学び、少しずつ自信をつけていった。En: With Hiroshi's help, she learned her lines and gradually gained confidence.Ja: しかし、リハーサルの日、桜は舞台に立った瞬間、頭が真っ白になった。En: However, on the day of rehearsal, as she stepped onto the stage, her mind went blank.Ja: 観客の目線が怖くて動けなくなってしまった。En: The audience's gaze frightened her, and she couldn't move.Ja: その時、広志が声をあげた。En: Then, Hiroshi called out.Ja: 「桜、君ならできる！大丈夫、信じて！」彼は舞台袖から桜に向かって元気づけた。En: "Sakura, you can do it! It's okay, believe in yourself!" He cheered her on from the side of the stage.Ja: その勇気に桜は心が温まり、再び立ち直ることができた。En: Encouraged by his words, Sakura felt her heart warm and was able to regain her composure.Ja: ついに本番の日、桜は全力で演技を披露した。En: Finally, on the day of the performance, Sakura gave it her all on stage.Ja: 観客は拍手喝采し、舞台劇は大成功だった。En: The audience applauded enthusiastically, and the play was a great success.Ja: 桜は自信を持ち、これからも挑戦し続けることを決意した。En: Sakura gained confidence and resolved to continue challenging herself from now on.Ja: その一方で、広志は気づいた。En: On the other hand, Hiroshi realized something.Ja: 人気よりも、本当に大切なのは真実の友情だと。En: More important than popularity, what truly mattered was genuine friendship.Ja: 彼は桜との友情を誇らしく思い、自分が本当に大切にすべきものを理解することができた。En: He felt proud of his friendship with Sakura and came to understand what was truly important to cherish.Ja: 祭りの終わった夜、雪はしんしんと降り続いていた。En: On the night after the festival ended, snow continued to fall quietly.Ja: しかし、桜と広志の心は温かく輝いていた。En: However, the hearts of Sakura and Hiroshi were warm and shining.Ja: 二人は肩を並べ、新しい道を歩み始めた。En: The two walked side by side, starting on a new path.Ja: 彼らはもはや、ただの高校生ではなかった。自分を信じ、他人を支える仲間だった。En: They were no longer just high school students; they were companions who believed in themselves and supported others. Vocabulary Words:annual: 毎年恒例のadorned: 飾られlanterns: 提灯banners: バナーlively: 賑やかなatmosphere: 雰囲気amidst: 中introverted: 内向的なgenuine: 誠実なmaintaining: 守るmustered: 振り絞りcourage: 勇気pounding: ドキドキgratitude: 感謝の気持ちgradually: 少しずつconfidence: 自信rehearsal: リハーサルgaze: 目線frightened: 怖くてcomposure: 立ち直るenthusiastically: 喝采しenthusiastically: 喝采しapplauded: 拍手cherish: 大切にすべきcompanions: 仲間resolved: 決意したchallenging: 挑戦し続けるrealized: 気づいたproud: 誇らしく思いquietly: しんしんと

A woman so wild she even makes a gigachad sweat   We and our guest translation analyst Lightning discuss Jump Plus manga Yui Kamio Lets Loose.    Show Notes: • You can reach us at Twitter @shonenflopcast, Tumblr shonen-flop, or email shonenflop@gmail.com   • You can find our guest at lightningclaire (X) and lightningclaire.bsky.social (Bluesky)   • Help keep the show running by joining the Shonen Flop Patreon at patreon.com/shonenflop. Get perks like early access to episodes; joining us during recordings, and exclusive episodes on manga like Agravity Boys, Magu-chan: God of Destruction, and PPPPPP.   • Get Shonen Flop merch, including this episode's cover art, on a shirt, mug, print, or whatever else might catch your eye https://www.teepublic.com/stores/shonen-flop?ref_id=22733   • Become a member of our community by joining our Discord. You can hang out with us, submit your questions or six word summaries! Find it at https://discord.com/invite/4hC3SqRw8r   • Want to be a guest? You can ask to be on a future episode at bit.ly/shonen_flop_guest   Credits: • Manga by Shiibashi, Hiroshi   • Shonen Flop is hosted by David Weinberger and Jordan Forbes   • Additional editing assistance by Dylan Krider you can find his podcast, Anime Out of Context at animeoutofcontext.com   • Assistance with pronunciation, translation, and other miscellaneous research done by Tucker Whatley and MaxyBee   • Thanks to Kalalla for being our social media manager   • Episode art by Merliel (IG: mer_liel)   • Cover art funded by our generous art benefactor Nigel Francis   MAL Description: Spoiled rich since birth, bored playboy Kiito Sonomiya starts a new year at school in the hopes that a girl of some interest will come his way. His wish comes true when a black-haired beauty confronts him—only to completely pummel him! Left indignant and full of vengeance, Kiito vows to find the mysterious girl and take revenge. His burning desire leaves him no time to pay attention to the popular new student, the angelic Yui Kamio, notable for her kind personality, stunning looks, and white, chain-bound hair.   One evening, Kiito runs into Yui and discovers she holds a secret. When the chain binding her hair is taken off, she transforms: both her clothes and hair turn black, and her personality takes a violent 180 degree turn. Kiito soon realizes that the black-haired girl he encountered earlier and Yui are one and the same.   Quickly tying the chain back and returning her to normal, Yui's friend Nao Ebisuno explains that it is all that restrains Yui's violent side. Now aware of her secret, Nao enlists Kiito to protect "Yui in White" and keep "Yui in Black" from coming forth and causing trouble. Finding himself drawn to this endeavor, Kiito is now dragged out of his comfortable life and into the wild world of Yui Kamio.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: The Accidental Gift Swap at Shibuya: A Yuletide Serendipity Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2024-12-14-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 東京の渋谷交差点は、クリスマス前のショッピングで人々がいっぱいでした。En: The Shibuya crossing in Tokyo was packed with people shopping before Christmas.Ja: 雪が静かに降り、街中にクリスマスの音楽が流れています。En: Snow was gently falling, and Christmas music filled the streets.Ja: その中で、ユキは計画的に買い物をこなしていました。En: Amidst this, Yuki was diligently finishing her shopping.Ja: 彼女は家族や友人に完璧なプレゼントを準備するため、一つひとつのアイテムを丁寧に選びました。En: She carefully selected each item to prepare perfect presents for her family and friends.Ja: 一方、ヒロシは気軽な大学生です。En: On the other hand, Hiroshi was a laid-back college student.Ja: 彼はさっさと必要なものを買って友達とラーメンを食べに行くことしか考えていませんでした。En: All he could think about was buying what he needed quickly and going to eat ramen with his friends.Ja: 交差点は混雑していました。En: The crossing was crowded.Ja: 人々が行き来する中で、ユキとヒロシは偶然ショッピングバッグを交換してしまいました。En: As people came and went, Yuki and Hiroshi accidentally swapped shopping bags.Ja: ユキのバッグにはかわいい手作りの小物やきちんと選ばれたギフト、ヒロシのバッグにはシンプルな必要品が入っていました。En: Yuki's bag contained cute handmade goods and thoughtfully chosen gifts, while Hiroshi's bag held simple necessities.Ja: しかし、彼らは気づきません。En: However, they didn't notice.Ja: しばらくして、ユキはワクワクしながらバッグを開けました。En: After a while, Yuki excitedly opened her bag, only to be shocked by its contents.Ja: しかし、中を見て驚愕しました。En: She hurriedly went back and began calling shops around the city.Ja: 彼女は急いで戻り、街中のショップに電話し始めました。En: "Excuse me, my bag was switched..." Hiroshi, too, looked at his bag in confusion.Ja: 「すみません、バッグが間違えられてしまって……」ヒロシも、自分のバッグを見て困惑します。En: "This isn't mine," he thought, as he also started tracing his steps.Ja: 「これは自分のではないぞ」と思い、彼もまた足跡をたどり始めました。En: Finally, they met again in front of the well-known Hachiko statue.Ja: ついに、彼らはよく知られたハチ公像の前で再会しました。En: Just as they were about to exchange bags, they discovered something new.Ja: バッグを交換しようとした瞬間、彼らは新しい発見をしました。En: They realized that the swapped items suited them more perfectly than expected.Ja: 交換したアイテムが思ったよりもぴったりであることを知りました。En: Yuki noticed that the modest items Hiroshi chose unexpectedly fit her friend, and Hiroshi felt the special items Yuki chose held deep meaning.Ja: ユキはヒロシの選んだ質素なものが意外にも友人に合っていることに気づき、ヒロシはユキの特別な小物が深い意味を持っていることを感じました。En: "These are yours, right?"Ja: 「これ、あなたのものですね」とユキが言いました。En: Yuki said.Ja: 「そうみたいだね。En: "I guess so.Ja: でも、君の選んだもの、いいね」とヒロシは微笑みました。En: But the things you picked are nice," Hiroshi smiled.Ja: 彼らはバッグを交換しましたが、それぞれの選んだアイテムを少しずつ自分のリストに加えることにしました。En: Though they exchanged bags, they decided to add a little of each other's chosen items to their own lists.Ja: 偶然の出会いに感謝し、彼らはまたいつの日か会うことを願いながら別れました。En: Thanking fate for their accidental meeting, they parted ways, hoping to meet again someday.Ja: ユキは、この思いがけない出来事をきっかけに柔軟さを学びました。En: Yuki learned flexibility from this unexpected event.Ja: ヒロシは、相手のために考え抜かれたギフトの価値を初めて実感しました。En: Hiroshi realized for the first time the value of gifts thoughtfully chosen for others.Ja: 街中にはまだクリスマスの音楽が響き、優しげな雪の中で、二人は新しい年に向かって前に進み始めました。En: Christmas music was still playing throughout the city, and under the gentle snowfall, the two began moving forward toward the new year. Vocabulary Words:crossing: 交差点packed: いっぱいamidst: その中でdiligently: 計画的にselected: 選びましたlaid-back: 気軽なnecessities: 必要品crowded: 混雑してswapped: 交換handmade: 手作りthoughtfully: きちんとmodest: 質素なshock: 驚愕excitedly: ワクワクしながらtracing: たどりconfusion: 困惑discovered: 発見unexpectedly: 意外にもsuited: 合っているdeep meaning: 深い意味flexibility: 柔軟さthoughtfully chosen: 考え抜かれたrealized: 実感gentle: 優しげなbeyond: 向かってlaid-back: 気軽なexchanged: 交換しようとthoroughly: きっかけmodestly: 質素なforward: 進み始めた

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Snowy Serendipity: A New Year's Journey to Rediscovery Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2024-12-06-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冬の静かな朝、白銀の世界が広がる田舎道を車で走るヒロシとユキ。En: On a quiet winter morning, Hiroshi and Yuki drive along a country road blanketed in a world of white.Ja: ヒロシは大学のプロジェクトで疲れを感じていて、リラックスするために温泉町に向かっている。En: Hiroshi is feeling fatigued from his university project and is heading towards a hot spring town to relax.Ja: ユキはヒロシの従姉妹で、人生を楽しむことを大切にしている。En: Yuki, Hiroshi's cousin, values enjoying life.Ja: 「ヒロシ、お正月の準備にぴったりな時期だね！」ユキはウキウキしながら言った。En: "Hiroshi, now is the perfect time to prepare for the New Year!" Yuki said excitedly.Ja: 「温泉に行って、のんびりしようよ！」En: "Let's go to the hot springs and take it easy!"Ja: 山々が遠くに見える道は、雪で美しく彩られている。En: The road, with mountains visible in the distance, is beautifully adorned with snow.Ja: しかし、旅路は厳しい。En: However, the journey is tough.Ja: 突然の吹雪が彼らを襲った。En: A sudden snowstorm hits them.Ja: 風が急に強くなり、視界が真っ白になる。En: The wind suddenly grows strong, and their visibility turns to pure white.Ja: 「大変だ、どうする？」ヒロシは焦った。En: "Oh no, what should we do?" Hiroshi panicked.Ja: 彼らは予定のルートを諦めなければならない。En: They had to give up on their planned route.Ja: ユキは笑って、「他の道もあるよ。冒険しよう！」と言った。En: Yuki laughed and said, "There are other roads. Let's have an adventure!"Ja: 彼女の言葉に、ヒロシは迷いながらも頷いた。ユキの冒険心を信じることにした。En: Her words made Hiroshi nod, hesitantly but trusting Yuki's adventurous spirit.Ja: 吹雪に巻き込まれながら、カーブの多い道を進む。En: Caught in the snowstorm, they move along the winding road.Ja: 途中で車は雪に埋もれてしまうが、運良く近くに小さな宿を見つけることができた。En: Along the way, the car gets buried in snow, but luckily they find a small inn nearby.Ja: 宿の名前は「雪見亭」。En: The inn's name is Yukimitei.Ja: 暖かい光が雪の中に温もりを漂わせている。En: The warm light emanates warmth even amidst the snow.Ja: 宿に入ると、スタッフが温かく迎えてくれた。En: When they enter the inn, the staff warmly welcomes them.Ja: ちょうどその日、地域の人々が集まって伝統的なお正月祝いをしていた。En: On that very day, local people have gathered to celebrate a traditional New Year's festival.Ja: もちつき大会や、地元のお雑煮が振る舞われる。En: There are mochi pounding events and local ozoni being served.Ja: ヒロシは、こんな予想外の経験に心を打たれた。En: Hiroshi is moved by this unexpected experience.Ja: 「ヒロシ、どう？楽しいでしょ？」ユキが笑顔でそう尋ねた。En: "Hiroshi, how do you like it? It's fun, right?" Yuki asked with a smile.Ja: ヒロシは笑って頷いた。En: Hiroshi smiled and nodded.Ja: 偶然の出来事と、新しい経験の中から、たくさんのインスピレーションを受けているのを感じた。En: He felt inspired by these unexpected events and new experiences.Ja: お正月の祝いが終わり、帰路につく際にヒロシはユキに感謝した。En: As the New Year's celebration ended and they set off on their return journey, Hiroshi thanked Yuki.Ja: 「ユキ、ありがとう。君のおかげで、新しい視点を得たよ。大学のプロジェクトにもきっと役立つ。」En: "Yuki, thank you. Thanks to you, I've gained a new perspective. It will surely help with my university project."Ja: 吹雪を越え、予想外の温かい出会いの中で、ヒロシは予期せぬ学びを得た。En: Having overcome the snowstorm and encountered unexpected warmth, Hiroshi learned an unforeseen lesson.Ja: 計画外の出来事が彼を新しい道へと導いてくれた。En: The unplanned events led him to a new path.Ja: これからは、もっと心に余裕を持ち、時には冒険を楽しもうと決心したのだった。En: From now on, he decided to have more leeway in his heart and occasionally enjoy adventures. Vocabulary Words:fatigued: 疲れblanketed: 広がるadorned: 彩られているhesitantly: 迷いながらwinding: カーブの多いburied: 埋もれてemanates: 漂わせているvisibility: 視界unforeseen: 予期せぬadventurous: 冒険心snowstorm: 吹雪perspective: 視点inn: 宿mochi pounding: もちつきozoni: お雑煮inspired: インスピレーションを受けているnew experiences: 新しい経験celebration: 祝いset off: 帰路につくunexpected: 予想外warmth: 温かいadventure: 冒険lesson: 学びunplanned: 計画外relax: リラックスtrusting: 信じることaccommodations: 泊まる場所gathered: 集まっているsurprise: 予想外のovercome: 越え

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Finding Strength and Poetry on Kyoto's Snowy Paths Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2024-12-05-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冬の日差しは、京都の哲学の道を優しく照らしていた。En: The winter sunlight gently lit up the Tetsugaku no Michi in Kyoto.Ja: 薄い雪が石畳を覆い、葉を落とした桜の木々が静かな時を刻んでいた。En: A thin layer of snow covered the stone pavement, and the cherry trees, stripped of their leaves, marked the quiet passage of time.Ja: この美しい場所で、広志は平和と明晰さを求めていた。En: In this beautiful place, Hiroshi sought peace and clarity.Ja: 広志は中年の男性だ。En: Hiroshi is a middle-aged man.Ja: 最近、健康診断で驚くべき結果を受け取った。En: Recently, he received surprising results from a health check-up, weighing heavily on his mind.Ja: それは彼の心を重くした。En: He hasn't told his family yet.Ja: 家族にはまだ言っていない。En: While daily responsibilities pile on, his deep-seated passion for poetry faintly glimmers within him.Ja: 毎日の責任がのしかかる中、昔からの詩への情熱が心の奥で微かに輝いている。En: Beside him was his wife, Aya.Ja: 彼の隣には妻の彩がいた。En: She wished to support Hiroshi, but felt uneasy about her husband's silence.Ja: 彼女は広志を支えたいと思っているが、夫の沈黙には不安を感じていた。En: Walking between them was their childhood friend, Takeshi.Ja: 三人の間に歩くのは、幼なじみの武である。En: His presence brought Hiroshi a bit of comfort.Ja: 彼の存在は広志に少しの安心を与えていた。En: Breathing out warm, white breaths, Hiroshi wrestled with his inner turmoil.Ja: 暖かい白い息を吐きながら、広志は心の葛藤を抱えていた。En: "Should I tell my family about my illness?Ja: 「家族に病気を話すべきか？En: Should I start writing poetry again?"Ja: 再び詩を始めるべきか」と。En: he pondered.Ja: 突然、彼らは哲学の道の穏やかなスポットにたどり着いた。En: Suddenly, they arrived at a tranquil spot along the Tetsugaku no Michi.Ja: ここは広志のお気に入りの場所だ。En: This was Hiroshi's favorite place.Ja: 雪がまるでカンバスのように美しく輝いていた。En: The snow gleamed beautifully like a canvas.Ja: この静けさに広志は勇気を得た。En: In this stillness, Hiroshi found courage.Ja: 「彩、武、僕は大切なことを話さなきゃいけない」と広志は深呼吸をして言った。En: "Aya, Takeshi, I need to talk about something important," Hiroshi said, taking a deep breath.Ja: 「僕は健康診断で悪い結果を受けた。En: "I received bad results from my health check-up.Ja: でも、もっと大事なことがある。En: But there's something even more important.Ja: 僕は詩をもう一度始めたいんだ。En: I want to start writing poetry again."Ja: 」彩は驚いた顔をしたが、すぐに微笑んだ。En: Aya was surprised at first, but quickly smiled.Ja: 「広志、あなたが何を選んでも、私はあなたを支えるわ。En: "Hiroshi, no matter what you choose, I will support you."Ja: 」武も頷いた。En: Takeshi nodded in agreement.Ja: 「俺も手伝うよ。En: "I'll help too.Ja: 君の詩を読んでみたい。En: I'd love to read your poetry."Ja: 」その瞬間、広志は安堵を感じた。En: In that moment, Hiroshi felt a sense of relief.Ja: 心の中の重みが軽くなったようだった。En: It was as if a weight had been lifted from his heart.Ja: 彼はこれまでの人生で見失っていたものを取り戻せた気がした。En: He felt like he was regaining something he had lost in his life.Ja: その後、広志は毎日少しずつ詩を綴るようになった。En: After that, Hiroshi began to write poetry little by little every day.Ja: 彩と武の支えの中で、自分の責任と夢を上手にバランスさせる方法を見つけ始めた。En: With the support of Aya and Takeshi, he started to find a way to balance his responsibilities with his dreams.Ja: 冬の哲学の道で、広志は新しい人生の章を切り開いた。En: On the wintery Tetsugaku no Michi, Hiroshi opened a new chapter of his life.Ja: 彼の詩にはこの静かな美しさが反映され、彼の心には新たな明快さと勇気が宿ったのだ。En: His poetry reflected this serene beauty, and new clarity and courage resided in his heart. Vocabulary Words:sunlight: 日差しgently: 優しくlayer: 層pavement: 石畳stripped: 落としたquiet: 静かなclarity: 明晰さmiddle-aged: 中年のsurprising: 驚くべきcheck-up: 健康診断weighing heavily: 重くしたresponsibilities: 責任deep-seated: 心の奥glimmers: 輝いているuneasy: 不安silence: 沈黙inner turmoil: 心の葛藤pondered: 考えたtranquil: 穏やかなgleamed: 輝いていたcourage: 勇気important: 大切なrelief: 安堵glimmers: 微かに輝いているbalance: バランスresided: 宿ったcanvas: カンバスseparation: 分離passions: 情熱chapter: 章

Ask: How does remembering the brevity of life add richness to Advent? Listen: “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” by Chris Tomlin https://open.spotify.com/track/772u0BD76oq8c4JqCLxpUH?si=5c9b8debddbc4ad4  Art: Nativity (1998), by Hiroshi Tabata   Devotional based on the work Shadow and Light: A Journey into Advent, by Tsh Oxenreider

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Prayers, Torii, and Hope: A Father's Autumn Wish Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2024-11-29-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の朝、空気は新鮮で、風がほんの少し肌に冷たく感じる。En: On an autumn morning, the air felt fresh, with the wind just slightly cold on the skin.Ja: その日、年に一度の七五三の祭りが行われる伏見稲荷大社で、カイトは娘のユミと親友のヒロシと一緒に歩いていた。En: That day, Fushimi Inari Taisha was hosting the annual Shichi-Go-San festival, and Kaito was walking there with his daughter Yumi and his close friend Hiroshi.Ja: 細い道の両側には赤い鳥居が果てしなく続き、遠くまで伸びている。En: On both sides of the narrow path, red torii, or traditional gates, stretched endlessly and extended far into the distance.Ja: カイトは未熟な父親だと感じていた。En: Kaito felt like an inexperienced father.Ja: ユミが三歳になったこの特別な日、彼は娘の未来のために、少しでも幸運を得たいと願っていた。En: On this special day when Yumi turned three, he hoped to gain a bit of fortune for his daughter's future.Ja: しかし、心の奥底ではお金の不安がずっと彼を悩ませていた。En: However, deep in his heart, financial concerns constantly bothered him.Ja: 「いい父親になれるだろうか？ユミの未来はどうなるのだろうか？」と。En: "Can I be a good father? What will Yumi's future look like?" he wondered.Ja: 「ここが重要な場所だよ、カイト。」ヒロシが少し先から振り返って言った。En: "This is an important place, Kaito," Hiroshi said, turning around from a little ahead.Ja: 大きな鳥居の前には、清められた水が置かれ、小さな賽銭箱が鎮座していた。En: Before the large torii, purified water was placed with a small offering box solemnly standing.Ja: カイトは深呼吸をして、真剣な顔つきで歩を進めた。En: Kaito took a deep breath and proceeded with a serious expression.Ja: 神社の中では、人々が祈りを捧げ、恵まれた日常に感謝していた。En: Inside the shrine, people offered prayers and gave thanks for their blessed daily lives.Ja: カイトもヒロシと一緒に神主からお祓いを受け、ユミの健康と幸せを心から願った。En: Kaito, together with Hiroshi, received purification rites from the kannushi, a Shinto priest, and sincerely wished for Yumi's health and happiness.Ja: しかし、一番重要なのはその後だった。En: However, the most important moment came afterward.Ja: カイトはポケットから小さな紙を取り出し、そこにそっと願いを書き記した。En: Kaito took a small piece of paper out of his pocket and quietly inscribed his wish upon it.Ja: その紙には、彼の心からの思い、妻と娘への愛、そして未来への不安が詰まっていた。En: That paper contained his heartfelt desires, love for his wife and daughter, and anxieties about the future.Ja: カイトはその紙を丁寧に結び、そっと目を閉じた。En: Kaito carefully tied the paper, gently closing his eyes.Ja: 「ユミの人生が素晴らしいものでありますように。」彼の心の中で強く願いながら、En: "May Yumi's life be wonderful," he wished strongly in his heart.Ja: 目を開けた瞬間、色とりどりの秋の葉が風に舞い、彼らの上に舞い降りてきた。それはまるで、お祝いのメッセージのようだった。En: As he opened his eyes, colorful autumn leaves were carried by the wind, dancing above them like a celebratory message.Ja: カイトはその光景に感動し、心の中で大きな喜びと安らぎを感じた。En: Kaito was moved by the scene and felt a profound joy and peace within.Ja: 「すべてはきっと大丈夫だ」と。En: "Everything will surely be alright," he thought.Ja: 神社を後にしたカイトは、重かった心が軽くなったような気持ちになり、これからの生活に対する新たな希望を感じていた。En: Leaving the shrine, Kaito felt as if the weight on his heart had lightened and sensed newfound hope for the future.Ja: 彼はユミの手をしっかりと握り、笑顔でヒロシと共に家路へと向かった。En: Holding Yumi's hand firmly, he smiled and headed home with Hiroshi.Ja: どんな未来が待っていても、彼は今、できることをしようと思った。En: No matter what future awaited them, he decided to do what he could now.Ja: 最も大切なのは、愛と希望があれば、どんなことも乗り越えられるということを知ったからである。En: He came to understand that with love and hope, any challenge could be overcome. Vocabulary Words:autumn: 秋fresh: 新鮮endlessly: 果てしなくinexperienced: 未熟fortune: 幸運concerns: 不安solemnly: 鎮座proceeded: 進めたprayers: 祈りpurification: お祓いrites: 儀式health: 健康happiness: 幸せinscribed: 書き記したheartfelt: 心からのtied: 結びprofound: 大きなjoy: 喜びpeace: 安らぎweight: 重いlightened: 軽くなったhope: 希望overcome: 乗り越えcelebratory: お祝いmessage: メッセージdesires: 思いwhirl: 舞うblessed: 恵まれたprofound: 大きなgently: そっと

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Balancing Tradition and Innovation at Kyoto's Iconic Shrine Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2024-11-18-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 京都の秋、色とりどりの紅葉が美しい伏見稲荷大社。En: In the autumn of Kyoto, the kaleidoscope of colorful autumn leaves beautifully adorns the Fushimi Inari Taisha.Ja: この神社は、何千もの朱色の鳥居で有名です。En: This shrine is famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates.Ja: 今、たくさんの家族が七五三を祝うために集まっています。En: Right now, many families are gathered to celebrate Shichi-Go-San.Ja: 雰囲気は、子供たちの笑い声と観光客の期待で満ちています。En: The atmosphere is filled with the laughter of children and the anticipation of tourists.Ja: 彩はイベントプランナーです。この神社で文化イベントを担当しています。En: Aya is an event planner responsible for cultural events at this shrine.Ja: しかし、彼女にはプレッシャーがあります。En: However, she is under pressure.Ja: 上司の宏は要求がきつく、現代的な要素を取り入れるように求めています。En: Her boss, Hiroshi, is very demanding and insists on incorporating modern elements.Ja: 彩は神社の美しさと精神的な意義を伝えたいと思っています。En: Aya wishes to convey the beauty and spiritual significance of the shrine.Ja: イベントの準備は大変です。En: Preparing for the event is a challenge.Ja: 彩は悩んでいました。伝統と現代の要素のバランスが難しいからです。En: Aya is troubled because balancing traditional and modern elements is difficult.Ja: そこで、彩は地元の歴史の専門家、恵美子に相談することにしました。En: So, she decided to consult with a local history expert, Emiko.Ja: 恵美子は親切で、神社の歴史と伝統についてたくさん教えてくれました。En: Emiko is kind and taught Aya a lot about the history and traditions of the shrine.Ja: 彩は、神社の本質を守りつつ、新しいアイデアを取り入れる自信を得ました。En: Aya gained the confidence to incorporate new ideas while preserving the essence of the shrine.Ja: イベント当日、すべてが順調に見えました。En: On the day of the event, everything seemed to be going smoothly.Ja: 観光客もたくさん来ました。En: There were many tourists as well.Ja: ところが、突然の雨が降ってきました。En: But then, a sudden rain began to fall.Ja: 驚く人々。En: People were surprised.Ja: 彩も困りました。En: Aya was perplexed too.Ja: しかし、彼女はすぐに決断をしました。En: However, she quickly made a decision.Ja: 彼女は活動を神社のある覆いの下に移しました。En: She moved the activities under a covered area of the shrine.Ja: 雨の音が静かに響く中、参加者はより親密な雰囲気を楽しみました。En: Amid the gentle sound of rain, participants enjoyed a more intimate atmosphere.Ja: 雨はイベントに特別なムードをもたらしました。En: The rain added a special mood to the event.Ja: お客さんも宏も、彩の対応力に感心しました。En: Both the guests and Hiroshi were impressed with Aya's ability to handle the situation.Ja: イベントの後、彩は大きな達成感を感じました。En: After the event, Aya felt a great sense of accomplishment.Ja: 彼女は、柔軟性と他者の専門知識を信じることの大切さを学びました。En: She learned the importance of believing in flexibility and the expertise of others.Ja: そして、自分の挑戦力に対する自信を得ました。En: And she gained confidence in her ability to face challenges.Ja: 彩の新たな旅立ちに、神社の鳥居たちは朱色に輝いていました。En: The torii gates of the shrine shone brightly in vermillion, heralding Aya's new beginning. Vocabulary Words:kaleidoscope: 万華鏡adorn: 飾るvermillion: 朱色anticipation: 期待event planner: イベントプランナーdemanding: 要求が厳しいincorporate: 取り入れるspiritual: 精神的なsignificance: 意義balance: バランスを取るtroubled: 悩むconsult: 相談するexpert: 専門家confidence: 自信preserve: 守るessence: 本質smoothly: 順調にperplexed: 困るintimate: 親密なhandle: 対応するaccomplishment: 達成感flexibility: 柔軟性expertise: 専門知識challenge: 挑戦heralding: 告げるcovered: 覆いのatmosphere: 雰囲気gathered: 集まるtraditions: 伝統participants: 参加者

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Crow Commotion: A Mochi Mishap and Unexpected Friendship Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2024-11-14-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 紅葉が舞う秋の日、広々とした桜公園は静かな安らぎを提供していました。En: On an autumn day with falling maple leaves, the expansive Sakura Park offered a quiet solace.Ja: 広志は、忙しい日常の中でそのひとときを大切にしていました。En: Hiroshi cherished that moment amidst his busy daily life.Ja: 公園のベンチに腰掛け、彼はお気に入りのもちを取り出しました。En: Sitting on a park bench, he took out his favorite mochi.Ja: しかし、そのもちを狙うものがいました。En: However, there was someone eyeing that mochi.Ja: 桜の木の上、黒いカラスが彼をじっと見ていました。En: Up in the sakura tree, a black crow was watching him intently.Ja: "カア、カア"と啼きながら、カラスは飛び降り、広志のもちをぱっと掴みました。En: With a "Caw, caw," the crow swooped down and snatched Hiroshi's mochi in an instant.Ja: 「まて！」広志は立ち上がり、小さな声で叫びました。En: "Wait!" Hiroshi stood up and called out softly.Ja: 周囲の人々はその様子に興味を持ちます。En: People around took interest in the scene.Ja: 散歩をしていた幸子と重則は、事情を聞いて笑顔で言いました。「私たちも手伝うよ！」En: Sachiko and Shigenori, who were out for a walk, heard the story and said with a smile, "We'll help too!"Ja: 三人は公園の中を駆け巡ります。En: The three of them dashed around the park.Ja: カラスは素早く飛び回り、もちをしっかりくわえています。En: The crow flew agilely, holding the mochi firmly in its beak.Ja: 広志たちは少しずつカラスを追い込み、ついに角に追い詰めます。En: Little by little, Hiroshi and the others cornered the crow.Ja: 「そこの木の後ろ！」と重則が指さしました。En: "That tree behind there!" Shigenori pointed.Ja: 驚いたカラスは、思わずもちを落としました。En: Startled, the crow inadvertently dropped the mochi.Ja: 地面に転がったもちを拾い上げながら、三人は笑い合いました。En: Picking up the mochi that had rolled to the ground, the three laughed together.Ja: 「これ、みんなで食べようよ。」と広志が言うと、幸子と重則も嬉しそうに頷きました。En: "Let's all eat this together," suggested Hiroshi, and Sachiko and Shigenori nodded happily in agreement.Ja: もちをみんなで分け合って食べると、広志は小さなことで苛立つのをやめることが大切だと学びました。En: As they shared and ate the mochi together, Hiroshi learned the importance of not getting upset over small things.Ja: 新しい友達を得ることができて、驚きと喜びが溢れました。En: He was filled with surprise and joy at gaining new friends.Ja: 紅葉が風に揺れる桜公園で、広志とその仲間たちの笑い声が響き渡り、平穏なひとときと新しい友情の始まりを告げているようでした。En: In Sakura Park, where the maple leaves swayed in the wind, the laughter of Hiroshi and his companions echoed, signaling a peaceful moment and the beginning of a new friendship. Vocabulary Words:autumn: 秋expansive: 広々としたsolace: 安らぎcherished: 大切にしていましたfavorite: お気に入りeyeing: 狙うswooped: 飛び降りsnatched: 掴みましたintently: じっとsoftly: 小さな声でinterest: 興味dashed: 駆け巡りますagilely: 素早くcornered: 追い詰めますstartled: 驚いたinadvertently: 思わずrolled: 転がったlaughter: 笑い声swayed: 揺れるechoed: 響き渡りpeaceful: 平穏なimportance: 大切だupset: 苛立つgaining: 得ることcompanions: 仲間たちsignaling: 告げているmoment: ひとときoffer: 提供していましたrolled: 転がったsurprise: 驚き

In this episode: Some people in WWE were reportedly not happy with Samantha Irvin's social media posts after leaving the company, What is being rumored for Kenny Omega's return to wrestling following diverticulitis surgery, and Report on what WWE is considering for Damian Priest's presentation moving forwardSupport Victims of Hurricane Helene: https://gofund.me/f9744f68Support Eastern Kentucky: https://secure.kentucky.gov/FormServices/Finance/EKYFloodReliefSupport My Patreon if you like what you hear! https://www.patreon.com/jamminjon

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Takeshi's Turn: A Poker Night and a New Beginning Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/takeshis-turn-a-poker-night-and-a-new-beginning Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の冷たい風が東京駅の周りを吹き抜けていた。En: The cold autumn wind was sweeping through the surroundings of Tokyo Station.Ja: ハロウィンの夜、街は仮装した人々で賑わっていた。En: On Halloween night, the streets were lively with people in costume.Ja: その中で、たけしは静かに歩いていた。En: Amidst this, Takeshi was quietly walking.Ja: 彼の心は揉め事でいっぱいだった。En: His mind was filled with troubles.Ja: たけしは若いが野心的な男だった。En: Takeshi was a young but ambitious man.Ja: 地下のポーカーシーンで名前を売りたいと思っていた。En: He wanted to make a name for himself in the underground poker scene.Ja: しかし、彼には秘密があった。En: However, he had a secret.Ja: 彼は借金に苦しんでいて、それを隠していた。En: He was tormented by debt, which he was hiding.Ja: 今日はその借金を返済するためのチャンスだった。En: Today was a chance to pay off that debt.Ja: 東京駅の近くの地下室。そこで高額なポーカーゲームが行われていた。En: In a basement near Tokyo Station, a high-stakes poker game was taking place.Ja: 薄暗い明かり、煙草の煙が天井に向かって渦巻く。En: The dim lighting and the cigarette smoke swirling toward the ceiling added to the atmosphere.Ja: 時折、列車のアナウンスが遠くから聞こえてきて、ゲームの緊張感をさらに高めていた。En: Occasionally, the train announcements could be heard from afar, heightening the tension of the game.Ja: たけしの隣には、アキラとヒロシが座っていた。En: Next to Takeshi sat Akira and Hiroshi.Ja: アキラは冷静で、常に計算している。En: Akira was calm and always calculating.Ja: ヒロシは大胆で、他のプレイヤーを牽制する技術に長けていた。En: Hiroshi was bold and skilled at keeping other players in check.Ja: たけしは、自分と彼らとの差に不安を感じた。En: Takeshi felt uneasy about the difference between himself and them.Ja: ゲームが進むにつれ、たけしの心拍数は上がっていった。En: As the game progressed, Takeshi's heartbeat increased.Ja: カードが配られ、彼の手は思ったより良かった。En: The cards were dealt, and his hand was better than he had thought.Ja: しかし、彼の中には疑いの声が響いていた。En: However, a voice of doubt echoed inside him.Ja: 他のプレイヤーはどうだろう？En: What about the other players?Ja: 誰かが不正をしているのではないか？En: Could someone be cheating?Ja: そして、最後の手が来た。En: Then came the final hand.Ja: この瞬間がたけしの未来を決める。En: This moment would decide Takeshi's future.Ja: 彼は自分のチップの山を見た。それをかけるべきか、降りるべきか悩んだ。En: He looked at his stack of chips, unsure whether to bet them or fold.Ja: しかし、彼は賭けに出た。En: However, he chose to go all in.Ja: 彼の顔に決意の表情が浮かんでいた。En: A look of determination appeared on his face.Ja: 対戦相手たちは彼を見た。En: The opponents looked at him.Ja: 誰もが緊張した顔をしていた。En: Everyone wore a tense expression.Ja: 時が止まったような静寂。En: A silence as if time had stopped.Ja: たけしは息を呑んで待った。En: Takeshi held his breath and waited.Ja: そして、結果が出た。En: Finally, the result came.Ja: たけしは勝った！En: Takeshi had won!Ja: 彼は歓喜と安堵に包まれた。En: He was enveloped in joy and relief.Ja: しかし、その瞬間、彼は何かに気づいた。En: Yet, at that moment, he realized something.Ja: お金を得ること、勝つこと、それだけでは満足しない自分がいることに。En: Merely obtaining money and winning did not satisfy him.Ja: お金のためだけに生きる虚しさを理解した。En: He understood the emptiness of living solely for money.Ja: 彼は深呼吸をした。En: He took a deep breath.Ja: 次の列車の音が聞こえた。En: The sound of the next train could be heard.Ja: たけしは決めた。En: Takeshi made up his mind.Ja: この勝利を新しいスタートに変える。En: He would turn this victory into a new start.Ja: 誠実に生きる決意をしたのだった。En: He decided to live honestly.Ja: 彼は笑顔で地下室を後にし、新しい人生を始めるために東京駅のプラットフォームに上った。En: With a smile, he left the basement and climbed onto the platform of Tokyo Station to begin a new life. Vocabulary Words:sweeping: 吹き抜けていたcostume: 仮装amidst: その中でtormented: 苦しんでいてstakes: 高額なdim: 薄暗いswirling: 渦巻くannouncements: アナウンスcalculating: 計算しているbold: 大胆uneasy: 不安heartbeat: 心拍数dealt: 配られdoubt: 疑いechoed: 響いていたcheating: 不正fold: 降りるdetermination: 決意enveloped: 包まれたrelief: 安堵emptiness: 虚しさhonestly: 誠実にclimbed: 上ったplatform: プラットフォームunderground: 地下scene: シーンceiling: 天井occasionally: 時折tense: 緊張したsilence: 静寂

Uromigos Japan with Yuji, Hiroshi and Nobu is formed and discuss Hiroshi's ESMO data.

On this episode, we explore how Kong, a cloud-native API gateway, leverages Apache Druid for real-time data processing and analytics in their platform, Kong Konnect. Hiroshi Fukada, Staff Software Engineer at Kong, shares his insights on managing customer data through Kong Gateway and transitioning to Imply's managed Druid services to simplify their infrastructure. Discover the benefits of Druid, like low latency and ease of use, and learn about Kong's contributions to open source Druid, including the DDSketch extension for improved handling of long-tail distributions. Want to learn more about Druid and meet the community behind it? Registration for Druid Summit is now open! Register at https://druidsummit.org/

Episode 51 Equity as Value — Integrating Cultural Inclusivity in Healthcare Reform On this episode host Raj Sundar discusses the importance of understanding the diverse demographic makeup of patients and tailoring healthcare metrics like A1c and blood pressure to community needs. They explore the challenges of engaging immigrant communities, emphasizing trust and cultural inclusivity. Hear about successful community-driven initiatives, the shift from volume-based to value-based care, and the pitfalls of targeting system-level metrics over patient well-being. Hiroshi shares his personal journey of reclaiming his Japanese identity and his community-centered work at Valley Medical Center, while Raj offers insights into delivering culturally responsive care. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen/

When embarking on your mokuhanga journey, whether through making or collecting, one name stands out above the rest: (pause) Yoshida. The Yoshida family of artists have helped create some of the most important and exciting mokuhanga prints of the last 100 years. Their designs, techniques, and marketing transformed the perception of prints in Japan and around the world.   I speak with Dr. Monika Hinkel, Lecturer in the Arts of East Asia at SOAS (the School of Oriental and African Studies) at the University of London and an Academic Member of the Japan Research Centre. Dr. Hinkel is also the curator of the current exhibtion (at the time of recording)  about the Yoshida family of artists, titled Yoshida: Three Generations of Printmaking, being held at the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London, England.   Dr. Hinkel joins me to discuss the Yoshida family, from Hiroshi to Ayomi, the exhibition at the Dulwich Picture Gallery—the first of its kind in the United Kingdom—the Yoshida family's history, and their impact on the global art community.   Please follow The Unfinished Print and my own mokuhanga work on Instagram @andrezadoroznyprints or email me at theunfinishedprint@gmail.com  Notes: may contain a hyperlink. Simply click on the highlighted word or phrase. Artists works follow after the note if available. Pieces are mokuhanga unless otherwise noted. Dimensions are given if known. Print publishers are given if known. Dulwich Picture Gallery - located in London, England the Dulwich Picture Gallery is the worlds first public "purpose-built" public art gallery founded in 1811.  Robert Rauschenberg (1925–2008) - was an American artist known for his innovative and boundary-defying work that blurred the lines between painting, sculpture, and everyday life. Emerging in the 1950s, Rauschenberg challenged the conventions of traditional art with his "Combines," a series of works that incorporated found objects, photographs, and non-traditional materials into paintings, creating dynamic, multi-dimensional pieces. Characterized by a spirit of experimentation and a desire to break down the distinctions between art and the real world, Rauschenberg played a crucial role in the transition from Abstract Expressionism to Pop Art. Charlene (1954) mixed media Pop Art - was an art movement from the 1950s and 1960s that incorporated imagery from popular culture, such as advertising, comic books, and consumer goods. It challenged traditional art by blurring the lines between high art and everyday life. Key figures like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein used bold colors and familiar icons to both celebrate and critique consumer culture, making Pop Art one of the most influential movements in modern art. Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Printmakers - is the current exhibition at the Dulwich Picture Gallery from June 19, 2024 -  November 3, 2024.  Yoshida Hiroshi (1876-1950) - a watercolorist, oil painter, and woodblock printmaker. Is associated with the resurgence of the woodblock print in Japan, and in the West. It was his early relationship with Watanabe Shōzaburō, having his first seven prints printed by the Shōzaburō atelier. This experience made Hiroshi believe that he could hire his own carvers and printers and produce woodblock prints, which he did in 1925.  Kumoi Cherry Tree 23" x 29 1/8 " (1926) Yoshida Fujio (1887-1997) - the wife of Hiroshi Yoshida and the mother of Tōshi Yoshida (1911-1995) and Hodaka Yoshida. Fujio was so much more than a mother and wife. She had a long and storied career as a painter and printmaker. Fujio's work used her travels and personal experiences to make her work. Subjects such as Japan during The Pacific War, abstraction, portraits, landscapes, still life, and nature were some of her themes. Her painting mediums were watercolour and oil. Her print work was designed by her and carved by Fujio.  Flower - B (1954) 15 3/4" x 10 5/8" Yoshida Tōshi (1911-1995) - was the second child of Hiroshi Yoshida and Fujio Yoshida, although the first to survive childhood. Beginning with oil paintings and then apprenticing under his father with woodblock cutting. By 1940 Tōshi started to make his mokuhanga. After his father's death in 1950, Tōshi began to experiment with abstract works and travel to the United States. Later travels to Africa evolved his prints, inspiring Tōshi with the world he experienced as his work focused on animals and nature.  American Girl A (1954) 15 7/8" x 11 1/8" Yoshida Chizuko (1924-2017) - was the wife of painter and printmaker Hodaka Yoshida. Beginning as an abstract painter, Chizuko, after a meeting with sōsaku hanga printmaker Onchi Kōshirō (1891-1955), Chizuko became interested in printmaking. Chizuko enjoyed the abstraction of art, and this was her central theme of expression. Like all Yoshida artists, travel greatly inspired Chizuko's work. She incorporated the colours and flavours of the world into her prints. Jazz (1953) 15 3/4" x 11" Yoshida Hodaka (1926-1995) - was the second son of woodblock printmaker and designer Hiroshi Yoshida (1876-1950). Hodaka Yoshida's work was abstract, beginning with painting and evolving into printmaking. His inspirations varied as his career continued throughout his life, but Hodaka Yoshida's work generally focused on nature, "primitive" art, Buddhism, the elements, and landscapes. Hodaka Yoshida's print work used woodcut, photo etching, collage, and lithography, collaborating with many of these mediums and making original and fantastic works. Outside of prints Hodaka Yoshida also painted and created sculptures. Abstract (1958) 11" x 15 7/8" Yoshida Ayomi - is the daughter of Chizuko and Hodaka Yoshida. She is a visual artist who works in mokuhanga, installations and commercial design. Ayomi's subject matter is colour, lines, water, and shape. Ayomi's lecture referred to by Jeannie at PAM can be found here. She teaches printmaking and art. You can find more info here.  Spring Rain (2018) woodblock installation  Kawase Hasui (1883-1957), a designer of more than six hundred woodblock prints, is one of the most famous artists of the shin-hanga movement of the early twentieth century. Hasui began his career under the guidance of Kaburaki Kiyokata (1878-1971), joining several artistic societies early on. However, it wasn't until he joined the Watanabe atelier in 1918 that he began to gain significant recognition. Watanabe Shōzaburō (1885-1962) commissioned Hasui to design landscapes of the Japanese countryside, small towns, and scenes of everyday life. Hasui also worked closely with the carvers and printers to achieve the precise quality he envisioned for his prints. Spring Rain at Sakurada Gate (1952) 10 3/8" x 15 3/8" Shōzaburō Watanabe (1885-1962) - was one of the most important print publishers in Japan in the early 20th Century. His business acumen and desire to preserve the ukiyo-e tradition were incredibly influential for the artists and collectors in Japan and those around the world. Watanabe influenced other publishers, but his work in the genre is unparalleled. The shin-hanga (new print) movement is Watanabe's, collecting some of the best printers, carvers and designers to work for him. A great article by The Japan Times in 2022 discusses a touring exhibition of Watanabe's work called Shin Hanga: New Prints of Japan, which can be found here.    Impressionism - was an art movement that emerged in France in the late 19th century, characterized by a focus on capturing the fleeting effects of light and color in everyday scenes. Instead of detailed realism, Impressionist artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas used loose brushwork and vibrant colors to convey the atmosphere and momentary impressions of their subjects. This movement broke from traditional art by often painting en plein air (outdoors) and prioritizing personal perception over exact representation, leading to a revolutionary shift in modern art. Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944) - was a key figure in the development of abstract art, known for using color and form to express emotions and ideas without representational content. His influential writings and innovative approach helped shape modern art, making him a central figure in movements like Expressionism and the Bauhaus. Stars (1938) 13 7/8" x 10 1/4" colour lithograph  Charles Freer (1854–1919) - was an American industrialist and art collector, best known for his significant contributions to the field of art through the establishment of the Freer Gallery of Art. Freer was a wealthy entrepreneur who made his fortune in the railroad industry. In his later years, he became an avid collector of art, particularly Asian art, including Chinese and Japanese ceramics, paintings, and sculptures. Nakagawa Hachiro (1877-1922) - was a close friend of Yoshida Hiroshi and traveled to the United States together for the first time in 1899. He was a yōga painter and showed primarily in Japan. Landcape in The Inland Sea 13.94" x 20.87" colour on watercolour  The Great Kanto Earthquake - struck Japan on September 1, 1923, with a magnitude of approximately 7.9. It devastated the Kanto region, including Tokyo and Yokohama, causing widespread destruction and fires that led to the deaths of over 100,000 people. The earthquake also resulted in significant infrastructure damage, homelessness, and economic disruption. In the aftermath, the disaster prompted major rebuilding efforts and urban planning changes. Additionally, the earthquake led to social and political unrest, including widespread anti-Korean sentiment, as rumors falsely blamed Korean immigrants for the disaster. Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) - born in Edo, Hiroshige is famous for his landscape series of that burgeoning city. The most famous series being, One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (1856-1859), and the landcape series, Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō (1833-1834). His work highlights bokashi, and bright colours. More info about his work can be found, here.  Thirty Six Views of Mount Fuji No. 21 Lake at Hakone 14" x 9 1/4" Kawase Hasui (1883-1957) - a designer of more than six hundred woodblock prints, Kawase Hasui is one of the most famous designers of the shin-hanga movement of the early twentieth century. Hasui began his career with the artist and woodblock designer Kaburaki Kiyokata (1878-1971), joining several artistic societies along the way early in his career. It wasn't until he joined the Watanabe atelier in 1918 that he really began to gain recognition. Watanabe Shōzaburō (1885-1962) had Hasui design landscapes of the Japanese country-side, small towns, and everyday life. Hasui also worked closely with the carvers and printers of his prints to reach the level Hasui wanted his prints to be.  Selection of Views of the Tokaido (1934) Bishu Seto Kilns 15 3/4"  x 10 3/8" Itō Shinsui (1898-1972) - Nihon-ga, and woodblock print artist and designer who worked for print publisher Watanabe Shōzaburō (1885-1962). Shinsui designed some of our most famous shin hanga, or “new” prints of the early 20th century. One of my favorites is “Fragrance of a Bath” 1930. Kasumi Teshigawara Arranging Chrysanthemums (1966) 21 7/8" x 16 1/2" Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) - is one of the most famous Japanese artists to have ever lived. Hokusai was an illustrator, painter and woodblock print designer. His work can be found on paper, wood, silk, and screen. His woodblock print design for Under The Wave off Kanagawa (ca. 1830-32) is beyond famous. His work, his manga, his woodblocks, his paintings, influence artists from all over the world.  Tama River in Musashi Province from 36 Views of Mount Fuji (1830-32) 9 7/8" x 14 7/8"  Boston Museum of Fine Arts - a museum with a rich history with Japanese artwork, especially woodblock prints. It holds the largest collection of Japanese art outside of Japan. Many of their woodblock prints are held online, here. A video on YouTube found, here, describing the MFA's history, and its collections.  Onchi Kōshirō (1891-1955) - originally designing poetry and books Onchi became on of the most important sōsaku hanga artists and promotor of the medium. His works are highly sought after today. More info, here. Nijubashi Bridge to the Imperial Palace from Scenes of Lost Tokyo (1945) 7.8" x 11.1" published by Uemura Masuro Tarō Okamoto (1911–1996) was a prominent Japanese artist known for his avant-garde works and dynamic use of color and form. His art, which includes painting, sculpture, and public installations like the "Tower of the Sun," often explores themes of chaos and modernity. Okamoto was influential in Japanese contemporary art and also made significant contributions as a writer and cultural commentator. More info, here.  Seashore (1976) lithograph 5.55" × 22.05" Oliver Statler (1915-2002) -  was an American author and scholar and collector of mokuhanga. He had been a soldier in World War 2, having been stationed in Japan. After his time in the war Statler moved back to Japan where he wrote about Japanese prints. His interests were of many facets of Japanese culture such as accommodation, and the 88 Temple Pilgrimage of Shikoku. Oliver Statler, in my opinion, wrote one of the most important books on the sōsaku-hanga movement, “Modern Japanese Prints: An Art Reborn.” St. Olaf College - is a private liberal arts college located in Northfield, Minnesota. Founded in 1874 by Norwegian-American settlers, it has a strong emphasis on a comprehensive liberal arts education, integrating rigorous academics with a commitment to fostering critical thinking, leadership, and global citizenship. The college is known for its vibrant community, strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, and its affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). St. Olaf is also recognized for its strong music program, including its acclaimed choir and music ensembles. More info, here. The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) -  is an art museum in Detroit, Michigan, founded in 1885. It is known for its extensive collection of artworks from various cultures and periods, including significant American, European, and African art. The DIA is particularly famous for Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals and serves as a major cultural center with diverse exhibitions and educational programs. More info, here.   baren - is a Japanese word to describe a flat, round-shaped disc, predominantly used in creating Japanese woodblock prints. It is traditionally made of a cord of various types and a bamboo sheath, although baren have many variations.    Jeannie Kenmotsu, PhD - is the Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Curator of Asian Art at the Portland Art Museum in Portland, Oregon. She specializes in early modern Japanese art, with a focus on painting, illustrated books, and prints. Her interview with The Unfinished Print about her work about the Joryū Hanga Kyōkai can be found, here.    © Popular Wheat Productions opening and closing credit - by Gordon Lightfoot - Affair on 8th Avenue from the album Back Here On Earth (1968) on United Artists. logo designed and produced by Douglas Batchelor and André Zadorozny  Disclaimer: Please do not reproduce or use anything from this podcast without shooting me an email and getting my express written or verbal consent. I'm friendly :) Слава Українi If you find any issue with something in the show notes please let me know. ***The opinions expressed by guests in The Unfinished Print podcast are not necessarily those of André Zadorozny and of Popular Wheat Productions.***                        

Dal Giappone all'Italia, passando per Parigi e fino ad approdare a Sydney, Hiroshi Manaka ha fatto della lingua e della cucina italiana la sua casa lontano da casa.

CLASSIC REBOOT: Scientist and Mystic Hiroshi Motoyama with Thomas Brophy Thomas Brophy, PhD, is past-president of the California Institute of Human Science. He also serves as president of both the Institute of Noetic Sciences and the Society for Consciousness Studies. He is author of The Mechanism Demands a Mysticism: An Exploration of Spirit, Matter and … Continue reading "CLASSIC REBOOT: Scientist and Mystic Hiroshi Motoyama with Thomas Brophy"